Quote:
Originally Posted by Kapitan
Thankyou guys sorry its so brief and yes missed out quite a bit unfortunately I have to write to a rough limit.
There is so much more id have liked to put in like as Aktungbby said with his post plus convoys into the arctic and operation pedestal etc
Sorry to hear about your late father Jim I take it he took part in the convoys ?  |
Great write up as usual, Blair. The convoy system may become particularly relevant If the Ukrainian war broadens and escalates. I expect it to broaden.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbuna
Lied about his age and went gun running in the Spanish Civil War where his ship was the first Brit to be bombed in Barcelona Harbour.
Took the boys over and then brought them back from Dunkirk.
Last ship to leave Marseille at the fall of France, taking aboard some French Admiral.
Was on the only convoy that sailed to Murmansk without an escort.
Landed the Canadians in the first wave at Normandy.
Plus a few more 'exploits' as he used to call them.
I blame him for my lifelong interest in military warfare, especially the WWII era.
Rather shockingly imho he was awarded a medal in the mid eighties by the then Russian ambassador to London, not receiving any similar recognition until almost a decade later after I approached the Foreign Secretary who was at the time an associate of mine.
A pathetically small enamel badge of the Red Duster.
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I had family in WW2 that lied about their age to get into the service then, as well. I think there were a good number that lied about their young ages as well to get into the fight. I believe they coined the phrase in the U.S calling those allies in WW2,
The Greatest Generation. I certainly believe that applies to the lads in the U.K, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S and many other countries. They were all " boys " then but I believe they were all very special.
A great uncle had a steel plate in his forehead as the result of a head injury he received close to the Ardennes mountains as part of Siege of Bastogne and battle of the Bulge. He never spoke of his experiences and has since passed away. He was a good man. Others in my family battled in the Pacific as part of the Island hopping and fighting under Macarthur.
It's great you have the Keepsakes, Jim. I doubt you needed them however, to know your dad was special too.
Btw, Congratulations to young Jim on his passing his qualifications.