 Memories relate to those of my late father who was a hospital cook in RAMC. I would be keen to learn of any similar experiences in these arenas or where I may find details of diaries etc. He was at Watford Dec '43 in 79th Gen. Hosp.
My father's landing craft at Arromanche ran aground twice on sandbanks from where they had an awkward swim ,at first with dry bouyant kit followed by heavy wet kit.
Upon reaching the beach everyone's first thought was to find a dry cigarette which I gather did not prove possible.In any event they were roused with shouts of 'Clear the Beach'. A march to Bayeux seemed to follow whereupon the assembled troops collapsed in heaps. Being a cook dad couldn't rest as it was time to arrange meals all round.
He spent 3 months in a Normandy cider orchard in trenches,along with orders not to eat the apples, OOPS, they all did. This was followed by time in Belgium. By July '45 he was in IH24G Company, High School Park, Trondheim where apparently Germans were still coming down from the forests unaware that there was no war on. Xmas 1945 was spent with 53 RHU Bielefeld,Germany. He later recalled the wonderful rendition of 'Silent Night' performed for them. I suspect that was a busy time for a cook.He finally flew home from Eindhoven. He was Pvt. James H J Watton. Perhaps some of you on this site knew him or had similar experiences that you could share with me.I would be very pleased to hear of similar stories. | 
