There’s a nice bit of history available on the BBC iplayer here, a 1974 BBC documentary about the training and operations of EOD operators going to Northern Ireland. Apologies to those of you who can’t access iPlayer outside the UK.
The following comments spring to mind:
- When did it become unacceptable to turn up for an incident smoking a pipe? And smoke a pipe during lectures? : – )
- Some very snazzy shirts….
- Some very posh accents especially from the 39 Bde watchkeeper….
- Is that a very young looking Barry Taylor at the 5.42? By later in the program he’s grown a Ginge Carrahar droopy moustache…
- The late great Ron Cooper telling what would now be inappropriate jokes at 17.40
- Baldrick the dog turns up at 19.00.
- Stroppy RESA …. :- ) at 29.50
Update on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 2:31AM by Roger Davies
I forgot to comment about the SATO working hard to get his mug on camera. I assume much to the disgust of the very large team on the ground. I also couldn’t work out why he needed one radio to transmit and another to receive…. but then again SATO’s always know best don’t they…. : – ) And to me the berets looked just fine…
Some dodgy beret wearing going on too!
I didn't want to say Roger, but I expected you to think those beret styling techniques were completely acceptable!
I suppose the question is, does Barry wear a 'Ginge' droopy moustache or is the other way around? I think we should be told…
Roger, Followed the link to the BBC programme for a bit of reminiscing, even though I was on my AT course when this was shown. Our course was herded into the WRVS lounge at Chepstow for a private viewing with permission to 'stay up late'. Suffice to say, no one opted to leave training after the revelation of our future employment, we just wanted to be up and at 'em.
But, tut tut Roger, the SATO is actually CATO, the recently deceased John Gaff. Also the Rx and Tx you refer to. This was part of an EOD Comms system called OR130. Guess what, it had a separate Rx and Tx although normally you fitted an earpiece and shoved the Rx in your pocket then you didn't look a twat holding one box and speaking into the other. The system came in a huge and expensive transit box which was ideal to stand on so that your head and shoulders protruded through the turret in the Saracens. Crap EOD comms but a great EOD box…as ever