231200 Commando Samuel William George Bracey Royal Marines Company E Portsmouth Division from:Downend, Bristol My father was Samuel Bracey and he served as a Royal Marine Commando from April 1941-April 1946 and spent much of his time in Burma (June 41 - July 44) as part of HBL/RM Sp MNBDO. He was from Portsmouth Division at Eastney Barracks, Company E.
I don't know a great deal as like most War Veterans that fought in Burma, he never discussed very much about the war. I remember he mentioned that he was on 2 ships that were sunk and how he spent a long time in the water, certain that he would die. My brother also mentioned that my Dad said he was part of a military operation assigned to blow up the Japanese Oil Refinery and that many of his comrades lost their lives that day. My brother has also managed to do some research and believes that my Dad was part of "Force Viper". He also mentioned that he spent approx 6 months in South Africa after the war ended.
My Dad passed away in August 2002. He was in hospital for 6 weeks prior to his death and during this time he seemed to be having very vivid flashbacks to the war and was sometimes screaming out. He was very distressed and kept shouting "They've forgotten us Mama". He cried and cried during his final weeks and briefly spoke about how they had been promised that their war efforts would never be forgotten. He said he no longer believed this but said "I have never forgotten; I have re-lived it every day of my life since in silence". It was so very sad for me to hear this. I would really like to know if anyone has a family member who remembers my Dad. I have a few war photos.
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