I'm not quite sure where this post belongs, because i feel we have touched the subject before, but i wolud like to share it with you.

I received a message from the grave today when my brother-in-law happened to announce a military opinion, straight from the horse's mouth. In fact from my father-in law who was a great soldier, 30 years of hard conflict, Sergeant Major of the Wiltshire Regiment, having served 10 years in the greater India - now India and Pakistan, in China, in Palestine at the time of the British mandate, Ireland pre the Free State, and back to india for a second stint, interupted by WW11.

He was a parade ground and weapons instuctor. A Bisley shot. And as a veteran he ended spent a great deal of WW11 in that role, training, much to his disgust at not going to Europe. Towards the end he instructed at Hereford, home of the SAS. After his retirement he became a security guard at Porton. he died in 1990. His brother-in-law, who served with him at times became Regimental Sergeant-major in the Wilts and with the Glorious Gloucesters in Korea, besides fighting his way through Europe WW11.

My father-in-law was once asked by my brother-in-law who he would most like to serve alongside in hard situations.

He said that he would wish to have the Aussies on his right, the Kiwis on his left, and, very importantly, The Gurkhas behind him, so that he would always know his back was safe.

Originally Posted by Del Boy

He said that he would wish to have the Aussies on his right, the Kiwis on his left, and, very importantly, The Gurkhas behind him, so that he would always know his back was safe.

thats an unstoppable line up

Originally Posted by Infern0

thats an unstoppable line up

Sure. But of course, I have to say that that there were some modern army units he would not have had the pleasure of serving with throughout that time scale, particularly as he was not allowed to take part in the DDay campaign. That did reduce him totears, if truth were known, because so many of his recruits were involved, and he was not.

I can say that as far as general, non- military guys were concerned, and as occupied areas, he was very,very impressed with the Chinese, in every way. He always told me that they were always prepared to look you in the eye and get their fists up. He played a lot of football against them, big matches, during his time there.

I'd add to that and have Americans up front.

Originally Posted by bulldogg

I'd add to that and have Americans up front.

Well, Bull-Dog, to be absolutely honest, I was being a bit cautious with the full truth of the story.

He did, in fact, say exactly that, that he would like Americans in front of him, but joked that he could then keep one eye on them!

He was the most tough-minded guy I ever knew. He always spoke quietly, and when he wanted to dish it out he always wore a slight smile. As his son-in-law, i always found that very disconcerting, so when it happened to me, I would just dive in and challenge him. But not physically I must say.

His brother-in-law, who I mentioned, served in Korea alongside American troops, and was also at Monte Casino - where I had relatives on BOTH sides!

Originally Posted by bulldogg

I'd add to that and have Americans up front.

you have to have them up front to avoid the friendly fire (so the only saying goes)

Nah, Infantry leads the way!

Absolutely. The Highland Division (that's mine) moved forward so fast in North Africa, that the Rifle Brigade following up had to bury their dead for them.WW11 desert-rat campaign. ref: my uncle John.(Rifle Brigade.)