Photo-a-Day (Thursday, 20th October, 2016)
Big gun
Photo: Mick Byrne (Panasonic TZ100)
My dad was a member of the 'Royal Artillery' throughout WW2, he was in charge of a 14lb gun similar to this and stationed for a time in Burma. Whilst moving the gun across a swollen river during the rainy season the gun became unhitched from the Bedford QL that was towing it - right in the middle of the river, it was 6 months later on the return journey before it could be recovered, six days after that it was back in working order due to the efforts of the team. Thanks Mick like the pic !.
One of the Forgotten Army - and what privations they had to put up with Fred. I bet you are so very proud of your Dad.
Sorry Walt .....it's not Fred! The names don't even sound alike!!
One of the most oft used IWM moving film or stills portraying Burma/Breaching wall of Mandalay is of a young fella, bare to the waist, shell fired, next firing, recoil but no shot....said young chap clearing rest of gunners and approaching the gun to get in to the chamber, very dangerous as it could still fire.
Hands down in front (like Max Bygraves, looking tired and dazed) camera pans away to some sparse cover of trees.
Well, one of the times he did it, historical record forever.
That was Mr Alf Shacklady of Tyldesley.
Used many times over to portray the fire power and Mandalay.
Bless them all.
Walt....my dad was also in the Royal Artillery in Burma in WW2 perhaps he knew your dad but unfortunately will will never know. I have his medals which I proudly wear on Remeberance Sunday on the march from Cenotaph in Wigan Rd Ashton to St Thomas,s Church then to the graveyard to salute my Dad
Bless 'em all each and everyone of them!