[Solace]

Greetings everyone.

I have a story I'd like to share with the community about my late grandfather Leslie Reginald Wood. This is his story of when he fought in World War II during the Africa campaign against Rommel's crack troops and Panzer divisions and subsequently the invasion of Sicily and Italy.

I have recently been handed down from my father the original documents and the medals he received for his service during WWII and I'd like to share these items and provide a little bit of backstory for you guys (pictures included). Below is a photograph of the medals my Granddad received for his actions during the war, unfortunately when I was very young our home was robbed and the original medals were stolen. We as a family have fought the Ministry of Defence to provide replacement medals which they kept denying until last week when they agreed to provide replicas and replacements of the medals he received.

Grandfathers Medals:

The medals from left to right are the following:

• War Medal 1939 - 1945
• End of War Medal 1945
• Africa Star - 8th Army Clasp
• Italy Star - 1943
• Military Medal - 1945

Dedication Letter Enlarged:

Letter of Commendation & Discharge:

Discharge Documentation:

Excerpt from "Salerno Remembered" by Geoffry Curtis:

Transcript from Salerno Remembered:

C Coy, commanded by Major M E M MacWilliam, were pushing forward to their objective, the bridge over the River Asa at 734244 (Coordinates) which was the boundary between the 46 and 56 Div. He takes up the story, "Every few hundred yards involved a series of platoon actions and one farmhouse in particular held the company up for some time so another platoon was manoeuvred into a fire base position while the leading platoon executed a right flanking action. One section under L/Sgt "Chippy" Wood came under fire from the house and leaving them to give him covering fire, the Section Commander with one man charged the house and destroyed the occupants. Other Germans who were dug-in around the house retreated and a number were shot down by the fire base as they broke cover. For his gallant action, L/Sgt Wood was subsequently awarded with the MM (Military Medal).

"Soon after the first light was open for the final advance to the Bridge. I carried out a personal reconnaissance crawling through a cornfield and some undergrowth to the River bank. On my way, I spotted a sniper firing on the Company and shot and wounded him with my revolver. I then disarmed him and went on with my reconnaissance. On the way back, I passed the German and found that he had died. Examination of his papers showed that he was from a static Heavy Anti-aircraft unit and subsequent investigations showed that a screen of such men had been established in advance of the main German positions to carry out sniping."

Thank you for letting me share this story.

I miss you Granddad, I will always love you

[Hevelin]

Amazing. This brings to mind a bumper sticker I've seen time to time here in the U.S. "If you can read, thank a teacher. If you can read English, thank a veteran." My uncle and father were both in World War II but neither would ever speak of it. Having gleaned where they fought from conversations with relatives and researched the areas as I grew up, I've come to realize why. I do, and will always, respect those who have put themselves in harm's way to protect those they care about. Bless your uncle for being one of the many who said "The line must be drawn here" and then making sure it was. He helped make the world we all live in.

[Solace]

Amazing. This brings to mind a bumper sticker I've seen time to time here in the U.S. "If you can read, thank a teacher. If you can read English, thank a veteran." My uncle and father were both in World War II but neither would ever speak of it. Having gleaned where they fought from conversations with relatives and researched the areas as I grew up, I've come to realize why. I do, and will always, respect those who have put themselves in harm's way to protect those they care about. Bless your uncle for being one of the many who said "The line must be drawn here" and then making sure it was. He helped make the world we all live in.

Thank you Hevelin

I am always thankful to those fought to protect our liberty and freedom. I make it a point to attend every national memorial service and marches that are held yearly. I used to be in cadet forces when I was younger and took part in celebrating arms and paying respects by laying a poppy wreath at the local cenotaph.

[Mazoue]

Wow, that's an amazing gift your father bestowed you Solace. Cherish it! I don't believe I has any family in the war, not that any of my family members talk about. But I do have a deep respect for everyone that served and are currently service in the military.