Hawksworth, Robert Whiston (Oral history)

British boy musician, private and NCO served with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, China, Hong Kong, North Africa, Syria, Greece and Italy, 1936-1944; NCO served with Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1944; NCO served with 6th Bn West Yorkshire Regt in GB and Italy, 1944-1946; NCO served with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Greece, GB, Germany, Korea, Japan and Egypt, 1946-1955; NCO served with Durham Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1955-1957; NCO served with Trucial Oman Scouts in Oman, 1957-1958; NCO served with 1st and 4th Bns King's Shropshire Light Infantry in GB, 1958-1961

REEL 1 Background in Hull, GB, 1920-1936: family and area grew up in; leisure activities as child; education; work as apprentice painter and decorator; reason for leaving job; joining of boy scouts; uniform; activities at meetings; discipline; annual camp; work with LNER; reason for leaving job; story of holidays in Blackdown; process of joining army; medical. Aspects of period as boy musician with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 11/1936-11/1937: musical background; wait for call-up; uniform and equipment issued; accommodation; sleeping arrangements; storage of kit; heating; cleaning of barrack room; description of a bumper; corporal in barrack room; army attitude to gambling and smoking; polishing of equipment and boots; inspections; Blanco; method of cleaning buttons; ironing of uniform and method of keeping trousers creased. REEL 2 Continues: method for polishing boots; muster parade; kit inspections; consequences of losing items; theft among boys; details of pay; NAAFI canteen; coping with life in barracks; medical after joining battalion; memories of Lieutenant Colonel Grey-Wilson; make-up of band; interview with bandmaster and allocation of B Flat Clarinet; daily practice; inclusion in band; discipline and common misdemeanours; cleaning of clarinet; NCOs in band; morning procedures; morning activities and break; lunch; afternoon and evening activities; rations including description of dining room and serving of meals; earning of extra money for canteen; army education; increases in pay; learning of regimental history and pride in unit; marching at Light Infantry pace; foot drill; details of leave; reception from parents when on leave; weekend passes; REEL 3 Continues: leisure activities including restrictions in leaving camp; punishments; engagements of band; band fund; ownership of instruments; dance band; church parades; organisation of band programme; band dress uniform; joining of full band; weapon training; rifle drill; route marches; turning 18; khaki drill issued for foreign service; wearing of puttees; reaction of going abroad; embarkation leave and reactions of parents to his posting abroad; medical and inoculations; Aspects of journey from Southampton, GB, to Shanghai, China, aboard the Dilwara, 11/1937: journey to Southampton; bands on quayside and deck; details of ship; accommodation and sleeping arrangements; storage of hammocks; cleaning of ship; activities during voyage; lectures; activities during stop-offs; morning procedures; physical training; member of others units onboard; discipline including cleaning of eating utensils; activities on mess deck; rations; canteen; commanding officer; length of journey; decision to leave boys in Hong Kong; opinion of journey. REEL 4 Continues: 2nd Battalion troops collected at Port Sudan. Aspects of period as boy musician and private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in China, 12/1937-12/1939: first impressions of Shanghai; civilians; situation with Japanese; accommodation in school; sleeping arrangements; description of barracks moved to; band duties; sports played; stretcher bearer training; St John's Ambulance Brigade exams; duties as stretcher bearer; 18th birthday and conversion to adult bandsman; changes to life as adult including pay; reasons for not leaving camp much; VD warnings; army attitude to VD; engagements of band including relationship with Seaforth Highlanders; contact with troops of other nations; visits to Foreign YMCA; contact with English civilian population; perimeter guard duties; reactions to Japanese bombing of shipping; route marches; contact with American Marines; rations; posting in Tientsin; duties including river patrol to Tsingtao; role of battalion; situation for civilians; winter conditions and band duties; death of Corporal Scott; mail; declaration of absence of sensitive information. REEL 5 Continues: signs of approaching war including preparations being made by battalion; reactions to situation; reason for floods in Tientsin and approach of wave while on patrol; weapons carried on patrol; manning of emergency positions; rising of water and move to higher floors; evacuation of battalion to warehouse; continuation of duties; company left in barracks; conditions in warehouse; anti-malaria precautions; cleaning up of barracks; loss of kit and personal items; reaction to loss; outbreak of war; signs move was intended; activities of Italian troops; disappearance of warships from river; journey to Hong Kong. Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Hong Kong, 12/1939-1/1940: accommodation; physical training with "Crackers" May; Christmas 1939 and band duties; training; knowledge of destination; memories of Lieutenant Colonel Lysaght-Griffin and Major Goldschmidt; memories of Captain Fox-Davies; contact with rifle companies. Aspects of journey from Hong Kong to Egypt aboard the Talma, 1/1940: description of ship; seasickness; date of embarkation; knowledge of destination; lectures; knowledge of Italian troops; arrival at Port Suez. Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Egypt, 1/1940-7/1940: accommodation in Port Said and Moascar; first impressions of Egypt; warnings given about civilian thieving skill; packing up of musicals; training; guard duties; move to Moascar; guards in Port Said; Italian entry into war and Italians interned including ship seized; internment camps set up; reaction of Italians. REEL 6 Continues: training received; duties as temporary officers mess waiter; preparations to move and description of Moascar garrison; acclimatisation; civilian workers in garrison; impressions of Egyptian officers; changes in battalion; memories of Regiment Sergeant Major John Bush and Quartermaster George Flanagan; comradeship within band; memories of Corporal Smurthwaite. Aspects of operations as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Egypt, 7/1940-7/1941: posting in Mersa Matruh; air raid and posting in Regimental Aid Post; casualties; story of stretcher bearer awarded Military Medal; cover taken from bombs; reactions of troops to air raid; frequency of air raids and withdrawal of troops from barrack blocks; position of Regimental Aid Post; staff of post; duties at sick parade and problems with fleas; desert sores; cure invented for desert sores by Jock Lees; defences dug along ridge; description of Mersa Matruh; posting in C Company at Old Reeky; equipment carried by stretcher bearers and responsibilities on battlefield; armband; policy towards carrying of weapons; accommodation with company; company commander and sergeant major; opinion of company position; casualties, including death of a sapper; earlier warnings given about stretcher bearer work; first injury attended; acceptance of nature of work. REEL 7 Continues: processing of wounded troops; aid given by stretcher bearer; treatment for shock; reactions of wounded troops; supply of rations and water; water rations; cleanliness; opinion of supply situation; rations while away from base; more on water ration; climate; sandstorms; measurements and use of slit trenches; sand fly fever; precautions against ants and flies; latrines and hygiene; leisure activities; business of time at Mersa Matruh; censorship of mail; mail; terrain; peaceful period; Italian advance to Sidi Barrani; arrival and memories of Colonel Ardherne; news of operation; composite company formed with armoured cars and tanks; advance to wadi; dummy tanks constructed; dysentery in company and effects of it; advance in column; initial attack of armoured cars; arrival of Italian POWs; movement into Sidi Barrani; later actions of composite company; posting in Guards Brigade at Qassassin; exercises; Libyans fighting among Italians; relationship with Guards; landing training; story of mortar base plate lost in sea. REEL 8 Continues: landing craft including crew; disembarkation; difficulties found and overcome; arrival of Germans and return to Mersa Matruh; move to Sollum; posting of A Company to Bardia; description of area around Sollum; positions occupied by Axis and British troops; mortar being received; role of Fort Capuzzo attack; promotion to Medical Officer's batman; position in rear; formation of advance; activities during battle; events of battle; actions of Colonel Adherne during battle; arrival of casualties at Regimental Aid Post; work at Regimental Aid Post; garlic powder stored nearby; treatment of wounded; work of padre; appearance of confusion; actions and reactions of patients; withdrawal from Capuzzo; discussion of battle; defensive line formed behind attacking force; noise of battle; automatic nature of individual's actions during battle; rear transport ready for emergencies; withdrawal of Regimental Aid Post; tiredness and reactions following day; treating of friends; fear of being overrun and plans if happened; medical supplies; withdrawal to Buq Buq; dates of battle and arrival in Buq Buq. REEL 9 Continues: administering of morphine at Fort Capuzzo; marking of patients; reinforcements; reorganisation of battalion; needs after battle; morale; reactions of troops toward failings at Capuzzo; talks from company commanders; leave situation; importance of rations; journey to Merdjayoun via Kantara. Aspects of operations as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Syria, 7/1941-10/1941: situation in Syria; composite brigade fought with; spread of battalion; position of Vichy French; shelling; terrain in area; capture and treatment of Corporal MacDonald; advance of battalion; relationship with civilians; rations; camp set up in mountains; climbing of Mount Hermon; signing of armistice; postings in Aleppo and Idlib; accommodation; contact with civilians; return to Egypt; role in battalion; embarkation from Alexandria; voyage to Tobruk. Aspects of operations as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in North Africa, 10/1941-12/1941: arrival in Tobruk; march to wadi and welcome from Australians; relief of Australian troops in Blue Line; restrictions to movement during day; defensive positions; role of patrols; terrain; German positions; observation towers; description of defensive lines; reactions to Stuka raids; defence of positions; layout of minefield; position of Regimental Aid Post; sleeping arrangements; rations. REEL 10 Continues: visit to forward positions with battalion commanding officer; memories of John Kirby; contact with flanking units; casualties; state of Tobruk; location of Field Hospital; opinion that would not have survived without Royal Navy; rations; supply of water; inactivity at Tobruk and toughness of front line troops; D Company attack on Plonk; actions of Private Temple; state of wounded; medal awards; attack on Point 157; role during attack; improvements made following earlier attacks; casualties; morale; bayonet attack; assistance given to Royal Engineers; expectation of further action; movement back to Egypt; reactions to posting. Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Egypt, 12/1941-1/1942: leave in Cairo and Alexandria; warnings about and treatment of VD; precautions issued; army attitude to VD and punishments; bars and brothels for different ranks; base troops; march from El Tahag to Qassassin; roll call at Qassassin and troops losing rank. REEL 11 Continues: reason for march; return to Moascar barracks; news of posting to Malta; opinions of other commonwealth troops; preparations for journey to Malta; voyage from Alexandria to Malta including German attacks; arrival in Valletta. Aspects of period as private and NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Malta, 1/1942-6/1943: knowledge of Malta; disembarkation; journey to Rabat; accommodation; spread of battalion; terrain and restrictions on training; situation and role on Malta; issue of bicycles; drill with bicycles; duties; building of sangers on airfield; working hours; air raids; casualties; help given to and relationship with RAF; protection of important sites; accommodation; rations; water supply; heath and fitness of battalion; hygiene; accommodation of A Company; relationship with civilians; pro-Italian feeling among civilians; visits to Valletta; rest camp at St Paul's Bay; sports played; memories of Colonel John Kirby; visits of senior officers; business of period; difference with situation in Tobruk. REEL 12 Continues: discipline; plans for raids on Sfax and Sousse; emergency rations issued; cancellation of raids; return of emergency rations; discovery that some emergency rations had been eaten; accused of doing so; refusal to accept punishment; placement under close arrest; court martial; sentence given; reduction in sentence granted by Brigade; fellow prisoners; theft of battalion rations while in jail; reveille; working parties sent out from stockade; extra rations and reactions to confinement; explanation of close arrest; lecture from Regiment Sergeant Major on release; period in Headquarters Company helping clerk; success on weapons training course attended; posting to C Company and promotion to Lance Corporal; details of weapons training course; increase in pay on promotion; opinion of Thompson Sub-Machine Gun; reflections on transition from stretcher bearer to rifle company; opinion of company commander Major "Topper" Brown; organisation of C Company and platoon posted to; role of section; details and opinion of Bren gun; roles of two number one and two gunners; ammunition carried by section; role in section; cleaning of gun and magazines; voyage to Egypt including sinking of a POW ship; 8th Army's progress; offensive activities from Malta; lifting of siege on Malta. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Middle East, 6/1943-9/1943: journey to Syria via Palestine; invasion and mountain warfare training; method of carrying equipment up mountains; camp at Afula; knowledge of destination. REEL 13 Continues: conditions in camp; flight to Kos in Douglas Dakotas; news of destination and talk from Colonel Kirby. Aspects of operations as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Greece, 9/1943: arrival of rest of battalion; move into Kos Town; weapons taken; knowledge of role; reception from civilians; arrival of other rifle companies and aircraft lost en route to Kos; proximity of Kos to Turkey; activities of C Company and other rifle companies; accommodation; atmosphere in battalion; defensive positions taken around town; opinion of positions; rumours during quiet period; cessation of supplies; air raids; destruction of Supermarine Spitfires on island; concerns about situation; air cover and support; supplies from air and flare paths created for drops; cessation of supplies from air; rations; arrival of German assault; occupation of defensive positions; landing of paratroopers; return of Colonel Kirby from hospital; German occupation of airfield; withdrawal of rifle company into Kos Town; offer of Major Jim Grey to occupy Italian field gun; approach of battle sounds and attacks from air; ration and ammunition supplies; ratio of German to British troops; calling of Order Group to discuss future action and mortar attack killing Regiment Quartermaster Sergeant John Bush; other officers wounded; rumour of a bayonet charge; orders to adopt escape and evasion tactics and explanation of tactics; ammunition situation; issue of rations; reactions to situation; movement across mountains heading for north of island; use of gas cape for camouflage; attacks from Stukas on pillbox and Kos Town; reaching of north side of Kos; size of party and troops lost en route; last sight of Beagle Birchenough; terrain in area; decision to search for way off island; reason for abandoning plan; knowledge of possible help in evacuation. REEL 14 Continues: lack of signs of other parties; side of island facing Turkey; search for place of concealment led by Lieutenant Bob Smith; entry of deep ravine; German reconnaissance plane sighted; remaining rations; search for water; hiding of heavy equipment; movement until dark; weather and keeping warm; morale; Council of War and decision to retrace steps to seek food; burst of fire from German patrol boat; scattering of party; cover taken; group that surrendered; wait and checks boat was gone; events and decisions made during day; search for shelter in direction of Kardamena; advantages of being in a smaller party; effects from not eating; accommodation; lighthouse and ferry on Turkish coast; morale; opinion of Lieutenant Smith; search for sheep; appearance of an RAF officer; raft RAF officer had begun work on; appearance of a sheep and opinion of its source; butchering and eating of sheep; hiding of rifles; knowledge of RAF officer's identity; morale; story of RAF officer's escape; dragging of raft to accommodation; plan to complete raft including items used to fasten wood together; sleep and rations on third day; completion of raft; day resting in hut; size of raft. Aspects of voyage from Kos, Greece, to Turkey, c9/1943: weather and conditions for voyage; oars; reason he was fastened to mast; water on raft; time left Kos; prayers of Corporal MacDonald and Private Guy and reaction of RAF officer. REEL 15 Continues: thoughts upon embarkation; helpful elements during voyage; temperature and currents of water; stories and songs; thoughts of food on arrival; knowledge of Turkish attitude; state of raft in morning; problems with current; officers swam to shore; current taking raft to shore. Aspects of period in transit, 9/1943- 10/1943: rest on beach; disintegration of raft; physical condition; appearance of Turkish man and handing over to police; accommodation given at police station; meal eaten in evening; appearance and state of clothing; transportation to Bodrum; morale and clothing given en route; handing over to Special Services officer and reception from civilians in villages; reception from landing craft crew; overall attitude of Turks; new uniforms given; period with SAS unit; insistence of Bob Smith the party was kept together; length of time in Turkey; voyage to Kyrenia in Cyprus; reunion with other escapees; news of fate of rest of battalion; survivors arriving two days later; reactions to situation; tales of other's escapes; opinion SAS had planned rescue missions well; payment of Greeks for their hand; reorganisation of battalion; voyage to Syria. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Egypt, 10/1943-4/1944: journey to tented camp at Mena; reinforcements; rumours of destination; posting in 10th Indian Division; Durham Light Infantry drafts received. REEL 16 Continues: training; Irish reinforcements; command of battalion and memories of Colonel "Crackers" May; actions taken against Greek Brigade mutiny at Amirya; training with Sherman tanks; opinion of Shermans; opinion of I tanks; tanks worked with at Tobruk; voyage to Taranto. Aspects of operations as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Italy, 4/1944-6/1944: state of Taranto; joining with 10th Indian Division and relief of Manchester Regiment; movement of positions away from shellfire; connections of battalion with India; make-up of division and settling into division; nickname given; opinion of Indian troops; reserve position taken at Sanvenetto; activities in position; arrival in and description of Venaffro; street fighting training including German withdrawal tactics; completion of seven years overseas; wounding from grenade during training; evacuation by "Crackers" May to Field Ambulance; description of grenade explosion and wounds; concerns would lose leg; reactions to being wounded. Aspects of hospitalisation in Italy, 6/1944-11/1944: discipline during earlier hospitalisation in Shanghai; discipline and staff in Naples hospital; problems with healing of hole in leg; treatment received; course of physiotherapy; movement to convalescence camp in Bari. REEL 17 Continues: opinion of hospital staff and rations; requisition of hospital; visitors received; treatment; length of time in Naples hospital; ongoing problems from leg; convalescence in Bari; interview at transit camp and reason for being sent to GB; conditions in transit camp; work as postal orderlies and accommodation; voyage to Liverpool. Aspects of period as NCO with Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1944: reactions to return home; mail during time abroad; first impressions of Liverpool; arrival in port; journey to Hull; welcome from parents; activities during leave including period of gloom and reactions of parents; posted to Brancepeth Castle; reaction of parents to return to army; rank in Italy and removal of stripe; activities at Brancepeth; posting to training division. Aspects of period as NCO with 6th Bn West Yorkshire Regt, 11/1944-11/1945: interview on arrival with unit; promotion to sergeant; length of time with unit; VE Day party at Porthcawl; reactions to end of war; ex Durhams in West Yorkshire Regt; opinion of war experience; opinions of higher ranks in army. REEL 18 Continues: memories of officers served under throughout career; opinion of what makes a good officer; examples of bad officers; memories of Sergeant Foster and Corporal Tim Scully; memories of Fishwick; discussion of different NCO ranks and qualities needed; qualities disliked in an NCO; memories of outstanding characters; running of a section in action; story of dealing with Private Snooks' refusal to carry out orders; mood and comradeship of troops; opinion of German troops; opinion of German weapons; opinion of Italian troops; booby traps at Sidi Barrani; German booby traps and booby trap course taken at Ripon; description of German S mine; account of Private Elliott kicking a booby trap; opinion of booby traps; fountain pen and soap booby traps; booby trap training given to troops; religion before and during army service. REEL 19 Continues: discussion of padres and story of drunken padre in Tobruk; use and issue of rum; importance of presence of medical services; memories of Major Lees. Aspects of period as NCO with 6th Bn West Yorkshire Regt in Italy, 11/1945-1/1946: arrival in Naples with West Yorks; accommodation in Salerno; duties; talk with Durham Light Infantryman at railway station; request to rejoin 1st Battalion; reunion with battalion in Tarranto; posting in C Company; changes in battalion; search for Durham Light Infantry reinforcements. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Greece and GB, 1946-1947: story of parade; voyage to Greece; conditions including on journey to Xanthi; situation and role in Greece; description of Xanthi; settling into barracks; location of officers mess; accommodation of NCOs; latrines; relationship with civilians; accommodation of B Company; training including rifle range constructed; activities of Communists; guard duties at Kavala; camp set up and put in charge of; discipline; battalion commanding officer; promotion to Warrant Officer Class II; duties as Company Sergeant Major; rank insignia; send-off from Greece; time in transit camp in Salonika; father's illness and death; pay kept by mother in his name. REEL 20 Continues: activities of battalion at Monkton Farleigh; embarkation leave; accommodation; news of posting to Dortmund in 2nd Division Rhine Army; formation of battalion including make-up of support company; journey to Dortmund. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Germany, 1947-1952: role of battalion; attitude of civilians to army; ladies invited into sergeants mess; state of railway stations and towns in Germany; accommodation; duties; contact with Royal Artillery troops; sports; length of time in Dortmund; posting of B Company as advance party; memories of Major Glanville; relief of Manchester Regiment; duties in Berlin; Berlin flash; sporting facilities; ceremonial drills; memories of Peter de la Billiere aka Eddie Smith; relationship with civilians; reinforcements; opinion of National Servicemen; guard on Spandau Prison; Russian sector; British sector; black market; more on relationship with civilians; morale; memories of stay in Germany; Inter-Company Boxing competition and news of posting in Korea; return to GB. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1952: time in Barnard Castle; training on North Yorkshire moors and march from Bishop Auckland to Brancepeth Camp; opinion of training; use of Patchett machine gun in Korea; commitment to army and reaction to posting in Korea; reaction of mother to posting. REEL 21 Continues: composition of battalion including equipment not taken; uniform and equipment issued for Korea; trial of severe climate equipment in Germany; weapons taken to Korea; changes made to Lee Enfield rifle; details of voyage to Korea; send-off from Southampton; activities on journey; posting in C Company and commanding officer. Recollections of operations as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry, 29th Commonwealth Infantry Bde in Korea, 9/1952-5/1953: reception on arrival in Pusan; disembarkation and boarding of train; scenes from train; conditions on train; medicals and inoculations in Barnard Castle; arrival in reserve area; lectures; seasons in Korea; description of camp; training in practice trench; arrival and work in reserve lines; situation in lines; frontline activity during day and night; routine in evening; types of patrols; story of standing patrol; duties as Company Sergeant Major; opinion of arrangement of having 2nd in command at B Echelon; cleaning of trenches; problems with rats; disposal of rubbish; periods of sleep; strain from periods in frontline; making most of living conditions; sleeping arrangements. REEL 22 Continues: importance of health and medical inspections; decision to avoid tinned rations; cookhouses created in bunkers; supply and storage of rations; rations; different nation's preference in terms of rations; praise for platoon commanders' willingness to cook; latrines and hygiene; health of battalion; contraction of fever; widening of trenches to evacuate wounded; evacuation of wounded; respect of Chinese for removal of wounded; description of trench system; width of different types of trenches; modification of new positions; length of time before in frontline; process of relieving troops in line; story of being relieved by American troops; proximity to Chinese positions; troops on duty during day; communications; Stand To at dawn and dusk; regularity of patrols; planning and briefing of patrols; role of patrols; details of different types of patrols; camouflage including its removal; orders to shave daily; clothing worn on patrol; weapons taken on fighting patrols; visits of Peter Jeffreys and effect on morale; mortar and artillery support. REEL 23 Continues: communication with supporting units and display of artillery's might; tank support; relationship with tank crews; involvement in attack on a position called John; story of help given to an Australian fighting patrol; different positions occupied by battalion; story of grenade set off in lines; periods of rest; discipline; Christmas 1952; Christmas cards sent by Chinese; post box set up for cards; opinions of troops from other nations; creation of artificial moonlight. Aspects of period as NCO in Japan, 5/1953-8/1953: posting as Camp Sergeant Major to Kure; reason for posting; commanding officers; length of time in Kure; duties and leisure activities; posting in advance party to Egypt. Aspects of period as NCO with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Egypt, 1953-1955: situation and role in Egypt; camp based at; posting in 1st Guards Brigade; guard duties; other activities of battalion; entertainment of Royal Navy; interview with "Crackers" May and new posts offered; voyage aboard Troopship Lancashire; arrival and disembarkation in Liverpool. Aspects of period as NCO with Durham Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1955- 1957: arrival at Barnard Castle and leave; start of post as Depot Sergeant Major at Brancepeth Camp. REEL 24 Continues: role of depot and request from "Crackers" May; company commander; routine of camp; background of recruits; training platoons; sport; length of time at depot; request for Warrant Officers to serve in Oman; story of General Furbank's visit and promotion to Regiment Sergeant Major; period with 1st Battalion at Barnard Castle; pressure to cancel post in Oman; flight to Oman. Aspects of period as NCO with Trucial Oman Scouts in Oman, 1957-1958: welcome from Colonel John Carter; climate; enjoyment of tour; flights in aircraft; quality and recruitment of Scouts; background of officers and instructors; teaching of Light Infantry pace; transport; boys unit; daily routine; RAF detachment; role as Regiment Sergeant Major; details of pay; time at Brancepeth; postings with 1st and 4th Bns King's Shropshire Light Infantry; process of discharge; final medical; request to become military instructor in a public school; decision to return to Hull; job gained; method of leaving depot on last day; details of pension and terminal grant. Aspects of period as civilian in GB from 1961: difficulties settling back into civilian life; civilian work; retirement; attendance at reunions; membership of comrade associations; qualities of the Durham soldier; praise received from General Montgomery.