Michael,
I wonder if his involvement was more to do with convoys between the US
and UK, rather than the D-Day landings? Given his background that would
seem more likely?
regards,
Dai
On 30/12/2011 09:42, MICHAEL WARD wrote:
My Aunt has told me an amazing story about my Grandfathers exploits
during
WW2. She tells of him being involved with a group of people helping to plan
the D Day Landings of June 6 1944 from a place known as "The Secret Room" in
Cardiff.
This has come as a bit of a surprise to say the least but she has recalled
all sorts of memories from her childhood (she would have been about 15 years
old or so at the time). What I know is listed below..please if anyone can
throw any light on this it would be great.I do so want it to be true,
but......
My Grandfather is Frank Edward WARD who was with Sir William Reardon Smith
and Sons a large shipping company in Cardiff and he had been in San
Francisco and Vancouver in the 30s setting up and running offices for Sir
William Reardon Smith and Sons. At some point in the war, possibly in 1943
he was seconded to a naval base apparently in the Imperial Buildings in
Mount Stuart Square in Cardiff Docks. He attended there every day possibly
as a representative of the British Merchant Navy. With him were an American
Army Major(name not recalled) and a British Naval Lieutenant named Mr Brock
who came from Exeter way. I do not know if there were any others involved in
this but I suspect there were.
My aunt recalls that Mr Brock came to her house for Christmas lunch in 1943.
The American major gave my grandfather a parcel of sweets for his children
once a month which comprised inter-alia O`Henry Bars, Beamon`s Pepsi
Chewing Gum and many other goodies which British kids could not get at that
time.
It is a really intriguing story but with so little facts I suspect that it
will not be easy to get to the bottom of this..unless of course someone
knows different!! Any information or clues where to look or contact wold be
gratefully received.
Many thanks in anticipation
Mike Ward
Leighton Buzzard