Name: Ian

When did you join up?

Born in 1924. Was in the Army. Managed to get School Certificate in 1941. I joined up shortly afterwards in 1942. This was at Caernarfon. I spent a short time square bashing and peeling spuds in the cookhouse; then I was sent on a long course at Queen’s University Belfast to make try to me become a gunner. I remained in the Army for a few years after the war. I was a career soldier for about 12 years.

Where were you on VE day?

I was in Northern Italy on the borders of Italy and Austria at a place called Cabaretto which was North West of Venice, near Trieste.

How did you hear the news that the war had ended?

Mainly through regimental sources. Quite a number of troops had netted in their 19 sets and were listening to the BBC.

I was in the 6^th Army division where we moved into Austria on 8 May; it was quite amusing because we had this replica mechanical thumb made up, about 3 or 4 ft square pushing us into Austria.

Have you had any contact with German people since?

No. Very little. When the war ended I was in Austria but I was only there for 4 or 5 months so I met one or two Austrians but then came back to England and then out to the Far East, so I didn’t actually meet any Germans.

What do you think of Twinning?

I’m not a member of the Association but hear stories of what happens and I think it’s an extremely good way of liaison between two countries.