Any American Civil War Historians out there?

[anonymous-user]

The lead pilot died just a few weeks ago, IIRC. He had to make his approach without error, with no second chances, and avoid anti-glider poles placed by the Germans; and his large and unwieldy glider was laden with fully equipped troops and heavy equipment. Injured in the landing, the pilot then had to pick up a rifle and become an infantryman. The troops themselves achieved tactical surprise, and stormed the bridge. Then they had to hold it against all comers until relieved by forces advancing from the beachhead. Amazing times, amazing men.

[anonymous-user]

Staff Sergeant James Horley Wallwork DFM (21 October 1919 – 24 January 2013)

May he rest in peace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallwork

[nicanary]

Breadvan72 said:

Staff Sergeant James Horley Wallwork DFM (21 October 1919 – 24 January 2013)

May he rest in peace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wallwork

It never ceases to amaze me how the generation who fought in WW2 did the job, came home, and just got on with things. No trumpets, no seeking adulation. They had a job to do, and it was done to the best of their ability.

None of my father's friends ever talked about it when I was around.(I was a child of the 50s). We had a neighbour two doors away who had been a POW of the Japs - we never saw him, he stayed in the house unable to communicate with the world. We kids were told not ever to bother him or ask about him, and we obeyed as kids did in those days. So sad, really, he probably had mental issues.

Now even SAS members feel obliged to break cover and tell us all about how great they were. Jumping on the bandwagon. Isn't it enough just to have done your bit?

[Rude-boy]

nicanary said:

Now even SAS members feel obliged to break cover and tell us all about how great they were. Jumping on the bandwagon. Isn't it enough just to have done your bit?

Would make a great topic for a thread.

I am a little rushed atm but would love to explore this further as there is so much to balance from the demise of stoicism to the increase in knowledge of what these people do and why we should be so much more grateful for their sacrifice than many appear to be.