Question for the Saga Lout Brigade

[lovedeanblue]

Great posts all of you. I wasn't born till 1947. My old man was a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery, he did his war service in Naples and helping to guard the channel somewhere near Dover. Southwick House played a massive part in the planning of the invasion. Stories abound of Ike and co popping down to one of the village pubs for a late night pint. I enjoyed being on Southsea Common yesterday, great to see Scully too. An unplanned Truss gathering. One old salt on the TV made me smile. Said he was 19 years old in June 44. He was determined to see it through safely to come home and eventually draw his tot. Old Matelots on here will know you were entitled to a daily tot from your 20th birthday.

[bluechimes]

Thanks all especially Blue Adder for those memories. paints the picture. Was hoping Fullback might comment as I think he was around the right age.

Sadly my Dad and his Brother never much mentioned what they did in the War so I have no real idea of what they actually did .

All I know is my Dad was with the 8th Army and met my Uncle by chance in 1945 in Italy as my Uncle was a Driver of some kind (not Tanks). They were lucky and came home in one piece.

Minder and I went over to normandy on the ferry from Pompey to Ouisetreme stayed in Caan which incidentally is Twinned with Portsmouth

We visited Bayeux (mainly for my interest in the tapestry and 1066 events)and several of the notable places of action just inland plus Arramache and Juno/Gold but we missed out on doing Pegasus Bridge so might do a re visit.

Spoke to a few veterans from UK/USA/Canada who were there that time and was humbled/moved by their stories the Cemeteries and sheer numbers ofs/ages

Also how small the Ta

[TurktownAnt]

I've been in the 'Map Room' at Southwick House. It's all still as it was when Eisenhower and Monty trod the boards. Gosport was wall to wall tanks. Priddy's Hard had concrete blocks installed on the slipway to take the weight of the tanks embarking (they're still there, the blocks not the tanks). There's a famous picture of hundreds of German prisoners being marched down Grove Road in Elson just after the invasion. Hands on head etc.

[Mangosmate]

Here ya go mate.German prisioners of war in elson and at hardway.

[pfclassof61]

There's a famous picture of hundreds of German prisoners being marched down Grove Road in Elson just after the invasion. Hands on head etc.

TTA - "It is is not the English way to post photos of vanquished foes on the internet. Smarten up moosh."

Hypocrite

Guess it was the booze talking...

[Southerndown]

Posted in error, I actually have nothing of value to add to this thread.




Cue the wise arses...

[johno2499]

Didn't the Yanks load up from Gosport in the Priddy Hard area.I read a plaque by the Jolly Roger Pub to this effect

Canadians, not Americans, I think. I recall the plaque is on a corner house at Hardway, not far from the Jolly Roger. The house looks like it may have been a pub itself at some time.