The Tank Museum Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 These days we all accept that smoking is life threatening - but Major Harry Bizley's habit saved his life thanks to the metal cigarette case he kept in his breast pocket. On February 13th 1945 Bizley, of 49th Royal Tank Regiment, was taking part in Operation Veritable as the Allies pushed towards the Siegfried Line through the snow covered Reichswald forest. The fighting was bitter. Whilst dismounted from their vehicles, Bizley's men came under attack by a German mortar battery. When a Sergeant was struck down in the barrage, Bizley ran to his aid. Whilst crouching over his wounded colleague, a shell landed between them and Bizley was peppered with shrapnel. The Major was badly injured and lost a leg. But a potentially fatal strike to the chest had been prevented by his cigarette case. Just before he was flown back to Britain, an unknown Medical Officer placed a bottle of champagne on his stretcher, saying; “You’ll need this on the journey”. The champagne bottle has a stamp stating that it was reserved for the German Army. Both items have been preserved in The Tank Museum's Supporting Collection Store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Just a simple object can save a life. A veteran I knew came home on leave, his Mum found a bullit in his messkit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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