29 Jun 20 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

Opening of Allied Officers Club, Londonderry, January 1943

Information

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[matthanne1]

Can't help but wonder what my thoughts would have been, had I been told to dress up for an inspection and parade to mark the opening of some club 'my kind' would not be allowed in.... I distinctly remember being an enlisted driver in 1985 and waiting all day in the parking lot with all the other drivers (no refreshments, etc) while the French Berlin Command hosted a Bastille Day 'to-do' at Pavilon Du Lac. Spent the time practicing my Russian with a couple drivers.

[Ovidio]

I would definitely agree...

[fjruple]

...its raining, we are marching for the officer's club. I would bet they were offered lemonade or tea to the troops... if that... LOL

[Daan Kemp]

Guys think on the time this took place.

What was the reason for the US participation in this opening?
US - new to Britain, showing solidarity, show the flag, see how good we are, we are part of the victory to come?
British - man are we glad to see our allies, here they are at last, see how good they look!
Find the photos showing the British participation?
Etc.

If I understand comments above correctly, you are denigrating the action without considering what it was intended for.

They really look good and would impress any number of civilians gathering to see the opening, think of the morale boost.

[Flying10uk]

I think the point is not their rank but the fact that they are allies. There may have be UK and other allied nation's soldiers also take part in the opening parade which obviously this photo doesn't show.

[matthanne1]

I understand the morale issue, and glad to see the period photography too. Allies such as we are certainly few and highly valued. Having been in similar events, from the soldier perspective, is a tad bit different. Ever since those days, I will salute the passing flags and officers but think of the ones in the middle, trying not to step on teh lead or get stepped on, keeping your place out of the corner of your eye, and ready to get back to work. The road home is (was) through Berlin, you know.

[Flying10uk]

When the Queen visited the RAF station where one of my uncles was stationed in the 1950's he was told to "keep out of the way" and wasn't allowed to take part in the parade. He was told that this was because "he wasn't smart enough". He has been a republican ever since.

[Surpmil]

When the Queen visited the RAF station where one of my uncles was stationed in the 1950's he was told to "keep out of the way" and wasn't allowed to take part in the parade. He was told that this was because "he wasn't smart enough". He has been a republican ever since.

Curious logic, but curiously logical, for a republican.

[Flying10uk]

Curious logic, but curiously logical, for a republican.

He's still sore about it more than 60 years later.