My Mum needn’t have worried as all around us was other young boys with there bags and short hair waiting to catch the train to Newcastle. These teenagers ranged from confident to apprehensive & shy. It just happened that we were all destined to be apart of the same training troop ’Triangle’.

We arrived at our destination at Newcastle and met by a serving Cpl instructor who was as nice as he could (until he closed the coach doors and then we were in the military with discipline involved). There were a few tears that night and a lot less of us. Some upon seeing were we where to stay for the next 42 weeks decided it was not for them and were quickly interviewed and allowed to depart.

40 teenagers were billeted in pre war ’H’ block accomodation. We were soon shown how to clean, wash shave (not a facial hair amongst us) iron and fold our clothes/uniform. We were classed as children and had to be monitored as such, so into bed by 10pm with lights out. We hardly slept more than 3-4hrs per night as it was not easy keeping the Block clean and tidy every day to inspection standards.

Winter arrived and were we in for a shock. Having to do weapons drill and marching on icy roads and parade ground. With the bayonet fitted we made extra space as a slip forced the rifle to be flung backwards and nearly sticking the person behind. (later in my career I was always told what location I did my training at without being asked. This was because anyone who had been to Albermarle could be spotted by having his jumper sleeve rolled down to keep there fingers warm).

1983 New year and finally the end was in site, no more training only assesments and tests bringing the skills gained to passing BATTLE CAMP. This was the most enjoyable time as we were competing for Champion Troop. It didn’t help having only 21 of us left. We had reduced down to 18 and only gone up to 21 until 3 from a senior troop were back coursed into us.

Time came and went, time was spent on cleaning and returning all items of kit used during our stay. A full inventory was done beds were replaced into rooms and them it was Uniform and Boots to be prepared. Then on the 20th April 1983 ten days after my 17th birthday Triangle Troop marched off infront of our families. We were surprised at the responce from the stalls my mum had shouted out ’come on Rob’ they were proud parents, but it did not effect our discipline.

I have had the opportunity to serve in the Regular Army, Territorial Army & Royal Air Force from 1982 - 2003. looking back my fondest time was as a Junior soldier training at a windswept old WWII airbase known to us as 26th Junior Regiment Royal Signals Albermarle Bks Ousten Northumbria. It has been my fondest wishes to have been able to meet up with those ’boys’ again not leaving out the instructors as well. We are or will be 44yrs old this year those instructors especially Cpl Hunter would be 68 now

So if any one remembers Junior Signalman Richardson of Triangle Troop - Champion Troop give me a call especially any information on Cpl’s Stanton, Hunter & Lt Complin. To all those boys who can remeber CERTA CITO (swift & Sure) BY LAND BY SEA & BY AIR We will not forget