John Ranger and Fred Hodges. 20 Pln, D Coy, The Border Regiment.

This photo was taken at the memorial for the 1st Battalion Border Regiment probably in 1994 The 50th Anniversary of the battle. John Ranger is on the left and Fred Hodges is in the right. John was dad's number two on the Bren Gun 1st Section 20 Platoon. When Harold Ennis (Dad) was sent out on a sniping detail on the 22nd John was sent off with Breese Force as Dad hadn't made it made to the platoon area for some time. Also the slit trench they were in took a direct hit and the BrenGun was destroyed. Fred Hodges was the soldier that came to Dad and informed him tha John had gone off with Breese Force as he thought the worst had happened to John. All three of them are best mates till the end. When Dad's ashes were interred in the Airborne Cemetary in Oosterbeek, John was there and put his ashes in the ground behind Major Coke 21 C I would imagine Fred was there also if not physically, in spirit.