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    National Service

    All you that enter here abandoned all hope. The main gate to the Guards Depot Caterham.
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    National Service

    Then the dreaded "Square Bashing" started under a Squad Instructor usually a L/Sgt who "rifted" us mercifully if you survived a 4 week inspection without being Back Squadded you went on to 8weeks and then the final 12 weeks with the ever threat of being Back Squadded. If you passed muster you...
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    National Service

    The so called "Shining Parade" burning the pimples off you boots with a red hot spoon handle. The worst job was decreasing and cleaning your Le Enfield Rifle and ironing creases in your Battle Dress with brown paper and soap on the inside.
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    National Service

    This was next trial was being "Squadded" and being issued with your kit and assigned to a Trained Soldier (some brutal and sadistic) on how to bring your kit up to standard for which you had to buy your own cleaning materials Blanco, Blue Bell, Kiwi and a yellow duster.
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    National Service

    Caterham Guards Depot 1956. The poor buggers trying to keep up with the "runner" on the way to the reception block are due for a rude awakening and 17weeks of purgatory.
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    Memories : Tribute to old Birmingham

    I dont know Bob I nicked the pics of the wall in the old Rag Market some ago I was just sorting my albums out when I came across them.
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    Memories : Tribute to old Birmingham

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    National Memorial Arboretum

    Ditto
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    National Memorial Arboretum

    Ditto.
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    National Memorial Arboretum

    Dedication day Brigade of Guards Memorial Septem Juncta In Uno (7 Regiments in one) at the Arboretum.
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Birmingham Fire Brigade Upper Priory Fire Station City Centre.
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Moseley Street.
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Fire Crew at the Spot Garage 1940
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Wartime Fire Station Spot Garage Northfield.
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Factory fire Edington 1930s
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Central Fire Station 1930s. Escape Carrier riders open to the elements. Note the pole drops from the married quarters taken down following a fatal accident involving a child.
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    Fire Brigade Information

    Not for the faint hearted. London 1922
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    Royal visits to Birmingham

    Hi Pedrocut, Thanks for posting some examples of the Civil Defence exercise in Calthorp Park 19.03.1940 in front of the King and Queen the picture I have been trying to locate is a close up of my dad in AFS uniform speaking to the King in the line up. It definitely exists as I remember it...
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    Royal visits to Birmingham

    The King and Queen arrived at Small Heath Station on 30th March 1940 and went on to a Civil Defence exercise at Calthorp Park. The picture shows the AFS lined up for his inspection. My dad is in the ranks and I remember seeing a picture of him taking to the King which has now been lost. Does...
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    Fire Brigade Information

    The Fire Service strike started on the 14th November 1977 and ran for 9 weeks with the armed forces taking on Fire Fighting Duties. The picture shows the Irish Guards going on duty with the Green Goddess Fire Appliances.
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