Before I start my story I must explain that I am the worlds worst at remembering names.So if anybody does look at this site and finds I have put the wrong name on anything place or person, I would be obliged if they contact me so I can update.
My appologies to all my old friends who's names I cannot remember. I can assure them there faces are still with me. Catterick Camp Where to start, that is fairly easy, on the train that was carrying me to Catterick Camp in Yorkshire, on that day in June 1961. Here I was nearly 19 years old and I was travelling the farthest I had ever been away from home.
I was on my own for the very first time no family or friends to fall back on. I had put all my eggs in one basket signing on and receiving the Queen's shilling.
Between London and Catterick, I got talking to a lad of about the same age, David Hughes from Herne Bay. He too was on his way to basic training and had signed on as I had done to join the 2nd RTR. We formed a friendship, which lasted many years.
Catterick; I had no idea what to expect if I had known I probably would have turned round and gone home.
The exact number in the intake I cannot remember. We all lined up to receive our Army Number (one that I can repeat today without thinking). 23870337 Trooper Brown. David had, I think, the next number.
Next came clothes and bedding issue. Everything was in either small, medium or large, nothing between. Naturally nothing fitted properly and major adjustments had to be made by us.
We stood in line and a sergeant asked a lad in the line," Does your beret fit laddie.
"yes sir ". The reply.
"I'm no Sir laddie just sergeant. Does your boots fit"
"Yes Sergeant".
"And does your tunic fit.
"Yes sergeant".
" What is wrong with you laddie are you deformed"
This brought a smile to all but the lad in question.
Next was the haircut or should I say shearing, this was a problem for many but not me. In point of fact since that date I have always sported a short hairstyle. Another lad Colin Henderson became a very good friend. He too was going to join 2nd RTR.
We were billeted in rooms of 10 men each with his own locker. It was very difficult for me to have to try and sleep with 9 other lads snoring.
Basic training came fairly easy for me, as I had done some drill with the TA Cadets a few years before.
I became, I suppose, the centre of the intake as I was the one who knew how to use a hot iron to burn off the pimples on your boots. Not using spit but clean water when bulling the boots and how you shrunk your beret by dipping it in boiling water and then in cold before putting it on your head for fitting.
Drill came easy for me harder for some of the others. The drill corporal was a 2nd tanky so he was gentler to David, Colin and I , well just a bit maybe. Colin had done some junior TA or leaders, so drill was'nt to much trouble for him.
I had never driven anything bigger than a Vespa Scooter before, and here was I sitting in this 8 wheel Saladin expected to drive on the open highway.
I have to tell you, here started a love affair that remains with me today. The Saladin was a beautiful vehicle 5 pre-select gears, 6 individually suspended wheels. Over the next 18 months I drove one of these all over Libya and the respect I had for that armoured car remains with me.
Passing out parade after some 13 weeks was done with pride. We were awarded 10 days leave before having to report back to receive our orders on how and when we were to get to our respective Regiments.
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