Welcome to my blog in which I’m hoping you will accompany me on a journey that I’ve been hoping to have for some time.
But first from the beginning…when I was just a young lad I used to sneak downstairs and sit at the bend in the stairs and listen to my father and his friends talk about their own adventures. All of these men had been members of 10th St Catherines Field Battery a part of 2nd Field Regiment, 1st Canadian Division. For those of you with a bent for military history and Canadian involvement in the Second World War you may know that the 1st Canadian Division was in England by December of 1939…just months after the declaration of war in September.
10th Battery was a reserve unit and my Father, along with some of his cronies, had actually enlisted in the battery years before the war…in fact by the time September ’39 rolled around my Father, at the tender age of 19 was already a Bombardier and an accomplished signaler. When war was declared there was no question…10th Battery was mobilized and my Dad was off to war.
Many of the stories I heard involved their lengthy stay in England in such places as Aldershot and Croydon. Lots of training in Scotland and the English countryside. A few mishaps with his motorcycle…as a signaler and dispatch rider he had a small Norton and was able to find lots of ways to get into trouble with it. There were also lots of visits to London on leave and lots of opportunities to meet women. (One of them being my mother).
The stories that always stuck with me though were the ones that began around July of 1943. This was when the 1st Division, then part of Montgomery’s famous 8th Army, invaded Sicily and later in September (4 years after leaving home) Italy.
Most soldiers don’t talk to others about their experiences. It’s impossible for others to understand what they went through or for many to even care. But put a bunch of these brother’s in arms together, with no one else to hear and a beer or two at hand…and you just might hear a story or two. And I did.
Years later…and I…like my Father lied about my age and joined 10th Battery at 15. By the time I was 19 I was a Bombardier and an accomplished signaler. During those years I heard other stories about the Battery, including exploits in the First World War and the adventures of a few of the gunners who went to Korea. I also got to know a few of the Sicily/Italy veterans from another perspective…that of competent and confident citizen soldiers who were eager to pass on their lessons to others.
As the years have passed I’ve been able to travel a bit and had some opportunity to indulge in a bit of my own military history interests. I’ve been to Vimy, Juno Beach and Dieppe and I’ve even travelled to a few U.S. Civil War sites…but I’ve never been to Sicily or Italy where my Dad spent 19 months of his life.
And Sicily and Italy are where the stories are that I remember most.
So…on October 11th, 2017 I’m boarding an Air Canada flight to Rome and on the 12th I’ll be landing in Catania, Sicily. There’s a car waiting for me there and my first stop will be on the west side of Pachino, at a spot known 74 years ago as “Roger Beach”.
What a great idea Ken! Your writing is clear and interesting, with added bits of subtle humour. You are not, however, in my opinion, an “amateur” whiskey drinker ?. I look forward to reading more about your adventures along the way. You will fall in love with Italy, and I bet Sicily will be a huge part of that love affair. Ciao
Heather
The comment finally came through and I much appreciate your observations. Grazie mille mia amica. Ciao
Brian and I are very excited for you. May your trip be everything – and more – you are hoping for.
Thanks guys…keep watching…waiting…hoping.
Can’t wait to share your journey!
Will be reading your blog with a glass of single malt by my side! An incredible trip awaits!
BTW, I just twigged to the sense of your e-mail address, as above….cute!
Ken, I am looking forward to reading about your travels and seeing your photos.
What a a wonderful way to follow in your father’s footsteps and learn more about yourself. Enjoy every moment. I am learning abou my grandfather’s exploits at Aldershot in WW1.
I can’t wait to hear of your adventures Ken. My dad also enlisted in St Carharines but i don’t know his regiment. He was in Aldershot too. We should talk! ❤️
Bonnie…If your dad enlisted in one of the St Catharines Units it was either 10th Artillery Battery or the Lincoln and Welland Infantry Regiment. He may also have simply enlisted and been posted to a totally different regiment. We definitely should talk before I go.
Fantastic! I too have WWII family history and am very interested on your adventure. I know it will be a terrific experience and that your talents for observation will tell much. Safe travels.
Hi Ken good on you. We’re really looking forward to reading your adventure blog. It was so nice to catch up with you and Carol – thanks ever so much.
Dave and Fay
Hi Ken, looking forward to reading your blog and I can share it with Robin. Good luck. X
Can’t wait to hear all about your travels, and to see the pictures!
Hey, Ken, all the best to you as you embark on this adventure. We will look forward to hearing more.
Graham
Hi Ken
It was great to run into you the other day. Both Kate and I will be following your reconnaisance tour with interest. I will even try to let you know if my father had anything to do with landing your father’s outfit on Sicily. Best wishes and best of luck. Rob & Kate
Barbara and I are looking to following your travels and look forward to seeing you when you start your Italian adventure in wonderful Sicily.
Sounds amazing Ken! Looking forward to reading your blog posts.
It sounds like a great adventure!
Looking forward to your posts Ken. Valuable.
Thanks Mike.
Such a good read uncle ken. Can’t wait to hear on what you uncover in your adventures.
Thanks David…more to come as I try to follow your Grandfathers trail.
This sounds like a great adventure and Good for you!
Thanks for allowing me to enjoy also.