Page 83
Garrison Duty in Austria

Page Eighty-three




It was quite dark when we eventually reached the Austrian town of Wolfsberg. On dismounting we heard the familiar voice of SSM Humston calling to men of 'B' Squadron to fall in - but for his waving a hurricane lamp we just could not have done so. As soon as some semblance of order had been reached, it was a short march to our billet which happened to be a school. Joy of joys, Corporal Stevenson and his trusty crew had a hot meal ready for the hungry travellers!

The following morning we were called to a meeting in the school hall, at which time the Squadron's 2nd/IC, Captain HE Irwin MC announced he was putting us "in the picture." Hearing those familiar words, memories of Major MacKean's untimely death came flooding back. Having told us he was acting OC while Major Sidebottom was home on leave, he went to say that details about the Regiment's garrison duties had not as yet been finalised. It so happened that over a week elapsed before we found out.

Called once again for a meeting with the OC, the "scoop" was the NIH had become an Armoured Recce Regiment and was absorbing 56th Recce Regiment which was to be disbanded. Additional to personnel, we were to take over most of the Recce's lorries and Greyhound Armoured Cars. When some wag (probably a gunner) called out something to the effect "that means we're going back to those 2 pdr popguns," there were chuckles all around. After the laughter had subsided, Captain Irwin went on to tell us that the Squadrons would be taking up garrison duties in different locations. 'A' Squadron in Vienna, 'B' and 'RHQ' Squadrons in Wolfsberg and 'C' Squadron in Santk Andrä, a small town some miles south of Wolfsberg on the Yugoslav border.

An hour or so later, word came that Corporal Wiggins and myself were to report to the OC in the Squadron Office. Thus summoned, first knocking on a door signed Schuldirektor, we came to attention before the Captain and SQMS Burke. The OC came straight to the point, Jimmy was to take over as the Squadron's senior operator, leaving me more than surprised and wondering what was coming next. After saying that it seemed likely that the Squadron would be stationed in Wolfsberg for some time, to my astonishment, I was to be responsible for setting up a recreation centre for ranks below that of sergeant. Before I could say anything, the OC went on to tell me that I had a completely free hand, could call on the QM for anything I needed and could establish it away, but not too far, from the school premises.

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