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I was conscripted into the Army at the age of 18 and after initial training was sent to RASC camp. I was very bored there and, as I wanted to get into the war and do my bit, I volunteered for the Commandoes. I did my training at Achnacarry but, following an accident at the end of the training when one of my colleagues fell down a cliff onto my back and hands, I missed my draft. I was asked where I lived so that I could be re-assigned to a local unit. In my naivity I said "Newcastle", meaning Newcastle under Lyme in Staffordshire. The officer sent me to Newcastle upon Tyne, and I joined the Durhams! After more training and exercise runs of up to 20 miles a day in full kit, (which were a doddle after the commandoes) my unit was sent to Nightingale Woods near Southampton for the D-Day landings. At this time I was a Private in "S"Company, 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, or Gateshead Gurhkas as we were known. My job was to lift mines and booby traps for the princely sum of 6p (2 1/2 pence) a day. A few of the names I remember are Lt. Jack Williams who formed 'S' Company, Sgt. Blenkinsop, Sgt. Naylor, Ernie Harvey (who was transferred to 6th Battalion just before D-Day), Cpl. Woods, Geordie Burroughs from Seaham, Harry Barker, and Lou Turner, my best mate.