In May 2005 my wife and I were spending a week in Rome and dining outdoors at a favourite restaurant in Piazza Navone. Seated at the next table was a mixed party of about six Americans, obviously enjoying themselves, and because our tables were close together it was difficult not to overhear their conversation. One of the party, a woman, perhaps in her 60’s, was proudly telling one of the waiters that she last dined at “this very table over 20 years ago!” I couldn’t resist it…….. I leaned over and said, “I’m sorry Madam, I couldn’t help overhearing what you have just told the waiter and hate to cap a good story but I have to tell you that my wife and I were also at this table here in 1975, some 30 odd years ago. In addition, I first visited Rome in 1945, some 60 odd years ago”. At this point I pulled out an A4 sheet on which I’d previously copied a few wartime photos and passed it over for her inspection (original shown below). The American woman, far from being annoyed by the interruption was obviously fascinated and said, “I’ve just gotta show these to the General” “The General” turned out to be another of her party, about 6ft 4” in height and after examining the photos himself he came round to our table and solemnly said “ My name is General xxxxxx, my Daddy was with the American troops who were here in World War 2 and Sir, I would like to salute you!” Which he promptly did, to my and Nita’s absolute astonishment, amusement and yes, I have to admit, some embarrassment ! If there is one photo that I regret never had taken, it must be that of this huge American saluting me in Piazza Navone !
Gents As you seemed to like the story I also dug up this snap, taken at the restaurant at the time in question.
Greetings to your lovely wife, also, Mr Goldstein. Darn, I did it again, Ron, and called you Mr. Goldstein.
Owen you look really young in the 1942 picture I was really young in the 1942 picture ! (19 years old in August '42 and the picture was taken in November of the same year). For years I used to title the picture "October '42" until I checked with my Army Records and realised that I though I was called up on 1/10/42 I was not posted to the Royal Artillery until 11/11/42. The cap badge is very much Royal Artillery I think innocent is the word that comes to mind
I've never been saluted by a general but I 'shot' a Brigadier once on exercise. The Corporal said 'Follow that tank' during an assault on an 'enemy' position. I dutifully followed the Chieftan for a short distance and suddenly saw 3 or 4 'enemy' lurking about on the edge of a copse. Got down into a good firing position and started blazing away with my GPMG. Next thing I know, a very large Corporal jumps onto my back and starts screaming 'Cease fire! cease fire!'. The 'enemy' was the Divisional 2i/c and staff who had not put on thier white armbands signifying that they were Directing Staff (Umpires). Corporal was very rude and quite physical for a while; Brigadier apparently thought it was quite funny. I was 18, fresh from recruit cadre and very, very green. H
Owen I was really young in the 1942 picture ! (19 years old in August '42 and the picture was taken in November of the same year). For years I used to title the picture "October '42" until I checked with my Army Records and realised that I though I was called up on 1/10/42 I was not posted to the Royal Artillery until 11/11/42. The cap badge is very much Royal Artillery I think innocent is the word that comes to mind You may have been Ron but I bet you never brought up the word in conversation. How did the older guys (the 24 & 25 year olds) used to treat the younger ones like yourself.
Spidge How did the older guys (the 24 & 25 year olds:smile used to treat the younger ones like yourself. The funny part was that in 1942 I seem to remember that most of the new intakes were about my age. It might make an interesting piece of research to find out what the average age of recruits became through the war years. When I joined the 4th QOH the average age seemed higher, possibly because after the Regiment was decimated in Greece the reinforcements were drawn from regular army chaps. I was never conscious of being "young" until I got out of the forces and attended my first ex-service parade. Because I still looked youngish I was conscious of the fact that my set of five medals seemed out of place and on subsequent parades I used to carry with me some documentation to show that I was entitled to wear them. Sorry if that sounds a bit naff but I've always been a sensitive soul Finally, I never came across any "ageism" in the forces but this might have been because age groups would have "stuck together" so that one would have received support from your own peers.
Spidge The funny part was that in 1942 I seem to remember that most of the new intakes were about my age. It might make an interesting piece of research to find out what the average age of recruits became through the war years. When I joined the 4th QOH the average age seemed higher, possibly because after the Regiment was decimated in Greece the reinforcements were drawn from regular army chaps. I was never conscious of being "young" until I got out of the forces and attended my first ex-service parade. Because I still looked youngish I was conscious of the fact that my set of five medals seemed out of place and on subsequent parades I used to carry with me some documentation to show that I was entitled to wear them. Sorry if that sounds a bit naff but I've always been a sensitive soul Finally, I never came across any "ageism" in the forces but this might have been because age groups would have "stuck together" so that one would have received support from your own peers. I recall in the movie of "The Longest Day" when Sean Connery's group was landing on the beach, a "youngster" blurted out "let's give it to them for Dunkirk" or similar which brought a reaction from the "oldies" which made me ask the question.
