just intrested to find out who u think had the hardets job in ww2 e.g. engerneers paratroopers etc Difficult question to answer as both had very hard jobs to do in combat and there was the para engineers as well. But but a sapper and a para together and you will get a fight on your hands as both consider that their job was harder than the other!
Wouldn't Bomber crews have one of the poorest statistical chances of survival? As the war progressed the survival rate actually increased for aircrew. However, 55,000 aircrew died in WW2.
Being a WW2 Sapper it is not surprising that I think they had the hardest job. Why? Well they would land before anyone else including the Commando, The Field Companies RE had to tackle the fiercest assaults and often head them. I suppose the real result is that the RE Field Companies had more war awards than any other Regiment or Corps. First in, Last out. The other reason (not generally known) is that we never came out of action. The only time we lost contact with the enemy? was when he ran faster than us. For instance my company has been out in front the leading infantry on many occasions,,,I heard the infantry describe the RE as "The Gallant Sappers" It is also true to say, we did things that many men could only dream about. I expect a bit of disagreement, as in my opinion the average person has little idea of what we do, or Did! I would like to add that the great bravey of Lt Heal RE, in opening up the huge Hillman site under heavy fire surely deserved a VC...What did he get? A Croix de Geurre from the French, and nothing from the British... yet this was undoubtedly the bravest action by anybody on the whole invasion coast. And I bet half of you have never heard of him. Why did he not get his reward? Because it was expected of the Royal Engineers. Some of the actions that we young 19 year olds did.. really belonged in the Hero comics...and in that, I am very serious indeed. I hope that you do not think this is blarney.....For when I cast my mind back now...I sometimes wonder "How the hell am I here today" If I am banged about a bit.... Sapper
I recon both Infantry (including Paras) and Other. Other being combat medics. They often had to dash out into the enemy's feild of fire to revive injured men. They have alotof my respect.
i have selected the artillery, ( a bit biased because i served in them for 10 years) but, an artillery surveyor's life expectancy was only 4 minutes!
As the war progressed the survival rate actually increased for aircrew. However, 55,000 aircrew died in WW2. Don't forget the 40,000+ American bomber air crew on top of that total.
i have selected the artillery, ( a bit biased because i served in them for 10 years) but, an artillery surveyor's life expectancy was only 4 minutes! In an ambush the radio ops life expectancy was counted in minutes! And that was my job!
Don't forget the 40,000+ American bomber air crew on top of that total. Not sure of the figures! My copy of the white paper only deals with commonwealth losses!
Ive got to go with sapper on this one ,although an ex gunner on OP troop ,i now work with the royal engineers .They may not have the hardest job as in "life expectancy" but the amount of stuff they do is unbelievable .They dont just build bridges as many think ,
Building bridges is a small part of a sappers life. We have been out in front the leading infantry lifting mines, and having to stand up while doing it. No matter the fire. We have been deep into enemy territory. We have led assaults before anyone else got near the place. If you want to lead an exciting life? just try an assault crossing of a canal in a canvas boat, against shell, mortar, and maching gun fire. try dealing with booby traps! unexploded bombs. The list is endless. I unfortunately! did all that and more.Not through choice I may add...But we did it..And like many Royal Engineers paid a severe price for the priviledge. The first in on D day were not the Commandos..nor anyone else, it was the Sappers that led the way with the DD tanks. When Pegasus bridge was taken it was the RE to the forefront and when the Commandos arrived with their piper.. a seaborne sapper from Sword Beach was already there before they arrived, quite impressed with the brave show the commandos put on with their piper. If anyone asked this old Veteran who worked hardest? I would put in a good word for the Pioneer battalions. They created miracles.. bless them. Sapper
Royal Engineers , ok. Where can I read more about them ? Sappers and artillery don't seem to have much written on them . I wonder why ?
The RE when recounting a battle, seldom mention what took place. For some odd rason it is considered "bad form" to talk about the fighting or the casualties we suffered...beneath their dignity...I know.. its daft! Try this http://www.beforeyougo.us/ Sapper
I desperately want to say bomber crew (And where are the groundcrews in this list), but for hardest job I would go for the Sappers.
Depends how you define "hardest job". The poor sod at the time who is being shot at bombed, sniped etc with their head on the line would say they had the hardest job. Anybody coming into contact with the enemy would satisfy that criteria what ever branch they were in. By categorizing it one leaves oneself open to pigeon holing the contributions by whether they were a,b or c. Any front -line combat arm would come under hardest job - but that wouldn't disqualify the likes of combat medics/stretcher bearers etc.
Ive got to go with sapper on this one ,although an ex gunner on OP troop ,i now work with the royal engineers .They may not have the hardest job as in "life expectancy" but the amount of stuff they do is unbelievable .They dont just build bridges as many think , Did you have any links with 94 locating battery.
If the question was aimed at me? No, never did,the units are such that we passed a hundred a day, and never got a chance to even speak to any of them.The same applies to places..Apart from places that we took a hammering, we neverknew where we were half the time. Sapper
Ive got to go with sapper on this one ,although an ex gunner on OP troop ,i now work with the royal engineers .They may not have the hardest job as in "life expectancy" but the amount of stuff they do is unbelievable .They dont just build bridges as many think , Sorry about that Sapper the question was for Spotter. He mention he was in an op troop, one of my civvy mates was in 94 on the drones.
