Wilson, David (Oral history)

838858661
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124326" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1399449788
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124327" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1896575215
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124328" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
947911110
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124329" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1576783741
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124330" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
928340019
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124331" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1646730768
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124332" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
398837980
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124333" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
274609722
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124334" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
816461658
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124335" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1289698054
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124336" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
1429138696
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124337" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>
951188519
Use this audio under Non-Commercial licence

Embed this sound recording for online use under the IWM Non-Commercial Licence
By embedding this audio file you agree to the terms and conditions of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence, including your use of the attribution statement specified by IWM. For this item, that is:

© IWM

Accepted Non-commercial Use

Permitted use for these purposes:
Personal use for non-commercial research and private study and other uses under the UK’s exceptions to copyright and those exceptions to copyright in place where the user is located.
Use on websites that are primarily information-led, research-oriented and not behind a paywall.
Use on personal social media accounts, provided the individuals are not promoting themselves commercially.
Non-Commercial educational use for the purpose of teaching and instruction, including internal training.
Downloading audio-visual for non-commercial offline listening or viewing.
Free exhibitions held in venues, which do not charge an entry fee.

If you would like to use IWM collections materials in a way that is not covered above, require a commercial licence, high-resolution copies, or have manipulation requests, please contact the Image and Film Licensing Team. Digital files of films and sound recordings are available at cost depending on intended use.

Embed

<iframe src="https://www.iwm.org.uk/embed/?id=80027033&media_id=124338" height="430" width="480" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Description

Object description

British armoured vehicle mechanic served with 3rd Regt, Royal Horse Artillery in Germany, GB and Egypt, 1953-1954

Content description

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Shiremoor, 1934-1952: family background and social circumstances; education; reactions to air raid sirens on outbreak of war, 3/9/1939; father's military service and consequent move to live with grandparents; issue of gas masks and test; Anderson air raid shelter; nature of German air raids and story of close escape from stick of German bombs, 26/4/1941; collecting shrapnel from anti-aircraft guns; ignorance of reality of war; effects of food and clothing rationing; story of German land mine falling on village. REEL 2 shortage of sweets; question of awareness of air raids on Newcastle; games in bombed out houses; coalhouses; playing at drill with wooden rifles; village gangs and local rivalries; interest in motorcycles and scarcity of cars; reactions to return of father from military service; work as apprentice motor mechanic, 1949-1952; sport and recreations. REEL 3 Continues: call up procedure and medicals for National Service, 6/1952. Recollections of conditions of service, lifestyle and daily routine No 1 Training Bn, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at Blandford Camp, 6/1952-7/1952: prior train journey; reception; kitting out; hut accommodation; reveille and muster parade; food rations; PT; drill; discipline; hair cut; cleaning rifle. REEL 4 Continues: rifle training and firing on ranges; weapons training including bayonet, Bren gun, hand grenade and PIAT; route marches and road runs; preparations for room and kit inspections. REEL 5 Continues: relationship with recruits and question of regional accents; canteen; pay; relationship with instructors; passing out parade. Recollections of period with Training Bn, REME at Burton Stacey, 7/1952-8/1952: continuation training and opinion of instructors; cookhouse fatigues; learning to drive in Morris Commercial lorry and method of double declutching; aptitude test and interview; assignment to armoured fighting vehicles. Recollections of period training as vehicle engineer with No 6 Training Bn, REME, Havanah Barracks, Bordon Camp, 8/1952-10/1952: nature of barrack rooms; continuation training; security operations and guard duties due to perceived threat from local gypsies. REEL 6 Continues: delayed start to course; training in Rolls Royce Meteor V12 engine and diesel engine demonstration; workshop exercises; nature of Cromwell tank including crew roles, method of driving and changing tracks, clutch, radiator and air cleaner systems, fire warning system in engine compartment and carbon dioxide system to put out fires. REEL 7 Continues: canteen on Borden Heath; assessment and passing course; question of posting overseas. Period with No 1 Command Workshops, Catterick Camp, 10/1952: nature as transit camp and role of civilian personnel; routine duties and fatigues; fire in laundry; story of drunk soldier; conditions of service; posting. Recollections of conditions of service and lifestyle as mechanic with Light Aid Detachment, 3rd Regt, Royal Horse Artillery, Munster Laager, Soltau, Germany, 11/1952-5/1943: journey out; barracks layout; opinion of Colonel Gosschen; role and composition of LAD; use of Scammell Heavy Recovery Tractor to recover broken down Sexton Self Propelled 25pdr guns and lorries; role of recovery crew; role of machinery truck; use of Land Rovers and jeeps. REEL 8 Continues: barrack accommodation; food rations; nature of routine duties; joining unit on Exercise Longbow; winching out vehicles whilst crossing River Weser; overnight laager; story of running over toolbox whilst hungover; secondment to drive Cromwell during night move; problem with Scammell wheel and overnight stop at German civilian campsite; relationship with German civilian workers; canteens; recreational visits to Soltau; drinking habits and story of driving Cromwell when drunk; stories of recreational visits to Hamburg; story of recovery of Dingo Scout car whilst acting as divisional recovery unit on East German border; move to GB. Period at Ogdon St George Camp, ca 5/1953: awaiting overseas posting; embarkation leave. REEL 9 Recollections of period at Fayid Camp, Canal Zone, Egypt, 5/1953-5/1954: flight out with advance party; taking over vehicles from relieved unit; nature of Sherman Armoured Recovery Vehicle equipped with winch/crane and method of raising crane; demonstration of Sherman ARV crane; arrival of main unit; responsibility maintenance of Sextons, Cromwells, White half tracks, Land Rovers and lorries; nature of Sextons including inaccessible engine, pattern f regular inspections, typical problems encountered, engine servicing routine, innovative use of Scammel winch to remove engine, adjustment of tracks and method of steering. REEL 10 Continues: prior passing of armoured vehicle maintenance courses in Germany and consequent promotion to corporal; status as tradesman NCO; junior NCOs mess; internal picket duties; frequency of accidental firings of Sten guns; tent accommodation and story of tent catching fire; latrines; cookhouse and food rations; pay; relationship with NCOs and story of staff sergeant putting out Cromwell fire; opinion of officers including their private vehicles and regimental canes; political situation; Egyptian attacks on British base and personnel; security and self defence precautions. REEL 11 Continues: story of coming under fire in Scammel whilst transporting Sexton on trailer; story of Egyptian sniper in water tower; stories illustrating problems with Egyptians stealing from camp. Recreational trips; kidnapping of officer and revolt of Egyptian police in Ismailia; climate and health; daily routine and duties; nature of regimental firing exercises in Sinai desert; story of rescue of Sexton after dispute between officer and driver; effectiveness of air-cooled Sexton motor; problems with sand in Cromwell air filter; effects of sandstorms and food rations; escarpment behind camp; battery firing camps in Western Desert; casualties caused by Sexton 25pdr premature fire incident. REEL 12 Continues: nature of posting; enjoyment of status as tradesman NCO; beginning work on changing engine on Cromwell; demobilisation party. Voyage aboard Dilwara to GB, 5/1954: increased safety measures after fire aboard Empire Windrush; messdeck conditions; Egyptian itinerant salesmen in Port Said harbour; cinema shows; duties as NCO; customs check. Charges for lost equipment on demobilisation at Aldershot, 6/1954. Post-service career: returning to work as apprentice motor mechanic; effects of military service; problems in acclimatising to civilian lifestyle; question of rejoining Regular Army and promotion prospects; career as motor mechanic and service manager. Recollections of service with LAD, 43rd Royal Tank Regt, St George's Drill Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1954-1957: nature of unit; drill night lectures; status as National Serviceman; attending annual camps including nature of Cromwell ARV, dust problem and conditions of service. REEL 13 Continues: attending annual camps including football competition; question of remaining in TA; conversion of unit to 6th Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers; leaving TA, 1957. Membership of 1st Volunteer Artillery (Tynemouth) Assoc, 2000-2006: affiliation to 101 Field Regt, Royal Artillery; meetings; membership of team refurbishing and maintaining 25pdr gun and trailer for use on ceremonial occasion; learning 25pdr gun drill.

Object Details

Category: Sound
Related period: 1990 to the present day (production)
Creator: IWM (Production company)
Hart, Peter M (Recorder)
Wilson, David (Interviewee/Speaker)
Production date: 2006-05
Dimensions: whole: Duration 390, Number Of Items 13
Catalogue number: 28670

Object associations

Our collections information

We have over a million object records online, and we are adding to this all the time. Our records are never finished. Sometimes we discover new information that changes what we know about an object, such as who made it or used it. Sometimes we change how an object is interpreted. We sometimes make mistakes in our spelling, transcription or categorisation, or miss information out of our records.

Read more about our collections and the information we hold. Developing our collections information

If you have concerns about the language in this record, or you have information to improve it, please share your feedback.