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War memoirs are net gain for Allan

Katie Hopton
28/ 5/2004

WAR hero Allan Gray is proving that, at 90, you're never to old to learn.

He is one of the silver surfers taking part in a new computer course at Margaret Ward Court on Wellfield Street.

In just six weeks he has learned that the internet can be an extremely useful tool for research. In fact, he is so taken with his new hobby he has started to compile his own story about the five years he served with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in the Second World War.

Entitled 'Allan's Story', it could prove to be a fascinating insight into the movements of the former army corporal.

Working with IT experts Jason Griffin and Derek Parsons, the grandfather of two has called up maps of his travels during the war - in Italy, Egypt, Iran and Iraq.

Mr Gray, a former grocer, also intends to include the names of some of his colleagues from the regiment who lost their lives in combat.

He told the Observer: "I survived a lot of terrible experiences during the war."

"We were blasted in Anzio, Italy, where we fought for five months in 1944. We were nailed in by the Germans within a small space of three miles radius."

"There were 1,000 of us, but we lost a lot of men and I lost a lot of friends and colleagues. They were bombing and shelling us."

"I began compiling my story when I drew up a map because I wanted to see where I had been during the war."

"This is the first time that I have used a computer and the first time I have researched my experiences. It is certainly bringing things back."

Thanks to the Learn Direct course Mr Gray is also gearing up towards sending his first email to a cousin in Canada.

Sue Hanson, scheme manager at Margaret Ward Court, said: "Until they have a try I don't think that people realise what knowledge is out there and available to them."

"Allan's mobility may be poor, but it doesn't stop his ability to do something like this. What I like about him is his eagerness and his desire to learn."