My call to Arms, 'came in 1953, coming shortly after my 18th birthday. A gentleman living in London had thought to send me the loveliest of cards. It had kind regards written upon it, and was signed by someone called Churchill! It said, he was acting in good faith, and on behalf of'Her Majesty's govemment. It also said that he would like to see me. Well as I wasn't doing much at that time, and what with this woman wanting to see me, then why not. He had however, suggested, I should have a medical examination, before coming to see him, for the life of me, 'I couldn't think why! but as he was kind enough to send me my bus-fare, and he had promise me a good job, I thought why not, and the rest they say, is history ...  

My military days began, at a place called Oswestry Shropshire, and it was here at this place, where our basic training was first initiated, i/e for those of us, who had been ordered to report there. Training was intensive, and would go on for the next couple of months. It was also here that we would be introduced to the Fieldpiece, or Field Gun as it was known, this being a 25 pounder, commonly called the screw gun, by those who had gone before us. When discharged, ordnance could be sent over great distances. Gunners all, and our training behind us, we would then be dispersed, to wherever, with my own posting, taking me to Colchester Essex. This then became home for several months, and from where I would be sent on varying courses, which would teach me the rudimentary elements, of the equipment repairers trade (Textile Refitting).

With hostilities, in the Far East, coming to an end, and the regiment coming home, I amongst others would then be sent overseas, with the advance party, in preparation of the regiments return. This then took me to the address, as set out above, and where I was to remain until my release from whole time military service. However in just a few short months I and my contemporaries were immediately recalled to service, in view of the rising crisis of 1956 in the Suez Canal!  

August 1954, and we would take our leave of'Blighty, saying good-bye to Colchester in Essex, for the last time, bound for a foreign shore. That being Dortmund Germany, and the West Riding Barracks. Taking the train, to London, and there on to Southampton, would take most ofthe day. This done, and the taking of a hearty, meal where facilities provided, i/e a packed lunch. One was then to ascend the gangplank, a stairway to hell, for that's as it was perceived by most! who had stepped upon it. I visually recall, the seeing of several ashbins, placed appropriately around the decks, and wondered as to what end would be there purpose. I assure you, all would be well used.

The huge block of concrete (below),  marked the entrance to West Riding barracks, which then brought our journey to a close. We had been on the move, for most of the previous day, and all of that night. With the morning now behind us, we had reached our destination. We would remain in Germany, for the next (16 months) leaving in the latter days of December, 1955.