Mature Times - Military Memories

We'll meet again: HMS Cassandra alert

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:38:08 +0100

All those who served in the destroyer HMS Cassandra are invited to join the thriving HMS Cassandra Association, run by Cliff Longfoot, who served on the ship between 1962-63.

Memories of post-war Germany

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:56:24 +0100

Like one of your readers, Colin Noad, I found myself in Germany in September 1955 - my first time outside the UK. Along with a ship full of other troops I travelled from Harwich to the Hook of Holland on what was described by a crew member as one of the worst crossings in his memory.

Serving in the RAF in Germany

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:43:27 +0100

I was never quite sure how this motley collection of German-built Magirus lorries would help us win the war against the Eastern Bloc’s tanks, but mine was not to reason why... Reader Colin Noad recalls his years serving in the RAF

Free badge for veterans

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:43:42 +0100

I am writing to Mature Times because a great many of your readers have served in the three armed services at sometime in their lives and are not aware that the War Office is now issuing a badge in recognition of their service which can be worn in the button hole of a jacket or blazer.

Lasting tribute to the Welsh Falklands heroes

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:33:45 +0100

The memory of the Falklands campaign is etched deeply in all those who fought in it. And no other part of the UK suffered more than Wales. Now, 25 years after the conflict ended, a "piece of The Falklands" has come to Wales as a lasting memorial to all those who took part in the war. As retired Welsh Guardsman Timothy Wakefield explains, many those who were fortunate to survive have wounds that have still not healed.

Peacetime British army a load of windup mechanical monkeys

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:50:46 +0100

I did National Service from May 1950 to June 1952, serving in the Army Fire Service. I didn't like the peacetime British army - and the British army didn't like me.

National Service? It was aimless and boring

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:44:33 +0100

Your readers who recall National Service as a time of character building and being taught a useful trade mystify me.

Tracking down wartime secret heroes

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:08:28 +0100

201 Battalion, one of the Scottish Auxiliary Units, was part of Britain’s Resistance Network during World War II. A reader is researching this unit - and looking for readers’ assistance!

'Four Engines Down...'

Mon, 21 May 2007 12:06:38 +0100

Neil Cairns recalls the story he used to tell to his trainees at Royal Air Force, Halton, who were mostly youngsters heading out into the RAF as engine technicians, and mechanics. As he admits, it is probably totally untrue, but then such stories make the best ones.....

The loneliness of the rear gunner

Tue, 15 May 2007 10:58:49 +0100

If you want to experience the loneliest place in the world, don't try Siberia or Antarctica. Just fly in a Lancaster in the 'Tail-end Charlie' [Rear Gunner] position.

Three engines down... and a long way from home

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:08:09 +0100

As far as I was concerned this was getting too much like the wartime stories of aircraft limping home from Germany and not always making it!

Calling all RAF veterans

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:58:06 +0100

There are a few annual events that just shouldn't be missed, so write down Sunday, June 24th in your diary right now if you are an RAF Veteran, because it's the union parade at the RAF Museum at Cosford, in Shropshire.

I remember 1947 too!

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:58:17 +0100

I was interested to read the letter about the winter of 1947 (MT March 2007) by ex Captain Mellor. I am also an ex-marine, and remember vividly how bad the winter was for us living on a remote farm at Waxholme (between Hull and Withernsea)

Answering the call to National Service

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:34:58 +0000

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.

Snow in 1947 - but the world got on with it

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:30:45 +0000

The recent snowfalls brought back to me the snows of 1946 and 1947. It was bad, but most people grinned, grumbled and accepted it.