My Grandad (From York Press)
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My Grandad
5:45pm Saturday 10th November 2007
By James Alexander »
http://time4change.wordpress.com/files/2007/11/image143.thumbnail.jpg
Tomorrow I will be taking part in the York Remembrance Sunday Service. It is a time when we can remember those who have died for us. I also think about those who have not died for us but have still
sacrificed their health and mental well-being for our everyday freedoms and security. It is a time that means a great deal to me.
War is such an horrific human act. Don't get me wrong I am not a pacifist, but then again I am neither a war-monger. I wish humanity had a lack of inhumanity to itself and that our nature did not
reflect itself into military conflict.
On this day I also remember my Grandad, who was in the 14th army posted to Burma during the Second World War. This army has often been referred to as the forgotten army. People forgot they were still
fighting when victory in Europe was declared. My Grandfather was told where he was going when he got on the plane. My Nana found out where he was by seeing him on the front cover of the Sunday
People. When my Grandad returned my Uncle refused to believe that my Grandad was his father. He insisted that his Dad was a picture in the draw. My Grandad didn't like talking about the war, but he
would discuss it with me.
He was Guarding a place in Rangoon with a childhood friend. The decided between them who would take a toilet break. It was decided my Grandfather would. While by Grandfather was relieving himself,
his friend was decapitated by a Japanese soldier. I do not think he ever really recovered from this trauma.
When my Grandad returned home, his hand was shook by Lord Mountbatten, and Mountbatten said, "you have come home to a land fit for heroes".
Tomorrow I will be honouring these true heroes, like my late Grandad.
