The day finally came when driving instruction, wheels only, was on the agenda.

Following the teaching of basics, at the wheel Bedford 15 cwt trucks, we drove around the Barrack Square as it was large enough for us not to hit anything. Then followed a division into two groups, one for those who had showed enough skill to be entrusted to drive on roads outside the Barracks the other for those who had not.

I was lucky enough to be part of the first group. With five to a truck, under the watchful eye of an instructor, many happy hours were spent driving over roads almost empty of traffic. By happenstance, we always seemed to stop for breaks at canteens in one of Wiltshire's small towns!

Those in second group were less fortunate. Their lot was to drive endlessly around the roads inside Barracks. We now meet up with Trooper Mitsialis again. He apparently, despite all the instructor's efforts, was never able to master the art of double de-clutching. On the second day, while he was at the wheel, something went very wrong. To the instructor's horror, the truck careened over the pavement to plough its way irresistibly into the centre of the CO's beloved "cabbage patch."

We know not what wrath descended upon the head of Trooper Mitsialis. Perhaps, being the son of the Greek consul in Liverpool he was able to claim diplomatic immunity. What we do know is that he departed the scene that very same day!

Weaponry

The day following completion of driving instruction the SSM cast his beady eye upon us. Addressing "You lot" he informed us that our days of swanning around the countryside were over. In order that we may learn how to do bodily harm to the enemy, it was off to the firing ranges for us!

After firing of a few rounds with Lee Enfield rifle we were marched over to a couple of tank turrets embedded in the ground. First showing us the workings of a Mills hand grenade, our instructor then gave us some very explicit instructions. When ordered, 1. Collect a live grenade; 2. Cimb carefully into the turret; 3. With our heads out, release the firing-pin then count to five; 4. Smartly hurl it away then quickly duck down.

Everything went according to plan until it came the turn of Trooper Advani. Remember him? He failed to go back down, the grenade exploded and piece of metal flew in one cheek and clean out of the other. Fortunately he had his mouth open otherwise much more damage may have been done. We all hoped he would be OK, but, as his stay in hospital was rather lengthy, we didn't see him again. We certainly hope that all went well for this popular "little fellow."

Returning from the range, we paraded before the SSM for what was thought to be yet another lecture, especially after the recent mishap, however, it was more an informative talk. During our upcoming leave, it would be decided who had qualified as Tank Crew personnel and that subsequent weapon training would be appropriate to the Crew position. For example, only those chosen to be gunners would be receiving training on a tank's main weapons. He knew that others, not so chosen, would be disappointed by not getting the opportunity to fire the big guns but, he hinted, a pleasant surprise lay ahead!