From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364)

Chris is a former member of the Yorkshire Volunteers, part of Cold War Britain’s Territorial reserve Army. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on military life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in military history and the Cold War era.

Chris’s journey into the military began with his interest in military subjects and history. He joined the Army Cadet Force before university and later, the Officer Training Corps at Sheffield University. As a reserve unit, training included handling World War II vintage weapons including the venerable Bren gun.

Chris’s training involved long days and nights of exercises and lectures. He recalls an incident at the School of Infantry in Warminster where he inadvertently came under live fire. Despite his initial lack of physical prowess, Chris’s perseverance and dedication saw him through, eventually leading to his decision to pursue a commission as an officer.

After training and assessment at Sandhurst, Chris was commissioned as a second lieutenant. The transition from private soldier to officer was challenging, particularly as he had to command men who previously outranked him. However, Chris’s determination and growing confidence helped him establish himself as a capable leader.

Looking back, Chris reflects on the camaraderie, the challenges, and the humorous moments that defined his military service. He also discusses the reality of PTSD, sharing insights from a friend who served in Iraq. 

Related episodes

• Britain's 1980s Cold War Dads Army/Home Guard - The Home Service Force  https://pod.fo/e/14aea3

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode364

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