I lived in Caterham as child opposite the depot till approx 1940 so I was aware of the existence of the guards from an early age and only lived a 6 penny bus ride away on the day I reported to take my place in the holy of holy's i.e. the depot .Thinking that I was well turned out in brown suit and highly spit and polished shoes that were shining like the proverbial diamonds, this I had learnt to do whilst in the Army Cadets. I reported to the guardroom and was met by a Welsh guard L/Sgt, who looked me up and down and immediately shot me down in flames by asking me "what the hell did you want to join this mob for?, No reply from me , he then gave me some money and told me to go over to the local cafe and get him a egg sandwich, which I did, then for my trouble he sent me in double quick time after a squadie, down to the receiving room to await my future squad muckers .
While we where at the depot we took part amongst other things in helping to re-instate the river bank at Purfleet, following the high tide flooding which occurred in the winter of early 1953. This also included Canvey Island. On completion of time at the depot, we were moved on to Pirbright, for further training. Whilst there, we formed part of the Street Lining contingent for Queen�s Coronation. There will never be any thing quite like it again; all troops of the then British Empire were represented on that day.
Next stop Chelsea Barracks and the 2nd Battalion and Public duties, which is where my little episode with Ava Gardner took place, whilst on duty on �Spur Guard� at the Tower of London, on a Bank Holiday 1953.
I was in the fullness of time, promoted to corporal then the powers that be, sent me back to the depot as a prospective instructor. Much to my disappointment, as I had looked forward to going to Egypt with the Battalion after Xmas 1953.
Back at depot I was kept busy with the various squads, plus for a change, I took a squad to Milbank main sorting office, of the Post Office to unload Army Lorries, used to carry mail while the railway was in dispute.
It was at the depot that I first met Brian �Boy� Brenchley. We lost touch after I left the Regiment in 1955. But I met up with him some years later, when we both happened to live in Redhill. During the years, Brian and his family moved away from Redhill, and we lost touch. It was only recently, that I managed to get back in touch with him, via The Grenadier Forum and Dave Richardson�s Pages. |
