"MY GENERATION!" (The Zimmers)

Amazing; the Scheme which we were so much a part of, as Army Apprentices, began back in the early 1930s and did not completely cease till about 1996.....

  [Reference:  "Training of Junior Soldiers continued after 1993, but to a different 'All Arms' syllabus in two Army Foundation Colleges; AFS Harrogate for 'Teeth Arms' and ATFS Aborfield for 'Technical Corps' " Mike Comerford (an ex A/T and late RAOC)]

..... yet, as I write this (July 2010), a current Television advert extolling the virtues of joining the British Army is talking about an Army Apprenticeship!!  So, the original idea couldn't have been all that bad!

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Just in case the Scheme is ever resurrected in a '2nd Generation' --- a suggestion has come forward that You ... yes YOU! .... an ex Harrogate A/T reader ... might like to contribute an interesting/humorous/'dangerous'/immoral! 'story' of your own Army Apprentice days for publication in this section, to interest, encourage (or warn!) future, possible young soldiers  ..... such as (maybe!):    

your 'spell' as SUS or SUCA in the Guardroom, being on ROPs (surely you remember those!), 'enjoying' the Assault or Confidence (Aerial) Courses, good or bad memories of certain Permanent Staff idiosyncrasies or  treatments, 'defending' the AAS concept & its dubious honour against attack from the civilian YOBS in Harrogate's Valley Gardens! --- indeed any incident you feel may 'tickle the fancy' and revive the memories of and for our readers --- be it in poetry or prose.  Remember that our 'time span' is so wide too [Intakes 49B, 63B and 80A would surely 'sing' such different tunes!]

Come on then, please dig into the 'resources' of your youthful past and send the results on to me --- in whatever format suits you best (except Braille, Morse or the Murray Code!).  Contributors' photographs would always be gladly accepted also, of course.  Please include your Name, Intake, 'Last 3' and Company or Squadron so that I can give appropriate credit.  "I Thank You" in anticipation!!

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Please CLICK on the Name below to take you to that particular ex A/T's Contribution(s).

My sincere thanks to the abovenamed personnel who have speedily taken so much trouble and 'answered the call' on our behalf --- so far.

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'WATCH THIS SPACE!'

Might YOUR Contribution(s) be on it next?!

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This section last automatically updated: 22 October 2011 21:45hrs.