Nicholas Pringle

But all depends now upon the whole life-strength of the British race in every part of the world and of all our associated peoples and of all our well-wishers in every land, doing their utmost night and day, giving all, daring all, enduring all-to the utmost-to the end. This is no war of chieftains or of princes, of dynasties or national ambition; it is a war of peoples and of causes. There are vast numbers, not only in this Island but in every land, who will render faithful service in this war, but whose names will never be known, whose deeds will never be recorded. This is a War of the Unknown Warriors;

Winston Churchill, July 14, 1940

"When I let go of Smithy I have no idea Nick and neither have I any idea how I, and others, ever made it ashore, only God above knows as thousands of miracles happened on that day, the 6th June 1944."

"I always round my neck wore ‘Lucky Knickers (I still have them) from my girlfriend, and all the crew used to touch them before we took off. That’s why survived a full tour, however on one trip, my lucky knickers had been taken from my flying suit. (It was one of the girls who looked after our flying kit and parachutes) I wasn’t really bothered but the Flight Engineer was, and he stormed into the kit room and got the lucky knickers back."

"Somewhere along the way into Burma, I missed out the boat trip, took a few hours. The River Ganges, fast flowing, wide something like the Severn. Nice boat, I enjoyed the trip. Along the way came mealtime and we had hard ration like biscuits and Bully Beef and a brew up. Then we were plagued by birds, big ones, huge wing span. Kite Hawks swooping down like seagulls, one guy lost most of his grub and a fork as well - carried away in the claws of one of these birds."

There is a phrase - "Time stops for no-one", and this is no different for the brave veterans of World War 2. Members of the services that were 20 in 1940 are now 87, and in recent years many of the associations that helped veterans over the decades after the war have disbanded, such as the Dunkirk Veterans Association. Others still go on with dwindling numbers but with the same comradeship that is so valuable to them in their old age.

I decided to embark on a project to give a chance for veterans to put their stories down on paper and also for them to give their views on the country today. The response has surpassed my expectations and the quality of contributions has been outstanding.

Many correspondents in their 90's, some with arthritic hands, others with failing eyesight - have provided moving accounts of their time during WW2, funny tales and views on the country today. Members of the Land Army, WAAF, ATS, Bomber Command, Desert Rats, Bevin Boys, Chindits, D-Day Landing Craft, Royal Navy, Parachute Regiment and Marines to name just a few, have all contributed.

Price is to be confirmed and the book will be out sometime in summer 2008, if you are interested in being notified when the book is on sale fill in your contact details, using the contact form below and I'll be in touch nearer the time.