Fond memories

My thoughts returned to the days when Harry, as we called him, was billeted with another marine commando to my parents’ house in Littlehampton.

They were both made welcome, although it was a bit cramped with my three younger brothers and myself, mum and dad living there. My brothers and I slept under the steel table shelter.

My memories of Harry are that he was very friendly, smart and polite – he would always say, ‘Must wash the old hands’ – and would talk about driving army vehicles.

Later on in his life, he called in to visit my mum and dad a couple of times. I remember him telling us at one time how, driving over the Alps, the road was too steep and he had to turn the lorry round and drive over in reverse gear.

I went to watch the Royal Marines when they were given the freedom of Littlehampton in October, and, after reading the Gazette, I realised that Harry was there that day. I am now very sad I did not get to meet him to shake his hand for the very last time.

Ray Worsfold

Station Road

Angmering