Remembering El Alamein

All over the world today veterans of the 8th Army are remembering the Battle of Alamein; fought 60 years ago.

There is a good report on the BBC web site:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2341807.stm

 

Thanks for the timely reminder, Paul.
I noticed that a letter from a veteran appeared in 'The Times' today.

 

Not just the 8th Army, our Primeminister and a group of New Zealand vets are going as well, although their RNZAF 727 broke down. I think they are still going to make it.

 

Sorry Kiwi Ace - when I think of the "8th Army", I think of them all - Brits, Jocks, Taffs, Micks, Kiwis, Aussies, SAs; bless 'em all, the long and the short and the tall...

 

And I would also include the DAK in todays remembering; desert vets had/have a great respect for their former enemy in Africa. Indeed, on BBC Radio 4 this morning the sons of Monty and Rommel came on and had a joint interview, saying how eachs respective father regretted never having met his counterpart due to the fortunes of war.

Rex Wingfield's classic memoir The Only Way Out recalls how in 1944 8th Army vets in NW Europe mourned the passing of Rommel as one of their own comrades...

 

Hey ! You chaps from the UK are videoing and audio taping all of this correct ? !

I've seen nothing on the tele here in southern Oregon USA today......it figures !

dang, ok we are all counting on you gents to fill us in.

E

 

( The Only Way Out - great book ! )

 

Quite Martin; a real WW2 classic. Sadly long out of print; about due for a reprint, I hope.

Wonder if the author is still alive?

 

( Drifting O/T here but have a look at ; -

http://www.nospine.net/default.asp?ShowTitle=0044-00056-001

 

Thanks for that Martin; great to know Rex is still with us.

I have dropped him an email via the publishers; interesting to see what comes back.

 

Yes I taped it.

But a saw a little piece of it. Something about camouflage of a tank.

 

I am nostalgic about this LX Anniversary. I would love to be there in Egypt watching how all the Italian, German, British, Canadian, Australian, Indian, South African and Neo Zealander veterans spend a peaceful time together after 60 years.