In the final instalment of Walter Wheeler's wartime memories, World War II is over and Walter is in Upper Silesia having been re-captured by the Germans after a daring escape.

In the penultimate excerpt Walter had been offered shelter by a couple who owned a shop.

Walter recalls:

The couple were both in their late 70s and ever so kind. The next day, about 5 o'clock the Russians entered the village on their tanks, which were driven mostly by women.

A Russian officer came over to us shook hands and gave us both a drink. It was too strong for us but we drank some of it. He said: "Good soldiers but bad drinkers."

Then he went westwards towards Germany. A lot of the Russian soldiers stopped in the village and the next day we had a good meal. They killed some cattle and sheep so we also had plenty to eat at last. After about ten days they put us on a train bound for Prague.

There were about 200 prisoners of war in the village so we had to get in the train with about four coaches on, but we knew we were on our way home.

We went into Czech country once again. It took about 18 hours to get to Prague as the railways were in a bad state after the Germans had retreated.

They destroyed a lot of the track. We got to Prague and had to walk about one mile to the centre of Prague.

We were taken to a great big hall for something to eat.

Later on in the afternoon the Americans who were about 20 miles away at a place called Pilzen, came and the Russians handed us over to them.

They bought plenty of trucks so off we went to Pilzen, which took about an hour as the rods were full of refugees.

On reaching the American camp we were treated well and had something to eat then went to sleep in some big tents. After a few days a lot of American plans flew in and off we went to Brussels where we were handed over to the British.

Next day we left Brussels in a British bomber. We had to lay about anywhere we could as they had no seats. It was a Bristol Blenheim bomber, but we did not mind as we were on our way home.

We landed in Oxford, near Brize-Norton.

We were taken to a big tent where we all had a clean-up, and also deloused.

After having a meal we were entertained by some very good actors from London.

Next day we were taken by train to London. I was taken to Paddington Station. I sent a telegram home to say we had come back to England and would be back in Frome for about 3 o'clock.

The train was filled right up so I had to stand up all the way home, but I didn't mind that.

At the station my sister Ethel and my Mum and Dad were waiting for me.We went home in a taxi where a few flags were flying and written on one was "Welcome Home Walt."

To me it like another world after being away for five years.

In Walter's reminiscences he wrote about two women whom he met at work prior to going to fight in Europe.

After the war Walter met up with one of the ladies, Violet Joan Wood, and they started courting.

On August 3, 1946, Violet and Walter were married at St John's Church, Frome.

In January 1948 Violet gave birth to Paulette and in 1953 gave birth to Annette.

Walter died peacefully on May 21, 2006 at home. He is buried at East Hill in Frome.