Re: Questions for elders.
Manny Karbelnig (aj667@lafn.org)
Wed, 17 Jan 1996 14:53:30 -0800
>
> As part of the examination course we are completing we need to
>interview people about some of their war time experiences. We have
>compliled a group of questiona and would be very grateful if people could
>find time to answer some of them. Many thanks Year 11 Wilson Stuart School.
>
>QUESTIONS
>
>1 How old were you when war broke out?
>2 How did you first hear the news of the outbreak of war?
>3 What was your most memorable event during the war?
>4 Did rationing of food effect you personally?
>5 Were you in an air raid at any time ?
>6 Were you or members of your family in the armed forces?
>7 How did you cope with being seperated from loved ones?
>8 How did you feel when your first left home for the forces or to be evacuated?
>9 How did you keep in contact with your family?
>10 What of all the things that you couldn't get in the war did you miss most?
I don't know if I can help much, as I am an American who served in the
Army in WWII. Even if I am not what you are looking for, allow me to answer
your queries, in the order given:
1. I was 18 years old when the war broke out, and a Junior in College
2. The school had a large assembly, and the Dean told us.
3. Getting out of the Service was the happiest day. The most memorable day
was when the Tank I was in hit a mine, and tipped over. We opened the
hatch and all four of us ran out. I never saw the other three men.
4. In the Army we did not have food rationing, but the K-rations and C-
rations we ate were less than appetising. We had only dried Milk and
Powdered eggs, and the best tasking food that ever entered my mouth was
FRESH MILK. I'll never forget that.
5. We were bombed and strafed many times, and experience I hope to God is
never experienced by you young people.
6. All of my cousins who were old enough were in the Service in various
capacities. To the best of my knowledge, I was the only one that saw combat.
7. I was brought up in large, loving family. I missed my family and my
friends, but I read a lot and wrote a lots of
letters.
8. I was 18 years old, sad to leave my family,but looking forward to the
adventure of my lifetime. I later, often wondered why I was so foolish to
look forward to the ultimate failure of civilization, namely, war.
9.By mail, writing letters. Fortunately, the US Government gave us free
postage during the war, and I would write as often as I could get the time.
10.Milk, fresh fruits and vegetables- most of what we ate came in cans.
Lastly, I hope this gives you a GI Joe's point of view, and let me
know if you have any questions. I am a semi-retired profession man and a
former teacher, and I am trying to master this computer stuff to keep up
with my grandchildren. Good luck, and stay well.
>
>========================
>Wilson Stuart School
>wilson@rmplc.co.uk
>Karen Player - History Teacher
>
>
--
MannyK/usr/local/67/aj667.Merlin
May the rest of your life be like the best of your life before today.
x
m