Testimonials

Andy’s passion, compassion and attention to detail shines through his remarkable detective work. Thanks to him, extraordinary lives are being rediscovered – and honoured – for us all.

Sandra Lawence

Historian and Author)

S/Sgt. Joe Urice 100th Bomb Group In my 100th Birthday, March 1, 2024. As a 100th Bomb Group veteran, I’m, very pleased to write this preface for this book, authored by my great friend Andy Garner. I’m honoured to be mentioned in his dedication, along with my cherished friend and fellow 100th B.G. veteran, Dewey Chistopher. Andy documents the letters home of and American solider in World War 2. I’m honoured to recommend this book to all history lovers. S/Sgt. Joe Urice 1924 - 2024 M/Sgt. Dewey Chistopher 1923 – 2019

Joe Urice

S/Sgt. (USAF)

Had the most extraordinary guest in today, Andy was given lost letters of an American serviceman and turned them into a book. He gave a man with no family left a voice and a platform. I’ve not stopped thinking about Andy’s respect, love and dedication for a man he didn’t know. Earl G Thurman. From a listener. Hey, really enjoyed your guest who’s written the book based on some letters he had been given. This level of research is a real passion of mine and my wife. To start with some seemly lost letters and to put a person with a life and history to them a most enjoyable thing, and then to put that story into a book is remarkable.

Louise Hulland

BBC Radio Suffolk U.K

As well written as any of the mass observation diaries I’ve read. Couldn’t put it down, read in 2 sittings! You can feel the emotions change as time passes, informative notes and wonderful photos. A great achievement in preserving a period in time, that would otherwise have been lost. I thought I would appreciate the book, knowing Andy and his passion for the lives of WW2 veterans, hopefully he will record more stories in books.

Miss F.L. Morris

I have now read this book more than once and dipped into it countless times This is one serviceman's true story set during the Second World War, told through his own letters home, his words and his thoughts as he wrote them. The story is brought to life with the clever use of actual documents and excellent research. We all learnt dates, statistics and key events in our history lessons at school, but Andrew Garner has given us an opportunity to meet one Paratrooper from the conflict. I honestly enjoyed getting to know Earl Gene Thurman and couldn't help wondering how his mum and dad really felt. Think I fell slightly in love with Gene and his family. The author hasn't resorted to Hollywood sensationalism to recreate the story. We are allowed to experience a real voice from the past and draw our own conclusions. Gene is clearly a hero, but tales of battle do not form the content, instead we are given a unique insight to his day-to-day life and family, and it is up to the reader to "read between the lines". Gradually the voices of WW2 will disappear and our opportunities to understand the impact of war and the experiences of real lives, will be gone. This book will ensure one voice will never be lost, and it's a sign of a good book... I still haven't put it away on the shelf.

D.M.I

This is a work of genius, such a compelling read, Andrew carefully leads into the story, where he lets “Pfc Earl Gene Thurman” himself, tell you through his letters and telegrams of his journey through basic training then off to the European War. We all know they are soldiers, but they are also people, with lives and families they left behind. Thank you for this fascinating insight from a completely new prospective. Beautifully Written.

Martin Chapman

U.K

Brought this book as I am Interested in this era of history. From the first page to the last I was taken on a journey back in time. This book is very informative, and the author has clearly done their research and it is very evident they have a real love for the subject. Reading the letters from Gene to his family gave me an understanding of what it must have been like being so far away from loved ones in strange countries and situations. The book was exciting, informative and heart rendering at times. A great read for anyone interested in the allied forces of the Second World War. Thanks to Andrew Garner for a great read and his deep research and obvious respect for the memory of Pfc. Earl Gene Thurman.

Danny Chaplin

U.K

I purchased three copies of this book, for me and as gifts for 2 family members with a shared interest in history. It didn’t disappoint, as soon as I turned and read the first few pages I was hooked, and I was drawn into the world of Earl Thurman and his experiences. My relatives said thank you for an amazing read. They couldn’t put it down either. I recently visited IWM Duxford and saw in a display cabinet a pile of letters exactly like these in the book. They had no card explaining anything about them. Had I not come across this book, I would have just walked past the display not knowing anything about them. Now I’ve read this book, that’s been so carefully brought to life by the author, it made me stop and appreciate and think about it on a much larger scale.

Claire Sims

U.K

"Captivating" A unique insight into one young man's experience of war, it was hard to put this book down as you learn of his experience through his own words. I felt like I got to know Pfc. Thurman through these windows into his life and relationships. Andrew Garner's research also adds some welcome explanations and context. A thoroughly recommended read for anyone, especially if you have an interest in WW2 or the experience of going to war.

Unknown

My father served in the 95th Bomb Group based in Horham, England, which was a B-17 base in the 8th Air Force, 13th Combat Wing. He rarely talked of his time in the service. I’ve always wanted some insight to what his life was like during that time in rural Suffolk. This book does just that! I have some Vmails Dad sent to his family and loved reading about something I’ve actually seen! Earl Gene Thurman’s letters beginning with Dear Daddy and Dear Mother melted my heart. What a sad ending to one of our heroes’ life! The photos bring the story to life and I began to have more of an understanding of my Dad. Thanks Andy Garner for putting this together! I’m so happy you were able to create such a memorable book as this! Proud to call you my friend!

N. Freemantle

USA

Very special access to the thoughts and feelings of a young soldier in the Second World War. By reading his correspondence with the home front. Appropriately and very interestingly brought together by the author of this gripping book.

Sven Dautzenberg

Holland

Author Andy Garner has chosen a unique form of storytelling. Through letters written by Thurman that chronicle his thoughts and experiences throughout his military career. I appreciated Author Garner's notes which helped to give historical context to the narrative. An excellent book. Recommended for the history buff, and non-history buffs alike.

Steve B

USA