Dear Home Folks:-
Just a few lines on this my birthday to let you know I came through the big scrap OK. I haven't time to write much but just want to say how glad I am. Louis came through alright too. Dan Holmes was wounded + I think Stewart McNicol was killed. You will know long before you get this anyway. I only hope that I will celebrate my next birthday at home with you all. Bye Bye love to all
My grandfather didn't celebrate his next birthday at home, or the next. But he was out of the field and in England by the time his next birthday had come.
April 12th, 1917 was his 24th birthday, and of course the big scrap he refers to was the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 92 years ago today. Two years ago I was standing near where he went over the top, walked in some of his footsteps, visited graves at the German Cemetery where his visit in 1968 had such a profound impact on him, and stood at Stewart McNicol's grave, thanking him for his sacrifice.
As a side note, April 12th is also my Dad's birthday. When he was four he announced: "I'm four and my dad is forty.". Sunday is a milestone birthday for him. I'll let you do the math.
Comments
6 responses
This is a great post. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful piece of family history. Very touching.
On a lighter note, I am not ashamed to say (OK maybe a little ashamed) that I need a calculator to do that math.
Happy 80th to your Dad.
Wonderful post.
Anything else I would want to say seems silly.
Thank you Amy, and as he reads the blog, I’m sure he’s read your (correct) birthday wishes.
Thanks allmycke.
I used a calculator too, and arrived at the same number. A very happy 80th birthday to your dad.
Love the new crow header.
Kia ora Clare,
Men of honour. A happy belated b-day to your father.
Cheers,
Robb
Thanks robin andrea I really wish I was there right now. And 80 is correct.
Thanks Robb. His birthday is actually today, the 12th so your wish is not belated at all.