Just a little greeting to everyone I suppose I got interested in WW2 as a kid when my dad (a bit of a hippy, ironically) used to watch old war movies on Sundays. I got interested in the Germans in these movies, because -they were usually stupid and ended up dying in large numbers. 'Ya, we must charge zis machine gun post in a frontal attack...' -had cool uniforms and usually had better stuff than the allies. This is of course a completely facile reason for being interested in something, but I was just a kid. -Were generally not particularly fleshed out characters. Usually cackling evil Nazis or faceless cannon fodder in grey uniforms. So I got to wondering a bit more of the real history and people behind the stories. I got older, I read books, watched more movies (I think Saving private Ryan ushered in a new era for 'realistic' war movies) and made models, though I sort of grew out of that as I went to University and studied art. Also, because my grandfather served in the Grenadier Guards during ww2, the conflict has always been almost tangible to me. Its within living memory, you can almost reach out and touch it! So now here I am! I have just been watching a series about secret ww2 on BBC. Good stuff.
I suppose you wanted to mean "shrunk out of that" but I will admit it was a typo Welcome aboard! Any stories from your grandfather?
Welcome! This is a fine place and you have given us a fine introductory post. You will fit in quite nicely and I am sure you will enjoy your time here. Cheers!
Thank you all. So far a very nice friendly forum. As far as my Grandfather goes, he joined up before the outbreak of war. Yes, he was one of the guys in the huge furry hats that guard the queen. During the war he was in armoured cars I believe, was part of the evacuation of the expeditionary force from Dunkirk. I don't have a huge amount of information about him, he was one of the type who did his duty, came home and never really talked much about it, and he passed away some years ago now. Stored away I have a laminated swastika pendant that I believe he pulled off of a staff car at the end of the war. Personally, it gives me the creeps a bit and I never quite know what to do with it. My grandmother on the other hand, who is still alive, was involved with radar and anti air craft stuff. Im not sure of the unit off hand. In England, then later France, Holland. She has a signed letter of commendation from Monty from her part in assisting after an accident. She was in a convoy in Europe, was offered a place with the other girls in a truck, but for some reason opted to travel in the jeep behind it. That truck was hit by a train on a level crossing, many of the girls were killed and terribly injured. If she had got into that truck I might not be typing this today. Makes you think to know how close a whole generation frequently was to death.
Howdy Caleb and welcome to the forum. Great family history, thanks for sharing. Glad to have you with us and Happy posting.
From one "new recruit" to another, these guys are great and can share a lot of info on any questions you've got. Welcome aboard!
