Here are some photos chronicling Armand's time in North Africa.
In the photo below, Armand is standing with his buddies in Sidi Bel Abbes on May 28, 1943. This is after they had traveled through 41 villages/towns in just 3 days! Sidi Bel Abbes was the 15th, and last place they had visited on May 28. Those men look pretty tired. All but Armand, smiling brightly, who undoubtedly suggested that the picture be taken! Below is a great shot that Armand took of men riding their camels in Tunisia on May 23, the first day of their 10 day trek. Beneath that is a snapshot he took of a family in Rabat Medina - the older part of the city- in Morocco. Please find a wonderful map Sean made of Armand's travels in the "Document" section of the blog, posted this week! Click on "comments" above to add your thoughts and/or memories!
1 Comment
Bob Santomasso
1/19/2016 08:12:45 pm
Tricia, In response to Armand's comment about "clicks" I believe he refers to their position geographically as measured by degrees of latitude and longitude, or "clicks".. His comment about pass refers to their inability to get permission from their "old man" or commanding officer, to carouse in the closest village...something Armand was famous for. He was able.to take advantage of his ability to "speak the lingo" as he would say. His fellow soldiers would say to him..."Pappy... we're following you cause you are in the land of your forefathers, and you speak the lingo". They called him pappy because he was one of the oldest guys in his company at the ripe old age of 25 years. Also, he was a smooth operator with the locals and occasionally found farmers to provide food,wine,and conversation. In turn they frequently shared what provisions they had with them.like rations of cigarettes,candy,milk crackers,canned food rations etc.. The populace was glad to see them. They were liberators from Nazi occupation, and the starvation and the humiliation of war under a brutal dictator.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorThanks everyone for your continued support and participation! Archives
May 2016
Categories |