So you want to interview a “Veteran”?

I was referring to your sir, I am sorry, I meant no disrespect with my question.

 

Tomcat

Was it Churchill who said, speaking of the Americans, "A common language that separates two peoples" ?

It appears we have a similar problem to do with Ozzie Land because, here was you, thinking that I had taken offence by the use of a simple "Mr."

None taken Tomcat, I assure you, but what I really must do is to make use more of the emoticon or even to show when I think I am being amusing

Have a G'day

Ron

 

Excellent mate.

Just one thing though on the Australian slang G'day. The term G'day is only used in a hello situation, such "G'day mate how are you', but very rarely in a goodbye situation, is is more along the lines of, 'Have fun', 'Cheers', 'catch you late', or even just bye.

Of course this just could have been one of those rare moments lol

 

i would like to interview a veteran but i don't know the questions i would ask any suggestions guys

 

Im glad this is here because I get alot of requests from people either here-on other sites and by email on asking how to interview Vets. Cant add much cept that to just be yourself and do not initially start off asking 100 questions, dozens of signed photos and or to offer buying ANY of his momentos. I know at least when writing to German vets as well as a few Russian Vets, that in asking if they would sell you their items-is considered a BIG slap in their face and they are rightfully offended.

I basically quit giving out contact addresses because of some of the violations listed above. I now only give out one addy per rewuest and ONLY to someone I trust.

 

I've been privileged to talk to many WWII Vets, Since I know many rarely discuss their personal experiences in WWII I tend to discuss Battles they participated in. Tell them first your intentions for the interview, don't be so eager and talk to them in a respectful matter, have the main questions you need answered prepared. "Like Have you Killed someone Is A BIG NO NO!" As the conversation continues and you see they start to open Up slowly ask the question. If he answers you continue the conversation and ask an other question a few minutes later.

If he doesn't answer you don't push or ask the same question again.

 

People need to be mature and understand that they are going out of their way to do an interview and to show them the utmost respect.

 

Interview Questions

What were you doing before you joined the armed forces? Were you a student? Were you working?

Why did you join the armed forces?

Did your parents approve of you serving?

How did you feel about leaving home?

What service did you join?

Why did you choose the branch of service you did?

What was your happiest memory during your time in the service?

What was your saddest memory during your time in the service?

What were you most proud of?

How did your time in the service affect your life?

What do you think is the biggest mistake you made during your time of service?

 

Artiara1

Since you just left me a pm on this subject I am going to assume that you are addressing me ?


What were you doing before you joined the armed forces? Were you a student? Were you working?
I was working in the clothing industry

Why did you join the armed forces?
I was conscripted (equivalent to being drafted

Did your parents approve of you serving?
They were not happy... by the end of the war my four brothers were also serving

How did you feel about leaving home?
I was delighted as it was a great adventure for me

What service did you join?
The Army, first in Light Ack Ack and then in the Armoured Corps

Why did you choose the branch of service you did?
I didn't ..... the Army did !

What was your happiest memory during your time in the service?
The day I got out

What was your saddest memory during your time in the service?
Losing a much loved brother in the RAF

What were you most proud of?
My own contribution to the end of the Third Reich

How did your time in the service affect your life?
I grew up

What do you think is the biggest mistake you made during your time of service?
Losing two years of my diaries

and that's all you are going to get !

Ron

 

Once again...You gotta like Ron's willingness to address our new members...

I particularly like...what were you most proud of...

Superb answers...and that one in particular deserves all our respect.

 

Thank you Ron for your answers. Sorry I did not address these questions for you directly.

All the best,
Arturo

 

Artiara1

Without wishing to be discourteous, if you read my reply, you will see I ended with "and that's all you are going to get!"

I am afraid I was being quite specific and would therefore appreciate it if any further correspondence was made in the open forum and not as a private message.

Ron

 

If I ever had a choice on what branch to join in the Army I would've chosen Royal Artillery!

 

Thank you Ron! I have just recently started going into your blog, very nice. Thank you Ron!
One way that we as young people can talk and get to know veterans who are elderly is visit or volunteer at nursing homes. The residents all have a unique story tell from "back in the day." My dad has worked in a couple of nursing homes and i have met several residents who fought during the war, one of which landed with the second wave on Omaha on D-Day. It's a unique opportunity to hear their stories.

 

That is really good advice. Be respectful also is another thing, treat them with respect