Dad left for war at the tender age of 16. Not sure what unit he was in, South African by nationality but I know he was in North Africa in signals, proudly wore a "Jimmy"  on his blazer when I was growing up. His name was Leslie Eric Barnes, would love any information if I could get as he has passed on since.

Dad, proudly army at 16!

My Father mothers brother Dragoon Lieutenant Pekka Tikkanen  13.12.1899 - 09.01.1940

Before a war Pekka worked as a newspaper reporter for the local newspaper in Lapinlahti

When Winter war started he was sent to JR 64.
Regiment took part on the Battle of Suomussalmi. Battle ended Decisive Finnish victory on January 8, 1940

Pekka was wounded 26.12.1939 by explosive bullet hit in the stomach and he was transfer military hospital number 31.

Lieutenant Pekka Tikkanen died on his wounds 09.01.1940
He is buried on his home town heroes cemetary.

(Second lieutenant when photo was taken before Winter war)



Lieutenant Pekka Tikkanen

This my Grandmother Consuelo with her first husband Victor Villarreal.The photo was taken in San Antonio,Texas in 1943.He survived the war.His patch is of the 750th tank battallion(rudeerude)