Entertaining the troops in Bad Harzburg

For the years October 1952 to July 1954 I was a member of the Band of the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers based in Lothian Barracks Detmold.
I remember in either early 1953 or in 1954 we stayed in the holiday facilities in Bad Harzburg to play concerts for army personel who were enjoying local leave there. I also remember going there with members of the band who were mainly regulars on local leave. This was strange because only regulars were entitled to local leave whereas I was National Service.This was the only perk I got throughout my service in the army.

Did you go to the "Nord Stern" gastatte William, that was a favourite hang out for the LG in the early '70's

Hello Jim-sorry about the delay in replying to your question-we may have visited the building you refer to because in total we (the band) had two spells of 7 days each in Bad Hartzburg-I remember there were a lot of Canadians in one place but I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the place you refer to. I do know the Canadians had a lot more money than we had but they were decent friendly lads.

William

I was first stationed in BAOR at Wolfenbüttel in 1947 with the Royals.Bad Harzburg was a favourite of ours,plenty of snow and winter sports in those days.We also used to get a few days "extra" leave for driving long distances accident free,and if I remember right you could have a holiday there for the princely sum of 6p a day.We had two hotels for the military,very well run and the food,in comparison to the then Army fodder,was first class.I was in the area last year,in winter,no snow,its all changed so much,tried to find those old holiday lodgings but without success.I also visited Goslar,Hahnenklee,Braunlage and the Brocken.We spent 5 days last New Year at Braunlage,had a great New Year,and wonder of wonders,we had plenty of snow!I currently live in Detmold.
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Don

Hello Don
As a former member of the 9th Lancers Band stationed in Detmold 1952/54 I have for the past three years taken a small party back to the former Garrison town and this year is no different-we will arrive in Paderborn by Air Berlin from Manchester late on Wednesday the 1st of October and fly back late afternoon, early evening on Sunday the 5th of October.We are staying at the Best Western Hotel in Detmold and guess what? We are bringing a former member of the Blues and Royals with us, Paul Shaw who was based at Lothian Barracks.
Don, it would be a real pleasure if you could join us for a drink sometime throughout our stay but even better why not join us for dinner in the evening at a local restaurant which we frequent during our stay.

Regards

William

Denis,
Would love to get together with you in Oct,we shall be here then.Don't know if I know Paul,tell him I was a Royal,and at amalgamation I was SCM of Command Sqn from 69 till I left in 71.I then got a job with Barrack Services and have lived in Detmold since.Great to have contact with you.

Best wishes

Don

Don, very much looking forward to meeting you in October-we are staying at the Residenz Best Western Hotel in Detmold and at the moment we are 8 in total-myself Wm Denis Haydock, Ken & Joyce Morgan, Peter Hamer, Norman Frank, Mrs Helga Heap, all 9th Lancer brethren plus Paul and Jan Shaw (Blues and Royals) and not forgetting our very dear German friend and guide Bert Pautz who is the curator of his own Military Museum in Bielefeld.
Peter Hamer did his two year National service in the stables with the 9th Lancers at Lothian Barracks.He was then demobbed but after two years in civvy street he joined the 3rd Caribineers and was immediately returned to Lothian Barracks Detmold to complete 6 years service driving a tank. I run a website myself Don, why not visit www.ninthroyallancers.org and enjoy some more pictures from the past.

Regards

william

Denis,
Great,look forward to meeting you in October.You all must have happy memories of Detmold.Have visited your website and will spend more time there later.Will keep in touch.

Best Wishes

Don.

I am new to this site and this is the first time I've used it, so I'm keen to see if I get any response.
I was stationed at Herford with HQ BAOR Signals Regiment between Nov.1950 and March, 1952.
Christmas 1952 was spent at Bad Hartzburg.
If I get any reply , I will look out the Christmas menu and put on here.
Best wishes to all,
Dennis.

Dennis

Thanks for the offer

Can you remember exactly where in Bad Harzburg you stayed?

Started well:

https://83rdinfdivdocs.org/documents/newspapers/83rd_Thunderbolt_May_19_1945.pdf

https://83rdinfdivdocs.org/documents/newspapers/83rd_Thunderbolt_May_26_1945.pdf

have more copies and will put on American page!