Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Request for Photo's
Request to former members of "C" Squadron Warminster days. Has anyone got Photo's from our spell Training Squadron Infantry School. Looking for inpaticular any Pic, of the Comet Tank we used as Mobile Target for Small Arms , and can anyone remember who the drivers Where, the only name that comes to mind was Ken Cook? who where the others?
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Not sure Colin but I think Dougie Best might know. I was there also but cannot help with any Pic's I'm afraid, didn't have a camera then.
ReplyDeleteThat was a good experience excepting for the trek through the snow to that silly sentry box and standing there freezing apart from stopping the odd car or two and reminding them that they were driving on MOD roads, what a load of cods that was....lol
TIS
jim has some photod of tanks in his albums but where or what they are I don't know , I will have a look and see what I can find, but as he was a bandsman I doubt they will be what you want, although he is acting wounded in one so it must have been on some excercise or other
ReplyDeleteColin -- What "B----Y" Small Arms.( LoL) I was driving the Comet one day as target for the then new Hand Held, Wire Controlled Anti -Tank Missile (forgot the name) The dummy head was wood.I received a direct hit on the turret.
ReplyDeleteI felt the hit thru! my seat & feet.All the debris inside came up like a cloud. When I was finally allowed to dismount I was covered in sand & dust.
Regards Doug.
My worst day in the Royals. Inf./Tank Co-operation @ Warminster. 3rd.Troop C Sqn.
ReplyDeleteWe were on the firing point on the Range. Waiting for our Infantry Officers to arrive.
Prepared our vehicles, bombed up with live ammo. Then relaxed. I was Tank Commander 33 Charlie.
To cut a long story short. On receiving my first target from the Inf. Officer on the rear external telephone, I gave my Target Orders to my Gunner & Loader. The next word I hear Steve Ratley my Loader/Op. call. Bore Not Clear!!!
On checking we observed cotten wadding, halfway down the barrel. Should I take the chance? To load & fire. NO.
The problem was-- 3 Cents.on the firing point all loaded with live Ammo 105mm. & ,30 MG.
I can!t remember if I was ordered to move forward or the others were ordered to reverse.
We where then allowed to dismount & clear the barrel.
I was on Sqn. Orders when we returned to Camp @Tidworth.
Regards Doug.
That's the 1st time I have heard of that mishap Dougie, you kept that quiet...lol. Wasn't it there that you injured your back?
ReplyDeleteTIS
Tis I think everyone wanted thet kept "Schtum"
ReplyDeleteAbout my back. Williams was my driver, hit a shelhole at speed. I was flung down into the turret, hurt my back.
The M.O. gave me horse linniment to rub on.That was early !65. When I left the Army I was wearing a corset, for 5 yrs.
No pension though. I kept that schtum too. Wrong decision!
Regards Doug
You should put a claim in for backpayn.....lol
ReplyDeleteTIS
Tis -- That was over 45yrs. ago.
ReplyDeleteMy feet hurt now. Had x-rays this week. No more marching for me.
Apart from that I am "Fit as a Butchers Dog".
Regards Doug.
I did a spell of driving the Comet at Warminster they used the Wombat anti tank at the time on displays for foreign arms buyers. I was in A Sqn and used to travel from Tidworth each day on my motor bike. I do remember that when the dummy war head hit you were very glad that it was not real as it felt as if the turret was coming off and the dust etc was something else. But sadly no Pics ,but it was good fun !!.
ReplyDeleteJohn