Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
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206256
Pte. Wilfred "Biff" May
British Army Royal Artillery
from:Bishop Auckland
I am looking to find some information on my late father Wilfred May known as Biff. He was born in Bishop Auckland, in 1908. I understand that he was in the Royal Artillery from 1939-1945 and possibly served in Burma, India and Gibralter. The latter towards the end of WW11 on one of the Gun Emplacments. He was a keen semi pro footballer prior to the war and may have played for his regiment during the war . I recall a photo of him in a Pith Helmet and uniform whilst tending his horse .
I recall an old story (true or false) of my Father and his best friend, Ron being stationed on a "Martello Tower" in the North Sea at the beginning of the War. He became fed up with the lack of action so decided to take a rowing boat and row to shore for a night out! When caught the story goes that my Father allegedly said "He was bored stiff sitting in a concrete box and joined the army to fight and see some action". I understand the Army duly obliged and he was then dispatched abroad with the Royal Horse Artillary ??? and the rest is unclear and history as they say.
My Father never spoke about the war. Like so many of his generation.Just proud to have served his country and saddened to have lost so many friends. If anybody remembers him or where I may find some information about his exploits I would be very appreciative