While I Remember
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Suddenly the drone of aircraft - more than just a few bombers. Then we suddenly saw them, like birds in flight, protective fighters buzzing about like gnats and the roar of the engines was deafening and frightening as fighters came down low spraying the ground with bullets, as they skimmed past us over the trees the troop carriers dropped their human cargo, here was the cream of the German Army. We crouched there in our foxholes, uncertain young men who didn't know yet if they would stand the test. A steadying voice called calmly, "Hold your fire lads, till I say then let them have it, its them or us"! The parachutes opened way ahead of us drifting slowly towards us. They were almost down, there was a cry of "fire lads let them have it", we fired up with rifle and machine gunfire, our first bullets of fire caught them unawares, reeking havoc and mingling with the screams of the wounded as they hit the ground never to rise again.
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About the Book
The Second World War took ordinary men and women and made them perform under circumstances hopefully the majority of us will never have to endure. Albert was one such man. The story tells of his journey from the time he was called up in 1940, the excitement of seeing H.M.S. Hood, his experiences through North Africa, Crete and D.Day . His being accused of killing someone in a brawl. The thoughts he had following the order to abandon ship, how long would he survive in the cold sea, he could not swim? The loneliness. His sadness at seeing refugees, the starving children he gave sweets to. The heat of the desert, the women from the brothels who prayed on the unfortunate desperate men.The reasons why he had nightmares become clear and also the fear he felt. His marriage during the war, and how the faith in his wife helped him survive. The anti climax and disregard shown to them all following the armistice, why did things get worse? His letters are an insight into how he felt, and the loneliness he endured at times even though he was surrounded by men. He gives the reason why he wrote the book. It is a story hundreds of men could relate to, it is the story of an ordinary man. Of a sacrifice which should not be forgotten.
About the Author
Albert was a hard working thoughtful man living in East London with his parents and older sister, when he was called on to "do his bit"during the Second World War. He was a man who loved the arts, music and reading. He was not a violent man. He played football for his local amateur team. After the war he worked on British Railways in Stratford. East London until he retired at 65, he died at the age of 66 years old. Until his death he enjoyed his family, with his wife he had one daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren and loved the time he spent on holidays in North Yorkshire, Cornwall and his beloved Western Scotland, where he and his wife spent many happy holidays. He was a patient husband and a good father and grandfather. Following the Second World War, Albert suffered regularly with night mares from recurring experiences of the war, the dreams were never discussed, he dealt with them alone and privately. After his death these were found in his writings now his nightmares were understood, sadly to late to share with him. His family had a memorial brick laid for him at the Juno Beach Memorial Museum in Normandy France, together with a copy of his writings. His experiences were important, his family were very proud and at last he would be recognised for the part he played in history, it was recorded. He was married to his wife Rose for 36 years.