....the day my dad returned home after 4 years as a PoW: in this last small diary found in his effects after his death, he even noted the time - 4.30 p.m.
After much effort, and thanks to Ian Douglas, it was great at last to publish his mémoirs, 'Till We Meet Again: Gunner Bert Martin: 1941 to 1945', from his PoW diaries and my thanks to everyone who has read them and given heartfelt and heartwarming feedback.
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
Beautifully photographed... Fav! I think I would find it very hard to do what you have done..... There! Just bought it...meant to do so when you first told us about it. My dad took a shrapnel hit at Tobruk.
David, thank you. This publication has been (spasmodically) 18 years in the making, the worst being the transcription of my dad's handwritten diaries into a word-processed version which actually made me ill. You could say that photography is finally responsible for its production as I was put in touch with Ian Douglas who is in the same U3A photography group and had already published books of his own. What happened to your dad after Tobruk?
I think we have sold nearly 100 copies - bit of a niche market I guess but I am so glad that this many people have read my dad's story, in fact it seems to be passing around families and friends!
@quietpurplehaze He was in hospital for quiet a while: Cairo, Cape Town and Cardiff I think. Finally discharged, got married... then (1944) I came along and the problems really started!!
Do you know, I ordered that book, and had it delivered to Scotland. However, I don't know what happened, but it never got to me. I am going to get another copy though. I can't believe how much that diary must mean to you and your family. How wonderful to have it. Such a beautiful image you've created, using the detail of the diary. Just lovely.
To have completed such a heartfelt tribute to your Dad is amazing. So many who fought never wanted to talk about their experiences, like my own Father. Such courage he had.
Well I guess the arrival of children to men who returned from war could be a mixed blessing: a comfort and also a responsibility, I don't know! And when they were unwell (your dad had an injury; mine had an op for an ulcer plus lifelong digestive probs) there was a lot to cope with.
Thank you. My dad didn't talk too much about his experiences to the family although (age 61) he did do a taped interview for the Imperial War Museum (available to listen to for free. I have the ref) but I guess it was really helpful for him to write everything down as it happened.
Thank you everybody for taking the trouble to visit and comment on my post. It does still seem slightly unreal that at last the diaries are published - which is what my dad wished. Although he is not here to know, it gives me a great feeling to have managed the publication. I think it's important to record what ordinary soldiers had to endure: hunger, boredom, uncertainty, separation from loved ones - and all this with no heroics or histrionics, just daily life - with a big difference. Thanks again.
Wow...a fantastic and moving tribute! We knew a POW as well and he too got his story published. What is the name of the book and where is it available?
David, thank you. This publication has been (spasmodically) 18 years in the making, the worst being the transcription of my dad's handwritten diaries into a word-processed version which actually made me ill. You could say that photography is finally responsible for its production as I was put in touch with Ian Douglas who is in the same U3A photography group and had already published books of his own. What happened to your dad after Tobruk?
I think we have sold nearly 100 copies - bit of a niche market I guess but I am so glad that this many people have read my dad's story, in fact it seems to be passing around families and friends!
Well I guess the arrival of children to men who returned from war could be a mixed blessing: a comfort and also a responsibility, I don't know! And when they were unwell (your dad had an injury; mine had an op for an ulcer plus lifelong digestive probs) there was a lot to cope with.
Issi, thank you for your lovely comments and I'm sorry your book went astray. Hope you successfully get another and find it interesting.
Thank you. My dad didn't talk too much about his experiences to the family although (age 61) he did do a taped interview for the Imperial War Museum (available to listen to for free. I have the ref) but I guess it was really helpful for him to write everything down as it happened.
Thank you. I hope you'll find my dad's story interesting Lynda.
Thank you everybody for taking the trouble to visit and comment on my post. It does still seem slightly unreal that at last the diaries are published - which is what my dad wished. Although he is not here to know, it gives me a great feeling to have managed the publication. I think it's important to record what ordinary soldiers had to endure: hunger, boredom, uncertainty, separation from loved ones - and all this with no heroics or histrionics, just daily life - with a big difference. Thanks again.
Available from Amazon in paperback or kindle. This is the ref https://www.amazon.co.uk/Till-We-Meet-Again-Gunner/dp/154404870X
Hope you will find it interesting.