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On the 15th April 1943 I joined the army, reporting at Budbrooke Barracks, near Warwick, for preliminary training with the Leicestershire and Warwickshire Regiments. An influx of a few hundred arrived that day and we were split into squads each with a staff corporal and a sergeant instructor shared between two squads. Both types were of the regular army, pre-war long service vintage — all spit and polish and very little between their ears!

First of all we received a friendly welcome and a pep talk about army life in general, and the traditions and battle honours of the regiments. This was followed by the drawing of kit, battle-dress, boots, underwear, tin hat, denims and togs for PT., not forgetting dog tags, mess tins, eating irons, first aid dressing and house-wife. The latter consisted of a cloth wallet containing sewing needles, thread, darning wool and pins.

Then ‘biscuit’ covers, three each, had to be filled with straw, forming a bunk mattress. Documentation followed, an army number and a pay book.

After getting into battle dress the first army order came out loud and clear ‘Get yer hair cut’. This meant a disorderly march to the camp barber, with a few ‘pick-em ups’ and other fruity expressions thrown in. Clippers went right up the back and sides, with a bit left on the top. Close shorn like a flock of sheep we had truly arrived in the army.

Inoculations, vaccination, blood grouping followed next morning (mine B5) and yet another medical — still A1!

Each and every day the squad was made to move at the double, from ‘wakey show a leg’ in the morning until staggering to the evening meal. Always with an instructor at our heels, urging us along with gestures and remarks in somewhat expressive and colourful language.

Time was filled with such activity as drilling on the square, arms drill and shooting, how to use a bayonet, grenade throwing, running and assault course, and PT. Each of these items required a clothing change, back and forward from the billet, at the double.

A welcomed rest was obtained in the classroom, lectures on current affairs, aircraft and tank recognition, map reading and various types of weapons. Well on during the course a day was set aside for tests in general intelligence, mechanical and electrical, English and Maths. The papers were in set form just requiring the answers, but scrap paper was to hand for working out. The questions were very simple to start with but became harder and harder. For example, the Maths, paper started with simple addition, , subtraction, division and multiplication and I managed to get past the algebra, logs and trig stage.

It is said that the army marches on its stomach, but the standard of cooking at Budbrooke left much to be desired, greasy stews, water logged vegetables and the afters were very little better. Much was considered uneatable by the squad and left. However, it is surprising what a fair amount of activity can do and eventually second helpings became the norm.

In early May proficiency standard in rifle and machine-gun shooting was achieved, as recorded in my service book.

Very slowly we were being knocked into shape to what the army considered as a fine body of trained soldiers, although the Sergeant kept on reminding us what a bloody shower were were!

Towards the end of the course there was an interview with a careers officer sent from Headquarters. Remarking on my standard of Maths, he said that the army could do with a few extra surveyors. He only had a rough idea of the details but to me it sounded interesting and I went along with him.

At last the great day came, the end of the six weeks course. This was ‘celebrated’ with a passing-out parade, complete with saluting base and the regimental band. Our sergeant, at last, appeared to be pleased with his squads which he proudly led and took the salute. After the parade details of forward postings were made know, mine was to the Army School of Survey, Larkhill.

We were invited out for the evening by the ‘staff’ to a pub in Warwick, transport provided. We were, of course, expected to buy the drinks. Everybody got merry and our sergeant got real maudlin going to great lengths to explain he was not really a bastard! A great time was had by all and the course ended on a happy note, and with heartfelt relief.

Next morning on collecting papers and travel warrant I found that I was to report to the Army Driving Instructor Training Regiment at Blackpool. No explanation was forthcoming, but was told to just carryout orders, so off I went.

The Headquarter in Blackpool was a private house that had been taken over and I was found a ‘billet’ — naturally board and meals in a private hotel, the North end of Blackpool, just past the Miners Home. Civilian guests were still in residence. What a change from Budbrooke.

The army staff were very friendly and I discovered that most of them were also musicians in the local army band and were of low medical category. The course, for the new intake of twenty, consisted of learning to drive all sorts of army vehicles, from staff cars, vans, trucks, up to super heavies, and tank transporters and recovery vehicles. Also included were lectures on mechanics, maintenance and such things as changing wheels in a hurry, as carried out in racing pits to this day.

Thursday afternoons were very special and the only bit of military ‘bull’ during the whole course. Having got spruced up we gathered at the North end of Blackpool, with other small army units in the area. Then with the band playing at the front, we marched in good order to the Derby Baths in town, for an afternoon’s swim, the baths being reserved for our sole use.

Blackpool, at the time, was a main R.A.F training depot, there were hundreds of them about. On our march into town we passed squads of ‘bods’ doing PT and running on the beach. Our march was a gesture to show the army presence in Blackpool, also to give the band some practice.

On the 8th. June 43 I passed the army driving test, as recorded in my service book, and this had its moments. The officer examiner came form elsewhere and the test was taken in a staff car. After doing the usual movements such as stopping and starting on a hill, three point turn and giving signals with the arm, the order was to drive through town. This was accomplished with shouts form the examiner to go faster and faster. Leaving Blackpool behind and still going fast the order come ‘ emergency stop’. Stamping on the brake pedal the car spun round twice before coming to a stop, and I was shaking. I was congratulated and the examiner had apparently enjoyed himself. I felt he was either going barmy or had suicidal tendencies.

The next part of the course was convoy driving, the correct spacing and how to stay together, etc. We did this in Blackpool and later whole days winding around the Lake District. A pub stop for a pint to go with the packed lunch from the hotel, time to stop to admire the scenery and call at a café or two we found the pastime quite enjoyable.

Doris joined me for a few days and we had some happy times when I was off duty. Before the instructor side of the course started there was a further posting for me, to the Army School of Survey. So saying goodbye to friends I set off for Larkhill.

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