Carl's Update on WWI and WWII Veterans

Greetings Hondo and everyone. Here is a little bit on my deceased friend, Captain (then) 2nd Lt. Richard Wallace Annand V.C. He was in the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. He was 25 years old at the time.

Captain Wallace's Citation:

On May 15 1940, near the River Dyle, Belgium, 2nd Lt. Annand inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy with hand grenades. He was wounded, but after having his wound dressed, he made another attack on the enemy the same evening. Later, when the position became hopeless and the Platoon was ordered to withdraw, Lt. Annand discovered that his Batman (Aide) was wounded and missing. He returned at once to the former position and brought him back in a wheelbarrow before fainting from loss of blood.

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During WWII, a total of 106 members of the British Armed Forces were awarded Victoria Crosses.

In order of service:

Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Navy Reserve, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve: 23 V.C's were awarded.

The Army had 61 V.C.'s awarded and the Royal Air Force had 22 V.C.'s awarded.

50% of all the V.C.'s awarded to British Soldiers in WWII were awarded to men who were Killed In Action.

Hondo, hope you enjoyed this little bit on Captain Annand V.C. Most anything else I have on him has nothing to do with his service in the Army and is more just idle "chit-chat" and Christmas wishes etc. I never got to shake his hand being that he lived in London and I only was able to make one trip to Europe--which was to Germany and Switzerland in late 2000. I had been wanting to make a trip to London to visit with Richard & Shirley for a few days. I really would have loved listening to them both.

Take care and best regards--Carl (TRK)

Hello Arthur, thank you for the extra information. I like to call myself a student on the battle of Roarkes Drift and the man who got their V.C's there. The movie Zulu, did a nice job of telling part of their story.

You are quite right in that the V.C's are made from the Bronze from captured cannon. I think this metal is kept as a huge block in a vault in London if i'm not mistaken.

Also, many many medals were stolen out of that Museum about a year ago. Danr shame for the theft but, that is also a slap in the faces of all the men who earned those awards. The awards will never see daylight again.

I don't know if you have ever heard of the Uboat Commander Erich Topp or not but, a few years ago, a similar thing happened to him as well. A few people were in his home posing as a news team and they stole his solid gold honor daggger that was presented to him by Grand Admiral Erich Raeder and Admiral Karl Donitz. The thieves also took the Knights Cross that his crew had made for him--before he got the official award.

Back to the 24th Regiment of Foot. Its popularly believed that the regiment was made up mainly of men from Wales, but that was not the case.

Forever more, Captain Annand will be a personal hero of mine as is Audie Murphy.

Hello Jay/Hondo D.W.

Jay, as far back as I can remember, Audie was always the top hero in my family. I never have visited the Vets hospital named for him but I have always wanted to go there. Some of those vets can really use some cheering up this time of year. In about a year or so, I am hoping to move to San Antonio, and I will be interested in visiting with the vets there.

By the way, if you do not know it already and if you have heard of them, guess who lives in San Antonio? Clue: If you have heard of the Flying Tigers, the man who commanded the 2nd Flying Tiger Squadrion (The Panda Bears) lives in Sna Antonio. He is retired: Brig Gen David Lee "Tex" Hill. He attends gun and militaria shows as well as a few other famous WWII vets. I have a nice 8x10 photo signed by him when I met him in Feb 2002. Oh and, he is listed in the phone book and also does not mind chatting with people on the phone.

Hondo, thank you for the nice compliment. Captain Annand V.C. is a treasure that has been lost. His passing really hit me hard but I am comforted that he is in a much better place. I'm trying to get more details on what he passed away from and Funeral details. So far I have only seen obituaries from a few publications by searching in Google.

Strangely enough, the Victoria Cross site still has him as living. Also, there are now less than 12 men awarded the V.C. still living. This encludes WWII vets as well as Vietnam vets and men who earned the V.C. in other actions. There are about 125 American Medal of Honor Recipients still living, and about 700 Knights Cross recipients still living.

You are correct though. As of 2001, WWII vets were passing away at the rate of 7,000 per week. This info was given to me by the Command Chaplain of the U.S. Air Force--who had presided over the services for my Uncle. Now I understand that over 10, 000 WWII vets pass away each day (and this is only speaking of American vets and not all vets world wide, lumped in together.

I'd be glad to give anyone a quiz on WWII, anyday.

Best regards to you--Carl (TRK)

Hello Viper/Arthur,

Viper, I will look forward to doing a quiz with you and anyone interested. How about lets starting it during the first week of January. I have some personal business to attend to which hopefully will not take more time that I am hoping and then we can go from there. I will be back here Mon 3rd (LORD willing)

Arthur, thank you for the offer, i will send you my address. I greatly appreciate this and owe you one.

Take care and best regards--TRK.

He was:

George Dewey Perkins of Louisiana. He was America's oldest living WWI USMC veteran. He passed away at the young age of 107.

Rest in Peace Sir.

Hi Jen, I agree with you. It is very sad to lose such a link with past history as Mr. Perkins was.

However, I just came across this today which lifted my spirits a bit. If you recall that series done by HBO called: Band of Brothers--which was about Easy Company in the 101st Para Division. It was centered around a person named Dick Winters.

Well, I found his official website today which also has mailing contact info. His website is: Major Richard (Dick) Winters Website.

He was nominated for the Medal of Honor but never awarded it. Now there is a movement out there that many people are supporting that is trying to help him get this award. I will be mailing out my letter of support to him by weeks end. I sure hope he gets this award that he so well deserves.

Best regards--TRK.

Thank you Littleduke/Chris. He certainly was an institution for the USMC.