See the world for nothing!
09/11/2009
Where else can you get to see the world for nothing? I joined at Padgate in 1954 for 12 weeks squarebashing and I remember those early morning starts prior to brekkie - 5 miles at 6 in the morning.... hmmmm, well it did get us fit! Next, it was down to Compton Bassett for a WOP course, another 12 weeks with Mad Mary the Irish F/Sgt i/c cook.
More Stories
Veteran's call to "remember those lost at sea"
World War II veteran Alfred Tubb is urging fellow veterans of conflict, as well as the general public, to remember those who fell during the World Wars and those who still make sacrifices today, on Merchant Navy Day, 6 September 2009.
Old comrades unveil tribute to old friends
On Wednesday 13th May members of the ‘601 Squadron Old Comrades Association’ will unveil a memorial plaque at the RAF Museum (formerly RAF Hendon), to recognise the long standing association between the two units.
In search of my old hut mates
While clearing out a cupboard recently I happened on a photograph of our hut 227 at No. 11 RAF's school of recruit Training at Hednesford, built on top of a disused coal mine in Staffordshire. It was taken sometime between mid-June and mid-August 1951. (Amazingly at that time there were 459,000 RAF members - now there are 41,000).
I believe we were all two year National Service conscripts who had previously spent a week being attested at Padgate, Lancashire, since it was customary in those days to enlist three-year volunteers at historic RAF Cardington.
Brasso, Boxing and Batmen - my military memories from the RAF
My fellow entrants and I were totally bewildered as we were herded in semi marching formations from pillar to post, 'kitted out', fed, interviewed and moved from one 'holding pen' (barrack hut) to another. It seemed we were moved about just for the sake of it at times. And it was all a bit demoralising as we got the impression that we were not really worth bothering about - just another load of National Service (N.S.) 'wallies'.
We'll meet again: HMS Cassandra alert
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...'
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
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.
