The inscription that I find to be the most moving is to those of General Ander's Polish Corps who gave their lives in the fourth and final battle for Cassino. "We Polish soldiers, For our freedom and yours Have given our souls to God Our bodies to the soil of Italy And our hearts to Poland." The words are engraved on the monument sitting atop the hill, known as Point 593 to the Allies, and as the Calvary Mount to the Germans.
Gerry, This inscription you know, from the headstone of a North Irish Horse officer serving with 3 Commando in Sicily, Lt Butler. He was killed on the 14th July 1943 aged 27. "One could not but be happy in his presence. From a friends letter"
There is a grave at Banneville cemetery, in Normandy, I look at often. The inscription reads, "He was my only sunshine, but they took my sunshine away..."
That is interesting Paul. You are 30 years younger than me, so might not remember the popular song "You are my sunshine" which I'm sure is where that inscription comes from. Here's a verse from memory! You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are grey You'll never know dear, how much I love you So please do'nt take my sunshine away. Colin.
Hi Colin - yes, too young to remember it but with a Dad who was in WW2 and who used to sing me to sleep with these sort of songs, then I know them all!
For me, nothing touches the Kohima Memorial. Very simple, but very powerful. Just stop and think for a moment what these lines are saying. When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today.
Originally posted by Glosters@Dec 20 2004, 02:46 AM For me, nothing touches the Kohima Memorial. Very simple, but very powerful. Just stop and think for a moment what these lines are saying. When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today. [post=30239]Quoted post[/post] Can't argue with that one. I tried to think of a memorial that affected me, and all I could come up with was, "Go tell the Spartans, that here, in obedience to their laws, we lie." But that wasn't World War II. I forgot about the Kohima Memorial, and I think I'll go with that one.
I've always liked te words of the Scottish national memorial in Edinburgh. Words that have never been far from my mind since being a small child....If it be life that awaits, then I shall live forever conquered. But if it be death, then I shall die at last, strong in my pride and free. I'm unsure who these words are attributed to - Wallace? - Bruce? - I'm unsure, but they always stirred me! Dave.
There is a very simple Italian memorial on the Alamein - Matruh road, written in Latin, but translates into "Lacking Fortune, Not Valour" 1st July 1942. Another is the 4th Indian Division Memorial at Akarit, a sad looking thing, but it does name all the deaths suffered at the battle. MF
(BAYERNWALD @ Dec 21 2004, 11:57 PM) [post=30273]I've always liked te words of the Scottish national memorial in Edinburgh. Words that have never been far from my mind since being a small child....If it be life that awaits, then I shall live forever conquered. But if it be death, then I shall die at last, strong in my pride and free. I'm unsure who these words are attributed to - Wallace? - Bruce? - I'm unsure, but they always stirred me! Dave. [/b] Dave It's actually the Scots-USA memorial in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. 'The Call'. The words were written by Lt. Ewart Alan MacKintosh M.C. 5th Seaforth Highlanders who was killed in 1917. "If it be life that waits I shall live forever unconquered. If death I shall die at last strong in my pride and free."
The Polish cemetery at Dulab in Tehran. The inscription reads: "Pamieci wygnanców polskich którzy w drodze do Ojczyzny w Bogu spoczeli na wieki" (someones translation) "In memory of those Polish refugees who on their journey back to their homeland found eternal rest here 1942-1944"
Took a photo of memorial on Ginkel Heath, site of Para's landing for Arnhem. Inscription reads; "They shall mount up with wings as Eagles"
