Drafted at 29 in 1941, my Dad felt like an "old man" compared to

most of the "inductees". I think he was self conscious about it at first,

he kept writing home that there were guys older than he in his

camp. Maybe he wondered whether he could measure up to the "youngsters"

in Basic Training. I think he got over THAT pretty quickly. Knowing my Dad,

the younger guys would probably struggle to keep up with HIM, instead of

the other way around.

I think that maybe his age as well as his 6'2" height may've helped get

him selected for one of the Army's 1st MP units. He was a likeable,

steady & responsible kind of guy. Being raised by Michael Howard was a

bit like being raised by an General, so my Dad must've adapted to

Army life pretty easily. My grandfather made his children line up for

"inspection" before church. No hair could be out of place, fingernails had to

be spotless, trousers creased, and shoes shined.

Dad's cousin told me this story which illustrates my grandfather's no nonsense

approach pretty well (you have to imagine the Irish brogues). My grandfather's

baby brother Martin was 20yrs younger & more of a son than a brother.

Over at his brother's house one day, he asks: "Michael, have ye a wee drop of the

craiture (whiskey) about?". Michael straightens up to full height, pulls back as

if to examine him better, looks him up & down & says: "Not for YOU I don't!".

And there you have it! The source of Frank's MP training - his Pa!

Has anyone seen the 1947 film "Life With Father" with William Powell & the beautiful

Irene Dunne? It's a great film! I howl everytime I see it because "Clarence Day"

is so like my grandfather & my Dad.

I digress (as usual). Anyway, I have Dad's draft notice if you need another one Marion.

m2

Digression is allowed on this forum... After all, that is how we learn so much.

I always get a kick out of your posts. So witty and so much fun reading!

Sure, if you want to email me a copy, I'd be happy to incorporate it.

I am now moving onto the training segment and that will be a lot of fun to work on.