War veteran, 101, books out of hospital for memoir launch
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
William Earl, of Feversham Close, Shoreham Beach, had been preparing for his upcoming book launch when he broke his hip and had it replaced.
After a five-week stay in hospital, he has returned home and is keener than ever to share his experiences of serving in the field ambulance during the Second World War.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWilliam, who has lived in Shoreham for more than 50 years, said: “I was absolutely determined that I would make a good recovery and be up and about to see the publication of my book.
“It was tough being in hospital knowing that the book launch was imminent and that time was marching on.
“But sheer grit and determination have paid off and it will be a proud moment when our book is published and I see the realisation of my dream.”
Blood and bandages: fighting for life in a RAMC Field Ambulance 1940 to 1946 is the result of seven years’ collaborative work with his neighbour, the author Liz Coward, who lives with her husband, Richard, and 11-year-old son, Tom, in Falcon Close.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWilliam was 25 when he signed up with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Newly in love, he left his wife, Mary, and baby, David, to play a key role on the battlefields of North Africa and Europe, carrying out ‘dangerous work in extreme circumstances’ in which many of his comrades were killed.
More than 150 people are expected to attend the book launch in Shoreham on Friday, April 28, at 6pm at the Shoreham Centre.
Actors Sandra Clark and Paul Moriarty, who have both appeared in Eastenders, will perform dramatic readings, followed by a Q&A session with William and Liz.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLiz said she was ‘very much’ looking forward to the launch, and said: “It’s the end of a hugely long process.”
She hopes the book will be ‘a huge success’, she said: “Not just for William or for me, but for the sake of the men mentioned in it, particularly those from the much-overlooked Italian campaign.
“It would be nice to bring them to the forefront again.”
The book is available for order here on Amazon.co.uk
Read an extract of the book here
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage
2) Like our Facebook page
3) Follow us on Twitter
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
Always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.