My dad and his fellow PoWs arrived at P.G Vetralla, Italy, having been horribly 'shipped' across the Med from Tripoli in the hold of a boat:
"The next day, Thursday 26th November 1942, we received our first Red Cross food parcel. The issue was English, one parcel and 50 cigarettes between 2 men.
"Before receiving these, every tin was punctured. This was done at every camp by the Italians to prevent anyone hoarding food for an escape.
"......it was good to taste English food again....."
'Till We Meet Again: Gunner Bert Martin: 1941 to 1945'
available on Amazon: paperback and kindle format
A great collage with the lovely wedding photo and highlighting the Red CrossParcels They did a wonderful service and still do around the world where help is needed. I enjoyed the book and now passed it on to my son-in-law.
Thank you again for sharing your fathers story. The book is one I bought but after flipping through it somehow misplaced. I need to relocate it and read it.
A beautifully composed collage for your dad Hazel. Your book is inspiring, I mean how many people know that wonderful snippet about the punctured ration tins!
I really enjoyed reading your father's story and was amazed at his positive attitude throughout his ordeal. I was also glad to know he was eventually reunited with your mum and that they had a good life together. I am very grateful to all the men who fought on behalf of our freedom in WWII.
Thanks everyone for visits, and favs and comments on my collage, also it's great to know that so many 365 friends have read the book, and often their relatives too, and have found it interesting and worthwhile. The publication is probably what I regard as my 'best achievement' and something I never really imagined would happen.........I know my dad would have been chuffed to bits!
p.s. no reason for the split of names above(except my incompetence!) - I don't really find this method of being in touch with everyone very easy (easy to get boggle-eyed)but sometimes I do want to respond to everyone.
@quietpurplehaze
Am delighted that you recognise the publication of your father's book as a key achievement...it sure is! I very much appreciated reading the hardships your father and his comrades endured and particularly how they remained stoic in the face of more than we’ll ever know. I think now is a good moment to read his book again, recognising that your father and many, many more POWs ensured our future. Peace on earth and goodwill to men are alive and well. Am proud to know you...and your father's courage and integrity.
@quietpurplehaze It’s so hard to make sure you haven’t left anyone out! I don’t like doing mass reply’s either for that very reason but needs must sometimes!
Glad your dad enjoyed the book. Christmas reading?!
Thanks everyone for visits, and favs and comments on my collage, also it's great to know that so many 365 friends have read the book, and often their relatives too, and have found it interesting and worthwhile. The publication is probably what I regard as my 'best achievement' and something I never really imagined would happen.........I know my dad would have been chuffed to bits!
@radiogirl @pyrrhula @seattlite @tunia @happypat @Dawn @rontu @s4sayer @gijsje @ellida @jacqbb @skippysue @pandorasecho @ludwigsdiana @yrhenwr @merrelyn @linnypinny @onewing @wendyfrost @gilbertwood @casablanca @pcoulson @annied
Am delighted that you recognise the publication of your father's book as a key achievement...it sure is! I very much appreciated reading the hardships your father and his comrades endured and particularly how they remained stoic in the face of more than we’ll ever know. I think now is a good moment to read his book again, recognising that your father and many, many more POWs ensured our future. Peace on earth and goodwill to men are alive and well. Am proud to know you...and your father's courage and integrity.
Pat, thank you for your message of support! I do sometimes wonder why there is not a better method of doing mass replies.
Margo, thank you so much for your comment.