 Whilst stationed at RAF Pergamos, Cyprus, four of us were detached to 9 Sigs for three months. The change of culture came as quite a shock to us, as nobody thought of informing us of the differences in lifestyle. At Pergamos, after finishing our meal, we would take the plates and cutlery to a point where they would be collected and cleaned by others. At 9 Sigs, we were issued with plates, mugs and cutlery, and, after finishing our meal, would take them outside and clean them in a large galvanised tank, filled with a milky substance. No matter how hard we tried, a film of grease always remained. At Pergamos, we left our rooms and walked to our places of duty – individually. At 9 Sigs, we left our tents, at 1-mile point, and travelled in convoy to 4-mile point, then to parade prior to going on duty. We complained about it. We reminded them that we were airmen, and didn’t do things like that. It all fell on deaf ears and on parade we had to go.On parade? – I’d hardly describe it as that! What a nightmare! In the RAF, the order to halt is given on the right foot and you would come to a halt immediately thereafter. In the Sigs, the order to halt is given on the left foot, followed by three more paces before coming to a halt. Can you imagine the mess I made of that day’s parade? After stomping about for a while, we were then inspected by a Captain, who inspected every man without comment, until he came to me. “Airman! It must have taken a considerable amount of effort to look that scruffy,” he said. I, in my most respectful voice, pointed out that each signalman is issued with seven uniforms, whereas airmen are issued with just two – one for best (special occasions) and a ‘working blue’. We did everything with just one uniform. “Uniform”? He replied. “Are you telling me that beneath all that ---- is a uniform belonging to HM”? “Get a new one before the end of the week – complete”! He was about to move on, then added, “I didn’t realise you were parading with my men, I thought you were passing-by, out for a stroll”! How could I appear to be “out for a stroll” when every signaller seemed to be six feet tall, which caused me to take exaggerated strides just to keep up? I must state that every signaller looked smart enough to be inspected by HM, but how could they fail? – Seven uniforms!! |
