Brave, Brave men
21 July 2002, 09:29 PM
#1
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I was away for the most of Sunday. Sunday 21st July.
This Sunday, was probably just like any other for most people, just getting on with their everyday lives.
A small group of old men had gathered in York, in the north of England. Here, they remembered comrades lost, in the Second World War.
These men, of the cross-keys regiment, all battled in Kohima, Burma, in 1944.
Each year, the group grows smaller, but each year they vow to return the next.
People are quick to expect. These gentlemen gave everything for us to enjoy our today.
"When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today"
My grandfather was there today. I am very proud of him and his colleagues - both there today and those lost but not forgotten.
[Edited by BuRR - 7/21/2002 11:19:37 PM]
This Sunday, was probably just like any other for most people, just getting on with their everyday lives.
A small group of old men had gathered in York, in the north of England. Here, they remembered comrades lost, in the Second World War.
These men, of the cross-keys regiment, all battled in Kohima, Burma, in 1944.
Each year, the group grows smaller, but each year they vow to return the next.
People are quick to expect. These gentlemen gave everything for us to enjoy our today.
"When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today"
My grandfather was there today. I am very proud of him and his colleagues - both there today and those lost but not forgotten.
[Edited by BuRR - 7/21/2002 11:19:37 PM]
21 July 2002, 10:35 PM
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My grandfather fought in Burma and he even won medals and commendations for his bravery.
I dont know if he was there today,hes only down the road in stamford bridge.
They are VERY brave men and we owe them our gratitude.
I dont know if he was there today,hes only down the road in stamford bridge.
They are VERY brave men and we owe them our gratitude.
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21 July 2002, 11:27 PM
#8
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Brilliant - we have no idea what they must have gone through - a different era, a different people, a different beat ....... but the same great nation.
On a lighter note, Burr, the first photo shows a policeman in his Dayglow. Why has he got a Radar Trap sticking out of his helmet??!!
Pete
On a lighter note, Burr, the first photo shows a policeman in his Dayglow. Why has he got a Radar Trap sticking out of his helmet??!!
Pete
21 July 2002, 11:34 PM
#9
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I'm in awe of these gentlemen.
Take my grandfather for example, he was a bombadier in the Royal Artillery, and has been a very proud man for as long as I've known him - always wears a shirt and tie (even abroad in the red hot sun). He also insists on mind over matter, despite the fact he recently lost the use of the left side of his body, and his left leg due to a major stroke about 5 years ago. (He's the one in the second-to-last photograph)
Now - this strong man breaks down in tears whenever he remembers Kohima and his lost friends.... He never speaks about what he witnessed all those years ago.
God only knows what horrors they witnessed, those poor men.
I just wish some of the "groups" in society (and we all know who I am referring to, I think) would stop "expecting" handouts and get off their asses and start earning their way. These men were there to remember those that died to give this country freedom, and the life that these "others" take for granted.
...../gets off soap box.
[Edited by BuRR - 7/21/2002 11:36:32 PM]
Take my grandfather for example, he was a bombadier in the Royal Artillery, and has been a very proud man for as long as I've known him - always wears a shirt and tie (even abroad in the red hot sun). He also insists on mind over matter, despite the fact he recently lost the use of the left side of his body, and his left leg due to a major stroke about 5 years ago. (He's the one in the second-to-last photograph)
Now - this strong man breaks down in tears whenever he remembers Kohima and his lost friends.... He never speaks about what he witnessed all those years ago.
God only knows what horrors they witnessed, those poor men.
I just wish some of the "groups" in society (and we all know who I am referring to, I think) would stop "expecting" handouts and get off their asses and start earning their way. These men were there to remember those that died to give this country freedom, and the life that these "others" take for granted.
...../gets off soap box.
[Edited by BuRR - 7/21/2002 11:36:32 PM]
22 July 2002, 12:02 AM
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BuRR,
You are rightly proud. Both my Grandfathers fought in the war. One was a Lancaster Flight Sergeant Engineer (and was a Police Sergeant, and as a exempt occupation had to fight to get in the RAF!) and the other one was a Sergeant in the Royal Armoured Corps in Africa. I'm justifiably proud of both of them. I didn't get to meet my maternal Grandfather because his plane was shot down during the very last raid his Squadron flew in 1945.
I like to think the (pretty cushy in comparison) 15 years I've spent in the Territorial Army is, in my own small way, a way of repaying my debt to these brave men and women who sacrificed the needs of the few for the needs of the many.
You are rightly proud. Both my Grandfathers fought in the war. One was a Lancaster Flight Sergeant Engineer (and was a Police Sergeant, and as a exempt occupation had to fight to get in the RAF!) and the other one was a Sergeant in the Royal Armoured Corps in Africa. I'm justifiably proud of both of them. I didn't get to meet my maternal Grandfather because his plane was shot down during the very last raid his Squadron flew in 1945.
I like to think the (pretty cushy in comparison) 15 years I've spent in the Territorial Army is, in my own small way, a way of repaying my debt to these brave men and women who sacrificed the needs of the few for the needs of the many.
22 July 2002, 12:13 AM
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My Grandad was with Monty out in the desert kicking the **** of Rommal's boy's and what some storys and photos he had to tell and show we all miss him now he's gone and we wish the powers to be would do something better to remember the people that had to fight in the war not just press a button 20 miles away and it's over with.
Huxley (I allways remember poppy day do you?)
Just a foot note if they didn't risk their all for us just think what could have been!!!!!!
Huxley (I allways remember poppy day do you?)
Just a foot note if they didn't risk their all for us just think what could have been!!!!!!
22 July 2002, 12:03 PM
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Some stuff about what my grandfather did here.
I'd kindof always taken it for granted until about 3-4 years ago when went to a military history talk he did over at Aldershot about his various forays. It was only then that I realised that he'd done what he did when he was the same age as I was then, and that most of the men he commanded were 5 years younger than me.
Listening to the tales, and then seeing a queue of 100 or so military history enthusiasts queuing up for his autograph brought it home to me as to quite how important all of these men were in the way our lives are today.
Top respect to all of 'em.
I'd kindof always taken it for granted until about 3-4 years ago when went to a military history talk he did over at Aldershot about his various forays. It was only then that I realised that he'd done what he did when he was the same age as I was then, and that most of the men he commanded were 5 years younger than me.
Listening to the tales, and then seeing a queue of 100 or so military history enthusiasts queuing up for his autograph brought it home to me as to quite how important all of these men were in the way our lives are today.
Top respect to all of 'em.
22 July 2002, 01:13 PM
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Top post mate. My grandad was unlucky enough to have to see both world wars through and recently died at the age of 102. I hope that what these brave men did means that it never has to happen again.
It may sound weird but I think films such as Saving Privat Ryan, (although factually incorrect, hollywood-erised etc) have been an eye opener to many people including myself, to give an insight into what people had to go through so that we live in the world we do today.
Simon.
It may sound weird but I think films such as Saving Privat Ryan, (although factually incorrect, hollywood-erised etc) have been an eye opener to many people including myself, to give an insight into what people had to go through so that we live in the world we do today.
Simon.
22 July 2002, 01:29 PM
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very nice thread indeed.
as a serving member of the armed forces (SSgt, Royal Engineers)i have total respect for these men, i would also like to add that both my grandads served in WW2, one REME and the other the Hampshires, which is probably what inspired me to join up all those years ago.
Backing up what P1Fanatic said, having watched films like Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, has given me a total different perspective of what its like to be in that kind of situation.......one i would not particularly like to witness should the unfortunate happen.
Total respect.
cheers
chris
as a serving member of the armed forces (SSgt, Royal Engineers)i have total respect for these men, i would also like to add that both my grandads served in WW2, one REME and the other the Hampshires, which is probably what inspired me to join up all those years ago.
Backing up what P1Fanatic said, having watched films like Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, has given me a total different perspective of what its like to be in that kind of situation.......one i would not particularly like to witness should the unfortunate happen.
Total respect.
cheers
chris
22 July 2002, 02:03 PM
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good post.
I have so much respect for these men (and women). I would never want to go though what they had to so we can live our lives the way we do, but I am eternally greatful.
It is a shame that some people easily forget the sacrifices they made.
One Grandad WWI, one uncle RAF Regiment WWII based in Burma.
Mark
I have so much respect for these men (and women). I would never want to go though what they had to so we can live our lives the way we do, but I am eternally greatful.
It is a shame that some people easily forget the sacrifices they made.
One Grandad WWI, one uncle RAF Regiment WWII based in Burma.
Mark
22 July 2002, 02:16 PM
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As a lot of people have put, without these people the world would be a very very different place, my utmost respect goes to them, Burr, you must have been very proud m8, good on you 
22 July 2002, 03:18 PM
#24
Its funny because we dont know we are born now do we?
Imagine in this day and age if there was a similar "call up" for all men between 17 and 3X or however old it was.
We honestly wouldnt know what had hit us would we?
Imagine in this day and age if there was a similar "call up" for all men between 17 and 3X or however old it was.
We honestly wouldnt know what had hit us would we?
24 July 2002, 10:17 PM
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I have nothing but huge respect for these guys, my dad was in the army and although went through nothing like the men pictured above its just something i personally don't think i could do, so i can only imagine what the men and women of the time had to go through.
I've visited various war memorials and cemetaries around France with my father and find it an interesting if very sobering experience, if your ever passing pop to the memorials at places like vimy ridge and the somme, its an eye opener to say the least.
I'm not also not a big believer in charities but poppy day and old servicemen i have no problems stumping up for as they gave so much.
Edited to say its also nice to see the Ghurkhas there, a regiment i met and spent some time with through my father as a child and i feel its a shame that our armed forces are being depleted and neglecting these great servants.
[Edited by ptholt - 7/24/2002 10:20:01 PM]
I've visited various war memorials and cemetaries around France with my father and find it an interesting if very sobering experience, if your ever passing pop to the memorials at places like vimy ridge and the somme, its an eye opener to say the least.
I'm not also not a big believer in charities but poppy day and old servicemen i have no problems stumping up for as they gave so much.
Edited to say its also nice to see the Ghurkhas there, a regiment i met and spent some time with through my father as a child and i feel its a shame that our armed forces are being depleted and neglecting these great servants.
[Edited by ptholt - 7/24/2002 10:20:01 PM]
24 July 2002, 10:53 PM
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We can never imagine what these old boys went through,in order to give us the chance to lead our lives as we do today.
Forget the Hollywood movies,these men are true heroes in every respect of the word.I myself feel pride and gratitude when i see my own great grandfathers name on the war memorial in our small village.We will never forget them!
Burr,nice post mate.
Forget the Hollywood movies,these men are true heroes in every respect of the word.I myself feel pride and gratitude when i see my own great grandfathers name on the war memorial in our small village.We will never forget them!
Burr,nice post mate.
24 July 2002, 11:46 PM
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"We will remember them."
My dad flew Lancasters & did two tours of operational duty,44 trips over enemy targets.Statisticaly he & his crew should have been shot down many times over.But night after night they went.
Entries from his log book:-
2 Dec. Berlin(re-route to land Bradwell Bay) 23 flak holes.
7:35 hours night flight. 2nd mission.
20 Jan. Berlin(3 fighters ME110's)No Air Speed Indicator & bomb doors stuck open all the way back from target,holes in port fin & rudder & large hole on top of wing.Fuel tank holed.
7:55 hours night flight. 8th mission.
30 March. Nurnburg 795 Halifax & Lancs on raid. 96 in total lost!!
101 Squadron lost 7 from 26 aircraft sent. 56 crew - 8 per plane.(101 did electronic jamming hence one extra crew member per plane)
8:20 hours night flight. 20th mission.
"We will remember them"
My dad flew Lancasters & did two tours of operational duty,44 trips over enemy targets.Statisticaly he & his crew should have been shot down many times over.But night after night they went.
Entries from his log book:-
2 Dec. Berlin(re-route to land Bradwell Bay) 23 flak holes.
7:35 hours night flight. 2nd mission.
20 Jan. Berlin(3 fighters ME110's)No Air Speed Indicator & bomb doors stuck open all the way back from target,holes in port fin & rudder & large hole on top of wing.Fuel tank holed.
7:55 hours night flight. 8th mission.
30 March. Nurnburg 795 Halifax & Lancs on raid. 96 in total lost!!
101 Squadron lost 7 from 26 aircraft sent. 56 crew - 8 per plane.(101 did electronic jamming hence one extra crew member per plane)
8:20 hours night flight. 20th mission.
"We will remember them"
25 July 2002, 12:02 AM
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Went to Ypres a few years ago for the rally, until you have seen the imaculate graves with the row upon row of white crosses its difficult to imagine the numbers of people involved.
Funny not until I had children of my own I started to appreciate what had gone before. God forbit anything like that ever happens again.
[Edited by SilverSmith - 7/25/2002 12:05:41 AM]
Funny not until I had children of my own I started to appreciate what had gone before. God forbit anything like that ever happens again.
[Edited by SilverSmith - 7/25/2002 12:05:41 AM]
25 July 2002, 12:24 AM
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Seconded.
Ive got a boy now, and a few years ago lost my Grandad. He was on the tank landung craft and later ship engine rooms during the war, and the asbestos lagging finally did for him a few years back.
Could I do it? I dont know, and thanks to these chaps I dont expect I'll ever have to find out. CS is near enough for me thank you very much.
Buzz
Ive got a boy now, and a few years ago lost my Grandad. He was on the tank landung craft and later ship engine rooms during the war, and the asbestos lagging finally did for him a few years back.
Could I do it? I dont know, and thanks to these chaps I dont expect I'll ever have to find out. CS is near enough for me thank you very much.
Buzz