Reforger was an American exercise practicing the reinforcement of NATO by 3rd US Corps. Brits were often invited to play. My Amphibious Engineer troop (2 Troop 23 Engr Sqn) once had to build an M2 bridge over the Weser for the entire 3rd US Corps to cross. Most of them even made it to the far side :)
I went to the BAOR in 1975…..due to my role: Düsseldorf .….Munsterlager…Hannover…Berlin….Soltau…..and how many of you remember the Harz border liaison team? I was so happy in Germany. Germany was clean and sophisticated; the Germans thought us stupid, dirty and backward; a reflection of the UK in the 70’s and 80’s. 12 very very happy years.
My brother was stationed out in Germany in or about 1954. Like every other fit 18 year old at that time he had to do two years national service ,even being the oldest son of a farmer did not save him . He was shit scared when he first went in there , but soon got to really love it . Unlike everyone else I have ever spoken to about National Service he reckoned it was easy . I remember him saying “ well yeah , we had to go on these ten mile marches with all our kit on but when we got back to barracks that was it for the day and you could just lie on your bed the rest of the day “. He did a very short tour of duty in Egypt but spent most of his time in Germany . Because he was one of the few people with a civilian driving licence he got the job of chauffeur to the CO and drive a big Humber Hawk staff car . I can remember my mum making him huge fruit cakes and posting out to him . In his two years in the army he put on two stone in weight
What a cracking story, thank you for sharing that. My Dad was a National Serviceman too I remember his stories be very similar to how you described your brothers. Thank you for taking the time to comment its very much appreciated.
Had 3 years at a NATO HQ in The Netherlands. 66 Belgian francs to the £. 3.30 Dutch Gs to the £. 12 grolsch for 21 Dutch G’s. 5 Dutch Gs for 12 empties. Only seems like yesterday. Made some great friends from other NATO nations. Lived among cities. Odd 3 day exercise on site. Happy days.
And one of my first ever tasks was the site guard at Menden. That weekend the movie ‘the Day After’ was shown on German TV and the local villagers came out to protest. It was a hairy few minutes: the Rules of Engagement were pretty harsh..
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd yes Threads was the British equivalent. Another one was ‘The War Game’ which was shot in black and white as a documentary. It was banned for years.
I did Minden, and we were all focused on the Minden gap! Brilliant days, thank you again sir for igniting old memories, stay safe, and keep your powder dry. Paul.
All my stint, apart from basic and trade training was in BAOR, absolutely loved it over there, never had site guards but as we were quite close to the East German border we got a few border patrols that lasted 3 or 4 days if memory serves, that kind of brought it all home as to why we were out there, you could clearly see the East German border guards watching us intently through binos from their large concrete watch towers
My first posting at 17 yrs 3 mths in 1978 was Berlin I kin loved it, lots of stags though, Alert Platoon, Train Guard, Spandau Prison, exercises but the free time was fantastic. The wall was just behind Montgomery Bks. Loved going through Check point Charlie to East Berlin on trips (full number 2s though) but when i was there it was £1 = 4 West German Mark and = 16 East German Marks they loved us in restaurants what they thought was a fantastic tip was penny’s to us. Even took my Wife and Kids back some years later.
Baor was the best ever time of my life and I had a brilliant time on mbt”s in BFPO 17. It was a blast, literally! My only regret is leaving Munster, a very nice city with great old architecture and a high quality of life in general. Great nightlife and the things we got up to at weekends. Decent bird down town so I often stayed off camp. In retrospect I should have asked to stay in Munster when the regiment returned to England which effectively in my mind killed off the spirit of the regiment and lots of people left including me. I didn’t fancy going back to Fally thank you very much. I never ever missed England. Site guard. We did the Yank one I think at Hemer. My driver had an ND in the fishbowl the twat with his Gat. Second one I winged it in the command troop room outside the compound. Almost everyone from that era misses Germany because we had a laugh and we were kept busy and life in Germany was just so much better because it’s a better place to live in terms of organisation, landscape, adventure training, travel, schools , public services and we had decent well built Luftwaffe accommodation with town centre a short bus ride away or a cycle ride on a stolen bike, Munster is full of bikes.
James I couldn't agree more, for me as a 17 year old, being posted to Celle West Germany was the most wonderful experience. I have, like you and many others, cherished memories. Of course when you come home on leave and tell your civvy mates about the stuff you get upto they don't believe it. Cheers for your comment 👍
Non veteran and this isn't really BOAR. Working as a freight forwarder in the early 80s, we'd have the occasional shipment for the DDR. We'd have to send it to our agent's office in Konradsreuth/ HOF close to where the East German , West Germany, Czecheslovak border met. There Deutrans would have to be invited to come and collect it which they would do in their own sweet time. One of our drivers once slid off an icy road into a ditch there and was a bit alarmed when approached by an American tank. However, the crew attached a chain to his artic and dragged him out. I gather back then the winters there were very harsh and drivers without adequate night heaters could be at risk.
Yes I did many stags at Spandau Prison Yes Rudolph Hess was the only prisoner. We had to do lots of drill when taking over from the Yanks, Frogs, or ruskies. The search lights were great fun. Our Guard Commanders used to use the commas phones for our quiz lol all military question like what size flannelette or what does CLAP stand for passed the time away. I remember when Hess died Spandau Prison was knocked down and a new NAAFI built on it.
There was a campaign a few years ago and a petition went to government asking for a National Defence Medal but it got rejected (of course). I think there should have been something to reward all the times the lads served during the Cold War
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I Agree considering that it was a front line I mean even in Cyprus you get a medal for a UN tour, just my thoughts. Personally, I have not looked at my only medal in over 40 years now tarnished and frankly not bothered. I am not a march past the memorials with pointless medals kind of person and I know even in my Regt many wear medals on a parade they are never issued, but saying that recognition of service is an important element in military life and sadly not seen as important, I titled the King never served anywhere and has a chest full of medals less said.
Aaagh yes site guard we covered Hamer site guard, Delta tower the large one. I remember grabbing the binos and looking across the valley at the locals skiing. While we stagged on in the tower looking at trees for 2 hours or whatever it was. The rumour was that the Americans had nuclear rockets in the silos in the inner sanctum but we never saw any rockets or American forces for that matter. During the shift rotation we would play rugby in a field outside the compound but marauding bored squaddies playing combat sports near barbed wire fences soon earned the name murder ball. We would do fighting patrols around the compound cannot remember if they gave us live ammo ? this was pre night vision and i remember walking into a lot of trees. Anyway those who survived the rugby episode had Rhinedahlen 24hr disco to look forward to, those are my memories from BAOR (Loved it) @Roger Maximilian aka Steve.
Site Guard in Sennalage ,not sure about that Sir .I was stationed in detmold beginning of the 80,s did our siteguards in Munster from what i can remember,they didn't like to tell us where we were ( very Fu..... Sneaky beaky in those days ) at the time , SOXMIS and all that ...FTX with Chieftian tanks ,Absolutely a brilliant time , always a yellow handbag in the Ammo racks 😄😄
My Grandfathers brother flew in the Berlin Airlft where he earned his AFC Wing Commander Mick Ensor DSO & Bar DFC & Bar and AFC book written on him Ensor’s Endeavours by Vincent Orange 🍊
💯 m8 did all.those exercises glad you mentioned site guard walking around in circles in the compound. Was in Montgomery bks in Berlin the wall Berlin Wall.boarded it the wall didn't run in a straight line when you were on guard would some times see Russian soldiers or east german border walking across the rugby pitch I know it's hard to believe 😂😂😂 but it's true they would leg back when you challenged them and SOXMIS CARS OUTSIDE THE GATE soviet military mission in berlin cheeky bastards 😂😂😂😂 anyway enough of me swinging the light and sitting on me sandbag have a lovely Xmas day going to have wash shit and shave then off to see the inlaws .
Not just berling was divided also vienna in austria was divided by the 4 allied powers up untill 1950s. I served in rn from 1979 to 1993. Some in germany, gibraltar bodder was closed with spain. We were not permitted to land in malta. Remember these things well.
Was attached to the American's as a driver covering 39 heavy whilst in N I i had to drive into won of those Nuclear bunkers with the American's i had to stay in the 4 toner that was in sennelager enjoyed my time with them made some good friends
Only just seen this particular vid Keith... Don't know how I missed it, but anyway (just an observation mate) how come you're not doing the "Top Tabbing Tip" anymore at the end...? Only just bloody noticed that..!
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I think the cut off was 60 or 65, for the HSF. I was chatting to a veteran on a BZ Academy Course a couple months ago who was a young volunteer in the HSF in the early nineties. Basically he said they had their own ideas who they would let into the nuclear bunkers at key points they were guarding. Let’s just say when you have military veterans with maturity their outlook might be different than those in their late teens.
Was ex TA in 88 when I had an invite to join rauxaf ground defence squadron at an airbase, very similar to home services forces that were springing up at the time. Can find no info online about those squadrons, quite a few were in being.
Thought so “Mister” 😉 You remind me of my late neighbour growing up - he was a plain speaking no nonsense chap like you. Ex Blues & Royals WO1. Loved to listen to his experiences and exploits.
I was also part of the rrf the rapid reaction force in ta unit days of the old slr smg and gpmg great times and nbc training for ages on ex lionheart in 70 degrees hot epweather in germany I'm trying to buy one of the clocks the the ta sold to soldiers the clocks were great to remember ex lionheart if any has one foe sale or knows where I can buy one from please let me know thanks
Hey we natives of Northern Ireland are not Paddies. That's a name used for the good people of the Republic of Ireland. To answer your question about poo etc, I served there many tours, and yes had everything thrown at us, mainly by the people who don't class themselves as British. Wasn't all bad, the vast majority are decent people, and supposed us.
@roybennett9284 yes the Royal Marines served many tours there. And yes, we normally had a least one guy carrying an M16 on rural operations, but that was before we were issued with the SA80.
Reforger was an American exercise practicing the reinforcement of NATO by 3rd US Corps. Brits were often invited to play.
My Amphibious Engineer troop (2 Troop 23 Engr Sqn) once had to build an M2 bridge over the Weser for the entire 3rd US Corps to cross. Most of them even made it to the far side :)
I went to the BAOR in 1975…..due to my role: Düsseldorf .….Munsterlager…Hannover…Berlin….Soltau…..and how many of you remember the Harz border liaison team? I was so happy in Germany. Germany was clean and sophisticated; the Germans thought us stupid, dirty and backward; a reflection of the UK in the 70’s and 80’s. 12 very very happy years.
Yes I remember the Harz Mountains, I was in Celle for about 7 years.
My older brother was a Stab was the large EX in 1984, he was later a RAF officer in West Germany,
My brother was stationed out in Germany in or about 1954. Like every other fit 18 year old at that time he had to do two years national service ,even being the oldest son of a farmer did not save him . He was shit scared when he first went in there , but soon got to really love it . Unlike everyone else I have ever spoken to about National Service he reckoned it was easy . I remember him saying “ well yeah , we had to go on these ten mile marches with all our kit on but when we got back to barracks that was it for the day and you could just lie on your bed the rest of the day “. He did a very short tour of duty in Egypt but spent most of his time in Germany . Because he was one of the few people with a civilian driving licence he got the job of chauffeur to the CO and drive a big Humber Hawk staff car . I can remember my mum making him huge fruit cakes and posting out to him . In his two years in the army he put on two stone in weight
What a cracking story, thank you for sharing that. My Dad was a National Serviceman too I remember his stories be very similar to how you described your brothers.
Thank you for taking the time to comment its very much appreciated.
Had 3 years at a NATO HQ in The Netherlands. 66 Belgian francs to the £.
3.30 Dutch Gs to the £.
12 grolsch for 21 Dutch G’s. 5 Dutch Gs for 12 empties. Only seems like yesterday. Made some great friends from other NATO nations. Lived among cities. Odd 3 day exercise on site. Happy days.
And one of my first ever tasks was the site guard at Menden. That weekend the movie ‘the Day After’ was shown on German TV and the local villagers came out to protest. It was a hairy few minutes: the Rules of Engagement were pretty harsh..
That film was horrendous , I remember watching it. What was the other film...Threads? Cant remember now. Site guard, what a pain that was.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd yes Threads was the British equivalent. Another one was ‘The War Game’ which was shot in black and white as a documentary. It was banned for years.
I did Minden, and we were all focused on the Minden gap! Brilliant days, thank you again sir for igniting old memories, stay safe, and keep your powder dry.
Paul.
All my stint, apart from basic and trade training was in BAOR, absolutely loved it over there, never had site guards but as we were quite close to the East German border we got a few border patrols that lasted 3 or 4 days if memory serves, that kind of brought it all home as to why we were out there, you could clearly see the East German border guards watching us intently through binos from their large concrete watch towers
My first posting at 17 yrs 3 mths in 1978 was Berlin I kin loved it, lots of stags though, Alert Platoon, Train Guard, Spandau Prison, exercises but the free time was fantastic. The wall was just behind Montgomery Bks. Loved going through Check point Charlie to East Berlin on trips (full number 2s though) but when i was there it was £1 = 4 West German Mark and = 16 East German Marks they loved us in restaurants what they thought was a fantastic tip was penny’s to us. Even took my Wife and Kids back some years later.
Brilliant comment i did forget to mention SOXMIS so im glad you did
Fck me you must be psychic if you posted your reply to me 8 days before I posted it (that's the times showing for me).
Apologies, I've just read the next comment!
Spent most of the eighties on deterrent patrols on HMS Renown (port) and HMS Repulse(port) quite glad it never kicked off for real
💯🙏🫡
Baor was the best ever time of my life and I had a brilliant time on mbt”s in BFPO 17.
It was a blast, literally!
My only regret is leaving Munster, a very nice city with great old architecture and a high quality of life in general.
Great nightlife and the things we got up to at weekends.
Decent bird down town so I often stayed off camp.
In retrospect I should have asked to stay in Munster when the regiment returned to England which effectively in my mind killed off the spirit of the regiment and lots of people left including me. I didn’t fancy going back to Fally thank you very much.
I never ever missed England.
Site guard.
We did the Yank one I think at Hemer.
My driver had an ND in the fishbowl the twat with his Gat.
Second one I winged it in the command troop room outside the compound.
Almost everyone from that era misses Germany because we had a laugh and we were kept busy and life in Germany was just so much better because it’s a better place to live in terms of organisation, landscape, adventure training, travel, schools , public services and we had decent well built Luftwaffe accommodation with town centre a short bus ride away or a cycle ride on a stolen bike, Munster is full of bikes.
James I couldn't agree more, for me as a 17 year old, being posted to Celle West Germany was the most wonderful experience. I have, like you and many others, cherished memories. Of course when you come home on leave and tell your civvy mates about the stuff you get upto they don't believe it. Cheers for your comment 👍
Non veteran and this isn't really BOAR. Working as a freight forwarder in the early 80s, we'd have the occasional shipment for the DDR. We'd have to send it to our agent's office in Konradsreuth/ HOF close to where the East German , West Germany, Czecheslovak border met. There Deutrans would have to be invited to come and collect it which they would do in their own sweet time. One of our drivers once slid off an icy road into a ditch there and was a bit alarmed when approached by an American tank. However, the crew attached a chain to his artic and dragged him out. I gather back then the winters there were very harsh and drivers without adequate night heaters could be at risk.
That's an interesting angle on the cold war, thank you for sharing 👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thankyou,I even sent something to the wrong Germany once. Missed the little D.D.R on the docs. My boss was not pleased.
@@radiosnail 😂🫡👍
A friend of mine was one of Rudolph Hoss’s guards until his death ☠️
My father was on that at spandau with the cheshires 53 to 55 I think
Yes I did many stags at Spandau Prison Yes Rudolph Hess was the only prisoner. We had to do lots of drill when taking over from the Yanks, Frogs, or ruskies. The search lights were great fun. Our Guard Commanders used to use the commas phones for our quiz lol all military question like what size flannelette or what does CLAP stand for passed the time away. I remember when Hess died Spandau Prison was knocked down and a new NAAFI built on it.
I loved BAOR was in Minden and Berlin. Surprised the government never issued a medal for this after the Cold War finished in recognition.
There was a campaign a few years ago and a petition went to government asking for a National Defence Medal but it got rejected (of course). I think there should have been something to reward all the times the lads served during the Cold War
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I Agree considering that it was a front line I mean even in Cyprus you get a medal for a UN tour, just my thoughts. Personally, I have not looked at my only medal in over 40 years now tarnished and frankly not bothered. I am not a march past the memorials with pointless medals kind of person and I know even in my Regt many wear medals on a parade they are never issued, but saying that recognition of service is an important element in military life and sadly not seen as important, I titled the King never served anywhere and has a chest full of medals less said.
Would the medal be in the shape of a liver?
Aaagh yes site guard we covered Hamer site guard, Delta tower the large one. I remember grabbing the binos and looking across the valley at the locals skiing. While we stagged on in the tower looking at trees for 2 hours or whatever it was. The rumour was that the Americans had nuclear rockets in the silos in the inner sanctum but we never saw any rockets or American forces for that matter. During the shift rotation we would play rugby in a field outside the compound but marauding bored squaddies playing combat sports near barbed wire fences soon earned the name murder ball. We would do fighting patrols around the compound cannot remember if they gave us live ammo ? this was pre night vision and i remember walking into a lot of trees. Anyway those who survived the rugby episode had Rhinedahlen 24hr disco to look forward to, those are my memories from BAOR (Loved it) @Roger Maximilian aka Steve.
I often wonder if those nuclear sites were just dummy sites and the real stuff was elsewhere? Appreciate your comment 🙏
Site Guard in Sennalage ,not sure about that Sir .I was stationed in detmold beginning of the 80,s did our siteguards in Munster from what i can remember,they didn't like to tell us where we were ( very Fu..... Sneaky beaky in those days ) at the time , SOXMIS and all that ...FTX with Chieftian tanks ,Absolutely a brilliant time , always a yellow handbag in the Ammo racks 😄😄
Thank God for the yellow handbags 😆
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd shall I send you one over Sir ,, 😂😂 I live here now
Me also detmold, early 80s, chieftain.
My Grandfathers brother flew in the Berlin Airlft where he earned his AFC Wing Commander Mick Ensor DSO & Bar DFC & Bar and AFC book written on him Ensor’s Endeavours by Vincent Orange 🍊
Wow thank you for his service very brave man
I did enjoy German beer 🎉🎉🎉 thanks for your videos 🎉🎉
Very strong but nice
💯 m8 did all.those exercises glad you mentioned site guard walking around in circles in the compound. Was in Montgomery bks in Berlin the wall Berlin Wall.boarded it the wall didn't run in a straight line when you were on guard would some times see Russian soldiers or east german border walking across the rugby pitch I know it's hard to believe 😂😂😂 but it's true they would leg back when you challenged them and SOXMIS CARS OUTSIDE THE GATE soviet military mission in berlin cheeky bastards 😂😂😂😂 anyway enough of me swinging the light and sitting on me sandbag have a lovely Xmas day going to have wash shit and shave then off to see the inlaws .
Not just berling was divided also vienna in austria was divided by the 4 allied powers up untill 1950s.
I served in rn from 1979 to 1993. Some in germany, gibraltar bodder was closed with spain. We were not permitted to land in malta.
Remember these things well.
Thank you Kurt I wasn't aware of those details so much appreciated
Was attached to the American's as a driver covering 39 heavy whilst in N I i had to drive into won of those Nuclear bunkers with the American's i had to stay in the 4 toner that was in sennelager enjoyed my time with them made some good friends
Always good fun being attached to the Americans some really good people 👌
@LetsTab59-bd4fd good guy's but can't hold there drink
I recognize you as a member of the on site guard advance ....lol Munster North (Special Ammunition Site) 4RTR
How naff was Site Guard 😕
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd As Naff as the yanks sense of humour
Only just seen this particular vid Keith... Don't know how I missed it, but anyway (just an observation mate) how come you're not doing the "Top Tabbing Tip" anymore at the end...? Only just bloody noticed that..!
I think I started to run out of tips lol
So Tab 59 would you join the Home Service Force if they reactivated it, and asked for volunteers today ?
Absolutely 💯 however, I'm not sure they would take me on at 64.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I think the cut off was 60 or 65, for the HSF.
I was chatting to a veteran on a BZ Academy Course a couple months ago who was a young volunteer in the HSF in the early nineties.
Basically he said they had their own ideas who they would let into the nuclear bunkers at key points they were guarding.
Let’s just say when you have military veterans with maturity their outlook might be different than those in their late teens.
Was ex TA in 88 when I had an invite to join rauxaf ground defence squadron at an airbase, very similar to home services forces that were springing up at the time. Can find no info online about those squadrons, quite a few were in being.
I would but don't think they would have an old fart like me! Would be a good crack though
I'd jump at the chance to do support to the Regular lads and lasses.
Sir, I have no nuclear weapons or parts thereof in my possession, Sir. 😂
Brilliant......
Fall out and get on the wagon and then hurry up and wait 🤣👍🫡
Can you do a thing about 1984 exercise lionheart which I was on as a reserve ta soldier I was then a gpmg gunner in the steelbacks unit
I'll maybe have a go at that, cheers 🍻
Silly question… probably been asked before but what rank did you hold when you left the British Army?
Brilliant channel btw !
WO1 and thank you for your support 🙏
Thought so “Mister” 😉
You remind me of my late neighbour growing up - he was a plain speaking no nonsense chap like you. Ex Blues & Royals WO1.
Loved to listen to his experiences and exploits.
I was also part of the rrf the rapid reaction force in ta unit days of the old slr smg and gpmg great times and nbc training for ages on ex lionheart in 70 degrees hot epweather in germany I'm trying to buy one of the clocks the the ta sold to soldiers the clocks were great to remember ex lionheart if any has one foe sale or knows where I can buy one from please let me know thanks
Cheers for your comment, I was on Lionheart too, but I don't remember the clocks. Someone on here may well do, all the best.
We were still taxed on our wages.
Well yes, the armed forces pay tax on their earnings.
Site guard was bloody awful; as was chasing lezzers around Greenham Common.
You're right about the lezzers, CND seemed to attract them 😆
BAOR vs GSFG: Two armies of professional drunks bluffing each other about their military capabilities.
Spot on there.
Just 1 criticism mate...cap badge over left eye..not left ear..
Cheers for your comment Ray, much appreciated
Check out the Paras on that one lol
Did you cope much flack from the Paddy's on your deployment? I've heard poo being thrown in chip packets from highrise buildings!?;?
There were a few moments of agro but also some really good people too.
Did the royal marines serve in North Ireland?..did you ever use an m16?
Hey we natives of Northern Ireland are not Paddies. That's a name used for the good people of the Republic of Ireland. To answer your question about poo etc, I served there many tours, and yes had everything thrown at us, mainly by the people who don't class themselves as British. Wasn't all bad, the vast majority are decent people, and supposed us.
@@stuartb4525 I second that
@roybennett9284 yes the Royal Marines served many tours there. And yes, we normally had a least one guy carrying an M16 on rural operations, but that was before we were issued with the SA80.