大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Jenny Christian of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library in conjunction with 大象传媒 Radio Norfolk on behalf of Peter Scott and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

My Army number was 1402694 and my 18th Birthday was in June, mid term between VE Day and VJ Day. I was summonsed to Britannia Barracks, Norwich where no one really knew what to do with me! It was suggested, I have no idea why, that perhaps I could learn Japanese. It was rather late in the day to contribute to the war effort by learning this language, so as an alternative I was sent off as being of potential officer material to WOSB, the War Operational Selection Board, near Belfast. We were expected to show initiative at all times; the Nissan huts in which we were billeted were very scenically situated, with inspiring views of the Mourne Mountains, but we had no heating and were bitterly cold at nights. The Main House where the Officers stayed was truly beautiful architecturally and had all possible comforts, including ample coal for fires! We young men decided to use our initiative and "borrow" some coal from this source, so that we could have a fire to keep ourselves warm!

Unfortunately we were caught. Whether as a direct consequence of this event or not I don't know, but I was sent to Canterbury to be a company clerk with The Royal East Kent Regiment. Sometimes referred to as THE BUFFS, this motto attributed as having been given to the regiment by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo when under extreme gunfire from the advancing French, the Duke rode up and down their ranks shouting "Steady The Buffs" (on account of the colour of their uniform). The regiment rallied, held the line and as we know the Battle of Waterloo was won.

The Royal East Kent Regiment were very short of admin staff and as our Colonel in Chief was King Frederick of Denmark a number of young Danes were sent over to help us. I remember there was one young man who was continually receiving Court Orders from Denmark for having got a girl in the family way and he was very thankful to have the opportunity to keep his head down whilst in Kent, England!
I can't say that I participated in the VE Day Victory Parade, but my rifle did! A young friend of mine travelled to London and because my rifle was in better looking condition and rather better maintained than his, he asked if he could take mine instead.

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