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This story was submitted to the People’s War site by CSV/��ѿ��ý Radio Nottingham on behalf of Eric Middleton with his permission. The Author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.

In 1942 we were stationed in the wilds of Yorkshire somewhere near Mexborough. One day we were told that we were to take part in a parade for Wath on Dearne War Weapons Week.

We spent HOURS drilling for this. As it was to be a five-mile march with rifles at the slope it was decided that they should be changed from one shoulder to the other from time to time. We practised doing this, the command being “Company change…arms!”

This was a new manoeuvre to us but with practise, under the Sergeant Major’s instruction we became reasonably proficient at it. The great day came and we set off in the parade with a new lieutenant leading. WE were following a very loud Salvation Army band, which marched very slowly with small paces so it was very difficult to keep in step.

As we approached the saluting base the band struck up one of its noisiest tunes and the lieutenant could hardly be heard as he shouted “company change…step” about half the troops changed step whilst the other half changed arms.

The confusion was indescribable. The think we managed to keep the press photograph out of the local paper!

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