Soldier's story of global driving career
The war diary of a former driver is a real family affair.
Ron George of Burgate worked as a driver with Fram Eggs and Simonds of Botesdale, but went around the world when he was in the army.
The diary of his expeditions during the Second World War has been published as the result of work by his three daughters and grandson, who edited the book.
Mr George's travels, published in Life In The Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War, have encompassed his journeys through South Africa, Palestine, Egypt, Libya and Italy.
In short diary entries, some as short as: "Got paid," the book is an insight into life on the road as a driver during the war.
With simplicity and honesty, daily routines and complications such as rationed supplies and desert sand are described in detail.
The book begins in 1939, when all men of 20 and over had to sign on in the forces. Mr George wrote: "As there was a threat of war, we were called militia.
"When I arrived home on October 13, there was a letter telling me to go to Aldershot on the 16th. I went and fetched my axe from Thrandeston, and did not work again."
From then onwards he was off all over the world.
His daughter Marny Leftley, who typed up some of the notes, said: "He wanted people to know what life was like in the army. It is written in the way he spoke. He did love to tell us things but he was also a quiet man."
Although Mr George's writing days ended when he left the army, there is a small piece in the book about his life on return, which in a brief epilogue, covers his married life until his death in September, 2004.
Copies are available from Wortham Post Office, or call Marny Leftley, 01379 852982.
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Thursday 02 September 2010
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