My natural father (RIP) was a Sherman Crab flail commander with the 1st Lothian and Border Yeomanry, attached to 79th Armoured, and fought in northern europe from circa D-Day +2 right through to the end of hostilities. He had the honour of being the first tank ashore during the Walcheren invasion. If you see the period news photos of the Crab leaving the LCT, that was my father. His Crabs were named 'Meg Merrilies' from 1 through to 5....risky job i think. Unfortunately my father died when i was only 3 so i never had the opportunity to discuss his service with him, just photos, my mothers memories and research.
My late step-father was a naval man, the only time he talked about his war service was when something came on the telly that emotionally affected him. He served on destroyers with the arctic convoys and was a gunnery CPO on HMS King George V when she sunk the Bismarck. He actually cried when he gave brief details of that encounter.... it was crucial to sink her but the loss of lives was felt very deeply as both sides shared a common enemy...the sea!
Strange that i didn't end up in the military.