After serving 23 years,, personally never really experienced any major deaths or whatever. Was involved in quite a few explosions, a few shootings, but not witnessed anything to my comrades. Was about 7 years short of retirement from the military, at the turn of 2000, not long back from Kosovo, i contracted something called Guillaume Barre Syndrome. Went through the wringer, for roughly a year or so. Basically ended up paralyzed for about 6 months. Stuck in hospital on my back. Then the getting back to fitness, was still frontline infantry. Had to learn to walk again, it took all my stamina, which I never got back. Twats, then posted me to a rifle company on going back to the Battalion 😮. Oh hello, I was just about walking, and could barely pass the BFT. This is how they treat you. During that time of my illness, i was posted to Northern Ireland, had bought a house, had a new baby, but I was messed around from pillar to post. First diagnosis was in the RVH in Belfast, was there about 3 weeks, under police guard in a side ward, CCTV etc, but that was too manpower intensive, and no doubt cost a few bob. So ended up in Musgrave, they really couldn't deal with my illness properly, as i was rapidly losing my ability to function from the neck down. So eventually they flew me over to Brize, after a Puma flight from Musgrave to Aldergrove, then onto the Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. So there's me on me tod, no family etc, getting poked and prodded, hadn't a clue what was going on. Eventually they said well he is a soldier, we can't do anything for him here, and i was taken to that military hospital in Gosport, can't remember the name atm. You can imagine my mental health at this point. They sort of sorted me out, at this point i was in the various hospitals about 5 months, got me a degree of rehab etc. Eventually my mother in law, who was quite a senior nurse in Swansea, arranged for me to go to a rehab hospital in Cardiff. The missus and child, she's from Wales, also went home to mum and dad at this time. That rehab hospital was great, lovely people, looked after me better than all the others, as they had dealt with my illness for a quite a few people. They understood what i was going through. Anyway 20 odd years later, notwithstanding the shite i seen when in the Army, this was by far the worst experience I ever had. No help from my Regiment, they claimed they didn't know 😮. Personally, mentally, i feel fine today, but I look back on that period, as the worst part of my life. Sorry for the long rant, was thinking this morning how i was treated by the military, before your video popped up. They just couldn't care less about you or me. Just a number.
Stuart, I'm just a civvy. Grandad was at Omaha Beach on D Day, serving in the Royal Navy. He never liked to talk about it Mate, don't ever feel that talking about what you went through is moaning. There are loads of people out there who care. Although the way you're treated after you have served is abysmal. Stay safe, and thanks for sharing your story.
@@stuartbrown8259 u got it in one m8 n how u feel. Is same thing m8t as me atm. Green on mucker u hold ya head up !! N just take 1 day at a time each day m8t ok fella!!
Your videos are extremely interesting, and although I haven’t served, members of my family have done so since my great great grandfather joined the Cameron Highlanders just in time to be shipped off to the Crimean War. Our son joined Junior Leaders aged 17, and at age 18, he was off to Iraq - Operation Granby. When he returned, he was evidently affected by the experience, but there was an incident which we have since laughed about. He was staying at home with us on leave, and he asked to be woken up early the next morning, because he had arranged to see some of his mates in the village. My wife duly went up to his room at the time he’d requested and came promptly back downstairs, flushed with indignation. Apparently, he had half-woken, given her an earful, told her to “F… off”, and gone back to sleep. This was the only time he had ever sworn in front of, let alone at, one of us (it still is), hence her shock. She said to me something along the lines of “You go and wake him up, because I’m not going up there again!”, so I duly climbed the stairs, pondering how I should do it, especially since I’m 5’ 10”, and he’s 6’ 4”. He’d never been aggressive to us before, but I wasn’t keen to repeat what my wife had just experienced. I decided on a course of action, and arriving at his bedside, shouted “Stand TO!”. That woke him alright, and he was out of bed like a shot, looking alarmed to say the least. I felt remorse, but it was certainly effective. I’m pleased to say that despite what he experienced during 22 years in the Army, he’s a lovely, well-adjusted guy, of whom we’re very proud. I think that Op Jackdaw sounds brilliant, and I hope that you enjoy your visit next year.
As a humble civilian I love your posts .It's shocking that our brave men and women past and present are not looked after as well as they should be and indeed deserve .It is a brilliant thing your doing highlighting this topic .Thank you again Keith ,Look forward to your next video.
A number of our lads came from terrible backgrounds and had been severely damaged as children. I heard some appalling stories of domestic violence, abuse and neglect. There were blokes arriving in the army with major problems - that was before they ever went to Ireland or Bosnia etc. The army sorted some of them out and gave them a structure and a new family, but others went completely off the rails and got court-martialed. Tragically, I can think of a few who wound up dead.
I was just me and me mum for my first 9 years then my step father started bashing me mum when she was 8 months pregnant with my twin sisters I threw myself inbetween them and took the beating that continued 4-5 times a week for the next 4 years (his drinking) I left him beat me up quite badly before high school one morning but this time I didn’t clean up and of course got sent to the principals office for fighting 😂 when he found out it was my stepfather I got pulled out of home immediately I was 14 two years later I signed up I was in the NZ Army ( a year and a half too early 😂).
Great natter today Sgt Major, as always. The laughter you will all have at Jackdaw next year will be a tonic in itself. I hope everyone will benefit on a personal level. Regards.
I remember in my time there was no such thing as PTSD, it was sort of "Pull your socks up" and nobody admitted that they had mental problems. Only giveaway was when they´d been out drinking they got arrested for GBH and going ballistic etc. For me personally (64) I´ve still got PTSD, but learned to control my emotions over the years, and getting older is sometimes a "Godsend.........."
My late father serving in the RN - Murmansk convoy’s Mediterranean, D-Day and Burma, Asia. his Brother a regular in the Cheshire Regiment wounded at Dunkirk and got a bullet down the spine by a counter sniper in Italy (I believe) My father said little about the war but the two issues that left its mark were the orders not to stop to pick up survivors from torpedoed ships on the Murmansk runs and the state of allied POW’s when on a shore party taking the surrender of the camps from the Japanese (he hated the Japanese with such anger that he never bought anything Japanese ) I remember in the 70’s I found an unopened brown cardboard box about 4x4x6 inches marked W:D address to my father, I asked him what it was, he replied “oh, yes my medals” as far as he was concerned he volunteered, did his bit and that was it, the medals and citations were just to him ‘not that important’ An amusing story he told me was that his buddy received the VC and RN tradition was the VC holder was ‘piped onboard’ and the officer of the watch called out the guard - having had a few drinks (when in Sydney ?) he and his buddy returned and were ‘piped on board’ the two tipsy sailors thinking this was fun went back for another drink and again got piped on board, upon the third occasion the Officer of the watch had a quiet word and pointed out the the guard was getting less than amused and tomorrow they may express an opinion in a different way than the present, If this continues, however ‘you have a choice’ so they packed it in and went to sleep it off. Unfortunately his brother was medically discharged from the Army and was placed in a mental hospital (he was generally OK but needed care) the guys had jobs gardening, painting and general work dependant upon ability. They returned for lunch and tea and had pocket money for a pint in the local pub. Thatcher brought in ‘care in the community’ and closed the hospitals - it actually was no care, no support with guys brought up in the 1920’s cared for in institutions for years now expected to look after themselves, all it did do was make them suffer through a failed concept. The military I found were ‘hit and miss’ in medical mental care, a guy in the Royal Signals had way too much to drink (Germany and cheap DF booze) slit his wrist (he was well bladdered) he was taken to the medical Center then RAF Wegburg (hospital) had some surgery and replacement (ligaments ? ) and sent back to unit. Six months later someone reading his file overreacted and he was taken away never to be seen again ! Unfortunately lost a few buddies to PTSD in that one hung himself and one ended up on the streets then in prison and threw himself down the stairwell. I can see how for some military service and operational duties can leave metal scarring I must admit it did with me but years after leaving, helping in a RTA seeing one person after going through the windscreen was beyond help, brought back a flashback on an incident when I (and one other) was tasked to recover two bodies who were unfortunately in pieces- it did trouble me for some time and worked to not forget but deal with the incident as I never had done just did the usual services way go down the NAAFI and get bladdered. However this has gone askew, so endex and off to bed Great vlog and as usual you learn something new every episode Take care, keep up the good work.
Brilliant Keith mate I remember coming of tour of Belfast . Went on the beer with a civvy mate I froze and my legs started shaking like mad , before we went into the pub . I managed to hide the fear and got smashed.
Tottaly get where your coming from , had same experience after first tour ,after 4x tours of XMG it got worse ,still look for firing points ,always alert when out n about ,back to the wall in pub ,always face door , and I always have an exit plan , that’s the tip of the iceberg 😢
We love your stories......my dad was a gunner in the army on our ships.....he saw,some terrible stuff ..we lost him age 73.....he had seen some horrid sights it never left him....
It’s not a weakness to hold your hands up and ask for help! Trust me I know. Thanks for your uploads Keith always a great watch😊 kind regards❤❤Talking is a great medicine😊👍👍
Right you Martin, unless you've got a Biff Chit excusing you or if you are pregnant, your coming on the 28th June 🤣 seriously though I truly hope we can meet up mucker. All the best 👍
Fascinating video Keith. We are of a similar age, in fact I think I am a few years older, I did all my service in BAOR so was never fired on in a life or death situation but did witness several really bad accidents, losing a very good mate in one and was actually involved in one myself, rolling a 4 tonner off an icy autobhan and into a field, in the cab it was akin to being in a washing machine. Your recollection of cleaning your gat, handing it in, getting yourself cleaned and off to get hammered was so true, it was simply the routine for single guys.
That's a good point you make there Mike, people always assume that PTSD is caused from combat. I remember a fair few nasty road accidents in BAOR and other incidents whilst on exercise.
I wish I could meet you there or anywhere, Keith! Much respect! I saw horrible things daily but on a much smaller scale and never thought about it again. We had no one to talk to anyway. I did as you said self medicate with booze! All the best Keith!
Hi Buzz always good to hear from you. I can only imagine the sights you saw in your time. The old bottle can too easily become a crutch. Take care brother 🙏
I'm in Mr Potter 28/06/2025...Thank you for this video Mental Health is nothing to be ashamed of.I have PTSD as you know Kieth and you where there first person I opened up to about my Mental health it was in the Ponderosa after a Remembrance parade and that chat made a big difference to me you got me to join the shooting club and twice a week I'd have something to look forward too and to shoot some awesome weapons...I Thank you for that..and you seem to have forgotten about Karl,Chris Steffan and myself went up to Pant Y Ffynnon farm camping and shooting we had an amazing time😂
The sound of Op Jackdaw intrigues me, I've never been in action, having been ex RAF and Army Reserves but I certainly am a bit radio. (Cockney slang for mental, radio rental, get it?) Love to be there and meet you and a few others, might be under-qualified!
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I was born in Bow and I still let it slip now and then. But if they’re not familiar with the term then you have to explain it to them, so I might as well used the correct term unless I’m amongst peers
Most of us have had a brush with this subject, myself included. I'm glad your man enough to involve it in your channel, and show we are all just people at the end of the day. Liking the sound of Op Jackdaw Great stuff buddy
Yet another brilliant video Keith this time covering a very important subject. I've spoken to comrades who weren't in the best place mentally at silly hours of the day and night a few times and as I always say to them, you're never alone! There's always someone out there willing to talk, listen, be shouted at but always there.
My dad was in WWII, only ever spoke about it once, thts when we found out he had help liberate a concentration camp in southern Germany, but that is all he said apart from, "it was horrid". Sound like a great scheme they got going, wil try and make it, but cannot guarantee it. Thanks for another great video Keith
Good on ya kieth good vid. Good work with scotty's and operation jack daw. Sounds like you've got some good programs in the UK and you're doing your bit to bring them up.
That outfit in Kent sounds like a good idea. Glad people are being more open about mental health now. PTSD can crop up years later, so I understand (only a civilian ) I imagine in the old days there was a lot of alcohol abuse and wife beating and family violence. People do not always realise they have changed. A bit like head injuries in civilians. (Obviously the military get them too) An excellent video. Strength in admission the problem exists.
Love that rifle, I have deac Martin 1877, with bayonet, it's taller than me! A real piece of history. Going back to old war films, yeah, all the one's you mention are true classics but, there are many of the old B/W British war films often forgotten and, one of my most favorite often forgotten films is - The steel bayonet (1957) about desert war, Leo Genn, Michael Ripper, Michael Medwin to mention but a few. An excellent film, if you haven't seen it, look it up. My Brother downloaded it to UA-cam a while back and loads of people said it was an excellent film that they'd not seen in years or, didn't even know it existed. Look up Sea of sand too - ok, I'll stop boring you now 😂.
Back in the 1980’s there was always a huge stigma about mental health problems in the armed forces. Being sent ‘basket weaving’ as MH treatment was usually referred to as, was seen as both a personal weakness and a potential security risk! Who wanted labelling as such! It certainly didn’t help a mate who blew his own head off with a 9mm pistol as he feared being removed from the squadron and the shame of having a mental illness. I hope things have come on a long way since those dark times.
I served in the Scots guards in the 80, s and I can only remember one lad getting discharged through mental health issues and depression. It was frowned upon back in the day but I bet a lot were suffering on their own. We all had times when we felt down and I remember one particular tour to NI when I was on a downer after leaving my young wife and toddler son for a five month tour. It wasn't the fact of going to NI because I had already done a tour single it was the fact I was leaving my family behind and not knowing if I'd see them again. I can imagine it was a lot worse with the lads on the Iraq and Afghanistan tours, but separation is separation regardless of where you serve. Some lads did take their own lives for sure but it was quite rare.
Cheers for commenting Kev. I think many of us have experienced similar feelings that you have described. It's a tough life and having a young family when you get deployed can add to the stress. Thank you for taking the time to comment its appreciated
We got back from op granby at 3 in the morning, in the pissing rain in Osnabruck and got told to be in the SQN bar the same night to get it out our systems. That was mental health back then.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had PTSD before I even joined the Royal Engineers at age 16 in 1988. In Biblical parlance, PTSD is known as an imprisoned soul.
My Dad seems to thing I have PTSD from my days of service. I don't think I have as I didn't see much really, two back to back summer tours of Boz and that was it, which I loved 97 and 98 TSG, GV and RR cover at the Bus Depot at MG. I was Downgraded and had a good few restrictions on my Biff Chit, yet I was still sent. It just meant on Pre Boz training I didn't run around like the others from my Unit did. Instead they would put me in the position of enemy. The last training session was a close call as were were doing Causality Extraction under fire, Not something Workshop Personnel do going by the near miss of one of our own lads going up whilst the fire team were laying down fire, he got a bit carried away. They got a short sharp riffing for that one. Probably wasn't the only time something like that happened in Pre Boz Training for those that simple don't normally do anything like that kind of thing. I have had my issues since leaving the Forces, wouldn't say if my time in the Army was totally responsible, with the exception of one incident, with a friend that died, whilst I was still in Trade Training. What I brilliant thing to set up for the Boys and Girls that have served our Country. I hope that those that go get a lot out of it, as I am sure they will.
Hi Simon it can effect us in ways we did see or understand. Thank you for sharing your experience. Have a look at OP JACKDAW. It might be something you would be interested in? All the best
Hey mate great to hear from you again 👍 I hope all is going well over there 👍 all our best and thank you again for all your amazing support to us and SCOTTY'S
Teresa great to see you on here! I still haven't forgot about a T Shirt, Tracey is working on sorting out some Lets Tab 59 merchandise possibly later this year or early next year, so I will make sure you are among the first. All our love Keith and Tracey x
My dad served as a sapper in the Canadian army during the Second World War North west Europe He never spoke of his time there. Until the end of his life he related two stories of his time there. I’ll never repeat them 😢
You've blanked out that on your return from Iraq, you were left outside Selly Oak Hospital, in your uniform and with no money and had to make a reverse charges call to Tracer Round to get you home! You needed help when you returned but it's good to see you return to normal ish 😂 Good to hear about Op Jackdaw!
Hi Nigel, great to hear from you again, hope all is well with you? Yes I did get left out a bit after returning from Iraq. Yes op Jackdaw is a fantastic set up they really do have some good lads down there running it. Chat soon 👍
This is what Pulheems stands for. P - physical capacity, U - upper extremity, L - locomotion, H - hearing, E - eyesight, M - mental capacity, S - stability of emotion
Easy mucker looks mint m8ty u ok etc brother? Got a bit a of sun dw my way!! 😊😊 yeah I'll be there m8t 4ur RV next year!! I've got PTSD and survivors gillt. Its shit m8t. I have gd times n badtimes dont get out much cos of it etc!! Im same as the lad at the start of ur video etc... b y i cant b asked with it anymore!! List gouse on mucker!! Hoping ur all ok n well an family members brother hoping to c u soooooooon mucker AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER 😊😊😊
Hi Keith you will have to come to Hull and have a look at H4H. We are trying to get a village built trips out,coffee morning.Just send us a message 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Hi, thank you for commenting, it's not a silly question. It's been on my patrol pack since I was serving, never taken it off and truthfully I've never used it since I've been in civvy street.
@AbbeySnooks no I was never issued one but during an exercise once we had to do a helicopter assault phase where we abseiled in and I managed to 'aquire ' one lol
I would say to anyone that feels off go and get help. If you do not want to talk to your MO or GP get in touch with one of the service charities. RAFBF have been great for me. i would say more so than the GP ever was. If you can talk to someone they will help or at least try to point you in the right direction. Would love to try this out but my old bones need a proper mattress in the motorhome these days LOL.
I'm not ex service, but I'm being to wonder if I had some problems for a while, I worked in a slaughter house as a kid , but also worked in a foundry and seen some bad accident including death. And for a few years and now and again. Had bad nightmares, waking up , scared sweating..? Never really thought about until recently, Like you I'm old school, was told as a kid just get on with it. Great video and thanks.
Mental health. I went through a bunch of psyche test's pre recruitment. Set up's sure but it's the best way to figure out where your at and how you will react in a pressure situation. There's a place for every temperament and type. It's much easier to cope when you know your mission is saving people as much as killing your opposite number. By and large my extended family does a good job of balancing duty and civvy. Im not so big on the booze when things get ugly. I just hit the whore house or any other place I could get laid. Take some rnr somewhere quiet in the country. We like fixing shit and making stuff. Bloke's need to feel they are doing something useful. Jackdaw makes perfect sense to me. Self pity doesn't pull you back together. Reflection and recovery ? Sure. It's the dirty jokes and funny stories that help me get over it. Last mission, knowing the answer of course, I asked any chance of a fucking medal this time ? No. T shirt ? No. Trip to a decent whore house and a piss up ? That can be arranged..... Somewhere classy for a change ? High end escort ? I fuckin earned it this time around.
![LAVROV's interview with Tucker CARLSON 😁 [Parody]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mbMemqc-QEk/mqdefault.jpg)
![LAVROV's interview with Tucker CARLSON 😁 [Parody]](/img/tr.png)
This Channel Lets Tab 59 does wonders for my mental health 🔥
And we have a few laughs along the way 😀
After serving 23 years,, personally never really experienced any major deaths or whatever. Was involved in quite a few explosions, a few shootings, but not witnessed anything to my comrades. Was about 7 years short of retirement from the military, at the turn of 2000, not long back from Kosovo, i contracted something called Guillaume Barre Syndrome. Went through the wringer, for roughly a year or so. Basically ended up paralyzed for about 6 months. Stuck in hospital on my back. Then the getting back to fitness, was still frontline infantry. Had to learn to walk again, it took all my stamina, which I never got back. Twats, then posted me to a rifle company on going back to the Battalion 😮. Oh hello, I was just about walking, and could barely pass the BFT. This is how they treat you. During that time of my illness, i was posted to Northern Ireland, had bought a house, had a new baby, but I was messed around from pillar to post. First diagnosis was in the RVH in Belfast, was there about 3 weeks, under police guard in a side ward, CCTV etc, but that was too manpower intensive, and no doubt cost a few bob. So ended up in Musgrave, they really couldn't deal with my illness properly, as i was rapidly losing my ability to function from the neck down. So eventually they flew me over to Brize, after a Puma flight from Musgrave to Aldergrove, then onto the Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. So there's me on me tod, no family etc, getting poked and prodded, hadn't a clue what was going on. Eventually they said well he is a soldier, we can't do anything for him here, and i was taken to that military hospital in Gosport, can't remember the name atm. You can imagine my mental health at this point. They sort of sorted me out, at this point i was in the various hospitals about 5 months, got me a degree of rehab etc. Eventually my mother in law, who was quite a senior nurse in Swansea, arranged for me to go to a rehab hospital in Cardiff. The missus and child, she's from Wales, also went home to mum and dad at this time. That rehab hospital was great, lovely people, looked after me better than all the others, as they had dealt with my illness for a quite a few people. They understood what i was going through.
Anyway 20 odd years later, notwithstanding the shite i seen when in the Army, this was by far the worst experience I ever had. No help from my Regiment, they claimed they didn't know 😮. Personally, mentally, i feel fine today, but I look back on that period, as the worst part of my life. Sorry for the long rant, was thinking this morning how i was treated by the military, before your video popped up. They just couldn't care less about you or me. Just a number.
Stuart, I'm just a civvy. Grandad was at Omaha Beach on D Day, serving in the Royal Navy. He never liked to talk about it
Mate, don't ever feel that talking about what you went through is moaning. There are loads of people out there who care. Although the way you're treated after you have served is abysmal.
Stay safe, and thanks for sharing your story.
@@stuartbrown8259 u got it in one m8 n how u feel. Is same thing m8t as me atm. Green on mucker u hold ya head up !! N just take 1 day at a time each day m8t ok fella!!
@@djp2234 Thanks, what I went through was of no concern to them. All they wanted was my boots back on the ground.
@@Nickleby2491 Cheers.
That is the the bloody sad truth of realallity these days brother.... Take care mate....
Your videos are extremely interesting, and although I haven’t served, members of my family have done so since my great great grandfather joined the Cameron Highlanders just in time to be shipped off to the Crimean War. Our son joined Junior Leaders aged 17, and at age 18, he was off to Iraq - Operation Granby. When he returned, he was evidently affected by the experience, but there was an incident which we have since laughed about. He was staying at home with us on leave, and he asked to be woken up early the next morning, because he had arranged to see some of his mates in the village. My wife duly went up to his room at the time he’d requested and came promptly back downstairs, flushed with indignation. Apparently, he had half-woken, given her an earful, told her to “F… off”, and gone back to sleep. This was the only time he had ever sworn in front of, let alone at, one of us (it still is), hence her shock. She said to me something along the lines of “You go and wake him up, because I’m not going up there again!”, so I duly climbed the stairs, pondering how I should do it, especially since I’m 5’ 10”, and he’s 6’ 4”. He’d never been aggressive to us before, but I wasn’t keen to repeat what my wife had just experienced. I decided on a course of action, and arriving at his bedside, shouted “Stand TO!”. That woke him alright, and he was out of bed like a shot, looking alarmed to say the least. I felt remorse, but it was certainly effective. I’m pleased to say that despite what he experienced during 22 years in the Army, he’s a lovely, well-adjusted guy, of whom we’re very proud. I think that Op Jackdaw sounds brilliant, and I hope that you enjoy your visit next year.
Neil thank you for sharing those memories take care and so pleased your son came through it all. Best wishes to all.
As a humble civilian I love your posts .It's shocking that our brave men and women past and present are not looked after as well as they should be and indeed deserve .It is a brilliant thing your doing highlighting this topic .Thank you again Keith ,Look forward to your next video.
You're right Stephen it's very important. Thank you for your support 🫡🪖🇬🇧
A number of our lads came from terrible backgrounds and had been severely damaged as children. I heard some appalling stories of domestic violence, abuse and neglect. There were blokes arriving in the army with major problems - that was before they ever went to Ireland or Bosnia etc. The army sorted some of them out and gave them a structure and a new family, but others went completely off the rails and got court-martialed. Tragically, I can think of a few who wound up dead.
I was just me and me mum for my first 9 years then my step father started bashing me mum when she was 8 months pregnant with my twin sisters I threw myself inbetween them and took the beating that continued 4-5 times a week for the next 4 years (his drinking) I left him beat me up quite badly before high school one morning but this time I didn’t clean up and of course got sent to the principals office for fighting 😂 when he found out it was my stepfather I got pulled out of home immediately I was 14 two years later I signed up I was in the NZ Army ( a year and a half too early 😂).
C0uld be Right C0uld be wrong but what don't break yuh what's makes yuh N0T 👀Z wide shut 🤔🤫💜😎
So many lads ran to join the army to get away from abuse as you say. Thank you for commenting 🍻
Bloody hell you really did go through the mill. Glad you came out to something better. 🙏
Great natter today Sgt Major, as always. The laughter you will all have at Jackdaw next year will be a tonic in itself. I hope everyone will benefit on a personal level. Regards.
Thank you 👍 should be a real tonic for us all
Thank you Keith for your service sir
Thank you James for your support 👍
Brilliant stuff mate, thank you!
Thank you for your support 👍
I remember in my time there was no such thing as PTSD, it was sort of "Pull your socks up" and nobody admitted that they had mental problems. Only giveaway was when they´d been out drinking they got arrested for GBH and going ballistic etc. For me personally (64) I´ve still got PTSD, but learned to control my emotions over the years, and getting older is sometimes a "Godsend.........."
I remember those times I'm 65 now, hopefully lads are getting better support
My late father serving in the RN - Murmansk convoy’s Mediterranean, D-Day and Burma, Asia. his Brother a regular in the Cheshire Regiment wounded at Dunkirk and got a bullet down the spine by a counter sniper in Italy (I believe)
My father said little about the war but the two issues that left its mark were the orders not to stop to pick up survivors from torpedoed ships on the Murmansk runs and the state of allied POW’s when on a shore party taking the surrender of the camps from the Japanese (he hated the Japanese with such anger that he never bought anything Japanese )
I remember in the 70’s I found an unopened brown cardboard box about 4x4x6 inches marked W:D address to my father, I asked him what it was, he replied “oh, yes my medals” as far as he was concerned he volunteered, did his bit and that was it, the medals and citations were just to him ‘not that important’
An amusing story he told me was that his buddy received the VC and RN tradition was the VC holder was ‘piped onboard’ and the officer of the watch called out the guard - having had a few drinks (when in Sydney ?) he and his buddy returned and were ‘piped on board’ the two tipsy sailors thinking this was fun went back for another drink and again got piped on board, upon the third occasion the Officer of the watch had a quiet word and pointed out the the guard was getting less than amused and tomorrow they may express an opinion in a different way than the present, If this continues, however ‘you have a choice’ so they packed it in and went to sleep it off.
Unfortunately his brother was medically discharged from the Army and was placed in a mental hospital (he was generally OK but needed care) the guys had jobs gardening, painting and general work dependant upon ability.
They returned for lunch and tea and had pocket money for a pint in the local pub.
Thatcher brought in ‘care in the community’ and closed the hospitals - it actually was no care, no support with guys brought up in the 1920’s cared for in institutions for years now expected to look after themselves, all it did do was make them suffer through a failed concept.
The military I found were ‘hit and miss’ in medical mental care, a guy in the Royal Signals had way too much to drink (Germany and cheap DF booze) slit his wrist (he was well bladdered) he was taken to the medical Center then RAF Wegburg (hospital) had some surgery and replacement (ligaments ? ) and sent back to unit.
Six months later someone reading his file overreacted and he was taken away never to be seen again !
Unfortunately lost a few buddies to PTSD in that one hung himself and one ended up on the streets then in prison and threw himself down the stairwell. I can see how for some military service and operational duties can leave metal scarring
I must admit it did with me but years after leaving, helping in a RTA seeing one person after going through the windscreen was beyond help, brought back a flashback on an incident when I (and one other) was tasked to recover two bodies who were unfortunately in pieces- it did trouble me for some time and worked to not forget but deal with the incident as I never had done just did the usual services way go down the NAAFI and get bladdered.
However this has gone askew, so endex and off to bed
Great vlog and as usual you learn something new every episode
Take care, keep up the good work.
Don, thank you for sharing all that, incredibly interesting and at times sad stuff. I really appreciate your comment thank you 🫡
Brilliant Keith mate I remember coming of tour of Belfast . Went on the beer with a civvy mate I froze and my legs started shaking like mad , before we went into the pub . I managed to hide the fear and got smashed.
Tottaly get where your coming from , had same experience after first tour ,after 4x tours of XMG it got worse ,still look for firing points ,always alert when out n about ,back to the wall in pub ,always face door , and I always have an exit plan , that’s the tip of the iceberg 😢
You are definitely not alone with those feelings and reactions mate.
Thank you for sharing that much appreciated 🍻🫡👍
We love your stories......my dad was a gunner in the army on our ships.....he saw,some terrible stuff ..we lost him age 73.....he had seen some horrid sights it never left him....
Thank you 👍 🫡🍻
It’s not a weakness to hold your hands up and ask for help! Trust me I know. Thanks for your uploads Keith always a great watch😊 kind regards❤❤Talking is a great medicine😊👍👍
Thank you 👍 yes it's important to talk.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thank you for replying. Good health and happiness to you and tracer. God bless. ❤️👍❤️👍
@shirleydrury5565 and you my friend
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thank you both👍❤️👍❤️
Hope we can finally meet up next year RSM !! Touching subject I have to say...
Right you Martin, unless you've got a Biff Chit excusing you or if you are pregnant, your coming on the 28th June 🤣 seriously though I truly hope we can meet up mucker. All the best 👍
Fascinating video Keith. We are of a similar age, in fact I think I am a few years older, I did all my service in BAOR so was never fired on in a life or death situation but did witness several really bad accidents, losing a very good mate in one and was actually involved in one myself, rolling a 4 tonner off an icy autobhan and into a field, in the cab it was akin to being in a washing machine. Your recollection of cleaning your gat, handing it in, getting yourself cleaned and off to get hammered was so true, it was simply the routine for single guys.
That's a good point you make there Mike, people always assume that PTSD is caused from combat. I remember a fair few nasty road accidents in BAOR and other incidents whilst on exercise.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd All the ones I witnessed or was involved in were during an excercise, lack of sleep, bad weather ????
@@mikeplatts2603 it happened a lot in Bosnia as well
I think its important to realise we ard all just numbers.
You are spot on with this.
Very true Terry, thank you mate 👍
I wish I could meet you there or anywhere, Keith! Much respect! I saw horrible things daily but on a much smaller scale and never thought about it again. We had no one to talk to anyway. I did as you said self medicate with booze! All the best Keith!
Hi Buzz always good to hear from you. I can only imagine the sights you saw in your time. The old bottle can too easily become a crutch. Take care brother 🙏
I'm in Mr Potter 28/06/2025...Thank you for this video Mental Health is nothing to be ashamed of.I have PTSD as you know Kieth and you where there first person I opened up to about my Mental health it was in the Ponderosa after a Remembrance parade and that chat made a big difference to me you got me to join the shooting club and twice a week I'd have something to look forward too and to shoot some awesome weapons...I Thank you for that..and you seem to have forgotten about Karl,Chris Steffan and myself went up to Pant Y Ffynnon farm camping and shooting we had an amazing time😂
😘🥰
Mike my brother you're a good man and a good friend. 🫡🏴🇬🇧
Brilliant video
As always
Cheers
Very good chat mate 👍
Cheers Dave 🫡🍻
Love to come meet you Sir and Get involved with a meet up of followers 💂🏽♂️
Brilliant, go for it, we'll have a good crack 👍
Another great video Keith 👍
Thank you very much 🍻
Hi Keith well put across and hope it helps someone who needs it PS Love to Tracer round
Thank you Allan 👍 just about to pick the Tracer Round up from work
😘
The sound of Op Jackdaw intrigues me, I've never been in action, having been ex RAF and Army Reserves but I certainly am a bit radio. (Cockney slang for mental, radio rental, get it?) Love to be there and meet you and a few others, might be under-qualified!
You are definitely not under qualified, book yourself on and have a look.
Most younger people won’t remember who Radio Rentals were ? 😊
@joaquimioakim229 I remember my dad getting a TV from them, I still use that phrase to describe something "mental" 😆
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I was born in Bow and I still let it slip now and then. But if they’re not familiar with the term then you have to explain it to them, so I might as well used the correct term unless I’m amongst peers
Most of us have had a brush with this subject, myself included.
I'm glad your man enough to involve it in your channel, and show we are all just people at the end of the day.
Liking the sound of Op Jackdaw
Great stuff buddy
It is so important as I know you are aware. Thank you for your support 👍
Yet another brilliant video Keith this time covering a very important subject. I've spoken to comrades who weren't in the best place mentally at silly hours of the day and night a few times and as I always say to them, you're never alone! There's always someone out there willing to talk, listen, be shouted at but always there.
That's so important, well done, if we can't look out for each other no one else will. Got to have each other's back 🫡🪖
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 100% Keith
My dad was in WWII, only ever spoke about it once, thts when we found out he had help liberate a concentration camp in southern Germany, but that is all he said apart from, "it was horrid". Sound like a great scheme they got going, wil try and make it, but cannot guarantee it. Thanks for another great video Keith
Be great for a meet up Baz
Good on ya kieth good vid. Good work with scotty's and operation jack daw. Sounds like you've got some good programs in the UK and you're doing your bit to bring them up.
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment and your kind words it's very much appreciated 🫡👍
Great video Keith, as always. PULLEEMS. Physical, Upper Limbs, Lower Limbs, Eyes Left, Eyes Right, Mental Stability.
I knew someone cleverer than me would know, thank you. Looking at that list I'd probably fail the lot now 😆 🤣
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I was failing them 45 years ago
That outfit in Kent sounds like a good idea. Glad people are being more open about mental health now. PTSD can crop up years later, so I understand (only a civilian ) I imagine in the old days there was a lot of alcohol abuse and wife beating and family violence. People do not always realise they have changed. A bit like head injuries in civilians. (Obviously the military get them too) An excellent video. Strength in admission the problem exists.
Bang on there, thank you 🫡
Love that rifle, I have deac Martin 1877, with bayonet, it's taller than me! A real piece of history. Going back to old war films, yeah, all the one's you mention are true classics but, there are many of the old B/W British war films often forgotten and, one of my most favorite often forgotten films is - The steel bayonet (1957) about desert war, Leo Genn, Michael Ripper, Michael Medwin to mention but a few. An excellent film, if you haven't seen it, look it up. My Brother downloaded it to UA-cam a while back and loads of people said it was an excellent film that they'd not seen in years or, didn't even know it existed. Look up Sea of sand too - ok, I'll stop boring you now 😂.
Great movie, one of my favourites. I too love the old black and white ones
Excellent and honest Video Keith well presented on a subject that can still be tabbo. Kev
Thank you Kev, all the best 👍
Back in the 1980’s there was always a huge stigma about mental health problems in the armed forces. Being sent ‘basket weaving’ as MH treatment was usually referred to as, was seen as both a personal weakness and a potential security risk! Who wanted labelling as such! It certainly didn’t help a mate who blew his own head off with a 9mm pistol as he feared being removed from the squadron and the shame of having a mental illness.
I hope things have come on a long way since those dark times.
There are so many similar stories to that but not many are recorded I bet
A very informative video mate of what service men and women sometimes go through. All the best.
Thank you John, hope you are well mate, always great hearing from you 👍
I served in the Scots guards in the 80, s and I can only remember one lad getting discharged through mental health issues and depression. It was frowned upon back in the day but I bet a lot were suffering on their own. We all had times when we felt down and I remember one particular tour to NI when I was on a downer after leaving my young wife and toddler son for a five month tour. It wasn't the fact of going to NI because I had already done a tour single it was the fact I was leaving my family behind and not knowing if I'd see them again. I can imagine it was a lot worse with the lads on the Iraq and Afghanistan tours, but separation is separation regardless of where you serve. Some lads did take their own lives for sure but it was quite rare.
Cheers for commenting Kev. I think many of us have experienced similar feelings that you have described. It's a tough life and having a young family when you get deployed can add to the stress. Thank you for taking the time to comment its appreciated
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd yes mate it's a hard life for the wives and kids too .😢
We got back from op granby at 3 in the morning, in the pissing rain in Osnabruck and got told to be in the SQN bar the same night to get it out our systems. That was mental health back then.
Loved Osnabruck, 1 Royal Irish Belfast Barracks. Then I went back with the Pwr, then Green Howards, done a lot of time there.
So true and so very common
@@stuartbrown8259 I was 25 Engr Regt. Ended up living in the Alt Stadt above the Steifel for a while. Great times indeed. 👍🏻
Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had PTSD before I even joined the Royal Engineers at age 16 in 1988. In Biblical parlance, PTSD is known as an imprisoned soul.
Imprisoned soul is a good description, thank you for sharing 👍
Another great post 😊
My Dad seems to thing I have PTSD from my days of service. I don't think I have as I didn't see much really, two back to back summer tours of Boz and that was it, which I loved 97 and 98 TSG, GV and RR cover at the Bus Depot at MG. I was Downgraded and had a good few restrictions on my Biff Chit, yet I was still sent. It just meant on Pre Boz training I didn't run around like the others from my Unit did. Instead they would put me in the position of enemy.
The last training session was a close call as were were doing Causality Extraction under fire, Not something Workshop Personnel do going by the near miss of one of our own lads going up whilst the fire team were laying down fire, he got a bit carried away. They got a short sharp riffing for that one. Probably wasn't the only time something like that happened in Pre Boz Training for those that simple don't normally do anything like that kind of thing.
I have had my issues since leaving the Forces, wouldn't say if my time in the Army was totally responsible, with the exception of one incident, with a friend that died, whilst I was still in Trade Training.
What I brilliant thing to set up for the Boys and Girls that have served our Country. I hope that those that go get a lot out of it, as I am sure they will.
Hi Simon it can effect us in ways we did see or understand. Thank you for sharing your experience. Have a look at OP JACKDAW. It might be something you would be interested in?
All the best
Thanks mate
Hey mate great to hear from you again 👍 I hope all is going well over there 👍 all our best and thank you again for all your amazing support to us and SCOTTY'S
Great Keith until the next video..
Cheers Eric
Thanks Keith ! The Same as For The R.N ! ( From a Cloudy North Kent )😊
Hi Adrian, good old Kent, I visit a few times each year. All the best 👍
You don't talk rubbish and you ain't a nutter. Keep it going bonny lad, keep it going.
Thank you Janet for your kind words and support it's very much appreciated 🫡
I gotta say Keith, cracking natter.. (lyne's sis here, Teresa) keep up the good work. Love to Trace x
Teresa great to see you on here! I still haven't forgot about a T Shirt, Tracey is working on sorting out some Lets Tab 59 merchandise possibly later this year or early next year, so I will make sure you are among the first.
All our love
Keith and Tracey x
Sending you big hugs as I know tomorrow will be a tough day. 🥰🥰🥰
@@Tracer-Round66 🥰 thankyou
I will wear it with pride! ❤@@LetsTab59-bd4fd
Fantastic this love all the info spot on , top man tab
Thank you Clive 👍, fancy popping down and joining us?
My dad served as a sapper in the Canadian army during the Second World War North west Europe
He never spoke of his time there.
Until the end of his life he related two stories of his time there.
I’ll never repeat them 😢
God Bless James 🙏🫡🇨🇦
Good video sir carry on 🎉🎉
Cheers Simon
Things have changed since 78. Would be great to meet with like minded souls, the Midlands would probably be the best location.
No worries, I usually read and like your videos, but with the time difference I’m usually running a day late 😅
That was really interesting tab 👋
Cheers Albiee, all the best 👍
100% hit the head on the nail
Thank you Gary 👍
You've blanked out that on your return from Iraq, you were left outside Selly Oak Hospital, in your uniform and with no money and had to make a reverse charges call to Tracer Round to get you home! You needed help when you returned but it's good to see you return to normal ish 😂 Good to hear about Op Jackdaw!
Hi Nigel, great to hear from you again, hope all is well with you?
Yes I did get left out a bit after returning from Iraq.
Yes op Jackdaw is a fantastic set up they really do have some good lads down there running it.
Chat soon 👍
This is what Pulheems stands for.
P - physical capacity, U - upper extremity, L - locomotion, H - hearing, E - eyesight, M - mental capacity, S - stability of emotion
Don't start pulling you PULHEMS 😂😂 Remember that old saying
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdI even say it now to Lisa if she is winding me up!
"You're pushing your PULHEEMS!"😂😂😂😂😂
@@nobby3542 😂😂
@@Nickleby2491 🍻👍
@@Nickleby2491 on the Up, buddy. Thank you for your message.👍👍🤜🤜
Spot on
Cheers Robert all the best 👍
Easy mucker looks mint m8ty u ok etc brother? Got a bit a of sun dw my way!! 😊😊 yeah I'll be there m8t 4ur RV next year!! I've got PTSD and survivors gillt. Its shit m8t. I have gd times n badtimes dont get out much cos of it etc!! Im same as the lad at the start of ur video etc... b y i cant b asked with it anymore!! List gouse on mucker!! Hoping ur all ok n well an family members brother hoping to c u soooooooon mucker AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER 😊😊😊
Hi Jay, always so pleased to hear from you brother. Stay safe and all our best wishes 🙏
Im in!👍👍👍
🫡👍
Keith ,It's a shame that there isn't something like that closer North (Don't go that far on my holidays 😂 )
Well, I do think that these type of charities will start to pop up all over soon
Hi Keith you will have to come to Hull and have a look at H4H. We are trying to get a village built trips out,coffee morning.Just send us a message 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you Colin, sounds great, I'd love to come up and have a look. Thank you 👍
Great stuff pal, as always. Just a stupid question from a civilian, why do always have a Karabiner on your backpack?
Hi, thank you for commenting, it's not a silly question. It's been on my patrol pack since I was serving, never taken it off and truthfully I've never used it since I've been in civvy street.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Sure. Were you all issued with one for a specific purpose? General rope work I guess?
@AbbeySnooks no I was never issued one but during an exercise once we had to do a helicopter assault phase where we abseiled in and I managed to 'aquire ' one lol
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 😄
I would say to anyone that feels off go and get help. If you do not want to talk to your MO or GP get in touch with one of the service charities. RAFBF have been great for me. i would say more so than the GP ever was. If you can talk to someone they will help or at least try to point you in the right direction. Would love to try this out but my old bones need a proper mattress in the motorhome these days LOL.
Cheers Des. I think I will suffer after sleeping out under a basher again after all this time.
I'm not ex service, but I'm being to wonder if I had some problems for a while, I worked in a slaughter house as a kid , but also worked in a foundry and seen some bad accident including death.
And for a few years and now and again. Had bad nightmares, waking up , scared sweating..?
Never really thought about until recently,
Like you I'm old school, was told as a kid just get on with it.
Great video and thanks.
It hits so many of, the likes of you and me were brought up to hide our feelings and that's the problem we have. Thank you for commenting 🍻
Mental health. I went through a bunch of psyche test's pre recruitment. Set up's sure but it's the best way to figure out where your at and how you will react in a pressure situation. There's a place for every temperament and type.
It's much easier to cope when you know your mission is saving people as much as killing your opposite number.
By and large my extended family does a good job of balancing duty and civvy.
Im not so big on the booze when things get ugly. I just hit the whore house or any other place I could get laid. Take some rnr somewhere quiet in the country.
We like fixing shit and making stuff. Bloke's need to feel they are doing something useful.
Jackdaw makes perfect sense to me. Self pity doesn't pull you back together. Reflection and recovery ? Sure. It's the dirty jokes and funny stories that help me get over it.
Last mission, knowing the answer of course, I asked any chance of a fucking medal this time ? No.
T shirt ? No.
Trip to a decent whore house and a piss up ?
That can be arranged.....
Somewhere classy for a change ? High end escort ?
I fuckin earned it this time around.
Get yourself on NHS talking therapies. It help me a lot.
Thank you for the suggestion much appreciated mate 👍
Not military just a 63year old woman that likes listening to other peoples lives. I love chatty folk 👍
Hi Karen, thanks for commenting, great to hear from you. Hope alls well with you, stay safe. 🫡👍🇬🇧
The forces should have a program for the last month's of you're service to bring you back to the world (as the yanks used to describe it).
Needs something more than we currently have, very good point, cheers
I think we become institutionalised , but in a great way but when we leave it’s all a bit empty hard to cope with .
I think you're absolutely correct
Don't ask for the cheese in German 😂
😂😂😂 you're getting to know me too well 😂😂👍👍
Hee hee hee 😂. Love both your channels, it's great to see you bounce off each other ♥️🇬🇧
Take the lid off.
Just do the walk.
No, you're fine mate, but cheers for commenting