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221954
L/Cpl. Harold Thomas Franklin
British Army Welch Regiment
from:Cardiff
Like many returned service men, my grandfather, Hal Franklin rarely shared any kind of stories, even with his wife, let alone his daughters and grandchildren. But our family folklore is that Harold Thomas Franklin, born and raised in Cardiff to William and Lottie Franklin, faked his identity in order to get into the Army under-age. I am unaware in which Battalion he served, but the lore says that he was sent to India initially. One of the few stories that I was told as a child was that my grandfather "Hal" (as he was known) was quite a larrikin, promoted for acts of bravery at times, and then promptly demoted again for giving some kind of cheek to a officer. In India, he and a mate, who had been on rec leave and had enjoyed too many drinks that night, were staggering back to the base when they heard a tiger growl. Scared out of their wits, the pair apparently shimmied up the first tree they could find, hanging on for dear life. As the dawn approached and they were able to better see, they discovered they had wandered into the zoo.
I have old photos that are indication Hal travelled through the Middle East at some time - likely coming through Egypt.
These stories are part of our family. We are never sure of their accuracy, but like most lore, there is probably a large thread of truth woven through a degree of embellishment. I would be delighted and grateful if there is anyone who can confirm or add anything to our stories of Harold Franklin.