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On the first day I was in the army it was a bit of a shambles. It was the 5th March 1940 and we were told to report at Malvern station at 8am sharp. We got the train to Salisbury and had to go to the workhouse. We were lined up and had our names checked and were given our unit. Then we were told we were going to Tisbury. We got back on the train which was supposed to stop at Tisbury but the driver forgot to stop and we had to catch the milk train back, reminding the driver to stop! We had to march for what seemed like miles in the pitch black with the hedges so high until we reached our barracks. We were given our beds, 3 planks, 2 small trestles and a straw palliste and told to make them! I think that must be why its called ‘basic training‘!

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Jacci Phillips of the CSV Action Desk at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Hereford and Worcester on behalf of John Rawlings and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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