 Joined the arm in 1942 at Croydon at a tender age of 17.
Trained in Chester, The Dale.
After training sent to Hounslow Barracks.
There, i got into a bit of trouble, i offered a sergant a fag, called him by his christian name, George, we got on really well over several weeks and thought he was a mate.
i ended up doing 21 days.
Some mate, George Hayton.
After doing my time, i came out and got a stripe.
then volinteered for the 2/7thSent to Baseingstoke, got 3 days leave, then train again to Scotland.
Remember when i arrived, seeing rows and rows of MPs, to stop us doing a runner.
Ended up waiting 3 days on a boat, the boat was called Inter Pourer.
The boat took us to Algeres.
After getting off the boat, we had to march 17 miles in full kit to a place called Silly Mousser. Done some training there and also got Malairea, spent 6 weeks in hospital.
When i felt better,i got a lift back to my company by an officer in a 1500 weight van.
There i had to recoperarte for a couple of weeks.
Had a bit more training.
After my illness and was fit for duty, i was put on day gaurd duty.
I was told there was to be an inspection from a high American Genral, for the whole 1st British infantary in Tunis, which we were vary close to.
Sure enought i saw a convoy of milatary cars coming towards me. i saluted and got a salute back, from Genral Isonhower ! After leaving Silly Mousser, i was sent to, Naples Italy, by a LST. tank landing craft, just for one day, then boat again to Lanzio, 22nd Jan 1944.
Done 10 months here, fighting in Italy all the way up north, Aretso, Rome, Florance,Bellonia, Etc.
Done a lot of fighting at the Factory and lost a lot of friends there. |
