Answering the call to National Service

23/03/2007

My own experience as a conscript was an order to report for basic training with 9th Battalion of the Kings Regiment at Squires Gate Blackpool on 1st November 1945.

 

Along with others it was a long rail journey from South Wales for which we had been issued with 4s 0d in “Respect of advance of service pay.” Entering the place with some trepidation there was an absence of shouting and bawling and indeed after a brief documentation it was “Come on lads this way” and we had a good hot meal.

 

We then learned that this basic training would last six weeks during which we would be sorted out for which part of the Army we would serve. Discipline although firm was not unfair and generally we were well treated, and we gradually realised we were becoming fitter and smarter. The Barrack Square was pounded for no more than forty five minutes daily and all sorts of weapons were experienced.

Passing the tests of fitness and training along with a few others I was posted to Royal Engineers at Longmoor Hants. The greeting ; “If you think you have had it tough, wait until we have finished with you.” Tough it was, we got tied up in knots ,laid mines,demolitions, Bailey Bridges etc. plus another dose of physical training. All this with the threat of failing to pass the tests and we would be posted to some inferior regiment.

Having passed the tests trade training as a Rail Construction Draughtsman followed. Sixteen useful and interesting weeks followed prior to posting to the Middle East, a fantastic journey across the Channel, by rail to Toulon then troopship to Port Said. Having served in Egypt, Palestine and Transjordan with 12th Field Squadron, and drawing anything except railway work, home leave was granted and exactly one year to the day I boarded the troopship Staffordshire for Liverpool and home. A full complement of troops was outnumbered by the cockroaches on board.

Enjoying the leave the army decided  that I should visit other places.  This was to be Germany and with 145 Field Park Squadron but time was getting short and “Demob” was close at hand. So ended two years seven months and nineteen days of service life.

 

Was it worth it?  An emphatic ”Yes.” I learned a lot, met a lot, and saw a lot, and that cannot be anything to complain about.

Ronald  (Taffy) Evans, Chepstow