The Founders: David J Powis  -

 November 1939 I was conscripted into the frontline Infantry. The prospect of having to kill fellow humans horrified me. Many others had similar reservations and looked upon war as savagery and totally repugnant. We had little option other than to keep such feelings to ourselves and obey the law.

I went on to survive the full Siege of Malta, was amongst the initial infantry assaults to invade Sicily, Italy and France (D-Day) + fierce inland battles. I was “A1” fit when entering the forces but came out, in 1945, grade “E” a physical and mental wreck. Maintaining a disability pension necessitated regular attendances at the notorious Medical Boards. A humiliating experience designed to dissuade disabled ex-servicemen  from claiming their rightful entitlements. Those that managed to withstand the psychological torture were often given spurious excuses in order to terminate their claim. It was nothing more than a money saving exercise on behalf of the government. In addition to this I faced unemployment and homelessness.

Having been through the full six years of frontline hell I wanted nothing more to do with militarism. Veterans associations continue to be of no interest to me whatsoever. As the years pass, any War Veteran, such as myself, that chooses not to belong is an outcast. We are either deliberately misinterpreted to fit the status-quo or ignored. Hence the creation of warveteran.org, an organisation that  represents us.

Since suffering a stroke in November 2003, my son, Chris, (co-founder of warveteran.org) has taken over my duties and in addition to his own business interests works tirelessly  on our behalf.

Christopher D  Powis  -

 (David J Powis’ son) My Father and Uncle always talked openly about the horrors of the battlefield. Although they never operated flame throwers, they spoke about witnessing Germans, after being attacked by the weapon, desperately running up to British tanks and beating the sides of them with their fists as they burnt to death. This along with many other horrific details continues to have a profound affect on me. Dad has never worn his impressive array of medals. Although he respects War Veterans that do, he can see no pride in war and dislikes militarism. I have always been adamantly against all conflict. If people knew the true horrors of the battlefield, it’s doubtful any sane person would advocate war as a serious proposition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Photo of

David J Powis

David J Powis when first conscripted into

2nd Devons, November 1939

 

Recent Photo of

Christopher

D Powis