I AM AN 81 YEAR OLD eX-SERVICEMAN WHO WENT FAR EAST WHILE MY MATE WENT WITH MONTIES 3RD DIV. TO D DAY, INSTALLING BRIDGES.
THE WHOLE OPERATION HAS FASTINATED ME. pOST WAR END SMITHIE WENT TO THE MIDDLE EAST WITH HIS 2 STRIPES AND CAMPAIGN RIBBONS. WHILE IN HOSPIAL A BLOKE COMPLAINED THAT WITH CRANES, ERECTORS DIDNT HAVE ANY LIFTING TO DO. WRONG! EACH SECTION WAS LIFTED INTO PLACW WITH A SORT OF BROOMHANDLE AT EACH END AND A BODY EITHER SIDE.
I WAS AMUSED TO FIND OUT THAT, AT WAR'S ENDING, THE LORRIES UNLOADED THEIR BRIDGE PARTS AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SCURRIED OFF TO RECOVER SOME ITEMS LEFT IN 1940. THEY CONSISTED OF PONTOONS USED PRIOR TO bAILEY BRIDGES IN BRIDGING RIVERS. HAPPY _CHAPPIE.