Yes somehow I got the impression the Vesuvius was r&r. He didn't talk about the battle side. Did what he did so we could be born and go to Cornwall and sit on a beach with him not being bothered by the bad stuff. He loved the RTR-wore his tie always with pride -we knew it by heart brown red and green. Through the mud to the blood and then the green fields (he is in the green fields now) he said when they crossed the Rhine it was Operation -and this is what I have been pondering-Torch-no dont think thats right? My brother has the official picture-JB said it was ridiculous because the amphibious (told you I couldn't spell!) tanks couldnt have been lowering sides and firing coming out of water!! all the best
Susan - The "Crossing the Rhine" operation was called "Plunder" - the North African landings - i.e. Algiers - Oran and Casblanca of November 8th 1942 was called "Torch" 7th Armoured had nothing to do with that as they were swanning around at Fuka along with the 1st and 10th Armoured Divs - and the Kiwi's - just after the successful El Alamein battle, when they were really going through the mud....as it teemed down with rain and churning up the sand goop The 2nd Tanks had the best colours which summed it all up - their background was sand coloured - and their saying was - "from the sands of the Desert - through the Mud - and Blood - to the Green fields beyond" The 1st tanks took the cake however with their saucy ballad - to the tune of "The Vienna Woods" :- ""Tanks,Tanks, Tanks in line Sweeping towards the Rhine The first, the fifth,the skins and guns We're out to bugger up the Huns ! Cromwells,Shermans Fireflies too a floating punch to see us through the Engineers with Scorpions a Troop of Bofors, half a dozen loafers And the Navy nice and wavy RAF umbrella, nothing could be sweller Deuschland, here we come. "" so you see it wasn't all killing and cold weather, cold food, wet socks .....there was always laughter....British Humour at it's best...as we had in Italy after Lady Astors idiotic remarks..and the Classic "Two Types".... Cheers
I am trying to get hold of photos of my father JB to put on the site. So far managed to get hold of the attached from 1939 Sandhurst (he was TA)-so he is 18 here. He is the one in the Tank Regiment beret. Fear Naught!
Susan, I have lightened up the photograph as much as I can for you. Regards Tom Thanks smudger jnr. That makes a big difference.
Smudger - well done that there man Susan - most of us were that young when we joined - we just became old faster Cheers
Hi Susan Rev Brian Smethhurst was President of my Preston RTRA Branch before I was a member so unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Sadly many Preston RTRA members from that period have passed to the green fields. However Alan Rigby who was Chairman then has been again elected as Secretary of the Preston Branch.I'm sure he would be happy to hear from you and he may recall some stories about your father I have included a link with his contact details. I have also attached an article from the Tank magazine when your father was President of the Branch. http://www.royaltankregiment.com/en-GB/associationbranches.aspx Mr A Rigby 4 Kilnhouse Lane Lytham St Annes Lancs FY8 3AA 01253 711650
Harry I have alerted Susan as to your article - she will be along shortly as she is a very busy lady these days… Cheers
Hello Harry. My dear friend Tom said you had posted this. I would be so happy to be in touch with Preston Branch. It meant so much to my father who sadly died 25 years ago this December. My sisters and brother all live in Lytham St Anne's as well so was interested to see where Alan lives! Send me a personal message if you wish. I particularly remember Stan Leonard the standard bearer and of course my fathers friend Michael Taylor who was my sisters Godfather. Best wishes. Made my week to hear someone remembers my fathers Association links. Susan
Hi Susan, I had the Pleasure and Privilege of meeting Mike Taylor and his wife Giesla both very lovely people. Mike eventually became President of the Branch.He too has sadly passed to the green fields too.Unfortunately I do not have Giesla's contact details. I have attached a photo of him when we went toTidworth in 1996. I have also Attached of Preston RTRA at Lt Col Ian Rodley,s House at Tidworth again in 1996(Stan Leonard is in this picture) and also recent pictures of of Preston RTRA at Garstang and Christmas lunch at Fulwood Barracks. Three people from when your Father was President are still in the Preson RTRA Frank Ireland (Please see Garstang picture He's sat down 2nd from left between me and Dave Rigby(Alan Rigby's brother) Keith Treasure ( See Christmas Picture) Tom Milne (He still lives in St Annes too) I have left a message and emailed Alan that you may be in touch,and I have also sent you a P.M. Kindest Regards Harry
Very saddened to inform that Tom Milne, a very fine gentleman, see photo has now passed to the green fields RIP Tom