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War vet’s victory in battle to write

18/ 4/2008

A WORLD War Two veteran has started writing his memoirs following an Observer appeal.

Sixty-three years after he returned from duty, Ernest Cook, of Emma Street, Accr-ington, appealed for help in dictating and recording his experiences including his wartime memories.

He was inundated with replies, including one from a long-lost friend who is helping him win his latest battle.

Chris Riding, of The Coppice, Clayton-le-Moors, employed Ernest 23 years ago at Gearaide Ltd in Accrington and immediately volunteered to help.

The two are already working together to bring stories from the 52nd Regiment to life.

Ernest, who is 89 in August, said he was expecting the work would take many months.

He said: "We started last Tuesday and I will be going again this week.

"I started from the beginning, when I was an apprentice in a textile mill in Accrington, but it will take some time.

"There’s a lot to talk about."

Ernest’s experience as an anti-aircraft gunner promises to show a "different sort of war", which he hopes could be made into a book.

He added: "I did some research in the library and all I could get was information about the Accrington Pals.

"My story is not all about blood and gore.

"We weren’t an attacking force, we were a defence force, and there were some very amusing incidents.

"My relatives said why don’t you write it down.

"They pestered me so much I decided to do it."

Ernest, who discovered he was to be sent to war while in a church service, served at Dunkirk and in Crete during his five-year tour of duty.

He was awarded six medals and took part in five campaigns.

Chris, 56, is already enjoying hearing Ernest’s tales.

He says the stories are "hilarious" and added: "I told him years ago: ‘You want to get this down’.

He’s nearly 90 and he should give it a go."