I did find myself this week thinking to myself “times have changed” and taking a deep breath ! Why ? Well looking at my class of 16-18 year olds who are let’s face it, privileged, they have an option of an education up to 18 and of course beyond on an apprenticeship. Most wouldn’t survive in a job at the moment let alone in battle. My Great Uncle survived both wars and for the 1st World War, he was their age. My Grandfather joined the Army between wars, I have a copy of his enlistment papers where he lied about his age and was actually 15 1/2 ! He fought during the conflict on the Northern Front in India and again in the Expedition forces in Belgium and France and was evacuated from Dunkirk. Grandad never ever talked about his War, but my ancestry hunt showed up this and small parts of where he was. Times have changed for the better but you can only imagine if todays youth were called to arms. They would be literally crying their eyes out despite their bravado they show.
Like I said Grandad never spoke, he was never proud, but I am very proud of him and his comrades, and all that have fought in wars since. Respect to them all and anyone reading this who has served.