Weightman, William Albert (Oral history)

British private served with Queen's Royal Regiment in GB, 1943; officer cadet trained at Officer Training School in Bangalore, India, 1943; officer served with 52nd Training Brigade in India, 1943; officer served with 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in India and Burma, 1943-1945; officer served with Parachute Regiment in GB, 1946-1948; officer served with 17th Bn Parachute Regiment in GB, 1949-1953; officer served with East Riding Yeomanry in GB, 1953-1956; officer served with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, Cyprus, Egypt and Jordan, 1956-1970; officer served with 4th Bn Parachute Regiment in GB, 1970-1973; officer served with Sultanate of Oman's Armed Forces, 1973-1980; officer served with Yorkshire Army Cadet Force in GB, 1981-1990

REEL 1 Background in Co Durham, GB, 1925-1943: family and history of family in army; area grew up in; education in Sunderland and at Durham School including pacifism among teachers. Aspects of period as civilian in GB, 1938-1943: searchlight installed on family farm; issue of gas masks; father's reaction to war; keenness to join army; delay in joining school OTC; service with Home Guard; background of Home Guard; joining of Home Guard; commanding officer; duties with collection of messages; uniform worn; Ross Rifles; webbing used on exercises; Italian rifles issued in 1941; training; weapons training; marching at Light Infantry pace; details of Field Days at Brancepeth Camp; attraction to Royal Air Force and summary of army service; weapons shown on Field Days; time with Durham School OTC; story of troops being drilled. REEL 2 Continues: background of Home Guard Tutors; bombing of family farm and house; German plane shot down and landed on Hendon; bombing of Sunderland Station; morale of civilians; explosion of silver moth; return of troops from Dunkirk; inspiration of Winston Churchill's speeches; conscientious objectors; work with ARP Station in summer 1939; work as messenger for Auxiliary Fire Service; leisure activities; rationing of food and clothing; salvage campaigns at school; comradeship in boarding school; duties in house fire brigade and watching bombing raids over Durham; commemoration of students and staff killed in active service; story of old boy airman with medal ribbon; application for Indian Army cadetship; plans to go to Cambridge; enlistment in Queen's Royal Regiment in Newcastle; family's reaction to his joining army; determination after death of farm worker to go to war; interview with Colonel Baxter; sons and grandson of Colonel Baxter he served with later; medical. Aspects of period as private with Queen's Royal Regt in GB, 8/1943-9/1943: inoculations and training at Marylebone. Aspects of journey from GB to India aboard the HMT Multaan, 9/1943-10/1943: boarding of ship; wait for convoy; conditions onboard; language training; lectures on India; sleeping arrangements; length of journey; boat drill; training; Soviet Ambassador; frequency of duties; seasickness; fatigues; blackout; route taken through Atlantic; journey through Mediterranean. REEL 3 Continues: treatment as private soldiers; rough weather and seasickness; journey to Gibraltar; hospital ships at Gibraltar; escort along North African coast; troopships docking at Algiers; confinement below deck during air activity; scenes on journey through Suez Canal; 18th Birthday and journey through Red Sea; stop at Aden; Welsh Choir; arrival in Bombay; activities during journey; discipline; disembarkation; activities upon arrival; relief at arriving safely; first impressions of India; train journey to Bangalore. Aspects of period as officer cadet at Officers Training School in India, 10/1943-7/1943: health of troops on arrival; accommodation; washing facilities and latrines; Indian Army Mess and first meal; memories of Corporal Fluitt; uniform worn; outfit allowance; officers and NCOs of Preliminary Company; suicide of Quartermaster; equipment issued; storage and issue of weapons; sleeping arrangements; winter clothing; furniture and hurricane lamp; daily routine; working week; sports; officer staff; lunch and evening meals; background of troops on Cadet Course 59; description of dining room; comradeship; discussion of treatment from NCOs. REEL 4 Continues: morning procedures; physical training; khaki drill; foot and arms drill; breakfast; bicycles; Urdu language lessons; Urdu exam; usefulness of language; summary of training; weapons instructors; lectures; route marches; movement on to Preliminary Officers Training School Company; commanding officers; officers bar; ranks in Indian Army; background of officers; hierarchy of infantry and cavalry regiments; recruitment of Indian troops; artisans and transport in Indian Army; regimental training centres; pride in Indian Army; attitude of British troops toward Indian troops and life in India; move into D Company of Senior School; commanding officer; memories of Tom Jenkins; training; sport; training in command of troops; cadets acting as NCOs; number of platoon in company; week break; religious services attended; church parades; religious beliefs and reactions in battle; leisure activities; relationship with civilians; contact with women; details of pay during and after war; award for passing exams; Urdu written and oral exams. REEL 5 Continues: examinations throughout training; officers and NCOs at Senior School; scenes of Indian villages on route marches; anti-British feeling in India and instructed not to show a domineering imperial attitude; Indian troops shot for mutiny; sport; leisure activities; health of battalion; medical staff; British Military Hospital in Bangalore; Italians POWs; cross country running including description of dhobi itch; parade for General Auchinleck; passing out parade; application for infantry commission; reasons for selecting British rather than Indian infantry; officers cadet mess; death of cadet on exercise; train journey to Deolali via Poona; conditions at Deolali camp; accommodation; officers mess. Aspects of period as officer with 52nd Training Brigade in India, 1944: journey to 52nd Training Brigade at Budni; arrival at Budni; units in brigade posted to 20th Battalion Royal Fusiliers; background and organisation of brigade; command of platoon in 7th South Lancashire Regiment; train journey to Comilla in Bengal; accommodation at Budni; jungle training; mosquito and malaria precautions; problems with heat. REEL 6 Continues: description of jungle; terrain in training area; water and rations; exercise raids; details of firm bases set up in jungle; mules used for transport; time spent in firm base; policy of silence; information distributed about patrols; movement through jungle; effect of earlier campaigns on training; rations; salt tablets and perspiration; heating of food; uniform worn in jungle; weapon and ammunition; weapons carried in jungle; precautions taken against crocodiles while swimming; wildlife in jungle; lectures on Japanese; knowledge of Japanese cruelties; reason for need to kill Japanese wounded; Japanese thrusts towards India; reactions to situation; stories of amusing incidents during training; memories of fellow cadets and instructors; mail; journey to Kamila; allocation and journey to 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry including changes in terrain after Dimapur; signs of warfare; final stages of journey to 82nd Milestone. Recollections of operations as officer with 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in India and Burma, 1944-1945: reception from Adjutant Captain John Steel. REEL 7 Continues: explanation of Milestone 82; activities of Battalion at Kohima; changes in leadership; letter written to Colonel Southey; morale of battalion; retreat of Japanese troops; details of platoon and company; tank training with 3rd Dragoon Guards; memories of Sergeant Welsh; platoon order of battle; reasons for changes in platoon; troops who lost nerve; experience of troops; reinforcements; health of battalion; description of camp; supplies; journey to Kabaw Valley; wait for East African Division; terrain on journey to Indaingale; march to Wayachaung and Kalewa; crossing of bailey bridge; setting up of defences; signs of fighting; problems with Sten gun; Stand To; march to Shwegyin; Christmas meal and signs of 1942 retreat; movement during march; move beyond East African Division to advance on Pinyaing; slowing of pace at Wainggo Gorge; attack from Japanese machine gun; expectations of Japanese strength; C Company take lead of advance; firing on C Company from Japanese machine gun post. REEL 8 Continues: reactions to firing; 11 Platoon's attack on Japanese machine gun post; advance with 10 Platoon leading; fire from Gurkhas while crossing a trestle bridge; Royal Berkshires across bridge; return for troops lying down in sand; damage to Private Robinson's equipment; apology from Gurkhas; return across bridge; retreat to defensive position alongside Sipadon Chaung; opinion of decision; advance past Ghurkhas; orders to follow Royal Welch Fusiliers; move to rear of company; role of 10 Platoon with transport; description of Sipadon Chaung; Japanese attack on leading platoon; return fire of artillery; activities of Colonel Southey; Japanese retreat and advance into Paga; effect of action of Private Smith; burial of Lieutenant Beddell and procedure for burial; march towards Taunggyaung; message from aircraft and reconnaissance patrol; orders for 10 Platoon; description of Taunggyaung; remnants of reconnaissance patrol; advance into village; rush into Japanese position; contact with civilians; fire taken from Japanese; use of grenade and fall back to platoon; retrieval of weapons; situation; formation of platoon; searching of houses; withdrawal from village; information given to Major Shuttle; order for second advance; failure of attack; cancellation of attack and formation taken overnight; withdrawal of Japanese troops; burial of casualties; booby trapped mound; description of main track; advance toward Kaduma and Kabo Weir; attack from Japanese aircraft. REEL 9 Continues: casualties; stops at Kaduma and Taze; beer ration; summary of previous ten days; day at Taze; march towards Kabo Weir; position taken on Mu River opposite Kabo; orders to cross canal; action on Kabo footbridge; withdrawal; opinion of orders; sleeping arrangements; breakfast; Japanese air activity; crossing of Mu River; patrol to footbridge; Japanese soldier fired at; advance around Ye U; departure of Colonel Southey; promotion to Lieutenant; advance towards Irrawaddy River; accommodation in Hladaw; ENSA concert; civilian attitude towards Japanese and British; mule gymkhana; mail; journey to Natkayang; split of battalion and action on journey to Ngatayaw; action against a Japanese patrol and sword captured. REEL 10 Continues: 2nd Division's crossing of Irrawaddy; march to Myinze; capture of Ngazun; 2nd Battalion's crossing of Irrawaddy; defence of camp and events of following night; orders to capture village; memories of Private Joss Jennings; formation going into battle; scenes on advance; fire from Japanese; start of action for D Company; change in battalion leadership; scenes during move onto Sandy Ridge; firing at retreating Japanese troops; charge at Japanese; grenade thrown at him; action against Japanese soldier in foxhole; fall back to request help from tank; action while waiting for tank; advance of tank over hedgerow; troops exposed and action taken against them; casualties; terrain beyond ridge and decision could go no further; death of Private Jennings; Japanese marking of foxholes; use of tank fire; takeover of command of 10 Platoon to clear ridge; action against Japanese soldier in foxhole; evacuation of Charlie Husbands; killing of wounded soldier; story of evacuation of Private Smith. REEL 11 Continues: dealing with troops who had lost nerve; stories of patrols in Burma; communication and formation on patrols; support from tanks; reasons for not taking Japanese prisoners; relief of thirst after Sandy Ridge battle; condition after battle; clearing of battlefield; dreams of himself and Corporal Lowe following battle; time on Sandy Ridge; attack on Zalokma with Hurricane support; casualties; story of a Japanese Artillery Officer's attack on a tank; signs of Japanese disorganisation; hammer and anvil formation; speed travelling at; advance to Mandalay-Rangoon Road; supplies coming from air including mail and organisation of leave in Calcutta; importance of cigarettes; rum and beer rations; rations; discipline of troops. REEL 12 Continues: terrain; father's attempt to have him sent home; breakout from Irrawaddy Bridgehead; advance to Malegyn; reconnaissance of village; advance of platoon and company; action against Japanese soldier advancing towards them; wounding of Corporal Gardner; attack on Japanese foxhole; continuation of attack and support from tanks; description fire from Japanese machine gun; attack of tanks; destruction of Japanese machine gun position; Buddhist priest; Japanese artillery fire; wounds of Corporals Inche and McCaul; escape of Colonel Torikai; troops recommended for medals; mines on tracks; movement of advance; story of machine gun fire during night; most feared Japanese weapons; use of Bren guns; support from 2nd Manchester Regiment; opinion of Sten guns; weapons carried; tactics used in attacks; summary of attack on Sandy Ridge. REEL 13 Continues: uses of bayonet in Burma; use of anvil and hammer tactics; weapons left by Japanese troops in Malegyn; removal of gold teeth; reinforcements; advance to Mandalay-Rangoon Road; crossing of Irrawaddy tributary; sleeping arrangements; building of bailey bridge; machine gun fire during night; firing of EY Rifle and policy of using small arms during night; move to Ywathit East; Japanese straggler; make-up of group sent to shoot up a village; memories of Major Desmond Murphy; route taken toward to village; reason for missing action; action in village; advance into village next day; positions taken by battalion on Mandalay-Rangoon Road; alert on first night; lots drawn for sleep on second night; action through night; actions of Private Riddle; suicide of Japanese officer; deaths from friendly fire; early warning systems on perimeter; Japanese military policemen's attempt to move through B Company; description of hand to hand combat fight that followed. REEL 14 Continues: photograph taken; adoption of dog by B Company; patrol taken to school buildings including fresh blood on ground; securing of school buildings for Royal Army Medical Corps and discovery of dead civilians; arrival of first patients; wounded Japanese troops treated; evacuation of Japanese patients; contact with Japanese patients; report from Anglo-Burmese of convent at Zaingyi; formation of advance towards Zaingyi; staging and split of force at Ebya; march to convent; arrival at convent; reception from villagers; establishment of perimeter; attack on Ebya and prisoner taken; overnight commotion in Zaingyi; news of Japanese kidnap and bayoneting of a Christian from Zaingyi; other instances of Japanese brutality; treatment of bayoneted man; reconnaissance patrol; decision for pull back with nuns and children; carrying of nuns across a chaung; stories from nuns of Japanese occupation; death of bayoneted man; handover of nuns and children; correspondence with families of the nuns. REEL 15 Continues: organisation of battalion for visit to Mandalay; scenes on journey; sightseeing in Mandalay; leave and fatigue of Sergeant Frank Bushford; explanation of Leave in Advance of Python; journey to and stay in Myingyan area; news of posting to India; flight to India; journey to jungle near Bandel; visits to Calcutta and rations; condition of battalion; boarding of HMT Dilwara; news of invasion and assault on Rangoon; plan of attack; news of German surrender while on Ramree Island; swimming on Ramree Island and death of Lieutenant Connolly; arrival in Irrawaddy Delta; news of Japanese withdrawal from Rangoon; arrival and accommodation in Rangoon; football; duties guarding Insen Gaol; accident with Sten gun; Indian National Army prisoners guarded; opinion of Indian prisoners; briefing at Insen school; description of Keren people; patrols looking for Japanese stragglers; Burmese National Army troops at Kawa Garrison and visit aboard HMS Cumberland; patrol to Ohne; accommodation and sleeping arrangements in Mingladon; news of father's death; reactions of other troops in similar situation; story of meeting and flight with George Sweeting. REEL 16 Continues: air accident; news of return to GB on LIAP; stay in Rangoon transit camp; scenes in Rangoon. Aspects of journey from Rangoon, Burma, to Merryfield Aerodrome, GB, 1945: voyage to Calcutta aboard HMT Devonshire; stay at Grand Hotel; journey to and stay in Poona; news of Hiroshima bombing; flight to Karachi; news of Nagasaki bombing; flight to Bahrain; stop in Habanniya and news of Japanese surrender; flight to Lydda; stay in transit camp; trip to Tel Aviv; flight to Elmas via El Adem and signs of fighting in Western Desert; stay in Sardinia; storm and vertical drop on flight; diversion to Marseilles and treatment of wounded; damage to billets; flight to Merryfield. Aspects of leave in GB, 1945: journey home to Sunderland; reactions of family; contact with relations of comrades; visits to Colonel Fillingham at Luton Hoo and Durham Cathedral; damage to ears from action at Sandy Ridge; meeting with Muriel Mailing and fire on family farm; visit to London and reactions to Battle of Britain fly past. REEL 17 Continues: thoughts while on leave and news of battalion; correspondence with relations of troops; discussion of book by Ian Hamilton; victory parade through Rangoon; comparison of service in Burma with nuns rescued; religious beliefs and padres; opinions of medical staff; recollections of troops who lost nerve; story of Private Kerfoot shooting himself at Sandy Ridge; suicide of cook at Mingaladon; role of officer in raising morale; discussion of Japanese Infantrymen; problem with ear in GB; activities on leave; opinion of men who had not served in forces including older brother. REEL 18 Continues: rank; return to Merryfield. Aspects of journey from Merryfield, GB, to Poona, India, 1945: flight to Elmas; stay in Sardinia; problems with plane; stay in El Adem; flight to Lydda; flight to Habanniyah; news of troubles in Palestine; reactions to attack; fights to Karachi via Bahrain; attempts to discover battalion's location; flight to Calcutta on Solent Flying Boat including stop at Udaipur; news that battalion in Poona and stay in Calcutta; shortage of officers in British Army; journey to Poona. Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in India, 1945: reunion with battalion; changes in battalion command; news of posting in Malaya as part of Operation Button; date with nurses; weapons training; story of cross country run; train journey to Bombay Docks. Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in Malaya, 1945-1946: voyage aboard Saibajak to Singapore; accommodation in Johore Bahru; disarming of 4th South Johor Guerrilla Regiment of Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army; wounding of Private Jow; treatment given and drive to hospital; aftermath of accident; memories of Major Syme; disposal of weapons; shooting of a collaborator; re-occupation of Pengerang. REEL 19 Continues: landing in Pengerang; state of Naval station; rotation of troops through Pengerang; Japanese troops withdrawn from Java and Sumatra; fighting in Indonesia with TRI; troops needing evacuation from Atjeh Province; orders for D Company to help with the evacuation; voyage from Singapore to Indonesia aboard Tiei Maru; problems with landing; arrival onshore; liaison with Japanese troops; ferrying of troops to ships; Japanese officer seen on jetty; weapons stacked on ship; surrender of Japanese naval officers to HMS Caprice's senior officer and himself; latrines constructed on ship; photographs taken onboard; interview of Kepiti Captain; opinion that Japanese purposefully left troops behind; handing over of Japanese troops at Batu Pahat and Rengham; attitude of Japanese troops; destruction of weapons and buildings at Oleelehuea; continuing relationship with Japanese; time in Singapore; return to Johore Baru; internal security duties; surrender of Japanese officers; attitude of troops towards Japanese; examples of war criminals dealt with; Japanese saluting of British troops. REEL 20 Continues: details of security work; training camp set up; training of Dutch troops at Port Dickson; hunts for man-eating tiger and pigs; move to camp in Dusuntua; Chinese pig traps; opinion of and relationship with Dutch troops; return to battalion at Singapore; accommodation; horses; troops in battalion and discipline; areas guarded; use of horses; condition of service of troops; commission as regular Lieutenant; posted as Instructor at Malaya Command Training Centre. Aspects of period as Officer Instructor at Malaya Command Training Centre, Malaya, 2/1946-7/1946: preparations for first course; background of staff; memories of Colonel Crawford and Major Raymond Henderson; trips up River Lui and contact with guerrillas; signs of future problems; social activities; weapons carried when out of camp; elements of training; demonstration platoon; clashes between 14th Army and 21st Army Group in Europe; news of death of Durham troops; opinion of training. REEL 21 Continues: Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in Malaya, 7/1946-9/1946: return to battalion; duties and split of battalion; duties at Juasseh Japanese Personnel Camp; camp commandant; problems with camp adjutant; details of camp; story of interpreter and the Bousanquet family; cricket; army-air support course attended; journey to Singapore training camp; send-off from battalion; time in transit camp; description of execution watched at Changi Gaol; prisoners executed; reactions of witnesses; executions reported in newspapers; other prisoners in Changi; photographs of executions. Aspects of journey from Singapore to Liverpool, GB, aboard HMT Britannic, 9/1946-10/1946: boarding of HMT Britannic; accommodation; length of journey; route taken to Aden; deck tennis; passengers onboard; 21st Birthday. REEL 22 Continues: journey up Suez Canal; stop at Port Said and application to join Airborne Forces; reason for wanting to join; departure from Port Said; journey through Mediterranean; suicide of Malaya Police Chief Inspection; arrival in Liverpool. Aspects of period as officer in GB, 10/1946-11/1946: journey to Fenham Barracks; change of attitude towards forces; activities while in No 6 Infantry Holding Battalion; story of journey to London; Parachute Officers Selection Board at Haywards Heath; posted to Airborne Forces Depot in Aldershot; attitude of civilians while on leave. Aspects of period as officer with Parachute Regiment in GB, 1946-1948: arrival in Aldershot; background of troops; training staff; physical training; comradeship; accommodation at RAF Upper Hayford; synthetic training and officers at No 1 Army Parachute Training School; opinion of ease of training and accommodation at Aldershot; description of warfare faced by parachutists; story of first parachute jump; parachute and landing positions; journey home on leave for Christmas 1946; attempt to get out of being Duty Officer on Christmas Eve. REEL 23 Continues: length of course; time as Duty Officer on Christmas Eve 1946 in Middleton Stoney; Christmas leave; further jumps from balloon; passing out parade; posted to Parachutist Reserve Battalion at Aldershot; interview with Lieutenant Colonel Croker; accommodation; protection from posting abroad; post as Infantry Instructor; training; detachments sent to RAF Syerston; troops dropped in each flight; dropping zone; stories of parachute drops for army cadets at Tweseldown and Brighton; amalgamation of three battalions and posting to Airborne Force Depot; physical training; comparison with Infantry training; engagement; relationship with WAAF ladies; crash of Halifax into air control tower; reactions of troops to jumping; comradeship; accidents in this period; consequences for refusal to jump; discipline; details of training course; mounting of guards; swimming in Newark; story of trip to Magistrate's Court in Bicester; story of stolen railway warrant. REEL 24 Continues: plans to buy a farm; German POWs in Aldershot; breaking off of engagement and pay; cricket; friends made in Aldershot; redundancy following closure of Training Centre; posted to Light Infantry Training Centre in Borden. Aspects of period as officer with Light Infantry Training Depot in Borden, GB, 1948: cricket matches; reaction to leaving Airborne Forces and events of the period; resignation from army; memories of John Arnett. Aspects of period as officer with 17th Bn Parachute Regiment, 1948- 1953: start of farm course at Thirsk; joining of 17th Battalion Parachute Regiment; posting with B Company in Norton; farm work; background of troops; Permanent Staff Instructors and other units at Drill Hall; memories of JA Wight aka James Herriott; 1949 annual camp at Rolleston; 1950 camp on Fylingdale Moor; memories of troops during this period; prize bull reared in 1951; 1952 annual camp at Howick; parachute drop near Wesel in Germany; story of doll bought; storm on flight back to GB. REEL 25 Continues: memories of Captain Jack Burkma; story of fight between Corporal Mark Owens and Sergeant Ritchie; memories of Corporal Albert Jackson; reason for leaving for East Riding Yeomanry. Aspects of period as officer with East Riding Yeomanry in GB, 1953-1956: acceptance into Yeomanry; changes in vehicles and role; 50th Anniversary Parade at Beverley; reactions to changes in unit; disbandment of Yorkshire Cavalry Regiments. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, 1956: application to join RAF Regiment; appointment in RAF; start of Junior Officer training at RAF Catterick; looming of troubles at Suez; make-up of Junior Officers Course No 10; officers and students on course; reasons for joining RAF Regiment; Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare training; weapons training in Devon; course result; preparations for Middle East; journey to and time at transit centre at RAF Hendon; flight from Southend to Nicosia. Aspects of period as officer with 19 LAA Wing Royal Air Force Regiment in Middle East, 1956-1960: accommodation in Nicosia; ceasefire in Egypt; reasons for move of 19 LAA Wing from RAF Amman to Mafraq; situation at Mafraq; events on Suez Canal; move to El Gamil; civilian casualties; flight to Habinniya. REEL 26 Continues: time at Habbaniyah; flight to RAF Mafraq; description of RAF Mafraq; accommodation; defences around perimeter; civilians working at RAF Mafraq; role; opinion of troops under his control; plotting table; 280 Signals unit; Venom Fighter Squadron; political situation in Jordan; communications; support available from 10th Hussars; cessation of political tension; Christmas 1947; agreement for handover of Mafraq to Jordan; alert during attempted overthrow of King Hussein; selling-off and thefts of equipment before handover of airfield; punishments given for thefts in maintenance units; story of money taken to bank in Amman; memories of Arabian officers; arrival of Bedouin Regiment; reconnaissance undertaken; capture by Syrians after lorry broke down on return; questioning at Syrian camp. REEL 27 Continues: relationship with Syrians while captured; informed Jordanian Military Police about areas covered by British and Syrian forces; story of a convoy journey to Aqaba; guarding of vehicle compound at Aqaba; story of shooting of a thief and subsequent Board of Enquiry; handover of RAF Mafraq; journey to Habinniya; arrival at airfield; accommodation; visit to Baghdad to see family friend in King's bodyguard; crash at Aqaba; flight to Nicosia; accommodation; posted to No 2 Field Squadron; other units at Nicosia; security patrols; tour of duty with signals; journeys to Cape Greco including MBEs awarded; replacement of Sten with the Stirling; EOKA movement and need for care in Nicosia. REEL 28 Continues: internal security courses; EOKA leaders and headquarters; details of mountain groups; EOKA communications; district and town leaders; reorganisation of headquarters in 1957; killer groups; activities of mountain groups; leaders active 1957-1959; activities of village leaders; more on killer groups; activities of surveillance groups; medical groups; work of town bombing groups; transport groups; leaflet groups; women in EOKA: public and police support for EOKA; EOKA and OKI Day; supply and theft of weapons; EOKA propaganda; attitude towards Greek and Turkish Cypriots; activities in Cyprus; Turkish attacks on Greeks in Nicosia; position taken on Mason-Dixon Line. REEL 29 Continues: internal security training; regulations for response to events in various situations; reporting of incidents; duties as Wing Intelligence Officer; possible threats to air station; chain of command; local EOKA commanders; population of RAF Nicosia; examples of aircraft sabotage; bomb incidents and expulsion of Royal Ulster Rifles from the Order of the Buffaloes; attacks on personnel; story of bomb in "Dickie" Bird's luggage and his removal of a suspected bomb; court martial of Bird; investigation into incidents; bombing of NAAFI; knowledge of bomb among Greek Cypriot staff; new security measures following NAAFI bombing; attacks on RAF Regiment; guns lost to EOKA. REEL 30 Continues: relationship with Greek and Turkish Cypriots; Intelligence Officer conference and agreements signed; exclusion of EOKAS men; thinning down of guards; situation in 1959; training of troops for riot squad duties; journey to Southampton. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, 1960-1964: leave; training post at RAF Leeming; posted to 11 Group Headquarters at RAF Ouston; activities as Station Security Officer at RAF Leconfield; hopes for posting in Singapore; return to Cyprus. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in Cyprus, 1964-1968: social and sporting activities; meetings with Nicos Samson; duties visiting married families; visit to General Grivas' house in Nicosia; EOKA gathering of funds; return to GB. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, 1968-1970: posting as training officer at RAF Catterick; reasons for leaving RAF Regiment; hope for job with Bass; work with Agricultural Company; commendation in 1970 New Years Honours List; 1958 Mention In Dispatches for work in Cyprus; pride in his airmen. REEL 31 Continues: Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in Cyprus, 1957-1960: story of search for helicopter lost in Truro Hills while working with RAF Nicosia Mountain Rescue Team. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, 1960-1964: time at RAF Leeming on return; story of putting out a fire following an aircraft accident; other accidents involved with; posting at RAF Ousten; duties at RAF Leaconfield; fires at Leaconfield; changes to aircraft; squadron's pet mallard; organisation of leisure activities; crimes being committed; anti-aircraft gunnery course; fatalities from air accidents; move to married quarters at RAF Driffield; flight to Cyprus. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in Cyprus, 1964-1968: posted to 34 Squadron at Akrotiri; squadron sent to Aden; death of Smitten; changeover of 34 Squadron for 27; Christmas 1965; flight from Aden to Cyprus; refresher parachute course; posted as 2nd in command of parachute rescue force; sports; role of parachute rescue force; cancellation of desert rescue exercises in Libya; crash on return journey. REEL 32 Continues: evacuation from damaged aircraft and memories of Flight Sergeant Paul Hewitt; further cancellation of training drops; death of mother; eventual success of desert rescue exercises; changes in aircraft; water descent training; news of search for missing Comet; Stand To; preparations to leave base; briefing of crash site; journey to crash site; scenes at crash site; regrets on return to Cyprus; drill for sea rescue jump; activities once in water; dangers on water drops and clothes worn on jump; investigations into Comet crash; casualties from crash; details of rescue attempt; opinion and memories of First Wing Commander Jimmy Marshall; horse riding for leisure; quality of National Servicemen; accident in Akrotiri; marriage of daughter; flight to GB. REEL 33 Continues: Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force Regiment in GB, 1968-1970: death of father in law; duties as Air Cadet Liaison Officer at RAF Catterick; training of cadets; Nijmegen marches; other activities in post; commendation for work. Aspects of period as officer with 4th Bn Parachute Regiment in GB, 1970-1973: rejoining of Parachute Regiment; pay; training; exercise with broken leg; promotion; exercises took part in; changes in equipment; decision to join force in Oman; application and selection for commission; pay; breaking of ankles; hospitalisation in Catterick; removal of plasters; refusal to delay service with Sultan; story of flight to Oman. Aspects of period as officer with Sultanate of Oman's Armed Forces in Oman, 1973-1980: arrival in Oman; given command of Sur in southern sector of Oman; sectors gendarmerie divided between; illness; journey to southern sector; uniforms worn; boots worn; British troops in Oman; regiments of Oman; commanders of Oman forces; rotation of battalions; length of command in Sur; weapons being smuggled into Oman; capture of PFLOAG members by Security Intelligence; punishments given; need to be careful; routine patrols. REEL 34 Continues: threat of medical orderly to shoot; climbing of Jabal Shams; Christmas leave; Yom Kippur War; takeover of squadron; spilt of unit; buying of food; communications; officers and NCOs; population of Sur and Massandam; nickname from troops; journey to south; position taken on border with Yemen; weapons at disposal; living conditions; role defending Wadi Mardi; situation with South Yemen; more on weapons in arsenal; NCOs commissioned; opinion of NCOs and officers; Iranian troops in support; memories of interpreter; rank; trips round positions; story of fox eaten; wildlife in area; mine found on airstrip; further accidents on mines; treatment of Arab troops; fighting involved in; problems with Arab troops. REEL 35 Continues: activities of new Sultan; training of troops; piquets in hills; opinion of officers and NCOs; story of lights seen while being relieved from position; posting to Ibri; footwear in Oman Forces; coping with climate; health of troops; visit of Brigadier; journey to desert station; description of camp; internal security patrols; memories of Colonel Bousefield; relationship with civilians; foreigners in Oman; nature of fighting in Dhofar and ambush on waterhole; defences erected on Hornbeam Line; shelling from Yemen guns; counter attacks from Sultan of Oman Air Force; end of campaign; weapons supplied to South Yemen; details of leave and pay; RAF presence at Salalah; promotion to Major; spending power. REEL 36 Continues: incident during roadblock duties in Rustaq; Arabic Language Course; posting at Headquarters Squadron and duties; murder of Major Keith Brett; investigations into murder; problems with testimony of a suspect with an injured eye; suspect's later involvement with a private's death; stopping of corruption within training camp; accidents causing deaths of troops; endeavours to improve training camp conditions; posting as SO2 Projects; description of camp built; return to GB; ongoing relationships with Omani officers; discussions of Arabisation of Oman and Jordanian Armies and promotions in Oman Army. REEL 37 Continues: flight to GB; holidays in USA; enquiries to see if could help in Falklands. Aspects of period as officer with Yorkshire Army Cadet Force in GB, 1981-1990: role with Yorkshire Army Cadet Force in Scarborough and Northallerton areas; annual camps; reorganisation of areas; opinion of officers and training staff; changes made to staff; improvements in results; members of staff; formation of new unit at Stokesley; handover of area and posting as Assistant Commandant; takeover of Leeds and Bradford area; retirement; success of cadets in final years; cadets who joined army; continuing contact with comrades.