My 65th Anniversary of D-Day with a FJ vet

[Jager Roll]

I attended an event for the 65th Anniversary in Stuart Florida. Having my friend Rupert who is a Fallschimjager Veteran (FJR12) there was also a treat. I bought him a modern BW Fallschirmjager Beret (Something that I see all the WW2 FJ vets wear at memorials in Europe). (See link below)

He wore it proudly and we were very priveledged to have his photo taken with FJR3
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2381.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2379.jpg

I let him fire my rifle and he said it was the first time he had fired a K98 since 1943! (See the link below)
http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2387.flv

He was so exited after the battle he ran over to me and said "Give me your rifle" and started drilling with it!! (See the links below)
http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2383.flv
http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2416.flv

Probably the most tense time of the event is when I was in the Second ID tent talking to Pierre (Who was a member of the Belgian Undergroud). Pierre was talking about how much he disliked the German soldiers during the war. Rupert walked in to the tent with the wearing the FJ beret I had given him and both of them looked at each other (Talk about a tense moment). Rupert said hello and introduced himself. Pierre did the same and both of them had a very cordial conversation
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176 ... 0_2370.jpg

It was a fantastic event.Rupert had also written a book about his experiences, IF anyone is interested, you can get an autographed copy of his book for only $15 from his website.
http://rupertandalmut.com/

"Bert" fought in Italy with FJR12 and was captured just North of Sicily on his 18th Birthday.

Tim
FJR3

[carentan]

Thanks for posting them. What a great day, Rupert looked pretty sharp on that k98 action even though he hadn't fire one since 1943.

[mario33]

Rupert looked pretty sharp on that k98 action even though he hadn't fire one since 1943.

I thought so. Take a close look at the way he reloads - very smooth, efficient and apparently trained palm movement...