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Sword Beach to Bremen., A Veterans tale. Sapper

Discussion in 'Honor, Service and Valor' started by sapper, Sep 18, 2002.

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  1. 4th wilts

    4th wilts Member

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    Dear Sapper,
    Just a quick question mate.Was there any talk you know of,that mentioned a possible transfer of 3 DIV to Singapore?,cheers.:)
     
  2. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    No mate none at all there was conjecture where we would go after Europe. but no transfer to the East,No they sent the Third Div to Palestine as peacekeepers fat chance!
    Cheers sapper
     
  3. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    Hi Sapper,

    Did you get my PM?

    All the Best,
    - JR
     
  4. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    Hi I sent you a PM. Sincere apologies for not seeing your Message.
    Cheers Sapper
     
  5. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    Sapper,
    Just a question of curiosity: Just after Sword Beach, how often did you receive mail from home? And did you ever have time to read it?
    All the Best,
    - JR
     
  6. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    Hardly ever JR. But what I did do when writing home. Was to start off each sentence or phrase with the capital letter of where I was.
    Like this
    Very nice of you......
    Even though I am....
    Not only do I...
    Rons birthday is soon....
    As soon as.....
    Indeed there may be times....
    Just send my love.....

    The capitals spell out the place, in this case; "Venraij" Holland.
    Cheers sapper
     
  7. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    :D Ah, clever Lad!
     
  8. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    All,

    Recently I have been using Google Earth to help follow along with Sapper's narrative. I would like to share the first part with all of you. It maps out Sapper's journey from Newhaven to Sword Beach. Later maps will include all the place names mentioned and hopefully in order as Sapper relates in his narrative. I hope to add photos and supplementary items as well.

    I would like to dedicate this small effort to Sapper and his fellow REs.

    I have placed the GE file on "file and share" at Sign In or Sign Up | KeepandShare

    You will have to sign in with the following username and password:

    name: bgsapper
    password: 246thRE

    Sapper, if you or anyone else spots errors, please let me know so I may correct them.

    You will have to zoom in on the Sword Beach area to see the map over lay.

    Below is just an image of this part. One nice thing item about GE is that you can zoom in to the selected area and using an oblique view see the terrain.

    If you have difficulties please let me know by PM and I'll try to help. Thanks

    - JR
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. Linda5

    Linda5 recruit

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    I'm looking forward to seeing what you saw - through your eyes, your heart and your experiences!
     
  10. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    This should be interesting. Though I reckon that there will be many places not known about.
    I do have the complete route taken.
    Sapper
     
  11. blacksnake

    blacksnake Member

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    Excellent stuff JR...You really have your work cut out for you, after seeing the route Mr. Sapper took.

    If it's of any help to your project, in particular the adding of photos then try the following 'link'. It's a site containing a large number of links to all things D-Day and Atlantik Wall with some excellent archive photos.

    Atlantikwall.co.uk

    Well Done and Good Luck
     
  12. Halldin

    Halldin Member

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  13. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    Here's Part II . Use the same username and password as before. This takes us to Pegasus bridge. And remember to zoom in for full effects. The numbers at the end of the placenames represent the order Sapper has discussed them.

    Sign In or Sign Up | KeepandShare

    (Remember if you turn on all places, the map gets cluttered...just turn on the places of interest...) More later

    If you cant download the kmz files, let me know. I will email them to you.
     
  14. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    Oh, here's part II in jpg format ... just to give you a preview
     

    Attached Files:

  15. ghost_of_war

    ghost_of_war Member

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    Nice work.
     
  16. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    For a considerable time, I gave talks. Lectures, and ran workshops on the Normandy Campaign. All designed, and dedicated to the memory of, and the sacrifices of those young menn that never came home.

    To be able to do this, I had the help of two great friends... and stalwarts of the Normandy Veterans Association. Being severely disabled I could never manage that task on my own. Those friends got me into the venues, set up everything for me. So that I could give the talk. Sadly Ted and Derek have passed on. That brought an abrupt end to the NVA sponsored lectures.

    Now I have been asked to give two final talks. One on the 26th of May, (Museum) and another on the 5th of June. (Army) In both cases, I have the kind help of the organisers to get it set up, take me to the venue, and back home again.

    The good Lord willing... I will post a report here later, if anyone is interested.
    Sapper
     
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  17. texson66

    texson66 Ace

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    Yes, Sapper! we are interested! I very sorry to hear of your friends passing, and hope that the organizers of these talks can take up the slack on your speeches!

    Best Wishes,
    - JR
     
  18. ghost_of_war

    ghost_of_war Member

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    Very interested, indeed.
     
  19. ctcarlisle

    ctcarlisle Member

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    I, for one, thought of you Sapper as well as your comrades yesterday - and I am sure I am not the only one here and elsewhere who made a point of remembering those who gave so much 65 years ago...watching it all on TV was the closest I could get in space, but in spirit, there were millions there, me included.

    My father was 35 then, back in '44, and had just done something like 5 years of training in England in preparation for action. He eventually landed on the Normandy cost on July 26th and proceeded towards Caen, Falaise, Bernay - and on across the Seine into Belgium and Holland. He left in April '45 and returned to Canada where I was born shortly after the war had ended. In a way I am grateful he made it back or I wouldn't be here, thus I am even more appreciative of those - mostly younger - who didn't.

    I can't help but feel that the media and the Internet have made it possible for us to experience part of what was like to be there, and therefore first-hand accounts like yours are indeed priceless.

    You see, it connects me with my father, and this long after he left us in 1963...for that I am grateful to you Sapper for making it possible.
     
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  20. sapper

    sapper British Normandy Veteran, Royal Engineers

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    Thank you for that.
    As promised, a report on my Visit to give a talk to the officers at Tidworth. Sgt Luke collected me and drove me there, I was treated with great courtesy and kindness. I gave the talk (about an Hour) Had lunch in the mess, and was taken round the site By the officer Captain I W. I saw the latest of everything, and was able to see the Sappers modern gear.
    Before being driven home again by Sgt Luke
    It was for me... a wonderful day, and for that, I can only say MY MOST GRATEFULTHANKS..
    Sapper
     
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