H.M. (Peter) Cain
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
"As a fifteen year old boy living in Penzance, Cornwall, England throughout the second World War I was delighted to learn that just prior to the D-Day landings two American soldiers were to be billeted with my parents and two younger sisters. One soldier came from New York and the other from Duluth.
Although not aware of it at the time we learned later that they would be among the first to land on the coast of occupied Europe.
I recall how friendly they were and how resplendent they looked in their uniforms. The local girls were also impressed and rivalry would take place at the Dance Hall of a Saturday evening!!
At a time of severe austerity in Great Britain they would from time to time provide my mother with small luxuries and these were appreciated by the entire family. In particular I remember the bags full of doughnuts being presented to myself and two sisters. On occasions they would provide me with a packet of Lucky Strike or Camel cigarettes. These I would proudly show off to my friends at our Youth Club. I attempted to follow the example of Humphrey Bogart who could take a cigarette from the packet without using his hands!!
Sadly, the younger of our new found friends was killed during the initial part of the D-Day landing. As a family we were devastated and I still recall the utter sadness felt by each and every one of us.
I remember those far off days with great affection for I felt and still feel that the experience helped bond our two countries in a very special relationship. Long may that remain in this turbulent world.
You might like to know that on leaving school I joined the Royal Navy where I spent my last sixteen years of service aboard "Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Briannia". During that time we were to visit America on a number of occasions.
I send you all good wishes from England
