I went to Germany in 1975 and realised how cheap and badly we lived in the UK. The German economy was at least 40 years ahead of ours. Germany; clean, well ordered, things that worked and a real manufacturing powerhouse. I loved it.
I really enjoyed working with the BAOR soldiers while I was stationed in Germany with the US Army. We shared an OP at Grafenwohr during one exercise. The officer quarters just cracked me up. US Army areas NEVER looked that good with rugs, high backed chairs, pictures on the walls, etc. It was WILD from this American's view of things. Anyone stationed near Celle? We visited the British Army base there in September '88 for REFORGER 88. Nice place.
Most people in ww2 despise what has become of the Britain they once fought to save. It's not our country any more, they say, in sorrow and anger. Remembering the days when 'people kept the laws and were polite and courteous. We didn't have much money, but we were contented and happy. 'People whistled and sang. There was still the United Kingdom, our country, which we had fought for, our freedom, democracy. But where is it now? Look how these people have been treated in their old age!
I spent half of my service in BAOR, Royal Engineers. We were highly professional soldiers although we probably didn't think so at the time, I did 5 tours of NI plus lots of time in BATUS. My son was born at BMH Hannover, my oldest sister as well - our father was a soldier. I loved Germany and miss the British Army of the cold war - John Major's "peace dividend" was the start of the decline of the British military
BTW, the British Army and Germans to the north of US 5th and 7th Corps had the tough terrain. It would have been ideal for the Red Army and Warsaw Pact units. Down in 7th Corps it seemed more hilly and streams/rivers would have made great barriers. Open terrain up north where BAOR was at.
Good old Detmold and my old School Hobart primary in the clip to we left Germany in 79 to goto Omagh northern Ireland. Still here today in northern Ireland but miss Germany big time.
David Jeffery: Yes, Detmold was a great posting.....I was stationed there in Hobart Barracks from 1966 - 1968 as a member of the Royal Dragoons before they amalgamated with the Royal Horse Guards and turned into the Blues & Royals.
Return national service. Most young people have no pride in their country and no manners. The men that died fighting in all those wars will be turning in their graves. National Service made the men be part of something and learn them pride and the right and wrongs if they never were taught.
Brilliant. The war we have with Eukraine. There shall be a multi national force from NATO left in Eukraine. 20,000 soldiers from each nation. 53 nations would have to supply and support our national groups.
I went to Germany in 1975 and realised how cheap and badly we lived in the UK. The German economy was at least 40 years ahead of ours. Germany; clean, well ordered, things that worked and a real manufacturing powerhouse. I loved it.
The British Army had some very imaginative and intelligent brains, unfortunately most were other ranks and NCO’s..
David Smith correct
Never a truer word said. I would say more than 60% of officers were well out of their depths.
I really enjoyed working with the BAOR soldiers while I was stationed in Germany with the US Army. We shared an OP at Grafenwohr during one exercise. The officer quarters just cracked me up. US Army areas NEVER looked that good with rugs, high backed chairs, pictures on the walls, etc. It was WILD from this American's view of things. Anyone stationed near Celle? We visited the British Army base there in September '88 for REFORGER 88. Nice place.
General Ripper1964 trenchard barracks?
Most people in ww2 despise what has become of the Britain they once fought to save. It's not our country any more, they say, in sorrow and anger.
Remembering the days when 'people kept the laws and were polite and courteous. We didn't have much money, but we were contented and happy.
'People whistled and sang. There was still the United Kingdom, our country, which we had fought for, our freedom, democracy. But where is it now?
Look how these people have been treated in their old age!
SickOfThisCrap1 correct
Good job I've got two ears so that I can listen to both commentaries at the same time.
Lived in Fallingbostel in the 50s when my Dad was stationed with 4th/7th RDG. Happy days for me and my brother.
Ahhh, the good old days, I miss serving in West Germany and the Cold War.
I spent half of my service in BAOR, Royal Engineers. We were highly professional soldiers although we probably didn't think so at the time, I did 5 tours of NI plus lots of time in BATUS. My son was born at BMH Hannover, my oldest sister as well - our father was a soldier. I loved Germany and miss the British Army of the cold war - John Major's "peace dividend" was the start of the decline of the British military
That is the films I watched as a young lad before joining up. My first posting was Dortmund.
At 0:02 can anyone Tell me where can I find and Watch this Training Film?
BTW, the British Army and Germans to the north of US 5th and 7th Corps had the tough terrain. It would have been ideal for the Red Army and Warsaw Pact units. Down in 7th Corps it seemed more hilly and streams/rivers would have made great barriers. Open terrain up north where BAOR was at.
General Ripper1964 we had good relations with all Germany baor good posting
One of the very few officer had respect for. True Gentleman and great Commanding Officer. Enjoyed BAOR even Soltau lol
Good old Detmold and my old School Hobart primary in the clip to we left Germany in 79 to goto Omagh northern Ireland. Still here today in northern Ireland but miss Germany big time.
David Jeffery: Yes, Detmold was a great posting.....I was stationed there in Hobart Barracks from 1966 - 1968 as a member of the Royal Dragoons before they amalgamated with the Royal Horse Guards and turned into the Blues & Royals.
Broadsword calling Danny Boy
fireengineer yes
Return national service. Most young people have no pride in their country and no manners. The men that died fighting in all those wars will be turning in their graves. National Service made the men be part of something and learn them pride and the right and wrongs if they never were taught.
Brilliant.
The war we have with Eukraine.
There shall be a multi national force from NATO left in Eukraine.
20,000 soldiers from each nation.
53 nations would have to supply and support our national groups.
War department what nonsense It was the War Office followed by Ministry of Defence
Served 10years in Hamln royal engineers