HOME WAS NEVER LIKE THIS
THE RECOVERED YARDLEY DIARIES
by Col. Doyle R. Yardley
June 6, 1944, while the Allied Troops stormed Normandy, Col. Doyle Yardley marked his first year as a POW in Oflag 64. 75 years later, we mark this occasion with the release of “Home Was Never Like This”—his hidden diaries miraculously returned to him after the war.
A WORLD WAR II AMERICAN POW’s
HANDWRITTEN ACCOUNT
FROM TEXAS FARM TO OFLAG 64
Told in true, simple and frank language from the handwritten diaries of Col. Doyle R. Yardley, Home Was Never Like This catalogs what men thought and did while overseas, in or out of combat. His entries continue after his capture and imprisonment at Oflag 64, Szubin, Poland. In five journals that span three years, Col. Yardley shares his experiences with needed humor, sharp candor, and deep respect for the soldier, who, “always found something funny to do—in spite of hardship and handicaps.”
“I shall call this manuscript, Home Was Never Like This, which is dedicated to those who made the supreme sacrifice on foreign soils, to the boys and girls in our armed forces at home and abroad, God bless them all!”
In January 1945 Yardley escaped Oflag 64 while under guarded march. Miraculously, his hidden diaries were returned to him after the war. Years later, they were discovered on the family farm by his nephew, Charles A. Turnbo—whose effort preserved this intimate account of the people and problems of life at war.
“C’est la guerre”
Look Inside Home Was Never Like This Here.
Col. Doyle R. Yardley’s account of his experiences in World War II is dedicated to all the men and women of the U.S. Military who serve to keep our Country free. This is dedicated to the early parachutists of the U.S. Army who introduced a radical new military strategy during World War II.
This is further dedicated to the brave soldiers of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, a predecessor unit of the Army Special Forces. Most of this unit did not survive the behind-the-enemy-lines special mission in Southern Italy. Your heroism will live forever.
This book is also dedicated to all the soldiers who were confined in World War II POW camps, especially one of the most infamous, Oflag 64. In spite of enormous hardships, your spirit and unity were never broken! This account of your survival is a tribute to the American combat soldier. Your courage and your sacrifice, on behalf of all Americans, will never be forgotten.
Charles A. Turnbo, Editor
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