As a small boy I grew up in Wallasey near the River Mersey. I loved to climb at a rocky sandstone outcrop call the Breck. The Breck sits on a ridge 80 feet above sea level over looking Bidston hill and Leasowe. The Breck was an old quarry but the central feature is a single standing triangular shaped sandstone rock called the Granny Rock. I started climbing this rock when I was probably 8 or 9. One side is comparatively easy to climb so I soon worked my way to the top.
The Breck, WallaseyDownloadOne of the sides of the triangular rock is virtually sheer, but the famous side to climb has an overhang from the Granny chair, which was large hollow indentation about 2/3rds the way up, ideal resting place before you attempt the overhang to the top. It took me a number of attempts before I was able to negotiate the overhang from the Granny chair. I use to take great satisfaction watching older boys getting stuck in the Granny chair, not able to go up or down. The local Fire brigade on many occasions was called out to rescue a young climber.
One day I saw a group of young boys dressed in battle dress on military manoeuvres at the Breck. I wondered who they were? it was the local army cadet unit. When I was older I joined the 64th Cheshire Yeomanry Army Cadet Force. I remember a saying to this day, “the 64th in (19) 64”. The adult instructors taught us map reading, field craft, skill at arms, drill and lots of spit and polish. http://armycadets.com
We use to fire the .303 Bren light machine gun and the .303 Enfield rifle. The 303 as it was called was as nearly as tall as some of smaller members of the unit. The 303 rifle was known for its recoil and you had to make sure it was held tightly to your shoulder and cheek bone when aiming on the firing range. For small boys it was an like an Elephant gun. From my perspective today I feel it’s strange thing to be teaching young people how fire such lethal weapons?
A few years later when I was 18 the Royal Marine Reserve Merseyside were looking for recruits, I thought that sounds interesting? It wasn’t long before I was doing my basic military training in Eastney barracks in South Sea and than soon afterwards going to the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, on the banks of the rive Ex in Devon.
CTC was the physical fitness selection course for the coveted green beret. Whilst serving with the RMR I volunteered for the parachute training course at No.1 Parachute Training School at RAF Abingdon. I loved the thrill of military parachuting and the military life, once I finish my engineering apprenticeship I wanted to join the regular Royal Marines. Unfortunately I failed the medical due to a colour perception test, as I have slight colour deficiency. I was obviously disappointed but not totally demoralised, what about the Army? They usually always looking for recruits? Story to be continued on my next blog post…
Barrage balloon jumps from 800ft. I must say as an old paratrooper I wasnt impressed with any of their landings. Maybe the modern paratrooper doesnt get enough jumps in to perfect his parachute roll. However, they weren’t dressed as British paras, maybe they were visiting foreign nationals?
https://www.youtu.be/iCnnEOHNtwM