An extract from the diary of Edward and Doris Smith:

"Doris and Edward Smith proudly present their new born son - Joseph Edward Smith on 10th September 1921 and all is well"

Joe grows into a big strong lad and goes to the local secondary school, where he does reasonable well. He leaves school at the age of 14 in 1935 and starts work as an apprentice in a factory .....

A Day at the Office

Joe and his unit are still encamped on the edge of a French village, when the order comes through to advance towards "The Front". Joe and Bill leave their new found friends and with a combination of fear and excitement advance.

They find themselves in the tender care of a Corporal and members of a Bren Gun team. Their brief from the platoon Officer and Sergeant is to advance to a map reference and to hold on for as long as possible, to give the "lads on the beach a chance".

Joe, Bill and the team find themselves behind the only cover available, a wall. To the encouraging words of the young Platoon Officer, "Keep your heads down lads and get stuck in! Just like a day in the Office". They prepare for the onslaught.

Top pictures shows the complete set.

Middle pictures shows the set from the rear.

Bottom pictures shows Joe and Bill in their positions at the wall.

France - Priorities

Joe and his unit find themselves in France getting ready to go to the front. After much preparation Joe and Bill sit by the village pump, an important meeting place and supply of fresh water.

They both decide to get their kit ready. They soon have company when a nice young lady who greets them with a smile and a bottle of wine. After a while their priorities start to take on difference direction.

Bill thinks that it would be sensible to learn a little more about the country and takes the young lady aside explaining to Joe that it might be useful to 'learn a little French'. In the meantime Joe gets stuck into checking his equipment and cleaning his rifle.

Top pictures shows the complete set.

Middle pictures shows Joe cleaning his rifle in front of the village pump,

Bottom pictures shows Bill in the company of a young french lady.

France Platform 4!

Joe has completed his basic training and had his embarkation leave.He is now reporting for duty with his new found friend, Bill. His Mother has arrived to see him off. She is understandably a bit tearful and is clutching a handkerchief. They are standing before a M.P. who after consulting his papers says "France Platform 4!"

The Only One in Step

Joe is now in basic training. On the whole he is enjoying the experience and is making the best of it. However the same cannot be said for his Drill Sergeant. Joe is struggling with his marching, whilst his colleagues are getting on fine and it's driving the Sergeant to his limits. "Smith, you are the only one in step!!"

Joe's Call Up

Joe celebrates his 18th birthday on 10th September 1939. Despite the out break of war he is confident that it will not effect him much. The very next day his life changes forever. The Postman knocks on the door and his mother, Doris answers. Joe is called to the door where his mother looks on sadly as Joe receives his call up papers.

Price £19.95

Product Code: JS1