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WILLIAM (BILL) SOANES
The story of 14406390 William (Bill) Soanes who served with the Royal Norfolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion (Infantry). He started at Norwich Britannia Barracks and after several moves around England, served in India, Kohima and Burma.
I was born on the 14th March 1924 at Lowestoft in Suffolk and was one of a family of seven; one girl and six boys. I lost one brother at Singapore whilst I was with the Norfolks.
I volunteered for the Army (the Royal Norfolk Regiment) in November 1942 at the age of 18 years. I did my basic training at the Britannia barracks in Norwich. I was stationed at several stations around England and then in October 1943, left Liverpool on the Dutch Troopship 'Marnix Van St. Aldegonde'(Click on link for more details). This ship was part of a large convoy bound for the Mediterranean. On November 6th, we were torpedoed whilst off the Algerian Coast. I was picked up after some hours and landed at Phillipeville in North Africa. Later we were taken by the 'Derbyshire' to Bombay.
After Deolali Camp where I stayed for about 6 months, I joined up with the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment serving in India and Burma under Wingate.
I would love to hear from any of my old comrades who are still out and about, and am available through pecbsa@btconnect.com
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