- Contributed byÌý
- John Llewellyn Davies
- People in story:Ìý
- National Servicemen
- Location of story:Ìý
- Brecon Barracks, Brecon.
- Article ID:Ìý
- A2773127
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 23 June 2004
The Sergeant
“Ah, there you are gentlemen! It was very good of you all to turn up here at Brecon barracks, the depot of the South Wales Borderers, for your National Service! I must say you all look extremely smart in your new uniforms!
You are the ‘Isandhlwana’ platoon and you will be in competition with the ‘Talavera’.
I am sergeant Wilson, your platoon sergeant! You also have Captain Mainwaring and Corporals Jones and Windsor Davies! You will be meeting them shortly!
Now, if you would be so kind, I would like to put you all through some basic training!
Would you please fall-in into three ranks?
Lovely!
Gentlemen, please, attention!
That was nice, very smart!
If you would, right dress!
Excellent!
Attention, again, please!
Fantastic!
Now, three paces forward march! One, two, three, one!
Please, attention, again!
Now, please, left turn!
Lovely! I can see that you have all done this before. You were probably all in the army cadets, eh?
Now, quick march! Left, right, left!
Left wheel, please?
Very smart!
Squad! Would you please halt!
Left turn!
And, attention, please!
Now, fall out!
Fantastic! That was very good of you. Thank you.
Now, gentlemen, if you continue to be such a smart squad, I will not be as harsh with you as I am today. Now, would you all return to your billets for your well-earned rest period, and I would appreciate very much your re-appearance back here, on my square, at 1400 hours! This evening, you will be allowed out of this barracks, and I would be most grateful if you would all be back in camp by 2359 hours, or I will not say please or thank you tomorrow!â€
*
My Nat.Serv. me ‘member well!
‘Member it harsh, exhaustin’ an’ downright cruel,
But made me 'fit, ‘fective, well-led ‘dividual’!
M’ Army number? I’ stencil’ on m’ brain!
‘Twas stamp’ on kitbag an’ backside too!
All a’ damn’ trainin’! Wha’ was i’ for?
I jus’ chase’ frauleins, Brunswick t’ Ruhr!
22815871 L/Cpl Davies JL.
South Wales Borderers (1952-1955)
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