FOB Tommies on the move (1 Viewer)

[wwiibuff]

France 1940

 

[villagehorse]

Cigarettes were all the go during this period, guess you had to die from something and these were a lesser possibility given what they were walking into. Good use of these figures Duke. Robin.

 

[wwiibuff]

Cigarettes were all the go during this period, guess you had to die from something and these were a lesser possibility given what they were walking into. Good use of these figures Duke. Robin.

Thanks Robin. Yes it wasn't known back then about the bad health effects of cigarettes. My grandfather was in WWII, a captain in Patton's 3rd Army and returned from the war a chain smoker. He did live to be 76 before passing though but was always smoking. He also enjoyed a bourbon and Coke being the southern gentleman he was. Pictured here with my mom.

 

[villagehorse]

A nice little bit of history there Duke. Men in difficult positions often resort to smoking, drinking and gambling. Any war would promote these activities. Robin.

 

[wwiibuff]

A nice little bit of history there Duke. Men in difficult positions often resort to smoking, drinking and gambling. Any war would promote these activities. Robin.

Didn't mean to imply that he drank in excess because he didn't.... although the smoking was definitely in excess. He was a great man and told me stories (although cleaned up I suppose) of his time in Europe. He used to say the Germans had this machine gun that fired so fast it made this sound BRRRRRRPPP! (he did this with his mouth). Of course he was referring to the infamous MG42.

 

[Cody]

Heck, back then cigarettes were included in the rations, they were good for morale . Great pics!

 

[Desertkiwi]

Heck, back then cigarettes were included in the rations, they were good for morale . Great pics!

I doubt lung cancer was much of a concern given your chances of survival as an infantryman back in WW2.

Have always been drawn to those early WW2 years of 1939 & 40 when Britain and the Commonwealth stood largely alone against the dreaded Hun......

Do really like those early K&C Brits Duke, you've produced an excellent display mate.

My own grandfather was in the NZ army during WW2, but never served overseas. He did make many friends in the 1st Marine division when they were briefly based here in NZ and before their deployment to Guadalcanal.

He kept a notebook with all their address's and contact details in the US, however later learned most were killed on Guadalcanal which according to my grand-mother affected him deeply....he never spoke of the war to me, mind you I've found over the years most veterans never do.

I still have several treasured 'Marine' souvenirs including a water bottle and bayonet.

 

[Guy]

Duke, you're "master class"!!!!!!!
Guy

 

[Horus]

You've captured the moment beautifully Duke :salute::

No doubt they're smoking Wills Woodbines cigarettes from the NAAFI since they were cheap and pongo's weren't paid much !
Andy tells that inspiration came from the John Mill's film "Dunkirk", would love to see the Bren team firing over the farmhouse wall scene done.

 

[wwiibuff]

Heck, back then cigarettes were included in the rations, they were good for morale . Great pics!

Thanks, good point about being included with rations.

I doubt lung cancer was much of a concern given your chances of survival as an infantryman back in WW2.

Have always been drawn to those early WW2 years of 1939 & 40 when Britain and the Commonwealth stood largely alone against the dreaded Hun......

Do really like those early K&C Brits Duke, you've produced an excellent display mate.

My own grandfather was in the NZ army during WW2, but never served overseas. He did make many friends in the 1st Marine division when they were briefly based here in NZ and before their deployment to Guadalcanal.

He kept a notebook with all their address's and contact details in the US, however later learned most were killed on Guadalcanal which according to my grand-mother affected him deeply....he never spoke of the war to me, mind you I've found over the years most veterans never do.

I still have several treasured 'Marine' souvenirs including a water bottle and bayonet.

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for sharing about your grandfather.

Duke, you're "master class"!!!!!!!
Guy

Thank you Guy, really appreciate coming from a master like yourself.

You've captured the moment beautifully Duke :salute::

No doubt they're smoking Wills Woodbines cigarettes from the NAAFI since they were cheap and pongo's weren't paid much !
Andy tells that inspiration came from the John Mill's film "Dunkirk", would love to see the Bren team firing over the farmhouse wall scene done.

Interesting Steve thanks

 

[Grey Heron]

Nicely put together this scene. Thinking of John Mills in the movie Dunkirk.