May 1969 to May 1970

Enlisted at Manchester Army Recruiting Office.  Reported to 11 Signal Regiment, Helles Barracks, Catterick where I completed basic training in 5 Troop, 1 Squadron.  Having finished basic training, it was considered that the best place to keep me out of mischief would be in the potential officer troop (then known as OR1 Troop). Despite various catastrophes, I was selected for officer training (again I suspect, to get me out of the way).

May 1970 to October 1970

I passed through the mincing machine of officer training in Salerno Company of Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot.  Here I learned the more advanced military skills such as using Brasso to shine the radiator pipes.  I also managed to get myself sentenced to 14 days Restriction of Privileges on account of a silly mistake when returning from leave.  Who'd think that 24 hours would cause such a fuss (particularly between friends)!

October 1970 to June 1973

Posted to 2 Squadron, 21 Signal Regiment.  Three years with the Royal Air Force providing ground to ground communications for the Harrier Force.  This included a three month detachment to RAF Gutersloh to provide the same service on a smaller scale for 18 (Wessex) Squadron.

June 1973 to June 1975

Just down the road to 13 Signal Regiment (Radio).  Quite idyllic being a stone's throw from the fleshpots of Holland and Belgium.  I had two detachments here: three months at H Troop and 7 months with Echo Troop 233 Signal Squadron.

June 1975 to June 1978

At last a move to the "real" Army.  2 Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment to be precise.  This proved entertaining and arduous as it coincided with General Frank Kitson's reign as GOC.

June 1978 to June 1980

I couldn't escape for ever, so eventually dragged back to Blighty.  The AAC Harrogate was to be my home for the next two years.  Memorable for the absolute enthusiasm displayed by the ATs.

June 1980 to November 1980

Seven months in the sunshine of Belize as a watchkeeper in Force Headquarters. 

November 1980  to April 1984

22 Signal Regiment at Churchill Barracks Lippstadt.  My first married posting and  blessed with child.

April 1984 to April 1987

Dragged back to the UK to serve as Training Major with 71 (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment at Bromley in Kent. Three years living in Woolwich .

April 1987 to April 1989

At last they found someone to relieve me and  with joy in our hearts we flew off to spend 2 years  in Dhekelia Cyprus.  Here  we had the privilege of hosting HRH The Princess Royal in the summer of 1987.  The great sadness was that I was to be the last Officer Commanding of 262 Signal Squadron before it was reduced to being a troop of 259 Signal Squadron.

April 1989  to October 1993

My last posting  as Officer Commanding  Headquarters (The Somme) Squadron of 3 Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment at Soest .

October 1993

Retired and off to Switzerland to start a new life - but that's another story.

This is only the bare bones of my time in the Army.  There were sad times as well as exhilarating moments.  Great excitement as well as periods of boredom.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world!  I will try to flesh out this little history later on but my next project will be a page detailing the five years that we spent in Switzerland.