The Desert Rats WW2 - My Grandad’s story of the mission from El Alamein to Tunis with real artifacts

#desertrats #7tharmoureddivision #desertratsww2
S3 Special Episode - Remembrance 2021.
It's the usual Woolpatch Show format, but rather than talking about wool & fabric, I wanted to take time out at this reflective time and share with you the story of my grandad who was a Desert Rat in World War 2. This episode may not be for everyone and in certain places, some of the artefacts I show are hard to view. But it is important to remember what he and many others have did in the past (and current times) for us all and to talk and share stories of what happened. There may be many of you who have relatives that where in the same regiment. I would love to hear all your family stories in the discussion, from past wars, to even current day of any regiment and division. It's important to keep remembering about the individuals who fight for our freedom.
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Content Timings:
00:00 | Introduction to Anthony 'Tony' Alasia L/BDR
01:50 | Mission 1: 1940 Protect the Suez Canal - The Journey to North Africa
04:56 | Mission 2: 1942 January - move to El Alamein
05:08 | Mission 3: 1942 to Join 7th Armoured Div and Move from El Alamein to Tunis
10:35 | Mission 4: 1943 Move up to Italy - Christmas in the Mediterranean
12:28 | Guess the Year - Just for fun
13:47 | His War Medals
14:45 | Spitfire & P38 Lightening
21:11 | The Gallery
23:27 | Guess the Year Answer
26:02 | Calligraphy and his hand written letters
31:06 | Reflection and Remember
The Desert Rats WW2 - My Grandads story of the mission from El Alamein to Tunis with real artifacts

[@FizzBradley]

I'm well humbled to be mentioned in this episode, Stuart. You are so welcome, you are such a joy and a great inspiration. I'm happy to know you.

[@urbanyarn]

A wonderful remembrance - thank you Stuart.

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww thanks Gary, means a lot.

[@kateboehler4140]

What a wonderful way to honor your Grandad and his service. Thank you!

[@darrickwhite1986]

Thanks for sharing your grandfather with us.

[@FizzBradley]

You put in more than just a "few extra little things." You completely made my week. You are a treasure.

[@margaretgeorge3903]

Thank you for sharing this with us - wonderful to see a personal story for Remembrance 🥰

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww means a lot Margaret.

[@sauces_official]

thank you for sharing such a lovely reminiscence of your grandfather's talents.

[@michaeljay3846]

My grandad too , Desert Rat from London , lucky to come back , he kissed the floor when he arrived back here , god bless Grandad , never ever forgotten 🙏

[@TheWoolpatch]

Amen to that. Lovely to hear. Are you lucky enough like me to have any artefacts?

[@michaeljay3846]

@The Woolpatch No I only have his army pictures in the desert with his army mates . Your grandad like mine great great men . Brave and fought for our freedom , respects to your grandad 🙏

[@davejencowan9163]

This was a beautiful tribute to your Grandad, Stuie - he was indeed a man of many incredible talents, and your pride in him shines through. How wonderful that so much of his work has been kept and treasured! Thank you for sharing his story. Jen❤️❤️

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aw thanks Jen! Yes, very very lucky to have so much of his work. Some found up in the loft too, but it's all out now hanging on walls or in display stands being enjoyed which is wonderful! x

[@FizzBradley]

What a beautiful episode, Stuart. This was really lovely. You have some lovely penmanship too. I remember remarking on it when the parcel arrived. Such a really well done episode, you love and admiration for your grandfather really shines through. ❤️

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww thanks Fizz. I didn't know how the show would be received on this channel, as I don't really do personal stuff during my shows, it's always on the knitting/sewing and shop, so your message means a lot.

[@FizzBradley]

@@TheWoolpatch It was really wonderful. All of your vlogs are engaging and so welcoming. There are some vlogs that can feel really dry and informative, but you always make us viewers feel like we're right there with you, just having a chat, sharing a pot of tea. It's my favourite vlog, your enthusiasm is so contagious.

[@carolalayne1555]

Stuart, this is such a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing your story, and lucky that you have the artefacts to feature in your home. Excellent episode!

[@debrariley2057]

We used to have a very well attended knitting club, one day a gentleman approached, in a tweed sports jacket, we all thought he just wanted to chat but he asked to join, with great welcomes he joined us, the very best sock knitter I have ever met. He knitted whilst he was in service during the war, taught by his mother. He taught me how to knit socks, toe up…. None of that magic loop lark… DPN’s only… which always made me laugh. Gentleman in every sense of the word. A wonderful time.

[@TheWoolpatch]

I was hoping this video would bring about a sharing of some lovely memories and this is one of them! This is lovely to read. Thanks Debra. Stuart

[@rdelineyt]

Your granddad was a treasure. Thanks for sharing his service and his creative output. It truly is phenomenal. My granddad also served in North Africa (US Army). I wonder if their paths overlapped at all. I came pretty close to guessing the year of the photo, and you'll be pleased that I placed you three years younger than your age.

[@TheWoolpatch]

Well, now this will be a lovely evening talking over stories together....your grandad serving in North Africa too. I knew the comments for this episode would be fascinating! Could well have crossed when the met....I don't have much knowledge of the American strategy but didn't they come from the west....morocco side and we advanced from the East Egypt side?

[@margaretgeorge3903]

What a fantastic gallery, the calligraphy is very beautiful 😍

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww thank you Margaret....it is stunning isn't it, all so equal too in heights and length. Gotta love it.

[@covkimbo]

What a lovely episode. Your Grandad sounds a wonderful person and the love you have for him shines through. A great way to remember, dedicating the episode to him…i am sure he would be so proud of you and your own creativity xx

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aw Covkimbo - what a wonderful comment...that's made my heart sing and eyes well up. I hope so. He really did nuture the love for arts and creativity in me for sure. x Stuart

[@sallydingle321]

This was so amazing to hear about Stuart...what a fantastic Grandad you had and no wonder you are so proud of him 🙏. If he were here now he would think the same of you too 💕. What a brave and creative man and those planes were just unbelievable...would have loved to have watched how he did those 👌💝. Such a fitting tribute to your Grandad Stuart and such an enjoyable but poignant vlog...thanks so much 🙏👏😊😘

[@TheWoolpatch]

Sally, what a lovely message. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment too. Means a lot. Like many comments by others, yours has made my heart sing and eyes well with love. You're right about the planes, it would be amazing to know how and to watch him make one! Thanks Sally. Remembrance is such an important thing.

[@MsBeadee]

What a lovely remembrance your Grandad left for your family Stuart - what lovely writing he had. My dad was in the western desert during WW2 but he would never talk of it so we have no details .

[@TheWoolpatch]

Oh wow really was he? It's a shame he never talked about it, but can completely understand. Thanks for your kind words too :)

[@ladyjacquiehawey5191]

I have really enjoyed your sharing a portion of your grandfather's story as it sounds like there are many more that could be told. It is important to remember the sacrifices made then and now and to honour those that have made them. It is so lovely that you were able to enjoy your grandfather for so long. 🌺

[@TheWoolpatch]

Hey Jacquie, thanks for you kind words. Yes, your'e right, so important to remember the sacrifices made. Stuart

[@juliebrown9922]

Great video thanks Stuart. My dad who died very recently didn’t serve in the war but was a Grenadier Guard in the 1950s and like your granddad a highly creatively man. He taught me to knit. He was very proud of having served in the Guards and we were very proud of him. It’s lovely to share memories. Thank you.

[@TheWoolpatch]

So lovely to share memories, thanks for your kind words and comment. Did he knit socks or lots of things? The older I get the prouder I get, you see things so differently as you age. All proud together :)

[@juliebrown9922]

@@TheWoolpatch He knitted my cardigans and hats etc when I was a baby, he knitted a beautiful child’s dress followed up many years later by a dress in adult size. He knitted numerous Aran sweaters and cardigans, and a lot of intarsia. He loved a chart and a pattern w

[@juliebrown9922]

Sorry didn’t finish there - he loved a chart and a pattern with challenge. I agree that as we age we do get prouder of our parents and grandparents. Their achievements which were just part of the fabric of our childhood stand out to us as adults when we realise how special they really were.

[@carolm.6072]

Beautiful, heartwarming video and tribute to your grandfather. What a wonderful and talented man he was! Thank you for sharing this. I think he would say, "Well done, Stuart!"

[@carolm.6072]

P.S. I guessed 1987

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww thanks Carol for your lovely words.

[@TheWoolpatch]

ooooo one year out as Ken Bruce would say! hahah

[@elliadzn4804]

its really a great story to hear about .... im sure he was a brave and creative man

[@annieboulton5759]

Hi Stuart. Loved your video. Thank you very much for sharing your Grandads story. I loved seeing his art too Take care xxx

[@TheWoolpatch]

Aww thanks Annie, means a lot. Wasn't his art work amazing! So clever. xx

[@viedeprimes]

What a wonderful vlog. Thank you for sharing your grandfathers talents and experiences. The caligraphy was stunning yet alone his painting. The Laughing Cavalier is one of my favourites from the Wallace Collection, however, Tony's copy was excellent. I thought I was seeing the original! And the planes crafted from coins! Again, thank you for sharing.

[@TheWoolpatch]

Jan, thanks for a lovely message and for taking the time to even leave one. What you said about his version of the Laughing Cavalier is wonderful and made me even more proud of him. It's stunning, the detail. The picture is only 30cm by 20 so to pack that amount of detail into a small version is amazing.

[@anncarrington9784]

So interesting to hear about your Grandad , thank you for sharing historical and personal information about his life .( The Apple hasn't fallen very far from 🌲)

[@TheWoolpatch]

Thanks Ann for your kind words, it's not often I do personal stuff like this, but for Remembrance, felt it was rather fitting and right to do :)

[@user-vv3lx9tg7t]

Thank you this was amazing as I am currently trying to find more information on my grate grandad who was also a desert rat gunner for the 7th , I remember sitting on his knee as a child while he would tell me about the 3 months they had to defend there ground and how a Aussie saved his life when he took a shell to his lower legs ,went through his shins , and actually never Heled till his death in early 1990s (I think as I was born 85 and have clear memory's with him) , I can still remember the nurse visiting to change his bandages , rip grandad!! Lennord Lloyd liverpool UK desert rat 7th Armoured brigade

[@TheWoolpatch]

What a lovely message and what an amazing story of what happened to your Great Grandfather! It's wonderful you have such clear memories of him....keep them treasured. Keep researching too, there's a tonne of information on the web, especially the desert rats website. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. Here's to both marvellous men hey. Stuart :)

[@britsluver]

Loved listening to this xx

[@ragnarironspear1791]

My great uncle Tommy was a Desert Rat the other brothers were Royal Navy. Lest We Forget 🙏🇬🇧

[@TheWoolpatch]

Oh wow, lots of stories in your family then - did you get to hear much about their time?

[@flatout1001]

nice vid my grandad was a desert rat bill rasell i was too young to remember my grandad when he passed away 🏴‍☠

[@TheWoolpatch]

Thank you! Let's raise a glass to your Grandad too. They did remarkable things as a Desert Rat.

[@samanthacude9482]

My grandad was a dessert rat too!

[@TheWoolpatch]

Oh wow fabulous! Have you any stories or memorabilia from his time? It's fascinating to find out about it all. Stuart

[@petergroves252]

so if you manage to read this please let me know the music you used for this programme

[@TheWoolpatch]

the music is from 'Epidemic Sound' a place where I can find music and sound effects for youtube videos. I pay a subscription which then means I don't have to worry about copyright. Sorry I can't help more. Stuart

[@petergroves252]

Forgive me I don't know your name or where you live but apart from the Regiments your Grandad (Royal Artillery) my Father ( The Queens Royal Regiment) the story is the same. My Dad wrote his memories down in the last months of his life and it reads the same as you narrate. When they landed at the Suez after being on board a troop ship through U-Boat alley and around the cape. he was a Sargeant when they landed and by Tunis the RSM. he then went on to Salerno in Italy. (No rest). Within months brought back to the UK for D Day The documents I have will confirm the distances and Passing places you have mentioned. I have served in the Royal Air Force and even now I cannot feel what they must have gone through day after day for months on end. I managed to turn his notes into a little booklet for the family. Please everyone apart from their selfless service dont forget the wives/mothers left behind all that time with no communication. I salute them all

[@TheWoolpatch]

Good Evening Peter! What a lovely message to read, thank yo for taking the time to tell me! WOW! What a story and fascinating to find another similar story of events! Hoe incredibly special you have his written documents and that he took the time to write it down. I agree....words cannot possible sum up what they went through day after day. And yes, as you say, let's not forget family left behind. Hence why I wanted to show you all the birthday and Christmas card he made and sent home. Those written letters must have been so special and important to them. What a great idea of you to turn those notes into a booklet for the family to see. That is so important to do, as we must never forget. Wonderful words Peter - thanks for sharing. Hope others may find this video and share more stories. Stuart :)

[@teddy-3765]

I thought you were more than nine years younger than me so my guess was out by a few years.

[@FizzBradley]

1984

[@FizzBradley]

Dang it! I had 1986 first and changed it to 1984 as I was thinking 8 instead of 10.

[@TheWoolpatch]

oooo dang that last minute change hahah!