The War Years

George Stewart was called up in 1942 and joined the Royal Army Service Corps. The same year he was transferred to the 1st Airborne Division.

During parachute training George was found to be too old at 38 to jump out of war planes. He was returned to the Royal Army Service Corps. George was then seconded to the Special Air Services Division operating in the war zone over France, Belgium and Holland, dropping equipment and food supplies to resistance groups and to specialist British Officers and men behind the enemy lines.

An image of a fellow serviceman of George's who fell out of the plane while on one of the 'drops' over occupied territories. (unfortnately his name is unknown)

After victory in Europe, George was posted to India as part of the invasion force for Japan. Fortunately the Japanese surrendered, but he remained in Japan as part of the occupation force, visiting Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Tokyo.

George was demobbed in 1946. The following are photographs and messages George sent home during his time in the Forces.

To John
Hearty Greeting for Christmas
from your loving daddy xxxxxxxxx

George

To Greet You On Your Birthday Emily
FORGET ME NOT Oct. 4th 1945
From you ever loving husband George xxxxxx

George in India 1945 - before the fall of Japan

George with members of the New Zealand & Australian forces in India while waiting
to go to Japan

George while waiting on an island off the coast of Japan before the fall of Japan

View of paddy fields

A silk flag brought back from Japan by George

View of paddy field with British Force's vehicles in the background

Hiroshima

A bottle was brought back to England from the site of the glass factory

A glass factory in Hiroshima

The bowls are dated Tokio 10 May 1946

A fan brought back from Japan

A silk flag commemorating the surrender of Japan