We both almost have one track minds

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Hi again. Mines and more Mines.
On the 28th of March, 3rd Div crossed the Rhine that they had contributed so much in the preparation of its crossing. And by a bridge that another unit had completed. Great stuff! 51st div having held the bridgehead was now relieved by 43Wessex div. Guards Armoured were also across and ready to break out. Prisoners were taken by the RUR, they told us that our objective, Haldern had already been evacuated by the enemy.

Later, there were reports that more obstructions blown by the enemy on the road into the village, just in front of our forward lines. The CRE with a Major from our sister company set off to recce a demolished bridge. When they got there, they found that it had not been blown and the CRE going a bit further than he had intended, got himself blown up on a mine, wrecking his scout car. That caused a very unwilling CRE Lt Col Evill, to get evacuated.
The whole area was thick with mines, subsequently, Major Collins then arrived and despite being warned of the danger of the mines, started to clear them himself, though he did not have the necessary kit on hand.

This gallant officer cleared the mines ahead for half a mile, well in front of the leading infantry until he got blown up and killed. (Mine clearing always takes casualties) His loss was a great blow to his unit, and to his many friends, for he was held in greatest esteem.
Sapper.

Hi again. Mines and more Mines.
On the 28th of March, 3rd Div crossed the Rhine that they had contributed so much in the preparation of its crossing. And by a bridge that another unit had completed. Great stuff! 51st div having held the bridgehead was now relieved by 43Wessex div. Guards Armoured were also across and ready to break out. Prisoners were taken by the RUR, they told us that our objective, Haldern had already been evacuated by the enemy.

Later, there were reports that more obstructions blown by the enemy on the road into the village, just in front of our forward lines. The CRE with a Major from our sister company set off to recce a demolished bridge. When they got there, they found that it had not been blown and the CRE going a bit further than he had intended, got himself blown up on a mine, wrecking his scout car. That caused a very unwilling CRE Lt Col Evill, to get evacuated.
The whole area was thick with mines, subsequently, Major Collins then arrived and despite being warned of the danger of the mines, started to clear them himself, though he did not have the necessary kit on hand.

This gallant officer cleared the mines ahead for half a mile, well in front of the leading infantry until he got blown up and killed. (Mine clearing always takes casualties) His loss was a great blow to his unit, and to his many friends, for he was held in greatest esteem.
Sapper.

Sorry friends, another double posting.
Sapper.

All I can say is cool, very very cool. This is something special.

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The Corpse of an Enemy Always Smells Sweet

Where is Sapper?
Is everything OK?

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"GARRY OWEN"-Traditional war-cry of the US 7th Cavalry.
"CURRAHEE"-War-cry of the US 506th PIR.
"Everybody thinks that they are going to get the chance to punch some Nazi in the face at Normandy-and those days are over, they are long gone"-Lt Chris Burnett

Hi Forums.
Sapper is well, but has been rather busy lately. will continue the tale later. Nice to hear from someone again, it has been very quiet here!
Sapper

Great to see you back Brian and that you are fit and well; we had all been worried about you - have a look around on the site for the 'wheres Sapper' postings!!

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Paul Reed
Webmaster - Battlefields of WW2- http://www.ww2battlefields.info
D Day Ancestors: The British Army in Normandy - http://www.ddayancestors.com

Hi Everyone again.

Sorry I have been away for some time from these pages. I am pleased to see the messages enquiring about me in the other pages. I am perfecly well.

I am, as you will probably know, aged 78 and quite severely war disabled. I have been writing in other places for some time, but hopefully if possible I would like to continue writing here.

I do really appreciate your enquiries after my well being. I am going like a train, albeit, rather slow, chugging, old steam engine! And my engine is pretty worn.
Brian.

Quite welcome sir and looking forward to seeing more from you here.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

D Day! Spare a moment to remember.
Tomorrow is the 59th Anniversary of D Day. Spare a moment to remember those lovely young men from all the allies that never lived to enjoyed the full life that we enjoyed, and never knew the pleasure of a family of their own.

The Freedom Bell.
Across the years, our memories saved.
Of fine young men, who's lives they gave.
No song of lark, there, in darkened sky.
In front of Caen, we all came to die.
In high golden corn, our wounded fell.
Then burned to death, for Freedoms Bell.

Pegasus Bridge, came under fierce attack.
Our friends are dead, No! don't look back.
Listen? Is that the English Bells we hear?
From across the sea, to drown our fear?
For Mother Earth claims those that fall.
With soft Norman earth, to cover all.

On darkened, late, Mid-Summers night.
In restless dreams, before dawns light.
Familiar faces gather, call my name.
Come! for Freedoms Bell, lets fight again!
Then into battle, with troubled dreams.
Watch men die, scream, curse, blaspheme.

For we, who are old, the guns still roar.
And long forgotten, young voices call.
Searching mortars, for humans seek.
To maim and kill, and wounding's wreak.
Hear the screams of men, in mortal pain?
Are those the Bells? That dread refrain?

We, still live the years of mighty deeds.
And grieve for our fallen, our wounded bleed.
Who will ring the Bell of Freedoms song?
When we are gone? When we are gone?

Rest in Peace.

Well said Sir, and glad to see you back here. [img]smile.gif[/img]

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

pretty fitting as we have been discussing British armor in Normandy a bit.......Sapper Brian, good to see U posting again !

~E

Thanks for that, Sapper Brian!

Today we will remember those who gave their lives 59 years ago this day. My prayers are with them.

Good to have you back here. I hope we get to enjoy your stories again!

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

(banner by Otto)
www.basher82.nl

Respect to all veterans on this the anniversary of D-Day.

Great to see you back here Brian, I missed you my friend! [img]smile.gif[/img]

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Phear der PanzerPenguin!
HellFish love teh

Good to see you back, Sapper.

I am sure we were all thinking of the Allied soldiers who fought and died in Normandy 59 years ago; let us all ensure their memory never fades.

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Paul Reed
Webmaster - Battlefields of WW2- http://www.ww2battlefields.info
D Day Ancestors: The British Army in Normandy - http://www.ddayancestors.com

I would like also to add my thanks. To hear the words of just one veteran for a minute has much more effect than reading 100 books. Again I add my thanks.

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In war there is no prize for the runner-up
--General Omar Bradley
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum."

i have just know read this post and sapper i have spent the last 2 hrs. cryin and laughin at ur account and experience in Europe. i am American and on behalf of my freedom and my country i would like to say thank you for your sacrifice. any man who took place in that hellish front is worthy of recognition and honor from any free man today. you are an inspiration to the generations and will be spoken of for many years to come. i have only recently joined this forum but i read this and was overwhelmed by your story. i may not know that much about WW2 but have been researching for approxiametly a year and am very passionate about my studies. thank you for your support in this operation. i am a man with no military background behind me but out of honor and respect, oh behalf of America I salute u for ur efforts. i would love to see the day when you write a book containing your experiences in it, as soon as that day comes, please let this forum know as to where i can get it. once again thank you for ur extreme sacrifice and bravery on behalf of my country

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Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it- Sun Tzu

Thank you very much for that appreciation "Onthe field" that was kind of you.

I have not visited this site recently, a busy old fellow! The object of the pages I have submitted to this site had one purpose only.

That all those Allied forces that gave their lives, and were wounded, while taking part in restoring sanity to the World, and the removal of that murderous and evil Nazi regime from the enslaved peoples of Europe, will be remembered.

From the fields of Normandy I bring back many memories, beneath them, I leave many friends.
Feel free to have a chat any time.
Brian

Glad to see you back Sir, and I hope everything has been going well for you?

Best regards-Carl.

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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

Hi Carl. Come to that, and everyone else. Hi to all the friends here! Yes, I have been a busy old fellow. giving a talk, writing and trying to walk! That has become a very difficult procedure lately, very difficult.

Tomorrow I was supposed to be at my wartime convalescent home, the old manor that was such a haven of peace and tranquillity, I was to be interviewed there for BBC Southern T/V, but they called it off for two weeks, the POP star that owns it, has a set up for a music programme so I am told.

Gave a lecture on the Normandy campaign to a local society in a theatre, got a standing ovation at the end…That always gives the ego a bit of a boost.

The Veterans are leaving at the rate of knots now, not really surprising when you consider that I am just short of 79…….. 19 at the time of D Day. So the main of the Veterans will be by now anything up to 90 years of age. I tend to forget that I am an old man, until I see that white haired, doddery old fellow, desperately trying to get along on his crutches, “thinking” look at that poor old biddy…Then to realize? its me in a shop window.
My very best wishes to you all. I like to drop in on occasions just to make sure you are all behaving yourselves.
Brian

Very glad to hear that you're still 'looking in', Sapper ! We 'youngsters' need you to keep us in touch with reality....

As my Dad ( ex-Royal Armoured Corps ) says : 'Nil carborundum !'

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson