Falaise.......uk ! have got many cine films.....gross ! Had not the Allies complete air superiority of the air there would not have been a Falaise, but also too with the bottleneck of so many disorganized units and roads it is a wonder to me that any even got out. It was a horrible victory .......... period ..........

E

Hi Erich.
There was one great over-riding weapon we had, That was the Typhoon, later in the campaign, we had a "Cab Rank" of Typhoon's patrolling the sky ready to pounce whenever, and wherever, they were needed. I have seen a Tiger blown over on its side with a Typhoon attack, It was probably the greatest weapon of the campaign in North West Europe. Perhaps exceeding even the fabled 88s. God knows! they were a legend, and still are.

But I can tell you in all honesty, the Falaise gap was something that no civilised man would willing observe, or take part in. For me, there was the satisfaction that the Das Reich 2nd SS Panzer Division, for the most part, was destroyed in the maelstrom, Perhaps in their destruction the agonised screams of the dying women and children that were being burnt alive in the church at Orador sur glan, will somehow fade, for sound never completely fades away, it just gets fainter as it circulates around the universe. perhaps the death of the Das Reich will quieten those screams! But one thing will still remain. No birds will inhabit Orador, for even the wild life senses the horror that took place there, and indeed, still hangs to the ivy covered walls.
Sapper.

Brian:

It is all so true ! The coup de grace for the Tiffie units. Every hit from cannon or rocket hit something......it's as if the pilots could not miss. for a fact the Wehrmacht never thought it would be faced with something like this in Normandy. What a blood-slaughter and with the mess afterwards, I can only imagine and I would rather not what it would of been like to clean everything up men, horses and all the material.
As for Das Reich they did take a heavy hammering during the campaign, but it may be of interest since it was a Panther commanded by RK Fritz Langanke that opened the door way for escape of the Army and W-SS units by destroying over 4/6 Sherman tanks of a Polish armored division counting as a blocking threat to the retreating German forces. War..... ugh !

E

Hi Sword Beach to Bremen readers.

The battle for Normandy was now coming to a close. Our hard fought battles on the killing ground North Of Caen had paid off with even greater results that one could have wished for earlier. For inside that Falaise pocket, a German army had perished, many had escaped but there was terrible losses, and what was even better, a huge loss of vital equipment. For during that period of total destruction many German units had ceased to exist.

After that violent period, the company had to regroup, while this was going on we operated in the Flers sector. Of course the war did not just fade away, at times there was some fierce shelling that cost us many casualties.

There also arose the problem of reinforcements, for now we had a lot of new fresh young faces, they had to be trained up for assault work. To that end, we used the Flers reservoir to train the newcomers in folding boats, on assault river crossing. Meanwhile, I practised my explosive skills, not only by blowing down trees and seeing that that fell exactly where I wanted them, but also for fresh fish to augment our tinned rations. A pound of gun cotton. a primer, a detonator with a bit of safety fuse produced some wonderful fresh trout. Most of that vanished into the officers mess tent!

In passing, once a soldier had been trained by the army, then you never forget. I feel quite confident that I could blow up anything, or use explosives in any sphere, even to day, for they still use the same fuses as we did many years ago. The one I loved to use most, that was the instantaneous fuse. Coloured yellow, it was possible to lay out a fuse a mile long. Stick one end in your ear if you started to fire it up a mile away, it would blow your head off before you could remove it. Now that was instantaneous! Marvellous stuff!

Shortly after, on the 31st of August, we moved again to Les Andelys, just North of the river Seine. Here we spent a few days of contented rest and relaxation, for the armoured thrust had left us far behind. There was no alternative, we had to make up the company strength, and bring it back into good condition. After a few days doing nothing, we moved to a little place, Porte-Joie where we trained in more canvas Assault boat river crossing.

On the 9th of September, the company came under the control of 30 corps, and ordered to move to the Brussels area. After a tiring journey we arrived at the area of Louvain / Diest. Temporarily Losing some of our D.Rs as they had served here in 1940.
The next episode! They barred the British from Paris! That was for the Americans only! That angered the British! Who had suffered the heaviest csaualties? But we did enjoy Brussels.
Sapper Brian. Any comments?

Hi Everybody. What follows is the war in Holland and it is not pleasant.

The Bridge Too Far.

Belgium!
Brussels, Beautiful Brussels.
Over the border and straight on, in fact we never stopped until we had swept right through Brussels and arrived in a wood a few miles the other side of the city. Our officers decided that the men ought to get the chance to see Brussels. "Just one day men, we have to move on" Recently I managed to get hold of the Company history, and in there I discovered that officially, and I quote: “September the 13-16” "Company training in unit location, with one platoon at a time away for a day and a night on assault rafting in Brussels" What a wonderful excuse to cover our 24 hours in the big city! I cannot imagine for one second where we were supposed to go rafting?

All of a sudden, out came uniforms, dirty old denims that we wore nearly all the time were discarded, and this scruffy bunch with long hair. (Not the cleanest of Her Majesties Service Men,) having lived in holes in the ground for three months, tried their very best to smarten up, I even saw gaiters being scrubbed and boots polished!

We had always tried to keep as tidy as possible in action, though it is difficult, living in holes in the ground in all weathers. For the first time for three months we began to look like soldiers again, some even looked smart! One fly in the ointment that threatened our trip to the fleshpots of Brussels was that some men had to stay behind to guard the company vehicles, the half tracks, carriers, plus that we captured from the Enemy, all that goes to make an R. E. Field Company.

It was decided that men would gather in groups and toss coins to see who would stay as guards, about ten men were required for this duty. Yes! Who else but me would manage to lose the toss all the way through? One of the men keeping his mates in mind, drove back to our harbour area all the way from Brussels in a taxi, with a prostitute! Great big wench! Not pretty either! This great Big Lusty Lass offered her services free to those staying behind. Me, an innocent Nineteen year old country boy from Dorset, knew all about war, but nothing about the Ladies! Not a damn thing. This lady tried to convince me that all would be well. Yours truly was not too sure! I decided that rather than make a complete fool of myself, I would try my hand with the female sex in my own good time.

In those far off days 58 years ago things were very, very, different! The mind boggles when you see what happens today. Next day our men arrived back full of the tales about Brussels and of the good time they had, our officers then decided that the rest of us could have day in the city and make our own way back, or catch up with the company in the morning.

We set off full of excitement, the great big city of Brussels to explore, on my own, and not knowing anything about Brussels I decided to stop for a drink in a café and there fell in with a cut throat band of the Belgium secret army. I believe they called themselves the White army" they where a real load of ruffians and well on their way to being roaring drunk. It was there that I met an elderly gentleman who tried to communicate in what could only be described as fractured English, eventually, I found out that this old gentleman wanted me to go with him and meet someone, not wishing to hurt his feelings, I agreed, and went with him. he took me to a department store in the centre of the city where his wife worked behind the counter. It seemed they wanted to invite me to their home and share a meal with them. They were so keen I never had the heart to say no.

Looking back I would not have missed this old couples invitation for anything. They were absolutely wonderful. The Lady, quite elderly spoke some fractured English, just a little better than her husband, they made me very welcome in their home and shared what little food they had, to be truthful I think that I was given all they had, when I protested, they told me that they had been waiting for the moment of freedom when they could entertain an English soldier, and it had been a very long time coming, through all those years, they had been saving up for it. They told me how Grandmother had flown round Brussels on her 90th birthday and a lot about the family. (the things one remembers!) Later, they took me on a tour of Brussels, into the main square where all the architecture of the buildings is different, I was also taken to see the Manikin, that's the little boy having a wee, very realistic! They were very proud of their city, with good reason, it was a very attractive place.

In the evening they took me to a cabaret and treated me to a steak dinner, very expensive! Can you imagine how I felt? Eating the food? I could not refuse to eat it they would have been very upset, they would not hear of my protests and again told me they had been saving up for years, just for this moment, though I must admit it did stick in my throat a bit. That night I slept in a real bed with clean sheets! Just think for a moment how this felt after so long living out in the open and in fox holes. Glory be, without the sound of war. When I awoke first, I looked out of the upstairs window to remember my bearings just in case I would be able to return and thank these wonderful folk for their great kindness. To my left was a very imposing building that I would remember, even today, their house was in the "Forest" area of Brussel.

Treated to a very hearty breakfast, this wonderful old couple actually apologized in case I had been prevented from spending the night with a woman! The name of these gracious people? Something like: Charles and Lucia van Dusselaire. or something like that, Like most service men little things trigger off memories of past kindness' and I remember those very kind folk who tried to help a young soldier on his way with deep gratitude. I wish that I could have returned to thank those gentle folk properly Unfortunately I had been wounded so severely later, that it was difficult to get back into employment, therefore it was not possible.

Yes ! I remember. I remember. Nor am I likely ever to forget. Bless you Belgium Folk What Kindness! What Kindness! I yearn to find that family and to thank them and show them my family. What a joy that would be. Sadly, I will never know. For it far too late.

The next episode will describe the run for Arnhem up the Eastern side of Holland. For here we were to return to the harshness of war. But in terrible conditions.
So, here is your chance to join with me, in the misery of war in Holland.
Sapper.

Hello Again. Let me break off from the battles for a brief period, and discuss other issues.
There are odd events, and happenings that occur in war, often without explanation.
There are also those men that served at the “Sharp End” and never received the recognition that they deserved. Let me explain; I can think of many officers that I served with who’s actions in battle, far exceeded the call of duty. Not only that, but they continued to give exceedingly brave service. Oddly enough, they never received any official recognition for their outstanding service and dedication to the cause.

To me that is a great shame. The men concerned did not look for recognition for what they did, they gave their best out of loyalty and ‘esprit de corps’. But it is still a shame that those who gave so much, would never be recognised. That immediately begs the question, WHY? The answer to this is quite simple, They, by their actions over a period of time, became the ones that their superiors turned to when a particularly unpleasant operation was in the offing. A certain group would be looked on as “reliable and trustworthy” Because in all the previous operation they had always succeeded, Therefore, it was “expected and assumed” that the same group would be available to carry out the most dangerous tasks. There you have it. It became a habit to call on the same faces over and over again.

That I find “uncomfortable” for there are officers that I know deserved official recognition, and got nothing, It was “Expected” and became a case of; familiarity breeds contempt, to a certain degree. That may not sit well with others views of my company. But it is mine.

One Corporal suffered more than most through this “Expectation” syndrome. He was always available, and he always took the same little group of men on all the “Dirty” operations, “The most dangerous ops”. I was one of that small group he called on to make up a team for whatever was coming. Sadly, when I was back in Hospital in England, I heard through the grape vine that he had been killed on the last day of the war. For once in my life I felt deep grief, and to still do to a degree! But I still remember this man, even though now, I cannot remember his name.

What is all this leading to? This young soldier was always in the thick of it, Not for me, the nice behind the lines job keeping the roads clear of mines. So I managed to get into damn near everything that was going on, The last job I volunteered for, was to take on extra duties as a D.R, over and above what I was already doing.

Just before I was wounded for the second time, my platoon officer took me to one side and informed me that I was to be awarded the “Commander in Chiefs award of Merit” commonly called “Monties Certificates” Not only that, but as Monty was our old Divisional commander, he would come and award it in person. Can you imagine what that meant to a nineteen year old who had never dreamed that something like that would come his way?

Shortly after I was wounded again, but this time very seriously. Waiting back in hospital in England for the award to arrive. It never did. Heart break? Certainly! Recently, I have tried to find out if it was still on file in the service history. I await with expectation, but fear that far too much time had passed under the bridge of life
Sapper Brian.

Excellent stuff sir, excellent!

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

Hi Thanks for your very kind words Carl Evans. It is always nice to hear from those that read these pages. I don't mind if they are critical about what I have to say. So Thanks Carl. interaction is important.

Two things that are bugging me at present. One that I did not get my "Award" I know I left it far to late. but now reaching into my late 70s it is important that I get hold of this award, for the British army gives very little in recognition of deeds in war time, Then again, I would like to let my family know about their granddad.

Secondly! There is always the danger when writing these pages of being seen as a doddery old man blathering on about living in the past.

The whole object of this war history is that the ordinary men that fought will be remembered. From all the Countries. Allied or otherwise.

The next episode covers the dash to Arnhem and the terrible battles in Holland. Not my favourite place to conduct a war.
Sapper Brian.

Les Fleurs de Normandie.
The Flowers of Normandy.

On Norman soil, they fought and died.
Now young men's graves in rows abound.
In Mother Earth's arms, now sanctified,
The fragrant flowers of our youth are found.

And yet, to rise again, as in a distant song.
Small voices that call, in dead of night.
Fleeting figures only in our dreams belong.
Alas, they fade, in dawn's bright light.

I see them yet, a sad, forgotten throng.
Shadowed, lost faces, marching on.
Over dusty roads, and high golden corn.
The call of long lost friends are borne.

We must not forget, the flowers of our days,
Lest they lay unquiet, in numbered graves.
For we lived, and loved, and life was sweet.
Still yet, for us, awaits our last retreat.

Flowers of our youth, now long since past.
Our sweet autumn days are fading fast.
We, who are left, flowered in our prime.
Enjoyed golden moments, on borrowed time.

Remember our friends, who passed this way.
For all our tomorrow's, they gave their today's,
On Utah and Omaha, Juno, Sword and Gold.
Oh! Dear Lord! See that they grow not old.

Brian Guy. Sapper. 246 Field Company R. E. Assault Company. Sword! Third British Infantry Division.

Brian@raymondguy55.freeserve.co.uk

Hi Sapper, which award are you due that was not given to you? Please let me know and I can see if I can ask around and get one for you--its the least I can do. As long as it isnt the V.C or G.C. I can probably get one for you--but anyway--I can check around with people I know. PS, I forgot to mention--thank you for the nice compliment--I simply love reading your stories.

[ 03. November 2002, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ]

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

Dear Sapper

I have been following these pages recently with much interest and enthusiasm, and wanted to personally commend you on the great knowledge you have brought to this forum.
There is nothing more rewarding than having thsi forum dedicated to WW2, being filled with first-hand stories of those that lived through it.
I hope to see this topic grow and grow even further...
Panzerknacker (Ryan)

__________________
"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 To all.
Thanks Carl for those kind words. And to Ryan! You are real gentlemen! As I said earlier, I have to be careful not to lapse into what may be seen as the ramblings of an old gentleman, moaning about the old days, and the youngsters not being as good as we were! In fact, I have great faith in the youth of today. having always had apprentice boys with me for all my years in Engineering. I think the youth of today are fitter, better educated and "Bigger" I have been to places of further education, and universities to give lectures and talks on the Normandy campaign, shortly I am to give another talk on the 15th of November.

Now about thess "certificates" I had better explain. General Montgomery had been in charge of the Third British Infantry Division when he was a Divisional Commander. Thus the name of “Montie’s Ironsides”. This infantry division was one of long standing with a great military reputation. Over the years and because of their deeds in battle they had earned the name of the “Iron Division” So= The name of Monties Ironsides. When he became commander of the invasion forces he often visited his old division. He put in charge of this Division a general with the reputation of being “The Finest fighting General in the British army”

He thought that the British army did not hand out enough awards for outstanding service; to that end he brought out what was known as “Montie’s Certificates” These were awarded for exceptional service. Being he was the old commander, he would also come and make the award in person. That was the award that I had been told that I would be getting. Now just try to imagine the feelings of pride this nineteen year old very patriotic service man experienced! I was going to get an award from Monty!

Sadly, as I was wounded, and severely, shortly after it never happened. But I always harboured the hope that one day they would recall this award and give it me. Albeit a bit late! That Carl, is what it is all about, I have written to the services that deal with this sort of thing, but it all looks to be in vain

The Return from Brussels.
That next morning a mad dash to catch up with the company, they had moved on to a small village preparing to go into action again, the name Thielt comes to mind, but I am not sure. The local folk invited us to the village hall where they had prepared an evenings entertainment, they had on offer Belgium beer, I am sorry to say that we found it absolutely awful, but we drank it anyway.

Music was provided and this band of "clod hopping young men" got to dance with the local village girls in our army boots, not very romantic! The girls did not seem to mind , they taught us this dance and at the end of the dance, you got to kiss the girl you were with. I thought it was great, the girls liked it, and I wished we could spend more time there. In no time we had moved up again, this was the period when the Airborne had landed at Arnhem, miles ahead. Operation "Market Garden" the drive to relieve the troops battling it out in Northern Holland, we had to press ahead as fast as possible to get them out.
.
The Escaut Canal.
Hell. Sheer Hell.
The Seven Bridges to Arnhem. The First!
The next night, after the return from Brussels, we had to make an assault crossing of the Escaut canal at Petit Brogel. Some of us turning up with white gaiters from our Brussels trip to force a crossing at night for, heavens sake! We had been made aware of the need to get to Arnhem. And in a hurry!

There was no time to change into our dirty old denims that we used when in action. For me, one of those actions that I look back on with particular distaste. The canal had steep concrete sides and very difficult to climb, a flat concrete top for a short distance before the water, we had to ferry the infantry across in our canvas assault boats in the face of some very determined Enemy resistance. Then we had to build a light assault bridge across the top of the canvas boats. This was one of the uglier actions and one that scared the daylights out of me, the canvas boats had arrived and the crossing was to take place at 1 am at night.

The British had just entered Brussels. Far away, in Northern Holland, the 1st Airborne had landed at Arnhem to secure the last of the seven bridges, all these bridges in Holland had to be captured by air drops, or by land based assaults, this would enable the allies a clear run into the northern plains of Germany. A gamble, and perhaps, an early victory. "Operation Market Garden". this was "The Bridge Too Far", We now had to fight our way up through the entire length of Holland to join them.
The first of these seven watercourses that stood in our way was the Escaut Canal, at Petit Brogel, / Lille St Hubert, depending on which language you spoke, French or Flemish.

This was going to be a "bad one" A brief description of the Canal shows the difficulty of this assault crossing, if anyone wanted the perfect place to defend, then this must be it! The canal had steep smooth concrete sides, with a narrow flat area before the drop down into the water, we knew that the Germans had left behind brave and fanatical SS Panzer Grenadier troops, determined to stop us at any cost.

My old platoon officer. Lt Reginald Chevenix Trench, Bless him! Affectionately known as "Digger Trench" donned peasant clothing and wandered down right in front of the canal in full sight of the enemy, to have a look, and plan the best place for the assault crossing. There was a great urgency to get to the Airborne quickly, they could only hold out for a short time, to that end, it was decided to go for the assault crossing as soon as the canvas assault boats arrived, day or night.

Lt Cadwallader R. E. had set off in his scout car to reconnoiter the site on the 17th of September, while the Company moved into the town of Peer, to prepare for the crossing, news quickly came back that Lt Cadwallader had been killed by a direct hit with an anti tank shell, but his driver had managed to escape with the report of his death.

Lt M Edwards R. E. then roared off down the road, in his scout car, to try and reconnoiter the area, only to come under heavy machine gun fire from a house on the other side of the canal, he yelled out "turn right" and then crashed through hedge after hedge behind some houses, until he found a gap into which he turned, getting the houses between him and the Enemy. Lt Duncan had already tried to find Lt Cadwallader, but the Enemy held the area in strength.

The Company were drawn up on the roads and woods near the canal approaches, all ready for the assault. When the transport turned up with the boats, it was with a Canadian Service unit who had no previous experience of "action" and were "very" unhappy at the prospect of having to go to the site under fire, it was the brave actions of their sergeant that eventually gave them courage to get the boats offloaded in the middle of a pitched battle.
In the ensuing assault crossing, Lt Borrowman was shot and badly wounded, it took some time to get him back, meanwhile Sapper C.A Smith was captured and badly treated by the Enemy, but then was recaptured by us, with his former captors and on whom the tables were satisfactorily turned!
To be continued. Next "Dantes Inferno"
sapper Brian.

Hi Sapper, and quite welcome. I'll ask around and see if I cant get someone who knows more on your award. I cant say that we can get the govt to give you whats yours but, I might be able to buy one from somewhere--tho I know its not the same thing. If I can buy one--I would like to do so as a gift to you. I'll start asking today as soon as I log off from these forums and i'll let you know if I hear anything. [img]smile.gif[/img]

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

Hi Friends. Carl, Thanks for that, the award is something given by ones officers and Peers, it cannot be bought But thanks anyway. it really was a lovely thought.
To continue the recollection of the “Inferno”

For this would scare the pants off of any hero! We were all waiting in the ditches and taking cover where we could. Jerry knew we were there. It was a pitch black night, the enemy not only shelled and mortared us heavily before we started, but added to our discomfort by bombing us as we crouched in the ditch waiting for the order to "Go"

It was then that a good friend of mine broke down with what was called "shell shock", but has now become known as "Battle exhaustion" I sat in the ditch trying desperately to comfort him with my arms around his shoulders saying "come on (***) I will look after you" but it was no good, he had suffered a complete mental breakdown and sobbed and shook in an uncontrollable manner, even to day, I still have a vague feeling of guilt for leaving him there, but we had to get the infantry across, no matter what.

At 1 am we started the direct assault crossing, the enemy raked the concrete top of the canal with bursts of explosive "Bofors" type shells, coupled with heavy mortar, machine gun and shell fire, with a very annoying machine gunner, firing down the canal. We crossed, loaded with infantry in our canvas boats in the pitch blackness of that night, soon to be lit up by the raging flames of a house set on fire on the opposite side of the canal, this illuminated the scene, a scene reminiscent of "Dante's Inferno" with the dull red flash of exploding shells and mortars as the battle waged back and forth in the light of the towering flames from the house.

After the crossing, we made a light bridge over the top of the canvas boats, only for the Enemy to drop mortar bombs in them, as he sunk them, we replaced them, and at the same time we came under fire from a very determined sniper. Frightening? Man, if I could, I would have dug a hole in the ground with my finger nails! But the crossing had to be done, and, against a very determined and well prepared enemy, for he put up one hell of a fight against the background of that pitch black night, a night where the bloody battle raged to a background of leaping flames that made the scene, stark and terrifying.

The fighting during the night was very fierce and confused, with the flash of shell, mortar, and small arms fire, making a very frightening and fearsome spectacle. In the midst of all this mayhem, two of our infantry men were assisting a German prisoner with terrible injuries to his shoulder blades, as they help him back to an aid station he kept saying "Luftwafft Good". The infantry boys helped him along with his arms round their shoulders saying "that’s right old mate, that’s right" In the early hours we crossed. The infantry spread out and captured the entire far bank, moved on, captured, and rested at a little convent at dawn, then on to the little town of Weert. Sadly, leaving many of the company behind. Later that morning another company put a firm bridge across and the 11th Armoured Division drove across in strength.
At this point I must state that I was never ever frightened by these frontal assaults, no! no! Never! Never! just bloody petrified!
The Official version.
The Escaut canal.
The blown bridge had crossed from Lille St Hubert north into the little village of Broek.
The Sappers lost no time, 246 Field Company R.E. were responsible for building a class nine bridge. They had already lost Lieutenant Cadwallader, who had been killed with an anti-tank gun while reconnoitering the canal the previous afternoon.
Lieutenants. Boyse. Field. Duncan, and Borrowman had crossed with the Assaulting companies. Borrowman was seriously wounded, and Sapper Smith who had been with him was taken prisoner, to be recaptured in Broek by the Ulster rifles, together with the five Germans and “Upon whom the tables were satisfactorily turned”
Despite Enemy fire, construction of the bridge was begun at 1 am. It was open to traffic at 7am. Although still subject to sniping, also, some more boats had been sunk, and had to be replaced. Its span was 160 feet.
Source? Official records.
The cryptic official description of a night of terror. Doesn’t say much does it?
Next The town of Weert.
Sapper.

Sadly Sapper I think your luck is out regarding your 3rd Division Certificate.

These certificates started in the Napoleonic period in the British Army, and were used by several divisions in both world wars to give a man something for an act that could or would not merit a medal. And in WW2 the British Army was VERY mean in handing out 'gongs'.

The certificates were not an 'official' mentioned in despatches, so you wouldn't get an oakleaf for your WW2 War Medal when you got those from the War Office after WW2.

And if you didn't get your certificate in 1944/45, knowing the dear old British Army... "tough luck"

It's a sad contrast to the way the US Army treat their men...

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

Cheers carl.
Thanks for that.
sapper.

By Heck! That's what happens when you are distracted while on the net. I used the wrong name, sorry about that friends. And Sommercourt.
sapper

Hello Sapper, your quite welcome. I also have some other info for you.

With what you went through--would'nt you at least be eligable for the D.C.M (Distinguished Conduct Medal) or the M.M. (Military Medal)?

I had'nt known that soldiers would only get certificates in the British Army (Learn something new every day) instead of a reward of a medal.

__________________
Los