A Paratroopers inner thoughts

I have just inherited another bag full of family photographs and whilst sorting through them ,I came across the attached photograph of my Granddad. He is standing with my Nan,Dad and Aunt outside there house in Plaistow. Now at first glance I thought it nothing more than it being a nice family picture. However, on turning it over, I was confronted with the following sentence written in my Granddads hand. The photograph now told a completely different story.

'1945 and home with the family at last,I should be happy,but why did I make it back,when so many perish? the guilt is intolerable'

Powerful words, I had a lump in my throat,just one sentence, shows you the burden men like Ralph carried with them,until there death I guess.

I remember visiting him in hospital the day before he passed away and he said to me and my younger brother.

'D'ont cry and don't be sad boys,this has been long overdue'

After all these years, I think I now know what he meant.

 

Thanks for sharing that Dave.

lofty

 

Dave thank you

regards
Clive

 

I think a lot of men felt like that. Very moving stuff, thanks for posting it.

 

Thank you for sharing Dave

Lesley

 

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing Mate powerfull words

Cheers
Tom

 

Thanks guys,glad you found it of interest.

 

Sobering words, Dave.

 

Sobering words, Dave.

Indeed, says it all,in so few words.

 

I missed this thread yesterday, Dave. A brave man who has my respect and gratitude.

Keith

 

Thanks for posting that Dave.

The guilt is intolerable'

How bitterly ironic that he survived when so many didn't yet had to carry that psychological burden. Sadly, it implies that there was no escape. There was a price to be paid - regardless of the personal outcome.

 

Thanks for posting that Dave.

Cheers
Paul

 

Thanks for posting that Dave.



How bitterly ironic that he survived when so many didn't yet had to carry that psychogical burden. Sadly, it implies that there was no escape. There was a price to be paid - regardless of the personal outcome.


Yours thought mirror my very own Canuck.

 

Moving stuff Dave, thank you very much for sharing.

All the best...........

 

Nice that you feel that you can share such sentiments with us Dave, I'm sure It echoes the unspoken feelings of many a veteran.

 

Powerful words, I had a lump in my throat,just one sentence, shows you the burden men like Ralph carried with them,until there death I guess.

Powerfull words indeed... thanks for sharing!

Kind regards,

Jos