!st RTR in Hong Kong 57/58

[iaindh]

Hi all,

I thought I'd share these photos with you. They are from a booklet I have on the !st RTR in Hong Kong. Fond childhood memories.

1st RTR in HK 1.jpg
1st RTR in HK 2.jpg

Hopefully they'll be of interest.

Iain

[1stTankie]

Hi Iain

First set of pictures, bottom one of troops marching, 4th from the left--that's me!

Best wishes

Gordon

[Mike Jackson]

Very nice to see the officers' ash plants being correctly carried
Mike

[iaindh]

Originally Posted by 1stTankie

Hi Iain

First set of pictures, bottom one of troops marching, 4th from the left--that's me!

Best wishes

Gordon

Hi Gordon,

I had a feeling someone on the forum would see themselves or a relative.
Where you actually in C Squadron as I'm sure my father was also?
Difficult to tell for sure but I think my father is in the direct line behind you, 3rd man back. He was a Sergeant then so it would fit.

Kind regards,

Iain

[1stTankie]

Hi Iain

We'll take it off post.... this is C Squadron, PM me your surname and we'll take it from there.

Best wishes

Gordon

[REMEVMBEA1]

I recognise the Scammell , it was the one that we had at 50 Command Workshop REME in 1966-67, I recognise the registration number.

[iaindh]

Originally Posted by REMEVMBEA1

I recognise the Scammell , it was the one that we had at 50 Command Workshop REME in 1966-67, I recognise the registration number.

that's amazing, but they are such huge lovable beasts, very much part of army life or they were then; I don't know if they are still in use.

Iain

[engr9266]

Originally Posted by iaindh

that's amazing, but they are such huge lovable beasts, very much part of army life or they were then; I don't know if they are still in use.

Iain

The Scammell was replaced by the Foden Recovery Vehicle and no doubt there is a newer Recovery Vehicle based on the M.A.N. chassis(or similar)
The REME historic vehicle collection(?) have a Scammell which is seen regularly at military shows.
REME Museum Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Berkshire RG2 9NJ. UK.
Telephone Number: 0118 976 3375
OPENING TIMES
The Museum and Association Shop are Open at the following times: Monday to Thursday 9:00 to 16:30 Friday 9:00 to 16:00 Saturday
ABOUT REME MUSEUM
Throughout the history of REME and its predecessors, hundreds of different makes and types of specialist vehicle have been used in the mobile repair and recovery roles. Many of the vehicles inherited when the Corps was formed soldiered on till long after World War 2. However, newer types, sometimes locally improvised, were utilised. REME built or adapted many trucks and trailers to suit its special needs as well as issuing specifications to have purpose built versions supplied by manufacturers. During World War 2 many US and Canadian built vehicles were also used. When the REME Museum was set up in 1957, only two preserved World War 2 vehicles were available, these stood outside the old museum in Arborfield, vulnerable to vandalism and the affects of weather. Eventually they were sent to a more secure unit in Bordon where they joined various relics either used for training vehicle tradesmen or as ornamental 'gate guards'. By the early 1980s only about half a dozen vehicles actually belonged to the museum and no active policy existed for adding to the collection. A new initiative followed the increase in Museum staff in Arborfield in the early 1980s and the growing interest generally in the preservation of old vehicles. The enthusiasm of serving and ex REME officers and soldiers enabled a more purposeful approach to be made to the enhancement of the vehicle collection. At the same time covered space became available at Bordon to house it. The Ministry of Defence was asked to provide sample vehicles as they came out of service while others were donated by private individuals. The collection has grown enormously over the years and now numbers over 100 vehicles and trailers. Most have some special connection with REME either as repair vehicles or recovery vehicles. Together they form the Historic Vehicle Collection.

www.rememuseum.org.uk

Hope this helps

[iaindh]

Hi Jerry,

thanks for the in depth explanation re the Scammell & its successors. I guess I thought it would be around for ever but like the Bofors gun, technology outpaced it.

I shall certainly visit the REME museum site.

regards,

Iain

[Dave Alexander]

We (17th/21 Lancers) relieved the 1 RTR in late '59/early '60. The Comets were replaced with Centurions and the Comets taken up to the tank ranges at Lo Wu and turned into scrap metal. I can recognise the different places and buildings in the photos. We had a great time in Hong Kong but what single, 18yr old squaddie wouldn't?