Page Seven

The Big Parade

The day came when, instead of being the site for driving tuition, the Regimental Parade Ground would be serving its true purpose. Rhomboidal in shape, at the far end was a World War One Mark VIII Tank and, on one side next to the saluting base, a mast flying the Union Jack above a flag bearing the Regimental Insignia.

Lead by the Regimental Band, playing "It wasn't the tanks that won the war, it was My Boy Willie," the troops, led by 'A' Squadron, marched past the saluting base giving the "Eyes Right" to the Commanding Officer.

After circling the parade ground, Squadrons were drawn up in front of the CO. and, when all were assembled, the RSM called "At Ease," "Bushy" Broome's speech was short and to the point, essentially wishing everyone to enjoy their week's leave. After the call for "Three Cheers" we came to attention and, on the command, marched off to some more rousing music.

Back to Reality

Of leave memories are few - the week flew by! A couple of rounds of golf, visits with friends and then, once again on a train Wiltshire bound. Arriving at Warminster a waiting Bedford 3-tonner whisked us away to the bosom of the Regiment. When checking in at the Guard House we were instructed to immediately report to our Troop Sergeant who told us that we were free for the remainder of the day.

Next morning was a combined parade of Troop 34 (ours) and Troop 35 before the SSM and several NCO Instructors with whom we were to fall in as names were being called.

The first to go were about half-a-dozen who had not been selected as tank crew, next being those chosen to be trained as gunners. To the latter the SSM gave his promised "good news" - their training would be for seven weeks after which would be additional leave.

Next it was the turn of those chosen to be drivers one of whom was Trooper Glyn Collard, whose Army service number was the one after mine. After they had been marched off by their instructors about a dozen remained, myself included. On being told by the SSM that our training period would be for fifteen weeks before he could go on leave, one brave sole called out "What about our good news Sergeant Major?" The response was that we were being trained to become Driver/Operators and, those who qualified, would receive the highest pay scale due a Trooper.

Later, while enjoying some refreshment in the NAAFI Canteen, all was excitement, albeit short-lived, at the prospect of driving tanks all over Salisbury Plain.

Phase Two

Which of the RTR's impressive inventory of tracked vehicles would we be driving was uppermost on our minds as we were being addressed by our instructor-in-chief Cpl. Pell. Disillusionment soon followed on being told that most of the fifteen weeks would be spent learning all about operating wireless sets. No swanning around Salisbury Plain in tanks for us, except for just one week in a Bren Carrier.

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