What is or rather what was National Service? well conscription started in this country in 1916 ending in 1919. It was reintroduced in 1939 in preparation for world war two and it was replaced with National service in 1948. This ended in 1960 with the last serviceman leaving in 1963.
Like thousands of other men I did my time under sufferance, however with hindsight I wouldn't have missed it, as it gave me the opportunity to travel abroad, with two sea cruises thrown in for free!
When you were a young lad at that time, the magical age of eighteen loomed on the horizon from the time you left school at fifteen. A career was impossible as employers realised that after a couple of years you would be away for two years with the possibility that you would not return to the same employer. I had a couple of jobs during that period finishing up as a butchers assistant.It was amazing how many butchers were in the R.A.M.C! I was told that the thinking was..."well they're used to the sight of blood..." true? I have no idea.
I still have the Enlistment Notice that was sent to me on 3rd March 1952 telling me to report to The Royal Army Medical Corps at Ash Vale, Surrey on the 20th March together with a travel document AND a 4 shilling postal order as advance wages!!
So why have I put my experiences here? well although nothing extraordinary happened to me those two years had an effect on me that has lasted ever since. I have found that there are sites on the net where youngsters are asking questions not only about ww11 but also National Service...."what was it like"..."did you enjoy it"....etc so I thought put down whatever memories l have while I'm still able to.
On the following pages I have written of my time in the 'Kate' as I recall them, and hope they don't bore you! |
