My 92 year old grandfather, Fred Engelbrecht, is for the 5th time in his life flying back to Dieppe, France for a World War 2 Veteran's Memorial Ceremony.
Dieppe is a major battle in WW2 that happened August 19, 1942. The majority were Canadians, including my grandfather. It was a massacre. A total of 3,623 of the 6,086 men (almost 60%) who made it ashore were either killed, wounded, or captured. He was one of the 'lucky ones' taken as a Prisoner of War.. where he spent the next 3 years, often with his hands shackled and living in unthinkable for most of us conditions.
I grew up listening to these stories from the bravest man I know. The hardships and horrors that war brings, creative thinking to keep yourself alive and never giving up, always finding a way. It has had an obvious impact on my life.
My grandfather has always been a wonder to me, still living alone, still having his drivers license, still living life, despite his age. He embraces technology, has a cell phone, watches You tube often… and will definitely read this article and the comments.
I try not to share too much personal stuff on the Internet, but I am very proud that he made this trip on the 70th anniversary of Dieppe.
♥ Thank you to all veteran for all you do/did for your countries. ♥
News Articles –> http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2012/08/15/hamilton-dieppe-trip.html
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/781349–rileys-veteran-returns-to-scene-of-6-hours-of-hell-at-dieppe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid
Wow, this is awesome! 🙂
Very cool!
Just fantastic! You must be SUPER proud of him!
Thanks for sharing! Amazing story.
how wonderful that you have learned the stories of these brave men. It is the responsibility of people like you, to pass them on and keep them going…
congratulations to your grandfather for going back once more. It must not be easy. I too, am thankful for the brave men and women who put themselves on the line.
Thank you for sharing! What an incredible man.
Yes, Thank you to all veterans! We appreciate what you've done for us!
My grandfather on my father's side worked on aircraft during the war. My grandmother on my mother's side has stories about hiding in the Underground in London while it was being bombed, she is still alive. Great to hear he's still going well.
This is very cool, +Amanda Blain. My lost my Grandpa last year, he was a veteran as well.
Next time you see your Grandpa, you buy him a beer from me. Tell him he's a cool guy and that we're all very proud of him and his buddies.
That one post had way too many +1 points. Incredible.
This is amazing! I imagine it is emotionally overwhelming for him, but it shows his pride to make the trip.
What an awesome tribute to your grandfather!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this +Amanda Blain, a real "homage" to him!
…Cheers~:)
He's a brave man and should be celebrated. I hope this post reminds us all to cherish our freedom.
To your Grandpa … "As someone who enjoys the freedoms and opportunities of this great country and the continent that you helped free, thank you."
Thank you what a great great Man!!!!!!!!! Stay Cool Sir
What an amazing man! You are so fortunate to inherit his legacy. All we Canadians greatly appreciate what he went through, his service and dedication to our country! Please thank him for us.
You've got to share his youtube username. Would love to see his comments. 😉
Wow. Incredible story, and a very touching tribute. You're very fortunate to have him with you still.
If +Amanda Blain's grandfather is reading this as advertised, then thank you for everything that you did and sacrificed so many years ago. You did us all a tremendous honour, and I will make sure my children hear your story, and understand what you put on the line for all of us.
Fred Engelbrecht, you accomplished something a dwindling few humans can lay claim to. Congratulations and thank you.
You have every right to be proud of your grandfather's service to his country.
Please thank your grandfather for all he did. What an amazing story!
you must be very proud of him. Thanks for sharing.
You must be very proud miss Amanda! Mucch happiness with ur grandfather dear! One n only lovely n proud picture. One n only
He will definitely read these comments. He expressed this trip is emotionally hard for him but i wanted to do my part in supporting his journey and all he has done. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with us, he is an amazing man 🙂
Totally inspiring. My dad was in the glider corps. Most of his teams were lost or killed too. He once came face to face with a fully armed German while he was unarmed and recovering from malaria. To dad's surprise the German surrendered to him then helped my very weak dad get back to camp safely.
+Amanda Blain Awesome …. For your grandfather and his buddies:
youtu.be/KYlrrAWCTRg
I was in Dieppe two years ago this month. My father and I took my son to see the battle fields of northern France.
Fred Engelbrecht has my deepest respect as do his colleagues.
That beach was a nightmare even before that fateful morning.
Wonderful post, Amanda. And bless your grandfather and all other veterans. We definitely should NEVER forget.
Cheers!
pay my respect to the old man
I am so glad you chose to share this with us. I am so grateful for your Grandfathers sacrifices and courage on our behalf.
Really nice post +Amanda Blain. Thanks for sharing. The number of surviving veterans from WWII is shrinking fast. It's heartwarming to see these soldiers still meeting 67 years after the end of the war to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought beside them and didn't come home. You are rightfully proud.
Thank you for sharing this. And a big thank you to your grandfather for fighting for the lives we are able to live now because of the sacrifice that men like he made.
I'm sorry for anyone having to survive life with such horrid memories of war.
I have the utmost respect for our WWII soldiers and the faith that fueled their fight.
You're so lucky to still have your grandfather to hear the stories first hand, Amanda.
What can I say to this? The world we live in, while imperfect, is free and good because of men like him. Deepest thanks.
Thanks for sharing! What an amazing grandfather you have, you must be very proud! 🙂
My grandfather flew a bomber over Germany in WWII, he survived the war but passed away before I was born. My grandmother was one of the first female pilots in the Spokane area, they met at the airfield. I envy your relationship with your grandfather +Amanda Blain , also glad to know he is still with you.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm sure he has to be just as proud of you, as you are of him. I think him for his service to humanity and to his country.
I SALUTE HIM
That is awesome of you to share this. God Bless him; one of the few World War 2 Veteran's who is still amongst us. And it’s great that he is still able to keep up with the times. May he enjoy his journey back to the Memorial Ceremony?
Great story. The Battle of Dieppe is not one that gets talked about much, but without the efforts and scarifice of the Canadian soldiers like your Grandfather, it is likely D Day would have turned out much different. Nothing wrong with being proud. Be proud of him. All the best to him +Amanda Blain from this former Canadian Forces reservist.
That's a man among many like him. Always pay honor to them, and all veterans. They were you brothers and sisters who loved you all. I have a little jar of sand from Omaha Beach given to me. Samuel Beckett writes about Dieppe.
Very proud yo have been able to have been blessed to hear this beautiful
story one n only
You are a very lucky young lady miss Amanda to have been blessed with such a wonderful grandfather! One n only
Class Act (the 2 of you)
Dieppe France 1942 I am afraid that was a rough one for Johnny Cannuk. I would be surprised if ever said much about it.
Buy him a shot for me and then buy him one for the boy's.
And then give him a big hug from me.
I salute.
Amazing and truly heroic.
Great story! Hard to imagine what he has seen in his lifetime.