| Casting my mind back 42 years is quite an effort, some of the details may be a trifle hazy, but here goes!
[1] Barry was one of my HOUSE OFFICERS at the RAOC/REME JUNIOR LEADERS BATTALION. [Although for the life of me, unable to recall the name of THE HOUSE!!]
As such he would have been responsible for looking after (on a 24/7 basis) probably 28 to 30 Junior Soldiers [aged between 15.5 and 17.5 years of age]. Rather like being a "Father Figure"!
Whereas I, being the Company Commander, would appear to be a "GRAND FATHER FIGURE!"
[2] Barry was very committed to his work, and was well respected by "HIS BOYS" [considering the age of them - [teenagers, they do not change much over the years!]. RESPECT had to be earned!
[3] He was involved in a traffic accident, whilst at the Junior Leaders! I think Barry was driving the car, which was I believe untaxed! NO insurance! Not sure if MOT's were required at that time, but it would not have passed!
His passenger [another of my House Officers!] was quite badly injured. "THEY" managed to hit a rather large CONCRETE PILL BOX!!
I must confess I do not recall what happened in the aftermath, but as you may gather things got rather complicated! Particularly as the Passenger was due to marry the daughter of some VERY BIGWIG in Wales!
Back to BARRY:
[4] Once the Flack had died down, he returned to the fold…with lots of leg pulling from his fellow officers!
But, his devotion to HIS BOYS was in no way effected.
[5] The Company, went on an EXERCISE [playing Soldiers!] in the wilds of Wales.
All the Permanent Staff [that's the Officers, and NCO's] were dropped off in the Mountains [or some other desolate parts] late one night.
The "Boys" were called out at 01.00hrs! [That’s very early!]…and had to organise a "search & rescue" operation!
The exercise was a great success [well I thought so!]…all the "Bodies" were found and everybody returned to camp safely! COLD (VERY), WET (VERY!), but in good spirits.
I recall BARRY making some very funny comments at the time [well HE thought they were funny!]
[6] Other odd flashes: {Although after all these years I may have got the odd fact confused]
SPORT: Each HOUSE had to field a Football Team and play an Inter-House Knock out.
Then proceed to an INTER-COMPANY match.
I think, although not quite sure, that BARRY's House got through to the final and WON!
The best players in the COMPANY then went on to represent the BATTALION in the ARMY JUNIOR LEADERS FINALS, played in the Aldershot Stadium!
For TWO YEARS, the Company played in the FINAL!
Alas, "WE" lost on both occasions! {Hints of Match Fixing!} .
BARRY was part of a VERY SPECIAL FAMILY at THE RAOC/REME JUNIOR LEADERS BATTALION, which included both Permanent Staff and "BOYS".
How do I remember Barry?
[1] BRIGHT!
[2] CHEERFUL [even when wet and cold]
[3] A great, if somewhat "Offbeat", sense of humour.
[4] TOTALLY dedicated to HIS BOYS
[5] As being very supportive to ME [as his Company Commander], and to the rest of THE TEAM.
[6] An "OFFICER" yes, but of greater importance, in my opinion, "A GENTLE MAN"
I hope in some way this may help ANNIE know a little more about her DAD!
My best wishes
Recollections of Barry Gritten by Captain John K (Jake) Head |
