'Spud' Taylor

Sgt 'Spud' Jim Taylor (Royal Signals) … with Pace Stick because he had passed the Guards Drill Course at Pirbright and was therefore entitled to carry such an accoutrement.  He was Platoon Sgt for ‘B’ Pn during my time in Recruit Coy in 1963.  An amazing character who many people ridiculed, sadly; although he did 'ask for it' on occasions.  He was determined to prove that soldiers of the Royal Corps of Signals could look and act smarter on parade than most guardsmen in any Regiment of the Brigade of Guards ... which meant 'hell' on parade whenever he 'took the squad'!

Actually, Jim frightened the life out of 'B' Platoon, 63B for the first week or so of our Basic Training only.  I knew him off duty also, as well as members of his family, and still kept out of his way whenever possible!  After that week or so ... he was replaced by one Sgt Jim Witham (Royal Artillery) who, although similarly a 'character', was (possibly!) far more stable!  Three years later, when I was posted to 22nd Signal Regiment in Lippstadt, BAOR --- Sgt Jim Taylor (later promoted to SSgt) was already there, instructing the J/NCOs Cadre!!