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
After all, that is how we learn so much. 
