Lawton, Christopher (Oral history)

British recruit trained with Durham Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1967; private served with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB and Cyprus, 1967-1968; private and NCO served with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, Malaya and Northern Ireland, 1969-1971; NCO served with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, Northern Ireland, Germany and Gibraltar, 1972-1980; NCO served at Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1981-1982; NCO served with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, Kenya and Germany, 1982-1986; NCO served with 2nd Bn Royal Green Jackets in GB, 1986-1988; NCO and officer served with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, Northern Ireland, Canada and USA, 1988-1993; officer served with 125 and 121 Army Youth Teams in GB, 1993-1994; officer served with 7th Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1994-1997; officer served with 1st Bn Royal Green Jackets in GB and Northern Ireland, 1997-2001; served as Chief Ranges Officer in Sennelager, Germany, 2001- 2004; officer served as Regimental County Secretary with Durham Light Infantry and Light Infantry in GB, 2004-2005

REEL 1 Background in Meadowfield, GB, 1950-1967: family; area grew up in; comfort in upbringing; pit holiday trip to South Shields; garden allotment; clothing; reason for not attending Grammar School; leisure activities and start of work on farm; education; religion in family life; father's activities in Second World War; secondary education; reason for not taking exams and time at Houghall School of Agriculture school; leaving home of father; memories of mother; work on farm in Brandon; leisure activities; process of joining army and insistence on joining Durham Light Infantry. REEL 2 Continues: reactions of mother to his joining army; swearing of oath at Darlington; posting to Light Infantry Brigade Depot at Shrewsbury; decision to joining army; prayer book; final attempts to stop him joining DLI; journey to Shrewsbury. Aspects of period as private with Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1967: arrival at the Light Infantry Brigade Depot; description of Depot; accommodation; latrines and washing facilities; cleaning of barrack blocks; sleeping arrangements; cleaning products; bed space; NCOs bunk; drill square; dining hall and rations; NCOs at depot; language in army; tour of depot; issue of uniform; marking of uniform; care of uniform; tricks learned from comrades; cleaning of boots; methods of breaking boots in; cap badge and headwear; brass in uniform; issue of equipment; meals and breaks. REEL 3 Continues: NAAFI building; morning procedures; weapon issued; care of weapon; weapons drill; physical training; washing after physical training; army education and illiteracy in army; field craft; learning of drill; rifle drill; milling; relationship among troops in barrack room; gambling; relationship with barrack room NCO; inter-platoon rivalry; memories of Sergeant Matt Killey and other instructors; visits to Shrewsbury; activities during foot and mouth outbreak; details of pay; barrack room damages; stealing among recruits. REEL 4 Continues: medicals and reason for shooting left-handed; VD lectures and use of condoms in Malaya; laying out of bed and kit for inspections; contact with officers during training; officers at depot; pay parades; route marches; passing out parade; posting to Durham Light Infantry. Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1967-1968: arrival in Colchester and assignation to C Company 1st Battalion; reception in camp; troops in platoon; bullying among troops; structure of battalion; commanding officers and NCOs; background of officers; opinion of Colonel Moore and Company Sergeant Major Eddie Duckworth; make-up of a section and company; weapons in platoon; accommodation; discipline; feeling at end of training; barracks in Colchester; relationship with Green Howards; activities at Colchester; weapons training at Middlewick; weapons platoons. REEL 5 Continues: training exercise in Cyprus; impressions of Cyprus; relationship with civilians in Cyprus and in Colchester; working day at Colchester; transport in battalion; reactions to disbanding of Durham Light Infantry and opportunities to move around army; decision to transfer KOYLI for 2nd Battalion LI; destinations of other Durham Light Infantry troops; reactions of troops to situation; holding of rank; integration with Yorkshire troops; changeover in Cyprus and parade at Barnard Castle; feeling of harsh treatment after changeover; later promotion to NCO. Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in Cyprus, 1968: duties and role in Cyprus; situation in Cyprus; role with Australian UN police; posting and duties at Turk Headquarters; period in mountains; rest and recuperation; story of wolf kept as pet; life in mountains and cooking of meals; observation during night; relationship with civilians; leisure activities; length of time on each hill; weather; UN and Durham Light Infantry tags worn; opinion of Greek and Turkish Cypriots; duties outside scene of a shooting; visits to villages. REEL 6 Continues: Aspects of period as private with 1st Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1967-1968: return to Colchester; preparations for disbandment parades at Barnard Castle; return to Colchester for formation of 2nd Battalion Light Infantry. Aspects of period as private with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 4/1969-5/1969: opinion of and welcome from Colonel Sibald; news of posting in Malaya; commanding troops in B Company; jungle training in Thetford; types of patrols learned; opinion of reasons for training; details of exercises; role of preliminary training; reactions to going abroad. Aspects of journey from Brize Norton, GB, to Malaya, 1969: route of flight; first flight to Cyprus; conditions on flight to Malaya; stop-offs en route; seating arrangements; briefing in Singapore; drive to Malaya; inoculations and malaria precautions; first impressions of Singapore; leisure activities; ladyboys. Aspects of period as private with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Malaya, 1969: training and acclimatisation in Ulu Tiram; problems with wildlife in jungle; use of insect repellent; jungle clothing; sleeping arrangements; story of Henry Gill and red ants; other bothersome animals; setting up of strings around camp; getting lost; movement during night; latrines; weapons used in jungle. REEL 7 Continues: company exercise on Mount Panti; evacuation of ill soldier; supply of items by parachute; pyjamas made from parachutes; radio communications and wind-up generators; contact with civilians; memories of Ghurkha troops; rations; shaving water; purification of water; carrying of waste; weight of packs; movement through jungle; principles of ambush; description and use of claymore; move to Thai border for alert; Exercise Salon with Air Force and Navy including method of clearing tunnel fortresses; role in rear party; leave and journey to Northern Ireland. REEL 8 Continues: Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 1969-1970: journey to Belfast; accommodation in Antrim factory; sleeping arrangements; internal security in box formation; stores at Thatcham and Arabic sign; photographers in box; batons and baton guns; snatch squad; shields; situation in Northern Ireland; contact with Royal Ulster Constabulary; role coming between vigilantes; dispersal of crowds with gas; assistance given to 1st Battalion in box formations in Shankill; casualties; reaction of General Freeland; reactions to action; weapons and abuse used against Light Infantry; return to dispersing crowds by patrols; introduction of curfew; requisition of buildings to use as bases; formation of patrols; contact with civilians; problems and accommodation in East Belfast ca Christmas 1969; story of saving Ian Paisley's life; opposing leaders in Belfast; army presence in Northern Ireland; discipline; patrolling of Catholic areas; movement of Protestant and Catholic peoples; bases set up; rest in Antrim; relationship with Catholics and growth of IRA; return to Colchester; sleeping arrangements during patrols in Belfast; issue of string vests. REEL 9 Continues: reflections on first Northern Ireland tour; opinion of B Specials; relationship with civilians; communications; use of weapon; opinions of situation; relationships of troops with local women; role of Lance Corporal. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB/NI, c1970-1971: preparations for return to Malaya; Northern Ireland training in Lydd and Hythe; reactions to training; learning and adaptation of rules of engagement; exercises with other battalions; changes in equipment; adaptations made to vehicles; bases set up in flats; bomb recognition; items carried to deal with acid bombs; banning of fireworks and fancy dress; barriers and gates; reasons for buying himself out of army; marriage; reason for re-joining; basic training and return to rank. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 6/1972-10/1972: rejoining of battalion in Londonderry; death of Sergeant Whitelock; activities in Londonderry; support of rifle companies on cross border shoots; spread of battalion; shootings in sangars; Operation Carcan; positions of sangars; casualties. REEL 10 Continues: accommodation at Fort George; patrols through estates; death of Sergeant Whitelock; reactions to deaths of comrades; shooting drill; escorting of police; spilt of IRA; patrols; night operations; pinpointing active and sympathising civilians; stopping and searching; verification of information; Intelligence units; help at crime scenes; soak period of assessment after situations; movement in triangulation through streets; communications; attitude of troops and civilians; activities of IRA and protestants; start of bombings and shootings; length of tour; equipment used; graffiti; nature of opposition; movement in and out of bases; patrol formation; briefing of relieving battalion in final week of tour; leave; physical training; contact with civilians. REEL 11 Continues: return to GB and leave; five months training; family; pay. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 1973: differences in Belfast; areas taking charge of; lost container on journey to Belfast; Protestant and Catholic areas; Ballymurphy area; 2nd Battalion of Provisional IRA; history of accommodation; attacks on tour; movement on patrol; successes of patrols; shootouts caused by negligence; real shootouts; vehicles used on patrols; support company's control of Ballymurphy; IRA use of RPG-7s and defences against them; attempts to discover gunmen firing at No 4 Sangar; discovery of a sniper's position; story of fire on No 2 Sangar; IRA requisition of buildings; IRA use of ice cream vans; alerting troops and quick reaction force; IRA smuggling away of weapons in long coats; house searches; visits to court for damage offences; dismantling of houses; hearts and minds approach; casualties from bombing in at matchstick factory; arrests and shootings following bombing; 1973 FA Cup Final; rank; activities in Broadway; story of Roberts's death. REEL 12 Continues: pursuit and brief capture of gunman James Emerson Bryson; problems from crowds; shooting of Powers; capture of pirate officers including Gerry Adams; battalion doctor; liaison with churches; knowledge of Gerry Adams; activities towards end of tour; handover to Green Jackets and death of James Emerson Bryson; briefing of Green Jackets; return to Colchester. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 3/1975-12/1975 and c1976: changes in situation and attitude of troops; cap badges; reactions during ceasefire period; IRA activity; duties during EEC Referendum; start-up of riots; arrests made; story of civilians arrested for poteen possession; effects of poteen; gathering information from civilians; Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Defence Force; reflections on 1975 tour; activity in final week in Londonderry; posting in Belfast; patrols; duties during 12th July marches; train from journey from Londonderry to Belfast; scenes on marches. REEL 13 Continues: training in Sennelager; promotion on Intelligence Sergeant; end of ceasefire; baton rounds fired into crowds during riots; strength of unit; description of riots; IRA bombing campaign including bombing of base; searching for weapons and bombs; role as Intelligence Sergeant; information sources; role in Belfast; reorganisation at new base; role in protestant intelligence; story of ex-paratrooper killed; interrogation of people arrested; shootings in October; booby traps; signs of bombs; use and searching of black tourists; arrests at end of tour; communication between taxis; exhaustion at end of tour; settling back into life in GB; life in base; rations; humour among troops. REEL 14 Continues: Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 1977-1979: journey to Northern Ireland; escort to Ballykinlar; arrival in Ballykinlar; accommodation; first day in barracks; Christmas 1977; camp at Ballykinlar; relationship among civilians in area; education of children; briefing from Black Watch; conditions and leisure activities; posting and duties in Besbot Mill; intelligence infiltration into IRA; spread and duties of battalion; visit from Margaret Thatcher; rotation around battalion areas; duties during General Election; patrols; recognition of important people; use of helicopters on patrols; contact with informers; training as platoon sergeant; reason for not joining B Company; joining of D Company; duties on Belfast to Dublin railway; work in discovery of arms stores; award of GOC's commendation; briefing of paratroopers; bombing of paratroopers and Lord Mountbatten; opinion of paratroopers; casualties; work during 1978 floods; family's experiences in Northern Ireland; reflections on tour; role as platoon sergeant. REEL 15 Continues: Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1974: news of role during posting in Lemgo; APC training in Bordon; reactions to posting; description of APC 432 and role in anti- tank section; details of vehicle's anti-tank gun; troops in section and firing of gun; manoeuvrability of gun; firing of gun from slit trench; ear protection; firing drill; items it could be used again; anti-tank cadres; speed of vehicles; spread of anti-tank guns and APCs through battalion; exercises including Exercise Fore Front North. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1974-1975: posting in Lamsdorf; description of swing fire; accommodation; terrain around Lemgo; relationship with German and Turkish civilians; welfare of families; NAAFI; military hospitals and schools; differences between officer and private accommodation; mixing of ranks in social situations. REEL 16 Continues: settling of wives into life abroad; success of marriages; opinions of Germany; details of pay; corporals mess; exercises; contact with American troops; training for return to Northern Ireland; improvements made by intelligence. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1975: leave; exercises on return to Germany; morale in battalion; description of MILAN anti-tank weapon; story of being kicked off an exercise; opinions of Tony Hare and Roger Preston; relationship with 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers and Royal Irish Regiment; training in Sennelager; visit of Princess Alexandra; uniform; wearing of puttees; background of troops; lengths of service; turnover of troops; winter clothing; background of officers. REEL 17 Continues: leave after Northern Ireland tours; alerting wives of events in Northern Ireland. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1977: training in Lemgo; exercises in Saltau; Queen's Jubilee Parade; training at School of Intelligence; move to Northern Ireland. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Gibraltar, 1979-1980: leave at Catterick; journey to Gibraltar; preparation for ceremonial role; accommodation; changing of guard; training; leisure activities; weather; border guard; route taken to Spain; leave in Morocco; role as guard commander; memories of platoon commander Rex Sartain; activities in Gibraltar; use of band and bugles to sweeten Governor; trouble with the Military Police; activities of family; socialising with other arms of forces; tattoo; cost of items; units on rock; working hours; defensive measures; visit of HMS Invincible; Exercise Hightide; news of posting as training sergeant; journey to Shrewsbury. REEL 18 Continues: Christmas leave. Aspects of period as NCO at Light Infantry Depot in GB, 1/1981- 9/1982: changes at depot; ages and training of junior soldiers; reason for old training sergeant having left; role as training sergeant; initiation ceremonies; NCOs laying hands on troops; duties; relationship with platoon commander and NCOs; importance of job in relation to promotions; morning inspection; drill; morning break; reports to platoon commander; weapons training; reliability of weapons; weapons drills; role at dinner; kitchen staff; rations; field training; storage packs and changes to clothing; role of field raining; 24 hour ration pack and heaters used in field; menus; utensils; toilet paper; packing of packs; latrines; tea. REEL 19 Continues: evening activities and hygiene; army attitude to gambling; welfare problems and Women's Royal Voluntary Service; attitude towards welfare; size of barrack rooms; time with platoon and promotion to Colour Sergeant; length of course; memories of Vivian Robertson and John Kendall; background of troops; army education; passing out parade; duties as Company Quarter Master Sergeant; other CQMSs; civilian staff at depot; loss and theft of items; marking of equipment; paperwork; learning of trade as CQMS; details of junior soldiers; integration into adult army; passing out parade; junior NCOs and leadership skills; joining of battalion; family; accommodation; NAAFI relationship with civilians. REEL 20 Continues: Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1982-1983: return to battalion at Weeton; formation of affiliation with HMS Invincible; battalion's recent tour of South Armagh; changing role of the 2nd Battalion; Operation Keelman; course at Netheravon and conversion of battalion from guns to MILAN posts; description of MILAN weapons system; make-up of MILAN team; increase in size of platoon; make-up of MILAN platoon; knowledge of officer; role in fighting situation; communications; fire service training; role in training with SAS; role in Colour Party to welcome 2nd Infantry Division to GB; D Company's role in Falklands; Exercise Red Grouse in Otterburn; Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare kit; reasons for training in NBC kit; training in gas chambers; protection of kit; promotion to Warrant Officer Class II. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Kenya, 1983: Exercise Gran Prix; journey to Nairobi and exercise area; issue of equipment; weapons training; wildlife seen; rest and recuperation in Mombasa; details of jungle training; advantages of having been in Malaya; relationship with Masai; weapons taken into jungle; length of time in Kenya; band in Kenya. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1983-1984: reunion of full battalion in Weeton; posting at Greenham Common and change in leadership; problems faced at Greenham Common; abuse faced from protesters; handover to civilian police; Christmas 1983; departure from Greenham Common. REEL 21 Continues: time as spearhead battalion; training given; lectures; inoculations; protection against VD; army attitude to VD; Battalion Skill at Arms Meeting; training for Exercise Lionheart at Catterick and Sennybridge; training in road movement on return; duties at Bisley Rifle Meeting; MILAN meeting and use of MILAN system; Brigade Exercise Griffin's Gold; training with helicopters; tactics in strikes against tanks; journey to and events at Harwich; role with Royal Armoured Corps. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1984-1986: journey to Germany; role at end of journey; journey to and events in Sennelager; organisation of traffic on Autobahns; ordered to River Wien; Exercise Lionheart; visit to Gordon Highlanders at Hemer; role of blocking position; mock live ammunition; air support; relationship with Gordon Highlanders; return to GB. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1984: expansion of MILAN posts and change to airborne role; farewell parades in Weeton; posting in D company; role of Sergeant Major. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1984: posting and role in Danenhofen; journey to Germany; accommodation; landscape; training of companies in Portugal; German language course; skiing. REEL 22 Continues: time as NATO Hunter Force in Bavaria; exercises moving troops to frontline; Skill at Arms meetings at Sennelager; helicopter exercises; tercentenary celebrations; 1985 BAOR Cricket Cup victory; motor transport trials and use of helicopters; changing role of the infantryman; accommodation; activities of band; changes in commanding officers. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Royal Green Jackets in GB, 1986-1988: Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant course at Warminster; role of course in career; reception from Green Jackets; relationship with battalion; discipline; offer of RSM position in Light Infantry; role of Green Jackets as infantry display battalion; story of flight to Otterburn; exercise searching for missile; story of horses and camel on parade; role at Dover Castle. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Germany, 1988-1989: leave; interview with Colonel Jim Parker; role of the Regiment Sergeant Major; discipline; relationship with troops; drill parades; pay; effect on wife's status; accommodation; social activities. REEL 23 Continues: 2nd Battalion Light Infantry's tour of Northern Ireland in 1987; morale in battalion; request for volunteers to return to Northern Ireland; role in Exercise Free Lion. Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1989-1990: role in reconnaissance platoon in Tidworth; talk with Colonel of Hampshire Regiment; move to battalion of Tidworth; liaison with civilians and Police; provost staff; guard room cells; attitude of prisoners; reasons for jailing drunk troops; punishment duties; staff present during punishment duties; guards; Exercise Yorkshire Camper in Sennelager and route marches; other units in Tidworth; loss of band; change in role of battalion to a mechanised battalion; description of a Saxon; problems with Saxons on Salisbury Plain; make-up of a Saxon crew; support given to other units; Silver Saxon exercise; area cleaning; television appearance on Combat 89; exercise in Wainwright, Canada; cape tours; training of snipers in Sennelager. REEL 24 Continues: Exercise Yorkshire Camper in Somerset; effect on morale; extension of service. Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1990: congratulations from Colonel on return from Northern Ireland; news of commission; reactions to commission; reasons for not having officer training; initial reactions to officers mess; pay; reaction of wife to promotion; role as training officer; Exercise Druid's Drake; time as 2nd in command of A Company in Northern Ireland; orders written for exercise in US. Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in the United States of America, 1990: training at Fort Lewis including grenades used; training at Yakima; opinion of SA-80 rifle; snow training in mountains; skiing; description and opinion of Fort Lewis; accommodation; administration before departure for US; impressions of American troops; rations; return to GB. Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1990: preparation for presentation of new colours; colour parade; posting as Motor Transport Officer; make-up of transport platoon; vehicles in battalion; description of Operation Bronsky in Northern Ireland; courses and cadres; news of role in rear party during battalion's tour in Northern Ireland. REEL 25 Continues: Aspects of period as officer with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1993: commanding officer's survey of battalion; merger of battalions; transfer to 125 Army Youth Team at Horden. Aspects of period as officer with 121 Army Youth Team in GB, 1993-1994: merger with 121 Team; description of an Army Youth Team; role in Army Youth Team; staff of team; camps in Lake District; rota of groups; activities with schools; teenagers in team; return to regiment; Quarter Masters course at Blackdown. Aspects of period as officer with 7th Bn Light Infantry in GB, 1994-1997: promotion to Captain; memories of Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant Tony Mallone; memories and opinions of Territorial troops; reasons for extension of service with 7th Battalion; posting to Green Jackets in Bulford. Aspects of period as officer with 1st Bn Royal Green Jackets in GB, 1997-1999: settling into battalion; fitness tests; news of posting in Northern Ireland; training. Aspects of period as officer with 1st Bn Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland, 1999-2001: procedure of taking over as Quarter Master in Belfast; length of tour; involvement in marching season; atmosphere on Millennium; closing down of army bases; handover to Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; applications made for new post; posting as Chief Range Officer in Sennelager; move to Sennelager. Aspects of period as Chief Ranges Officer in Sennelager, Germany, 2001-2004: award of MBE and reason for delay in receiving award; story of receiving award from Prince Charles, 3/2002; time as Chief Ranges Officer; return to GB as Regimental County Secretary; courses taken. Aspects of period as Regimental County Secretary with Durham Light Infantry and Light Infantry in GB, 2004-2005: plans for retirement; Christmas 2004 and planning for Richard Annand's funeral and memorial service; memorial parade. REEL 26 Continues: Aspects of period as NCO with 2nd Bn Light Infantry in Northern Ireland, 1990: role in County Armagh; supporting units; mortaring of base in Newton Hamilton; bomb proof accommodation; discoveries of ammunition and weapons; Provisional IRA thefts of mail bags; hounding of railway ticket offices; operations disrupting IRA movements; IRA targeting of helicopters; ammunition found in fields; other IRA activity; battalion morale; attachment of Scots Guards; casualties; chasing of gunmen; intelligence and SAS; 40th birthday celebrations; use of helicopters; ambushes; application for snow clothing; work of reconnaissance platoon and retaliation of IRA; hilltop observation posts; shooting of civilian workers; success of tour; rules of engagement; return to Tidworth; arrest of IRA members; extradition of prisoners from Republic of Ireland; knee-capping; attitude of civilians; booby traps; movement in snow.