When my Nana (Gladys) passed away in 2006 at 93, she had amassed a lifetime’s collection of memories in a suitcase kept under her bed which contained, all of her family achievements, certificates, school letters, her piano certificates, newspaper snippets, work ,travels and much much more.
There was also a set of five very long letters, cards and photos sent to her and my father who was 4/5 years old at the time from my Papa (grandfather) while he was on leave between journeys as a LAC in the RAF stationed out in the Middle East during WW2 these letters contain a snap shot of his time travelling across deserts and war torn areas, fitting damaged planes, the detailed descriptions of his journeys across Egypt, Gaza and all around the Mediterranean.
The conditions of travel the things he saw and the people he met, what they had to do while they were out there, how they entertained themselves, what the train journeys were like across vast expanses of waste land.
It gave me an insight into what he and many others did for 5 years so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.
