The Soft Parade

His War: One Man’s Journey

I’ve been doing some research into the Italian campaign of the Second World War as of late for a project I’m drafting, and it got me thinking about something a little more personal. My grandfather, Elmer Ernest Mahar, was a soldier of the Second World War and he fought in Italy, recieving a shrapnel wounds on May 19, 1944 in the Liri Valley, Italy.

So I thought I’d write down what I discovered about this quiet, unassuming, but patriotic and brave man. My latest full-length article, His War: One Man’s Journey traces my grandfathers steps from recruitment to garrison duty in Newfoundland to the landings at Sicily, Reggio, and through the Ortona campaign and to the Adolf Hitler Line.

My grandfather wasn’t some super-soldier that they’re going to make a movie about, he was just a rifleman who wanted to do his duty. He was two years under aged when he enlisted, and he sacrificed his hearing and suffered wounds to his right arm. He was a soldier, and why he may not have been a Sergeant Major who won a Victoria Cross, he was still a hero, just like all other soldiers who fought beside him.

So if you want to experience a story about a soldier, someone similar to your own father or grandfather, then you should read the full article by clicking right here. The article is as accurate as my research allows, based on a handful of books, websites, and documentation and war diary entries from his combat unit, The Carleton & York Regiment. If you’re interested in learning more or would like assistance in tracking down some war history pertinent to your family, don’t hesitate to contact me for some help.