Because of the Day it is

I'll let my mother's words loose on the internet this day:

MY FATHER – ALEXANDER ROBERT GILLETT

Will commence at the start of my father (well, maybe a little bit after that!!)

He was born on the 27 September 1907. His birth was registered in Fareham.
What he did between then and 1926 I have no idea. However, on the 6 January 1926 he joined the Army (Royal Artillery) and served with them for 6 years until January 1932. He then enlisted in the Army Reserve for another 6 years January 1932 till January 1938. It was then extended to August 1939 when he was recalled to the “Colours” for regular service. It is not known what his job was in the interim period but his profession on the marriage certificate was given as Packer.

Round about 1933/34 he met my mother. Unfortunately, I have little news to report on the early days of my parents (before my time) apart from the fact that I understand they met in London where they both worked. My mother used to hurry across Southwark Bridge to work. One day my father said ‘no need to hurry today, you are early’ and so began a beautiful friendship, which resulted in them getting married on 28 September 1935 at St. Paul’s Church, Southwark. They had 4 years together (during which time Joan and I appeared on the scene) before he was recalled for war service.

My mother had very little communication from my father at the beginning of the war and then shortly afterwards all communication stopped. He was reported missing in action by the Foreign Office in February 1942. It was not until the Japanese surrender that a small number of soldiers were found still alive, my father being one of them. He was taken to a military hospital and remained there for quite a few months, before he was pronounced fit enough to travel home. In September 1945 he received a letter from Buckingham Palace (King George VI) welcoming him home.

He was discharged from the Army on the 6 September 1946 as ceasing to fulfil Army physical requirements.

My father had a very rough time during the war in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp and was one of those who worked on the Burma railway (the railway of death, as it was called). He very rarely spoke to us about his war experiences. However, he did recall how extremely hungry they all were - a bowl of rice was all they received each day if they were lucky.

After his return home, he was never very well again and had to return to hospital each year for unpleasant treatment. I recall my mother saying he often suffered from nightmares.

He did manage to work again as a Manager in a packing department for a West End fashion house. His hobby was breeding cage birds.

My father died on 30 September 1960 at the age of 53. His funeral took place at Streatham Park Crematorium.

Compiled by Sheila (nee Gillett)
Eldest daughter
16 January 2005