World War 2 Talk - View Single Post - Irish Guards, 3 Bn. War Diary, June 1944 -

dbf · 11-08-2008, 01:01 AM

Hi Tom,

As a veteran your opinion is especially appreciated. My father is rather surprised about the interest I have shown. Don't know why though, I have been listening to him for over 40 years now. I spent my 'down time' this week reading up a bit more on the other Regiments serving alongside. Hope to get up some more info on the other IG bns. as soon as I can.

I get rather depressed about the old OMG 'debate', references to Guards' tea breaks, ponderous formations, unwillingness to take casualties et al, and how it seems to overshadow everything else. Whilst I also prefer not to get bogged down in the what ifs which pop up occasionally, asking why is perfectly natural. The War Diary and the History etc are a great starting point. Any novice who, like me, has an interest and wishes to really learn beyond the veneer, should first look at the casualty stats and ask themselves what that means ...

Below are two lads from my Dad's training squad who didn't make it home. One aged 19 killed at Sourdeval on 11 Aug 44, the other aged 20 killed in Holland on 21 Sept 44 and whom my father buried alongside other Micks from the 2nd Bn. who were also killed that day. I think they gave it 100%. Stories about men like these are the ones that are rarely told. They didn't get any recommendations for medals, nor were they mentioned in despatches; their names do not appear in the WD, nor were their letters home published. Admittedly I am priviledged to have heard from my father about the men he fought alongside; yet some watch a movie and are satisfied with those accounts. What a pity.

Thanks again for taking the time to read and for your comment.

Regards,
Diane

11-08-2008, 01:01 AM	#55 (permalink)
dbf Very Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Co Down, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,130	Hi Tom, As a veteran your opinion is especially appreciated. My father is rather surprised about the interest I have shown. Don't know why though, I have been listening to him for over 40 years now. I spent my 'down time' this week reading up a bit more on the other Regiments serving alongside. Hope to get up some more info on the other IG bns. as soon as I can. I get rather depressed about the old OMG 'debate', references to Guards' tea breaks, ponderous formations, unwillingness to take casualties et al, and how it seems to overshadow everything else. Whilst I also prefer not to get bogged down in the what ifs which pop up occasionally, asking why is perfectly natural. The War Diary and the History etc are a great starting point. Any novice who, like me, has an interest and wishes to really learn beyond the veneer, should first look at the casualty stats and ask themselves what that means ... Below are two lads from my Dad's training squad who didn't make it home. One aged 19 killed at Sourdeval on 11 Aug 44, the other aged 20 killed in Holland on 21 Sept 44 and whom my father buried alongside other Micks from the 2nd Bn. who were also killed that day. I think they gave it 100%. Stories about men like these are the ones that are rarely told. They didn't get any recommendations for medals, nor were they mentioned in despatches; their names do not appear in the WD, nor were their letters home published. Admittedly I am priviledged to have heard from my father about the men he fought alongside; yet some watch a movie and are satisfied with those accounts. What a pity. Thanks again for taking the time to read and for your comment. Regards, Diane __________________ But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night