My Beloved Uncle Hyacinth

Born in 1916, Hyacinthe was the youngest child of a Mauritian Family established on the island over several generations. In 1941 he joined the British Army to fight against Nazi Germany. After time spent in army barracks and many adventures in North Africa and Palestine, Lieutenant J.H. Wiehe joined the Special Air Services in March 1945. In July 1944, he was seriously wounded and imprisoned by the Nazis as he and his fellow soldiers were parachuted behind enemy lines onto French soil, near La Ferté-Alais. Hyacinthe narrowly escaped execution while in ennemy hands and could only be repatriated to Britain several months after Liberation. He returned to Mauritius paralysed and seriously incapacitated, proud that he had fulfilled his duty, but devastated at having to renounce his marriage to his beloved fiancée Eda. He had to come to terms with the constant pain that his war wounds inflicted upon him. In the course of his terrible sufferings over many years, he was supported by friends and family but particularly by his mother. However, it is through his affliction that he finds deep meaning to his life in a union with Jesus Christ, prayer allowing him to accept his sufferings and to offer it to God. Hyacinthe died in 1965, considered then and now as a hero and a privileged witness of God's love. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, his family chose to make his life and times known to a wider public, to share with the world the writing and message of someone affectionately known as Uncle Hyacinthe. This life-affirming memoir shows there can be light in the darkness of grief, and charts Mike's career as a doctor, forensic medical examiner and police surgeon. This is a true story of life, loss and overcoming adversity.