Years ago I had an older friend who was a young pilot in Germany at the very end of the war. When he realised it was virtually all over he flew his ME109 behind Soviet lines to his home village, landed in a field and in civilian clothes he and his wife walked out of Germany eventually arriving as refugees in Italy and then from there arrived in Australia. Like many WW2 ex-servicemen he never spoke about his experiences.

I was with him in a club one day when he happened to meet an ex Spitfire Pilot. It was an incredible experience to hear them both reminiscing about their wartime exploits, without any rancour, was quite incredible. You would almost think that they played on opposing football teams rather than trying to kill each other.

I remember little of the conversation now, it was a long time ago and I have long since lost touch with him. I guess if he is still alive he would be over 95 years old now.

Peter

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