Free Balloons
sent in by
Baz Ford
In 1957 we were at Naka on
the Thai border (attached 410 Ind Plant Tp) and were given a 10 day break
for Xmas.
Loaded with leave pay most
blokes lost it to the Aussies, playing Crown and Anchor on the night before
leaving.
As we waited to climb onto
the trucks, the Char Wallah turned up with the OC to collect his owings.
The OC called the names
of the debtors; Johnny Ray, 303 Bullet, Frankie Laine and so on.But the
Char Wallah knew them all by sight and payments had to be made.
Last thing before we left
was a pep talk from the MO about ladies of the night and dire consequences
if we fell. Umbrellas down the tool, pissing razor blades, that kind of
thing. He went on about prophylactic centres (do YOU remember them ?).
Finally he issued each truck
with a box of froggies. Horrible sight, all loose and packed in french
chalk like puncture repair bits and pieces.
Off we went to Penang in
our Bedford Pigs, OYs, Qls etc. As we passed through Kampongs or villages
we were blowing the froggies up, tying a knot and chucking them out. Hundreds
of 'em.
I'll never forget the sight
of all the kids, running around and yelling, waving their 'free balloons'
over their heads.
Were you in one of those
trucks. Send me an email.
If you have a anecdote, funny
story, limerick or song that you remember from your service, we would like
to publish it.
Please send your stories or songs to James Paul
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