Firstly I'm new to the forum so hope I have posted in the right place. I was wondering how your interest in WW2 started? Was it as a result of watching old movies, hearing war stories as a child from those who were there or something else? For me I cannot remember a time when I wasn't interested in WW2 - from playing with toy soldiers & 'army' I graduated into more serious interest in the subject as I grew older. Unfortunately my own father (a regular soldier who was in the British Army a few years prior to the war & went through it from Dunkirk/Persia/Iraq/Syria/North Africa & Italy) never spoke about his wartime experiences. Fifty odd years later my own interest has never waned.
He was in the Royal Artillery. I always had a passion for things military. Yes the Old Airfix kits were a must. Although I do remember Revell(?) a massive box & when you opened it there was a tiny kit inside! Also Commando comics were a favourite. Watching documentaries as I got older (but still in my early teens) was also a great influence & led to a much deeper understanding of the events & their complexities
I could say my interest started from when I was a child, mostly hearing stories from my Dad, watching films, reading books. But I realise that'd be wrong. WW2 was just background to family circumstances; I only really became interested just before I joined this forum, as a result of researching the family tree.
In all honesty, I suppose that my first interest in WW2 began on the 3rd of September 1939 when, as a 16 year old, my family was torn apart by by world events. For the purpose of an entry on this thread, however, I first started writing in earnest in November 2003 when the BBC Peoples War site opened for contributions http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/83/a1941383.shtml and then in 2004 when I found this wonderful forum. Ron
For me it started as a child in the sixties. Listening to stories about the First World War from my Granny and about the Second World War from my Mother and Uncles (who all served) and from my Father who was too young to serve, but lived in London during the Blitz(wasn't evacuated). He lost his Father ( my grandfather), his brother and two cousins in WW2. As a five year old visiting my Grannies, I used to find the large highly polished Howitzer shell casings dotted around the house most interesting.Especially the huge one used as an umbrella stand. As a child and teenager, I considered myself and my friends to be very knowledgable on the wars and militaria in general. I do find it a shame that many youngsters today, look at me blankly when I discuss similar with them. I see it as my duty to pass on my knowledge and family history to my young children ( we are somewhat older parents, as my parents were) so it will not be forgotten, especially as many of my relatives paid the ultimate sacrifice in WW2.
BBC series in 2003 - then this forum in 2004 - so old hand who has seen many great memories of others cheers
Yes I have all his records. I sent for them from Glasgow a few years ago. I think they cost about £35 & are very comprehensive.
