A National Service Remembered John's story

www.samebutdifferentcic.org.uk
In this film John Cresswell talks about his experiences growing up in Liverpool in the 1940s and his National Service experience from 1953-1955.
This film was created with support from the National Heritage Fund.
With thanks to the British Council and British Pathe for additional footage clips.
Same but Different uses the arts for positive social change by working in partnership with organisations, communities and individuals to highlight inequalities and bring communities closer together.

[@andrewockenden]

This shows the great character of an ordinary man who did his bit for our country, as did tens of thousands of others. I got called up in 1956, served 12 years and enjoyed every bit of it.

[@sydbarrett9762]

My father said the same......he said his national service days in duisberg were some of the best days of his life.......pretty sure it was 1956 too..

[@johnminshell6532]

I served in Cyprus, Aden Lybia, 8 weeks training RAF Wilmslow plus 6 weeks Training Gunner Signaller at RAF REGT Caterick Camp Amazing how we crammed it all in 2 years
1955 - 1957

[@barbsmart7373]

Kia ora from New Zealand.
My mate, Patrick served in Cyprus, I think around 1956 or so.
He was a man of not many words, and he said very little about his time there.
For many years I have wanted to know more about what he may have experienced.
He came to New Zealand in 1991 from Wiltshire and I met him here after that.
It is enthralling, reading your comment, as well as others.
Thankyou for your service and also for your comment.
Aroha.

[@johnminshell6532]

@@barbsmart7373
Same time 1956 also at the time of the Suez Invasion with RAF and French Forces Bombing runs From Nicosia 24 / 7
The RAF Aircraft at that time were formidable All the V Bombers, Canberra jet Bombers and a host of Fighter planes, Hunters , Meteors and Venoms .
The French were so well equipped.
It was dangerous many service men killed by EOKA a whole bunch of RAF girls blown up on a beach Bathing platform.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Thanks for sharing John!

[@melissacurran2287]

This is my grandpas brother! I have never met him. The internet is a crazy place!

[@SamebutDifferentcic]

How wonderful. Are you in touch with the family? If not we are happy to connect you. Please email us at [e-mail]

[@hurricane7950]

So true.
I was seven when the war started. Couldn’t see the drama in the situation.
Spent time swooping pieces of exploded bombs and antiaircraft shells for bits of Meccano and other toys.
Joined the army at 17. Went to Oswestry for training, then to Korea where the war had finished. All interesting for a young guy.

[@roydavidlivermore4664]

We had to do 16 Weeks basic training in the Royal Engineers in the early 1950s.
The second part,was various trade training,but we still had to continue some of the early training in addition.Sadly we had one poor chap who could not go on and took his own life.
Things in BAOR were far better than the UK,with ex German barracks that had central heating and double glazing.

[@KaFaraqGatri]

I wonder if he was related to Pete Cresswell.

[@normanpotts5538]

)

[@angloaust1575]

So many trouble spots for british
Armed forces after ww2
Palestine korea kenya malaya
Cyprus suez aden ulster falklands
Iraq afghanistan
Yet national service ceased in 1958!

[@roydavidlivermore4664]

Two thirds of the soldiers that served in the Korean War were National Service,and almost 400 were killed in action.