Curly's War Episode 4 - War's End

This is Episode 4 of Curly's War, a mini series of the Spare a Thought podcast based on the self-published book by Tom’s grandfather, Walter George Blaza. In this episode, Tom and Emily cover the final months of the conflict, from the brutal raids at Waspik through to the liberation of occupied Germany. Walter details the harrowing reality of winter warfare along the Maas, including high-stakes prisoner raids and hazardous listening patrols. The story then shifts to a period of respite in the town of Goes, where Walter and his friend Jack experience Dutch hospitality, complete with strict rules about wooden clogs, and witness the local administration of justice following the occupation. The episode concludes with what Tom considers to be the most profound moments of the book: Walter's life in the ruins of occupied Germany. They discuss an extraordinary evening in Hanover where former enemies compare battle scars over drinks, the unexpected tailoring services provided by prisoners of war, and a poignant love story with a young woman named Anneliese that made the eventual order to return to England a moment of sorrow rather than just joy. Note: This series has been extended! A fifth bonus episode reflecting on Walter’s post-war life and the man he became, the quiet, reserved gardener who held these incredible stories, will be released soon. Links to previous episodes: Curly’s War Introduction: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-introduction/ Curly’s War Episode 1: The Interwar Years: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-1/ Curly’s War Episode 2: Joining the Royal Marines: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-2/ Curly’s War Episode 3: From D-Day to the Winter War: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-3/ You can follow Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.