Sgt. Edward Herbert "Jack" Stradling
Royal Army Medical Corps 39th General Hospital
from:Usk
Like almost all ex-servicemen, my Dad, Edward Stradling didn't talk about his war experiences very much. Dad joined up as a regular in 1932. It was steady work at a time when there was little about. He was stationed in Bermuda for about 3 years in the mid 30's. He and Mum returned in the 90's for a wonderful trip with old friends especially Tom and Lois Aitchison.
During the War, Dad was part of the BEF and was picked up at Dunkirk. He was awarded the Dunkirk medal. We took him back. It was a very poignant trip. He was picked up from the mole. He was in North Africa at some time - he held the Africa Star. He also told me that it was the only time he drove - to get away from that "b*****d Rommel"! One posting sergeant said to him "I know where you're going - you'll be glad when you get there". There was Malta. There was a BBC documentary recently on the siege of Malta. I had no idea how bad it was. They were reduced to living on tinned herrings. I remember when Dad came home Mum got him a treat - tinned sardines! Dad was also present at the liberation of Brussels where he was taken in by a Belgian family. Dad stayed in touch with Victor and family for many years.
Dad sadly passed away in 1999. I wished now that I had asked more about his wartime experiences but I never wanted to intrude. If anyone remembers him, I would love to hear from you.
