Jock until his death in 2008 and I am still in touch with his family, together with Corporal John Bishop and another Trooper Syd Bruce — all lifelong good friends. Many who served at the time will remember Jock Lippe. It was said that if you saw him coming - “Hide”. At the beginning of 1956 we embarked to Cyprus and I continued as a Regimental Policeman at HQ in Nicosia.
A Quarter Guard for the GOC at Combermere Barracks, 1955
Combermere Barracks, 1955 The photograph was taken, I think circa 1955 on a General Officer’s Command inspection. Everyone will recognise
SQMC Lippe and from left to right Corporal Syd Woods, Corporal Wally Nettleton, myself, Corporal John Bishop and I think Corporal Brian Mather (out of sight). I remained in contact with
Our Colonel by this time was the Marquis of Douro (now the Duke of Wellington) and on many occasions I had the honour of serving as one of his three bodyguards, as it was believed that the terrorists had a price on the heads of Officers. Very sadly during that time our Medical Officer, Captain Wilson, was shot to death by the terrorists and I was more than cross that when I returned to Cyprus for a holiday in 2007, we were not granted access to Waynes Keep cemetery, without a previously arranged appointment. I remain immensely proud to have served in our Regiment.
A Nostalgic Trip to Germany 2011
by Jimmy Nunn formerly 23298304 L/Cpl Nunn JP, The Royal Dragoons
O
n 18th July 2011, accompanied by my wife Jean and flying from Birmingham, we made a four night nostalgic trip to Germany, travelling around by train and bus to visit the places where I was stationed during my National Service with The Royal Dragoons (The Royals) from 1956 to 1958. I joined The Royals in the summer of 1956 at Combermere Barracks, Wesendorf, BAOR, unfortunately this is no longer occupied by the British Army and we gave it a miss as time was limited. During 1956, The Royals moved to Harewood Barracks, Herford, BFPO 15 and occupied the barracks till 1960. Of note is that Life Guards also occupied Harewood Barracks between 1960-1962 and The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) between 1962-1966, so it has strong connections with the Household Cavalry.
On arriving the barracks were instantly recognisable; very little change appears to have taken place. If any of my colleagues who were employed with me in the Orderly Room are reading this I’m sure they will recognise the building in the picture which housed the Orderly Room, with our accommodation on the upper floors. The Guard Room has changed slightly but is in the same location and now staffed by civilians. The last time I saw this place was on 28th March 1958, from the back of a lorry which was taking three of us to the railway station to start the first leg of our journey home, travelling to the Hook of Holland for the dreaded boat crossing to Harwich. We were packed like sardines and I recall it being so hot in those ships. It was an all day job to get home in those days but when we were off the boat and on the train to London we really felt at
The Guardroom and behind the former Orderly Room
home. I said to myself then that I would return one day, not dreaming that the ‘one day’ would be 53 years later! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to tour the camp as no one was available to accompany us, according to the security man, as understandably the barracks is now home to Headquarters 1st (UK) Armoured Division. However, even so the visit was well worthwhile and we were made very welcome by those we did see. Herford itself hardly registered with me at all. Although we spent quite a bit of time in the town, the changes to the roads, shops etc were all unfamiliar, completely different from what I remember. The next day we travelled by train from Hanover to Celle, another town which was very familiar to me during my army days. Although the bridge
Mr Nunn checks the weeding outside Harewood Barracks
Features ■ 129