Memoirs of a WWII POW - my Grandad

[JohnStitch]

Not entirely sure which forum this belongs in, but inspired by the positive response to my post in the 'coolest things you own' thread, I thought I'd share a link to an online transcription of a book that my late grandad wrote from his memoirs of 5 years as a POW in WWII. He kept diaries throughout his time as a POW, sometimes having to hide them by sewing them Into the seams of his clothing, and shortly before he passed away, having never really spoken about his experiences, he decided to write them down.

It is a truly sobering, inspiring, sad yet sometimes humorous read, and never fails to amaze me what he and his close friends went through...and the amazing comradery throughout.

This book was never published, however my family felt that his story should be heard so this online version was made, along with some extra pictures/maps etc from research of the places he mentions.

It can be read here: http://lost6years.hunnisett.me.uk/index.php

Hope you enjoy it

[Four Litre]

Thats tomorrow at work fked!

[knight]

Will definitely be giving this a read.

[Fattyfat]

Thank you for posting OP.

[strummerville]

I've bookmarked this and will be printing it off to read. Thanks for sharing.

[Life Saab Itch]

Superb.

That certainly made my night shift pass a lot quicker.

[FFSport]

Will give this a read tomorrow, Tyvm for posting this OP

[smack]

Sitting in a hotel in the US, started reading this, got to the end of training, and thought "some red wine would be good to drink whilst spending the evening reading this.... Now back with a bottle of local red, sorted. And back into it.

[Chilli]

smack said:

Sitting in a hotel in the US, started reading this, got to the end of training, and thought "some red wine would be good to drink whilst spending the evening reading this.... Now back with a bottle of local red, sorted. And back into it.

Bottle of Red? What happened to you man?!

Love reading things like this, really makes you think and appreciate what these guys went through. Shall be reading it all.

[Asterix]

Thanks for posting - I shall have a read over the weekend.

[mike80]

Head a quick skim - great read. I'm going to transfer it to my Kindle and read on holiday next week if that's OK.

[texaxile]

Thanks for posting OP, I'll be reading this in its entirety tonight with a glass of red and some peace and quiet.

Cheers.

[bluey1905]

Thanks for this, Mrs B is away so I will sit down tonight and have a good read.

[Snoop Bagg]

Brilliant read! Something I really wish my grandfather could of done.

I know my grandfather went to university with some of this nations greatest scientists and designed Windscale (Sellafield) and had key roles in the development of Britain's nuclear bombs and even had links to Project Manhattan. He signed the official secrets act so therefore couldn't discuss anything in detail but he was one of the most intelligent men I know, just wish he'd of been able to write his memoirs down!

[JohnStitch]

Glad people are interested and finding it a good read. I read it again last night for about the millionth time. The thing that always gets me is that I sometimes have a good old moan about all kinds of things, but nothing comes even close to what he went through and I find it very grounding.

I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like the day he was captured, with all of his mates being blown up around him, or being made to march halfway across Poland with any stragglers being shot immediately. Plus the sheer elation of being liberated and flown home.

[Flip Martian]

Thanks for posting - I find first hand war accounts fascinating and have shelves full at home.

[Asterix]

Partly through but I can only echo the sentiments above but I'd also like to add that there are many reasons why we should be eternally grateful to our Polish friends but it's obvious their kindness and willing to take risks that put themselves in physical danger made the lives of the PoWs at least bearable.

[Landlord]

That was fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

[Dog Star]

JohnStitch said:

Glad people are interested and finding it a good read. I read it again last night for about the millionth time. The thing that always gets me is that I sometimes have a good old moan about all kinds of things, but nothing comes even close to what he went through and I find it very grounding.

I was thinking the same thing. That was a brilliant read - fascinating.

(I hope nobody asks what I've been doing all day!)

[YankeePorker]

Thanks for that, an interesting read. Distinctly dusty around here when here when he finally made it back to Blighty.