Back to
Home Page
221 VEH. BTN.
AIRCRAFT AND AIRFIELDS
CHRISTMAS
CROSSING THE LINE
GENERALS AND STAFF OFFICERS
GOING HOME
INDIAN OCEAN SUN SET
KLUANG GARRISON
LEISURE
MUAR GARRISON
PLACES OF INTEREST
SINGAPORE RIOTS
SINGAPORE RIOTS SEP. 1956
SPORTS DAY 221/30BTN. 1954
TRAVEL
VEHICLES
ZULU IN DURBAN
 
     
  Search by photo title....
 
 
 
 
 

PERSONNEL

Brothers at Arms [RG-7] 

A group of Personnel from 35 O.F.P. taking a break during an opp. in the "ULU" (Jungle). Although we were classed as a "working " unit personnel from the unit often volunteered to go out and support other infantry units, mainly the Gurkhas. If it was a "RED" alert, that was when "CTs" were known to be active in the area you had no choice, you were called out. Weapons in the picture are, Bren gun, Mk5 Lee Enfield Rifle which is a shorter version of the WW2 Mk4,which we used in basic training, the Mk5 also has a flash eliminator on the end of the barrel both that and the Bren used the same 303 calibre ammo. The Mk5 Sten gun , as seen here with the author on the right of the picture used 9mm ammo.,the magazine had a capacity of 31 rounds but 29 rounds was the recommended as any more there was the possibility for the sten to jam. A pouch holding 3 magazines was normaly carried. Although hand grenades are available none were carried on this occasion.

 

Lt. P. Eshelby. CO of 35 OFP [RG-8] 

 

Ray Gipson relaxing in Kluang 1955 [RG-9] 

A moment to relax after a days work at the "Field Park". Note the "Mozzy" (Mosquito) net rolled up on the shelf, a packing case for a cupboard, the lamp is made up from a length of bamboo with a timber base, bulb holder and shade were purchased. A typical days work for an M.T.Office (Motor Transport) N.C.O. would include the updating of vehicle records from the previous days journeys, noting any vehicle malfunctions or problems reported by the driver and subsequently notifying the R.E.M.E Technicians (L.A.D. Light Adjustment Department) who would carry out any minor repairs. Notify each vehicle driver when his 406 was due. Each vehicle had to have a monthly inspection and known as a 406 (Vehicle Book 406)and was similar to U.K. MOT, this was carried out by the R.E.M.E (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers). If a vehicle had any major defaults it would have go into the R.E.M.E workshops to be rectified. The unit had a total of 19 vehicles, 9 Ford Store Bins, 6 Ford W.O.T.6 3 ton cargo trucks, 3 were later replaced by BEDFORD R.L.s) due to broken engine connecting rods, a weak point with that V8 engine. 1 Morris M.R.A.1 a 1 Ton cargo, a Leyland Hippo 10 ton MK 1, Ford Willys Jeep and a Matchless 350 (G3L) Motor bike.

 

On the Basha steps at Muar 1955. [RG-10] 

???????, Johny Greatbanks, Taffy Parfit and Tony Delaney (better know as Les in those days)pose on our Basha steps after farewell parade to a long serving officer. (???? Yet to be named)

 
PERSONNEL 1 to 4 of 23

 

© Write the web 2010 | All original images © Raymond Gipson 1954 - 2010 | 09 September 2010