In one of my many Google's I came across a Post on the Veterans Affairs Web-Site here in Canada. A woman had posted a poem written to her, by her father, the day he was killed. The date was Aug 27 1944---The same day as my Uncle's death. The name of the soldier was Lt Charles E Phillips. His Grave was one of them one's I visited when in France and had left a tribute on, along with all the other Argyll's killed at Igoville that day. The poem is as follows: I Wonder I wonder as I watch the moon bump noses with a star. Are you watching too, or is it dark and rainy where you are? And when I twirl the radio dial and hear some song thats new, I wonder if, off where you are, you might be listening too? Do you daydream as I daydream and miss me too my dear; and when I'm wishing I were there, Do you wish you were here? Your letters help a little bit, each page is full of charm,but, darling they aren't quite enough, for letters don't have arms. Marlene was around 3 yrs old when this was sent to her. To make a long story a little shorter, I talked to her on the phone and found that she knew nothing of her father. I told her I would see what I could do. It didn't take long to find that Lt Phillips had been a recent replacement Officer with the A&SH and there was no mentionof him, other than his death, in any of the books. I called on my Argyll friends to help and within the week, I was talking to one of the men from Lt Phillips Platoon that was with him when he was killed. He agreed to talk to Marlene and fill her in. Marlene and I are now waiting for the Canadian Government to come through with her fathers records, so we can track his movments before arriving with the A&SH. Marlene was pleased to say the least and so was I. The Vet's still look after family!
CWGC :: Casualty Details Name:PHILLIPS, CHARLES EDWARD Initials:C E Nationality:Canadian Rank:Lieutenant Regiment/Service:Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's), R.C.I.C. Age:28 Date of Death:27/08/1944 Additional information:Son of Francis Lloyd Phillips and Stella May Phillips, of Port Dover, Ontario; husband of Lois Mae Phillips, of Port Dover. Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference:XXIII. E. 2. Cemetery:BRETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY Lovely but very sad story, George. I must have seen his grave back in 2005 before this interest in ASH Cans started. Just have to go back sometime.
Heartwarming story George. You should be congratulated and very proud of your efforts. A wonderful outcome.
