HI Sommecourt and Carl. I take in all that you say. to be perfectly honest, I was being naive to think that it would not be copied, or used.

Stevin had suggested that what has been written here could be made into a little book. That seems to me to be sensible. especially if it was shared amongst the forum members. You did mention the copyright. In this case most of what I have subscribed came from my book entitled "Camoes of war" Written for my family.that is on file.

Hello Everyone. I hope that you all had a very nice Christmas. Back to the war!

February 25th 1945, The company joined the battle (Operation Heather) just South of the Reichwald Forest and relieved the 15th Scottish Division at Pfalzdorf near Goch.

Third British infantry division with 8th and 9th brigades up, the R.E. companies providing mine clearing teams with each of the brigades in this battle. On the left with the Suffolk regiment we cleared a path through the thick woods for the leading tanks, while the East Yorks regiment made good headway against considerable mortar fire, making it a very uncomfortable period.

During this time we lifted many Holzmines giving us something else to think about. Lifting mines is always a dangerous business, but even more so under heavy enemy fire. We also encountered a new menace, that of Teller mines buried deeply and beyond the range of our detectors, they lay there while several tanks and armoured vehicles crossed over, then blew up later. This was something quite new, there seemed to be no answer to this problem of deeply buried mines.

Meanwhile, back in England, I had returned to Lake House for final convalescence before being discharged to continue treatment in a Hospital near my home. My final discharge from treatment was to be a long way ahead. It was a time of great frustration and not a little despair. For the possibility of getting back to work seemed so far away, and so remote.

Lake House though, during that time of convalescence was an oasis of peace and relaxation, for Lake House in May time, was a beautiful and enchanting place. The gardens were wonderful, and with the River running through the bottom of the gardens, made it almost magical. All the while, the house itself bestowed on its inhabitants a warm and welcoming atmosphere, something it never lost, for some forty five years later, that welcoming feeling still persisted in this magical old manor House. (More of that later) I look back, (with not a little nostalgia) to my time spent at this place of peace, warmth, and security. A time in my life despite the severity of my spinal and leg injuries. I look back on as a golden period, for this old Elizabethan Manor. Lake House, was a magical place. Still is! (again, more of that later)
Next; the cold hard light of reality for the returning Veterans.
Sapper Brian.