We have just celebrated the centenary of my late father, Albert. This picture was taken in Belgium during the war when he would have been about 22. On the back the picture bears a stamp that says, 'Photo Leonard, Bruxelles' with a phone number. Someone asked me if I had ever phoned that number. I said ,"What kind of idiot would ever do that?".....OK, I have.
I have a box of old photo's in which there is a letter to Dad from a lady in Belgium. I'm surprised that the letter has not spontaneously combusted! Hot....
My sister and I are convinced we have an older sibling in Belgium.
He was a very good ballroom dancer and especially liked the Latin-American stuff. I'm listening to Perry Como singing Papa Loves Mambo, one of his favourites. Listen here!
8 comments:
Your dad is very handsome, Barry, and I am sure that there many ladies who who were very attracted to him. A DNA test could reveal many secrets.
Hello Bazza, Happy Birthday to Albert! Did he talk about his youthful shenanigans, or did you have to find out by going through old letters and such? My own father stinted no details in his lively stories, but my grandfather seemed the soul of propriety--until we found photos of him with his arms around rows of chorus girls!
--Jim
Hi Bazza - how very interesting ... my Ma would have been 100 a month or so ago ... but how very fascinating - I hope it's successful and happy for you all ... all the best during these difficult times - Hilary
Arleen: You wouldn't be the first to suggest that a DNA test should have been carried out on our milkman!
Jim: Your Grandfather sounds like fun! My father only let a few details slip every now and then - so naturally we speculated. But there is that one letter....
Hilary: Thank you. You are always the epitome of kindness!
These handsome young men, who looked extra-smart in their army uniforms, were probably away from home for the first time in their lives. As much as the lads loved their own parents, imagine their excitement in eating whatever they wanted, smoking, going outside with "unsuitable" young women etc. My dad was in the army only for 1944 and 1945, but that was long enough.
Hels: I doubt if my father had ever left the East End of London. He was the only Jewish man in his regiment and his job was driving the Padre around!
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