WW2 - The Second World War

Josephine Hoogstede 1921-2012

2012-01-30T10:20:00.010Z

It is with great sadness that I inform you that our Josephine passed away yesterday, 29 January. Older members will remember that this brave and lovely lady made many contributions to the BBC WW2 People's War archive under her nom de plume Odyssey, all of which can be found here

Listening to the forbidden BBC in Holland in 1942.

Holocaust Memorial Day

2012-01-29T15:44:00.002Z

The BBC broadcast this on January 27.

The founder of the Holocaust Survivors' Centre in London, Judith Hassan OBE, spent her whole life, or almost, working with survivors. I am honored to have been able to meet her, and her family, when she was only starting it. Her work is wonderful, and so are the people interviewed in that program.

For more information about this, check here. It is the only place of this kind in Britain, and I wish we had one in France, where psychological support of survivors and their descendants started much later. Food and shelter, and even a job and a family weren't quite enough to soothe them, contrary to what was believed in the fifties.

Wartime Heroes & Heroines of Cleator Moor

2012-01-28T22:53:00.000Z

Photographs:
(Top): Front cover of the Cleator Moor 'Roll of Honour'
(Bottom): Dedication of the 'Roll of Honour'

Remembering 'The Fallen' of Cleator Moor, Cumbria.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

'The Windermere Boys'

2012-01-27T22:14:00.000Z

Grasmere near Windermere in central Lakeland.
The green and pleasant land that is the English Lakeland

'The Windermere Boys' were young Jewish survivors of the Holocaust of WW2. After the end of the war they came from the horrors of the death camps to this green and pleasant land. There was a life worth living after all.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Abbot W.D. Hurley, Douai Abbey (1857 - 1940)

2012-01-18T21:46:00.000Z

Photographs (Top to bottom):
1. War memorial and church
St Joseph's Frizington Cumbria
2. St Mary's R,C, Church, Cleator (c.1900)
The WW1 war memorial was dedicated by Abbot Hurley
3. Calvary & burial vault, St Mary's, Cleator (c. 1945)
Abbot Hurley was buried here on 31.12.1940
4. Calvary & burial vault, St Mary's, Cleator (2012)

Photographs 2 & 3 courtesy of:
The Talbot Library, UCLAN, Preston, Lancashire

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Died in an Italian General Hospital

2012-01-11T20:24:00.000Z

Photographs:

1. Driver Walter McCartney, RASC

Died of illness at Milan General Hospital, Italy
[Photograph courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

2. Driver Walter McCartney's Headstone

Milan War Cemetery, Italy (Grave VI. A. 1)
[Photograph courtesy of Martin from Canada (WW2 Talk)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Wartime events at St Mary's Parish, Cleator

2012-01-02T22:36:00.000Z

Photographs (Top to bottom):

[Relating to St Mary's R.C. Parish, Cleator, Cumberland]

1. Bust of Dean Father Cuthbert Clayton, O.S.B.

Parish Priest, St Mary's, Cleator during WW1 & WW2

2. (L-R): Dean F.C. Clayton, Abbot I.S. Mooney , Father F.K. McCann

Outside St Mary's R.C. Church, Cleator, 26 June 1948

3. View of Dent Fell, Cleator
View from site of former St Mary's School
4. The Benedictine clergy vault, St Mary's Churchyard
Abbot Hurley and Fathers Clayton, McCann & Aspinwall
Abbot Hurley was interred on 31 December 1940

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

"To the Men of Muncaster"

2012-01-01T21:56:00.008Z

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Ordinary Telegraphist Gilbert Todd, R.N.
First Muncaster casualty of WW2 (HMS Royal Oak)
[Photograph courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

2. Muncaster War Memorial, Ravenglass, Cumbria
Dedication: "To the Men of Muncaster"

3. (Detail): Names of 'The Fallen' of WW1

4. (Detail): Names of 'The Fallen' of WW2

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

"In our hearts he will live forever"

2012-01-01T15:25:00.006Z

Stoker W.J. Carruthers, R.N. (HMS Fidelity)

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Stoker William James Carruthers, R.N.
Presumed drowned 01.01.1943
Lost on HMS Fidelity

2. Cleator & Trumpet Terrace War Memorial, Cumbria
[Home village of Stoker W.J. Carruthers]

3. Detail: WW2 casualties of Cleator (1939 - 1945)
[Stoker W.J. Carruthers is the 3rd name listed]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

The Fallen Heroes of Threlkeld, Cumbria

2011-12-26T18:29:00.013Z

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Threlkeld War Memorial, Cumbria
2. Memorial Tablet (detail) of the War Memorial
3. Headstone of WW2 casualty Gunner A. Tangye, R.A.
4. Headstone of WW1 casualty Gunner T.A. Watson, R.A.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Lt. Stanley T. Park: "A cheerful spirit"

2011-12-21T21:39:00.006Z

(Above): Badge of the Border Regiment
Lt. S.T. Park served with the Border Regiment
(1937 - 1945)

Lieutenant Stanley Thompson Park served in the Border Regiment immediately before and during WW2. He served in France with the 5th Battalion in 1940 and was seriously wounded on the Dunkirk beaches in June 1940 during the evacuation of the B.E.F.

Lieutenant Park died on 3 June 1947 - the 7th anniversary of being evacuated from France. His wartime service was from 3 September 1939 until 30 June 1945.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

"Peace - Forever in our thoughts"

2011-12-18T19:26:00.008Z

Photographs:
(Top): Commemoration of George Acton & Billy Acton
WW2 Whitehaven 'Book of Remembrance'.

(Bottom): Acton family headstone (Parents & 2 sons),
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumbria [Grave Ref. 5/J/44]
John, Evelyn, George and William Henry Acton

Brothers George Acton and William Henry ('Billy') Acton were lost at sea on 2 November 1942. On that day, their vessel, the SS 'Empire Leopard', was sunk by a German U-Boat.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Lost on operations to Stavanger (April 1940)

2011-12-18T17:33:00.013Z

Photographs:
Commemorating Corporal James Doran, RAF
[Died 14.04.1940]

(Top): James Doran remembered by his hometown
[The WW2 Whitehaven 'Book of Remembrance'

(Bottom): Cpl james Doran & family headstone
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumbria

Corporal James Doran from Whitehaven Cumberland (now Cumbria) served in the RAF from 1935 until he lost his life in April 1940. Corporal Doran was reported missing in action and subsequently presumed killed in action while on operational duties to Stavanger, Norway. At the time of his death, Corporal Doran was 22 years old.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Season's Greetings to all

2011-12-15T09:35:00.005Z

L’heure passe, l’amitié reste

2011-12-14T12:12:00.011Z

« L’heure passe, l’amitié reste ».
“The hours pass, friendship remains”
(Sundial motto, Hope Park, Keswick)

The sundial seen in a snow-covered Hope Park, Keswick, Cumbria has a timeless French motto: « L’heure passe, l’amitié reste ». This can be translated into English as: "The hours pass, friendship remains".

Particularly in the bleak midwinter of December and January this is a greeting Keswickians often pass on to family and friends the world over.
==============================

A time of 'happy hunting' for U-Boats

2011-12-12T23:11:00.004Z

A German U-Boat surfacing
[Courtesy of Mr Jeff Wilson, WW1 & WW2 researcher]

The year 1942 was a time of 'happy hunting' for the German U-Boats in the North Atlantic. In one month alone - November 1942 - Allied losses were the greatest of the whole war: 117 ships by U-Boats alone with further losses from other causes. According to the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill this period was was "The U-Boat Paradise".

For additional infomation click on 'Comments' below.

A Father and Son of the Sea

2011-12-05T22:56:00.015Z

Photographs (Top to Bottom):

1. Old 'Sea salts', Whitehaven harbour (c.1931)
(Believed to include members of the Cradduck family)
[Courtesy of The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven]

2. Tom Cradduck, SS Empire Leopard
Lost at sea due to enemy action (02.11.1942)
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

3. Ronnie Cradduck, SS Empire March (Barrow)
Died of illness, Madras, India (21.11.1942)
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

4. Sailing ships in Whitehaven harbour
[Home port for Tom and Ronnie Cradduck]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Able Seaman William S. Truett, M.N.

2011-12-03T22:00:00.009Z

(Top): Able Seaman (Gunner) William Scott Truett
SS 'Empire Leopard', Merchant Navy
[Lost at sea by enemy action, 02.11.1942, aged 22]
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

(Bottom): Truett family headstone (Whitehaven)
[Commemorating William S. ('Biff') Truett & family]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Pte. Harold McMean, Royal Warwicks Regt.

2011-11-27T23:21:00.011Z

(Top): Private Harold McMean, Royal Warwicks. Regt.
[Courtesy of Mrs Maud Smith, Great Niece]

(Bottom): Headstone of Private Harold McMean,
Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Service No. 3602481
(Died in service, 9 March 1945)
Whitehaven Cemetery (Grave Ref. 5/O/382)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

LAC Francis W. Dummigan, RAFVR

2011-11-27T17:50:00.011Z

(Top): Leading Aircraftman Frank Dummigan, RAFVR
(Killed on active service, 7 April 1943, aged 20)
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

(Bottom): Headstone of LAC Frank Dummigan & family
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland (now Cumbria)
[Grave Ref. 6/L/202]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

LAC John Metcalf Brannon, RAFVR

2011-11-27T16:21:00.009Z

(Top): LAC John Metcalf Brannon, RAFVR
Died on active service, 1 June 1942, aged 22 years
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

(Bottom): CWGC Headstone of LAC John M. Brannon
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland [Grave Ref. 6/N/65]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Whitehaven Grammar School Memorials

2011-11-24T22:41:00.009Z

The Whitehaven Grammar School war memorials
(Also known as 'Whitehaven County Secondary School')
Now in St James' Church, High Street, Whitehaven

(Top): The WW2 memorial (45 casualties)
(Bottom): The WW1 memorial (6 names listed)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Able Seaman Lancelot Thomas Bell, R.N.

2011-11-18T20:58:00.008Z

(Top): Entrance to St Bees Parish Church, Cumberland
Lancelot T. Bell was baptised in this church (20.04.1917)

(Middle): St Peter's Church, Kells, Whitehaven
Where Lancelot Bell married Elizabeth Birkett (31.03.1940)

(Bottom): Able Seaman Lancelot Thomas Bell, R.N.
M.V. Empire Gem, (Died 24.01.1942)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

World première of 'Keep Smiling Through'

2011-11-10T21:05:00.007Z

Advertising poster and ticket for 'Keep Smiling Through'
A musical stage show by Lisa Evans
Its world première was at Keswick, Cumbria
(Summer season 2011)

The world première of a play about rationing, refugees, evacuees - and 'Rodents'- in the Cumbrian town of Keswick was held at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick in 2011. The press preview was on Friday 29 July 2011, with the public première the following evening. Normally, the summer season of plays at the theatre ends at the beginning of November. However, this play with wartime songs contained within the storyline, was extended by a week. Thus, the final performance of the play's first season took place on Friday 11 November 2011.

For additional information see 'Comments' below

Sergeant Joseph B. Hayton, R.A.F.V.R.

2011-11-09T22:59:00.008Z

Headstone, St. Mary's, Harrington Churchyard, Cumbria
It commemorates a casualty from each World War:
Corporal Robert C.F. Blair (died 08.05.1919)
Sergeant Joseph Banks Hayton (died 16.11.1943)
(Harrington Churchyard, nr Workington, Cumbria)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

POPPY DAY

2011-11-07T13:07:00.004Z

If I should die, think only this of me

That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England.

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)

This post, as a reminder that Armistice Day, or Poppy Day, as you call it in England, is not a date the meaning of which everyone knows.

You’d be surprised at the answers some might give to the question: “What does it celebrate?’’ especially in my country, France.

Apart from the various veterans, historians, and of course politicians, few people in France will take the time to think of the meaning of the date. On November 11, of course, there will be ceremonies, but before and after that, it will be radio silence again - whereas, in Britain, in Canada and in the US, you do much more than just talk about it. It is amazing to the rest of the world to see the crowds of people marching all over the place, on the tube, on the streets, appearing on TV, and in public, wearing a poppy on their lapels. Of course every one of you knows where the idea came from, but just in case some passing foreign visitor might wish to know, here is the information:

At the origin of the tradition, there was a poem, In Flanders Fields, written by John Mc Crae a Canadian physician and poet, himself a soldier in WW1. Note that it was meant to encourage the soldiers to go on fighting for freedom.

Even though, originally the celebration was supposed to honour the memory of the dead of WW1, (and the donations meant to help the survivors) it now celebrates all the victims of the ensuing conflicts, and unfortunately, there have been many since 1918.

Not all poets were as… optimistic as John Mc Crae. Siegfried Sassoon, for one, was able to conciliate publicly a pacifist’s and a fighter’s stand, and to survive the Great War, contrary to Wilfred Owen,whose poems tell so stunningly of the small lies, the blindness of all those who were not up on the front, and the horror of dying at twenty something, were it for one’s country. In this poem in particular:

Even though Owen was shell-shocked and hospitalized, he went back to the front, where he was killed a week before this very Armistice Day that we’ll be celebrating this week.

Here is a poem by Sassoon, taken from this site.

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.

The words of all those poems still ring to our ears.

To honour their authors again and again, let us try not to drown our emotion in the cart of the supermarket on November 11, maybe we could, instead, answer the little children’s questions, and maybe also remember for a minute those poets who never had the time to feed on the beauty of any poppies, since they found themselves pushing up the daisies, early, far too early.

St Nicholas' War Memorial, Whitehaven

2011-11-03T22:00:00.007Z

The WW2 War memorial,
St. Nicholas' Parish Church,
Whitehaven, Cumberland (now Cumbria)

This article updates a BBC "People's War" story about the WW2 War Memorial of St Nicholas' Church, Whitehaven, Cumbria. The BBC "People's War" story (Article ID A4188657) can be found by clicking on the following link:

BBC People's War: WW2 St Nicholas' Church War Memorial

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Sergeant (Pilot) Thomas Fee, R.A.F.V.R.

2011-11-01T22:08:00.005Z

Photographs:
(Top): Sergeant (Pilot) Thomas (Tom) Fee, RAFVR
[Killed whilst on flying duties, 13 April 1943]
(Middle): Headstone of Sergeant Tom Fee
[Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumbria]
(Bottom): Sgt Tom Fee remembered by his hometown
[Listed in the Whitehaven 'Book of Remembrance']

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Stoker Wilfred Tubman, R.N. (HMMTB 602)

2011-10-29T15:23:00.009+01:00

(Top): Stoker Wilfred Tubman, P/KX 137260.
[One of 7 crew of HMMTB 602 K.I.A. on 29 March 1944]
(Bottom): Wilfred Tubman's headstone
[Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland (now Cumbria)]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Private William Lithgow, R.A.O.C.

2011-10-23T22:21:00.008+01:00

Remembering Pte. William Lithgow, R.A.O.C.
Drowned at Normanton-on-Soar, 17 May 1942
Interred at Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

"Just taking the girls home from a dance"

2011-10-18T21:41:00.005+01:00

A "jerry can" of petrol - an "essential supply"

During WW2 the Home Guard could get a petrol ration .... so could farmers. Both the Home Guard and farmers needed petrol to carry out their duties.

Now, what if a young farmer was also in the Home Guard happened to have a vehicle, had received a petrol ration and wanted to go to a dance (with two young ladies)?

This almost sounds like the basis for an episode of "Dad's Army". Yet, this is a true Home Guard story from WW2.

To read the story see below.

"Wartime Christmas"

2011-10-16T22:36:00.007+01:00

(Top): The BBMF Spitfire in flight (June 2011)
(Bottom): The Christmas Candle: a light for the world

In December 1942 Father T.A. (Ambrose) Agius, O.S.B., a Benedictine priest, looked out over the moonlit Kent coastline. He heard the sound of planes overhead and said a prayer for peace. A light shone through in the darkness. He was also inspired him to write a poem, "Wartime Christmas". He sent this to Whitehaven, Cumberland where he had previously been parish priest at St Begh's R.C. Parish (1932 - 1934).

To read this poem, click on 'Comments' below.

A Calendar of Heroes and Heroines

2011-10-12T23:16:00.006+01:00

Pages from the 2006 BBC "People's War" Calendar:
A Calendar of Heroes and Heroines.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Margaret Finley, died at Singapore (1942)

2011-10-05T12:45:00.012+01:00

Postcard view of the Merlion at Singapore
(Symbol of the modern day Singapore)

The modern day city state of Singapore is a vibrant city of business and commerce. It is also a popular tourist destination with many things to see and do. Yet, how different it was for those who found themselves in Singapore in February 1942.

The British Garrison at Singapore surrendered to avoid further needless loss of lives. Even so, many civilians - including women and children - were lost while trying to evacuate. Relatives of many of those who died had no news of their loved ones, good or bad, for several years. One of those who was lost during the evacuation from Singapore was a British nursing sister, Margaret R. Finley, QAIMNS of Worcestershire. This is Margaret's story, or at least what is known of it.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

2011-10-03T09:43:00.002+01:00

This, in honour of our Canadian and American liberators.

The plaque can be seen in downtown Menton, the French city closest to the Italian border, hence one of the last to be liberated.

It seems appropriate to post this some time before the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holidays, so we can all remember those 66 who lost their lives to save us.

Able Seaman William Berry, HMS Kite

2011-09-21T23:15:00.009+01:00

Trinity Church Gardens, Whitehaven, Cumbria
This is where A.B. William Berry was married (29.08.1942)
His bride was Kitty A. Skelton of Whitehaven

Able Seaman William A. Berry, R.N., made the Supreme Sacrifice on 21 August 1944 when his vessel, HMS Kite, was sunk. He was 27 years old and has no known grave. Almost two years to the day before this fateful day, on 29 August 1942, William Berry had a much happier day. This was the day he married his sweetheart, Miss Kitty Armstrong Skelton, at Holy Trinity Church, Scotch Street, Whitehaven. The church building no longer exists but the above photograph shows the Church Gardens and the place where the church once stood.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Petty Officer Gordon S. McAully, HMS Esk

2011-09-18T16:45:00.005+01:00

Photographs:

(Top): Petty Officer Gordon Simons McAully, R.N.
(K.I.A. 01.09.1940 while serving on 'HMS Esk')

Bottom: Gordon McAully's 'home port' of Whitehaven

Leading Seaman (Petty Officer) Gordon Simons McAully, R.N. was killed in action on 1 September 1940 while serving on 'HMS Esk'. Having been brought up close to the West Cumbrian coastline, Gordon McAully joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16. At the time of his death in 1940 he was 34 years old.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

"Loved in life, mourned in silence"

2011-09-10T22:46:00.005+01:00

Baptismal Font at St Begh's R.C. Church, Whitehaven
(Joseph Fox & his siblings were baptised in this font)

Private Joseph (Joe) Fox, The Border Regiment served with the 5th, 7th and 4th Regiments between 1939 and 1942. In 1942 Private Fox, who came originally from Whitehaven, was in India with the 4th Battalion when he contracted an undiagnosed fever. He passed away on 5 July 1942 and was laid to rest in Ranchi War Cemetery.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Private Frank Beardmore, Border Regiment

2011-09-07T23:40:00.003+01:00

WW2 Headstone of Private Frank Beardmore
Grave 5.O.211, Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

St James' Church War memorial, Whitehaven

2011-09-04T22:17:00.004+01:00

Remembering the Fallen of both World Wars:
The St James' Parish, Whitehaven War Memorial

The war memorial in the side chapel at St James' Parish Church, Whitehaven (Church of England) commemorates the Fallen of both World Wars.

For additional infomation click on 'Comments' below

W/O George Davidson Catterick, R.A.

2011-09-03T21:06:00.008+01:00

Photographs:

(Top & Middle):
Postcard from the Holy Land (c.1919)

(Bottom):
Medals awarded to W/O George D. Catterick, R.A.:
L-R: 1939-1945 Star,1939-1945 Africa Star, 1939-1945 Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal, Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (Regular Army)

George Davidson Catterick, R.A. 'served with the Colours' between 1919 and 1945, followed by two years on the reserve list. George's time as a regular soldier in the British Army began just weeks after the Armistice of the 1914 - 1918 War and ended just weeks after V.J. Day that marked the end of the 1939 - 1945 War. George's medals represent both his long, exemplary service and his WW2 service.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Best Love and Thoughts of Home

2011-09-03T19:09:00.007+01:00

Photographs:

(Top): A wartime postcard from Egypt
George Davidson Catterick, R.A.:
Thinking of family & home

(Bottom): A special present from Egypt:
A specially embroidered tablecloth

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Pte William Mason, 4th Bn Border Regiment

2011-08-29T19:41:00.008+01:00

Photographs:

(Top): High Altar, St Begh's RC Church, Whitehaven
Pte William Mason married Isabella Mason here
Date of the wedding: 7 July 1934

(Bottom): Pte William Mason, 4th Bn, Border Regiment
[Photograph courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

Private William Mason (Service No 3596362), 4th Battalion The Border Regiment was killed in action in the Middle East in November 1941. At the time of his death Private Mason was 27 years old.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Sgt. Moses Jones, 7th Bn Border Regt.

2011-08-28T19:25:00.005+01:00

Headstone of Sergeant Moses Jones
7th Battalion, The Border Regiment
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland (now Cumbria)

The headstone of WW2 casualty Sergeant Moses Jones, 7th Border Regiment, can be found in a lonely, if peaceful, section of Whitehaven Cemetery. Sergeant Jones met a tragic end while on home service in the South of England on 10 May 1941. His body was returned to his hometown of Whitehaven where he was laid to rest.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Gunner Harold Cook, R.A., M.E.F.

2011-08-28T08:38:00.005+01:00

Gunner Harold Cook, R.A. (281 Bty, 88th H.A.A.)
From Whitehaven, Cumberland (Cumbria)
[Photograph courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

Gunner Harold Cook, R.A. from Whitehaven, Cumberland was killed in action in the Middle East. At the time of his death he was 34 years old.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

National Archives

2011-08-19T14:56:00.008+01:00

If you look at our permanent links (Video, Audio, and other WW2 Links) on the right you will see a link to the National Archives found by Catherine. If you click on the link, scrolling down will take you to bundle HO 396, a bundle of documents relating to the internment of aliens during WW2. Catherine drew my attention to this document regarding interned Jews, a letter from the interment camp commandant to the Home Office.

Browsing around further, I located this document:

This is the document authorising the release of Ferdinando Granelli, my maternal grandfather. It was quite a shock finding it, but now I know the exact date he was released. I never saw him again as he died in 1945.

A son of Godalming who gave his all

2011-08-13T15:40:00.008+01:00

Photographs (courtesy of Mr. R. Verhagen):

(Top): The 'Torenmuseum', Geffen, Netherlands
This is ocated in the old village church tower.
The museum wall still shows structural damage from WW2.

(Bottom): The Godalming WW2 War Memorial
One of those listed is Lance Corporal Brian W. Hackman
(L/Cpl Hackman was killed in action at Geffen)

Lance Corporal Brian William Hackman, Grenadier Guards, a son of Godalming, Surrey was killed in action at Geffen, Netherlands on 27 September 1944. The 'Torenmuseum' at Geffen remembers the sacrifice of Lance Corporal Hackman and others who died liberating their area.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Lost in the sinking of HMS Matabele (Jan 1942)

2011-07-31T20:35:00.013+01:00

Photographs:
(Top) Able Seaman Edward Anderson, R.N. (1916 - 1942)
[Courtesy of 'Whitehaven News']

(Bottom) Anderson Family Headstone
[Whitehaven Cemetery]

Able Seaman Edward Anderson was lost at sea when 'HMS Matabele' was sunk by the German U-Boat U-454 on 17 January 1942. The total ship's complement was 238. There were only 2 survivors.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

The Greatest Personal Sacrifice

2011-07-24T20:53:00.009+01:00

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Pte Thomas Quinn: "To Mother, From Tom"

2. Pte Thomas Quinn, 4th R.W.K., SEAC
(Killed in Action 4 June 1945)

3. Pte Thomas Quinn, 4th R.W.K.
(Memorial in Rangoon War Cemetery)
(Family photographs of Pte Thomas Quinn)

Private Thomas Quinn, 4th Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment made the greatest personal sacrifice in WW2: he gave his life while trying to rescue two of his comrades. He was 23 years old.

According to his Commanding Officer Private Thomas Quinn's great gallantry and self-sacrifice had been an inspiration to his platoon.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

More about Giverny's Lancaster

2011-07-19T14:27:00.004+01:00

One of my knowledgeable friends, Jean-Pierre Dubois, tells me that "this is one of the Lancasters overhauled and modified for anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol

under a Western Union scheme and delivered to French Naval Aviation (Aéronautique navale) circa 1952"

Another piece of info that he forwarded is the following :

"The Lancaster was a Mark 1 LL864 "A4-H" which took off at 0027 from RAF Witchford, Cambridgeshire to destroy a communications target at Chevreuse. It was shot down by a night-fighter and crashed 150-200 metres of the Giverny

to Vernon road at Giverny where the crew are buried in the local churchyard..

This was one of six lost by 115 Squadron that night, all shot down by night-fighter, all making for the same target. Bomber Command overall lost 36-37 aircraft that night.

Bill Chorley, the acclaimed air historian, whose book "RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War" Volume 5 (1944) this information is taken from, also adds a note:

'It was to Giverny that the celebrated French impressionist painter Claude Monet moved in 1883. Today, his famous garden is synonymous with his life and work, which many regard as the ultimate experience in this genre.'

And I have to say thank you to all the other anonymous contributors who have enriched this post and made this encounter of mine a very special one indeed.

St Begh's,Whitehaven WW2 War Memorial

2011-07-15T21:12:00.002+01:00

WW2 memorial at St Begh's Church, Whitehaven
(Photograph: J. Ritson)

The WW2 memorial outside St Begh's R.C. Church, Whitehaven, Cumbria commemorates 42 parishioners who made the ultimate sacrifice during WW2.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

More about Ronald Maude

2011-07-13T07:59:00.002+01:00

Here is the information I received from my friend John Hook about Ronald Maude (called Ronnie by his friends).

I hope John will add more comments to this later on.

"He was 21 when he was shot down. It was immediately after D Day when the allies were busy landing on the Normandy beaches and the RAF etc were bombing and flying in, trying to break the German forces in land and make the landings safer and more successful. Apparently the village of Giverny was glad to look after their graves and kept that propeller hidden for many years until, relatively recently, they made a monument out of it."

An unexpected find near Monet's home in Giverny

2011-07-12T17:41:00.007+01:00

While visiting painter Claude Monet's village in Normandy, I took a walk to the nearby church and saw this grave stone, next to Monet's.

A knowledgeable friend of mine tells the propeller displayed does not come from a Lancaster, but I am still waiting for him to tell me what type of aircraft it was!

Anyhow, what struck me afterwards was that one of the victims of that crash happens to have been the brother-in-law of a dear friend of ours in England, Mrs Joan Hook, from Gloucester.

Isn't it a small world?

First English Production of 'Dutch Family'

2011-07-05T22:14:00.007+01:00

Photographs (top to bottom):

1. Memorial to the Jewish citizens of Amsterdam of WW2

2. The National Monument, Dam Square, Amsterdam.

3. Poster advertising 'Dutch Family' by A. Defresne (1946)
Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News'
& Cumbria County Archives, Whitehaven

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Stoker A. W. Litt, R.N. (HMS Penzance)

2011-07-02T18:56:00.006+01:00

Photographs:

(Top): Stoker Alfred William Litt, R.N.
[Courtesy of 'The Whitehaven News']

(Bottom): Postcard of HMS Penzance

West Cumbrian sailor Stoker Alfred William Litt, R.N. lost his life when HMS Penzance was sunk by a German submarine on 24 August 1940. He was 22 years old. With no known grave, Stoker Litt is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Trooper Roy Rogers, 7th RTR, WW2

2011-06-26T22:52:00.006+01:00

(Top): N.V.A. (West Cumbria Branch) Memorial Plaque
St Nicholas' Church Gardens, Whitehaven

(Bottom): Trooper Roy S. Rogers (1922 - 2011)
7th Royal Tank Regiment in WW2
Normandy Veterans Association

Photographs by J. Ritson

During WW2 Trooper Roy Stewart Rogers served with the 7th Royal Tank Regiment (7th R.T.R) in N.W. Europe. After the war Roy joined the Normandy Veterans Association (West Cumbria Branch) and for many years was the Branch's Standard Bearer. He passed away on 21 June 2011, at the age of 89.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A special touch to a special week

2011-06-25T21:25:00.003+01:00

Leo and Mary Smith of Little Clifton, Workington, Cumbria
At the RAF Squadronaires "Glenn Miller" concert
Whitehaven Festival, Sunday 19 June 2011

This event was held on a special day in a special week for Leo and Mary.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

A Celebration of Freedom

2011-06-22T20:55:00.009+01:00

Photographs (Top to Bottom):

1. Inspection of the Queen's Band of the Royal Marines
(By the Mayor of Copeland, Mr John Jackson
& the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Sir James Cropper)

2. Armed Forces escorting the 'Freedom Charter'

3. WW2 and other Veterans in the 'Veterans Parade'
Escorting the Freedom Charter',
Whitehaven, Sunday 19 June 2011

4. 'Freedom of the Borough of Copeland Charter'
(Granted to past & present members of the Armed Forces)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A Glenn Miller Celebration

2011-06-19T20:46:00.004+01:00

The RAF Squadronaires play 'In the Mood'
A celebration to the Glenn Miller Band
(Whitehaven Festival, Sunday 19 June 2011)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Seaman Thomas Tubman, 'HMS Capetown'

2011-06-09T22:30:00.005+01:00

Photographs (top to bottom):

1. Seaman Thomas Tubman's grave
Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery
CWGC Grave Ref: Plot 2. Row A. Grave 19.

2. HMS Capetown (postcard photograph)
A WW1 and WW2 C-Class Royal Navy cruiser
Her motto - unsurprisingly - was 'Good Hope'

Seaman Thomas Tubman, RNVR of HMS Capetown died in Gibraltar on 16 November 1939 while on active service. He was interred in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. At the time of his death Seaman Tubman was 46 years old.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

Commemorating an ARP Warden

2011-06-06T21:19:00.011+01:00

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Distington War Memorial, Cumbria
The Black Cock Inn can be seen in the background

2. Thomas C. Graham's name on Distington memorial
He was injured on the main road near the memorial
His name can be seen at the bottom of this list

3. The Black Cock Inn, Distington (c. early 1950s)
(Showing a local fox hunting pack outside the inn)
Photograph courtesy of Jeff Wilson,
WW2 researcher & Distington villager

4. The former Black Cock Inn, Distington (2011)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A hymn that softened the hatred of war

2011-05-23T13:05:00.006+01:00

(Top): Grave of Rev. H.F. Lyte
[Holy Trinity Church, Nice]
Photo: Jacques, husband of Cathie Fidler (Lefebvre)

(Bottom): McGuinness family headstone
[Whitehaven Cemetery, Ward 5, Section K]
Photo: Joseph Ritson

During the quiet moments after the fighting in North Africa and Italy Sergeant Patrick (Pat) McGuinness, 7th Queen’s Own Hussars, used to lead the men of his company in song. To soften the hatred caused by war, Pat would finish each night’s sing-song with the hymn “Abide With Me” by Rev. Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847).

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below.

ARP Warden Thomas C. Graham

2011-05-19T22:39:00.007+01:00

Photographs:

1. The main road at Distington, Cunbria
(Between Workington and Whitehaven)
[Where Thomas Graham was injured on 8/9 September 1940]

2. Whitehaven Castle, Cumbria
(Used as a hospital during WW2)
[Thomas Graham died here on 10 October 1940]

3. Distington Parish Church (Church of England)
[Thomas Graham's funeral service took place here]

4. ARP Warden Thomas Graham's Headstone
[Located in Distington Churchyard]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below.

"Dig for Victory"

2011-05-15T20:17:00.004+01:00

WW2 "Dig for Victory" leaflet
(Author's collection)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

"So that France might Live"

2011-05-08T23:17:00.008+01:00

Photographs:

1. The 'Bataillon Vervet' (Maquis) Monument
Lourdes Cemetery

2. Family Grave of Jean Capdevielle (WW2 'résistant')

3. Memorial of M. René Sarrazin (WW2 'résistant')
[A commander in the 'Franc Pommiès corps in WW2]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

The Liberation of Lourdes (August 1944)

2011-05-08T22:53:00.008+01:00

Photographs:

1. The Castle of Lourdes (65) above the town
[With the 'Pic du Béout' mountain in the distance]

2. The Hôtel Beauséjour, Lourdes
(Where the German troops surrendered in August 1944)

3. Commemorative plaque outside the Hôtel Beauséjour

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

The War Memorials of Bartrès (65), France

2011-05-08T22:27:00.005+01:00

(Top): Bartrès Village War Memorial
[This Civic Memorial was re-dedicated in 2005]

(Bottom): Bartrès Parish Church War Memorial
[This memorial is inside the Bartrès Parish Church]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

2011-05-04T17:38:00.004+01:00

Remembering Pte William Harker Lee MM

2011-04-28T13:22:00.010+01:00

Photographs (Top to bottom):

1. Bridson's Court / Bardy Lane district, Whitehaven
(Where William H. Lee was born in January 1920)

2. Arc de Triomphe, Paris
(Billy Lee spent 3 days 'sightseeing' in Occupied Paris in 1940)

3. High altar of St Mary's Church, Cleator, Cumbria
(Where William H. Lee MM married Julia Fleming, January 1945)

4. Family Headstone of William Harker Lee MM
(Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumbria)

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

THIS WEEK IN WW2

2011-04-28T01:42:00.001+01:00

Read about the events of World War Two as they unfolded 70 years ago this week at http://www.douglaswjacobson.com
Douglas W. Jacobson
Author,
THE KATYN ORDER
NIGHT OF FLAMES

The assassination of Heydrich

2011-04-25T15:16:00.001+01:00

Just added a link to superb pdf file, really an entire book profusely illustrated. Highly recommended.

Billy Lee's 'European Tour' of 1940

2011-04-22T17:38:00.006+01:00

Photographs (Top to bottom):
1. Private William Harker Lee, MM
(5th Battalion The Border Regiment, WW2)
2. The French Pyrenees: Cirque de Gavarnie with Spain beyond
3. The Rock of Gibraltar (late 1930s photograph)
4. Arrowthwaite (Kells) district of Whitehaven, Cumberland
('Home' for William Harker Lee MM)

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A determined woman

2011-04-22T10:23:00.002+01:00

Thought you might like to read one of Catherine's superb articles.

ATA Air Crash at St Bees (27 March 1941)

2011-04-21T13:04:00.010+01:00

(Top): Photograph from "Tomlin", St Bees (2011)
[View looking south]
(Middle): Photograph of South Head, St Bees (2011)
(Bottom): Photograph of South Head, St Bees (c.1938)
[Looking north towards "Tomlin" & St Bees Head]

On 27 March 1941 there was an air crash at "Tomlin" near St Bees Head, Cumberland (now Cumbria). Unfortunately, the American pilot, First Officer George Washington Holcomb, A.T.A was killed. The photographs above show the crash site area.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

"How sleep the brave"

2011-04-20T22:45:00.007+01:00

(Top): Mildred Warner (Washington) Gale Memorial
(Grandmother of George Washington, 1st USA President)
[Located in St Nicholas' Church Gardens, Whitehaven]

(Bottom): Headstone of First Officer George Washington Holcomb, A.T.A. (Died 27 March 1941)
[Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland (now Cumbria)]

First Officer George Washington Holcomb, Air Transport Auxiliary, is interred in Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumbria. The headstone is inscribed with a quotation from William Collins' 1746 poem "How Sleep The Brave".

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Europe's "Secret Army" of WW2

2011-04-20T16:04:00.004+01:00

Display about the European “Secret Army” of WW2
Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
(RAF East Krkby, Lincolnshire)
[Photograph taken with permission]

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

The 'Wooden Horse' escape of WW2

2011-04-20T15:59:00.003+01:00

Model of the 'Wooden Horse' used at Stalag Luft III
This is at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
(RAF East Kirby, Lincolnshire)
[Photograph taken with permission]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

HMS Whitehaven Crew & wartime service

2011-04-19T13:28:00.002+01:00

(Top) Model of HMS Whitehaven (J121)
By Mr Ike Curnow of Whitehaven, Cumbria
On display at the 'Whitehaven Expo', Duke Street, Whitehaven

(Bottom) Wartime crew of HMS Whitehaven
[Photograph courtesy of Jeff Wilson, WW2 researcher]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

New Link!

2011-04-13T15:02:00.006+01:00

I've added a link recommended by Joseph, the 'United Kingdom National Inventory of War Memorials', a work in progress but already useful.

A reminder, our permanent links are accessible by clicking VIDEO, AUDIO, AND OTHER WW2 LINKS in the right-hand column.

"Our Olympics" by Harold Drake, R.A.

2011-04-11T22:30:00.004+01:00

Medals and trophies were different for the 'Wartime Olympics'

At the annual buffet dinner dance of the West Cumbria branch of the Normandy Veterans Association in November 2000 one of the members, Mr Harold Drake, R.A. of Egremont, Cumbria read out a few thoughts he had written down after watching the Sydney Olympics a couple of months earlier.

Although Harold has since passed away, I have a copy given to me by Harold which is transcribed here. It is an insight into a life experienced by someone who served in the Forces during WW2.

To read Harold's story click on 'Comments' below

"In Affectionate Remembrance"

2011-04-11T21:47:00.004+01:00

Headstone of Aircraftwoman Gladys E. Hadwin
Whitehaven Cemetery, Cumberland (now Cumbria)

Aircraftwoman Gladys Edith Hadwin (WAAF) died on 5 October 1945 while still on wartime service, aged 26 years. Aircraftwoman Hadwin was originally from Lewsiham (London) although she was laid to rest at Whitehaven - the hometown of her husband Daniel Lennox Hadwin. The following inscription is engraved on her headstone:

"In affectionate remembrance of an unselfish and loving wife".

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Just One Sad and Mysterious Loss

2011-03-27T22:11:00.011+01:00

St John's Parish Church, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria:
(Top): Church exterior
(Middle): Church interior
(Bottom): WW2 Memorial Plaque inside the church
Photographs: J. Ritson

Sergeant (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) Joseph Crawford, Service No 648647, 113 Squadron RAF died, aged 19, on 9 December 1940. At the time he was on active service somewhere in the Middle East. His was just one life among many lost during WW2, and the reason why still appears to be shrouded in mystery.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A Golden Tribute of Hope

2011-03-27T21:59:00.013+01:00

(Top): WAAF Florence May Hunter's name
[Listed in the Whitehaven Remembrance Book]
(Middle): Golden daffodils of hope at her headstone
(Bottom): Hensingham Parish War Memorial.
Photographs: J. Ritson

During WW2 Florence May Hunter of Hensingham Whitehaven served in the WAAF as a medical orderly. During the war she would have helped many sick and injured RAF personnel in the course of her service. Unfortunately, Florence Hunter was also to become a casualty of the war, and only a few weeks before V.E. Day. As can be seen in the middle photograph above golden daffodils that were planted on her grave appear as a tribute to her memory.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Silent Remembrance

2011-03-21T17:04:00.007Z

(Top): Ennerdale Parish War Memorial
(Middle): The Fallen of WW2 from Ennerdale Parish
(Bottom): Names remembered on the poppy wreath
[Photographs: J. Ritson]

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

The War Against Hitlerism

2011-03-17T16:55:00.005Z

A ceramic teapot that helped in Hitler’s downfall!
(Displayed at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, Cumbria)

In the war against Adolph Hitler and the Nazis even a ceramic teapot played a part. The Second World War was a "People's War" in standing up against Hitlerism and for freedom.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

Salute the Soldier Week campaign, 1944

2011-03-17T16:50:00.006Z

A commemorative 'Salute the Soldier Week' plaque
This one is displayed at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, Cumbria

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

The Second World War Gas Mask

2011-03-15T13:14:00.004Z

Air Raid Precaution cards from the Second World War
The cards above illustrate the use of the 'Gas Mask'

The official name of the 'Gas Mask' was the Civilian Respirator. One way of getting across message of air raid precautions to the public was by the use of cigarette cards. Three of these dealing with the Gas Mask or 'Civilian Respirator' can be see above.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

A Healthy Wartime Diet for Children

2011-03-15T13:07:00.006Z

British Government Wartime Leaflet on healthy eating
(Front page)

The above photograph shows the front page of British Government leaflet giving advice on ensuring a healthy diet for children.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

THIS WEEK IN WW2 - 70 YEARS AGO

2011-03-14T15:36:00.002Z

A summary of the major events of WW2 as they happened 70 years ago this week. Read an update every week at http://www,douglaswjacobson.com

Douglas W. Jacobson
Author,
NIGHT OF FLAMES: A Novel of World War Two
THE KATY ORDER (Coming May, 2011)

A welcome break from hunting U-Boats

2011-03-14T13:35:00.004Z

(Top): Cockermouth, Cumberland (c. 1938)
Brewery, Castle and confluence of the Rivers Derwent & Cockermouth
(Middle): Crummock Water and the fells near Melbreak (c.1938)
(Bottom): Ennerdale Water and fells (c. 1938)

During a wartime goodwill visit to Cockermouth and the surrounding district some of the crew of ‘HMS Melbreak’ took part in a fox hunt with the local Melbreak Foxhounds. The traditional hunting area of the Melbreak Pack mainly covers the area in the vicinity of Crummock, Buttermere and Ennerdale.

The photographs above, taken shortly before WW2, show views of Cockermouth, Crummock and Ennerdale. For the 14 crew members of 'HMS Melbreak' who visited this area of West Cumberland at the end of October 1944 hunting foxes was a welcome break from hunting German U-Boats.

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

‘Missing’ Casualties of the World Wars

2011-03-07T15:03:00.003Z

WW2 Headstones, St Mary’s R.C. Churchyard, Cleator, Cumbria
(Top): James McAvoy (former soldier)
(Bottom): Stanislaus Sarapavicius (‘displaced’ Lithuanian)

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

Anti-Semitism

2011-03-06T18:32:00.003Z

For a number of years, after the Second World War ended, I deluded myself that anti-Semitism, or to give it a more correct name Judeophobia, was gone forever. Even in the darkest days of Zionist terrorism of the late 1940s there was no anti-Semitism that I recall; just as IRA terrorism never generated wide-spread anti-Catholicism.

I thought that vile nonsense was over for good. How wrong I was!
Antisemitism: the hatred that refuses to go away

It is all so sad, so very sad.

Trooper James E. Jackman of Egremont

2011-03-04T08:29:00.001Z

Egremont War Memorial, Cumberland (now Cumbria)
One of the WW2 casualties whose name is listed in James Edward Jackman
Photograph taken on Sunday 14 August 2005

Trooper James Edward Jackman from Egremont, Cumberland (now Cumbria) is one of the young men and women who died in WW2. His name is listed on the Egremont Town memorial (seen above).

For additional information click on 'Comments' below

POLISH SECRET AGENT RISKS LIFE TO SPREAD NEWS OF HOLOCAUST

2011-03-02T17:40:00.002Z

Polish undreground agent, Jan Karski, risked his life in 1942 to sneak into the Warsaw ghetto to see for himself the atrocities being committed by the Nazis. Then, against all odds, he was able to escape Poland and travel to Britain and the US to appeal for Allied help to stop the holocaust.
Read the whole story at http://www.douglaswjacobson.com

THIS WEEK IN WW2 - 1941

2011-02-27T14:49:00.001Z

Read a brief summary of events each week in WW2 70 years ago at http://www.douglaswjacobson.com

The Saviours of ‘Young Winston’

2011-02-25T12:28:00.003Z

The WW2 Cabinet War Rooms, Whitehall, London
‘Winston Churchill on the Transatlantic telephone’
(Photograph taken with permission)

In the modern era most people learn about what British Prime Minister Winston Churchill achieved and said during the Second World War. For example the WW2 Cabinet War Rooms at Whitehall, London – part of the Imperial War Museum – is largely dedicated to this period of his life. By the time he became Prime Minister Winston Churchill was 65 years old.

Yet there had been a ‘Young Winston’: one with a wide experience of life, death and war even before he achieved the highest office. For example, during the Boer War ‘Young Winston’ was close to death on a number of occasions. He was a POW in a camp in Pretotia, but managed to escape where he was helped by a couple of ‘ex-pat’ miners from Cleator Moor, Cumberland while 'on the run'.

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

The Sikorski Monument, Gibraltar

2011-02-21T16:33:00.002Z

(Top): Memorial to General Wladislaw Sikorski, Gibraltar
(Middle): The original commemorative plaque
(Bottom): 60th Anniversary commemorative plaque

For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below

Our permanent links

2011-02-21T11:46:00.002Z

I've just added a full video of the Japanese surrender, found by Ron, to our growing list. I've also taken the opportunity to tidy up the links trigger, now called Video, Audio and other WW2 Links, and moved the Ed Murrow clip to the main list.

POLAND FIGHTS - 70 YEARS AGO IN WW2

2011-02-18T19:00:00.002Z

Greetings,
As a new member of this fine blog allow me to introduce myself to the group. I am a life-long WW2 history buff and the author of two historical novels set in Poland in WW2. I also write a monthly column for two Polish-American newspapers entitled POLAND FIGHTS. The purpose of these articles is to memorialize the little-known contributions of Poland during WW2, the 4th largest Allied army and the only army that fought from the first day of the war to the last throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Poland also had Europe's largest Resistance organization during the war. I will be highlighting these article for the group each month as I submit them for publication. For those of you interested in this important aspect of WW2, you can read all of the previously published articles on my website, http://www.douglaswjacobson.com. I will welcome all comments and feedback.
Douglas W. Jacobson
Author,
NIGHT OF FLAMES: A Novel of World war Two
THE KATYN ORDER (Coming May, 2011)

Battle of Arnhem Exhition

2011-02-17T12:53:00.007Z

Photographs taken while visiting the Battle of Arnhem exhibition, Arnhem, Netherlands.

For additional information click on 'Comments' below