Family Members served on Both sides of Both WW1 and WW2
World War 1
Grandfather served on the German side of WW1. He was supposed to serve in the U-boat arm of the forces but at the last minute they needed more men at the front. Fought at all the major battles ( Somme, Vimy Ridge, etc. ) The trenches were filled with rats (said they were the size of cats), mud, etc. Wounded 3 times. Once stabbed through the chest and twice shot through the same leg. He and his best friend shot down a French fighter plane. I still have the helmet from the pilot. Then his best friend was killed in action. He had to bury him and carved his tomestone. Survived the WW1 and moved to Canada in the 1920's. During WW2 he was repeatedly harrassed by the RCMP. They sat outside his house every night and watched him. But the best part was, no Germans were allowed to have a short wave listening set. However a short wave set was obtained and installed in the house where they listened to the events of WW2. The RCMP raided the house but never found the radio.
As for war my grandfather said " Niemals weider" translated that means " Never again " ( would he fight ).
On my wifes side, her Grandfather served with the Canadians during WW1. He was killed in action and served at most of the major battles as well.
********We have often wondered if these 2 Grandfathers were shooting at each other being they on opposite sides at the same battles. The world is nuts!!!!! Go figure???
World War 2
Uncle was in the Canadian forces and got ashore on D-Day only to be shot in the back by a German sniper in France. He spent the last years of his life in great pain from the bullet that passed close to his spine ( causing scar tissue ).
Grandfather on my mothers side trained Canadian pilots and bombardiers in the WW2.
2 Uncles on my fathers side were civilians during WW2 in Hamburg, Germany. They had it rough.
2 Aunts on my fathers side were civilians during WW2 also in Hamburg, Germany. 1 of my Aunts had her eye blown out from bomb schrapnel. She said it "RAINED BOMBS" and they had nothing to eat. They looked everywhere for something to eat.
********Again we have often wondered if the Canadian pilots and bombardiers that my Grandfather (on my moms side) trained had been dropping bombs in Hamburg, Germany on my dads relatives ( Uncles and Aunts ) The world is nuts!!!!
Rememberance Day is weird for me. Many times I wonder what they fought for when I look at the world today with all it's terrorism, crime, drugs, corporate fraud, political and religous problems.
Bottom line: The world is a little crazy at times.