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Early in 1965 the Regiment became one again. They joined Cyclops in Tidworth. It meant that shortly we would be reverting back to tanks and saying goodbye to the armoured cars.
It was great meeting David Hughes again, who in the mean time had married an Irish lass and seemed to be very happy. We spent many pleasant evenings together recounting the past years that we had not seen each other.
In October of 65, I was chosen again to spearhead the move to Germany, the last one for me.Just a mention about Colin Henderson he had joined the helicopter unit and unfortunately never saw him again . Something I regret not having kept in contact with him.

In times of crisis BAOR would come under the command of NATO as 1 (BR) Corp, which was given the task of defending a sector of the North German Plain. If this area of responsibility should come under threat the Corps would fight with two of its armoured divisions forward and one in reserve. Hohne would house units that formed part of one of those forward Divisions, 1st Armoured Division. Over the coming years Hohne would become home for many different kinds of units of the British Army, from Tank, Artillery, Engineers Regiments and many other units.

Thus Hohne became a little piece of the United Kingdom on the Luneburger Heide. Although the camp would be shared with units from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, it remained predominantly British. The camp contained a considerable number of married quarters and The Roundhouse became the centre of family life, housing the NAAFI, with its butchery and gift shops. From here the troops and their families could buy those items they were used to buying back home. There was also the YMCA, which provided a canteen, and newspaper services for the troops. Other facilities were opened and soon the camp boasted a cinema, library, post office, swimming pool and school.

The regiment arrived and settled into their new surroundings. Life for me took a turn, which changed it and plotted the next 35 years.
Early in 1966 I met a German lady who I eventually married in 1967.
I knew that as soon as the decision was made that Renate was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I knew this would be the end of the army for me.
There was no question that Renate would not want be an army wife, so the joint decision was made that I would end my career with the tanks.
We Married in May 1967, firstly in Bergen Registry Office (German Law), then had a blessing repeating the vows at the Methodist Church at Hohne.
The Mess WOII made a fantastic wedding cake for us.
On the 8th Sep.67 I left for the last time the 2nd RTR. No regrets and no looking back. Maybe only that I lost contact with my best pals of the time, Percy Perring, and Swannie Rivers would be the only regrets and not having kept in contact with them.
My time as a Tankie remain some of the fondest memories even today. My time in the army moulded my future in so far that I could stand on my own two feet and take on all challenges that lay ahead.
To any youngster thinking of joining up, go for it,but of course pick the 2nd Tanks.