The Horror of War & The Joy of Joyce (1942 to 1957)

Clifford McLachlan, now 90 years old, writes lucid personal memories of his time in the army during the Second World War. He takes us into the narrow slit trenches he dug, from the Normandy landing beach head near Caen, across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and into Nazi Germany. We experience the horror of war and yet feel a sense of humour in the dire circumstances. Most of all we share the thrill of meeting his future wife, Joyce, in England. They both now reside in Victoria, BC, Canada. Why did brave, intelligent, young men follow insane orders and be prepared to sacrifice their lives over and over again on the frontline, just to wear a bunch of colourful ribbons and medals across their chests? Fighting an evil enemy all those many years ago in faraway foreign lands has enabled us, two generations later, to enjoy the freedom we take for granted today.