Forward

It is hard to realize that two-thirds of a century has slipped by since the days when school boys of my vintage were plunging into a devastating conflict with grave doubts as to their personal survival.

During my own last days at school, I have vivid memories of the Headmaster, at morning prayers, reading out the names of the latest casualties, many I had associated with in class or on the playing field.

The recollections of those of us who survived, are largely taken up with the day to day happenings of service life in the fields. One was frequently uncomfortable, often scared but in nearly every case one quickly reached the feeling of being welded together with one's fellow men. We depended on each other utterly irrespective of our rank, education or background. In very short time one developed a sense of unity which carried on into civil life.

Young Veterans, twenty years old or even younger, faced a new world on their return. Those, like myself, who came back to civil life eight or nine months after the armistice was signed, found nothing of the feverish welcome accorded to the first returnees. Job opportunities were already gone and one felt surplus and unwanted. Our war experiences had certainly been educational, but the talents developed of man management and decision making did not appear to be in demand. Even habits of study were difficult for those of us seeking further academic or professional qualifications.

When all was said and done however, it was an experience I shall always value. I went in a boy and come out a man.