大象传媒

I was at home in my native Montserrat when the war broke out. I was called up and spent time in St. Kitts Island, Nevis and Antigua. I remember being on March a Bottle Drill. We were supposed to be an unarmed combat group - an honourary soldier was not supposed to carry live ammunition but we did. I remember climbing up a tree when a live round was fired. It broke the branch which fell to the ground but I reached the ground first! I then took cover at the trunk of the tree.

I remember getting drunk and being put on a charge. I was about 19 at the time amd was meant to go to Antigua. I was with the captain of the dentist orderlies and he gave me two dollars to buy a drink. My friend and I went into the pub and bought some alcohol. We both sat at the table and drank. I could not see to get home and the officer in charge - Colonel Brackmen - realised I had been drinking. He sent me back to my company commander and I was frightened I would be sent to prison for the night as I was missing from the barracks. However, I was lucky I was sent back to my commanding officer.

I was away in the army for three years and seven months. I spent three weeks in hospital with a fever but I enjoyed the army. Food supplies were very good but a lot of food was wasted, especially bully beef.

I received a medal from Trinidad Headquarters and I wish I had brought it with me today.

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