The movie Saving Private Ryan was much feted when it was first released for its realistic depiction of the sheer terror experienced by those who took part in the D-Day landings on Normandy’s ‘Omaha Beach’.
The plot – which centres around the bid to find Pvt Ryan, the sole survivor of four siblings who went to war, and to bring him to safety – mirrors actual events.
The Sullivans on board the USS Juneau (left to right) Joseph, Francis, Albert, Madison and George.
At a time when men, women and children were being blown to pieces in the Second World War, there was one tragedy, which occurred in 1942, that gave even the most battle-scarred soldiers and citizens to pause and give thanks that they had been spared such pain.
In November 1942, the cruiser USS Juineau was in the South Pacific when it was torpedoed. On board were five…
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First Night History 
“The Fighting Sullivans” is a decent movie, too. So sad!
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen The Fighting Sullivans so must make a note of it.
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It has been overlooked in recent years, thanks to “Saving Private Ryan” but it is an excellent film in its own right. Since it was made when events were still fresh (it was released in 1944) it has a different feel to it. It has an excellent cast, too.
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Tremendous tales of siblings at war. Some tragic, others heartwarming. This was never an original story of course. Ever since men have fought in wars, whole families of fathers, sons, and brothers have perished. The scene in ‘Private Ryan’, where the Army arrives with a chaplain, to give the news to the mother, always stays in my mind. She collapses onto the front porch, knowing that they must be bringing her the worst possible news. Wonderful cinema.
Best wishes, Pete.
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