When Theodore received his call up papers he requested he join his family regiment, the King’s Own Scottish Borders. He vividly recalls the days leading up to landing in France and the oddness of arriving after D-Day. He soon transferred to the intelligence section where he would piece together vital aerial photographs so the local area could be studied.

Theodore recalls his first encounter with casualties and direct losses as members of his group were picked off by snipers. He had a very lucky escape himself when he removed his backpack one night to discover a bullet had ripped right through it, shredding the contents but missing him. The very next day he wasn’t so lucky. With vivid detail, Theodore recalls the battle on Hill 113 and the devastation and confusion caused. He remains in awe of the medical team with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers who, despite the chaos and destruction around, stretchered the wounded safely. Through Theodore we gain a key insight into the experiences of the wounded as he describes his dangerous ambulance transportation and the mix of nationalities in hospital with him.

Theodore’s injury meant he was downgraded to B7 and sent to work for the Control Commission. It was during this time he met his wife. The more he heard about the battle he had been involved in, the more he became aware of just how devastating it had been. Theodore says he just had to focus on keeping on going and counts himself fortunate to have made it through the war alive.