This thread is for members to post their own comments in honour of those who fell in the wars and as we not only remember the sacrifices but also celebrate their achievements. Please take a minute or so to make your mark that will remain for others to read in the future.
We must never forget those men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country.It is an honor and a privilege to remember them today and everyday. We must also remember those in the forces that are fighting today. Let them know that we also honor them for their duty and scacrifice. Also remembering my three Grt Uncles who died in WW2. My father who served in several wars, and others.
In honor of my Grandfather, Father -- and my Mother -- who fought and/or served Britain so well in WW1 & WW2. James Pickering Remembrances of WW2 British Homefront http://jp29.org/2dr.htm
The Ode to Remembrance They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we Forget
I would like to post this thread in honor of my dear father, a 540th Combat Engineer and his fellow 6th Corps Engineers of WWII. I raise my glass in a toast to each and everyone of you. Thank you for giving your everything.
You will all be remembered for your sacrifices, honored for your achievements and live on in spirit within the free world you have left us with.
We must never ever forget the sacrifices made by so many fine young men in the World Wars. Tears come to my eyes, when during my family research, I realise just how many the ancestors and kinfolk of my husband and myself (26 at least) made the supreme sacrifice, fighting for their country. They were the finest of our young men, many of them from properties in the New England region of NSW. The family history compilation on which I am working has a 'Tribute Page' naming each and every one of these kinfolk. We must also be proud of present-day members of the armed forces, my son-in-law included. We must ensure that younger generations know the horrors of war endured by servicemen and women in generations past, and that they, like those of our generation, honour and pay tribute to them. 'LEST WE FORGET' Ally McRae
Thank you to those who served and are serving. Your sacrifices are greatly appreciated. In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch, be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields :canflag[1]:
My familys dead: I am looking for military records for the following people: Dad's side: Robert Howe - Captain 119748 RAMC taken prisoner at Tebruk in Africa. Worked as a POW in Italian hospital, but the hospital was bombed by the Americans and he died. I would like to know his number, rank, service record etc. John Howe - Merchant Navy Lost at Sea while staioned in Alexandria. Would like to know his Ship, and any other info. Mum's side: Thomas Alexander - Private 2754385 Black Watch he was KIA in Tunisia on 7th April 1943. Died, not from war, but had the scares: Dad's side: Gordon Howe served in the Royal Navy at was at Dunkirk Mum's side: Great-Great Uncle Andrew served in the Gordon Highlanders during the 1st world war
In honor of my father. Sgt. Seymour Clare. 652303 RAF. No.120 Squadron RAF Coastal Command. Killed in action 13 August 1942. Never known, but forever loved. Peter.
Some of my favourate poems: Suicide in the Trenches I knew a simple soldier boy Who grinned at life in empty joy, Slept soundly through the lonesome dark, And whistled early with the lark. In winter trenches, cowed and glum, With crumps and lice and lack of rum, He put a bullet through his brain. No one spoke of him again You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go. Siegfried Sassoon The Final Inspection The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass, He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass. "Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?" The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough, And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep, And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear, And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here, They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand, I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand." There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints had often trod, As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. "Step forward now, you soldier, You've borne your burdens well, Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell." Just a Simple Soldier. He was getting old and paunchy; his hair was falling out fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in, And the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his friends, They were heroes, everyone. And ‘tho sometimes, to his neighbours, His tales became a joke, All his friends listened, For they know whereof he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer; For Bob has passed away, And the world’s a little poorer, For a Soldier died today. He won’t be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quite sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Quietly going on his way; And the world won’t note his passing, ‘Tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories, From the time they were young, But the passing of a soldier, Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution, To the welfare of our land? Some Jerk who breaks his promise, And Cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, Who in times of War and Strife, Goes of f to serve his Country, And offers up his life? The politician’s stipend, And the style in which he lives, Are sometimes disproportionate, To the services he gives. While the ordinary soldier, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal, And perhaps a pension, small. It’s so easy to forget them, For it is so often and long ago, That our Bob’s, Jim’s and Johnny’s, went to battle, but we know. It was not the politicans, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us this freedom, that our Country continues to enjoy. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some Cop-out, With his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier, Who has sworn to defend, His home, His kin, and Country, And would fight to the end? He was just a common Soldier, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us, We may need his like again. Foe when the country is in conflict, Then we find the Soldier’s part, Is to clean up all the troubles, That politicians start. If we cannot do him Honour, While he’s here to hear the praise, Then at least let’s give him homage, At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline, In the paper that might say: “OUR COUNTRY IS IN MORNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY. UNKNOWN. Why do you still march old man? With your medals on your chest Why do you still grieve old man? For those friends you laid to rest Why do your eyes gleam old man When you hear those bugles blow Tell me why you cry old man For those days so long ago. I'll tell you why I march, young man With these medals on my chest I'll tell you why I grieve young man For those friends I laid to rest Through misty folds of gossamer silk Come visions of distant times When boys of very tender age Marched forth to distant climes So young they were... with blossom cheeks Their eyes shone bright and clear Scant knowledge of this sinful! World Thought nought of hate or fear Their laughter rang through strange bare rooms Hardships.. They were soon to know All they knew, was beyond their shores Was a deadly vicious foe They left behind their boring life They had nothing much to give So they laid their lives on the line So you... young man... would live With bayonet... Gun... And blossom cheeks The innocence of their youth They stood alone with fearsome pride And perceived the awful truth The truth they learnt… they had to die (It’s not easy when you’re young) The gods of war had chosen them And stilled their youthful tongues The guns they crashed… and the stukas dived The shells tore their flesh asunder I smelt their blood… watched them die The war lords claimed their plunder And as these warrior gods passed by They smiled at their obscene death Gone were their apple blossom cheeks Scorched by napalm burning breath We buried them in a blanket shroud Their young flesh scorched and blacken A communal grave newly gouged In the bloodstained gorse and bracken And you ask me why I march… young man I march to remind you all But for those apple blossomed youths FREEDOM… would have been lost to ALL ANON "Please wear a poppy," the lady said And held one forth, but I shook my head. Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, And her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade. A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on care-free feet. His smile was full of joy and fun, "Lady," said he, "may I have one?" When she's pinned in on he turned to say, "Why do we wear a poppy today?" The lady smiled in her wistful way And answered, "This is Remembrance Day, And the poppy there is the symbol for The gallant men who died in war. And because they did, you and I are free - That's why we wear a poppy, you see. "I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird he would race about. As the years went by he learned and grew and became a man - as you will, too. "He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile, But he'd seemed with us such a little while When war broke out and he went away. I still remember his face that day When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye, I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry. "But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray. His letters told of the awful fight, (I can see it still in my dreams at night), With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire. "Till at last, at last, the war was won - And that's why we wear a poppy son." The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know. That sure did sound like an awful fight, But your son - did he come back all right?" A tear rolled down each faded check; She shook her head, but didn't speak. I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me you'd have done the same; For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, Thought our freedom was bought - and thousands paid! And so when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne, By those who gave their very all When asked to answer their country's call That we at home in peace might live. Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give! ~~By Don Crawford.~~ Tommy I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here." The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die, I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I: O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away"; But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play, The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play, O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. I went into a theatre as sober as could be, They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me; They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls, But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls! For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside"; But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide, The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide, O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide. Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap; An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit. Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll. We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too, But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you; An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints, Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints; While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind", But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind, There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind, O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind. You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all: We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational. Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace. For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!" But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot; An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
IN REMEMBERANCE OF MY FATHER WHO SERVED WITH THE WELSH FUSILIERS, AND FOUGHT AT THE BATTLE OF KOHIMA. I SALUTE YOU AND ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT SO BRAVELY THAT FREEDOM COULD PREVAIL.
"Could I on his grave place a cenotaph, These words would be his epitaph. Here lies my friend in earth hallowed by tears, The comrade who shared my youthful years." That generation will pass, but we will carry their memories to the next.
Thinking of Jamie Hancock, a young man from my town, killed in Iraq, hoping it all ends soon and all the men and women can come home safe, Thinking of my Parents, god bless them both.
:sign_war: To all who fought for their country, and The loved one's left behind. Let us never forget. This is in honor of my Husband's James Owen's Grandfather James Charles Cleobury Jones, born 30 Apr 1945 Wandsworth who died 30 Apr 1945 in Rangoon Burma. JAMES CHARLES C JONES INDIA, BURMA Enlisted into London Regiment Territorial Army 24.11.1925 Appointed Lance Corporal 14.1.1929 Discharge 23.11.1 30 Enlisted into, Easy Surrey Regiment Embodied Territorial Army 16.1.19 41 Tranferred to the Queens Own Royal West Regiment 20.6.1941 Died 30. 4.1945 overseas 30.4.1945 MEDALS: 1939-45 Star, Burma Star, Defence meda l, War Medal 1939-45Military service ( Formally 6769042) pte James Charles Jones 24 Nov 1926--- Enlisted into London Regiment Territorial Army 14 Jan 1929---Appointed Lance Corporal 24 Nov 1929---Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment Service Place: Overseas in India bet. 1944 -1945 When He was Killed. And to my Dad Leslie Sidney Williams, B. 08 Mar 1936 Salford. Served in The Royal Army Service Corp. SERVICE No. 23385900 FROM 1957-1959 then spent time as an Ambulance Driver See Attached Pic's for Both Men. Please let me know if you recognise any of them or Know any details on the two men below. View attachment 3144 View attachment 3140 View attachment 3141 View attachment 3142 View attachment 3143
Yes, let us honor all those that have served our countries. Special thanks and memories to all those that have passed on, Loving Memory of Alfred L. Kincer 111 who gave his life in Viet Nam. AL Kincer
I watched the documentary of the Australians involved in the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam war last, night followed by the story of the underaged British soldiers who were in WW1 of whom 15,000 out of 80,000 did not come home. While I have posted this before, if you haven't heard it is a quite poignant reminder of sacrifice and comraderie amongst those who have fought to protect us in all wars. http://www.hotkey.net.au/~marshalle/sounds/onlynineteen.mp3
Item Company, 31st Infantry Regiment, US Army. Suffered 50 percent casualties on "Jane Russell Hill," Korea, 1953. D Company, 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, 1944. Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Northwest Europe, 1944-1945. No. 5 Commando, St. Nazaire, 1942. 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Malaya, 1942; Northwest Europe, 1944-1945. 22nd Battalion, 27th Machine-Gun Battalion, 28th (Maori) Battalion, 20th Battalion, 2nd New Zealand Division, Mediterranean Theater, 1940-1945. Defense Battalion, US Marines, Wake Island, 1941. 16th Infantry Brigade, 6th Australian Division, North Africa, 1940-1942; New Guinea and Borneo, 1942-1945. 4th U.S. Marine Regiment, Philippines, 1942; Pacific Theater, 1943-1945. 3rd Infantry Division, Belgium-France, 1940; Northwest Europe, 1944-1945. South Saskatchewan Rifles, Dieppe, 1942; Northwest Europe, 1944-1945. and K Company, 424th US Infantry Regiment, Ardennes, 1944. "He that stands and outlives this day shall stand a tip-toe when this day is named....we few, we happy few, we band of brothers." :ukflag[1]: :nzflag[1]: :canflag[1]: :ausflag[1]: :patriot[1]:
For all those who have fought and fallen for their nation, we can only offer our sincere gratitude for you have given so much. Thank you
