"Dad didn't talk much about his time in the Commandos, but from time to time a little did come out. Dad was part of a mortar team, and was keeper of the baseplate, which he carried on his shoulder - he said that if he was going to get shot, it wouldn't be in the head. On the Malati Bridge raid Dad had made it back to the landing area, and I believe he swam out hoping to be picked up. On returning to the beach he was taken prisoner by the Italians.

Dad had a great dislike of Italians and anything associated with Italy, for I am pretty sure they treated him badly.  He said the German soldiers took him and others from the Italians, and he was very grateful for they shared their food with them, and tended any wounds. 

For a while Dad pulled a handcart, I think it contained the German's equipment, and he and fellow prisoners, I don't know how many, were put up in a large house.  At some time Dad said that they could hear gun fire getting closer and closer, and then German wounded started to be brought into the house. 

It was at this time Dad and another decided it was time to get out, and they did. They made it back towards friendly lines, shouting out things like "Tower Bridge" and "Blackwall Tunnel" to make it known they were English.  Dad had escaped wearing the German paratroopers smock that I told you about, only to be told that it's great to have you back but you're lucky we didn't shoot you".