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Stories Page 6 |
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Back |
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Forward |
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Home |
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Index
Stories |
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Richard's Story |
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Richard ( Buster) Brown. Enlisted December 1960. Served in Libya and BAOR. Was part of Cyclops Parachute Squadron 2nd RTR 1962-1965 Demob. 1967 |
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I completed my basic training at Catterick Camp. I remember the first day as though it was yesturday. All us new recruits stood in line to receive our uniforms and bedding, the uniforms, small, medium, large, nothing between. One of the lads in front of me was asked by a Sergeant, 'Does the beret fit you Laddie', the reply 'Yes sir'. 'Do your boots fit', again the reply 'Yes sir'. 'Does your tunic fit', 'Yes sir', came the same reply. On this answer the sergeant said, 'Whats wrong with you laddie are you deformed'. |
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Being a Kentish lad I had signed on for the 2nd RTR.They were Stationed at that time in Libya, North Africa. That was my first posting and the first time I had been abroad. I flew out with my mate Colin (Harry) Harrison, to Tripoli.
I was to join Cyclops Squadron, to which I remained for all of my service. I was assigned to 5 Troop which consisted of 6 Saladins and crew, as a driver. It was the start of a love affair for this vehicle. |
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The Palace of King Idris
Tripoli |
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I have a couple of whimsical stories I would like to tell. One from an episode that happened in Libya and the other back in England. |
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I volunteered for a scheme that would be made up of 6 Ferrit's. Ginger Friend and I were told to go to certain map references in Cyrenica. We were to be attacked by jet planes from the Ark Royal which was birthed of the coast of Tripoli. Our rations contained for the first time Cornflakes in the C packs. After a couple of days of not seeing or hearing any planes, we were informed over the radio that they would be coming the next morning. |
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Me on my Saladin , Harry to my left. 1961 Cyrenica. |
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I decided as we were up early, to try some cornflakes. Mixing the tinned milk up with water in my mess can. I was just about to take my first mouthful, the next thing I knew was the contents of the mess tin up in the air and milk and cornflakes dripping down my neck under the tank suit. The jet had come out of the sun at about 50 feet above the ground , I did not hear it until it had passed me and all I could see was the wirls of sand from its jet stream. |
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My second story is aptly referring to Cambrai Day 1963.
After Cyclops was installed as a Parachute Squadron we were stationed at Tidworth. Cambrai Day 1963 started with tea and rum served to other ranks in bed by officers and senior ranks. Before lunch we paraded in front of HQ. A General had arrived to take the salute. The Cambrai Band played 'My Boy Willie'. |
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Harry Harrison and me
Para reunion 2005 |
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The General turned to salute the RTR Standard. Fluttering in the wind above the Standard was a pair of ladies panties and a bra. The General did not flinch, turned and said,' In 1917 a great victory was achieved at Cambrai, and it would seem someone had the same success last night'. |
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