60 years ago today

60 years ago today, 8th January, 1963, 50x 15/16 year olds entered Hadrians Camp in Carlisle to start our 3 year apprenticeships. It was the worst winter on record. For the first 18 months it was just like a well disciplined 6th form school, continuing our education while learning our trade skills. Then introducing more and more military type skills.

The really hopeless ones like me, who just made the grade after their 3 year apprenticeship eventually got Commissioned while the good ones just got on with the job

So this evening I'll sit back with an overly large glass of Scotch and raise it to my old pals, some of whom are not with us any more. Cheers......!

Peter,
Yes, likewise some great memories of those we served with who never made it to a full life probably through no fault of their own but sadly the cards that were dealt to them or being in the wrong place at the wrong time when ordnance in whateveer form came their way in conflict!!
I landed at RAF STANSTED in 1963 during that blizzard returning from Singapore with my family as dad was stationed at RAF Seletar/Changi and Tengar in Malaya for 3 years.
The runway or tarmac as we know it today carved out of what I can only describe as a 10 foot wall of snow on either side of the wing width of a Bristol Britannia Far East Transport Command facing backwards ............then walking with luggage to the nissan hut arrivals through a ten foot walled alleyway carved out by hand, which is still there today at the M11 end of the airfield to an awaiting RAF Commer minibus to take us to RAF Oakington.
Great memories followed by regular service in 2 PARA and RMP and finally like you civvy Police................I will have a drink to you my friend, keep good health and always remember "Don't let the old man in";)

Just raised a beer to you both!
I love those posts!

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Originally Posted by Ovidio

Just raised a beer to you both!
I love those posts!

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And I will do the same when I get home. :beerchug:

Hadrians Old Boys

Yes............. 63A Armourers, there I am, front row, right hand man!

When No 2's fitted and sashs were worn on the courses. Nice head of hair there Peter :lol::lol:

Funny that you should notice that Gil. As apprentices, we wore old SD's or BD's (Battle Dress) until our 8th school term. I took mine home, to the tailoress at the old RMCS at Shrivenham, a lady that my parents knew. She fitted them to perfection. When I was Commissioned in '83/4(?), I went to see her again and she remembered me via my mum and by then, late dad. She made-to-measure the Officer spec jacket and two trousers for Sandhurst. To be honest, rarely wore them after. Still got 'em and the shoes! Standards seemed to have fallen away and by then it was all lightweight trousers and jumpers..

I notice that when the RLC regiment returned from Afghanistan and marched through Abingdon...... No smart No2 dress....., nope, just combats.

Same as all PARA Battalions MPT combats marching through Colchester on return from Op Herrick. Even on the awards of new Colours by Prince Charles as was they were all in MPT except the Officers who were in No 2's and swords.
Many new recruits never had one issued.

You will also know as we have both been there, that Police Officers don't get issued best kit now unless its for something important Royal Visits/Awards etc, but NOT for an appearance at Crown Court. You just go in whatever you are wearing, even if you are digging the garden to give evidence.
Personally, the way some of them dress today, Jurors MUST lose all confidence in their evidence IMHO.:surrender:

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Originally Posted by Gil Boyd

NOT for an appearance at Crown Court.

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Ours still need to appear in bib and tucker or the Judge will send them home to get changed, plus a trip into chambers. The civilians can show up looking like they were tarring a roof. They no longer have an inspection before a day out though and it shows. They may turn out with pockets bulging with junk and shabby appearance. The old Patrol Sgts are spinning in their graves...

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Originally Posted by Gil Boyd

Same as all PARA Battalions MPT combats marching through Colchester on return from Op Herrick.

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One of my past units paraded for Remembrance day last November and many of the troops were in Combats. Many don't get issue of dress uniform until way into service. Boots are their own purchase and then claim.

Jim,
Do they make sure they all buy the same boots from a listed supplier, or do they buy them from the QM direct? Appears its a sign of the times!!

Back to the head of hair on the 63A Armourrers photo........ Quite a change from the same, now grey haired REME Captain, feeding the belts into the Vickers MMG in the Jeremy Clarkson The Gun' you tube vid!

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Yes............. 63A Armourers, there I am, front row, right hand man!

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PL in his finery.....!

Peter,
Interesting.........notice the DS staff are minus any medals including the pre 61 GSM except for the Guards WO2??

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Originally Posted by Gil Boyd

Do they make sure they all buy the same boots from a listed supplier,

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No, just a color/basic description.

Blimey what a mess. Certainly wouldn't be any chance from an enemy in the jungle identifying a country by their footwear anymore then?

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Originally Posted by Gil Boyd

what a mess

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More, if you get the ones that want the hi tec running shoe type with zippers on side you'll have foot and ankle problems after. Then the Gubm't is expected to pay.

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Quite a change from the same, now grey haired REME Captain, feeding the belts into the Vickers MMG in the Jeremy Clarkson The Gun' you tube vid!

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About 2.42

Inventions That Changed The World The Gun 004 - YouTube

Ah, yes Cinders........ You have put up a photo of my colleagues in A Company. A couple of those, Mepham, Purdom and Landeth were Armourers but I was in C Company and not on that photo!