R
RayD
Guest
I'll add my two penn'orth if you don't mind Rod.
I can't remember where I registered, I guess that as I lived in Burbury St. Lozells, at the time, it wouuld either be the offices in Aston, or the one that was on the Soho Rd.,by the junction with Villa Rd.
What I do remember was the brown envelope that dropped thro' our door, its contents informing me the one way train ticket that was enclosed, would get me Catterick Army Camp on the 7th. Dec. 1950 and there I was to report to the Training Camp of the Royal Corps of Signals.
From then on I would be afforded the rank of Signalman, and would be further identified by the number 22440138.
When the day came, it was a tearfull parting for my mother. She had already lost a son, when my brother was killed in N.Africa during WW2.
With four sisters I had become the spoilt one of the family,especially as she always wanted sons.
The advice from my Father,who himself had been wounded in WW1 and ivalided out of the Army, was to make the best of it, do as I was told, and NEVER VOLUNTEER!!
The platform at New St. Station was full of unfortunates, like myself,who were heading for the Garrison town of Catterick, deep in the Yorkshire Moors some 165 miles away. Almost like going abroad in those days!
When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with about 12 inches of snow together with an icy cold north wind.
For 6 weeks we were housed in wooded huts,heated by one combustion stove in the middle of each hut.
I think they used the same huts when they filmed "The Great Escape"!!
It seemed that most of the time was spent "square bashing" after clearing the snow and ice off the parade ground each morning.
The rest of the time was spent getting your kit pressed,polished and what ever else was required to get it to the standard demanded.
It also gave us time to find out what a great bloke the Troop Sgt. was !!
It was at this point that it became evident that my Dad's advice should be heeded.
The Sgt. asked if any of us could play the piano ?
About five hands went up, and they were told to go with the Troop Cpl.
It was a short time later that we saw them struggling to push a large upright piano across the icy parade ground.
It turned out that the piano,normally kept in the Sgts. Mess was needed in the Gym for a Xmas Party for children of the permanent staff.
None of the volunteers got to play it!!
Must finish on my reflection of the first pay day.
Had to stand to attention and salute for less than £4 a £1 of which went straight to my mother!
I will wait for the reaction before relating any more incidents during my illustrious Army career, that come to mind.
In any case, my grandson who has recently joined the Army Cadets has brought his boots round to be "bulled"
Back to the old "spit & polish" !
Wishing Everyone a Happy & Peaceful New Year and continued success to everyone concerned in the running of this site.
Gems may be precious,
Frienship is priceless.
I can't remember where I registered, I guess that as I lived in Burbury St. Lozells, at the time, it wouuld either be the offices in Aston, or the one that was on the Soho Rd.,by the junction with Villa Rd.
What I do remember was the brown envelope that dropped thro' our door, its contents informing me the one way train ticket that was enclosed, would get me Catterick Army Camp on the 7th. Dec. 1950 and there I was to report to the Training Camp of the Royal Corps of Signals.
From then on I would be afforded the rank of Signalman, and would be further identified by the number 22440138.
When the day came, it was a tearfull parting for my mother. She had already lost a son, when my brother was killed in N.Africa during WW2.
With four sisters I had become the spoilt one of the family,especially as she always wanted sons.
The advice from my Father,who himself had been wounded in WW1 and ivalided out of the Army, was to make the best of it, do as I was told, and NEVER VOLUNTEER!!
The platform at New St. Station was full of unfortunates, like myself,who were heading for the Garrison town of Catterick, deep in the Yorkshire Moors some 165 miles away. Almost like going abroad in those days!
When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with about 12 inches of snow together with an icy cold north wind.
For 6 weeks we were housed in wooded huts,heated by one combustion stove in the middle of each hut.
I think they used the same huts when they filmed "The Great Escape"!!
It seemed that most of the time was spent "square bashing" after clearing the snow and ice off the parade ground each morning.
The rest of the time was spent getting your kit pressed,polished and what ever else was required to get it to the standard demanded.
It also gave us time to find out what a great bloke the Troop Sgt. was !!
It was at this point that it became evident that my Dad's advice should be heeded.
The Sgt. asked if any of us could play the piano ?
About five hands went up, and they were told to go with the Troop Cpl.
It was a short time later that we saw them struggling to push a large upright piano across the icy parade ground.
It turned out that the piano,normally kept in the Sgts. Mess was needed in the Gym for a Xmas Party for children of the permanent staff.
None of the volunteers got to play it!!
Must finish on my reflection of the first pay day.
Had to stand to attention and salute for less than £4 a £1 of which went straight to my mother!
I will wait for the reaction before relating any more incidents during my illustrious Army career, that come to mind.
In any case, my grandson who has recently joined the Army Cadets has brought his boots round to be "bulled"
Back to the old "spit & polish" !
Wishing Everyone a Happy & Peaceful New Year and continued success to everyone concerned in the running of this site.
Gems may be precious,
Frienship is priceless.