I also had the pleasure of speaking to a vet today who is also one of our regular customers. He was talking to myself and a few other people about driving the carriers a few times. He then mentioned that he had taken part in the D-Day landings on Juno beach. What struck me as rather interesting was the fact that he was a British soldier in a R.E. unit that was attached to 1st Cnd Army. For the invaision his unit went in with the North Novas. He spoke of his time dealing with mine fields a little bit of front line activity. He also mentioned one funny incident.
They had been sent up a a radar instalation to clear out some of the buildings of any booby traps. Their sgt sent them up stairs to check out the upper floor. While up there, they heard a commotion and then the sudden firing of a sten gun comming from below. He and his buddies rushed down the stairs thinking their Sgt had been attacked by a hidden German. Instead they were met by the Sgt telling them to get back upstairs and carry on. Frank toll me that it wasn't unitl a few days later they found out from another Sgt what had happend. Thier sgt had gone down stairs to check out the basement. He kicked open a door and saw a shadowy figure a few feet away moving. He opend fire only to have a large mirror crash to the floor.
He also remarked on my uniform that I was wearing. He told me about the differences in quality and about the visible buttons on the Brit BD. He did say that for big parades they were all issued CDN Bd but that shortly after it would all be collected again.
Anyway I managed to get his signature, army number and unit signed onto my UC just behind the driver. I know he was thirlled that people were showing an interest in his story and I made sure to thank him for all that he did so that I could have the life I have today. The next few pictures are of me and Frank and him signing the carrier.
__________________
Jordan Baker
RHLI Museum,
Otter LRC
C15A-Wire3, 1944
Willys MB, 1942
10cwt Canadian trailer
|