General Chat

Lisa, My late dad was in North Africa and Italy during WW2 along with two of his older brothers. He lied about his age and was only seventeen when he enlisted in the army. They were eleven children and during the depression my Grandfather lost the farm. All the children were put into a home. My Grandfather was twenty years older then my Granny and too old to find a job. My Dad and his brothers had their Army pay sent home to help my Granny feed the younger children. Not once in all the years did he or any of my uncles mention one word about the war years. Except, for my Uncle Ronnie who brought home a very pregnant sixteen year old from Naples as a gift for my Granny Rosie. Lindy;-))

Len I think I can understand why you don't like to 'celebrate' anniversaries such as D-Day and Armistice Day. My father was on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and never spoke about it other than to confirm he was there. He spoke about other times during WW2, times he could laugh about, his mates etc. Some sights and actions are so horrific that they cannot be spoken about. The reason I think we should still remember Armistice Day and anniversaries such as D-Day, is not for the people who were there because they obviously will never forget, but for all of us who were not born during the two World Wars. We should all remember our parents and grandparents who went through unimaginable horrors for "King and Country". So on June 6th I will spare a thought for all who fought on the beaches and all the brave people who took part in the rescue, because they should never be forgotten. Sue

Not much makes me angry but all this stuff about soldiers "sacrificing their lives" and "Giving up their lives" does. I was in WW2, called up in 1942 at the age of 18, and was fortunate enough to survive. Many of my friends including Cliff (who would have been my brother in law had he not died on D-Day) did not - neither did two young German men who died by my hand There was no question of sacrifice. We did it because we had no option, or thought we had no option. The politicians sent us into it whilst they stayed safely at home. Actually, I was in favour of fighting Nazi Germany and would have been dismayed had I been rejected, but always felt confident of surving, even though scared stiff at times. I am sure that the vast majority of servicemen felt much the same as me, certainly all those I met. The standing joke was about the C.O who addressed the company and said "Men, this is a dangerous mission and few of you will return" Every man looked around him and thought "I shall miss the boys". I find Armistice Day very hard to put up with- and now the 60th Anniversary. It is impossible to forget so why keep reminding us? Len

My Uncle of 80 was due to go out to france next week with Normandy veterans, but had a heart attack last week so cannot now go, he is so disapointed, it has been planning and arranging to go for the last 3/4 years, he tells me many tales, and recently went to a local comprehensive school to talk to them about his experiances during the war.

hi lisa i watched the 10 days to d day last night 2nd part 9pm on 4, i have also sent aflag to be planted on the beaches on d day, it was sent through the british legion, you can sign online to there website, my message was simply to all the men and women who died in all the wars, thankyou from my heart for freeing us all, you will never be forgotten love all your descendants sandra and family

The government of this country never supported the soldier once the conflict was over ,and sadly they still don,t .The Gulf war syndrome , lads injured in the falklands ,bosnia ,and the surviving families fare no better.women having to fight for a war pension,or help to rehabilitate after being thrown out of quarters after hubby is killed,or injured.Even the equipment is rubbish. All our war dead are heroes,isnt it a pity that our government can,t do better than pay lip service.Fred.

Lisa You are so right!! If it were not for D Day and those brave soldiers and for all the men and women in the forces in both world wars, we would not as you say be living in a free Britain. It saddens me to see the lack of support and respect that is given to the elderly citizens of this country by the Government, they and we have so much to thank them for. I do from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all Lynda

As a student, I worked one summer holiday in a BLESMA home for limbless ex-servicemen. It was very humbling to realise that they had lived with their disabilities and sad memories of losing friends, since they were the age I was then. Yes we will remember them all.

My Great Grandfather and his brothers fought in the 1st World War and 5 Uncles AND my Grandmother in the 2nd Word War. Im very proud of all of them and give thanks to all who fought in both wars. Sheila

my great-grandfather on my grandmothers side was a sergeant in the royal marines in the first world war and my grandfather served in the navy in the second world warall over europe.

on the 6th of june the d-day commerations will be commemerating 60 years since d-day.would like to remind everyone if it wasn't for the soldiers who fought in the second world war to give us freedom we would not be here today or worse would have been under german rule.just like to say a big thankyou to all the soldiers who gave us freedom and the soldiers who sacrificed there lives to let us live in a country where we are free.there are no winners in war .people still lose there lives and would hope that all wars could come to an end and we can all live in peace.show your respect for these people and give them your views and your thanks.