Michael Manny was called up to the army in 1940 and originally trained as a gunner before being transferred to driver training in the Royal Army Service Corps during WWII. In this interview, Michael shares his pride in serving for the SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) transporting officers all across Britain, France and Germany.
Throughout his 6.5 years in the British Army, Michael admits to being quite lonely as a driver. Despite this, he speaks of befriending fellow Jews that took to the French alps to avoid being arrested for their beliefs. Although never denying he was a Jew, Michael believes he was unfairly treated by officers who took distain towards his religion, including an instance of him being put in prison because of dangerous driving.
This downfall, however, did come to his benefit as he saved many lives due to his quick thinking on the roads. Michael recalls memories of being taught French by an officer on route to Paris, finding his brother in Caen mid-mission, and saving a Czech officer’s life by dodging bomb craters.
Michael’s commitment to a dangerous yet important job meant he played a key part in the war.