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    National Service

    Hear hear Ray Griffiths what a great post our experience of Army life during that period was much about the same, but we came out at the other end better for it which stood me in good stead throughout my next career.
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    National Service

    Your worst nightmare if you ever crossed his path RSM "Tibby" Britain.
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    National Service

    If you were lucky you ended up fully trained after 6 months and fit as a butchers dog ready for your posting to a Battalion in my case 1 Coy 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards stationed at Bradbury Barracks Krefeld Germany.
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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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