I’ve now taken Cliff’s story past his convalescence in Alexandria after he was shot up in late 1941 at Sidi Resegh, outside Tobruk. After recuperating he headed to Palestine for more of the same, and rubbed up against the Poms, the Jews, kibbutzes — plus lots of oranges! — before heading to Syria and training manoeuvres in the desert. Next it’ll be back into action before El Alamein, where he’ll be shot up again and find himself in hospital once more.

I’d like to have El Alamein covered before Anzac Day, but it may not happen. So far I’ve made it to the point where he’s about to return “up the Blue” in Egypt. My challenge is that Dad wrote a full account of the Depression years and of his experiences at and following Sidi Resegh, but otherwise I’m left with what feels like hundreds of letters — and thousands of pages — and some fairly disconnected notes from which to compile a narrative. It looks a lot of work, so wish me luck — and let me know what you think of what I’ve done so far. ~ Ian.

Oh, and I’ve done some more work on the navigation. Again, feedback welcome, positive more than negative of course 🙂