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ARBORFIELD 1939

 

(Submitted by Frank BENNETT, 7601105)

 

 

I enlisted in 1939 and served my Army Apprenticeship at AAS Arborfield. Greetings to all ex-Boys, particularly to any who remember me - I bunked in room 2,  "C" Block.

 

Permanent Staff I remember during that period:

  • Sergeant McCARTHY, Lancashire Fusiliers [killed in action in 1944 whilst serving with his Regiment in Italy]
  • CSM ‘Paddy’ CORR, Ulster Rifles [probably still shouting at small boys – not that they don’t deserve it!]
  • Major HUGHES, Company Commander [I can’t remember his initials; I suppose he must have had some!]

 

The worst moment during my stay was when my brother was sick at home and I applied for a weekend pass which was refused. The following day we were Duty Company so, thinking I wouldn’t be missed, I went over the wire on Friday night.  I came back on Sunday night and went straight into the slammer!  I was hauled up in front of Colonel HILLBORNE on Monday morning on a charge. My punishment? Tea at the RSM’s house! On the following Wednesday I reported to the RSM’s Quarters where I was duly fed; after the meal he said: “Come out to the shed with me”.  I thought that I was now going to get a thrashing but Ben gave me a load of apples to take back to the boys in the room, and of course never to go absent again.