Second World War
Second World War
Help Support Blind World War Two Ex Servicemen
Every person alive today owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women, who served in World War Two. Many sacrificed their lives, others were maimed and injured in battle, or on the home front. St Dunstans is a charity founded in 1915, to help blind and visually impaired ex-servicemen to re-build their lives. Below is the life experience of Fred Ward. One of the many ex-servicemen and women,who have benefited from the kind generosity of the people who support St Dunstans.
Fred Ward joined the Maritime Royal Artillery at the beginning of the Second World War, aged 18.
On 6th June 1944, Fred took part in the D-Day landings, bringing supplies by landing craft to his Allied comrades on Omaha Beach.
"We sailed from Barry Docks on the SS Rando, a converted collier loaded with supplies for the American troops on Omaha Beach. We made good headway and were able to offload our cargo on to Omaha Beach, make a quick turnaround to pick up more stores, and then head back to the beaches, making six trips to Utah Beach as well. I remember the sound of enemy fire; it was overwhelming."
Fred was actually signed on as Merchant Navy crew on the supplies ship, although he was operating as an Orlicken gunner with the Maritime Royal Artillery. His role was to pack the cordite into the guns and he slept in a hammock under the gun pit while working on the ship.
As Fred helped unload the cargo on the beaches he witnessed the true horror of the landings. Those images are imprinted on his mind forever.
"I saw the worst casualties - the first two waves of soldiers who landed were just wiped out - it was carnage."
Later in 1944, he was recruited to help deliver the supplies of white crosses for the military cemetery in the Rhône valley commemorating those lost during heavy conflicts in the region. The crosses stand now as a permanent reminder of the men who died there. The Rhône cemetery was one of the first military cemeteries for the Second World War.
Fred is losing his sight to glaucoma and became a St Dunstaner in 2003. The progressive degeneration of his eyesight had a massive impact on His Life. He was unable to read, write or watch TV, or even keep up his two main hobbies, leading a rambling group and photography. However, thanks to St Dunstan's, Fred's life has been turned around.
"They taught me practical skills, like how to walk with a cane. But, More Than that, I've realised how much their encouragement has done for me. I've stuck with the photography and my group likes to boast of their blind photographer! And with the special CCTV unit that magnifies images and documents, I can read maps again. St Dunstan's have helped me regain my independence and enthusiasm for life."
After reading about Fred Ward`s life. Don`t you feel proud that Our Country had such brave and courageous men in it`s darkest day`s. I know I felt a little ashamed of my own petty credit crunch worries and problems in life. Because they don`t seem so bad after all, compared to the struggles of people like Fred. If you want to help people like Fred. There is a link to the St Dunstan`s donation web-page below. Please give generously. I thank you in advance for your kind generosity.
http://www.st-dunstans.org.uk/support_us/make_a_donation/
About the Author
Charity Faith Hope supports numerous charitable causes by publishing their good works and contact link details in article directories. Hopefully this will raise awareness and support for their cause.
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