And can we trust it? We have been on post 372 for every post in this thread... _________________ Clive (aka Gypo) Langeleben 1967-1971
Marlene (the last NAAFI girl to serve in Langeleben) 1969-1970
Well, here is my 1.000th offering for what it is worth. It is all about Langeleben and me.
When I first arrived there in May 1955 it never occurred to me that 54 years on I would be talking, writing and visiting it with so much affection.
For many of these 54 years, apart from coming across a few old photos of snow covered tents it was rarely thought of unless someone suggested 'camping' and then my tent-life stories would come out.
When I heard - too late - of the first Langeleben re-union which I had missed and how 'they' had marched through Konigslutter, I was quite annoyed, indeed upset and joined up. I don't think that I have missed one since (I'm not quite sure of that).
So, what does Langeleben mean to me? It is all comradeship and happy memories. I didn't young Stubbins for over 50 years but since meeting up again we have become the best of friends, even if it is only once a year. I saw Pete Jones and Ron Berg this year for the first time in 50 years. The years just evaporated and I look forward to next year, God willing, to seeing them again. There is Bill Taylor, again someone I haven't seen for all those years. I do hope that he gets to Loughborough before we both need someone to push our bathchairs there. And there are Bob Wells and Pete Ellis whose friendship I will treasure for ever. I now have a photo of us together at long last! Why so long?
And then, there are all of those who until the re-union, I had not met. before. This list, if I started it would be pretty long as I find out when I arrive at the re-unions. We come from all walks of life; some of us were National Servicemen; others were Regulars, even Boy soldiers. We I Corps were outnumbered 10-1 by the Ops who kept us firmly in our places and we NEVER felt excluded in any way. There were the drivers who seemed to find their way to and from anywhere, usually without a map, and there were the cooks. Do any of them belong and do any attend. (I often wonder if Scouse, the worst of them - as far as cooking was concerned - is still alive and cooking, well burning. I treasure the memory of his Jam Butty Fritters.
Then there is Ernie with whom I have had the odd dispute, the mini tiff over the years but on thing is certain and that is we both have the Group at heart and want to do the best for it always.
And ... finally, the Forum. Thanks to Tom we have a website and Forum comparable to any. Our photo album cannot be bettered. As far as contributors are concerned to the Forum it does look as if I 'hog' it sometimes. It is with the best of intentions since several people tell me that they enjoy it (why the hell don't they write something then?)
I feel that several people who I have never met are real friends, Gordon for example. Dave Thomas, who I have met many times over the years, keeps on inviting me to be 'his friend' on one of these dodgy websites so beloved by seedy politicians. Hells Bells, I thought that I was already a friend! Put a pair of trousers on a one legged dummy with someone and you are friends for life. It has been an absolute priviledge to get to know and like and respect JR. He quietly goes about his tasks and the result of his extraordinary efforts are there, like clockwork for us all to enjoy.
And, finally there is everyone else whom I have not mentioned whose friendship I treasure second only to my family.
Thank you one and all.
If the computers now crash, that's life.
TTFN. If you don't know what that means, you are a Sprog.
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:34 pm Post subject: Super Member.
Well done 'Super Member' Paul,
I think you rightly capture the era, alas long gone, where our National Service comradeship, and being away from home had such an impact on us all at such a young age, (and we were but boys), and that this experience has remained with us for the rest of our lives. Some might say..'scarred for life'! Remember as well, these were not times of affluence.
A few days ago there was a letter in the Daily Mail from someone asking about the Military trains that left every day from the Hook, and where did they go? The answer reminded me of my journeys on these trains, and how a whole generation of young lads experienced these journeys.
The BAOR-locations web site with all the history and photographs, each entry being a personal entry, gives a picture of what an undertaking we were all involved with in our time with the BAOR.
Have the youth of today missed out on something? Those returning from Afghanistan, would say 'yes' I am sure, but what about those who haven't been in HMF? I would say that they have missed out.. and it is their loss.
I look forward to meeting you next year in Loughborough Paul, as whilst our paths have never crossed, I feel as if I know you already from your various entries in the Members pages. We need someone to keep us looking in, in order to see what 'Paul says'!
Here's to your next 1000 entries!
Bill Lloyd.
Well done Paul,
You mention that the Int Corps were outnumbered 10 to 1 but as a regular there in 1956 I think our odds were not far off that but as far as I recall it did not matter what your corps or regiment was or if you were regular or national service we were all in the same boat and made the best of it. As we all appreciate Langeleben was a very unique posting.
Tom
Well Super Hero, at last the question is answered. The system didn’t collapse, the world didn’t grind to a halt, and I didn’t come off too badly which I was half afraid I might. So congratulations Paul, a tremendous achievement more than twice as many postings than anyone else, which considering you were only National Service, says something about how tardy us Regulars have been. To put the invitation to be “Friends” in context, On Facebook you would be in company with Peter Baldwin, Tom Neal, Marlene, Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, and Harry Hawke, Unfortunately Thomas Cobley like you is being a bit reticent; but I am still hopeful that good sense will prevail, and we can get you both on board. Well done, keep up the good work. All the best. Dave _________________ Dave Thomas 2 Sqn 13 SR, '63-'66
About the website you spoke of, Dave is right, we Langeleben folk keep in touch there. I just counted and I have 33 Langeleben friends there and as Dave said, one is Peter Baldwin himself. It isn't everyones cup of tea though so you must do what is right for you.
Thanks so much for writing your 1000 message and it was worth waiting for. Congratulations. _________________ Clive (aka Gypo) Langeleben 1967-1971
Marlene (the last NAAFI girl to serve in Langeleben) 1969-1970
Congratulations Paul. Hasnt he done well ? You see Dave, nothing drastic happend. Seriously, must say, you have done well Paul, a little frustrating at times,but nontheless entertaining. Best wishes Gerry.
What disputes? What tiffs? If there where any then I enjoyed crossing swords with you on the few occasions, you are a worthy foe and a genuine friend. _________________ Langeleben Dec 1957- March 1959.
Paul, in your 1000 posts you have given us a lot to smile about, a gift worth having in these gloomy times. I've been thinking: I've quite good connections with royalty, what with my dad having driven the royal train way back in 1952, like, and me having once met Her Majesty at an academic occasion twenty years later. Next time I'm at the palace, shall I put in a good word for you? A place in the Birthday Honours list would be a suitable recognition not only of your blogging, but also of your contributions to military history. In the immortal words of the Roman poet: Exegi monumentum aere perennius, which very roughly translated means "You are awful, but we love you".
Congratulations Paul. Hell of an achievement reaching 1000 but expected: you being one of the old un's. Staying power that's what it is. Well done old man.
A nice thought Gordon.
My Father had 96 cousins, yes, '96' and one of them was a chap named Bert* Clouting who was Princess Elizabeth's Chaffeur for several years. I don't know if he moved on with her when she became Queen. He lived in the Royal Mews in a house with the smallest rooms that you could believe. In those days we were allowed to sit in all the Royal cars and the Royal coaches as well but not for long!
My cousin Jill still talks of her trip to Buckingham Palace with my Father to do the same some 60 years ago.
Until you mentioned your Father & the Royal Train I had forgotten this.
I never met the Queen, sadly, but I did meet Prince Philip and asked him to sign my book which he did! Nearly enough to make me vote Tory!
*People had names like 'Bert' and 'Minnie' and 'Elsie' in those days. could you get a job with the Royals nowadays with a name like 'Clint' or 'Kylie'?
Sad to say, Gordon, I am more familiar with Cyril Fletcher's odd odes than those of Horace. Tom Kelly my old latin teacher (whereabouts in Latinia he came from, I know not) would have been quite impressed with me though!
Ah well, where there's muck there's brass!
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