WW1 & WW2 Casualty Lists

[Mike K]

Two months back, I had a 2 hour long chat with a Arnhem Brit para veteran. This Sept., he is being flown back to the UK to parcipitate in the anniversary event . He lives opposite a ham radio friend, and must be in his late 80's. He was part of a group defending Urquart's HQ. He told me of the harrowing escape to friendly lines as it was finally declared that it was 'every man for himself '. He tumbled over a stone wall right on top of a German encampment , the Germans in their pup tents were fast asleep. He said , the biggest problem during the fighting was a lack of drinking water and many people were killed crawling out from cover to find water , he himself found some in a toilet cistern. At wars end he was sent to Norway to assist in the German surrender , he said the other aircraft flying with his aircraft , crashed , killing all on board. He presently does amazing woodwork and was a builder/joiner by trade.
His late wife was a wireless op at Bletchley Park during the war.

Wish I could remember all he told me ! I gave him my old Purnells MARKET GARDEN book .
Mike