I had the privilege of knowing two D-Day vets: both great guys! One was a lodge brother (Army), the other was my uncle (Navy), who operated a Higgins boat (every one of them made here in New Orleans) landing craft.
Jim
Frock coat wearing, riverboat dwelling, southern gent
I had the privilege of knowing two D-Day vets: both great guys! One was a lodge brother (Army), the other was my uncle (Navy), who operated a Higgins boat (every one of them made here in New Orleans) landing craft.
Jim
UBC's Police Pistol Manager
"Nasty, noisy things, revolvers, Count. Better stick to air-guns." Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
Banned
we should all remember what they all fought for
Cultural Attache for Scouseland
I do!Originally Posted by bunnysniper
Unluckily most of todays youth don't!
Cheers.
Roy.
If it moves.....shoot it!..If it don't move.....shoot it in case it tries to!!!
Light travels faster than sound....this is why I appear bright until you hear me speak!!!
Registered User
I have only just come across this post and thought I would mention my father-in-law with whom I spent many hours sat in the garden with a beer or two as he recounted some very memorable stories. Tim (father-in-law) served with the 1st battalion South Lancashire Regiment from 1938-1945 in the 8th brigade of the British 3rd Infantry Division and landed on Sword beach in the first infantry assault around 7.30am. Tim and a pal of his called Jimmy cartwright came off the landing craft at the same time and in the first few yards Jimmy was hit and fell, Tim stopped but the Beach Master shouted "leave your mates the medics are coming",Tim said "I'm sorry Jimmy I've got to go".
On the 50th anniversary of D-Day Tim went back to Normandy as he often did, a serving officer approached him and said we have a chap on our coach who has recognised your cap badge and thinks he may Know you,Tim followed him over to the coach to be met by the mate he thought had been dead for fifty years. Tim's reaction was "Jimmy Cartwright you fell at the side of me" to which Jimmy replied "aye and you bloody left me there"(Jimmy had lost a leg in the assault)
I dont know whether Jimmy Cartwright is still with us but sadly Tim passed away in March 2009 age 87.
It was a honour to hear first hand accounts, with some very surprising details you'll probably never read in a history book.
I have an enormous amount of respect for are Armed Forces past and present.
Last edited by nick46; 06-01-2012 at 02:01 PM.
There I was minding my own business......
Excellent post mate thank you for that.
Mark
Registered User
I saw a programme recently about the Higgins boats being made in New Orleans. It was not something I was previously aware of. I have visited Omaha Beach a couple of times. A narrow beach with high cliffs over it. I am not surprised it was so difficult to capture and cost so many lives. Pointe Du Hoc is also a fantastic place to see.
Frock coat wearing, riverboat dwelling, southern gent
My uncle piloted one and didn't know that they were, until many years later when I showed him a newspaper article telling the story.
Jim
UBC's Police Pistol Manager
"Nasty, noisy things, revolvers, Count. Better stick to air-guns." Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
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