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Off Topic: farewell to a hero

Desert Rat

Desert Rat

Library Staff
Staff member
Hi guys,

posting here as I know you chaps will appreciate and respect this.

Last week, my grandfather-in-law passed away, aged 95. With a quiet family and friends funeral service on Wednesday just passed.

He was an unsung hero of WWII, part of the rear-gaurd action of the Dunkerque evacuations. Whilst, as we know, many servicemen were rescued off the beaches at Dunkirk, a last defending line was left behind to slow the advancing enemy. He was part of this highly battered force and was captured at St. Valery. His captor being a certain Rommel, who he remembered with respect, who treated them in a similar way, a soldiers soldier. After his capture he spent his captive time in stalag XX-A and farms in Poland working the land. I know I cannot imagine what you witnessed, I am in awe and in utter respect for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace Archibald Henry, a hero in my family that shaln't be forgot. You payed for my 'free' in freedom. We owe you and love you, godspeed soldier,

Jamie
 
Jamie ... my heart goes out to you and your family ... beyond that I'm speechless. I cannot imagine the level of bravery it takes to be among the select who form the last ditch, rear guard when the outcome is certain and clear to all involved. I'm without words at the moment.
 
Jamie,

I send along my deepest sympathies to you and your extended family as well. A truly brave and remarkable human being. :ernae:
 
My sincere condolences, JD.

Last October one of my last uncles passed away at 93. In September 1943 he was captured by SS troops and sent to spend the rest of the war in Mauthausen concentration camp with other Italian soldiers.

His only fault was that he was caught still wearing a uniform and trying to reach his family after the armistice. He was lucky he was not shot to death right there and then, but what he witnessed in Mauthausen haunted him until the very last day of his life. He was freed in April 1945 by the advancing US troops and he never told to any of us anything about his concentration camp experience.

We cannot even come close to imagining what those generations went through during WWII.

We can only honour them while they are still alive and cherish their memory, for they earned our freedom and prosperity with the sacrifice of their youth.

May them all rest in peace.

KH
 
Thanks guys,

means alot, especially to my wife. She's pretty upset just now.

He always wanted a son, which he never got unfortunately, or a grandson. I am proud and honoured to give my new born son his name, and glad that he was still alive to know that he had a great-grandson just before he passed.

Archie, this ones for you, new addition,

Jamie Archie Tindall

thanks for listening guys,
Jamie
 
I bid a fond farewell to a brave man,he will be sadly missed by a fellow former soldier from across the pond. The best from C Co 1/35 Armor USA
 
Your grandfather in law made it possible for my cousin, Victor (hinch) to make it off the beach..he was evacuated in the last waves just as the Panzers were heading for the beach. thanks for sharing that touching memory and he sounds like a wonderful man, and one of great courage.

Thanks for sharing that and prayers to his memory.
 
Godspeed Archibald Henry....As his story of life is passed on, that is where he will live...forever.
 
Unquestionable courage. My deepest condolences to your entire family Jamie.
 
My condolences as well JD.

His was/is/shall be the greatest generation. We have so much to thank them for. Without their sacrifices, I shudder to think what kind of world we would be living in today had Hitler, Mussolini, and Hirohito won WW II.

He and his mates have my utmost respect and appreciation for what he and they did for us.
 
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