Our grandfathers and fathers and relatives in military service!

[James C]

its really nice to see this thread gain momentum ,so many great stories to tell ,many thanks to all that have contributed so far

[Wilhelm Saris]

For me there still is the question: when having over 2,700 active members,
why not more then 50 replies (from these there are various posts from the
same persons). Didn't you have fathers and/or grandfathers serving in any
war. Nobody served in Vietnam, Iraque or Afghanistan, Serbia or whatever?
Aren't there NO stories to tell??? Come on guys, tell it to the marines (maak dat
de kat maar wijs)!!

Those that were active in this thread: my thanks for your contribution, as
col james says!

[DrPMC]

I hope it that it is not inappropriate to pose a question which is related to the topic of this thread?

I am helping a friend of mine to discover the wartime history of his late father and would appreciate any suggestions from colleagues as to the best way to proceed. As is often the case, my friend's father was very reticent about his wartime service. The little that he knows is that his father served in some part of the German forces until he was wounded by the Americans and made a POW. He was imprisoned in England and after release decided to stay. Soon he met the English woman who he would marry at a dance and he settled down and spent the rest of his life in England.

Incidentally, my late grandfather was too young for the Great War and was - I assume - in a reserved occupation in the Second. I can't remember who told me, but I have a notion that he was involved in the production of the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito - the 'wooden wonder' and signed the Official Secrets Act. He was a cabinet maker by trade so perhaps that explains it. He was in the Home Guard too. I must try to find out more!

Philip

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Philip, your friend can apply for his Dad's records from the German Govt.

Bundesarchiv - Zentralnachweisstelle
Abteigarten 6
52076 Aachen


Cheers, Ade.

[DrPMC]

Many thanks, Ade - we'll look into this.

Philip

[Adrian Stevenson]

Here is my Dad during his National Service. He served in the Royal Army Service Corps and for the whole two years of his service was stationed at Blandford Forum in Dorset.

He got made up to full Corporal and took onto the staff at the camp. Every two weeks there would be a new intake of raw recruits who my Dad would look after.

He is pictured here on leave with his Mum outside the family home. In the other pic he is with my Mum. He was a Lance Clp in these pics.

My Dad really enjoyed his time in the Army. It was a good posting in a nice part of the UK. Dad had lots of "perks" being on the staff. He would get extra food by providing the cook with men who had been in minor trouble to do washing up etc. When his two years were up, the Army tried to get him to sign on as a regular soldier with the promise of promotion to Sgt. On occasion he had to escort handcuffed prisoners to Colchester Military Prison. He was keen to join the Paras (only regulars could) but the deal was him and my Mum would got married after he left the Army and so Mum was having none of this! They had been sweethearts since they were 14. Both are still alive and well.

Also shown is his wartime ID card and his Army "AB64" Paybook. In my collection of course.

Cheers, Ade.

[mpw]

Hi everyone,
Here is a picture of my father who sadly passed away on Saturday 20th July 2013 aged 85. He did his apprenticeship in Chatham dockyard which was often interrupted by bombing raids. On these occasions he was ordered to cycle like fury and plot and mark all unexploded incendiary bombs in the docks and nearby Gillingham. As a shipwright/chief petty officer he sailed all over the world and was involved in the Korean war and Suez crisis. He was very proud of his service and kept an interest in Navy affairs to the end.

IMG_1806.jpg

Mark.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Mark, very sorry to hear that you Dad has passed away. My condolences to you and your family.

We will help keep the memory alive of his service here.

Cheers, Ade.

[sandgroper]

Hi everyone,
Here is a picture of my father who sadly passed away on Saturday 20th July 2013 aged 85. He did his apprenticeship in Chatham dockyard which was often interrupted by bombing raids. On these occasions he was ordered to cycle like fury and plot and mark all unexploded incendiary bombs in the docks and nearby Gillingham. As a shipwright/chief petty officer he sailed all over the world and was involved in the
Korean war and Suez crisis. He was very proud of his service and kept an interest in Navy affairs to the
end.

IMG_1806.jpg



Mark.

Very sorry to hear of your sad loss mate, condolences to you and your family.

[Wilhelm Saris]

Hello Mark,

sorry to hear your Dad has passed away. My condolences to you and
all of the your family. By showing his photograph we indeed will help
to keep the memory of his service alive in this forum.

Best regards,
wilhelm