2nd November 2021

2nd November 2021 - Liz MacIntyre

Love Letters from a Desert Rat

Liz passionately related the story which applied to her mother & father meeting shortly before the start of World War 11 then their time apart during the war years and his service in North Africa the the Italy campaign.

The only way of communicating was via letter which, while not censored, were checked to ensure no information could be accessed by the enemy should the letters fall into their hands. His letters were generally basic and enquired of her safety and health as she lived near the Glasgow docks which were a German target and he constantly assured her that he was ok but constantly on the move as the driver of a heavy duty lorry. There were many letters which the mother saved in a shoe box, in the back of the wardrobe, and were not known of until her death.

On his safe return from the war they were married in the front room of her house and two children were raised, a boy & a girl, Liz, and, in common with many who served in the war they were their pride & joy. Her father died early mainly due to the exertions incurred during the war, a common theme of men who had served their country, and both children were brought up by the mother who worked tirelessly, again a common theme, to ensure they had a healthy upbringing and a good education.

The talk was peppered with "Glesca" humour and highlighted the best of that area's habits of looking after others even if you had little yourself. It reminded us of times gone by, how young lads served their country and how they were not properly looked after on their return. Some things have not changed!

An excellent subject, brilliantly presented and very poignant as we approached Remembrance Sunday and one that will stick in the memory for a long time. It left me thinking it would make an excellent film, danger, romance and a happy ending.

Thank you Liz.

The next meeting is on 16th November when Bill Fitzpatrick will talk on The RNLI

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