never forget by quietpurplehaze

never forget

After my dad's death in 1998, I inherited 3 brown-paper-covered exercise books. Inside, in his beautiful cursive writing, was his diary account of his WW2 service, including time as a prisoner in camps in N Africa, Italy and Germany.

In 2017, a good friend and I published his story on Amazon. A conscript, in his early twenties, just 4 months married, I feel my dad writes with a light touch, seeking the humanity in any situation.

Of his experience at the work camp at a cement factory in Cossebaude near Dresden :

"I think it was probably the best months I had as a PoW - in Germany - whilst I was working in the factory. You also had that sense of freedom during the day. You weren't hounded by a guard. You were put in the care of a German worker, and as worker to worker we got on reasonably well. I managed to learn German and after a time I managed to make myself understood, horrible though it my have sounded."

My royalties from the publication are donated to the Red Cross: my dad felt their food parcels sent to the camps were key to the survival of many prisoners.

Regrettably he cannot know of readers' reviews of his mémoirs:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Till-We-Meet-Again-Gunner/dp/154404870X


https://flic.kr/p/2mJf2RK
What a special thing to have. We will remember.
November 12th, 2021  
Such a poignant collage and story Hazel
November 12th, 2021  
A lovely tribute collage Hazel.
November 12th, 2021  
Wonderful tribute photos...
November 12th, 2021  
An interesting photo collage and tribute . Your Mother looks wonderful in her beautiful wedding gown and veil.
November 12th, 2021  
You did your dad proud haze . Some good reviews in there
November 12th, 2021  
My review….strange to read it again but I meant every word….an excellent book thanks to your dad & you for the insight into a prisoner of wars life.
November 12th, 2021  
Beautifully captured and presented Hazel, he would have been very proud knowing you got his war time story in print, Fav:)
November 12th, 2021  
Wonderful
November 12th, 2021  
What a lovely presentation
November 13th, 2021  
To have shared his experiences was passing the torch of knowledge forward. Who knows who may use his words as part of a research project some day.
November 13th, 2021  
@joysabin

In fact the original handwritten diaries are lodged with the Second World War Experience Centre and the Director seemed overwhelmed to receive them and told me he would make sure a best researcher worked on them.
November 13th, 2021  
What a wonderful find and a lovely collage.
November 13th, 2021  
@pcoulson

Peter, yes, I really think he would have been happy!
November 13th, 2021  
A beautiful collage
November 13th, 2021  
Beautiful tribute.
November 13th, 2021  
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