What d'ya do in the war Dad?

Some comments from those who have read the book:-

Rachael writes:- I met you in Normandy, I was with my partner, Andy from wbg (Ham & Jam), who got the copy of your book on board the ferry on the way in. He was beaming with delight at having the first copy out of all the others from wbg, and we thumbed through the book during our stay at Ranville.
I then "borrowed" your book to take on holiday with my kids and just wanted to let you know it was absolutley fantastic!!
I loved it from start to finish, and was so disappointed when it was finished!!! So really just wanted to congratulate you on a brilliant piece of work - well done!!!

Keith Petvin-Scudamore writes:- Barry Parr's book is a story of his great love and admiration of a dear Father, Wally Parr. Wally was a member of an elite group who performed great things at a critical period in WW2, however Barry's story goes beyond this. It tells of the family struggle after WW2 and his Fathers huge attachment to his fellow soldiers living and dead and the loyalty of all the people around him. Be prepared for an emotional journey but one not to miss.

Danny Greeno writes:- God bless you Barry Parr - Son of Wally - Husband of Diane - and my friend. I got the book yesterday and feel SO PROUD. Not only because I'm in it which I thank you for, but mainly because I know the author and he has done a great job. I have read the first 4 chapters already and really enjoying it. The writing style is so spot on. I have got a really clear image of you and Wally talking about the war. I can hear his voice so clearly and have to say I am missing him and the bridge and can't wait until June.
WELL DONE BAL!
I hope to see you soon.

Anthony writes:- My dad was there as well - I am the son of a soldier that landed at Pegasus Bridge on 6-6-44.
Everything written in this book brings back memories of my childhood and the stories that my late father told.
It is a very good read and true account of what happend in those dark days.
As it says in the book, there are a thousand stories like this. But this must be one of the best.
Well worth the read

T. Hussey writes:- An Amazing Tale of War Heroism by the Common Man - I'd never heard of the tale of the taking of Pegasus Bridge in Normandy which was the first Allied event of D Day. We've all seen the powerful beach scenes from 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Band of Brothers' but the story of three GLIDERS that landed within yards of Pegasus Bridge in the pitch black dead of night at around midnight at the very start of D-Day is astonishing. You couldn't make it up!
This amazing book is the story as told by Barry Parr who relates tales from his father Wally (who recently died) who was on the first glider to land. It tells of how these ordinary boys carried out an audacious, dangerous and brave operation which was crucial to the success of the 'Longest Day' all the while upholding the camaraderie and underlying humour that these young men clung to amidst the horrors of war.
'There's always one' is a well known saying and in this case Wally Parr was the 'one' and this book is full of tales of his mischief amongst the heroic deeds.
Very easy to read - well worth it.

Rachael writes:- Excellent book - Fantastic Read - Having visited Normandy previously for the anniversary of the D-Day landings, and having read other books about the event, I was lookinjg forward to reading a light book to get to know the real man, the legend that is indeed Wally Parr, and his son Barry did not disappoint.
This book is written well and takes you on a journey through the eyes of both Wally and Barry, it is full of Wallys humour - typically British!! Expect to learn of the landings through the voice of Wally and of his amazing and full life, Barrys anecdotes are funny and touching at times.
I love a book that I cant put down, and this is one of them, from the opening page I was hooked!!
Highly highly recommend this book if you have an interest in D-Day, WWII, or just want an insight into the (sometimes crazy) mind and life of a fantastic true hero.
Ham and Jam

A. Bystam writes:- Excellent read - funny and touching - As somebody who often goes to Normandy for the anniversary of D-day and after reading about some of Wally Parr's exploits in other books, this was a must for me to read.
I would imagine that people who are interested in the Normandy landings and the actions of British 6th airborne will have already read Ambrose's Pegasus bridge, Denis Edwards account and maybe the Battle ground series book about the bridge and Merville, along with Pine Coffin's account of 7th Para's actions around the bridge. So it was a refreshing change to read a book like this, a book that Barry Parr points out at the start, is not a war book as such but a book about ordinary people and he has achieved it well.
I found it very funny in places and also very touching, and after personally shaking Wally's hand on Pegasus bridge back in 2004 and now seeing what he had done up a shed previously...... well if its good for a king! But that's my kind of humor; I enjoy chatting to the vets on the ferry out and having a beer with them in the cafes so I found a lot in common with this book.
A previous review refers to Barry Parr's anecdotes and stuff, well I think its only natural, I mean, in the preface it says "I am my father's son". I feel now that I know Wally Parr the brave soldier and also as a funny Londoner, and also a lot more about the Parr family in general and those members of the Coup de main party that travel out every year to honour fallen comrades, fathers, sons and family members.
Great book
"Ham and Jam"

Pat writes:- I received my copy of 'WHAT D'YA DO IN THE WAR DAD' and found that I just couldn't put the book down. An informative, chatty, very funny and, of course, quite an emotional book. Your passion for what is right comes through and your wit is definately a chip off the old block. Dad always had the 'gift of the gab' with a wit his friends knew so well. His memory will live on in you with no doubt. As for his war experiences, they were always far from my mind, so I never got involved with the D-Day celebrations. We did go over once to see the bridge with Dad and I'm glad I did, because if it wasn't for that one journey I wouldn't have any memories of my own. Barry you've done an excellent job of writing the story of our Dad and you've shown me what I've missed out on over the years. Well done and I hope that it will inspire others to get more involved in keeping the memory of their relatives experiences during the D-Day conflicts alive. Love from your sister Pat xx

Jennie writes:- I’m enjoying the book learning lots about my amazing Grandad who was so courageous and mad in this awful war. My Nan must of had a scary time in the war caring for two young children, my aunt and uncle, living between homes and using air raid shelters to dodge the bombs. My Grandad has played a big part in my life and I’m proud to tell my children his stories. When we went to Pegasus Bridge I was so proud and felt so emotional knowing what he was part of over there. My Grandad is so special to me and will always be in my heart. Please read this book and enjoy it in a way of remembrance of those who died in the war and their memory and my Grandad’s.
Love you Dad, I always believed in you, love Jen.


You can get a copy of Barry's book from Amazon or W.H.Smith by quoting ISBN 1-4251-1073-8 or by clicking here to order directly from the publishing house.

You can contact Barry here for further information.