On March 29^th I met up with my old mate Eric Shaw from Ashton-under- Lyne.

He came to Barrow-in-Furness with his wife Elsie and eldest son Eric and his wife Cherylyn and three children. I had not seen Eric since February 1^st 1962

I must say it was quite an occasion and I was so pleased to see him after 43 years.

Eric’s son was only a baby when at 19 years of age, he started his national service and like thousands others he took it in his stride. He kept his thoughts to himself and looking back it must have been quite traumatic. One can only admire men like Eric Shaw for what they must have gone through.

While reminiscing with Eric in the Ferry Hotel, Geoff Stubbs who had been a big mate of Eric’s in (C) Company came through the door with his wife Shelia.

I asked Eric if he knew him and with a puzzled look on his face he shook his head. Then Eric’s face lit up like the rising sun and he shouted Geoff Stubbs, it was absolutely brilliant to see.

Geoff had broken his leg three months before demob and whereas Eric and I were demobbed in the February 1960. Geoff had to wait until April when his leg had healed at The Chester Military Hospital, before he could get back to Civvy Street.

 So it was quite a reunion for both of them

Quarter of an hour later Tommy Swann who also was in (C) Company came in and sat down amongst us. We again asked Eric if he knew him and again he shook his head. Geoff told him to think of a bird and again Eric’s face lit up and shouted Tommy Swann.

It was certainly a memorable evening with many a tale told with plenty of laughs thrown in. Like everything else there comes a time when once again, you have to say Goodbye to friends of long ago and it his said with sadness

I have said this many times before; the camaraderie between ex-servicemen who have served together is tremendous and will never be broken.

I am sure I speak for everyone in saying we were all pleased we did not miss out, in having to serve in the forces during national service, where we all met such great friends.