Very Proud Of My 92 Year Old Grandfather Who Is Off to Dieppe

Very Proud Of My 92 Year Old Grandfather Who Is Off to Dieppe

by Amanda Blain
Published: Last Updated on

My 92 year old grandfather, Fred Engelbrecht,  is for the 5th time in his life flying back to Dieppe, France for a World War 2 Veteran's Memorial Ceremony. 

Dieppe is a major battle in WW2  that happened August 19, 1942. The majority were Canadians, including my grandfather. It was a massacre.  A total of 3,623 of the 6,086 men (almost 60%) who made it ashore were either killed, wounded, or captured. He was one of the 'lucky ones' taken as a Prisoner of War.. where he spent the next 3 years, often with his hands shackled and living in unthinkable for most of us conditions.

I grew up listening to these stories from the bravest man I know. The hardships and horrors that war brings, creative thinking to keep yourself alive and never giving up, always finding a way. It has had an obvious impact on my life.

My grandfather has always been a wonder to me, still living alone, still having his drivers license, still living life, despite his age. He embraces technology,  has a cell phone,  watches You tube often… and will definitely read this article and the comments. 

I try not to share too much personal stuff on the Internet, but I am very proud that he made this trip on the 70th anniversary of Dieppe.

♥ Thank you to all veteran for all you do/did for your countries. ♥

News Articles –> http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/story/2012/08/15/hamilton-dieppe-trip.html
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/781349–rileys-veteran-returns-to-scene-of-6-hours-of-hell-at-dieppe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid

very proud of my 92 year old grandfather who is off to dieppe

You may also like

Subscribe
Notify of

152 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Cheryl Lynn
Cheryl Lynn
11 years ago

Wow, this is awesome! 🙂

Cesar Ramirez
Cesar Ramirez
11 years ago

Very cool!

miriam dunn
miriam dunn
11 years ago

Just fantastic! You must be SUPER proud of him! 

Hayes Starns
Hayes Starns
11 years ago

Thanks for sharing! Amazing story.

Sandra Parlow
Sandra Parlow
11 years ago

how wonderful that you have learned the stories of these brave men.  It is the responsibility of people like you, to pass them on and keep them going…

congratulations to your grandfather for going back once more.  It must not be easy.  I too, am thankful for the brave men and women who put themselves on the line.  

Dustin Schmidt
Dustin Schmidt
11 years ago

Thank you for sharing! What an incredible man.

Shawna Mac
Shawna Mac
11 years ago

Yes, Thank you to all veterans!  We appreciate what you've done for us!

Billy Wilson
Billy Wilson
11 years ago

My grandfather on my father's side worked on aircraft during the war. My grandmother on my mother's side has stories about hiding in the Underground in London while it was being bombed, she is still alive. Great to hear he's still going well. 

Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith
11 years ago

This is very cool, +Amanda Blain.  My lost my Grandpa last year, he was a veteran as well.
Next time you see your Grandpa, you buy him a beer from me.  Tell him he's a cool guy and that we're all very proud of him and his buddies.

Naren Mangtani
Naren Mangtani
11 years ago

That one post had way too many +1 points. Incredible.

Shaun McLane
Shaun McLane
11 years ago

This is amazing! I imagine it is emotionally overwhelming for him, but it shows his pride to make the trip.

Isabelle Cardinal
Isabelle Cardinal
11 years ago

What an awesome tribute to your grandfather!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this +Amanda Blain, a real "homage" to him!

Jacqueline Acosta
Jacqueline Acosta
11 years ago

…Cheers~:)

Karl Geiger Jr
Karl Geiger Jr
11 years ago

He's a brave man and should be celebrated. I hope this post reminds us all to cherish our freedom.

Sean Heffernan
Sean Heffernan
11 years ago

To your Grandpa … "As someone who enjoys the freedoms and opportunities of this great country and the continent that you helped free, thank you."

James Sabey
James Sabey
11 years ago

Thank you what a great great Man!!!!!!!!! Stay Cool Sir

su ann lim
su ann lim
11 years ago

What an amazing man! You are so fortunate to inherit his legacy.  All we Canadians greatly appreciate  what he went through, his service and dedication to our country!  Please thank him  for us.  

Shaun McLane
Shaun McLane
11 years ago

You've got to share his youtube username. Would love to see his comments. 😉

Steve Sakamoto
Steve Sakamoto
11 years ago

Wow. Incredible story, and a very touching tribute. You're very fortunate to have him with you still.
If +Amanda Blain's grandfather is reading this as advertised, then thank you for everything that you did and sacrificed so many years ago. You did us all a tremendous honour, and I will make sure my children hear your story, and understand what you put on the line for all of us.

Rich Archer
Rich Archer
11 years ago

Fred Engelbrecht, you accomplished something a dwindling few humans can lay claim to. Congratulations and thank you.

Larry Blain
Larry Blain
11 years ago

You have every right to be proud of your grandfather's service to his country. 

Will G
Will G
11 years ago

Please thank your grandfather for all he did. What an amazing story!

Long Nguyen
Long Nguyen
11 years ago

you must be very proud of him. Thanks for sharing.

Patti Baker
Patti Baker
11 years ago

You must be very proud miss Amanda! Mucch happiness with ur grandfather dear! One n only lovely n proud picture. One n only

Amanda Blain
Amanda Blain
11 years ago

He will definitely read these comments.  He expressed this trip is emotionally hard for him but i wanted to do my part in supporting his journey and all he has done.  🙂

Shefali Burns
Shefali Burns
11 years ago

Thank you for sharing this with us, he is an amazing man 🙂

Jean Lotz
Jean Lotz
11 years ago

Totally inspiring. My dad was in the glider corps. Most of his teams were lost or killed too. He once came face to face with a fully armed German while he was unarmed and recovering from malaria. To dad's surprise the German surrendered to him then helped my very weak dad get back to camp safely.

Mark Hennessey
Mark Hennessey
11 years ago

+Amanda Blain   Awesome …. For your grandfather and his buddies:
youtu.be/KYlrrAWCTRg

Richard Pattee
Richard Pattee
11 years ago

I was in Dieppe two years ago this month. My father and I took my son to see the battle fields of northern France.
Fred Engelbrecht has my deepest respect as do his colleagues. 
That beach was a nightmare even before that fateful morning.

Adam Haviaras
Adam Haviaras
11 years ago

Wonderful post, Amanda. And bless your grandfather and all other veterans. We definitely should NEVER forget.
Cheers!

yuan yu
yuan yu
11 years ago

pay my respect to the old man

Ron Clifford
Ron Clifford
11 years ago

I am so glad you chose to share this with us. I am so grateful for your Grandfathers sacrifices and courage on our behalf.

Lance Norris
Lance Norris
11 years ago

Really nice post +Amanda Blain. Thanks for sharing. The number of surviving veterans from WWII is shrinking fast. It's heartwarming to see these soldiers still meeting 67 years after the end of the war to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought beside them and didn't come home. You are rightfully proud. 

Ian Thomas
Ian Thomas
11 years ago

Thank you for sharing this. And a big thank you to your grandfather for fighting for the lives we are able to live now because of the sacrifice that men like he made.

Stuart Williams
Stuart Williams
11 years ago

I'm sorry for anyone having to survive life with such horrid memories of war.
I have the utmost respect for our WWII soldiers and the faith that fueled their fight.
You're so lucky to still have your grandfather to hear the stories first hand, Amanda.

Dan Brill
Dan Brill
11 years ago

What can I say to this? The world we live in, while imperfect, is free and good because of men like him. Deepest thanks.

Nan Coffey
Nan Coffey
11 years ago

Thanks for sharing! What an amazing grandfather you have, you must be very proud! 🙂

Mike G
Mike G
11 years ago

My grandfather flew a bomber over Germany in WWII, he survived the war but passed away before I was born. My grandmother was one of the first female pilots in the Spokane area, they met at the airfield. I envy your relationship with your grandfather +Amanda Blain , also glad to know he is still with you.

Spencer McClendon
Spencer McClendon
11 years ago

Thank you for sharing this. I'm sure he has to be just as proud of you, as you are of him. I think him for his service to humanity and to his country. 

Inder Raj
Inder Raj
11 years ago

I SALUTE HIM

James Wilson
James Wilson
11 years ago

That is awesome of you to share this. God Bless him; one of the few World War 2 Veteran's who is still amongst us.  And it’s great that he is still able to keep up with the times. May he enjoy his journey back to the Memorial Ceremony?

Mike Wood
Mike Wood
11 years ago

Great story. The Battle of Dieppe is not one that gets talked about much, but without the efforts and scarifice of the Canadian soldiers like your Grandfather, it is likely D Day would have turned out much different. Nothing wrong with being proud. Be proud of him. All the best to him +Amanda Blain from this former Canadian Forces reservist. 

Ronald Wise
Ronald Wise
11 years ago

That's a man among many like him.  Always pay honor to them,  and all veterans.  They were you brothers and sisters who loved you all.  I have a little jar of sand from Omaha Beach given to me.  Samuel Beckett writes about Dieppe.

Patti Baker
Patti Baker
11 years ago

Very proud yo have been able to have been blessed to hear this beautiful
story one n only

Patti Baker
Patti Baker
11 years ago

You are a very lucky young lady miss Amanda to have been blessed with such a wonderful grandfather! One n only

Sandee Whalen
Sandee Whalen
11 years ago

Class Act (the 2 of you)

Weller Peter
Weller Peter
11 years ago

Dieppe France 1942 I am afraid that was a rough one for Johnny Cannuk. I would be surprised if ever said much about it.
Buy him a shot for me and then buy him one for the boy's.
And then give him a big hug from me.

Steve McCracken
Steve McCracken
11 years ago

I salute.

Nigel Short
Nigel Short
11 years ago

Amazing and truly heroic.

Shane Pitre
Shane Pitre
11 years ago

Great story! Hard to imagine what he has seen in his lifetime.

152
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x