RAOC

Did my 22 years and loved every second of it.

I was a Staff Clerk originally and then became and RAOC Analyst/Programmer which lead to me having a great career in civvie street in IT.

jim wrote:

Did my 22 years and loved every second of it.

I was a Staff Clerk originally and then became and RAOC Analyst/Programmer which lead to me having a great career in civvie street in IT.

Only managed 7 years, but still miss and look back fondly on those days with the R.A.O.C.

Transferred from the Infantry in 1961 and spent 22 memorable years in the RAOC.
Most of my Corps service was as a VS. Served with some real characters whose quality as soldiers left a lot to be desired but as tradesmen were second to none when it came to getting the job done in difficult situations.
I am not embarrassed to state that i miss the Army life as much today as I did on the day I left back in 1983. Although not into large Corps Reunions, I still grab the opportunity to meet up with selected friends and former colleagues every chance I get.
Happy and carefree days.

I too came from the Infantry and enjoyed every minute of it.
In fact I think there was a Bob Hargreaves with my merry band in the F.I. in '83 running the laundry unit.

Hi all I am trying to find Sgt Dave Cox I am in touch with Fred Greenslade, who would like to contact him, both served in FARELF and M gladbach
any help woud be appreciated

I served in the RAOC from 1976 to 1992 and loved it. After 16 years I took voluntary redundancy. From a financial point of view I'd have been a fool not to, but it has to be said... I didn't really want to leave.

That would be surplus to establishment then Andrew
I did the same in 1972. As a 31 year old Cpl, to many 24 year old Sgts around at the time.
Jerry

I was a 32 year old Cpl and came out during phase 1 of options for change in 1992 which was voluntary but I have no doubt had I not volunteered for phase 1 I would have been volunteered for phase 2 or 3 which was compulsory redundancy.

I was stunned when in 1996 I received a letter informing me that I "fell within the criteria for reinlistment" and should contact my nearest ACIO (which they provided the contact details for) for more information. I considered it but I'd been out for four years and although I didn't like civy street much I decided reinlistment was not for me. It wouldn't have been the same in the RLC, I would have always been looking back to my years in the RAOC.

I left in 1991 after 27 years and still had to do time on the reserve when I received a letter from records enquiring if I would like to partake in a paid six months tour of Bosnia,I made my excuses and left.

Hi Guys, I left in '93 on completion of my service. I loved it, great Corps and great guys.

Hi Guys
I was like the advert of the day. Be a Soldier of the Sixties. Signed on early 1960 and was demobbed in 1969. Still got a cap badge and stable belt although the belt doesn,t go round me anymore.
Brian

I have a few bit's and pieces, I lost the gasmask somewhere along the way though,

I think you mean Respirator Jim. gas masks are a different thing ,or so I was always told,got to make allowances for shiny bums.

That's true Nobby,

It has to be said, on exercise your gas mask/respirator haversack was generally used as a mars bar stash. How I fondly I remember ripping out my gasperator on the words GAS, GAS, GAS and as I went through the motion of donning respirator I knew the mars bar I had been keeping for ages went flying into the darkness. It's at times like this that exercises get real, no one stands on your mars bar.

I always stashed mine in the back of the 432, Clerks privileges mate

Brian Holmes wrote:

Hi Guys
I was like the advert of the day. Be a Soldier of the Sixties. Signed on early 1960 and was demobbed in 1969. Still got a cap badge and stable belt although the belt doesn,t go round me anymore.
Brian

Brian, this very afternoon I had cause to go to the loft to find some old photo's (something I've been meaning to do for some time) anyway, while up there I saw my old army suitcase. It was quite cold in the loft and I didn't fancy hanging around but I had a quick peep in the old suitcase all the same. Over an hour later I heard my wife calling asking what I was doing up there. She came up the ladder and saw me looking through my old stuff. For some reason I got quite emotional, those years really were special...

Anyhoo Brian, the reason I responded to your post was because in my suitcase I found my old stable belt and although I knew it wouldn't fit I had to try it on (as you do) and guess what? it doesn't go round any more LOL what a surprise! I replaced it in the suitcase along with a lot of other treasured memories, to be opened another time.

I re-enlisted into the RAOC in March 1978, served with ........
1 Bn Combat Supplies in 49 Coy at Obernkirchen.
31 Ord Coy at Portsmouth Bks in Muenster.
90 Ord Coy in Tidworth.
I left in March 1988 at the 22 year point.
I then joined the RAOC TA at Deepcut and served with .......
Wales District Ord Coy.
SW Dist Ord Coy.
74 Transit Coy.
and various Trade Training Teams.
I was still serving when it became Royal Logistic Corps.
Left the RLC TA in 1996.