Sword Beach to Bremen., A Veterans tale. Sapper

That is so kind of you. Not for anything that I may have done, but in your taking the trouble to write to express your feelings. That is always pleasant, Thank you very much
Brian
I have been contributing to another site where the war is discussed, and the whole story not only of my very meagre efforts, but also contains the story of a great friend; Richard Harris of the First Suffolk Regimen, And also the quite long story of Captain Edwards RE. Who wrote a narrative entitled "Bash on with 246 RE to Bremen" of the five of us that I write for, and about. he was the only one to get to Bremen.

I also have Stan Houghs Naval log of a D Day assault ship. "The Princess Astrid" It is a day to day log over several years leading up to, and after D day.

The site is a friendly one, with just a great bunch of friends, quite a few that I have had the pleasure of their company, here in my Dorset home. If you wish? I can send you the address and introduce you...That is if you dont already visit it?
Best Regards.
Brian (Sapper)

 

Thank you for the invitation Brian. I would love to take you up on that. If I can manage to get myself to the United Kingdom any time in the near future I will certainly take you up on your offer. I have a patient ear and would love to sit at your knee listening for hours. God bless you for your service and for your willingness to share your experiences in the hopes that no others will have to face similar horrors.

 

Thought I would post a few pictures of Brian that ive taken over the last couple of years




Brian at Stings house


Not taken by me, Brian holding Sten gun


Note Brians commando knife, dont tell Hitler


Brian recieving his 60th Normandy anniversary medal from the local Mayor


Excuse the ugly bugger on the right, Brian a couple of weeks ago

 

Great Pics! Thank you and best wishes to you both.

 

Amazing pics, Ham! Thanks for posting! It's much appreciated.

And I'm glad you're doing (and looking) fine, Brian!

 

Superb pics Ham!

 

Happy New Year Everyone, with much happiness
Sapper

 

Thank you Brian - best wishes, good health and happiness to you in 2006.

Our sincere appreciation, also, for continuing to support our forum.

Cheers !

 

Happy New Year, Brian. Many more of 'em mate!

 

suberb pictures

 

When I look at myself like this. I despair! Am I so old and grey? YUK!
Sapper

 

I feel that way Brian and im only 34

Andy

 

That picture of me holding the Sten Gun Andy, was taken at the deserted village of Tyneham,

The old gentle man and myself in the picture did a live broadcast on BBC TV. They sent me the complete copy of that cast.
That old Gentleman beside me, was the Colonel in charge of the Ulster Rifles on D Day. He was very proud of his regiment.

It was his birthday on D Day. He told me that as they were doing the run in towards the beach, the gun fire started to come towards them. One Irish lad bent over his shoulder and said.
"look Sir they are sending you birthday presents"

 

I remember reading Brian about the fighting going on around Lebisey Wood, I think the KOSB were dug in and the RUR were attacking, the RUR came under very heavy fire and pulled back. A chap from the RUR jumped into a trench and said moves over Jocks, were the paddies.

Not the best of presents to getting on your birthday

Andy

 

Sometimes Andy i look back at what was in reality 61 years ago. A life time. When I see pictures of the old places. Everything has changed. Nothing is anything like it was.

I suppose it is the same with me, An old buzzard from long ago. I met my old pal yesterday. The one that flew the "Stringbag" torpedo planes in the Pacific theatre of operation. The one plane tnatcould fly backwarsd in a high wind.

He is like a bag of bones walking. very frail. Bless Him. Most of my old pals are gone now. makes me very aware of my own mortality.

My best pals have left us. Oddly, I only have Dick Harris to talk to now and he is very frail. We cannot now have lunch together, it is too far to drive for either of us.

Lots of Good wishes.
sapper

 

Veterans Day tomorrow folks! the 27th of June.
Sapper

 

My Dad is off to a reception in his local town, given by the council for WW2 vets. Anything planned where you are Brian?

 

Nort a damned thing! and it angers me, for this is a celebration mainly for those that served around the world since 1945.

I have designed and bought as a special order some car flags. 20 by 12 inches in blue, with the Third Div red and black triangles...Another with the white number 49 that we carried across Europe. ...the next Sword Beach Normandy 1944... and the last...Market Garden Nijmegen September 1944.

I will drive around with these flags, to remind the "could not care less" public of the debt they own to those that never came home. I will also get Sheila to take a photo as the car goes past... so that others can have a look at what this old buzzard tries to do.
Cheers and best wishes,
Brian

 

Here I am a old Normandy Veteran wondering if there is anyone else alive on this site? Dont see a soul!
Sapper