I tried another writing prompt – “Write about your day so far”. I’ve only been up an hour and I haven’t actually set foot outside the house. It could be tricky.
So I tried again – “Write about something you got for free”. After much thought I remembered that I had a free blood test and, because everything went well, my car parking was also free. I think I covered that in several previous posts.
At least I’ve started writing. For a few minutes at the start I just sat and stared at the screen. I’ve been doing that for the last few days. It’s not that I’m lacking inspiration, it’s just that there’s so much of it that I don’t seem to be able to get any work done.
I’ve just been watching a TV programme where Tanni Grey Thompson has been looking into her grandfather’s service as an air raid warden in WW2. I learnt a lot I hadn’t known before, and was very impressed with some of the things I hadn’t realised.
This set me off on a tour of Wikipedia as it’s a subject close to my heart. I recently read a piece that referred to people who didn’t serve in the forces as “shirkers”, which didn’t strike me as fair or accurate.
Seven thousand Civil Defence workers were killed in the UK during the war – something I hadn’t realised before. One of my grandfathers was in a reserved occupation during the war. He volunteered for the RAF twice and his employers applied to have him back twice. He served as fireman in his spare time and found himself called out during the air raids on Liverpool and Manchester.
His brother, a railwayman, was also in a reserved occupation. He was in the Special Constabulary when he wasn’t working.
Strikes me that it was hard work being a shirker.
With regard to shirkers, one of my great uncles wasn’t fit enough for the forces in WW1 (he also had flat feet) so was put in charge of one of the mule trains delivering ammunition to the front. He walked miles and miles on his poor flat feet and was in constant danger of being blown up, along with his beloved mules.
Interesting post, Simon. I enjoy reading all the diverse comments you get.
That’s great story, and typical army. 🙂
It is definitely typical of the army! 🙂
🙂
Actually, a very sobering post. Seven thousand! A huge number.
It is. I hadn’t realised it was so many.
Sigh.
Thanks for discussing this issue. It’s not black and white, by any means. I’m not sure what my dad’s dad instead of fighting in WWII but presumably it was something we needed done.
I’m hoping we will hear more about it over the next few years, as the 80th anniversary comes round.
Yes!
This makes me think of those who went into battle unarmed to carry stretchers, etc
Yes, there were a lot of brave men about who didn’t necessarily fit the profile of a soldier.
I agree with your thinking regarding poppies.
That is why I strenuously object to Poppy Fascism! People behaving like the people we fought against in two World Wars, especially the second!
Must admit that I always give money to the Poppy Appeal but rarely wear a poppy. It’s about helping people not about wearing a poppy. When Julia’s Dad (25 years in the Navy) needed help the council and NHS were very big on excuses and very short on action. The British Legion, however, were very quick to offer help.
et Voila! an interesting post. Well done.
🙂