[2002] SID’S WAR

0028 - Sidney Lane War Diary 15

 [this is an extract of the war diary, 'An Ordinary War', by my uncle (Sid Lane, my mother's brother) which covers preparation for him going overseas]

31/3/42

For sometime now I have had the feeling that I was not pulling my weight in this war effort. That is due to the fact that things have been so quiet and my services have not been required. But I was still unable to rid myself of the thought that I could be useful elsewhere. Abroad for instance.

Three weeks ago I was doing a job for brigade, inspecting and reporting on G.L. stations on Merseyside. While on one of these sites I met the Brigade I.F.C. who enquired whether or not I would care to go abroad. I accepted like a shot, and 24 hours later found myself in Wakefield reporting for duty with the 55th. Regt.

I was immediately given seven days embarkation leave and I returned home. I thoroughly enjoyed my leave and the motor bike did some pretty useful work.

I got back to Wakefield on 25/3/42 and was posted to 307 Bty. No. 6 Troop. I found that the G.L. Sgt. of the Bty. was in hospital, and that he was unlikely to go abroad,  but as there was still a possibility I could not be promoted. So my position here is a little obscure. If he does not return I become full Sgt. If he does return I don't know what will happen.

I know it sound crazy, in view of the fact that had I stayed with the 93rd. I would have been promoted within the month, but I don't care. I followed the dictates of my conscience and that's that.

The chaps in the new mess are very nice and have gone out of their way to make me really welcome. I would like to go abroad with them. Well, I drew full tropical kit and here I am - on a gun site near Huddersfield. I frigged about in Wakefield a little and was sent here. I think the idea is merely to get us out of the way and to give us (the new G.L. crew, that is) an opportunity of getting to know one another as a team.

Well the position is now up to date and I feel happier.

22/5/42

Since writing last, I have been places and done things, but at the moment they seem too trivial to record. For after frigging around for two months we are at last moving off to our unknown overseas destination. Of course we do not know the actual date of departure, but we've all got a damn good idea and I think everyone is glad to be going.

This hanging about has been very tiresome, although the last two weeks, which we spent at Aberporth firing camp on the Welsh coast, were very enjoyable.

I am fortunate in as much that I will see Mum and Dad before I go. They are staying the weekend (Whit) in Leeds and I have arranged a sleeping out pass. This meeting and parting will be trying especially for my mother, but I am glad of it all the same, for it may be a considerable time before I see them again.

Security measures preclude my taking this log overseas, but I still intend to keep notes and to complete this little history when I come back. And  D.V. I will come back.

So ends a chapter - no a book - in my army life and I can't help wondering what the future holds in store. Be it what it may, I don't regret precipitating matters by volunteering and I feel confident of a happy issue.

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