大象传媒

My VE Day

After working just over a year in REME Workshops repairing telecomm equipment [Article A2117855] I reached the age of 18 - time to be thrust into full military service, together with my fellow apprentice craftsmen. This transfer involved moving from the routine of our almost civilian employment to endure the rigours of square-bashing and assault courses at a basic training camp.
After a quick train journey from Victoria we reported in to the depot at Chichester Barracks. The return to military activity actually made a change from working at a bench every day and new friends were formed as we entered into the training program.
Then we were informed we were to have a day off -- the war was over for Europe !
Our training would continue but we were given leave for 24 hours. So I jumped on the train up to London to visit friends back in Greenford. But that was a mistake - the place was dead quiet. I guess people went in to the centre of London to celebrate.
After a sandwich and drink in Ealing, I followed the trend and joined in with the masses milling around Buckingham Palace.
Nothing much of interest happened while I was there and fed up with watching people climbing statues it was back to Victoria Station and down to Chichester to join the gang for a meal in the cookhouse.
The evening improved. With my mate, Jack Comish, we went down to join the revellers in the centre of the city and have a drink or two.
The pubs closed as usual at 10.30 and after a few goodbyes Jack and I began to make our way back to barracks. It was during a short cut past the cathedral we noticed some ladders up the side of the stonework and decided to investigate.
These ladders were provided for fire watching personnel and, on investigation, were found to lead right up the tower to the base of the spire. Up there the view was wonderful as it was a clear night and all over the town and countryside lights were showing for the first time for five or six years. 'Put out that light' would not be shouted again [except in the 'Dads Army' TV series].
We enjoyed the experience for a while and then returned to camp.
Amends for our trespass was made the following Sunday when we marched to the Cathedral on the Victory Parade and joined in the chuch service.
Then it was back to basics - training.

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