Though Mr. McInnis remembers the depression with some fondness, the post depression years made it hard to build a future for ones self. He explains how this influenced his decision to join.
Training and Witnessing
Three years elapsed between the moment Mr. McInnis enlisted and the day he was actually sent to the Sicilian front. During that time he trained hard, deceived Germans and witnessed destruction during the Battle of Britain, but the reality of war caught up with him only much later.
Rough Convoy, Easy Landing
Though the convoy he was part of was attacked on the way, Mr. McInnis remembers how relatively easy it was to land in Sicily, although he was assigned a job he had little training for.
The Mortar Platoon in Action
As a member of the Mortar Platoon Mr. McInnis had to handle two weapons: the Bren gun and the three inch mortar. Here he tells us how and why they were used.
39 Days in Sicily
According to Mr. McInnis, had it not been for terrain, the Sicilian campaign would have been relatively easy. Little did he know, he would later get a special medal for his work there, helping to liberate the town of Agira.
Stiff Resistance in Italy
After the relative ease in taking Sicily from the Italians, facing the terrain, the weather and the better trained Germans in Italy, was no walk in the park!
Some German Soldiers were Respected, Others Not
Mr. McInnis explains what he feels was the difference between older German soldiers and the Hitler Youth.
Taking a Hit for the New Guy
While trying to comfort a nervous reinforcement soldier, Mr. McInnis took a bullet that landed him in bed for seven months! He tells us how.
The Way Home
Though he had been wounded twice and had been through some tough times, Mr. McInnis still felt awkward going home. He tells us why.
Was the Second World War Worth Fighting?
Although no war can keep away from politics, Mr. McInnis believes they must be fought if they are just. In his opinion the Second World War was a just war. He explains why.
Remembrance Today
A very touching and thought provoking testimony on the value of remembrance.
Haunting Memories
In Mr. McInnis' own words "a combat soldier never gets over the war". Find out why...