As an Infantry soldier for many a year, I learned and then taught the art of camouflage. The purpose of course was to conceal yourself and equipment so that you could get as close to the enemy as possible before starting your attack.
Several years ago I came across this form of camouflage... and what a concealment it made.
Several years ago I came across this form of camouflage... and what a concealment it made.
Who would have ever thought this person, in her full time occupation looked like this...
As noted several times in past blogs, this US Drill Sergeant, by the name of Sgt. ChristiAnna Ball has a passion for country and western songs. Her late father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran, learned the words and music for the song of the same title as this blog.
His favorite song soon became her's and as the years went by she really began to understand and have incredible passion for the story they gave about those serving in harm's way.
Her following of country music, learning this and many other songs soon had her on stage performing them. Awards for her singing talent and story telling then led to a performance at the White House. All while still soldiering.
His favorite song soon became her's and as the years went by she really began to understand and have incredible passion for the story they gave about those serving in harm's way.
Her following of country music, learning this and many other songs soon had her on stage performing them. Awards for her singing talent and story telling then led to a performance at the White House. All while still soldiering.
President and Michelle Obama would lead the entire audience in a standing ovation for her lovely voice, and the tear-jerking, storied song brought to the audience.
Over the last few years I have often referred to Sgt. Ball's wonderful song. Each time I have asked you to take a couple of minutes and listen to its powerful words. For those missing this notice, she can be heard at:
https/www.bandmix.com/christiana-ball/
You can also just google her name and the title of the song, and there is also a fabulous video that you can view at...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42jJcGbEKjmO&feature=youtu.be
Her title song, used also for this blog have been oft noted here in the past. All tell stories of so many heroes showing incredible bravery and of so many who gave their all for family and country.
Moving along, the past several blogs have briefly noted the horrendous costs a joint force of Canadians, Americans, British and others would join in the attack. One that also came from the air and sea to capture the town of Dieppe France and its harbour beachfront on August 19, 1942.
If there ever was a story behind the song, this battle ought to have been it.
The 80th anniversary of that tragedy, was celebrated at several Canadian centers, in France and probably elsewhere. just a few days ago. These told of the horrid details of the nine hour battle that saw 6000 troops, 5000 being Canadian, being almost completely slaughtered. The battle became known as the worst battle in cost of lives than any other one day battle throughout WWll.
Much more on the battle will appear in this space in the future. But that said, here is an image of the troops about to land on the beachfront.
Over the last few years I have often referred to Sgt. Ball's wonderful song. Each time I have asked you to take a couple of minutes and listen to its powerful words. For those missing this notice, she can be heard at:
https/www.bandmix.com/christiana-ball/
You can also just google her name and the title of the song, and there is also a fabulous video that you can view at...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42jJcGbEKjmO&feature=youtu.be
Her title song, used also for this blog have been oft noted here in the past. All tell stories of so many heroes showing incredible bravery and of so many who gave their all for family and country.
Moving along, the past several blogs have briefly noted the horrendous costs a joint force of Canadians, Americans, British and others would join in the attack. One that also came from the air and sea to capture the town of Dieppe France and its harbour beachfront on August 19, 1942.
If there ever was a story behind the song, this battle ought to have been it.
The 80th anniversary of that tragedy, was celebrated at several Canadian centers, in France and probably elsewhere. just a few days ago. These told of the horrid details of the nine hour battle that saw 6000 troops, 5000 being Canadian, being almost completely slaughtered. The battle became known as the worst battle in cost of lives than any other one day battle throughout WWll.
Much more on the battle will appear in this space in the future. But that said, here is an image of the troops about to land on the beachfront.
Most of the tanks either got destroyed before they even hit the beach or could not move around and got stuck in the field of loose rocks that prevented their moving about. Military intelligence did not discover that dug into the face the cliff at several points they had massive cannons to deal with the attacking tanks.
Rather than move out of target areas the tank treads got caught up in the massive field of loose rock bedding, and thus unable to move out of the target sites. Thus, they became sitting ducks for the German heavy cannons.
Note the cliff face in upper left of image.
Rather than move out of target areas the tank treads got caught up in the massive field of loose rock bedding, and thus unable to move out of the target sites. Thus, they became sitting ducks for the German heavy cannons.
Note the cliff face in upper left of image.
Here we see two Allied tanks stuck in the small rocks and a landing craft at water's edge that has just been hit possibly by mortar fire. The entire beach line was riddled with such images of men and tanks killed in the battle.
Here is another image of tanks. The image was apparently taken by a German soldier and given to one of the Allied POW's. Note how many tanks are stuck in the image.
In my next blog I will bring you some very interesting details about the Dieppe memorial ceremonies in France and at Hamilton Ontario.
I expect that blog will be done on Sunday September 4th.
Blogs of late have been sporadic as my research is taking me down many roads and thus VERY time consuming. Add to this other matters in my life are also eating up time that I wished was more available for meeting these deadlines.
Hopefully your level of frustration is somewhat lower than my own regarding these publishing dates.
Cheers till the 4th,
Bart
In my next blog I will bring you some very interesting details about the Dieppe memorial ceremonies in France and at Hamilton Ontario.
I expect that blog will be done on Sunday September 4th.
Blogs of late have been sporadic as my research is taking me down many roads and thus VERY time consuming. Add to this other matters in my life are also eating up time that I wished was more available for meeting these deadlines.
Hopefully your level of frustration is somewhat lower than my own regarding these publishing dates.
Cheers till the 4th,
Bart
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