World War Ii

[Twincam.GTi]

Anybody see the World War 2 60th Anniversary over the weekend?

I thought the Commemorative Show on Horse Guards Parade yesterday was exceptional.

The poppy drop by the Lancaster was superb.

I also thought it was brilliant that Her majesty the Queen was 'in full view of everbody' despite thursdays appalling events, I cannot think of another head of state that would be willing to do that 3 days after such an incident.

An inspiration to us all.

[Demonic Angel]

I didnt watch it but I think its so important that we remember the people who fought for us in the World Wars - their bravery was immense and we should remember it always.

[Al J]

I missed it as I was spending the weekend with my Mum at the caravan. She was only a teenager at the end of the war but her husband, my Dad, participated in many theatres of war including the Middle and Far East as a member of the RAF. Sadly, he died last year but he left me with many tales of the bravery of ordinary men and women.

We owe them an incredible debt.

[GIDDLEPIN]

My dad lied about his age to join up and served in Africa and Italy during the war, he’s no longer with us but I am fortunate enough to have his campaign medals.

Thanks Dad

[Twincam.GTi]

GIDDLEPIN Posted Yesterday, 02:27 PM

  My dad lied about his age to join up and served in Africa and Italy during the war, he’s no longer with us but I am fortunate enough to have his campaign medals.

Thanks Dad 

That is interesting, I presume your father was one of the famous 'Desert Rats', 1st & 8th Army (I think?).

One of your fathers medals then will be the 'Africa Star'?

Al J Posted Yesterday, 02:16 PM

  I missed it as I was spending the weekend with my Mum at the caravan. She was only a teenager at the end of the war but her husband, my Dad, participated in many theatres of war including the Middle and Far East as a member of the RAF. Sadly, he died last year but he left me with many tales of the bravery of ordinary men and women. 

Would your father have been based in some of the 'Jungle air strips'

The Far East,oh my, from what I hear just as many died from desease as from fighting.

[Al J]

He was in RAF signals so they were often ahead of the Allied front line. Sometimes liaising with reconnaissance, sometimes guiding in bombers to their targets. He also got the Africa Star and the Burma Star. He was one of those who were forgotten at the end of the war. He and his mates didn't get back to Blighty until 1946.

[GIDDLEPIN]

That is interesting, I presume your father was one of the famous 'Desert Rats', 1st & 8th Army (I think?).

One of your fathers medals then will be the 'Africa Star'?

←

Not the deset rats, he was in the REME, salvaging tanks etc.

The Africa star is bottom left, then the Italy star with the 1939/1945 star on the bottom right.

Don't really know what the top left and right ones are but the top middle is from service in the territorial army.

The man himself (taken in Italy)

The medals.

[stevetubbyturbo]

thats a lot of medals he must have been one heck of a brave man

You must be very proud, i know i would be

[Al J]

Great stuff!

Yes I've still got all my Dad's medals too and even his passes and ID card.

Those guys did so much for this country as did many from other countries. My Dad's unit had Gurkhas assigned to them at one point. Those blokes didn't stand for any messing.