Batchelor, Ron (Oral history)

British NCO wireless operator served with Royal Corps of Signals attached to Headquarters, 29th Infantry Bde in Korea, 1951-1952

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Ilford, Essex and Seven Kings, London, 1932-1951: family background and social circumstances; education; background to move to live with grandparents in Letchworth, 1939; education disrupted by war; Anderson and Morrison shelters; blackout; German air raids; V! and V2 raids; evacuation to Sheffield, 1944, including billet, education and relationship with local children; return to London, 1945; rationing; VE day street party, 8/5/1945; work as French polisher, plasterer and plumber, 1946-1951; call up for Royal Corps of Signals. Recollections of conditions of service, lifestyle and daily routine during basic training with 7th (Training) Regt, Royal Corps of Signals, Catterick Camp, 2/1951-3/1951: reception and kitting out; barrack room; morning routine and cleaning room; food rations and canteen; drill. REEL 2 Continues: PT; weapons training on rifle and Bren gun; preparing for kit inspections; competition between squads; relationship with recruits, instructors and officers; passing out parade. Recollections of training as wireless operator with 4th (Training) Regt, RCS, Catterick Camp, learning Morse code; training on wireless set and voice procedure; continuation infantry training and attending George VI birthday parade; canteen; passing course; period in transit camp; story of visiting mother in hospital whilst AWOL; childhood holidays hop-picking in Kent. REEL 3 Continues: reactions to news of posting to Korea. Voyage aboard Empire Pride to Kure, Japan, 9/1951-10/1951: mess deck conditions; route and visits ashore; rifle training. Period at Kure Camp, 10/1951-11/1951: commando training; rejection on volunteering for Special Air Service training. Voyage on steamer to Pusan, Korea, 11/1951. Recollections of service as wireless operator with 'K' Troop, Royal Signals, Headquarters, 29th Bde, Kowang San area, Korea, 11/1951-6/1952: train journey to HQ, Commonwealth Div; posting to unit; composition of unit; relationship with officers and NCOs; personal morale; use of generator to recharge batteries; role on telephone exchange based on signal truck; dug in bivouac tents; marquee tents and petrol heater; food and cigarette rations; Korean servants; rum ration; medical precautions; latrines; cold conditions and special clothing; routine duties including casualty returns. REEL 4 Continues: guard patrols; rat and snake problems; movements; duties on promotion to lance corporal signal office superintendent; local leave in Tokyo, 3/1952; role as sports NCO and making football pitch; hot summer weather. Period attached as wireless operator to 1st Royal Australian Regt, 6/1952-9/1952: presence of ex-British regulars; period in reserve; wireless duties contacting HQ, 29th Bde; story of nearly being court-martialled for not attending parade; relationship with Australian soldiers; move onto Hill 355, Kowang San area; end of national service period. Period in rear echelon of Commonwealth Div, 9/1952-12/1952: role operating 52 wireless set in medical centre; football activities; routine duties; question of singing on as regular with promotion to sergeant. Period in Pusan Transit Camps, 12/1952-1/1953: fighting between Scottish units; confinement to camp; soldier's murder of Korean guard. Voyage aboard Empire Orwell to GB, 1/1953-2/1953: minimal duties; conditions; compassionate leave due to father's hospitalisation. Demobilisation and medical, 2/1953. Post-service career: aspects of TA service with Royal Artillery, 1953-1956; problem acclimatising to civilians lifestyle; effects of military service; career as plumber and family business. REEL 5 Continues: membership of Royal Signals Assoc and Korean War Veterans Assoc including meeting comrades and trips back to Korea; attitude to Korean War.