Memories of the Second World War (Part 5)

The Middle East (Palestine) was in turmoil. The Jewish Holocaust survivors were being held in Cyprus to be allowed to dock in Haifa in controlled numbers. However an 'illegal' ship docked…name forgotten. Airborne British Troops boarded…we stood off in armoured cars. God knows what was happening…we didn't! Survivors of Hitler's death camps were dying, trying to get to their Promised Land.

There were three Jewish groups operating at the time:

" The Stern Gang - no more than a bunch of thugs and bank robbers.

" The Irgun Zvai Leumi - a pseudo patriotic group. Their leader became the first Prime Minister of Israel.

" The Haganah - They fought with us in the war and even now would come out and join us to restore order. In the aftermath of World War 2 the state of Israel was emerging. The Jewish people declared war on the British!

In one action I was the gunner of a single armoured car positioned across the bay from Accra jail. The instructions were…under no circumstances to allow the escape of a very important prisoner. (Many years later with a church group, looking across from that jail…now a hospital; I recalled that incident, telling Brenda (Gwen, my wife was with us at the time) of my thoughts - she took a photograph. The prisoner - David Ben-Gurion - became the first Prime Minister of Israel.

Many British troops died in the following months. 1946 dragged into 1947 - KSLI Battalion here. (We had Duke of Wellington attached) up and down the country from Syria to Egypt supporting the paratroops. About to move out one day; Coxie, who had survived Europe and Arnhem unscathed asked to switch vehicles with me. His car went over a mine resulting in severe damage to his eardrums.

In a skirmish I dismounted with Sgt Commander and we drew our pistols. He shouted to fire - I had a better view and shouted to hold it, and pulled out an Arab boy shaking with fear. The Arabs, many are Christian incidentally, were generally supportive and on our side.

I recall going with a convoy at night, with many prisoners and troops. We arrived at the prison - Latrun I think; there was a lot of shouting and a Jewish woman spat in my face! I wondered - would she have done that had she known that I was a boy making Spitfires in 1942?

By November 1947 my war was over…almost. We left camp all packed up, through the gates shouting 'Soldiers farewells' to the men on guard… the happy band off to catch the train to Egypt... NO TRAIN - it had been blown up and the driver shot! Back to camp passed the same men on guard shouting at us and enjoying a joke that we didn't.

Off again safely and we arrived home for Christmas. The C.O. of the 4th/7th offered men being demobbed the chance to:

" Sign on and join the Regiment. (One trooper actually did and ended up as Colonel of the 4th/7th)

" Join the Palestine Police

" A crash course to enable men to pick up their interrupted studies.

I took "C" and was excused 1st year National Certificate and English at a higher level.

Succeeding as an engineer I have always been grateful to that C.O.

Toward the end of that career mostly in aircraft in the U.K. Italy and Germany were partners in a joint venture for the European Fighter Aircraft. Italy was the Design Authority for the parts in question of the U.K. manufacturing with Germany. At one point during the meeting I was putting forward proposals that the Italians were not keen on, the German was simply there to be informed. As we adjourned for lunch I walked out with the German, we had a glass of sherry and he sat opposite me at the table. In conversation he said it was his first to the U.K. although quote…'I was at one time a guest of HM the King in a prisoner of war camp in Egypt'. He was the other 'grey' prisoner mentioned earlier

 

EPILOGUE

My personal war had lasted from September 1939 to December 1947. 8 years and 3 months. The war of the husband of Doris - 3 months…as did two of the top boys in our choir. They head the list of the WW II Killed in Action memorial. The church is still there under 'Spaghetti' junction of the M5.

After I returned the situation became even worse. We withdrew troops early in 1948. The 4th/7th returned home and did not take part in the Suez Affair.

As I write this, like the French (and Germany for that matter) The British Empire had faded away.

We have a Commonwealth now and a European Union……..and more wars than ever.

My sister Frances phoned and asked what I was doing. I told her and she replied that she remembered the blitz and how she used to lie in bed screaming when the bombs dropped. I never recalled that but it needs recording. At nearly 5 years old, Mother looked after her as she did Maurice and me. We all looked after our personal responsibilities and ourselves. That is how we survived.

 

Victor H Mould