Was sorting through some war diaries for 5/7 Gordons to check on movements of 51HD when I stumbled on this little gem. Check out the entry for 6th October 1944 and the 88mm shell. Anyone else got some "Lucky" tales?
My late father was blown off his feet and landed several yards from where he was standing as an 88 shell exploded near to him. He was at Forli airfield in Italy I think when the incident occured during the early hours. His ear drum was perforated and resulted in deafness in his later life. The Sgt came running over to him to see if he was ok and my father just dusted himself down and saw the remains of the shrapnel still smoking nearby. He was wearing his greatcoat and so this help him cushion his fall. He said that the Germans had been shelling for a while, but that the shells were aimed at the troops further behind, but this one landed short and he never heard it coming. I believe it was a very lucky escape for him. Regards Tom
HD 51 - When the first 88.mm shell hit our tank in the engine dept, the force of this hit caused me to fall to the floor of the turret - as I evacuated and landed outside - the second shell penetrated the turret where I usually stood - I didn't call it lucky but bloody miraculous .....and I'm still here ! Cheers
My Stepfather Cyril Phillips was in the boiler room on HMS Warpsite when they took a direct hit.......killed half his mates but he had all his clothes blown off of him and was completely naked and unharmed.......later on he sewed up the body bags to the Hymn of Abide with me......his favorite Hymn and one which was played at his funeral in 1990
My father was in a slit trench with his Bren set up, waiting for his mate to return with their breakfast. Heavy shelling started up again. He had just got some Gallahers from home but had no matches. Another mate in a nearby trench had matches, didn't smoke, but badly wanted to start. They argued back and forth, about who should move. In the end my father felt his need was greater; so he left his trench. No sooner had he instructed his non-smoking mate on the how-to's, when they felt a terrible explosion. A shell had landed and exploded in Dad's trench. His mate returned with their brew just in time to hear Dad complain, ‘ach look what they did to ma Bren!’ ... ... Dad says smoking saved his life.
Peter Gudgin's encounter with the Bovington Tiger and it's mates at Jebel Jaffa strikes me as pretty damned lucky. An 88 round penetrated the hull MG position of his Churchill and travelled all the way through to the engine compartment. All 5 crewmen were able to escape immediately afterwards (presumably that would be an Olympic standard bailout), I seem to recall an interview with him where he made some comment about the state of their trousers...
A family friend who passed away some time ago was a soldier in the Wehrmacht and served on the Russian front. He related the story of being sent, under fire, with another soldier to bring up an ammunition container. Apparently these were heavy wooden cases with rope handles at either end. After collecting it, they were struggling back to the line under heavy fire. Upon reaching a small crest they decided to rest a moment before carrying on. His comrade's arm was quite strained from the load and just before setting off again suggested that they switch ends. Having done so, they took a single step up the embankment before a sniper killed his partner with a single shot to the head. Willie was always haunted by the fact that his survival and his friends death, hinged on a random decision to change places.
Vp - Peter Gudgin was an officer in 48th RTR of the 21st Tank bde and it was a Tank of 4th troop "B" squadron which knocked out the Tiger which is now restored and sits in Bovington - their six pounder round jammed the Tiger's turret making it unable to fight thus the crew bailed out. The north Irish Horse of Gerry Chester then moved it to Tunis for transport to the Uk wher it sat on Horse Guards Parade for weeks before being taken doen to Bovington - took years to restore it.... Cheers
VP - as a PS Peter Gudgin was also - with another Officer of the 48th RTR - responsible for the design and manufacture of the Avatar of the 21st Tank bde under my name - this was to recognise the new Brigade Commander - Kit Dawney... in the summer of '44 just before the final battle at Cassino Cheers
As far as I'm concerned It's one of the best trophies you chaps bought back Tom. Always think it should be compulsorily displayed alongside a Churchill in correct 48th markings when I see it Run at Bovington, just to remind those of us that come to goggle at the Panzer who actually won the war . (At least one bloke from Japan at last year's Tankfest, and I chatted to a guy that'd come from the continent on a day trip just to see her run for half an hour. And I thought I was unhealthily obsessed...)
My greatgrandad was at Passchendaele and got shot in the side of the head, left for dead. Later on the stretcher-bearers found out he wasnt dead, only paralyzed down the left side, and he came back to NZ! I call that very lucky, it could of killed him instantly.
Some incredible stories here guys. I especially like Diane's story of her dad. Made me laugh. And imagine what an 88mm shell would feel like smashing your ankle? I remember reading about a bloke who was sat in his truck with a mate, got out to go get a coffee or whatever, and a shell blew up the truck just as he left. Top stuff.
