A boy soldier in the Cold War Royal Engineers (245)

Paul joined the Royal Engineers in 1977, aged 16 as an apprentice. We hear of his experience of joining the army at such a young age and being away from home for the first time.  After initial training his first posting was to Osnabruck in 1979. Shortly after his arrival Paul is appointed to the challenging role of driver to the Squadron Sergeant Major With participation in exercises such as Crusader 80 and Active Edge Paul describes in detail the role of Royal Engineers in Cold War Germany, including mine laying, bridge demolition and fixed defence construction. Paul’s story is full of great anecdotes and tales of the reality of life in the British Army of the Rhine. Don’t miss our next episode where Paul joins the Army Air Corps and becomes an Aircrewman Observer on Gazelle helicopters along the Inner German Border. 0:00 Introduction to Paul's journey in the Royal Engineers 1:30 Request for support to keep the podcast running 2:31 Paul's early life and decision to join the army 9:14 Paul's arrival in Osnabruck and his role as a Land Rover driver 29:00 Paul's experiences in Germany and developing an affinity for the country 38:20 Preparation and expectations for exercise Crusader 80 47:00 Cooperation with German farmers during the exercises 59:00 The humanity of the Sergeant Major and the challenges of dispatch riders 35:33 Transition to engineering tasks during the Crusader 80 exercise 42:20 Paul's transition to support troop and working with REME workshop 51:01 Paul's career move and application for the Army Air Corps 52:56 Ian Sanders: Closing thoughts and reminders Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.  Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. I am delighted to welcome Paul to our Cold War conversation… Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/ Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices