Yes Brian please continue.

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Greg

For me, I would like to hear more. This reminds me of my grandfather sharing his experiences with me. From my understanding, I was the only one of all his grandchildren because he said it seemed that I was the only one that showed any true interest. And boy did he ever share. So please do continue.

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American by birth, TEXAN by the grace of GOD!

I am still not sure if I am resurrecting too many old griefs, and too much agonising memories, I will carry on a little longer and hope I do not cause heart cahe anywhere.

Pegasus Bridge!
Blood soaked Pegasus Bridge.
.
Pegasus Bridge! The bridge that spanned the Orne Canal was of vital importance, it was the only link between the Airborne forces and Third British Infantry Division that had landed on "Sword Beach" the most important conduit between two separated fighting groups in Normandy. It was absolutely vital that tanks would be available to assist the Airborne to repel any Enemy counterattack, without armoured support, they would have been overrun for certain. When we arrived at the bridge the bodies of the Airborne were still laying about where they had fallen. I can recall how impressed I was by how close to the bridge the gliders of this task force had landed in pressing home their attack. What a brave and heroic attack! Indeed, one of the gliders was very close to the actual bridge approach on the far, or East bank. I have seen films about D Day, and the scene where they assaulted with gliders was not right! One of those gliders landed much closer to the bridge than in the film! In the early of the invasion, there had been some doubt about the capability of Pegasus bridge to support the weight of tanks, and indeed, whether the bridge might have collapsed under the strain of such heavy loads.

Our Colonel ‘Tiger’ (A name he richly deserved) we had been told, had forbidden tanks to use the bridge in case of its collapse, the argument being that if the bridge were to go, then the supply line into the Airborne areas would be cut, leaving them stranded. By the way, Tiger was renowned for having his own private war with the Enemy, sometimes to be seen crawling back towards the forward infantry, and legend has it, without his driver and signaler.

Elements of my company 246 Field Co R.E. because of the danger to the bridge, were drafted in and assisted in rafting and building tidal bridges over the Orne, as a back up to the existing bridge. The Enemy wanted that bridge back, no matter what.

To that end, there was a lot of sniping, shell and mortar fire, making the rafting and bridging a very hazardous operation, not helped by Luftwaff pressing home very determined and continuous air raids, carried out at very low level, air attacks that resulted in 17 planes being shot down in the area, mostly by ground fire. (It is claimed) Every rifle, Bren gun, and Sten, opened up on these low flying German fighters as they came in, determined to press home their attack. In one instance during this operation, one of the platoons engaged in the bridging came under such heavy fire that they had to withdraw, 2 platoon (Mine !)took up the challenge and finished the job.

The Enemy shell and mortar fire succeeded in holing some of the pontoons, but someone had the foresight to fill them with empty Jerry cans before we left England, this prevented them from foundering completely, and enabled us to replace the damaged pontoons much quicker, by floating them in and out while still under heavy artillery fire. One of the bank sites for a "tidal" bridge came under such severe artillery fire at one time that we were forced to move to a different site. To make things even more difficult while we were engaged in the rafting and bridging, we had to break off at times and defend the bridge from direct Enemy attack. He wanted that bridge back any cost, But, he did not get it.

I dug my fox hole on the Western bank and about 40 yards to the South, when watching TV one day, I saw that the bank has trees growing along the bank .so my foxhole can no longer be there! Shame! I have heard how the family from the café close by, took part in helping our men, with great respect and from what I can remember, I never even saw the place, we had little time to pay attention to civilians, let alone café's.

Later, and while the bridges were being constructed, the Germans put in a determined armoured counter attack to drive the Airborne into the sea. Consequently those under attack desperately needed tank support, a squadron of tanks arrived at the bridge to give the armoured support, only to find themselves staring across a road over the bridge they could not use. Our officer climbed down under the bridge and investigated the end supports to see if the bridge had "end packing" finding that the Germans had strengthened the bridge, he told the tank commanders that they could cross. The tank men still not happy about the situation, hesitated, then, when our officer offered to sit on the front of the leading tank, they were convinced, they all drove over, Lt M Edwards, sitting on the front of the lead tank! later, the armour returned with their hessian camouflage smoldering, having driven off the counter attack.

During the assault bridging operation sniper fire was a constant menace. Sometimes they would leave a sniper behind when they retreated. Very often hidden somewhere in our sector. A careful watch was mounted and the R E units tired of being subjected to small arms fire, broke off the bridging operations, located the whereabouts of a sniper in a church spire, sent out a fighting patrol and got the bastard, much to everyone's satisfaction. There would be no throwing down his rifle and surrendering for this one.
Sapper.

I have just read this topic and find it deeply interesting and also exceedingly well-written. Being an engineer myself, reading this touches me personally in a way, although I hope that I will never take part in a full-scale shooting war. I beg you to continue.

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„Solange man nicht mit dem Kopf unterm Arm rumläuft geht es doch noch!" Erwin Rommel

Hello Everyone.
Just for a moment let us examine the fighting qualities of the armed forces in Normandy and the following conflicts. I have no wish to upset anyone with what is written here, for it is my opinion only.

Let us look first at the German Army. The ordinary army. Fine fighting men, the Germans had a flair for war and were always a tough lot. The SS were much more fanatical and fought with tenacity, and refused to admit defeat, even when all was lost
I hold them in great respect. What a pity they fought for such an evil empire. And, committed such evil deeds!

The British Army. They are known World wide for their dogged fighting qualities. They have a long tradition, having fought all over the World. Who would deny the fear engendered by the sound of the Scots pipes advancing towards you? I know that the skirl of the pipes in the distance put the fear of God into the opposition, and with good reason
Or the Welsh Guards. And the disciplined English army regiments with long proud records.

The Americans. Well I have a great deal of respect for the Americans, I like them.
They are generous and a friendly lot. As to their fighting qualities? Great! The yankee dogface a great infantry man, as I said earlier they possessed this “Gung Ho” attitude that worked very well for the best part of the time, but in others, it let them down badly. There are several instances where they bombed their own people, the saying, “When the Germans bomb, the British duck. When the British bomb the Germans duck. When the Americans bomb everybody ducks” That says lot about the different attitudes to war!
I hope that I have not in any way upset anyone with these observations? But in truth, I sincerely believe that these three Nations are already aware of this. Or should be.

Heres a thought for you. Who would like to fight against a combined German/British army? The mind Boggles!

This Venerable old Gentleman will continue for a little while with these recollections of a bye-gone age. For in truth I am getting on in years and get very tired, very quickly. What does help is feed back from those who read these articles. Then I know that someone is out there and I am not writing this for nothing! What articles are to follow, are shown here, I hope you will find them interesting:-

The French V.C.
Hillman. Bloody Hillman.
Germans Smell.
Doodle Bug.
The Bloodiest Square Mile in Normandy.
The Chateau de la londe.
The bombing of Caen.
Tilly!
The Pipes the Pipes!
The Prisoners.
Goodwood.
Duel under a hot Summer Sun.
The Battles Round Vire. Behind the enemy lines.
Boots full of Blood. Where is my Bowie Knife?
The American prisoner.
The dead German SS officer.
Falaise The Bloody Carnage.
The Siene.
Belgium and Brussels.
The Dantes inferno of the Escaut Canal.
Weert.
Market Garden, the mad dash.
Linden.
The Island.
Misery!
That’s twice I ran over that German!
Overloon and Venraij.
The River Maas.
Nijmegen.
The Garden Roller Man!
Deception. Deep behind the lines.
Night fighting patrols.
Strangers.
The Bridge.
Goodnight Nurse! Oh No! not again!
The Portals of the Gates of Hell!
By Plane to England.
The long Journey to recovery.
The Elizabethan Manor. My Home.
Tea at the rock star “Stings” house.
Back into civilian life.
The Genius that made the Hip joint operation.
Followed by what happened after. Back in Civilian life.
Sapper

Hello Sapper: Along with everyone else I am hoping that you continue with your story. It is so rare now to be able to hear a first hand account of what actually happened as I have not been able to hear such things since my grandfather passed away. I enjoy reading your posts and look forward to the next edition. Steve

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The soldier above all others prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. General Douglas Macarthur

Brian :

I am hoping that you are making a duplicate copy or do have your memories already written up for your family ; besides us here on the forum, others back home need to know what you have been through !

E

Thank you for your Feed back. At least I know that there are some folk reading this. As to Erich Brown's asking about these memoirs. Yes Thank you Erich! I have written a book just for my family and close friends. It is not for publication, nor can it be bought, I have a friend who served with the East Yorks Regiment, and who's life fairly mirrored mine. He always says the same thing. WE have a duty to let the younger folk than ourselves, know about what went on and what sacrifices were made for the life we enjoy today. The books title "Cameos Of War" I am now in the process of writing an historical document on war and its after effects, to leave behind when I depart this mortal coil. Not that I have any intention of falling off my twig for some considerable time yet! I like it here for this World is an absolute jewel its the bloody idiots who live in it. that cause the trouble
Sapper

Dear Sapper--as always--I am thoroughly enjoying all of your postings. Im also in great anticipation of reading all that you will be typing here. Thank you VERY much... [img]smile.gif[/img]

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

Brian :

Will the war document be available for public viewing or will this be another treat for only the "family" ? As already mentioned thank you from all of us on your continual quest of "your" story ! thumbs up !

E

Hello Sapper! I would like to second Erich's sentiments. As avid WW2 buffs we all would be very intersted in your stories. I in particular, am interested in your stories about Venraij, Overloon and Nijmegen. I recently visited the area, Museum and Cemetery and would really appreciate your stories to fill in the gaps and framework of what I already know.

Thank you for sharing! It is absolutely great to have a vet amongst us here.

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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

Hello again.
Thank you for all the postings that you very kindly sent to me. I am absolutely convinced that an Internet program of this type should be interactive. Where people, young, old, or any age come to that, can ask questions about times long past, and get honest, and knowledgeable answers. Not only that, but also to be able to discuss sensibly, what different ‘peoples’ think of all this? That makes it all worth while!

Today. I would like, if I may, try bringing into play, another aspect of war. For despite the horror and heartbreak, the dreadful loss of good friends and mates, there are other humorous events, and music, that brings back, and creates so realistically the atmosphere of wartime.

Come with me, and for just for a moment, try to imagine you are part of a small band of very determined young men! Today you are in Normandy, in that dreadful killing area between Caen and the coast. There is gathered around you, a small group of lively young men full of banter and leg pulling. It is a beautiful Summers day, the morning is fresh without a cloud in the sky, it is great to be alive! For you are young, and believe, with the cockiness of youth, that nothing could ever happen to you! We are just behind the front line, and are going to assist in an assault on a village on the road to Caen. There is only desultory shell and mortar fire, with the occasional burst of machine guns fire in the distance. For today’s drive forward will entail you getting into the thick of the coming battle, we, in the Eighth Brigade, are going to lead off an assault by clearing mines from the path of the infantry, and the tanks. It is not going to be easy, and some of that little group of friends will not be returning, for the area we are going to clear is exposed to the Enemies direct view.

I, as usual, have the Bren Machine Gun over my shoulder, and have several spare magazines stuffed in my pockets. We have all that we need, Commando knives, grenades, It is essential that we can move fast in this operation, that’s if we are to survive, to that end, it is khaki denim trousers and tunics, with the sleeves rolled up.

But here is the oddity that sets the scene, near us is a radio playing from the AFN (American Forces network), with Glen Miller’s music, As we prepare for the assault, we listened to Tuxedo Junction. String of Pearls, American Patrol and Moonlight Serenade. Just try to imagine the scene. The Big swing band on a beautiful hot Summers morning, while this small, Piratical band of youngsters, prepare for God knows what is to come. As this little group set off towards the enemy, from behind us we can still hear the Glen Miller music in the distance, until it fades away. But now, the music that one is going to hear is of a very different melody, it will be orchestrated by shell, mortar, and machine gun, sometimes, sadly, accompanied by a quiet call for help from a badly wounded soldier. Can any of you imagine this? Much later, we would return in rather less numbers than we set out, so hopefully earlier that day. Oh Yes! I remember! I Remember. Can any of you imagine this?
Sapper.

Honestly, I dont think any of us could imagine that without being there ourselves. I for one would rather not imagine it as it would be to painful to think of. I can picture it in my head but I cant attach any emotion to it other than feeling sorry for those who didnt return. How does one comprehend such an undertaking without having been there to witness the destruction that was inflicted. I commend you on being able to recall events that must have taken a terrible toll on the mind and probably still do today.

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The soldier above all others prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. General Douglas Macarthur

Oh yes, Stevin Oudshoorn from Holland. For many of us Holland was one of our greatest trials, I spent much time at Overloon and Venraij (or what was left of them!) and in the little villages that can be found in the vicinity of the Maas. Oploo was the place where we prepared to launch the great attack, after the Americans departed to the South. The war museum at Overloon was originally dedicated to the Third British Infantry Division, My old Division. It was later made into the National war museum. for we were the ones that freed that area. later we lived in a SS camp near Venraij.It was on the road between Overloon and Venraij in the early hours of the morning that I met my second and final wounding.But this time there would be no way back for me, for now my war was finished.
The Dutch people (BLESS THEM)invited me to go back with a free holiday, when I told them I was too war disabled to go,they came back quickly with the answer "We will have a nurse waiting for you as soon as you arrive", But I did not go. But more of that later, for there is a great deal about Holland in the later stages. I still keep in touch with an old Dutch friend, he was so war disabled, we call him "Byonic Bill" He has been to my home and we love to see him, sadly it is now very difficult, for we are getting old and frail. But Byonic Bill is a lovely fellow and I shall send him a Christmas card as usual. On the way in Holland, A young lady offered to wash my dirty clothes for me. BLess her! we had to move fast in the morning, I collected a bunch of wet clothes and slung thewm in the wagon! While we were at Weert, I gave a little Dutch boy the change from a two and half Guilder note and put it in his hat. I wonder if he remembers that young English man who gave him all his money?
Sapper

Sapper, before your last posting to Stevin you mentioned the drive from the coast to Caen. Are you covering now your experiences on the 7th of June ?

a little input in the air war for this date.....the Luftwaffe claimed 28 P-47's 14 P-51's and 2 P-38's, also 2 Typhoon's and 4 Spitfires. In return the Luftwaffe fighters were slaughtered......losing 42 German fighters, with 3 pilots captured.

E

Sir, I am more enchanted for every word you post. Reading the chapters to come I was tremendously happy. I was fascinated by the tittles. I have told my grandfather about this and he would like to post some words later, from veteran to veteran. The British are certainly in his highest stime. He fought them in France, Africa and Italy and has excellent opinions on them. But at the time you were living all those good and bad adventures here, he was fighting the reds in the other side of Europe. First I will print all your chapter for him to read them and then will help him to post his words.

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"War is less costly than servitude, the choice is always between Verdun and Dachau." - Jean Dutourd, French veteran of both world wars

"A mon fils: depuis que tes yeux sont fermes les miens n’ont cessé de pleurir." - Mère française, Verdun

Thank you all for your messages.
Bear with me Erich! When it comes to dates, and what happened when? I am at a loss, for although I have a remarkable memory, some of the dates I cannot honestly give. Anything I write here, must be exactly right, and, what happened to me. After all this time, dates and events get jumbled, some of what I write will be out of sequence. No matter, for it all took place. You asked about the Air force's and the losses that both sides suffered. Here I cannot tell you, for it is out of my remit. I do know quite a lot of statistics, but only where I am directly involved.

I do welcome the input from all those who read these pages! not only young people, but also the parents, and grand parents. For, when we old Veterans depart this Earth, we will take it all with us. For me, it is rather like handing on historical fact to those that follow. The same thing happened to me when I was young, for although this sounds absolutely ridiculous, I actually served with a man who fought in the South African war against the Boers. His name? Regimental Seargent Major Humphries.

Hillman.
Not one shell or Bomb!

We had now fought our way ashore and opened up the route into Hermanville. The German position code named "Morris" had been taken, and many Enemy captured, The Company had also been given the task of getting to, and capturing, the lock gates at Ouistreham, in doing so, they captured officers and men.

But now, before us, lay the huge inland Enemy defensive position code named "Hillman" and a very tricky problem it was going to be. Quite a large area, (650 meters by 450 meters) Heavily mined, with underground passages, and with the whole front covered with artillery and mortar fire, with machine gun fire criss-crossing everything, it could not be by-passed, it was far to big, and far too dangerous, it had to be taken.

The problem being? how to get in among this defensive position. For it was a “horribly lethal” proposition, when the Germans build a defensive position you can bet it will be very efficient, and it will serve the purpose for which it was created. One of the newspapers at the time described it as a “Grisly business”

An officer from my company had been attached to the Suffolk Regiment and with a few Sappers, had been given the job of opening up a path through the barbed wire and mines under heavy fire. Lt Heal R.E. with Sappers, worked their way through the mines under very heavy fire, dealing with the mines by blowing them, as they opened up a "Sheep track" right into the heart of the position, in doing so, earned himself the French V.C. The Croix de Guerre. (My Hero) Later, we spent the night at this position, only to find in the morning that a large crowd of Germans came up from the underground passages to give their selves up, with their officers. During the taking of "Hillman" there had been some very unpleasant and dirty fighting down in the underground passages! Once we got the infantry through the Sheep track, the battle was won, then the company opened up a wider track to get the tanks in.

What was most peculiar about this was that not one bomb or shell had landed on this position. It was untouched, but through the bravery of dedicated Sappers “Hillman” was won. Much later, and for a little while, we used it as a base. As far as I know it is still there and virtually intact. I have never returned to Normandy.
Comments welcome.
Sapper.

Sapper, it does sound as if you are working from your diary..correct ? did think that possibly you had dated some of these exerpts. I am only guessing but as you describe some of these so livid actions we may be able to put a date(s) along with your actions. I do understand that what was going on in the air did not play much importance since you were so heavily engaged through the Normandy countryside. This if course would have changed if the Luftwaffe would of had air superiority.

E

Hi Erich. Thanks for you posting.
No, I do not quote from a diary, It is something that I have never possessed. But I do have a remarkable memory for some things. let me put it to you. Do you think you would remember the events you had taken part in at the young age of just nineten. Events like the greatest invasion the World has ever seen. And if you had been in the thick of the action, and had been wounded on two occasions, No need for a diary, I remember all to well, all those young men that paid the ultimate price for Freedom, and a better World that we have to day. I Know there are a lot of things wrong in this World, but just for a moment consider what it would have been like without the sacrifice of all those young lives. Data and statistics cut no ice when you are in action, and at my age, they mean little. By the way, if any one needs convincing that the World is a better place. Later,I have the description of Belson concentration camp from the Army medical staff that entered, and tried to save the inmates. There is one statistic that I am aware of. Those men that landed on D Day at what we term, "The Sharp End" had just six weeks to live, and in practise that is just what happened. Within six weeks you would have been wounded, and departed the battle field, or you would have joined those that did not make it. I would have liked to be able to quote numbers and statistics but unfortunately, I cannot.
Sapper

Hi Erich. Thanks for you posting.
No, I do not quote from a diary, It is something that I have never possessed. But I do have a remarkable memory for some things. let me put it to you. Do you think you would remember the events you had taken part in at the young age of just nineten. Events like the greatest invasion the World has ever seen. And if you had been in the thick of the action, and had been wounded on two occasions, No need for a diary, I remember all to well, all those young men that paid the ultimate price for Freedom, and a better World that we have to day. I Know there are a lot of things wrong in this World, but just for a moment consider what it would have been like without the sacrifice of all those young lives. Data and statistics cut no ice when you are in action, and at my age, they mean little. By the way, if any one needs convincing that the World is a better place. Later,I have the description of Belson concentration camp from the Army medical staff that entered, and tried to save the inmates. There is one statistic that I am aware of. Those men that landed on D Day at what we term, "The Sharp End" had just six weeks to live, and in practise that is just what happened. Within six weeks you would have been wounded, and departed the battle field, or you would have joined those that did not make it. I would have liked to be able to quote numbers and statistics but unfortunately, I cannot.
Sapper