Lynda Harvey
Brummie Born and Bred
Looking at Alf's thread reminded me of my own experiences. I read on another forum about how the Channel Islanders capitulated without much resistance. When the second world war broke out Dad was one of the reserves, so was immediately called up. He didn't speak much about his experiences, but I do know that he helped train different troops both here and in Africa. I know one these groups were men from Guernsey who came over before the occupation, so when they talk about the Islanders, they are speaking about older men women and children. Because these men had no where to spend there leave. a good dozen of them spent time with my family, and they became very close. Dad kept in touch with one man in particular named Frank Houlbec, and Dad wrote to him every week after the war, and he used to send him the Blue Mail. Does that still exist?
Anyway. My experience was that from August 1946 after I was born, these Guernsey men returned the favour and invited us to their homes every year. Throughout my childhood, I spent two weeks enjoying their hospitality. They treated us like family and the Island was idylic. As they got older, Dad and Mom still continued holidaying there until it became too much for them. Sadly now they have all gone, but they have left behind lovely memories and many happy times.
Lynda
Anyway. My experience was that from August 1946 after I was born, these Guernsey men returned the favour and invited us to their homes every year. Throughout my childhood, I spent two weeks enjoying their hospitality. They treated us like family and the Island was idylic. As they got older, Dad and Mom still continued holidaying there until it became too much for them. Sadly now they have all gone, but they have left behind lovely memories and many happy times.
Lynda
