This article in various forms appeared on several news websites yesterday. This version is from the Evening Times:
Two veterans have been able to return to the scenes of their wartime exploits in Egypt and the Netherlands with the help of lottery grants.
The pair benefited from the Big Lottery Fund's Heroes Return 2 scheme which provides funding to enable former servicemen to revisit locations of WW2 events.
Ben Yates, 88, from Dalmellington in Ayrshire, received £2,825 which helped him to return to Egypt, where he was based from 1941 to 1943, serving aboard the Royal Navy Destroyer, HMS Aldenham.
During this period the ship made 13 convoys to Malta to provide relief to the island, which was under attack, and struck a floating mine in December 1944, with the loss of 126 lives.
Mr Yates said: "The trip meant a lot to me as I have always wanted to go back but could never afford it before. Every year, for the last 12 years or so I have travelled to Aldenham, near Watford, to attend a memorial service.
"During the war people in the village used to knit the crew gloves and hats. Even though we couldn't use them in the Mediterranean we really appreciated that they wanted to do something to help us."
George Murray, 85, from Glasgow, was glad to have a chance to search for old friends when he travelled back to Holland after receiving an £875 grant. Towards the end of 1944 he was stationed for about eight weeks near Eindhoven preparing for the Rhine crossing.
He said: "We stayed in a town called Oisterwijk, it was a harsh winter and none of us wanted to sleep in the back of a truck. A local family put two of us up, they had eight or nine children, one was about 18, the same age as me, and I became very close to the family. After the war we lost touch and I've always wanted to go back and trace any members of the family who might still be alive.
"During my trip I wasn't able to trace anyone but I'm not giving up. I'm planning to write to the Burgermeister of the town to see if he can help me. I just know that I will go back to meet up with my friends again."
The Big Lottery Fund has committed over £1 million extra funding to the Heroes Return 2 scheme which will remain open until January 31, 2012.
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Hamilton war veteran to receive an MBE
Article by Gillian Provan from the STV News website. I've seen Ian at a number of remembrance services. My congratulations to him.
A Hamilton war veteran joins an elite group of Scots by featuring in the New Year’s Honour List.
Ian Forsyth, the president of the Hamilton branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland will receive a MBE from the Queen for his voluntary services to the charity.
Ian appears on the list alongside high profile Scots such as Annie Lennox and MP Anne Begg.
The 86-year-old, who is also convener of the Hamilton area branch of Poppy Scotland has spent years raising money for ex-servicemen and women after fighting for his country in the Second World War.
Ian said: "I never dreamed that I would be recognised in this way.
"It was a surprise and an honour when the letter came through the post and very difficult not to tell my friends and family.
"The letter said the ceremony could be held in Edinburgh or London. I’m hoping for my family’s sake that it will be in London so they can come.
"It would mean I can stay with my daughter in Reading!"
Wartime experiences
The grandfather-of-five joined the army when he was 17 and trained as a wireless operator with the 19th Hussars.
Ian was on board a Churchill tank and on reconnaissance with the 11th Armoured Division that landed in Normandy, fighting in France, Belgium and the Netherlands before going over the Rhine into Germany.
Three of Ian’s tanks were destroyed and he was lucky to escape with his life.
The most poignant of his war memories was his near death experience on board a tank beside the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp which housed around 60,000 people in 1945.
Ian revisited the former death camp, on the 65th anniversary of its liberation last year.
He said: “In war you witness first-hand the depths to which humanity can sink. I was thunderstruck by what I saw – it was the first time that I realised exactly why we were fighting the war.
"The sights that I saw still make me weep.
"To go back was very emotional - it was not the first time I’ve been back - but it was a very special event.
"It was extraordinary to go there and see men with their grandchildren - I can never really explain my feelings.”
Post war
After the war Ian went on to spend three years with the army in Palestine.
He explained: “It was completely different from the war time experience. It was a wonderful place, even though there were the same risks.
“We were supposed to keep law and order as the country was split between the Arabs and Isralis. I can understand the feelings of the Israelis they were dreaming of a better life away from the starvation and deprivation and there was this frustration and anger.”
Teaching life
In the 1950s following his spell with the army, Ian returned to his home town of Hamilton and began a new life as a teacher at Rutherglen Academy.
The father-of-two - who specialised in engineering and technology - also taught at Lanark Academy and latterly in Larkhall Academy.
These days Ian is kept busy with the Royal British Legion in Scotland, Hamilton branch.
The association organise a memorial service every year and look after the memorial garden.
Ian said: “I’ve been involved with the Royal British Legion from birth.
“My father, grandfather and uncle were founding members and I travelled around the country with them when I was a boy.
“Our work goes on all year and we have collections in Hamilton, East Kilbride and Motherwell to send to charities like the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
“We’re always looking for new members.”
The association meet at Greenfields Social Club every Wednesday of the month from 7pm.
A Hamilton war veteran joins an elite group of Scots by featuring in the New Year’s Honour List.
Ian Forsyth, the president of the Hamilton branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland will receive a MBE from the Queen for his voluntary services to the charity.
Ian appears on the list alongside high profile Scots such as Annie Lennox and MP Anne Begg.
The 86-year-old, who is also convener of the Hamilton area branch of Poppy Scotland has spent years raising money for ex-servicemen and women after fighting for his country in the Second World War.
Ian said: "I never dreamed that I would be recognised in this way.
"It was a surprise and an honour when the letter came through the post and very difficult not to tell my friends and family.
"The letter said the ceremony could be held in Edinburgh or London. I’m hoping for my family’s sake that it will be in London so they can come.
"It would mean I can stay with my daughter in Reading!"
Wartime experiences
The grandfather-of-five joined the army when he was 17 and trained as a wireless operator with the 19th Hussars.
Ian was on board a Churchill tank and on reconnaissance with the 11th Armoured Division that landed in Normandy, fighting in France, Belgium and the Netherlands before going over the Rhine into Germany.
Three of Ian’s tanks were destroyed and he was lucky to escape with his life.
The most poignant of his war memories was his near death experience on board a tank beside the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp which housed around 60,000 people in 1945.
Ian revisited the former death camp, on the 65th anniversary of its liberation last year.
He said: “In war you witness first-hand the depths to which humanity can sink. I was thunderstruck by what I saw – it was the first time that I realised exactly why we were fighting the war.
"The sights that I saw still make me weep.
"To go back was very emotional - it was not the first time I’ve been back - but it was a very special event.
"It was extraordinary to go there and see men with their grandchildren - I can never really explain my feelings.”
Post war
After the war Ian went on to spend three years with the army in Palestine.
He explained: “It was completely different from the war time experience. It was a wonderful place, even though there were the same risks.
“We were supposed to keep law and order as the country was split between the Arabs and Isralis. I can understand the feelings of the Israelis they were dreaming of a better life away from the starvation and deprivation and there was this frustration and anger.”
Teaching life
In the 1950s following his spell with the army, Ian returned to his home town of Hamilton and began a new life as a teacher at Rutherglen Academy.
The father-of-two - who specialised in engineering and technology - also taught at Lanark Academy and latterly in Larkhall Academy.
These days Ian is kept busy with the Royal British Legion in Scotland, Hamilton branch.
The association organise a memorial service every year and look after the memorial garden.
Ian said: “I’ve been involved with the Royal British Legion from birth.
“My father, grandfather and uncle were founding members and I travelled around the country with them when I was a boy.
“Our work goes on all year and we have collections in Hamilton, East Kilbride and Motherwell to send to charities like the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
“We’re always looking for new members.”
The association meet at Greenfields Social Club every Wednesday of the month from 7pm.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Tributes to One O'Clock Gunner Eddie
From the Edinburgh Evening News. Article by David McCann:
Tributes have been paid to the first man to fire Edinburgh's famous One o'Clock Gun by hand, after he died aged 65.
Edward McCarthy manned the weapon from 1968-72 and was the first district gunner to fire the renowned timepiece manually rather than igniting it the traditional way, using weights and an electrical signal from the Royal Observatory on Blackford Hill.
He died peacefully at home last Monday. Mr McCarthy was a corporal in the T.A. 529 Company of Royal Army Service Corp but was entitled to wear the badge of the Royal Regiment of Artillery during his stint on the Castle ramparts.
Raised in Musselburgh, the former gunner lived in Bonnyrigg with his wife Margaret.
Affectionately known as Eddie, he served as a past chairman of the One o'Clock Gun and Timeball Association and met a host of figureheads as bombardier, including the Duke of Edinburgh.
But it was the thousands of tourists who flocked to the attraction every year that Mr McCarthy most enjoyed meeting. His greatest thrill was being photographed by ordinary people from all over the world.
As an important part of Edinburgh tradition, Mr McCarthy cherished his role as district gunner and never shirked his reponsibilities to be keeping time six days a week, except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas.
George Robinson, secretary of the One o'Clock Gun Association, said: "Eddie always did his best to promote the tradition of the One o' Clock Gun.
"During his spell as chairman he did his best to keep the peace and guide the organisation forward. Well balanced and down to earth, he was extremely proud of the part he played in the time-gun's long history.
"It's a great pity he will not be present at the 150th anniversary of the One o' Clock Gun in June.
"He will be sadly missed by his friends and his family."
Tributes have been paid to the first man to fire Edinburgh's famous One o'Clock Gun by hand, after he died aged 65.
Edward McCarthy manned the weapon from 1968-72 and was the first district gunner to fire the renowned timepiece manually rather than igniting it the traditional way, using weights and an electrical signal from the Royal Observatory on Blackford Hill.
He died peacefully at home last Monday. Mr McCarthy was a corporal in the T.A. 529 Company of Royal Army Service Corp but was entitled to wear the badge of the Royal Regiment of Artillery during his stint on the Castle ramparts.
Raised in Musselburgh, the former gunner lived in Bonnyrigg with his wife Margaret.
Affectionately known as Eddie, he served as a past chairman of the One o'Clock Gun and Timeball Association and met a host of figureheads as bombardier, including the Duke of Edinburgh.
But it was the thousands of tourists who flocked to the attraction every year that Mr McCarthy most enjoyed meeting. His greatest thrill was being photographed by ordinary people from all over the world.
As an important part of Edinburgh tradition, Mr McCarthy cherished his role as district gunner and never shirked his reponsibilities to be keeping time six days a week, except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas.
George Robinson, secretary of the One o'Clock Gun Association, said: "Eddie always did his best to promote the tradition of the One o' Clock Gun.
"During his spell as chairman he did his best to keep the peace and guide the organisation forward. Well balanced and down to earth, he was extremely proud of the part he played in the time-gun's long history.
"It's a great pity he will not be present at the 150th anniversary of the One o' Clock Gun in June.
"He will be sadly missed by his friends and his family."
The SMRG Advent Calendar - Day 13
Today's item is a clip from a 2005 news item reporting the death of Alfred Anderson, Scotlands last surviving veteran of the First World War.
Alfred was also the last surviving witness of the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Alfred was also the last surviving witness of the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Monday, 18 October 2010
"Forgotten" Army hero dies, aged 91
From the Glasgow Evening Times website:
"A hero of the Second World War who won two of the highest awards for bravery has died on his 91st birthday.
James Rodger was decorated with the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroism fighting the Japanese in the jungles of Burma.
A native of Govanhill in Glasgow, Mr Rodger joined the Highland Light Infantry as he thought he would get to ride a motorbike, but ended up fighting behind enemy lines as a member of the 14th “Forgotten” Army.
He served with the Royal Armoured Corps as part of the 81st (West African) Division, and was selected for the elite Recce Corps.
His bravery was first recognised in 1944, after he repeatedly volunteered to lead patrols deep into Japanese-held territory. He was presented with his DCM by King George.
After the war Mr Rodger returned to his trade as a monumental sculptor in Cathcart before training as a chiropodist."
I was unable to find his citation for the DCM, but his Military Medal citation reads:
"This NCO has led a very large number of patrols into and through strongly held enemy positions. He has achieved his object on every occasion despite opposition and the difficulties of the terrain. His reports on enemy dispositions and strength have been repeatedly most accurate and he has displayed great coolness in continuing his observations even though discovered by the enemy and subjected to heavy fire from automatic weapons and mortars. He has frequently volunteered to lead other parties immediately after his return from patrol and has gone out again with little rest in order to assist our troops to the utmost with his knowledge of the ground and enemy dispositions."
"A hero of the Second World War who won two of the highest awards for bravery has died on his 91st birthday.
James Rodger was decorated with the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroism fighting the Japanese in the jungles of Burma.
A native of Govanhill in Glasgow, Mr Rodger joined the Highland Light Infantry as he thought he would get to ride a motorbike, but ended up fighting behind enemy lines as a member of the 14th “Forgotten” Army.
He served with the Royal Armoured Corps as part of the 81st (West African) Division, and was selected for the elite Recce Corps.
His bravery was first recognised in 1944, after he repeatedly volunteered to lead patrols deep into Japanese-held territory. He was presented with his DCM by King George.
After the war Mr Rodger returned to his trade as a monumental sculptor in Cathcart before training as a chiropodist."
I was unable to find his citation for the DCM, but his Military Medal citation reads:
"This NCO has led a very large number of patrols into and through strongly held enemy positions. He has achieved his object on every occasion despite opposition and the difficulties of the terrain. His reports on enemy dispositions and strength have been repeatedly most accurate and he has displayed great coolness in continuing his observations even though discovered by the enemy and subjected to heavy fire from automatic weapons and mortars. He has frequently volunteered to lead other parties immediately after his return from patrol and has gone out again with little rest in order to assist our troops to the utmost with his knowledge of the ground and enemy dispositions."
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Welcome home parade in Stonehouse for injured soldier
Story from the BBC News website. Stonehouse is very near to where I live, but unfortunately I wasn't able to make the parade.
A village in Lanarkshire has held a welcome home parade for a soldier who was badly injured in Afghanistan.
Sgt Gary Jamieson, 30, of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, lost his legs and left arm after being caught in an explosion in April.
About 200 residents in the village and a pipe band greeted him as he returned to Stonehouse.
He said the difference that troops were making for the local population made the mission in Afghanistan worthwhile.
Sgt Jamieson was only four days into his first tour of Afghanistan when he was injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol.
He was left close to death but survived thanks to the swift actions of his fellow soldiers.
He has returned home to his wife and children for a couple of weeks, following a series of operations at Selly Oak in Birmingham and a month of rehabilitation at a military hospital in Surrey.
He said: "I was told there was a barbecue and I was trying to surprise them by walking in but obviously I got surprised first by a pipe band round the corner."
He said it was good to be home and to be getting back to the normality of his own house.
Recalling the incident in which he was injured, Sgt Jamieson said it had been a normal day on patrol until he was suddenly "on the deck".
"There was an explosion and the boys on the ground, and my friend, it was his quick actions that got the tourniquets on that saved my life," he said.
"It is the first five minutes that's keeping the boys alive, everybody's getting trained well enough for it."
He added: "You know the Taliban's not going to stand and fight any more because they know they're just getting shot.
"So it's quite easy to dig a hole in the ground and stick a bomb in it and kill a soldier that way, so it's a cowards way of doing it."
Medical praiseSgt Jamieson praised the medical staff in Afghanistan and the UK for his treatment in surgery, intensive care and the wards.
He still has to be fitted with prosthetic limbs and faces having to learn to walk again.
But he said the difference that troops were making for the local population made the mission in Afghanistan worthwhile and that he hoped to stay in the Army if a position can be found for him.
"I've got 10 years left on my contract and I want to serve it, hopefully with the Scots Guards," he added.
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009
Earl Haig dies
From the BBC News Website:
Earl Haig dies at the age of 91
Earl Haig, the son of British World War I commander Field Marshal Douglas Haig, has died at the age of 91.
George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig was born in March 1918 at the time of a major German offensive.
The death of his father - who is buried at Dryburgh Abbey in the Borders - saw him become the 2nd Earl Haig of Bemersyde at the age of nine.
Haig, who was known as Dawyck, was imprisoned at Colditz after being captured during World War II.
He once said that this time as a prisoner had a profound effect on his life.
"I was thus able to prepare myself for the post-war world in which I would play a part quite different from the one which I would have played had the war not happened," he said.
"Ironically, out of the evil that Hitler wrought upon my life there came some good."
That included becoming a long-serving office bearer in numerous ex-service charities.
Among them were the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, the Lady Haig's Poppy Factory and the Scottish National Institution for War Blinded.
He later became an acclaimed artist and was a president of the Scottish Craft Centre and a trustee of the National Gallery of Scotland.
However, his name was forever linked with his famous parent as was seen in the title of his autobiography, My Father's Son.
In 2006, on the eve of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, he spoke out to defend his father's record in World War I.
Earl Haig said he wanted to "set the record straight".
"I believe it has now turned full circle and people appreciate his contribution," he said at the time.
"But it saddens me my three sisters have not survived to see it.
"They died suffering from the beastly attitudes of the public towards our father."
Earl Haig dies at the age of 91
Earl Haig, the son of British World War I commander Field Marshal Douglas Haig, has died at the age of 91.
George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig was born in March 1918 at the time of a major German offensive.
The death of his father - who is buried at Dryburgh Abbey in the Borders - saw him become the 2nd Earl Haig of Bemersyde at the age of nine.
Haig, who was known as Dawyck, was imprisoned at Colditz after being captured during World War II.
He once said that this time as a prisoner had a profound effect on his life.
"I was thus able to prepare myself for the post-war world in which I would play a part quite different from the one which I would have played had the war not happened," he said.
"Ironically, out of the evil that Hitler wrought upon my life there came some good."
That included becoming a long-serving office bearer in numerous ex-service charities.
Among them were the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Earl Haig Fund Scotland, the Lady Haig's Poppy Factory and the Scottish National Institution for War Blinded.
He later became an acclaimed artist and was a president of the Scottish Craft Centre and a trustee of the National Gallery of Scotland.
However, his name was forever linked with his famous parent as was seen in the title of his autobiography, My Father's Son.
In 2006, on the eve of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, he spoke out to defend his father's record in World War I.
Earl Haig said he wanted to "set the record straight".
"I believe it has now turned full circle and people appreciate his contribution," he said at the time.
"But it saddens me my three sisters have not survived to see it.
"They died suffering from the beastly attitudes of the public towards our father."
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