Best Bomber Killing Aircraft......

cheddar cheese · 12-23-2004, 03:57 PM

I havent actually visited his website yet. It sounds good though, I might have to drop in.

Erich · 12-23-2004, 05:09 PM

u all honour me by your comments. go have fun and wish all the pages of the old site were back up but we will see after the JG 300 buchs are printed out this next early year.....

Horrido !

Gemhorse · 12-23-2004, 08:02 PM

Really Awesome research Erich, and to meet and interview them is getting more precious by the day now....

evangilder · 12-23-2004, 10:48 PM

Erich, That is similar to a project that I am just beginning. Since I volunteer with alot of the vets, I am starting to hear some of their stories, and they are fascinating and riveting. I am trying to get all their info together and put together a book. I want to get the stories from these guys before they are gone. I can read, write and present about the battles, airplanes and the like. But they lived it and can offer a perspective that I do not have.

Do you have any tips on how to get some of the quieter ones to open up? I know they need to be comfortable and be eased into it. But some just clam up at the first inkling that you want to hear a story.

Thanks,
Eric

Nonskimmer · 12-23-2004, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evangilder

Since I volunteer with alot of the vets, I am starting to hear some of their stories, and they are fascinating and riveting.

I'm only now beginning to really get the story of my grandfather, who flew bombing missions from about mid '42 onwards. First in Wellingtons, then in Lancasters.
It is indeed riveting, and I agree that this bit of history must not be lost!

lesofprimus · 12-23-2004, 11:50 PM

Evan, I have found with the quieter ones, that by relating a relatives actions in WWII, they seem to open up some....

evangilder · 12-24-2004, 06:43 AM

Ah, good idea, Les. I had an uncle in the Marine Corps who fought on Iwo and Peleliu, among others, including Saipan and Okinawa. He isn't around anymore, he died when I was three, but my other uncle was a Seabee and he has told some interesting stories as well. One of the things that I have told them that has helped is that the purpose of their stories is not to glorify them, but to hear their history so that others can learn about that time.

Erich · 12-24-2004, 11:06 AM

Pretty tough except to just sit and listen, or easily ask them "Could you please share some of your war time career with me ?" many do say no as they are bitter to the end. Sometimes with luck things do happen in a positive way, but the best thing I could say is just to sit and listen and build up a trusting relationship with them..............

good luck !

E ~

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 12-24-2004, 12:28 PM

Yeah my Grandfather was very reluctant to tell me his stories from being in the German Army in WW2 because he always said I was too young. However my Grandmother has given me his war time diary to read and it is very exciting and interesting. I did not take it with me to Iraq out of fear that it would be damaged or destroyed but when I get home I am going to finish reading it.

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 12-24-2004, 12:29 PM

As I am sitting here in my tent over in Tikrit, Iraq I just opened a Christmas card from a little girl back in the states and in the card there was a story. I know this has nothing to do with WW2 aviation but I wish to post this story in honor of all the soldiers no matter what country they come from who are away from there families during this holiday season.

A Soldiers Christmas Story

Twas the night before Christmas, He lived all alone, in a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and too see who in this house did live. I looked all about a strange sight did I see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the mantel, just boots filled with sand, on a wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the soldier of whom I had just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families that I saw this night owed there lives to these soldiers willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. The all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of these soldiers, like the one laying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakend and I heard a rough voice, :Santa don't cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I do not ask for more, my life is my God, my Country, My Corps." The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still, and we both shiverd from the cold nights chill. I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, its Christmas day, all is secure." One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. "Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."