Family Memories War

Overseas

The day came when I found my name on the list of those to be posted overseas. After embarkation leave, London became the assembly place conveniently for us near to Paddington Station. Many would slip through the red-caps (Military Policemen) to enjoy a last weekend at home. The kit was issued necessary for the climate at our unknown destination. Guesses were made from the shorts and denim type slacks with which we were supplied. One clue which greatly intrigued our small group was the inclusion of a tin opener exclusive to us. Not one of us guessed Malta where such gadgets were a ‘must’. We only knew for sure when we were well on the way.

We remained in London from the 27 Oct until 1 Nov 1944. London and its tense atmosphere from flying bombs and the rigours of the war-time city was left behind when we boarded the packed troop train for the twelve hour night time journey. Due to the cramped condition the occupants of our carriage (the tin opener squad) took it in turns to rest in the luggage rack which surprisingly was reasonably comfortable.

There was quite a variety of troops on the train. Naval men and WRNS, marines, a mixture of members of varying Army Regiments, Maltese, a mixture of all sorts bound for all sorts of foreign destinations. In the early hours of the morning I remember looking out somewhere over the damp misty moors of the Southern Uplands and seeing in the mist a shepherd standing immobile against the background of heather. His was a different life to that of thousands of us.