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Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 3:32 pm
by Phil
A topic dedicate to singularly odd, humorous and/or unbelievable occurrences documented in official War Diaries, Daily Orders and the like that you may come across during research. Please keep excerpts short, block-quoted and references detailed, accurate and in a similar format.
At this time it is noticed that a cafe just a hundred yards off the beach is opened up and selling wine to all and sundry.
-The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, War Diary, 6 Jun 1944 (D-Day), 0900

Re: Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 3:50 pm
by Phil
Seargent D. Wolfe became a casualty this morning which gave him a trip to the 22nd Field Ambulance and a couple of stitches to boot. A young calf "somehow" kicked him over the eye.
-North Nova Scotia Highlanders, War Diary, 12 Jun 1944

Re: Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 3:54 pm
by Phil
"A" company reports a change in the cows, they say they get more milk and that it is of a better quality. That is the way it should be.
-North Nova Scotia Highlanders, War Diary, 25 Jun 1944

Re: Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 3:59 pm
by Phil
FOUND
Part of a £1 note bearing serial No. T55D 468637 has been found in the NAAFI. Owner may claim same at the Adjutant's Office upon producing the corresponding part.
-No. 4 Canadian Convalescent Depot R.C.A.M.C., Daily Orders, 6 Oct 1944

Re: Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 4:01 pm
by Phil
During the early hours of the morning "D" company heard stealthy movements and gutteral sounds on their sector of the front in the minefield. The sentry challenged and got no reply, rifle and Bren gun fire were brought to bear in the direction of the "stealthy movements". Later when a party went out to find out what damage had been done to the "enemy" they found one dead sow, riddled with bullet holes.
-North Nova Scotia Highlanders, War Diary, 26 Jun 1944

Re: Truth is stranger than fiction

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 4:03 pm
by Phil
I stepped on a mine but it did not go off. It was quite loose in the sand so I picked it up and threw it out to sea like a discus.
-Major Charles E. Baker, No. 22 Canadian Field Ambulance, R.C.A.M.C., Juno Beach Reconnaissance Report, 7 Jun 1944