British Army of the Rhein - TV programme

I've just finished watching tonight's hour long BBC4 TV programme recalling what life was like in BAOR. Whilst I did just my second year of National Service in the RAF's 646 SU at Obernkirchen and Scharfoldendorf, August 1958-9, I found little in the programme which reminded me of my year in Germany. Ours was a small unit, and whilst mainly RAF we also had members of the Army serving with us. Perhaps the security surrounding our operation kept the film crews away!

Hopefully others here found more which reminded them of their service.

Has anyone seen the BBC progam at 2.15 in afternoon, "Privates", what a load of rubbish, the 'Milatry Adviser, is a Terry Gillingham, he has probaly never been in the army let alone did National Service.

The guards on the gate are holding the rifle in the Amercian way, magazine to the shoulder, they are standing at 'Ease' with thr rifle at the 'slope, in the Office corridore, both the Officer and the Soldiers are saulting each other 'Bareheaded', and closed fists, the Drill Sargent and Drill Corp, look like sacks of potatoes tied up in the middle, the gate guards are holding the rifle in the 'port' position, simiar to the present day stance, and it is just a laugh to watch all the mistakes. I could go on but I am laughing too much.

Tom Withers ex 1 Corps Signal Regt Hwerford tBAOR 15 N/S July 54/July 56.

The BAOR programme is being repeated to night.

Tom Withers wrote:

Has anyone seen the BBC progam at 2.15 in afternoon, "Privates", what a load of rubbish, the 'Milatry Adviser, is a Terry Gillingham, he has probaly never been in the army let alone did National Service.

The guards on the gate are holding the rifle in the Amercian way, magazine to the shoulder, they are standing at 'Ease' with thr rifle at the 'slope, in the Office corridore, both the Officer and the Soldiers are saulting each other 'Bareheaded', and closed fists, the Drill Sargent and Drill Corp, look like sacks of potatoes tied up in the middle, the gate guards are holding the rifle in the 'port' position, simiar to the present day stance, and it is just a laugh to watch all the mistakes. I could go on but I am laughing too much.

Tom Withers ex 1 Corps Signal Regt Hwerford tBAOR 15 N/S July 54/July 56.

I though that it was a typical Royal Signals Regiment!

Gordon. wrote:

The BAOR programme is being repeated to night.

Wonder if it has matured with age? (Unlike me).

I watched about 20 minutes of the 2nd. episode, and then gave up. On checking on Digiguide I was surprised to see it listed as "Drama". I don't watch "Soaps" but wonder if that would have been a better label. But then what do I know? I served in the RAF for just two years.

Quote :

Terry Gillingham

A gunner from the 70s..

That is not tipical of thr Royal Signals, all our Drill NCO's and Instructor NCO's were smart and a good example to us N/S squaddies.

I am proud to have done 'My Bit' with the Royal Signals, even if it was only for two years, "back in the old days. "

Gordon. wrote:

Quote :

Terry Gillingham

A gunner from the 70s..

That wouldn't surprise me!

Gordon. wrote:

Quote :

Terry Gillingham

A gunner from the 70s..

Ah yes, "Plunger" Gillingham.

Used to drive 76 Bty's POL truck, I recall. (Wasn't allowed to wear shorts).

Yes I remember one of our guys in the warmer climates being excused wearing shorts due to his being hung like a donkey.

Was that me???The memory you know...............

Dulaigh wrote:

Yes I remember one of our guys in the warmer climates being excused wearing shorts due to his being hung like a donkey.

'ang about !
Winterbourne Gunner ?
How come that was never changed to "Winterbourne Scaley" then ?

Quote :

'ang about !

That was the problem

Tom Withers looks smart for a signals man, did you have the lead weights in the battle dress
trousers?

when did you ever see sgts and cpls strolling about a training garrison wearing b ds that looked like second hand bell tents . and wearing their berets over the shoulder , whoever wrote . thought of , produced and directed this farce never wore uniform , unless it was the asylum uniform . straitjacket , ginger

Never saw an RA Gunner during my service. Lots of Tankies, Lancers, Hussars, some Life Guards and one or two Household. We had gone to combined services in my time.

I would prefer not to comment on the TV programme.

I too watched this programme and if I was the producer I would be looking for a big rebate from the military "advisor". What about the beret ribbons hanging down the back? The lack of a blanket round the bedpack? Along with all the previous comments. My wife says I am being pedantic and no one who hasn't been in the army at that time would notice. Mind you she always tells me to shut up when anything about railways is on TV as they are just as bad!

One more point. Surely there weren't enough people in that section where there? I would have thought that they should at least have been in platoon strength. I loved all those shots of the single bedford and landrover in all those different locations. Mind you, my wife who worked in TV for a while, once did a re-enactment of the battle of Hastings using three men and one horse!