Tomorrow is the 63rd anniversary of D Day. I have just seen an old D day mate from the First Suffolks this morning. We both agreed that to day we were, to say the least, "Apprehensive" From the Fields of Normandy I bring many memories, beneath them, I leave many friends. Sapper
Doesn't seem three years since all the events of the 60th Anniversary. Time in marching on too quickly. (I plan to be on the Seine for the 63rd Anniversary of it's crossing.)
I'm glad you saw your old mate Sap. Why were you both 'Apprehensive'? I think he might be saying they were both apprehensive before D-Day, not their meeting.
Hi sapper, When you were in Normandy did you ever come across or see a Flamethrower tank in action? Donnie
No Oddly enough Donnie. although the crocs were used quite near us, I never saw one in action. Though we had our own Flame throwers,no one likrf thrm....They are buried deep in a wood in Belgium. Still there I expect. Regards to all. Sapper
HI Sapper. I've been wanting to ask you, when you landed on Sword, do you remember seeing Bill Millin playing his pipes? If so, was he really walking up and down (bravely, without any apparent self concern) as depicted in the history books? It's always been an image of admiration to me. Cheers marcus
The landing sequence was as follows: DD tanks, then the Sappers to remove the beach defences explosives, and to open up a path from the beach to the road beyond. Artillery and then the onslaught. Roughly that is it....No one can be precise as the best laid plans of mice and men! The tide carried some down the coast! and they landed away from their planned points. I always loved the story of when the Commandos landed later with a specific task, the little old Pioneer labouring on the beach looked up and asked the Commandos "Where have you been then"? lovely aint it? There is somewhere, a reference from the infantry that said "They found the gallant Sappers already there, preparing the way" It may come a surprise to learn that the Sappers arrived at Pegasus minutes before the Commandos, In fact a RE Sgt was leaning against the bridge smoking a cigarette when they arrived. But that would never suit the media.... Although I went down to Pegasus later, my company headed towards Hermanville and liberated it. That was the first church to ring the bells of freedom in Northern Europe, though they had been shelled and busted. Somewhere in my house, I have a recording as they were then, and as they are today. I am sorry if I spoiled the vision of the commandos at at Pegasus... but the RE did arrive first. They often did, and earned the name of "Those bloody Sappers" Why? you could never stop them from driving on..Sometimes being ordered to STOP and let the infantry deal Sapper
God bless all of the men and women who served on D-Day and fought for freedom. Thank you Sapper for your efforts to help bring freedom to the occupied countries of Europe. :patriot[1]:
Brian, Thank you for your service and your history of your experiences during WWII that you share with us. Peter
