Never Forgotten

[ChaosCossack]

Hey All

A few weeks ago, I posted a diorama of the Dieppe Raid 1942. The inspiration for the dio was my Grandfather, a sargent in the South Saskatchewan Rifles. He was awarded the DCM for his action during the raid.

According to my uncle, this pic was taken after the raid, when my Grandfather and his mates recieved their decorations (my mother has the pic of him being pinned). The gentleman walking the ranks, presented the medal... does anyone know who he might be?

Grampa (Papa to my boy), you will forever be remembered with great love and pride

Colin Semenenko

 

[billyturnip]

Great photo's Colin. It looks like King George VI.

Roger.

 

[tonydawe]

Great pics Colin. Brave men all.

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

I would also definitely say King George VI. . .

Mark

 

[brian]

Yes,it's the Queens dad.
Brian

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Makes sense the gongs as significant as DCMs for such a significant action would be personally presented by, or in the presence of the King.

Colin

 

[Mark S]

We will remember them.

 

[ChaosCossack]

Thank you all.
That's what my Grandmother told me about the photo, about 35 years ago when I first saw it. When I given the photo after he passed, I wasn't sure if I remembered the backstory correctly.
Thanx for the confirmation.

Colin

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

Wow! . ..so that's your, Gramp's, with King George VI. .. Good heirloom! ..

Mark

 

[ChaosCossack]

Wow! . ..so that's your, Gramp's, with King George VI. .. Good heirloom! ..

Mark

He's the sarge in the foreground at the end of rank (the short one ). It's a great piece of family history to have... my Mom has the pic where King George is actually pinning his decoration. If she can dig it up, I'll post it.

Colin

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

Nice one! .. I sort of figured this!... as he is the only 'Sargent', in the pictures! and a handsome bugger as well! .. . You have now got me ferreting for my 'Gramps' pics, and letters, from France in 1917! just to remind me!

Mark

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Colin, Great photos, and great traditions in your family. I'm very impressed, you should be very honored and proud. Regards, SG

 

[Don]

Colin, to honour the bravery of your Grandad and his mates, its only fitting that they had a visit from the king.
The heading should have been, "whos that guy with Colins Grandad"?

Very brave men, all of them.

Don

 

[Helm]

Great stuff Colin I'm sure you are very proud of him indeed
Steve

 

[ChaosCossack]

@Mark- Glad I could help rekindle the old family flame. It's your family, past and present, good and bad that go along way to shaping who you are. This side of my family (my mother's side) were very straight edged and conservative... Gramps has German (Hessian to be exact) blood and Nan was Brighton English. My father's side was completely wild and off-side... That's the full on Cossack bloodlines. I end up with an even mix of the two... I do really bad things... then feel bad after

@ SG- Thanks alot, I'm glad you liked them. And yes, I am very proud and honoured to have know the man. Give me something to aspire to.

Cheers

Colin

 

[ChaosCossack]

Thanx Don and Steve,
Like I had said, I had been told the background of these pics years ago and when I came across them again I'm thinking "Could that really be the King of England with old "Gus"? No. Really?" I figured if I could get confirmation of this anywhere, it's here...
The pics always brought a lump to my throat but but now, knowing the circumstance, they have been raised to near mythical status. My son was absolutely blown away when I told him about it... He and Poppa were very close, he was with him right to the end.

Damn, I'm getting all choked again

Colin

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

I bet old 'Gus',.. would initially give you a kick up the 'Arse', for getting choked! being the 'Sarg', an all! then followed a big hug! ...

Mark

 

[ChaosCossack]

Amazingly, that sounds just about right! Man of few words and a swift right foot...

 

[Jazz]

You brought a tear to my eye, you big softy. Seriously though mate, you should be proud. Not many people has photos like that. I've got a signed photo of King Georges mother, Queen Mary. My great Uncle was once her bodyguard, and yes, I am proud too.

 

[ChaosCossack]

Thanx so much Jazz
And yes, under this gruff exterior I am a big softy.

Treasure your family mementos and make sure your kids (and their kids) know what they mean... so these deeds don't fade away.

Colin