In Memoriam for John Patrick (Jack) CONNOR

Today I saw a beautiful white butterfly in the garden -a symbol of spiritual transformation . Then on the path at my feet was a beautiful pure white feather in the shape of a V and then a black cat stood and looked at me -your regiment was known as the Black Cats.

Always here in spirit. So many signs over so many years. I can hear you saying "see, Daddy knows." Such a wise man. You always wanted to be a journalist but working class boys in the 1930s had to leave school at 14 and "get a trade" which you did. Such a great sense of humour too -we all have -and so handsome too .

You always told me "I've got to keep you right " and whenever I had a new job you would say "stick in there now". You told everyone how proud you were of me and Douglas who was an engineer the same as you, a wonderful baker just like you, loved books and history too -and football.He stood by me through my cancer and was the best big brother. So proud of you too he was though he was a man of few words who found it hard to express emotion though he felt it very deeply just like you.
Until we meet again, my shining star..Love always Dorothyxx

In the words of our national poet Robert Burns

"Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn"

"Nation shall speak peace unto nation" BBC Opening Mission Statement

In the words of your special song you always sang for mum
"Would You Believe Me -I Love You So"

Thank you for being the world's best dad and for choosing mum and both giving me the best big brother Douglas. Thank you for giving me the gift of writing, singing, the joy of gardening and always fighting the good fight, working hard, appreciating a good education and always doing my best and having the values of love and respect for one another, for family,town and country.

Love Always, Dorothyxx

"Still, through chaos
Works the ancient plan
And two things have altered not
Since first the world began
The beauty of the wild green earth
And the bravery of man"

Red roses at Rutherglen Library today for you and all the boys Daddy and flowers at the cenotaph and your medals on display. You were so proud of them and asked for them to be brought into the hospital . Your bravery has been inspirational to me and Douglas all through our lives though we never realised it.

Even I am lost for words now. Love Always, Dorothyxx

I am holding the original postcard photo of you in your bush hat Daddy and your faded handwriting on the back "Calcutta 1945 Temp 110! Gosh, I am burning up!"

So sad that there was no recognition for you or your comrades during your lifetime. The statue of Bill Slim was erected in London shortly after you died in 1990 and you never knew. You didn't know Cathie had kept all your letters and photos and would send them to me not long before she died the same year. I went to the VJ Day salute and parade in Glasgow in 1995 and have written about you ever since.
Dorothy Connor Glasgow Times VJ Day and Daily Record Heroic Scot's Amazing Letters Home, Rutherglen Reformer Dorothy Will Always Remember This Special Landemer Day.

No heroes welcome for you or your comrades either although you were later treated to a welcome home tea at Rutherglen Town Hall and presented with £5 each collected by street committees during the war.

What else can I say Daddy? You are always in my heart and soul and always with me. Mum said you would never be dead while I am living, we are so alike and look alike. Your sister Cathie said I was "the apple of his eye".
You have mum, Douglas and Cathie with you now and your brothers and sisters.
Until we meet again. Love always and forever Your loving daughter Dorothy xx