No names no pack drill

Hi lads,

Now I know there are a few RMP lads on this site but never mind. The question is did you ever exchange BFG coupons for tyres, spotlights etc?

No, not tyres, but did get a set of spanners They are still serving my well, even now!

Spanners...Never. They were free from the REME Wksps.....During lunch hour

Tony Miller wrote:

Hi lads,

Now I know there are a few RMP lads on this site but never mind. The question is did you ever exchange BFG coupons for tyres, spotlights etc?

How very dare you........

One thing missing from REME tool kits in those days were Metric Spanners and sockets. How else could one repair without problems were continental cars?

Dear god, spanners?

The very thought makes me shudder, that's what you REME guys were for.

yes, for a very nice pair of sunglasses at the BP station at wankum. i was delivering a scammel from bielefeld to antwerp and bringing an AEC back. just onto the autobhan at bielefeld the clutch went, so we crashed the gearbox all the way there. the sun was just coming up when we got to wankum. trying to get the scammel under the canopy with no clutch, and then trying to get the thing to "stall' in first gear was great fun. so me and the recce mech treated ourselves to a pair of sunglasses each.

alan8376 wrote:

One thing missing from REME tool kits in those days were Metric Spanners and sockets. How else could one repair without problems were continental cars?

RATIO used to sell some cheap metric tools, which would quickly disappear if you left your tool box open..........during lunch time.

Or to expand it, did you trade booze or fags for goods with Germans?

Not that I ever did that of course!

Teabag wrote:

Or to expand it, did you trade booze or fags for goods with Germans?

Not that I ever did that of course!

How very dare you.........

Were you the Recce Mech at Ripon Barracks.

No, but I did supply the odd 200fags or bottle of whisky for work done by the mojos (they were crafty little workers dont you know).

I've given ciggies to German workmen for jobs done.

I can remember sitting in the bar of the Hotel Corfe in Bad salzuflen.when every tabl,e bar one (mine)had a packet of Rex ciggies on it..Selling at a Mark per packet the 40 percent mark up was very acceptable

My god, Rex ciggies. Anyone remember the du maurier ones in an open flat top case.

In those days I smoked Kensitas which, if you remember, came with Coupons, 10 in a packet of 20. I built up quite a collection over 5 years (200 fags per week) and when I was posted back to the UK I redeemed them for a Magazine Rack - that's what you call a freebie!!

Shelldrake wrote:

In those days I smoked Kensitas which, if you remember, came with Coupons, 10 in a packet of 20. I built up quite a collection over 5 years (200 fags per week) and when I was posted back to the UK I redeemed them for a Magazine Rack - that's what you call a freebie!!

I just kept mine on my SLR or SMG with spares in pouches.

Wonder if squaddies are still hardened smokers these days? Virtually everyone did when I was in.

Not so much anymore - you still get loads of fags however the NHS/Medical Services are promoting healthier lifestyles and generally soldiers have become more aware of fitness and health as the information is more readily available.

Well lads so much for this topic. Guess I was the only honest guy in BAOR

Looks like it Tony. You've probably got your LS & GC as well I expect.

Whats one of them then???? LOL

Your right Shelldrake LS&GC + VD and Scar

I think mine got lost in the Post.

I think, to be honest, I would have been elligible for the LSGC as both stints in the Army, making 12 years service in total, were graded exemplary. I do think, however, that my CO may have been less inclined to let me have it as I was an expert trouble dodger, leaving mayhem and destruction in my wake (never to be proven in my direction). A good soldier indeed

On another note - I was fined 1 weeks pay for losing my MoD90 (they do not charge you for that any more!!!). Had 1 weeks ROPs for not attending a duty (Guard duty, I was on leave but the orders came out on my last day and I did not read them. Apparently local leave means you still do duties...).

Finally - one weeks ROPs for being late for PT - car broke down and in those days did not have a mobile phone. RSM told me I should have knocked on someones door and asked to use their phone - 5am in a German village - like they would have been chuffed to open the door to an Englaender....!

O ye of a later generation.

"ROPs", your enlightenment, prithee !