Thursday 5th May 1949
The day came when I had to join the army. I felt very pleased with myself to think that I was to become a British Soldier. On Thursday the 5th May 1949 I left home with a high spirit after saying goodbye to my family and mates. I caught a train from Stoke station early that morning because there wasnt another train for about 5 hours. On the train there were several other lads going to Catterick, so it wasnt to bad for me as I would never have found the place by myself.
We reached Richmond about 2.30 where there were lorries to take us to Menin Lines
Link to a fuller description of arriving at Catterick in 1953. 6 weeks basic training turning Civvies into Troopers of The Royal Armoured Corps
When we landed there we were taken in a room where we were issued with our pay books and eating utensils. After that we went for a meal which was the worst I had ever tasted, it just looked like pigswill and the tea was as weak as water. After that they took us to our barrack rooms which were very cold because half of the windows were missing. That night in bed I thought of all the good things that I would miss in the next 18 months and wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
The following morning we got up at six which was very early to the time I was used to getting up at home. I went for a wash but all the sinks were full so I had to wait 10 minutes brfore I could get a wash. When I managed to get one it was cold water but I got used to it after a while. All the meals I went for that week I left because I couldn't stomach them after just leaving home for the first time. All that week we were messed about getting our kit and having to see how clever we were.
For four weeks after that we were foot - slogging which was no easy job, especially when we had Cpl Davies , he used to nearly kill us on that square and I am not kidding . That weekend we had 3 Days leave for Whitson it wasn't very long but I don't think I had been so happy before in all my life as I was then. When I got back I did another weeks square bashing and then I passed out that ment moving to B Squad to be a driver.
The first week in that Squad we did a guard but I got off that and was vey glad I did. For the first two week we did Q.Ps.
Quality Plan / Quality Procedure: is a common acronym for Quality Plan or Quality Procedure in a military or corporate setting, often relating to standards and processes for equipment, operations, or training.
and two weeks after that we were driving 15 cwt Bedfords which were very nice. After that we did Tank Theory and then came the driving part. I hated the sight of tanks and I always will but I had to drive them, I knew nothing about them as I didn't want to know about the noisy things. When out driving them one day I hit a lorry which I smashed to bits but I still had to drive afterwards.
At August I had 3 days leave and was I glad to get home after driving tanks. I never mentioned Tanks to anyone in those 3 days believe me. I wasn't on them much longer because our training had finished and we went on Draft leave. In that nine days I had a lovely time and thought how nice it would be in civvy street again.
I didn't want to go back but I had to I suppose or else I would have been in trouble and I didn't want that to happen.
When I got back I did two weeks fatigues and then I left that dreadful place and all its instructers. I never want to see Catterick again as long as I live nor any of the instructers which were there.
Transcribers note. A few years ago before I had read this, me and my wife took my dad out for a run while he was visiting us near Durham. We were out driving close to Catterick so I decided to go there and see how much my dad remembered. Dad refused to play the game he hardly spoke and got himself in a grumpy mood. He cheered up when we got him home. I now know the reason why, and after all the years it still must have brought awful memories back to him. ( Steve )
I arrived here in the 10th Hussars 5 weeks ago and it was a big change, we have better barracks , food, and instructers, all what w'eve done has been very easy so far.
Last night the Regiment came back from Sennelager where it has been training. It isn't half as good now. We have to queue for our meals and we can't get in to the NAFFI very easy.
Since they come back we have had two Adjutant parades, you can imagine what those were like. Winter is coming in very fast here so I suppose I am going to have a miserable time for a month or two what with the army and the cold weather.
I am now on my ninth week in Germany and I am begining to hate it. It isn't so much the barracks because they are very nice. Its the Parades we have and the bulling, to get ready for them. When I first went down to Iserlohn I thought I was in for a good time because the place looked very nice . I go down at weekends now and there's nothing to do when I go. I used to go into Margarettes, that's a pub which is in bounds to Troops but now I cant get any marks so I have had it for that place.
I have now done six month in the army, it has taken it a long time to go but it's gone and that's all that matters. One year Today I get demobbed so roll on the 5th November 1950.
When I get married and have children which I hope to have, I'll never let them join the army, if they ever mention it I'll feel like killing them.
Last week we started our Q P's again it isn't to bad but it gets boring at times. On Wednesday I went out driving it was funny driving on the right hand side of the road but I got used to it after a while. I hope to become a driver of B vehicles because I like lorries and thats what I want to do when I'm in civvy street again.
We did Q Ps for a week after that days driving and then we had a whole weeks driving. I enjoyed it vey much but on Monday I start tank driving I have my trade test on the 12th December. I hope I pass it and then I may have the chance to get a lorry.
Monday 28th Nov.
Tank driving here is very cushy to what it was at Catterick and the instructors are a lot better too. After a weeks Tank driving I had my trade test which I past quite easily and I am glad that I did. That weekend I went to Winterberg for a few days and had a lovely time skiing and dancing. A week or two after that I went to Winterberg again for 7 days and I enjoyed it a lot better than the first time I went.
Two days after I got back it was xmas and I had plenty of food and beer but it wasn't as good as if I had been at home.
On New years Eve two of the boys and myself went down to Iserlohn and got a bottle of rum. Gin and some beer and at mid night we celebrated New Year.
2/1/50
I am now in a tank troop and the boys are very nice. we have some fun. but the days go very slow down the tank park and I dont like that.
9th Jan 1950
Today is my birthday but it seems like any other day with being in the army but my next birthday will be at home (I hope).
I go on leave in February as my sister is getting married and she wants me there to be the best man.
On Friday night I was on a 24 hour guard the time went very slow but it is over now and I can relax for another 30 to 40 days.
This weekend we have got a C.O's parade so I have got a lot of bulling to do.
The C O's parade wasn't to bad but a week after we had a Brigadier inspection and that was awful. We went on the square about 8 o - clock to be inspected and we didn't come off until about 10 O - Clock. I could hardly move with cold and pain after standing there all that time. After that we had a kit inspection and every item of our kit had to have our number stamped on it. we were getting ready for this inspecion three weeks before he came so you can tell how much work we had to do.
Feb 1st
I am now counting the days for my leave which I am longing to go on. This weekend we have got another Adjutants parade but I'm not bothered to much now as I am used to them. The Adjutants parade was cancelled owing to the weather so they are having one on Wednesday instead.
13th Feb Monday.
Today I am going on leave so I am very happy and excited as I haven't been home for six months.
2nd March
I am now back off my UK leave and all I have got now is memories. I had a lovely time , espeacily at my sisters wedding which I wouldn't have mised for the world. Bet and Bob looked very nice standing against the alter waiting for the vicar to join them together. I myself thought that someday I might be there getting married but the thought soon went when I remembered that I was in the army and after I am demobbed it will take me a long-long time to get enough money for that sort of thing. My mate was on leave the same time as me and we had a good time what with drinking and visiting different places. After he went back I was more or less on my own because my other mate lived 3 miles away and I wasn't going to cycle that every night for him. The last night of my leave was very nice. I went to have a drink with Betty and Bob and a girl named Betty Shaw which my sister brought along for me,
Transcribers note :- There are four lines here that have been written then scribbled over. I can make out ( she is a very nice girl ) One day I will have a go at reading the rest. ( Steve )
16th March
Today I got a tank so I am going to hate the army even worse than I do now what with keeping it in good repair and going on schemes. I am going on a weeks scheme this weekend to Sennelager so I can see my self having a good time with a tank on my signature.
I have just got back from the scheme and I am glad, I would of enjoyed it if I had been Co driver to one of the other boys, but as it was I wasn't. The first day out I burnt out my clutch and put it off the road, and you should have heard the Cpt shouting at me. He was like a raging Bull, but I took no notice of him.
Sat 1st April.
Yesterday the sqadron went to Belsen. I should have gone with them but being as my tank is off the road I have got to stay back here and look after it, anyone would think it was a baby, instead of a big noisy piece of iron with a gun on it.
There are five lads out of this troop getting demobbed on Thursday so last night we went and had a bit of a demob party in the beer bar. They are all very nice boys and I will feel lost without them because they always help me if I am stuck with anything and they are the life and soul of this troop.
Last week while I was away on the Scheme at Sennelager our RSM got knocked down and died later in the B.M.H. hated his gutts but I feel sorry for him leaving us that way. I am having a cushy time here now that the squadron is at Belsen, I haven't touched my kit and it isn't very often I have a shave because there is only about 10 of us left here and we don't get inspected.
15th April Sat.
Tonight the squadron comes back off the 2 weeks scheme, so I can see my self doing my kit tommorow.
16th April
Today I blancoed all my kit and I am glad I did because when I went to read orders I would have dropped. First we have got a room inspection every morning starting tommorow, secondly we are having a drill parade every morning before breakfast and we have got to be washed, shaved and ready before roll-call and that is 4.15, so it gives us 15 mins from the time we get up till then.
Our S.S.M is on 4 charges and a court marshal and I hope he gets busted down to a Trooper because he is a little fat gutted sqirmy eyed Jew boy and everybody in the Squad hates him. If he does get busted, he wont live to see Whitsun Tide as there are 6 to my knowing that will beat him up.
When I write home I always tell them that I like the army, but I hate every minute of it. I have done ever since I came in and I will up to the day I go out. If I was a regular I'm sure I would commit suicide, having to stop in this regiment 5 years.
18th April
A month today the Duke Of Glouster is visiting our regiment, so I can see more work ahead of me. I've got rid of my tank, and I feel very happy again and don't know how long I will be without one but I suppose it won't be long.
24th April
Today all the tanks in the Regiment have got to be sprayed and all the Valances put on. I wouldn't have minded helping the troop to do it but as it is they have put me in another troop and gave me a tank, they must think I am a good driver.
28th April
My tank is looking vey nice, now that it has been sprayed and all the panel shields put on.
5th May Friday
A year today I came into the army it seems like 5 years to me, it won't be long now before I get demobbed ( I hope ) .Tomorow we have got a rehersal for the Duke.
6th May
I have just come off the parade and it was alright, there were hundreds of Jerry watching and I felt highly chuffed.
11th May Thursday
The Duke has been today and I really enjoyed the parade, you should have seen the lookers watching us there were thousands of them . After the parade the Duke made a speech in the square and he was pleased with us and the work we do. He has given us a holiday tomorow and I will try to go to Mohne -Lee.
21st May
I have got back from Mohne - Lee and I had quite a good time.
23rd May
Our SSM has gone out of the army today and I very glad because he was a rotten sod and I mean it.
24th May
We have just had our Regimental sports and our squadron got beat by 2 points . One of our corporals got hurt pretty bad in the tug of war he sprained his stomach and ribs but I think he will be alright, tomorow we have got a Squadron smoker and I hope to get drunk.
25th May
I didn't get drunk last night but I wasn't far off we had plenty of beer and eats and thats what I like.
3rd June
I am going to Bad - Harzburg today for 10 days so I should have a good time.
14 June
I have just got back from B. Harzburg and I had a lovely time. I went dancing swimming and went with one or two girls,I am sorry to be back in this place.
8th July
I am now on a 5 week scheme at Volgelsang on the Belgium border and I am having a pretty cushy time of it. I have a got a job in the Squadron stores and it is all right too.
We are under canvas which isn't to bad , but it is deadly when it rains and drowns us out.
We dont bull our kit here so that is one good thing isn't it.
10th July
I am now sleeping in the stores so I dont care if it rains or not as I won't get wet.
18th July
I have been out on a scheme today with the Eckelon Troop I didnt mind it as I was riding in a 15cwt with one of the lads.
24th July
I am now at camp for the night as I am on Advance party to Sennelager As I was coming through Cologne and Wuppertel I thought how nice it will be when I am out again and lapping life up like the people I saw doing.
2nd Aug
Today I got slung out of the Stores as Sgt Derrick wants me back in his troop. I dont want to go but I have no other option.
15th Aug
I am now back at camp for a week or two I am glad in a way as I want to sort my kit out and get it dry. While I was at Sennelager I went on two - 3 day schemes and it wasnt very nice we had to cook all our own food and we had to get up at 3 o clock every morning and then get washed shaved and ready to leave harbour at 3.30.
The first weekend at Sennelager I got put in clink down at Detmold for being out after curfew. I lapped it up but it was only because I was half canned. I got away with the charge but I was very lucky.
16th Aug
I am on guard worse luck, but I am not bothered as I have only got 40 more days to do unless they put 6 months on.
22nd Aug
I hope to be going on a short leave again at the end of the week. I 'm not entitled to one but I am going to get as much out of the army as I can.
23rd Aug
I am now in HQ. F troop I never ask to be put in but I am glad if it is only to get away from Sgt Derrick the :--:
24th Aug
They have given me a tank today I didn't really want it but you can't argue with an officer can you ?
This tank as got an oil leak in the engine on Hydrolic leek and it as got no Aur Gen, it is in a worse state than China .
25th Aug
My tank is now in Regimental workshops having new tracks and sprockets fitted. I hope to go on short leave shortly and let some else do the work for a change.
27th Aug
I am going to Bad - Harzburg tommorow so I havent a care in the world.
29th Aug
I am having a lovely time here, I have picked myself a frauline and she is very nice. I take her to the dance and she takes me to her home for supper.
2nd Sep.
Yesterday I went with Pat my mate and his girl on a cycle ride we didn't do much cycling we were lying down most of the time.
5th Sep.
I came off short leave last night, it was very nice while it lasted. I was sorry to leave my Frauline but demob is more important than she is. I was going to write to her but I lost her address on my way back. I was very mad about it but things like that happen espeacily to me. ( I'm dead lucky).
7th Sep.
I got a couple of presents from there , one for my sister and husband and one for myself. I was going to get my dad a pipe but I couldn't without any money.
8 th Sep.
I am on guard tonight just fancy come off leave 3 days ago and on guard tonight.
10 th Sep.
I am going to Sennelager again today on a weeks scheme so roll on next weekend and lets get back.
18 th Sep.
I am now back from Sennelager and am I glad mind you it was a lot better than when I was in 2 Troop because I was on a Bull-Dozer with my two mates and it was very cushy, all but getting up at 2.30 in a morning and driving about the countryside at an unearthly hour such as 3.30.
This time we came back by road. 76 miles of it and it wasn't very pleasant I can tell you. We were nearly back when the kid who was driving took his eyes off the road for a minute and he hit a tree. I got thrown off the B Dozer into the gutter and I hurt my shoulder, it was lucky that I never got killed as the tree was a Mountain Pine.
We got back at 2.30 in the morning and I was very tired with being on the road 8 hrs it's no joke driving through the night with just side lights and nothing else. I was up at 10-0 clock again filling up with petrol so you can tell they give us much time to our selves.
23rd Sep.
Today I am going on another scheme for 12 days. I am driving a Dingo this time so it should be a lot better than a tank.
26 th Sep.
Mr Burberry and I have had a good time on this scheme up till today. Just after dinner he got in the driving seat and took over from me as I was very tired. We hadn't been going 15 mins when the Dingo started to skid we were both in a panic and he tried to turn into the skid but it was to late, we hit a concrete post on the side of the road and then the Dingo did a couole of summersaults in the air turned round and landed in a field upside down with Mr Burberry and I still in it. He asked me if I was alright and I said yes. I think he scrawls out and as tried to get out I found my wrist trapped underneath. After about 10 mins I get my wrist free then the Dingo blows up if we had stayed there another minute we would have been burnt alive. We were the two luckiest people alive that day.
3rd Oct
We got back off the scheme yesterday and I went on a Court - B - F inquiry about the Dingo. I think it will be alright as it wasn't really our fault.
10th Oct
We haven't been doing much these last few days just messing about in general.
16th Oct
We have started having Adjudants parades again now as we are expecting a General on the 27th of the month.
28th Oct
The General came yesterday and was very pleased with us he gave us the rest of the day off, it wasn't long but it was alright.
1ST Nov
We have started to do hopital guards again now, so we will only be getting seven nights in bed.
2nd Nov
I am on guard tonight after only 8 nights in bed. So I think I will have another before I go on leave.
10th Nov
I am on guard again tonight and I go on leave in the morning it isn't right is it coming off guard at 7 o clock in the morning and rushing around to catch a train at 9.30.
11th Nov
I am now on the train going to the Hook Of Holland. I am very happy. There are two of my mates with me so it is as bad as last time I came.
12th Nov
I am now in Harwich I have just been through the customs and they charged me 14/- for a couple of lighters. The time now is 7 o clock I have just landed home. I suprised all the lot of them as here as they wern't expecting me so soon.
15th Nov
Tonight I have got to meet Connie for the first time. I feel very nervous as I hate meeting when I'm solo.
16th Nov
I met Connie at the station and believe me she was worth meeting. I didn't speak to her much as I am very shy.
19th Nov
Last night Connie and I went to the Mecca. We met Bill in Tunstall he is a lad that I know in our mob. We had a very nice time, I had a couple of dances with Connie but they werent very succesfull.
20th Mon
Last night Connie and I went to the pictures to see Stage Door Canteen. When we came out we saw Bill and Fred so we went and had a drink at the Loop Line. I had quite a good time.
Tues 21st Nov
Last night
Tues 21st Nov
Connie , Bill and myself went to the ideal Hanley. I didn't have a bad time at all. A week today I will be going back to Germany, so I want the rest of my leave to go slow as possible. I should have been demobbed if it wasn't for this six months. Lapping civvy street up. Never mind I will be out in April without a doubt.
Mon 27th Nov
This leave as been very good it would have been lousy if it wasn't for Connie . I go back tommorow.
Tue 28th Nov
Connie came to the station with me today, I feel awful going back to Germany.
29th Nov
I am now back at camp and don't I know it. I don't think I have ever felt so fed up before in all my life. All the way back I was thinking what I had left behind me.
2nd Dec
I am now getting settled down a bit but I still feel a bit home sick. Never mind I haven't got all that long to do now.
20 th Dec
It will soon be xmas now aren't I glad. I would very much like to spend it at home but I'm afraid I can't do that.
27th Dec
I didn't have a bad xmas. I had plenty to eat and drink and was quite happy. I didn't have as much ale as I would have liked to have had, maybe it was better that way.
31st Dec
It is New years Eve tonight so I hope next year will be a very good one for me being as I get demobbed.I have heard from Connie quite a few times since I got off leave. I hope she is still writing to me in April and then I will be well pleased.
9th Jan
It is my birthday today and I am on hospital guard you would think they would give you a day off instead of working. I have had some nice cards from home and off Connie .
10th Jan
I am going on short leave again on the 16th. I am very lucky getting all this leave.
16th Jan
I am now at Bad - Harzburg I haven't been here many times but I am having a good time.
19th Jan
I have been skiing today and tonight I have roller skating it was a good laugh at times.
21st Jan
I have bought a few presents to take home just to show that I think about them when I am away from home.
24th Jan
Been roller skating every day since I've been here and I have had a good time. I have run short of cash now but I am going to try and borrow some off one of the boys.
27th Jan
I got back from Bad - Harzburg last night and they have put me in another Squadron so heres hoping I soon get used to the lads in it.
2nd Feb
I am still getting mail from Con they cheer me up a lot. This Squadron isn't to bad but I don't like the Cprl they must think I am a nig-nog instead of an old soldier.
3rd Feb
I have got another Tank on my signature now it is SP.17PR Valentine, I know nothing about this sort so they can't blame me if it goes wrong.
9th Feb
We went on a day scheme yesterday they got us up at 4.45 just to play . soldiers.
10th Feb
Today the M.P.S came came here again about that German I knocked down in Wuppertel . that is 3 times since I got off leave I have seen them. I'll be glad when I get demobbed.
17th Feb
I got 14 days Jankers for malingering. There was a cross country run in the afternoon so I tried to get off it by going special-sick. I did get off it and put on open arrest.
24th Feb
Not much doing in the squadron now.I am still on Jankers. I'll be glad glad when I have finished them, they are killing me.I have got about 45 days to do now so Roll on !!!.
26th Feb
This last day or two I have been on the training area with Cpl Stone . If all the Cpl were like Joe the army would be alright, but they aren't. and thats harsh.
27th Feb
Had 4 letters off Connie today she is a very nice girl and I hope to stick to her.
28th Feb
Last day of Feb today only 2 more days of Jankers and then I am a free man again.
2ND March
I finished my Jankers tonight thank goodness I am just about browned off with working till 10-o-clock at night.
4th March
I don't seem to know what to do with my time now that I have finished Jankers. I don't get my late pass back till the 31st of this month. I don't really need it as I don't go out much. The farthist I go is the NAAFI and beer-bar.
6th March
I've had two more letters off Connie today the more the merrier thats me. I'll be glad when I get home and then I can take her out instead of sitting here writing.
17th March
Haddemob party last night for 49.07. I had plenty to drink. It wont be long now before its my turn. I can haedly wait.
20th March
Getting demob happy now, 4 weeks I should be away from this place.
1st April
49.08 went out this morning,I am in the next lot roll on the 14th and let me get away.
7th April
Had plenty of P.T this week. I've had my medical, so I am ready to out as soon as they are.
8th April
I am on my last guard tonight this is hat I have been waiting for all these months.
10th April
Had my CO's interview this morning and I have also handed in some of my kit.
15th April
Last night we had our demob party and afterwards we went out on the town. About 3-o clock we got picked up by the M.P's and were taken back to camp.
18th April
Yesterday I was on S.C's and C.O's orders on three charges being as I go out tommorow they let me off. I am dead lucky just lately.
21st April
I am now at Bovington Camp England. It is just like Catterick here but I am not bothered as I have only got 5 days left.
24th April
I have't done much since I have been here I have been sun bathing most of the time.
27th April
I am now a civillian once more. I can hardly believe it. I have still got to do 3 1/2 years with the T.A's but that doesnt matter as long as I am at home and close to Connie .
" There as been a lot more than what I have wrote but it wouldn't be wise to put it "
THE END
H Austin. signature