JTR 12th Intake Feb 1962

[Bob Etchells]

Hi All,

I am Bob Etchells, I have now retired and thought that now I have time on my hands I thought I might try and find some of my old soldiers pals from the past, almost 50 years in the past.
Any one who recognises me either from the 12th intake or after I passed out, my first posting was at the Fusiliers Depot, Sutton Coldfield, only there for around 9 months. I then went to The Black Watch at Knook Camp, Warminster, Minden, Germany. UN Cyprus. Kirknewton Mid Lothian Scotland. 1963 to 1969 I was then posted to theOfficers Mess, Central Vehicle Depot at Feltham, Middx  From here I would be called to assist at Royal Garden Parties and State openings of Parliament in London, till my demob in 1971.

Anyhow chaps get in touch

Bob.

[Ian E Scott]

Hi Bob,
Scottie here from the 13th Intake...........so it was your fault that I ended up at The Fusilier Brigade Depot after passing out!
Hope you're well and looking after yourself?

[Bob Etchells]

Hi Scottie,

When did you pass out. I left for the Black Watch  from S/C around Feb/ March 64.
Do you remember the guy doing the washing up in the kitchen, having no hands. If I remember it was as if it didn't slow him down at all. Amazing.
The other thing that was amazing was the accommodation single room, couldn't believe it, especially after the mission huts at St Omer. There is definitely a lack of 12th Intake on this site. Saw Jim (Jock) Webster writing on someone Else's page., other than that I haven't spotted anyone I know.

Take care
Bob

[Ian E Scott]

Bob,

Passed Out on 10th December 63 followed by 6 months at Worthy Down until 17nhalf.
Went to Sutton Coldfield on 4th August 64 and stayed until December 66.
The guy with no hands on the tin bash was Charlie and he was bloody amazing.
The Cook Sgt was Pete Mahoney one bloody great guy

[Bob Etchells]

Hi again Scottie,

Thanks for jogging my memory with Charlie he always seemed happy although I think he enjoyed showing off. He certainly became a master with the purpose made implements specially made for washing up.

Pete Mahoney I didn't know him too well I do know that some of the cpl's talked about him behind his back, I suppose its the same in most kitchens, I try not to buy into that sort of thing.

You must have kept a diary, I wouldn't have a clue when I passed out, I just about manage to remember the year, sometime.

I came out in September 1971,  managed to make the rank of corporal although when I did the state opening of parliament and Queens garden parties I was acting Sargent.

Wife's just called me for dinner. Chat later. Bob.