224 (Training) Signal Squadron (Radio), Garrats Hey, Quorn,

Whatever became of 224 (Training) Sig Squadron at Garrats Hey, Quorn. I can remember training as a Spec Op. back in 1964, living in then then 'new' barracks and being marched each morning down the road in squads to the old nissen hutted training camp about a half mile down the road.

I can remember the provost Sgt then, a Sgt Bowles, a real old timer. Does the moD still own the old camp sites, or has all th.is been closed down and sold off for local houing developments? I have tried looking at this through 'Google' maps, but don't recognise anything.

Does anyone also remember 223 Signal Squadron (Radio), Bushfield Camp near Winchester, Hants and the Flowerdown radio site.....?? All gone now so I understand, clsoed down many, many moons ago.....!!

The boozy nights in the Camp NAAFI, down at the 'Winchester Hotel' bar, the 'Bell' Pub and other places in the centre of Winchester. Oh the misspent yoof!!

In November 1980, 224 Signal Squadron (which ceased training in 1990), became Communications and Security Group (UK),(CSG(UK)); forming from 4 Communications Company which was located in Cheltenham.
The Garats Hay barracks lay empty for a long time..at least until 1998 when I last was in the area, then had a serious 'makeover' and is now a mini Cheltenham. Not sure if MOD or civvi..suspect the latter.
For a history of the Royal Signals Garats Hay occupation from the early post war 10 Wireless Training Squadron time until 1990, see the Birgelen website under the History tab. www.birgelenvets.org

Garats Hay closed and was redeveloped as Welbeck Sixth Form College and remains as such today.

Some pics of 224 here

http://royal-signals.org.uk/zenphoto/brigades-and-squadrons/224%20Signal%20Squadron/

haha love the fire engine, that was replaced by a man powered barrow...

Ha! Yes I do remember that man powered barrow with hose reels etc. As well as the duty Guard Picquet, there was also a duty Fire Picquet. I do also remember the Duty Provost Sergeant, a Sgt Bowles, so I believe if memory serves me right.

A right disciplinarian so he was. One understood that he was a Substantive L/Corporal, Acting Corporal, & Local Sergeant. One remembers a story about him, possibly not true, that after a Sergeants 'Beer o' Clock' session, he decided to check up on the Duty Guard at the old Training site. He was more than 'Brahms and Lizt', and tried to climb over the large wooden gate from the main road outside.

Apparently the Duty Picquet were aware of his tricks, and one lad smashed his pick handle over Sgt Bowles' hand, and damaged his fingers. Of course, Sgt Bowles was screaming in agony, but was mightily chuffed that 'His Lads' (Duty Picquet' were 'On the ball'.

Another 'Old Timer' I remember as a 19 year old trainee Spec Op at 224 was a Scots lads, a L/Corporal C******o (with an Italian sounding name). He was on the RP staff at 224 Sig Squadron in 1964. I met up with him many years later in 1976 when I was posted to 11 Sigs, Helles Lines, Depot Troop, Catterick Garrison. L/Coproral C*****o was a Local L/Corporal on the RP staff at Helles Lines. I was a Corporal at the time, and was on the RP Staff as well.

L/Corporal C*****o eventually made rank as Local Sergeant, so I believe. He had been up down the ranks most of his Army Career. I remember bumping into him many, many years later when i moved to Chelmsford, Essex where I am now. I bumped into him at the British legion club in Chelmsford, and we had a good old natter about the 'Good Old Days'. Not sure if Local Sergeant C*****o has gone to the 'Great RP Guard Room' in the sky yet. He was a good many years older that I was.

It all feels that it was only a few years ago now.......

New use:

https://garatshay.org.uk/garats-hay-today/