Poetry Corner

Bangkok. Once unloaded we set off for Ubon, travelling along the friendship highway, stopping at Korat (USAF Base) where the good road stopped. On arrival in Ubon we set up a Workshop in an Australian Air Force Base. The other side of the airstrip was a USAF Base. I started to be concerned over the other Fordson Binner, which had all our weapons, still in their boxes on board. It would seem it had broken down and been left at Korat. I was really relieved when it arrived a few days later and the back was still sealed. We stayed in Ubon for a short time. Unfortunately, we fell out with the Australian Airmen and were told to move out. We re-located to the main site a further 90 miles up country. During those early months we were located in tents, before moving into a purpose build. The nine-month detachment was hard work but I learnt a lot, especially ensuring that the Workshop had the right equipment for its role. The special tools we received had come from Christmas Island and when we opened the boxes, they were full of scrap, so we lacked the special tools we needed for the DH8 Caterpillar Tractors. It was decided to purchase the full range of tools needed from the Caterpillar Agents in Singapore, which was an interesting exercise. I was quite relieved when a Sergeant Storeman eventually turned up. We also received a number of specialist vehicles, which were mostly ones I had returned from 2 Inf Wksp, so, I was well aware of the shortages.

It was good to get back to 2 Inf Wksp. I remember most of the Jungle training in the Cameron Highlands, having stoves in the billet room and then getting lost on patrol. In July of 1965 it was off home with a posting to Fallingbostel to join 20 Hy Regt RA Wksp

Not a pleasant place; the high spot was the YMCA. The Workshop had just formed so we were always receiving new kit. Our store was cold and unpleasant. Fortunately, I did not stay long as I was promoted and posted to 66 Sqn RCT in Neinburg.

Neinburg was a small town and very quiet. The LAD was great and I was working with FAMTO for the first time. Exercises were great, we did a lot of movement exercises to practise setting up a DP. I was always near the back of the convoy just in case spares were needed at break-downs. Part of my role was to sell drinks and titbits in the evenings. When we ran out, I would be sent back to Nienburg to collect urgent spares. Time went quickly and I was promoted again and off to 38 Engr Regt based in Ripon in Yorkshire.

Dear Mother Scribe: George McKie

Dear Mother, indeed I do regret, Your birthday, I happened to forget, I realised too late, when times were hard, And I hadn’t the money to buy you a card.

Although you’re not perfect, (None of us are) I think of you often, in this country afar, Of how you struggled, when things looked bad, And tried to give me the best to be had.

In my childhood days we talked at length, You gave wise counsel, it gave me strength, You were always there, always kind, You understood and read my mind.

Your very presence made me secure, My restless nature you had to endure, When joining REME became my mission, You encouraged me in all my ambition.

Malaysia, dear Mother, is so exciting, Don’t worry about me now, I’m not in the fighting, I’m getting adventure, I’ve made new friends, And for missing your birthday, I’ll soon make amends.

The poem “Whilst We Were Out Playing Soldiers” in the October edition was also by George McKie.

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