Pte. Thomas Ball
British Army 5th Btn. Seaforth Highlanders
from:Fleetwood, Lancs
Thomas Ball, my hero! He persuaded his mum to say that he was 16 years old so that he could join the Territorial Army, primarily so he could go to the army camp in Wales as they as a family could not afford holidays.
Shortly after his 'holiday' in Wales, war broke out and Dad was assigned to the Seaforth Highlanders. He was so very young when he went to war. His recollections of his time during the war were always very vivid to him and he would become very upset as he related stories about friends and comrades who had fallen.
I can recall my dad telling me that he drove a truck in the desert and he was at the front leading the convoy and he fell asleep at the wheel and went off the road and every other truck followed him! The gentleman who was with him in the truck (sorry, I don't know his name) realised that my father was exhausted and ordered him to have a sleep before continuing.
I have my Dad's cap badge and lots of photos which I treasure. I wish my Dad was around now to relate other stories to me which I would have loved to share with you all. Dad passed away in December 2013 aged 92. God bless him and all who fought for us.
