Life in the Army - Chapter 30 — The Post War Years

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Roger Marsh of the ‘Action Desk — Sheffield’ Team on behalf of Arthur Ward, and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

LIFE IN THE ARMY

by
ARTHUR WARD

Chapter 30 — The Post War Years

I still suffered some ill effects from my war service for many years after I was demobbed. I have already mentioned that my hearing was affected by the noise from our guns and for this I received compensation from the War Office.

For several years, I had small attacks of Malaria but gradually they stopped altogether.

For some time afterwards, I had terrible dreams and very often I woke up covered in sweat, after dreaming of being in action and seeing my mates laid dead on the desert sand. Back came the constant fear of the dreaded Stukas screaming down with the frightening sound of their sirens, the fear of driving over the dreaded Teller mines or the booby traps which the enemy had left behind on anything that we were likely to touch.

After some time, the dreams gradually faded and I would think "Did it really happen?" Then I am glad that I kept my diary - the proof is all there in writing.

I came to the conclusion, after what thousands of men and women (and not forgetting the ones who lost their lives and limbs) had been through, that we who lived through it were lucky, and had to be thankful, but I am sure that the Politicians who caused those wars would not do so if they had been in the front line themselves.

I am adding these notes in 1999.

For the past few years, I have attended several reunions where I met comrades whom I had not seen for over 50 years.

My one regret is that I did not keep in touch with many of my mates, as due to old age, the numbers are getting less every year.

In 1995, I had a letter printed in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus in which I asked for information of the 70th Field Regiment, and any ex members who had known me from the war years.

I had several replies and a visit from Jack Jones, who I had known when at school, although he moved to Halifax when he was 16 years old. He told me that reunions were still held, so I have attended one each year since then.

I met several old comrades; ones I knew best were Wilf Dalby, Charlie North (he lost a leg at Mount Cassino in Italy and died in 1999), Don Gregson from Scunthorpe (died 1997), Bill Kirkland (died 1996), Mick Welbourne, Walter Scott and Harry Stead.

In 1997, 18 ex members of 70th Field Regiment were present at Bradford City Hall when we sat in the square, and a large contingent of the modern army complete with guns and a band marched past us and gave us a salute. Afterwards we had speeches from the Lady Mayoress and other members of Bradford Council, and we were all presented with a tie with the Council 'Logo' on it. A buffet was then provided.

This event was to celebrate the passing of 50 years after the freedom of the City of Bradford was given to the regiment.

This year, on 10th May 1999, a similar number of ex members of the regiment and their wives were entertained to a civic luncheon at Bradford City Hall, again by the Lord Mayor. We had a three course dinner and free beer or wine. One old soldier present was aged 101 years old.

From the meeting with Wilf Dalby, I have visited with him in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and an Ex Serviceman's Weekend at Bridlington, where we attend the Spa Ballroom on a Saturday night in June for dancing, marching bands and a Parade of many British Legion Standards. Then on Sunday, we Parade at the Priory Church and are inspected by high ranking service officers, and we march into church for a service, then over 1,000 men and women march through Bridlington to the Spa Ballroom where we are dismissed. It is a very enjoyable but emotional weekend.

Last year in September 1998, with Wilf Dalby, I attended a church service and March past at Eden Camp, which is near Malton. This again is very enjoyable and brings back many memories of life in the Army.

I was also put in touch with Cyril Medley who organises reunions for ex 'E' Battery members of 11th (HAC) Reg. at Woburn Sands (near Milton Keynes).

Here we meet in a private house owned by Mrs. Marie Walford whose husband was a member of the regiment, but he died in 1995. I did not know all the members present because they had been made Prisoners of War before I joined the Regiment.

However, after a gap of over 50 years, I met Captain Jack Sewell, Ron Fuller, Jack Butler and Reg Wigmore who bring their wives and Joe Cannings, but he died earlier this year aged 85 years (1999).

Also at the reunion I see the widows of Staff Sgt. Sam Barnes and Den Bowden. For a few hours we have a good chat and show each other our photographs and mementoes of the war years.

Marie also provides a very good buffet, then we have photographs taken in the garden. Unfortunately as with all forces reunions, numbers are getting less due to the passing away of members, old age etc.

Unfortunately all the reunions will be ending soon due to the falling numbers.

During my life in the army I:
attended a Cinema approximately 149 times
attended a dance approximately 55 times
attended a live show approximately 24 times
played football approximately 112 times
attended Church Parade approximately 41 times
I came home on leave: approximately 48 hours 2 times
approximately 7 days 6 times
approximately 28 days once

HOW DID WE FIND TIME TO FIGHT?!!

I have 4 medals and ribbons issued by the War Office as follows:
1. The 1939 - 1945 Star
2. The Africa Star with Eighth Army clasp
3. The Italy Star
4. The 1939 - 1945 Service Medal

I had the following poem sent to me by Wilf Dalby and I think it applies to all ex-servicemen and women.

THE VETERAN
They ask us why we do it
Why we still parade
Now that we are getting older
And just a little bit frayed
It's not for the sake of glory
Or the medals on our chest
It's simply that we are comrades
Who stood the final test
In battle, those fateful days
Days we will never forget
Many a lad laid down his life
And paid the final debt
So when you see a veteran
Give the man your hand
For the medals on his chest
Were won in foreign lands
And when God asks the question
Who are you my man?
I will proudly answer
Sir, I am a veteran

Also another poem I read somewhere:

A soldier stood at the Pearly Gate
His face was scarred and old
He stood before the man of fate
For admission to the fold

"What have you done," St Peter asked,
"To gain admission here?"
"I've been a soldier, Sir," he said,
"For many and many a year."

The pearly gates swing open wide
As Peter touched the bell
"Inside," he said, "and choose your harp
you've had your share of hell."

Pr-BR

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