Dad's War

by Howard Reid

In April 1943, officer Ian Reid was wounded and captured in Tunisia and sent off to an Italian prisoner-of-war camp. Five months later, when the Germans took over the camp, he escaped. So began a life-or-death game of hide and seek in the heart of the beautiful Italian countryside, living in barns, sleeping in ditches, and desperate scavenging for food. He was recaptured—though heroically he was to escape from the Germans a total of five times. Nearly 60 years later, Howard Reid quite literally followed in his father's footsteps and made the same journey across Italy. Along the way, Howard discusses father-son relationships, and the deep but invisible scars left by two world wars on everyone's personal history.

282 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2003

Reviews

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing to be able to read this after his father's book (Prisoner at Large), it answers some 'what happened next' questions and hints at the long term impact of some of the traumas his father experienced - but also the benefits of his welcome into so many Italian families even at a time of such great risk to all. Quite moving in places, both in the attempt of the son to connect with his father's experiences, and as a reminder of the brutality of those times but also the bravery and humanity of many Italian civilians.

Ian Reid's original book is hard to get a hold of now, worth reading before this one if you can get a copy, but this book contains enough excepts so that it is not essential.

[Linda Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howard Reid retraces his father's footsteps through Italy during his various escapes from the Germans in World War II. Using extracts from diaries that his father wrote whilst on the run and afterwards, this is not as boring as it sounds. Italy has changed in the last 50 years and old paths and tracks are no longer visible. But Howard manages to pick up the trails. He meets many of the people who hid the prisoners and they tell their stories.
The kindness of the Italians shine through, despite the obvious dangers to themselves and their families. This is a lovely book and a recommended read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best war stories I've read in a long time. What a great tribute to the people of Italy who helped the POWs who escaped the German camps. Would love to read the father's, Ian Reid's , book now.

[jimmyharkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faither,a fitsteps

A honour to read, a credit to the Red Hackle,

Thank you for the pleasure and memories evoked of my own fathers unwritten war

[Phil Ferri · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent account of one mans retracing of his fathers journey . Poignant and dramatic with sensitive disclosure of war time experiences .