Entry and Training

14 Locating Battery, RA, Woolwich

I was posted to 14 Locating Battery RA on 2^nd May 1952. This unit was located at Woolwich, but not at the main Depot, although the buildings were of similar vintage. I commenced further instruction under a WOII Surveyor who had served during World War II, and was a perfect gentleman. (What on earth was he doing in the army?) He was also a very good communicator. We had only commenced further instruction on terrestrial and celestial survey plus supporting practical exercises when the instructor surprised us by asking for volunteers to serve in Korea. Not wanting to break the age old tradition of never knowingly volunteering for anything in the army, we all remained seated.

He then proceeded to read out the names of all men, classed as A1 fit and with at least 12 months service outstanding. We were instantly dismissed to commence a further series of inoculations, followed by being issued with a travel voucher and commencement of embarkation leave.

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