ALAN F ROWBOTHAM - NATIONAL SERVICE 1959 to 1961

I served with the Kings Own Border from November 1959 to November 1961. Basic training was at Fulwood barracks, K passage, Kilmanjaro platoon. Our platoon instructors were Sergeant Bill Thomason [Loyals], Cpl Tom Myers and Cpl Brian Mason both K.O.R.B.

On completion of basic training we joined the battalion at Humbleton camp, Barnard Castle, where we were paraded on the M.T. park to be posted to various companies. Ray Corrigan[Manchester], Charlie Colclough[Preston], Bill Gannon[Salford], Brian Handley[Bolton] and Pete Henthorn [Oldham] went to "A" coy at Westwick camp, Tom Gormley[Manchester],Tony Duffy[Salford] and Dave Heslop[Blackpool] went to "S" coy also at Westwick. Dave Atkinson[Blackpool] went to H.Q. COY to join the M.T.section. I was posted to "B" coy, 6 platoon along with Kev Lambert[Bolton], Jack Pollard[Blackburn], Jim Tither[St Helens], and Derek Whewell[Liverpool]. They were a great bunch of lads and in the main we all stuck together right through our service

After a short time with the battalion we were part of a detail posted to The Army School of Civil Defence at Haverigg Camp, Millom. Our job was to prepare the camp for the T.A. and civil defence units who would carry out their drills and training there. The C.S.M. was Royal Artillery and he did not like infantry especially Kings Own Border and we knew it. He was always looking to catch somebody out for the slightest thing even the N.C.O's and our Sgt Elwood warned us to be aware and of course we were. We had numerous barrack room inspections and kit inspections and you could be sure that he would jump on some poor unfortunate individual and in most cases it was unwarranted. He was a typical bully, named W.O.2 Seabrook and he was a complete waste of space. It was a relief when we were told that the battalion was being posted to British Cameroon in West Africa and we were returning to Barnard Castle in preparation . I had some misgivings because I was married with a little girl and another due at any time but I reasoned that if we were sent abroad then I wouldn't be trying to get home at every opportunity. I suppose I could have applied for a compassionate posting but somehow I don't think I would have been successful. The general feeling in those days was National Service was something that most young men had to do so we just got on with it. Incidentally my wife Ellen gave birth at home to our second daughter Ann on Saturday 24th June and I was home on a weekend pass. Thankful that the birth had gone well and both wife and new baby were fine I then saw an opportunity to extend my weekend pass to at least a weeks compassionate leave. I 'phoned the guard room back at Humbleton Camp and spoke with the duty sergeant who's name I can't remember and I explained that my wife had given birth at home that very day and I was requesting some compassionate leave. He said that he couldn't give such permission but would speak with the orderly officer and I would have to call back later. Eventually after further 'phone calls I was told that the orderly officer had been informed and that he had instructed that his best wishes be conveyed to both my wife and myself and my weekend pass had been extended for a further twelve hours!!

So much for compassion.

Anyway we returned to Barnard Castle from Millom and were soon back in "B" coy lines

where we were joined by some new lads who had recently joined the battalion from the depot at Preston. Some of those who joined 6 Platoon were Fred Owen, Ced Wilson, Harry Ward, Bob Haydock, Les Lowther, Bob Singleton, John Goode, Bernard Darwin,Roy Pritt, Derek Lydon, ? Hadwin, Jock Foy and Tony Wills. Our platoon sergeant was Danny Cross who was ram rod straight, who looked like he had been poured into his uniform, ex S.A.S. and as hard as nails. Our platoon corporal was Eric Smith a regular soldier from Ormskirk.

Eventually and after a number of false calls we left Barnard Castle to travel over night down to Southampton where we were to join the troopship "Devonshire" which would then transport us to West Africa. I remember as though it were yesterday the voyage as we left England via the Solent into the Atlantic, across the Bay of Biscay, into Dakar for water and then on to British Cameroon and the harbour at Victoria.

As we were boarding at Southampton one of the first persons I saw was Steve Long a lad who I had served my time with as apprentice plumbers at Manchester Corporation, he was with the R.A.M.C. Another lad with the K.O.R.B. who was also aboard was Fred Wagstaffe a driver in H.Q.coy. Fred and I started school together as five year olds and sat together at Manor Road Primary, Droylsden; Fairfield Road, Droylsden; and at Ashton Tech, Ashton-U-Lyne until we left as fifteen year olds to go out into the big wide world. Incidentally over the years we have worked together on numerous occasions and we still meet every so often for a drink and a chat. Another Droylsden lad I see round and about is Les Higgins who was in "C" coy and was stationed at Buea.

Aboard the "Devonshire" we were allocated the lower deck which at first we didn't fancy but proved to be ok and not as smelly as those decks above . When fatigues were handed out Derek Whewell, Kev Lambert, and me were detailed to work in the ships laundry and this proved to be a good number. The laundry was run by a Petty Officer with a team of Lascar seamen and it was our job to assist them, but as they were so nimble and quick in everything they did I don't think they really needed us. We worked a four hour shift on alternate mornings and afternoons then we were relieved by another detail from 5 platoon. This gave us plenty of free time and as the UP.O. had told us that we were to report to him immediately should anybody try to detail us further then we felt pretty much untouchable.

I will never forget the blue colour of the ocean as we sailed off the coast of Africa, seeing the Canary Islands on the horizon, the whales, dolphins, flying fish etc, Then we pulled into Dakar in Senegal to take on water and what a sight that was with the locals showing their goods on the end of those long poles while our lads pretended they needed closer inspection before trying to snatch whatever was being offered.

We eventually reached Victoria and found that we were among the last of those to disembark. We remained on board for almost another week before it became our turn and we left the ship and boarded the trucks taking us to Kumba, which would be "B" coy's home base during our time in the Cameroons.

The camp had been constructed in a clearing amongst trees and bush and was situated off the road to Kumba police station which was about a half mile away. Accommodation was corrugated iron huts with low walls and sloping roofs which finished about four feet from the ground and each with space for approximately sixteen men. Although conditions were rough to start with everybody got stuck in and very soon things became quite tolerable. Because Kumba was situated in the rain forest area we were subjected to very high temperatures along with excessive humidity and there were many instances of skin complaints such as prickly heat, ring worm and dhobi rash , all of which seemed eventually to respond to the liberal application of "Whitfields Ointment" as issued by the M.O.

The personnel at Kumba consisted of 4,5&6 platoons, attached H.Q.coy drivers, R.E.M.E., A.C.C. & R.A.M.C.

We were soon involved on active patrols looking for smugglers, illegal immigrants, and terrorist camps.and "B" coy were quite successful. We discovered a large camp in the Tombel region which turned up arms, ammunition, grenades, primitive home made pistols, blow pipes and bows and poisoned arrows. I was on another successful operation this time with 5 platoon when along with the Nigerian police we surrounded a collection of huts and bagged a gang of ten or twelve suspected terrorists and their leader who was allegedly known as Captain Antoine. Most of this work was carried in the rain forests and the border areas of Cameroun Republic. Platoons would rotate between Kumba camp, Edibinjok coffee plantation, Tombel cocoa farm and Essosong which was an area of plantations owned by the Cameroon Development Corporation, a government concern. If we were operating out of Edibinjok or Tombel then our accommodation was in the cocoa and coffee sheds but Essosong was a large stone building built by Germans prior to the 1914/18 war on the lines of a German schloss. It was a good billet to return to after patrols and Tom Wilson our cook would serve up the grub. He didn't do a bad job considering that in civilian life he worked on a farm some where near Ulverston.

Kumba town wasn't much more than a few huts on either side of the river with a few bars and a market, the people were generally poor but a smile was never far away in spite of the hard life they endured. Any free time we was had was usually spent swimming in the Crater Lake which was formed over an extinct volcano and it was a good place to relax. There was one section which belonged to the "European Club" and was out of bounds to O.R's and the locals, a bit of a liberty when it wasn't theirs to exclude anybody. Never the less we used it at every opportunity.

About February 1961 6 platoon was transferred up to Bamenda for a couple of weeks and we met up with our old mates from "A"&"S" coy's who we hadn't seen since they had disembarked from the"Devonshire". It was good to see Ray Corrigan and Charlie Colclough again and we shared their tent in "A" coy lines. Tom Gormley and Tony Duffy from "S"coy were also in attendance and a few others and a good time was had. After a couple days we were on the move again to patrol an area in the hills, the name of which I can not remember. I do remember that the area was very hilly with much grass land and Fulani horsemen with hobbled horses. The few days we were there we spent on routine patrols and were quite uneventful although the cooler air of the higher ground was a relief from the humidity of the Kumba area.

Then with our short time at Bamenda completed we boarded the trucks for our return to Kumba via the escarpment and Mamfe. The weather deteriorated as the rain season began and as the roads turned to mud many timber wagons, mammy wagons, and fuel tankers overturned or crashed ending up in the ditches or the bush. It was only due to the skill of our drivers that we were unharmed. As we continued our journey back to Kumba we met up with one of our wagons going in the opposite direction, it was the lads from 5 platoon going to Bamenda for their change of scenery. As the wagons slowly passed Alan Gardner shouted across to me " Hey, you lucky sod, your names up on company orders and your going home on the advance party! " It took some time to sink in and it was only when we arrived back in Kumba that I was able to read orders and see it for my self. Yes I was on the advance party going home in six weeks.

Meanwhile it was business as usual, duty platoon and guard, local patrols, drill etc. Then one day when we were out patrolling in the Tombel area I felt my shins were very hot ,and sore and so during a break I examined them and was stunned to find them blistered from my knees down to my ankles. My immediate thoughts were that I would be withdrawn from the advance party and I felt sick at the thought of that. There were plenty of suggestions from Kev Lambert, Derek Whewell and Harry Ward and the others of what the problem was ranging from elephantitis, smallpox, leprosy, and even the plague. When we returned to camp I immediately reported to the M.R.S. and was examined by the duty sergeant, who told me that I had picked up a rare skin infection but with treatment it would clear in three to four weeks. I explained that I was due to fly home in four weeks and was worried that this could put the block on things. His immediate response was that I shave my legs, throw away my razor [to prevent further infection], and to report for treatment twice a day. This treatment involved the infected areas being bathed in a solution, lint dressings being applied for about thirty minutes per session, and then my legs were covered with Whitfields ointment. After treatment I had to return to my quarters and rest and I was given a chit that showed I was excused all duties plus the wearing of socks, boots, hose tops, puttees, in fact the only thing I wasn't excused was shaving. This didn't go down too well with Sgt Stewart of 5 platoon who came into our hut one time while the lads were on muster parade and I had just returned from the M.R.S.. Seeing me sat on my bed he ordered me to stand to attention , I explained that I had just returned from receiving medical treatment and that I was resting as instructed. He then told that in his opinion I had rested enough and he ordered me outside to clear rubbish [ non existent] from around the showers. I replied by telling him that I was excused and I couldn't do it and I then produced the magic chit. He read it then told me " It's not fit to be arse paper" then after dropping it on the floor "ordered" me to pick it up. Then he turned and left. A sweet moment. The infection cleared in just under three weeks and I was on my way home.

Sid Allison of 5 platoon was "B"coy's other advance party member and we left Kumba camp for the last time as we boarded the truck to take us to Buea where we were to meet up with the remainder of the advance party. We arrived at Buea in the late afternoon and I was pleased to see that Tom Gormley was down from Bamenda and he was also on his way home. Most of the other lads were strangers to me but they were a friendly lot and soon we were all talking as though we had known each other for ages. Our stay at Buea was a short one,just one night and then after breakfast we were paraded to board the trucks which took us down to the harbour at Victoria where we transferred to motor launches. These launches were just like the " African Queen" and chugged along at a slow rate of knots across the mouth of the Mungo river to Doualla in French Cameroun , a journey of six or seven hours. When we landed at Doualla we transferred to French army trucks which then took us to the airport where our aircraft, a Bristol Britannia, was being refuelled on the tarmac. We had a wait of just over an hour and then we boarded and we were soon up and away. The flight was uneventful with one stop for refuelling at Libya and then we set off on the last leg to England where we touched down in the green and pleasant land at Stanstead airport, some twenty seven hours after we first boarded the trucks at Buea.

We were soon through customs and then we boarded a coach which transported Tom Gormley and me to Euston station and the train to Manchester. The train journey was the longest three hours I have known but eventually we arrived at London Road station and as the train was pulling in Tom opened the window and turning to me he said, " smell that smoke Al, we’re home ". Then Tom went home to Wythenshawe and I went home to Droylsden to Ellen and my two little girls.

My leave passed much too quickly and then it was back to Barnard Castle, this time at Barford camp. Our job was to get the camp ready for when the battalion returned and for this short time I became a store man with Sid Allison and we worked under C/Sgt George Wood who came from Manchester. I found him a very fair man and easy to work for and as long as we got the job done he was happy. This was different than the attitude of Sgt "Bull" Whitham who would try and interfere at every opportunity but as "Woody" had the final word then it didn't really bother us. This was a good time spent with a good crowd of lads all from different companies, the majority of whose names I am sorry to say I can no longer remember. Although I do remember Ronnie Phair from Liverpool, Grimshaw from Bury, Livesey from Barrow. It was summer time and in the evenings we would play cricket, football, or knock a ball around the tennis court.  Though we still had to do the odd guard it was a relatively easy time.

Then the battalion returned from leave and I was back with 6 platoon and the lads who I had last seen at Kumba.This only lasted for a couple of weeks when the lads of our draft and the draft before were moved out of the various rifle companies to form "Training Coy". All O.R'S. and some of the junior N.C.O'S were due for discharge before Christmas 1961. So the majority of the lads who had started training together at Fulwood Barracks were back together for the final three months of service.

Our platoon Sergeant was Tom Hewetson who had just returned to the battalion from Preston where he had been a drill instructor. We were a bit wary of him at first but soon found his bark was worse than his bite and he was fair. Incidentally I met him about five years ago at a regimental weekend at Carlisle castle and he remembered those days. I was surprised when he told me that he progressed to become the R.S.M.

Our last few months were spent either on the square drilling in preparation for " Arroyo" day, weapon training or field training. Sometimes I got lucky and was detailed to go with the truck taking the laundry to Catterick where we dropped off the bundles for cleaning in exchange for the freshly laundered lot. Then we would return to camp but not before we had taken a diversion down the A1 to a transport cafe It was here that we got 3x egg and bacon on toast for the price of one just because our driver new the waitress.

In the August of that year we went on a scheme called "Operation KAPE", that is" Keep The Army In The Public Eye. On the Monday morning we were assembled outside the company office for muster parade when a new C.S.M. appeared, brought us to attention and then introduced himself thus, "Good morning, I'm Sgt Major Driver otherwise known as Bobby The Bastard. You don't know me yet but you soon will". He was right on that score.

We went off to the Lake District on what proved to be a good time, the idea being that we would be seen around the recruiting area showing arms and equipment to the public. We were supposed to be under canvas for the whole of the scheme but with the threat of rain in the air Sgt Hewetson said he had no intention of sleeping out, and somehow he arranged that two nights would be spent in Threlkeld village hall and another two nights in church hall in Keswick! The other two nights were under canvas in Ennerdale. The rest of the time was spent riding around and being seen .Incidentally Arnie Marquis was with at this time although I can't remember why.

We returned to Barford camp at the end of August and it was mainly general duties and drills in preparation for the Arroyo day parade. We were involved in the inter company football knock out competition for the Arroyo cup which we won, though memory fails me yet again regarding the opposition.

Eventually the17th November came round and that was it, Demob. All the lads from the Manchester , Merseyside, Bolton areas made our way to Darlington for the train home. We had a wait of a couple of hours so we had a few drinks in the pub near the station until we boarded the train and then a few more on the train. Eventually we arrived at Manchester we all shook hands, said our farewells and went on our separate ways.

Over the years I have often wondered how life has treated those lads who for two years in my life were the best friends one could wish for. Ray Corrigan who I used to see from time to time passed away five years ago and I attended his funeral as did Charlie Colclough who had kept in contact with Ray. Maybe with a bit of luck I may yet meet up with some of the others. I hope so.

Best Wishes,

Alan F Rowbotham.

[ 23649583].

Postscript - updated August 2005:

Dear Alan,

I find it difficult to believe that at the end of this month it will be exactly forty five years since we, as young National Service men, boarded the MV Devonshire to sail to West Africa and the then British Cameroon's. It was for most of us a place unheard of and yet would become a place which we would never forget. I can remember the places, events and good friends as though it had only happened yesterday.

I remember the experience of sailing to another continent for the first time, life aboard the ship and working in the laundry with Indian crew, the throbbing of the ships engines, crossing the Bay of Biscay, the different colours of the sea which amazed me because previously I had only ever seen the sea at the Lancashire seaside, flying fish, whales and dolphins. It was all a new experience. Then calling in at Dakar in Senegal to take on water and watching the antics of the lads as they bartered with the locals on the quayside before sailing off on the last leg of our journey south. Eventually we saw the Cameroon coast line appear on the horizon and we all stood at the ships rail looking and wondering what was in store for us there?

We watched the other companies disembark to go off to Buea and Bamenda and then it was our turn, B company, and we were to be stationed at Kumba. The camp was in a forest clearing and I can still remember the barrack rooms with low side wall formed from light weight corrugated metal sheets mounted on a timber frame and the mud everywhere, the chlorine in the water, the smell of wood smoke from the fires of the local people and the lights from tilley lamps. From there, Essosong and Tombel we carried out patrols, searches, had some of our little adventures, all done in the heat and oppressive humidity of the forest areas. There are abiding memories of prickly heat, insect bites, stomach upsets, various rashes and sores which in the main were treated with Whitfields cream which usually did the trick.We patrolled the forest areas, the French Cameroon border, searched villages looking for terrorists, illegal immigrants and smugglers We had our share of successes in the capture of terrorists and their weapons, some of which are now on display in the regimental museum at Carlisle.

I remember the nights before payday when with my pal Derek Whewell we would pool our cigarettes, check what money we had between us and if we where lucky we would have enough for two cans or bottles of beer, if not we would buy one and share it. I remember guard duties when mates would help each other to prepare kit and personal weapons, parcels from home which were shared with room mates. It seemed in those days that what affected one affected all so it was in everybody's interest to think not only of themselves. Looking back it is almost unbelieveable of the speed that friendships were formed between lads who less than a year earlier had been complete strangers and now trusted each other one hundred per cent.

In my minds eye I can clearly recall the sights and sounds of the forest areas, the different colours and shades of the foliage, screeching monkeys and barking baboons,

squawking brightly coloured birds with large wing spans, rotting vegetation. Village huts with palm covered roofs and some covered with corrugated sheets, the poor people with ready smiles, women carrying large enamel bowls or baskets on their heads, I even saw some women carrying hefty logs in that fashion. I remember the market at Kumba town and the Hausa traders, theYoruba women in their brightly coloured dresses and head wear, the stall selling meat with thousands of flies buzzing around while the stall holder was fast asleep on the stall, the over loaded mammy waggons and their religious slogans bouncing along the rutted roads at an alarming rate.

We were there to do a job and we did it well, we carried out all our duties, we had our laughs, we had a few moans but in the main we got on with it. Sergeant Danny Cross and Corporal Eric Smith, two of the best, wouldn't have had it any other way.

These are just a few of the memories from the hundreds I still have from those long ago days but the most important ones are those of the friends who were the young soldiers of the then newly formed Kings Own Royal Border Regiment following the amalgamation of the the Kings Own and Border regiments. Now many will be grand fathers, some even great grandfathers and others sadly will no longer be with us .

Although we never actually met our paths must have crossed at sometime and I sincerely hope that the years have been good to you and yours.

Best Wishes

Alan Rowbotham ( 23649583)

Ex B Company.