Oral History - RDG Museum

Mr Ron Addyman, National Service in 4/7RDG 1948 - 50, interviewed by John Speers at home in Burton Salmon, LS25 5JY on 5 September 2013.

Topics covered (in order): Call up; training; driver training in Cromwell tanks; Catterick and Bovington camps; troop ship to Libya;polluted oil wells; relationships with locals;leave in Tripoli;regimental beach; riots in Libya; visit of CIGS; return home, demob in Aldershot; opinion on reintroduction of National Service.

Major General NGP Ansell CB OBE, 5 Innis DG 1956-79, interviewed at this home in Bideford, Devon, by Barry Port on 1 November 2013.

Topics Covered (in order): Strong family ties to Regiment, Grandfather's and Father's service; Father's involvement in world of show jumping; Father's experience of 1922 amalgamation; experiences and conditions on joining army in 1956; move to Sennelager 1957;Tp Ldr and boxing officer;show jumping experiences;Time at Cambridge;Standard Parade 1961;move to Tidworth and Warminster 1962;experiences as adjutant North Irish Horse;Benghazi 1966 and 'Lady Be Good' expedition;Benghazi riots;memories of Weeton Camp, Blackpool;move to Herford and exercises;experiences as Brigade Major at Bielefeld under Nigel Bagnall;setting up of BATUS, Canada;OC C Sqn 1973;advances in gunnery and simulation equipment;Cyprus tour 1973/4;Move to Catterick as RAC Training Regiment;Staff College posting;Commanding Officer 1977;changes to structure of armoured regiment;management of soldiers and equipment;training;Ansell Cup importance;Sport;Regimental Band;lobbying to get regiment onto OP Banner roster;appointments post regimental command.

Brigadier Bobby Baddeley 4/7RDG 1953-92, interviewed at his home in London on 13th November 2013 by Barry Port.

Topics covered (in order);background;family army service, reasons for joining;training in Carlisle, Sandhurst, Bovington on Centurion;Troop Leader in Fallingbostel;sport and social life;national service;training exercises in Germany;memories as recce troop leader, Regimental Signals Officer and 2ic B Sqn;Cumbrian soldiers;CPXs;Bagnall brothers;move to Catterick;experiences in Ghana;Munster as OC B Sqn;training at Vogelsang and South of France;time in Sandhurst, Aden and Malta;Omagh then Sennelager as OC B Sqn;officer training at JDSC and RCB selection process;CO 4/7RDG 1974;goals, training and roles;affiliation with Deccan Horse;DS at Staff College;DA in Tehran; experiences when revolution started;memories of appt as Director Army Recruiting;memories of running Staff College Bangladesh;challenges as Assistant Director Army training;role as Commandant Army Physical Training Corps;Colonel of 4/7RDG;officer recruiting;amalgamation - approach from Life Guards;different cultures and main area of contention

WO1 (RSM) Karl Baker RDG 1992-2014, interviewed by Lt Charles Morris at Catterick on 3 April 2014.

Topics covered (in order): Training in Bovington, joining RDG in Paderborn, settling in, training exercises; tour in Maze Prison; Tour in Belfast, riots;Bosnia in 1997 with Royal Marines, dealing with Croations and Bosnians;Canada training;move to Tidworth;Iraq 2003 with US marines;Munster, armoured training;Iraq Op Telic 5 Umm Qasr;Iraq Telic 11 attached Scots Guards;difficulties of family life when wife has own career;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12 as SSM with I Lancs BG.Move to Catterick;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17 as RSM;Police mentoring and advisory group;'family' regiment, continuity, brotherhood;changing role of RDG - new challenges.

This 1967 recording depicts musically a day in the life of a cavalry regiment, from reveille to last post.  More detail is provided in the Warnock Patterson interview.

Maj John Barr 5 Innis DG/RDG 1974-2004 interviewed at Lulworth by Mike Bartlett on 25 November 2014.

Topics covered: Background;training Ballymena and Bovington;joins regt at Catterick - radio wing;1976 to Osnabruck;barrack life;work in Estate Office;comms/travel UK/BAOR;NI training;Op tour NI 1981;death of Bobby Sands;Berlin Sqn;visits to East Berlin;King Leopold's funeral in Brussels;1985 Tercentenary;D Sqn Warminster;death of Paul Butterworth;1992 amalgamation;uniforms and customs;amalgamation parade;WO1 to 20 Armd Bde;1997 left army -Probation Offr Wakefield jail;1997 recalled and commissioned as RCMO/Welfare Offr Tidworth;SO2 DRAC;OC Recruit Selection Centre Ballymena;Personal highlights.

Major Mike Bartlett 5 Innis DG and RDG 1963-95 self interview at his home in Wareham on 30 September 2014.

Topics covered (in order):All Arms JLR;joined A Sqn Aden 1964;conditions;Bahrain on Tank Landing Ships;heat;rum issue;sport;exercises in Gulf;Sharjah;UNFICYP Cyprus 1965;tasks;life as UN soldier;Battle of Kophinou;marriage, Ferret Troop escort;Sqn bus;Cyprus observations;move to Blackpool 1968;conditions;Herford 1969;Munster;life and conditions;6 months UN tour in Cyprus;North Irish Horse 1974;life in Belfast;Osnabruck 1976;Tp Sgt then Tp Ldr;regimental life;SSgt Instructor RAC Signals School 1980;conversion to Clansman radios;command vehicle training simulator project;skywave radio exercises;return to regiment as RSWO;motor rallying BAOR;Commissioned as Captain;RAC Signals School Group Officer Instructor;A Sqn 2ic 1990-93;Bovington as RAC Resettlement Sqn Ldr overseeing Phases 1,2,3 redundancy;retirement 1995 after 32 years reguar service;1995/96 Family Housing and Welfare Service Commandant, Bovington.

WO2 Anthony Bass RDG 1995-2014 interviewed in Catterick by Billy Walker on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered (in order): joining army 1995;training Bovington;joining RDG in Paderborn;introduction to regimental life;Cyprus 1996;Northern Ireland tour;regimental football team captain;progress through ranks;Iraq Op Telic 5 2004-5;patrols;equipment;conditions and tasks;Sgt recruiter in Leeds;67 recruits in two years;2007 back to BAOR then Iraq Op Telic 11;tanks used as IED sponges;hit by IED;other incidents;move to Catterick 2010;Afghanistan Op Herrick 11 as SQMS;injury, medivac;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17 as SSM;Police Mentoring Group;MTWO;SSM.

LCpl Charlie Baxter RDG 2008-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Lt Charles Morris on 1st April 2014.

Topics covered (in order);Army Foundation College Harrogate 2008;cricket tour to Barbados;training at Bovington;joined RDG Catterick Feb 2010;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12;training;patrols;hearts and minds;dismounted operations;comradeship;conditions;Canada exercise;conditions;adventure training in Rocky Mountains;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17;Mastiff and Husky vehicles;conditions;adventure training in Aviemore;reroling;disappointment at loss of MBT;family regiment.

WO2 Trevor Beck RDG 1995-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Mr Billy Walker on 20th June 2014.

Topics covered (in order):background;reasons for joining RDG;training;joining regt in Paderborn;Warminster Demo Sqn;NI for loyalist parades;promotion on parade by Duchess of Kent;move to Munster;exercises Poland, Oman, Canada;Op Fresco, firemans strike;AFC Harrogate training young soldiers;2004 back to Munster;Iraq Op Telic 5;Crew Commanders course;Challenger MBT;promoted Sgt 2006;Iraq Op Telic 11;with Scots Guards;Counter IED patrols;explosion;fired in action;Strensall with Cadet Training Team;CCF Ampleforth College;SQMS;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17 Police Advisory Team;Green on blue incidents;SSM;Commissioning;thanks Cpl 'Jasper Carrot'for talking him into it.

Trooper Rhys Beck RDG 2010-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Lt Charles Morris on 8th September 2014.

Topics covered (in order):background;AFC Harrogate;rugby in S.France;training Bovington;joining regiment;training Warminster,Castlemartin,Canada;sports;adventure training;regimental life and comradeship;accommodation;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17;friend blown up;Lashkar Gar;police mentoring;tasks;routine;return to UK - alertness;new role - CVR(T) easier;future;relations with other regiments;RDG reputation.

Captain Danny Bell RDG 1992-2014 interviewed in Catterick by Barry Port on 19th June 2014

Topics covered (in order);family links to military;Jnr Ldrs Regt;training Catterick;joining regiment;training in Canada;NI shadow tour 1995;deployment to Belfast from exercise in Cyprus;experiences on NI tour;move to Tidworth and Command Troop;NI tour to cover marching season;Presentation of new Standard;Prince Charles;Move to Munster;Gunnery Instructors course;conversion to Challenger 2;exercise in Oman 2001;Op Fresco, firemans strike 2002;Iraq Op Telic 5 tasks and deployments;2005 medal parade;promotion to Sgt;instructor AFV Gunnery School;insight into young officers;to Catterick gunnery SSgt 2008;C Sqn converting to medium armour role;preparation for Op Herrick 12;Viking vehicles role in Afghanistan;Recce Tp SSgt;impact of casualties and losing men in action;SSM C Sqn;Light role Sqn;conversion to Bulldog vehicles;importance of Sqns carrying names of 4 antecedent regiments;battlegroup training with infantry;vehicles used as battle taxis;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17;RSMI at gunnery school;commissioned;passion for running; achievements.

Mr Jack Bellinger 5 Innis DG 1947-1953 interviewed at his home near Oxford by Barry Port on 18th July 2013

Topics covered (in order):reasons for joining as volunteer;conditions and routine in basic training;relations with National Servicemen;training on US Chaffee tank;NCO attitude to recruits;joining regiment in Munster Dec 47;training regime;memories of SNCOs who had been rough riders before mechanisation in 1938;driving Cromwell and Comet MBTs;radio operator training;relaxed atmosphere compared to Ox & Bucks;exhumation of bodies of Russian Officers who had been buried in wooded area of camp;German civilians stealing coal - one shot;relationships with local population;off duty time;tank exercises;lack of communication between officers and soldiers;promoted LCpl 1948;move to Paderborn;D&M instructor promoted Cpl 1949;collection of 40 soldiers from Bovington and their training;structure of regiment in 48/49;influx of Foot Guards officers and SNCOs - not good;quality of food;off duty activities and sport;St Patrick's Day celebrations;Adjts Saturday drill parades - not popular;families living on top floors of accommodation blocks;life in Sgts Mess;Lead up to Korea;warned for deployment early 51;effect on marriage plans;Tp Sgt B Sqn for Korea;reinforcement of regiment;National Servicemen staying for Korea;cordial relations between regulars and National servicemen;handover of camp to 1RTR;farewell party on platform at Paderborn station;Aldershot;departure from Liverpool on cruise liner 'Georgic';condition on board for 6 week voyage;lack of info on Korea;arrival at Pusan;issue of special clothing and equipment;2 day train journey to Seoul;deployment of Sqns;preparation of tank positions;terrain and ice conditions;ice mud dust;testing thickness of ice by driving on it;supporting Norfolk Regiment;loss of a tank;deaths due to mortar fire and runaway tank;running engines 10 mins in every hour to prevent freezing;rules of engagement;'batching' ammo due to inconsistent charges;calling in napalm air strikes;some subjected to constant enemy fire;poor relations compared to Americans and Canadians;procured rations, beds etc for a bottle of Gin;procured jeep for 2 bottles of brandy;how it was got past MPs;regiment warned for Egypt next;decision to leave army;nightmare journey back to UK on Devonshire;demob in Bovington;joining regimental association in 1954;60 consecutive years representing regiment at Cavalry Memorial Parade in London;Banner carrier for Skins and RDG for 16 years from 1987;attendance at many funerals as banner carrier;an honour.

Mr HCE Bennett (In-Pensioner) 2nd Dragoons, KDG, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, Royal Military College Band Corps, Home Guard, 1908-1939, interviewed at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by unknown interviewer and by General Sir Robert Ford in March 1987.

(This interview was originally recorded on video; a copy is held at HHQ RDG York)

Topics covered: Background;joining 1908 Hounslow as bandboy;father attached Bays;duties;Knellar Hall;instruments clarinet, violin and trumpet;pay 8d day;1910 to India on a Royal India Marine Steamer;Mhow;conditions;routine;pay;Delhi Durbar;description of Durbar;GeorgeV and Queen Mary;regiments taking part;horses;Government moving to New Delhi;1912 Viceroy's band at Shimla;hearing of Oate's death and Titanic sinking;Dec 1914 ship to Marseilles with horses;2nd Indian Cavalry Div;conditions on ship;poor fodder effect on horses;arrived 19 Dec - in trenches by 1 Jan;weapons;Poperinghe;trench conditions;composition of Division;30 Nov 1917 after Cambrai went up to try breakthrough with horses;A&B Sqns;charge;tripwires;Capt Bridgewater's body on wire;Indians went to Jerusalem with Allenby;horse condition and feed;tunnelling;wiring;trench digging;dismounted action St Quentin early 1918;German attack Mar 1918;wounded;uncle Capt East Yorks wounded same day;evacuated to England;first time back since 1910;rejoined regt 1919 Cologne;amalgamation;snipers course;front line intelligence;brother got MM.

Sandhurst band 1926-1939;Boy Browning rode horse up steps;relieved by Inniskilling Fusilier, first non Guards adjt;Sgt Maj Home Guard Camberley;lived in Gordon Road,Camberley.

Next day interviewed by Gen Robert Ford, Governor Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Cavalry charge 1917;standing to all night;kept up cavalry skills;equipment carried-lances,sabres,rifles;sniping Cpl A Sqn;objective sugar factory;Sqn 80-100 men;A&B Support Sqns, C Sqn on flank, D Sqn leading Division;D Sqn wiped out;mounted;German machine guns on three sides;casualties;CO Lt Col Patterson ordered 'Inniskillings files about';Sqn Ldr JAB Brooke killed;Capt Prideaux-Beaune reorganised Sqn;Irish RSM shouted 'He saved ye - the Colonel saved ye';horse casualties;pack horse in each troop with pioneer pack;incident with pack horse.

Mr Robert Bentley 5 Innis DG (WO1) 1963-1987 interviewed at his home in Wool by Mike Bartlett on 11th September 2014

Topics covered (in order):travelling from Dublin to Belfast to join;Junior Leaders Regiment RAC;pre-para training;Decca recording;Aden and Bahrain 1965;forming of pop group in Bahrain;service on tank landing ship;Cyprus with UN for two years 1966;Kophinou incident;the group Skin Deep;high points and low points;incineration of battle group HQ vehicle after touching power lines;board of enquiry;COs orders;crashed out because of border tensions 1969 (anniv of Czech invasion);formation of guided weapons troop in Munster;California for test firing 1974;prairie fire - unpopular Brits!;SSM at JLR;Regimental paper chase after Xmas drinks;MQs in Weeton;senior Officers eccentricities;driver for Gen Patrick Brooking;MT soldier party trick in Herford;BATUS map reading problems;RSM Junior Leaders Regiment;issues of LCOH being Sgts Mess member - escalation;final day as RSM.

Mr Ray Binks 4/7RDG 1949 - 79, WO2, interviewed at his home in Appleby in Westmorland by Billy Walker on 9 January 2014.

Topics covered;National Service from 1949;training in Catterick;joining 4/7RDG in Tripoli;R&R in Malta;call-up due to Korea - service extended;guarding nuclear weapons on US base in UK;FVRDE Kircudbright as final posting;civilian life;1958 rejoined - different army;joined regt via Harwich - Hook of Holland;Centurions and Conquerors;Lulworth on posting;various postings and married quarters experiences;use of new weapons, boresights;mobile homes as married quarters in Germany;move to Aden and Sharjah;conversion from tanks to armoured cars;exercises offshore Yemen in dhow;Radfan on convoy escort duties;attack - returned fire from Saladin;Asked 'who ordered you to fire?';Saladin damaged and driver injured hitting mine;forward air controller for Hunters.ordered to attend squadron meeting - full regiment was there - thanks and award of MM by GOC;Omagh 1966-69 as troubles starting;various posting, drill course, lunatics at Guards Depot;promotion to SSM and RQMS;Tidworth;Castlemartin shooting;German Leopards;BATUS Canada and Montana;return to Kirkcudbright where trooper in 50s;1979 to long service list at Silberhutte in Harz Mountains;visits to Berlin;last 6 months on range staff, Warcop;summary of service;London Gazette reading.

Capt CJ (Jim) Boardman 5 Innis DG 1939-1970 interviewed at his home in Louth, Lincs by Mr Alan Jude on 14 and 22 October 2013.  (This interview is in two parts; there is a further interview recorded by a Chester College interviewer in the 1980s.)

Alan Jude interviews:

Topics covered:background including father'smilitary career;joining 10th Hussars as bandboy;acquired father's nickname of 'Snatch';prep for war;age prevented deployment with BEF;training on Matilda and Valentine tanks and morse code;registering Dunkirk arrivals;joins 5 Innis DG in Northampton;move to Northumberland;meets future wife;air raid in Bromley;posted to recce troop;training on Covenanter tank;moved to Suffolk;selected for glider pilot training but posting stopped by CO;moves to Yorkshire then Northumberland;incident with low flying aircraft;regt equipped with Cromwell tanks, recce tp with Stewart tanks;move to Suffolk to prepare for takeover from 4th City of London Yeomanry;15th July 44 moved by train to Portsmouth via London;arrival at Juno beach to become part of 7th Armoured Division;drownings;Capt Leavey killed by shell;28th July directed to go south of Caen;30 July 44 break out from Caen;heavy bombing by Lancasters;relations with local people;incidents;confusion in Falaise Gap;Jim as liberator;injury to foot;repatriation to various places in UK.

Jan 1945 return to recce tp in Montfort;Op Blackcock-removal of German troops from west bank of River Ruhr;incidents;prep for Rhine crossing;crossing Rhine watched by Gen Montgomery and Winston Churchill;incidents with Germans;Sgt Strickland's tank hit mine;took prisoners;incidents at Ibbenburen and Bassum;incidents near Twistringen and Wildeshausen;German tanks attacked by Typhoons;attack with Royal Marines on German Naval HQ at Buxtehude;stayed put in Apensen as peace talks starting;heard of cease fire;saw damage to Hamburg;incidents on way north to Danish border;promotion to Sgt;incidents;occupied former German barracks in Itzehoe;course in Brussels, leave in UK;met Joan in London on VJ night, proposed;returned to regiment and moved to Munster;married March 1946;posting to Cheshire Yeomanry;back to regiment as SQMS;prep for Korea;took over Centurion tanks from 8th Hussars on 38th parallel;families moved to Wiltshire-very poor conditions;conditions, role equipment and tactics in Korea;casualties'

Moved to Suez Canal Zone, Egypt;wives joined but not enjoyable time;move to Catterick as training regiment Jan 1954-December 1957.training 200 national servicemen per month;posting to Cheshire Yeomanry again;duties;return to regiment as RQMS;horse riding awards in 1961;RSM at Tidworth 1963;commissioned as Captain with Army Air Corps;to Cyprus as part of UN;left army in 1970 after 31 years service and 27 different married quarters.

After a few years of civilian life Jim became Regimental Secretary on 5 Innis DG for 17 years.

Capt Jim Boardman 5 Innis DG 1939-1970 interviewed at Chester College by a College Interviewer in the 1980s.

Topics covered: Background;joining as band boy in 10th Hussars; declaration of war; meeting Churchill;daily routine;crew training;equipment and weapons;change to 5 Innis DG Mar 42;Covenanter and Crusader tanks;runaway tank;recce sqn role;Honey tank;receiving Dunkirk returnees;build up tp D Day;9 Armd Div;7 Armd Div;relations with Polish and American troops in Suffolk;infantry/tank cooperation;impressions of artillery and engineers;Hobart's funnies;to France D+17;Sherman tanks;moving South;equipment to be taken to Normandy;moving through London;Portsmouth;landing craft to Juno beach;conditions on the beach;move to Bayeux;tanks from City of London Yeomanry;maps;mines;Op Bluecoat - breakout from Caen;dead animals;Bocage conditions;being bombed;RAF Typhoons;conditions;first casualties;incidents;prisoners;Gen Montgomery impressons;Lisieux;incidents liberating French;incident when wounded;hospital;back to England for 4 months;sleeplessness;sten gun;ambulance train;18 Jan-ling journey to Ostend;return to regt in Holland;Montfort;return visit in 1982;dutch doctor;conditions winter 44/45;V2 launch;treatment of collaborators;prep for Rhine crossing;Xanten;German resistance;civilian population;Wildeshausen incident;Buxtehude;Elbe;end of war;prisoners;displaced persons;Himmler;Itzehoe;Chaffee tanks;Cheshire Yeomanry as instructor;1945-48 training,sports;Russian threat;atom bombs on Japan.

Mrs Joan Boardman, 5 Innis DG wife 1946-1964, interviewed at her home in Louth, Lincs by Alan Jude on 17 June 2013.

Topics covered (in order); introduction;meeting future husband;Joining ATS;loss of brother;marriage March 1946;joining husband in Munster, Germany;war damage and conditions in Germany;scarcity of clothng and supplies;1948 to Cheshire;1948 to Paderborn;conditions there;daughter born Jan 1950;regt warned for Korea;conditions in Corsham;1953 joined husband in Egypt;conditions;incidents;1954 to Catterick; conditions awful;1956 posted to Birkenhead with Cheshire Yeomanry;1959 to Sennelager;schools;Tidworth 1962, husband RSM;Wives club, Gurkha wives;1964 husband commissioned into Army Air Corps;Netheravon;1967 posting to Northern Ireland;RAF Aldergrove;husband left Army in 1970;army social life;death of SSM Garragan;difficulties of children's schooling in army;improvements to conditions in the present day.

Major Bris Bovill 5 Innis DG 1960-1977 interviewed at his home in South Queensferry by John Speers on 30 October 2013

Topics covered:joining in Sennelager;autumn exercises in Germany;thoughts on Ferret as recce vehicle;move to Tidworth 1963;recce troop leader;training for Aden;deployed to Aden 1964;attached to 10th Hussars;role,based in Radfan;mining incidents;supporting Coldstream Guards;vehicle camouflage;Federal Regular Army;fort attacked;Aden insurgency book by Jonathan Walker;enemy skills;incidents;job offer - ADC Governor of South Australia;troop sgt took over troop, was awarded BEM;blue warning card.

Mrs Gillian Bray 5 Innis DG daughter and wife 1937-1974 interviewed at her home in York by Mark Faulkner on 28 May 2013.

Topics covered:early memories of family life in pre war years with father (Hubert 'Nutty' Almond) serving in Colchester, Aldershot and Sandhurst;father member of regimental trick ride;riding instructor at Sandhurst;war years;dog becoming a 'War Dog';father's war years;father's commissioning into Royal Pioneer Corps;father's involvement with troops from Bechuanaland (Botswana);his mention in dispatches;period from end of hostilities in Italy in 1944;return of Bechuanaland troops to Africa;meeting husband Paul Bray at Regimental reunion in 1968;life as a service wife in Herford;death of her father in 1970;life in Munster 1970-74;husband's deployments;period after Paul retired from army in 1974;continuing connection with the regiment;army charities supporting sister who suffered from polio in 1940.

Captain DA Butler 5 Innis DG 1967-1998 interviewed at his home in East Gomeldon by Mike Bartlett on 25 October 2013.

Topics covered:joining Junior Leaders Regiment in 1967;RAC Parachute Squadron;joined regt in Herford 1969 in reconnaissance role;exercises incl in Bavaria;to RAC Para Sqn for 2 years;rejoined regt in Catterick as LCpl in radio wing;Catterick Married Quarters;free fall parachuting - RAC team;COs operator;to Osnabruck;working life of a CO;becoming tank commander - exercises;injuries;Brunei as Sgt;training speaking Malay;Tidworth in guided weapons (Swingfire) troop;tercentenary 1985;3 years with BRIXMIS, Berlin;role and duties;return ot regt as intelligence warrant officer;NI tour 1991-91 (Int Cell);commissioned as Captain - Intelligence Officer;1991 Gulf War;amalgamation;posting to Defence NBC School 1992-95;introducing NBC to BATUS;posting to NBC Defence Regt (Royal Yeomanry) 1995-98.

Trooper Tom Cadden RDG 2014-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Lt Jack Torrens-Spence on 31 March 2014.

Topics covered: background;AFC Harrogate;training at Bovington;joining regiment;work and exercises;aspirations.

Mr Raymond'Archie'Carr 5 Innis DG 1935-45 interviewed by David Boardman in 2005.(Mr Carr died in 2008 and his obituary is in the RDG Journal of 2008.)

Topics covered (in order): arrival in Normandy;padre drowned;joining 7 Armd Div;into action;Tp Ldrs tank hit;wounded by sniper;sleeping arrangements;rations;war damage;briefings;equipment;Comet v Tiger tanks;river Risle crossing;wooden bridge;3 tanks over;small arms fire only;whole Division crossed;captured German infantry regiment;memories of those killed;supporting East Lancs at s'Hertogenbosch;Brunsbuttel,Hamburg at war end;relations with Germans;effect of war;the Regimental family;opening swing bridge;awarded DCM;presented by FM Montgomery;Maj Gibson;medals stolen;sold by Christies;replaced by Gen Anderson;memories of friends.

Colonel James Carr-Smith 5 Innis DG/RDG 1988- (CO 2008-10) interviewed at Army HQ Andover by Billy Walker on 23 May 2014.

Topics covered:background;training at Sandhurst, Bovington, Lulworth;joining regiment in Paderborn;Chieftain;NI tour in infantry role in Bessbrook;deployments and roles;Germany exercises and exercises in BATUS, Canada;Gulf War 1991;amalgamation;views of different messes;regimental life and duty;battle group training;commanding D Sqn as demonstration Sqn in Warminster;Challenger 1;Tidworth mess life and standard parade;to Munster;action packed training in Poland, Canada, Oman;staff college;asst to Gen Mike Jackson;promotion to Lt Col;command of regt;promotion and postings;Sept 2008 took over as CO;whole fleet management;role with 4 Armd Bde;prep for Afghanistan;roles;deployments;equipment;casualties;privileged to be CO;22 years service - always stay in touch with regt.

Brig Richard Cary 4/7RDG 1976-2003 (CO 1996-98) interviewed at his home near Salisbury by Mike Bartlett on 19 September 2014.

Topics covered: Background;Tp Ldrs Cse Bovington;joining regiment in Fallingbostel;life as Tp Ldr;training cycle - BATUS-Autumn FTXs;Site guards;border patrols;trips to Berlin;SOXMIS;Ex Active Edge problems;logistic problems;travel in Europe;family nature of regiment;memories of neighbour 80 year old 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards named Guy de Pass, joined in 1916;stories of WWI as told by Guy de Pass;important link with Guy de Pass and his troop Sgt Sgt Warrell MM known as Bumble, who was in Royal Hospital;Guy leading victorious troops into Cologne;link with sword carried by Brig Richard;working with Comd 1(BR) Corps Gen Sir Nigel Bagnall;Soviet threat;IRA assassinations in BAOR;reorg NOTHAG and CENTAG;defence plan rewrite;ATDU sales team;Staff College;C Sqn Ldr in 1989;effect on regt of Gulf War 1;reorg of units;economy changes in Germany-influx of East Germans;amalgamation;CO RDG at Tidworth 1996;Regular Army Assistance and NI tours;observations on arrival as CO;Standard Parade 1998;Comd 43 Wessex Bde.

Cpl Thomas Chapman RDG 2004-2014 intervewed at Catterick by Capt Johnny Clover on 31 March 2014.

Topics covered; Background;2 tours in Iraq, 2 in Afghanistan;family background in army;training at ATR Bassingbourn;joining RDG late 2004;changes of role;Op tour in Basra with RHA 2006;Op tour in Iraq 2007, Telic 7;roles and conditions;Op Herrick 12 in Afghanistan;conditions and roles;training in UK;Op Herrick 17 in Afghanistan mentoring police;aspirations;quality of cavalry soldiers.

Major Bryan Clipston 5 Innis DG 1951-1977 interviewed at his home in Brigstock by Alan Jude on 23 September 2013.

Topics covered: background;joining as a national serviceman; training with 8RTR in Catterick;time with 5RTR at Hohne;signing on for 5 years;wireless course in Bovington;transferred to 5 Innis DG for Korea;to Korea on SS Georgic;36 hour journey from Pusan;conditions; tactics;incidents;friend killed in fire;to Suez Canal Zone;conditions;duties;home leave, met future wife;wireless course and promotion;Catterick as training regiment;NBC course at Porton Down;families accommodation in Catterick;to Sennelager 1959;family accommodation;exercises and routine;demo to RAF Cranwell cadets;posting to Junior Leaders Regiment, Bovington;Royal Tournament at Earls Court;Horse of the Year Show;NBC trial with crew closed down for 24 hours;to regt at Tidworth;instructing Gurkhas;provost SSgt;move to Aden as Officers Mess SSgt;time as SSM B Sqn;exercises on tank landing ship;conditions in Aden;move with family to Benghazi;equipment and exercises;6 day war 1967;rioting in Benghazi;move to Weeton Camp, Blackpool;accommodation;commissioning;moving picture 'Battle of the Boyne' from Carrickfergus Castle to Officers Mess;move to Herford;married quarters;move to Munster 1970;exercises;promotion to Major commanding L Sqn;Cyprus tour 1973/4;football officer;driving target tank;Cyprus as UN Camp Commandant;social life;incident with Greek and Turkish populations;back to regiment at Catterick;left army as did not want to return to Germany;civilian job;reflections on army life and career.

Major RA Cook 5 Innis DG 1950-1981 interviewed at his home in Darlington by Mark Faulkner in 18 December 2013.

Topics covered: Basic training 8RTR in Catterick;joining 1RTR Hobart Barracks Detmold;volunteered to join 5 Innis DG for Korea 1951;move to Aldershot;journey to Korea on SS Georgic;promotion;conditions;Battle of the Hook;Egypt in 1953;promotion to Sgt and drill course;back to Egypt;troop ship back to UK;drill instructor in Catterick;marriage 1955 to Flora;wireless course;time as wireless instructor;Sennelager as B Sqn Sigs Sgt 1957;Bovington as wireless instructor;officers mess SSgt in Sennelager/Tidworth 1962-64;SSM A Sqn;Ex Steel Shaft-mobilisation and represervation of tank stockpile in El Adem, Libya;Aden 1964;sea-borne tank force;Cyprus 1966 as UN Sqn;Promoted RQMS 1966 remained in Cyprus;Flora looked after families welfare;Benghazi 1967;Arab/Israeli 6 day war 1967;Weeton Camp Blackpool;promotion to RSM April 1968;Herford Dec 1968;fractured femur in Offrs/Sgts Mess football match 17 Mar 70;QMs course;Munster 1970 as QM(T);Cyprus UN tour 1973/74;Catterick 1975/76;Flora as regimental mother figure;Army Personnel Selection Officer at RSC Sutton Coldfield;Camp Comdt NW District Preston 1980/81;retired from Army;civilian jobs.

Maj Gen PAJ Cordingley DSO DSc FRGS 5 Innis DG 1963-1986. CO 1984-86 Colonel RDG 1999-2004 interviewed at his home near Salisbury by Mike Bartlett on 22 August 2013.

Topics covered: Background;Sandhurst 1963;joined regt 1965;riding course with Blues;Libya desert experience;Lady Be Good expedition;Herford as recce regt;roles and exercises;time as Adjt;Millbank Hospital;RAC Sigs School Instr;Staff College;B Sqn Ldr 1977;BATUS as Sqn Ldr;time in Operational Requirements - arrival of Challenger MBT;Antartic Expedition for 2 months;Capt Oates;CO 1984-86;Tercentenary Parade and celebrations;Prince of Wales as Colonel of Regt;Paderborn;Wilton; Bde Comd 7 Armd Bde.family regiment;conditions and facilities.

Maj Gen WJ Courage CB MBE 5 Innis DG 1961-1984, CO 1982-1984, intervewed at his home in Wiltshire by Billy Walker on 23 May 2014.

Topics covered: Joining regiment in 1961;conditions;sport;training;incidents on exercises;Tidworth 1963;Ex Triplex West,Libya;incidents;flying course Middle Wallop;rejoined regt in Benghazi in 1966 flying helicopters;numerous desert exercises;work and play;cricket - West Indians in regt;Benghazi riots;rescued LCpl Walker (interviewer);To Weeton Camp near Blackpool(Brian London's casino);Herford as recce regt;role;time as Adjutant;cold war professionalism;crash out bombed up on 1st anniversary of Czech invasion;patrols on the IGB;Munster;almost left army;Sqn Ldr A Sqn;with Gen 'Monkey' Blacker;commanding B Sqn in Berlin;crash-outs;threat;moving tanks in Berlin;staff post in BATUS;Tactics School in Bovington;5 regtl offrs commanding other regiments;selected for command of regiment;strength in regiment;thoughts on commanding;rogues in regiment!;changes, equipment, computers;standards maintained, reputation second to none;effect on social life of advent of TV;training of young officers;loss of officers to civilian life;BAOR think tank run by General Bagnall;winning Army Cup;generally happy time but very sad when Maj Pearn killed;problem filling post for BATUS;BATUS fun;Welsh Guards attached still influenced by Falklands memories;Tidworth;wrench letting go;Staff College;comd of 4 Bde from Andy Evans;Comanding UN in Cyprus as General;farewell parade 1992;friends throughout regiment.

Brig CD Daukes 4/7RDG 1963-1994. CO 1986-88, Colonel of Regt 2005-2010, interviewed at his home in Burford by Barry Port on 11 July 2013.

Topics covered: Background;summary of career;wife's family links to regiment;training and conditions;incidents in training;Sandhurst;Tp Ldrs course Bovington;joining regt in Aden;conditions;role;equipment;incidents;enemy activity;Omagh1966;activities;recruiting;training;Sennelager on Chieftain;exercises;readiness;activities;the band;strategy change in BAOR;ADC to GOC 2 Div;RD 1972-74;1976 OC D Sqn;BAOR routine;Staff College;HQ 6 Fd Force working with Danes,Belgians,Germans;1981 OC B Sqn;OC D Sqn Berlin;role;conditions;Australian Staff College;activities;career appointments;CO 1986-88;BAOR routine;BATUS;routine;boredom;MOD posting;incidents;RCDS 1990-91;promotion to Brig;Bosnia campaign;looking back;changes to armoured soldiering;amalgamation;Colonel of Regiment.

Maj Maurice Davies 5 Innis DG/RDG 1969-2004 interviewed at his home in Biggar by Billy Walker on 4 July 2013.

Topics Covered: Joining 1969;Junior Leaders Regiment;to regt in Munster;Sports;Cyprus;Canada training;football;Cavalry Cup;Jack WarnerCup;Catterick 1974;training regiment;marriage;Osnabruck 1976;training;NI troubles;Chieftain problems;Ansell Cup;life in Germany;NI tour 1981;role;conditions;incidents;Roslea mortar attack;To Tidworth as RSWO;exercises;tercentenary;incidents;to Paderborn 1986;amalgamation;Hong Kong as PSI;RSM from Eddie Spence - Falls Road and Shankill!;incidents;amalgamation changes;commissioned 1993;Tidworth 1996;NI tour;Standard parade;laying up of old standard in Enniskillen;various post held near end of career;summing up of service;view on today's army.

Lt Col Luke Duckworth 5 Innis DG/RDG 1972-2009 interviewed by Mark Faulkner on 3 May 2013.

Topics covered (in order); background;reasons for joining;Oerbke camp, Fallingbostel;1973 visit as potential officer;joined regt 1974 Catterick;horse events;1979 winning BAOR Novice Championship;1980 one year riding course at French Cavalry School;intensive training;1981 back to regt;riding in combined services;father outstanding pentathlete;regimental encouragement to father and son to achieve their potential;Military Delegates Conference in NATO;British Liaison Officer German Armour School (BLOGAS);career summary and reflections;regimental ethos.

Maj Peter Duckworth 5 Innis DG interviewed by National Army Museum interviewer on 22nd March 1994.(This interview is specifically about Korea)

Topics covered (in order): sailing for Korea from Liverpool SS Georgic;Estoril;Port Said;Royal Dragoons salute;Aden;Colombo;Singapore;Hong Kong;Pusan;routine and training on board;arrival in Korea;troop train conditions;new clothing;takeover from 8th Hussars;routine;deployments;shelling;air superiority and effect of Chinese ground fire;tank fire;weather conditions;living conditions;space heaters;rations;food exchanges with Americans;spontaneous hospitality and socialising;Chinese artillery improvements;attack on hill 355;effects;The Hook;intensive Chinese patrolling;penetrations;ambushes;movement mainly in darkness;armoured raids;objectives;tanks cast tracks;ground unsuitable;replacing cast tracks;effect of shelling on tanks;spares;REME formed;Ernie Newport;Operation Pimlico;Royal Fusilier casualties;Chinese qualities;danger of relaxing;Korean Labour Force (Gooks);contrast with next posting - Egypt;June - hot and torrid;swimming;conditions;monsoon flooding;2 new bridges over Imjin=Pintail and Teal;Teal bridge swept away;routine;coping with rainy conditions;change to autumn;freezing conditions;sixth phase offensive;engaged by JSU 85;JS3 reported;much activity Nov/Dec;1RTR arrival;handover;snow in November;troop train to Pusan;service in cemetry;boarded Empire Hallidale;regiment disembarked Port Said moved to Shandur;internal security situation;incidents;Korea was one year posting;lot of National Servicemen;very good soldiers;Christopher Bland;armistice talks;Chinese activities;use of tank support.

WO2 RG Dudley RDG 1997-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Barry Port on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered; Reasons for joining;basic training;training at Bovington;joining regt Tidworth;D Sqn Warminster;Pipes and Drums;move to Munster;training;Sqn ethos;logistic aspects;pipes and drums excursions;Iraq Op Telic 11;role as Tp Sgt;Warrior;D&M Schools Instr;move to Catterick;Iraq Op Telic 17;Warthog;SSM B Sqn 2013;soldiering differences 15 years ago and today.

Mr Jack Dunne 5 Innis DG 1961-197? interviewed in Blackpool by Billy Walker on 12 April 2014. 

Topics covered: Joining up with pals;mother vetoed;joined in 1961;Catterick training;Sennelager;standard parade 1961;Warminster Demo Sqn with Maj Millen;Aden,Bahrain,Kuwait;Benghazi 1966;Cyprus;Benghazi riots;Weeton Camp, Blackpool;incident of not writing home and jankers;Aden;tanks,firing.Social life in Libya and Weeton.

Mr A Farrell 5 Innis DG 1962-1974 interviewed at Blackpool by Billy Walker on 12 April 2014.

Topics covered: Joining;Catholics/Protestants;training;cook training;deserted;returned;fined;football team;Aden/Bahrain;transfer to ACC;Cyprus;Libya;regimental football;life in Cyprus;UN impotence;Weeton Camp. Blackpool;Germany;Aden, Bahrain, HMS Anzio;Gulf with Navy;deaths in Cyprus;joining up in Dublin;training;memories of service.

Mr LJ Keogh 5 Innis DG 1961-1967 interviewed at Blackpool by Billy Walker on 12 April 2014. 

Topics covered: Benghazo riots;joining in Birmingham;training;joining regt in Sennelager;Tidworth;Ex Triplex West in Libya;Hong Kong with C Sqn;Border patrols in Hong Kong;Stonecutters Island experience;Benghazi;memories;Lady Be Good expedition;Riots;why joined British Army.

Maj Gen WA Evans 5 Innis DG 1959-1991, CO 1981-1983, interviewed at his home near Penrith by Bev Speers on 5 October 2014.

Topics covered: joining regiment;university Oxford;Aden 1965;Cyprus 1966;Libya as Adjt;B Sqn Ldr;Second in Command;CO 1981-1983;NI tour 1981;politics behind use of Irish regiments in NI;press coverage;% of regiment with Irish links;recruiting areas;WOs and Sgts Mess local knowledge;soldiers difficulties because of family connections;end of tour success;presentation of Enniskillen sword;attitude of regiment when tour announced;press cuttings from personal scrapbook;soldiers fed by locals;Irish Times press cutting - positive;his father as CO of regiment;making amalgamation work 1929;to war on horseback;WW2-father leads first tanks into battle;father's influence on Andy to join Skins.

Colonel MWB Faulkner 5 Innis DG/RDG 1975-2004 CO 1994-1996 interviewed at his home near Thirsk by Billy Walker on 28 November 2013.

Topics covered: Regimental connection;joining regt at Catterick;troop leading in Germany on Chieftain;training and dangers;exercises;BATUS;gunnery instructing at Lulworth;Adjutant and Ops Offr;deployment plans;BATUS as staff;Sqn Ldr;Tidworth;tercentenary;computerised fire control system for Chieftain;King Leopold funeral;Staff College;cricket;serious illness - brain tumour;recovery;Paderborn Sqn Ldr;warned for Iraq;posting to officers career management;amalgamation 1992;redundancies;CO in Germany;BATUS;commencent of laser weapon simulation;training for NI;deployment;activities;intensive rioting;move to Tidworth;SO1 at BBGT;opinions on training there;seven questions to improve estimate;Bowman introduction;COS Warminster;travel;civilian career;still connected to regiment;fond memories.

Mr G Fenn-Smith 4/7RDG 1946-1955 interviewed at his home in London by Alan Jude on 22 May 2014.

Topics covered: Joining - father had been Tpr in 4/7RDG during WW1;training at Catterick;asistance to local population during winter 1946/47;officer selection;conditions during training;National Service;relationships;tasks;officer training at Aldershot;Bovington training;acceptance for regiment;troopship Empire Test to Egypt;train to Palestine - fired on;arrival at Camp 21;equipment;patrols;mandate;difficulties;tasks,threat from Arabs and Jewish extremists;views on service in Palestine;Troop Sgts;restrictions because of security threat;riding school;activities keeping troops occupied;relationships officers/SNCOs;move to Libya;bad accommodation;guards system;theft threat by locals;hygiene;relationships with locals;mess life;cost of alcohol;Cromwell tanks;Comet tanks;introduction of Land Rovers and Austin Champs;weapons;Sten drill;Part 2 inspections;regular commission;mistakenly allocated to RASC;Asst Adjt;Dress, uniform;demobilisation problems;Palestine - terrorist threats and difficulties for troops;Asst to Cin C MELF, Cairo;meeting with Nasser;life in Cairo;Adjt at Crookham, then left army.incident shot up by Israli Spitfires;meeting one of the pilots 1975.

General Sir Robert Ford GCB CBE 4/7RDG 1943-1969.CO 1965-1967 interviewed at his home by Eric Stockley on 23 July 2013.

Topics covered: Joining regiment in 1943;notification of leading assault on Europe;DD tanks;training for D Day on Valentines;evacuation procedures;Studland Bay exercises watched by Montgomery and Churchill;tank sunk;only survivor;notification of NoKs;widow of Cpl Park;D Day;equipment;Gold Beach;landing craft ran in to beach;first tank off;details of assault;moved towards Cruelly;casualties;replen;ended up at Bremerhaven;painting tanks for victory parade in Bremen;selected to do assault on Japan;Japanese language course at Cambridge;to Newmarket race course;to Liverpool for embarkation;warned to fix bayonet to force reluctant soldiers to board;soldiers boarded, leaders arrested;conditions on board ship;Japan surrendered;ashore in Suez;move to Palestine for 2 years;Haifa camp;patrolling;adjt for two years;Mons OCS;Trg Maj Scottish Horse;equipment;Staff College;War Office;B Sqn leader in Fallingbostel;Centurions;training;move to Catterick;to Munster as A Sqn Ldr;CO 1965 Aden;Omagh;Comd 7 Bde;CLF NI for two years 1971-73;incidents;Bloody Sunday;Motorman;casualties;family;memories;regimental family;importance of Sgts Mess.

Sgt Mark Foster RDG 2001-2014 interviewed in Catterick by Capt Ron McConkey on 31 March 2014.

Topics covered:Background;initially RM then RDG;training Bovington;joining RDG;conditions;equipment;Challenger 2;duties;sport;exercises;training;promotion and aspirations;BATUS as OPFOR 2002 and 2006;2008 as safety staff;2010 in recce tp;2012 as Bulldog comdr;Iraq Op Telic 5, dismounted, snatch land rovers;Iraq Op Telic 11;training in Kuwait;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12;BRF 2010;Brecon courses;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17 Police mentoring;views on op tours;serving in Germany;SLAM accommodation;views on Catterick;married quarters;Catterick facilities;family regiment.

Colonel NCC Freeman 5 Innis DG/RDG 1981-2003 CO 2001-2003 interviewed at his home in Berkshire by Billy Walker on 22 May 2014.

Topics covered: Background;how recruited;Tp Ldr Cse, Bovington;NI tour 1981 in Belleek;incidents;cold war Germany;threat;readiness;exercises;border patrols;changes from 1980s to today;BATUS and changes;intro of laser simulation;expense of gunnery training;Ex Moonbase in Cyprus 1985;Tercentenary Tidworth 1985;married life in Germany;various courses and postings;B Sqn carpet fitter story;amalgamation;redundancies and difficulties;serious accident and year off work;CO 2001;trained for Op Telic;fireman's strike cover;BATUS OPFOR;life as CO;

Mr HF Garrood 5 Innis DG 1942-1949 interviewed at his care home in Bramhall, Stockport by Billy Walker on 10 December 2013.

Topics covered; Introduction;build up to D Day;Kirkcudbright;London and V1 attacks;travel by LCT to Juno beach;Swimming incident-drownings;Caen bombing and rubble;Adjt killed;Prisoners;advance to Belgium;air cover;German 88mm gun;RAF appreciation;maternity break - Germans requested doctor for pregnant woman;Incidents;600 gun barrage;tanks in 1944;supply lines;crossing the Rhine;looting;liberated POW camp;entered Hamburg;damage;relieved Max Schmelling (Boxer) of cognac;Wildeshausen;end of war;Russian threat;Mohne Dam holiday - met future wife;revisit 40 years later.

Brig PAM Gilruth 4/7RDG 1958-1990 CO 1983-1985 interviewed at his home in Yorkshire by Billy Walker on 16 August 2013.

Topics covered: Joning regt in Fallingbostel;The Wessex Hunt;travel to/from UK;Centurion and Conqueror;social life;activities;Catterick as Trg Regt 1959;activities/courses;equipment;exercises;amalgamation;Munster;equipment;training;talent in regiment;Scottish Horse posting;Aden;equipment and role;Omagh;exercises in NI;Sennelager;Chieftain;Battle Group and Combat Teams;tactics;HQ RAC Bielefeld;tactics ideas development;BATUS born;Sennelager OC B Sqn;Tidworth;UN tour Cyprus 1974 on Ferrets;Staff College DS;European warfare;1976 2ic regt;exercises Salisbury Plain;Fallingbostel;contrast with 1958;operational outlook changes;1977 Hohne Task Force Bravo;views on concept;Able Archer - nuclear SIMEX;CO in Detmold;Mrs Thatcher visit;Tecentenary;New standard;sum up;Chieftain unreliability;Comd BATUS;RAC Centre;summing up of career.

Capt Mark Hey 4/7RDG/RDG 1987-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Billy Walker on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered; Joining;training;Detmold;activities;sports;Cyprus tour 1988/exercises;amalgamation;1997 posting Winchester ATR;tank commanding;BATUS;incidents;Tidworth;Chilwell as Sgt;training troops for Iraq/Bosnia/Kosovo;OPFOR BATUS;Op Telic 2003/4;RSM Royal Yeomanry;Commissioning;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12;Mastiff;incidents;RCMO;QM(T);regimental life;activities;regimental celebrations.

Brigadier TD Hyams OBE, 5 Innis DG 1986-1992, RDG 1992-2009, interviewed at HQ CTG, Warminster, on 27th January 2015 by Noel McCleery.

Topics covered (in order): Joining Skins 1986; Memories; regimental role; strength of Officers and Sgts messes; NI tour S.Armagh 1989; amalgamation; characteristics of both regiments; threat from Soviets; lack of operational focus in early 90s; prep for 1st Gulf War; GPMG incident on Scorpion; Tidworth; New Standard; Nick Millen in command; Sqn Ldr in Germany 99-01; Challenger 2; pride in heritage; training in BATUS; barracks and accommodation; Chieftain; Challenger 1; highlighs of Sqn leading; Poland; train journey; Polish people; Warsaw; Canada training; MA to Comd Fd Army; 9/11 effect; Telic; roles and deployments; strengths of armoured soldiers; BATUS performance; adaptability; ethos; CGS visit; Iraq incidents; rocketing; Sgt Richard’s MC; Sgt Richard’s story; fired on in helicopter; crossing Shatt-el-Arab; effect of shell shock; protection from rocketing; relations with locals; misjudgements at high levels; military underinvestment; Iran effect; lessons for the nation; regimental reputation; Challenger 2 characteristics; Warrior and Bulldog conversion; the regiment today; move from Munster to Catterick; effect of serving in UK; new role for regiment; green beret; the cohesion of the family regiment; NI recruiting frustration; problems of narrow recruiting areas; how joined regiment; no regrets; son joining Army; 

Mr Frank James 4/7RDG 1939-1945 interviewed at his care home in Newport by Eric Stockley on 15 November 2013.

Topics covered; Joining Army;Tidworth;training;activities;resupplying;D Day+1;memories;crossing Rhine;Bremerhaven;VE day; memories;ambush in Belgium;Albert Canal;thoughts on demob;British Legion and Cruelly Club,

Mr Albert Jameson 5 Innis DG 1969-1992 interviewed at Blackpool by Billy Walker on 12 April 20014.

Topics covered: (Contains many interesting anecdotes and information about Chieftain gunnery.) Recruited in Enniskillen;Catterick training;Munster;conversion to Chieftain from armoured cars;incidents;Ansell Cup 1972;Canadian Army Trophy training;intro of laser sight;car incidents;gunnery fire orders;ranges at Hohne;BATUS;Catterick vehicle park;1976 Cyprus posting and situation;Catterick 1976 incidents;Osnabruck 1976. collegues in D Sqn;injury in Canada;promotion and courses;tank cpmmading;BATUS as safety staff 1979;NI training and tour 1980/81;Gunnery instructor North Irish Horse;activities;1985 troop leader;fitness;casualties;introduction  of iImproved Fire Control System;Prince Charles visit;philosophy for dealing with men;incidents in Canada;NI tour Londonderry;activities;incidents;civilian life;summary of career highlights.

Lt Col Simon Jenkins 4/7RDG 1964-1990 interviewed at his home near Swindon by Eric Stockley on 22 July 2013.

Topics covered; Overview of life and career;background;childhood with father as CO of regt;joining procedure;Mons OTS;Munster;Aden experiences;incidents;independence of Tp Ldr;Sharjah;Omagh and life there;Cyprus UN tour;Sennelager;Tidworth;marriage;Fallingbostel;1972 Op tour NI;Catterick as training regiment;CO Royal Yoemanry;personal reflections;lows and highs;second career.

Mr Eric Johnston 4/7RDG 1942-1947 interviewed at his home in Aberdeen by John Speers on 18 September 2013.

Topics covered; Joining RAC;Bovington;training in 58 Trg Regt;chose 4/7RDG;Maj Gen Hobart;DD tanks training;training for D Day, Studland Bay;Normandy landings;to recce tp on Stuart tanks;regimental casualties D Day;Hill 103;tank knocked out by bazooka;5 Panthers knocked out;DLI casualties;Operation Epsom;Gen Horrocks;crossing river;POWs;Guards Armd Div, Arnhem;Seconded to US 2nd Airborne:Nijmegen;Largest artillery barrage;Geilenkirchen;hits land mine;night in monastery;new Stuart tank;on to Rhine;travel on autobahns;Bremen - Becks brewery;German surrender;Bremerhaven.

Mr Alan Jude 4/7RDG 1955-1958. Self interview at his home in Woodhall Spa on 14 August 2013.

Topics covered: Personal introduction and background explanation to Britain's National Service 1945-1961;call up and travel to Catterick;basic training;accommodation;trade training;joining regt in Fallingbostel;Centurion and Conqueror tanks;crew members;in the tank;daily routine;highs and lows;barrack accommodation;German people;applied for transfer;train guard to Berlin;atmosphere in Berlin;colour prejudice in US Army;army discipline;boxing for the Squadron;guard duties;displaced persons camp;the Suez crisis;the Hungarian uprising;demob-and recall!

Maj Gen RC Keightley CB CStJ 5 Innis DG 1951-1976. CO 1972-1975 Colonel 1986-1991 interviewed at his home in Dorset by Mike Bartlett on 3 July 2013.

Topics convered; Joining;Canal Zone 1953;Kilo 99;Catterick Trg Regt;activities;Suez crisis;1957 to Sennelager, TP Ldr B Sqn;Hohne ranges;Adjt to Lt Col Tomkin;A Sqn Ldr on Centurion/Conqueror;Staff College: Bde Major in Belfast 1964/65;Libya:Yom Kippur war 1967;families in Benghazi;riots;evacuation of US Embassy;Zyyi camp Cyprus for 6 weeks;desert exercises in Benghazi;WW2 battlefields;Weeton Camp Blackpool;Staff Offr in Singapore;Herford as Sqn Ldr;1971 Munster as 2ic Chieftain regiment;1972 CO;BATUS;UN tour Cyprus - views as CO;BAOR exercise 4 Armd Bde;1975 to Catterick as Trg Regt;handover as CO.1986 appointed Colonel of Regt; amalgamation comments.

Capt Billy Kelly 5 Innis DG/RDG 1987-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Billy Walker on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered: Background;Junior Leaders Regiment;joining regt in Paderborn;NI tour;Incidents and memories;Gulf War;clearing equipment;CO and RSM;BATUS staff, missed amalgamation;Girdwood marching season 1996;Belfast - high tempo tour;Tidworth;courses;D&M School Instr;Recce Tp Ldr in Iraq;Whole fleet management;NI - Palace Barracks JCU for 18 months;LSGC;OP Telic deployment;situation, incidents;RQMS;D&M School - tehnical author;RSMI;RSM 2008 in Catterick;Afghanistan;Equipment;role;incidents;4 soldiers killed;casualties;Herrick 12 showed regt at its best;commissioned 2010;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17;Change of role;summing up.

Mr David Kirk 5 Innis DG/RDG 1977-1999 interviewed at his home in Kendal by Billy Walker on 1 May 2014.

Topics convered: Joining up;Junior Leaders Regiment;arrival in regt at Soltau training area;memories;BATUS Canada live firing exercises;R&R in USA;N Ireland Op Banner;Incidents;Kinawley;Battle of Cassidys Cross;GOC commendation;FTX memories;Cpl, Sgt, Troop Leader on Chieftain.Chieftain compared to other NATO tanks;Gunnery standards in regiment;amalgamation 1992;end of service.

Mr HA Knowles 5RTR/5 Innis DG 1950-1953 interviewed at his home near Belper by Billy Walker on 19 March 2014.

Topics covered: Reporting for National Service May 1950;training in Catterick;posting to 5RTR Jan 1951;Training in Germany;posted to Korea;Troopship to Japan;Centurions and Comets;equipment preparation;US LST to Pusan;memories;conditions in Korea;preparation of tanks-Cromwells,Comets and a Churchill;kit exchanges with Canadians and Americans;incidents;arrival of 5 Innis DG;weather conditions temp-41C;incidents;memories;trips to Japan;1st US Cavalry concert;Ronnie Brewer's grave;return to UK;Bovington demob;TA service;Dingos, Charioteers;closing song.

WO2 Iain Lavery RDG 1996-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Barry Port on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered: Reasons for joining;basic training ATR Winchester;Phase 2 training Bovington;arrival at regt 1996;NI tour;incidents;Tidworth/Warminster;Standard parade;Munster;Challenger 2;Oman exercise;vehicle problems;BATUS;Iraq Op Telic 5;Germany training;Iraq Op Telic 11;Warrior;role;Bovington Trg Sgt;Catterick;Afghanistan;casualties and effect on regt;Afghanistan tour in police mentoring role;casualties;

Mr Shaun Leavey OBE 4/7RDG 1963-1968 interviewed at his home in Hambledon by Barry Port on 30 August 2013.

Topics covered; Family connections to 4/7RDG and 5 Innis DG;joining Army;training at Mons and Bovington;joining regt in Munster;atmosphere;relations with German population;training in countryside;conversion to armoured car role;depolyments in Aden;roles and tasks;atmosphere in Aden;impressions;show jumping;Ethopia;routine in Little Aden and upcountry;news of next posting - Omagh;activities in Omagh;RAC pool of reserve officers;exercises in Germany;Cyprus deployment;importance of family regiment ethos.

Lt Col MG Lerwill 4/7RDG 1963-1991 interviewed at his home near Yeovil by Eric Stockley on 13 March 2014.

Topics covered: Background;Sandhurst;Bovington training;Munster;Centurions and Saladins;Aden;roles;experiences;Sharjah;Radfan;Omagh;Saladin, Ferret;Air Sqn pilot;UN tour Cyprus as Sioux pilot;Detmold as pilot;Sennelager Sqn 2ic;HQ Rhine Area G3 security;Staff College;MOD SO2 Plans;Fallingbostel OC B Sqn;Chieftain problems;BATUS;MOD during Falklands war;Catterick;Detmold 2ic Regt;Bovington;Saudi Arabia as advisor;RCB Westbury; civilian life;general impressions.

Mr John Love 5 Innis DG 1946-1969 interviewed at his home in Gosport by Barry Port on 28 October 2013.

Topics covered: Family military background;India;UK aged 15 in 1943;RN as boy;joined Army in Portsmouth in 1946;life in Gosport during build-up to D Day;training and conditions in Catterick;Comet,Cromwell tanks;joining regt Munster;personalities;conditions in Munster - flattened;daily routine;quick promotion;induction training;tactical training;arrival of Centurion;leaving Army;rejoining in Paderborn;life in Paderborn;distributing new Deutschmarks;CO informs regt about deployment to Korea;preparation;journey to Korea;train journey to forward positions;arrival - new clothing;troop position 5 tanks;routine;constant mortar attacks;injured;evacuation to MASH unit;evacuation to Japan;on return - wounded in face;loss of friends;move to Egypt;conditions;routine;guard of honour for Queen;s coronation;coronation itself;move to Catterick;left Army, returned again;intake Sgt for POs;North Irish Horse posting experiences;B Sqn SSM Warminster;Aden/Bahrain;role;blood donation;RSM of North Irish Horse;what it meant to be a Skin.

Capt Colin McCallum 5 innis DG 1964-1993 interviewed at his home in Lincolnshire by Alan Jude on 23rd June 2013.

Topics covered (in order); Background;joining Junior Leaders Regiment; AWOL;returned to duty; MCTC Colchester;1965 Aden;equipment;1966 Benghazi;equipment;accommidation;his crew;desert navigation;Patrick Cordingley;'Lady Be Good' expedition;gunnery camp in the desert;Benghazi riots and aftermath;move to El Adem;move to Weeton Camp;impressions;conditions and social life;1969 to Herford;Vigilant ATGW;exercises;1970 to Munster;Chieftain conversion;married accommodtion;1972 guided weapons troop;trials in California;Swingfire;1974-5 Kirkcudbright ATGW trials;1975 intake Sgt at Catterick;PO Wing;1976 to Osnabruck;comparison Centurion to Chieftain;~Improved Fire Control System;formation of D Sqn;Ewan Morrison green and maroon trouser legs;1978 troop leader; exercises and Canada;1981 NI tour;
Close Observation Troop;1982 regimental gunnery warrant officer;1982 SSM A Sqn;1984 Tidworth RQMS;1985 tercentenary celebrations;receiving new standard from Colonel in Chief;1985 appointed RSM;presentation of LSGC;1986 move to Paderborn;1987 commissioned as QM;sadness on amalgamation;left army in 1993;reflections on career.

Lt Col Noel McCleery OBE 5 Innis DG/RDG 1963-1999 interviewed at his home in Winchester by Barry Port on 27 May 2014.

Topics covered: Career summary;background;recruitment;Junior Leaders Regiment training;Joining regiment 1963 Tidworth;B Sqn Warminster;Centurion tanks;KAPE tour NI before Aden:Aden Oct 64;conditions;routine;Centurion in desert conditions;Gulf deployment HMS Anzio;Bahrain;Kuwait Christmas 1964;Tribal class frigates;Aden security situation;relief by 1 RTR Dec 65;move to Benghazi;conversion to recce role;desert exercises;Bamboo Club;Benghazi riots;situation in Libya following 6 day war;move to Weeton, near Blackpool;exercises in N England and Scotland;foot and mouth outbreak 1968;move to Herford;role and exercises;importance of Ansell Cup competition;nuclear site guards;deployment on 1st anniv of Czech invasion;move to Munster and conversion to Chieftain;regimental structure;CO Lt Col CE Taylor;troop leading;troop diaries;nuclear escort duties;intro of laser sights;keeping Chieftain motoring;MT troop support;FTXs;SIMFIRE simulation;Swedish S tank trial;Canadian Army Trophy;recruiting in Stockport;Catterick 1975;financial hardship;move to Osnabruck 1977;Int WO;regimental structure;BATUS Med Man 7 1977;British Columbia Dragoons;SSM B Sqn;Queens Silver Jubilee parade;introduction of BFBS TV;RSM 1979;Freedom of Osnabruck;FTXs;Polish tank transporter units;NI tour 1981;presentation of Inniskilling Sword;2ic C Sqn 1981;introduction of Improved Fire Control System;Escape and Evasion exercise;tragic death of Maj Peter Pearn;OC C Sqn 1983;BATUS 1984; B Coy Green Howards;OC HQ Sqn Tidworth late 1984;Tercentenary celebrations 1985;Ex Moonbase 4 Cyprus;OC B Sqn 1986;I Bde FTX;move to Paderborn late 1986;extremely cold winter;BATUS exercise 1987;Col in Chiefs visit;introduction of STILLBREW armour;Tactics School, Bovington 1987;debate over future tank for Army;regimental 2ic 1990;Gulf War preparations;roles of the two sqns deployed;amalgamation;laying up of 1961 standard in Enniskillen;loss of the regimental band;summary - importance of regimental family and journals.

Capt Anthony McGann 5 Innis DG/RDG 1990-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Billy Walker on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered: Background;junior soldier 1989;joined regt 1990;Op Granby, 1st Gulf war;4 tours NI;conversion to Challenger 1;amalgamation;recce tp sgt 1998;Crew comd Challenger 1 and 2;Adventure training and sports;NI;Munster;exercise in Oman;travel in Europe in VW camper;exercises in BATUS and Poland;D&M instr Bovington;D Sqn SQMS;Iraq - Op Telic on Challenger 2;SF clearance ops;Charge of the Knights operation;forced entry to Basra;incidents;Afghanistan Op Herrick;casualties;heliborne ops;conditions;RSMI D&M School;commissioned;QRL attachment;MTO, RCMO 2013.

Capt JP McGinn 4/7RDG/RDG 1990-2014 interviewed at his home in Catterick by Barry Port on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered; reasons for joining;basic training Catterick;joined 4/7RDG Detmold Jan 91;NI tour Maze prison;amalgamation 1992;integration;NI training;deployment to Belfast after Canary Wharf bomb;riots;Tidworth 1996;Bosnia 1997;NI - Drumcree;move to Munster;life in Germany;training;AFV Signals School 2004;Officers Mess Manager;SSM D Sqn 2007;Iraq-Op Telic 11;Warrior;Scots Guards;Basra;Catterick - RQMS 2010;Afghanistan;casualties and effect on regt;RSM;memorial to the fallen;medal parade York Racecourse;commissioned 2012;Training Officer;conversion to medium armour role;armoured soldier qualities.

Maj Mike McKone 4/7RDG/RDG 1973-1992 interviewed at his home in Huntington by Alan Jude on 17 October 2013.

Topics covered; Joining 4/7RDG 1973;Independent Armd Recce Sqn;equipment;deployment to Cyprus;heavy landing at Akrotiri;UN attachment - Nicosia;conditions;incidents;shellfire;fighting around Nicosia University;return to UK;MK 5 Ferret;2ic A Sqn 1997;deployment to Bosnia as armoured reserve;conditions;incidents;local police;move from mountains;accommodation;weather condition;capabilities of Serbian T55 tank;amalgamation;cultural differences;reservations;regimental revue on St Patrick's Day;females in Army.

Col NCT Millen OBE 4/7RDG/RDG 1980-2014 interviewed at Thirsk by Mark Faulkner on 30 January 2014

Topics covered;background;joining regt in Fallingbostel;activities;troop leading in Berlin;Detmold;ADC to Gen Bagnall;operational changes;inner cabal;recce tp ldr in Scorpion;Adjutant;staff college exam;SO3 15 Bde Topcliffe;Staff College during 1st Gulf War;A Sqn Ldr on Chieftain;amalgamation;COS BRAC Bielefeld;formation of recce bde;Op Grapple, Bosnial;MOD post;Russia visit;MS4;SO1 Combined Arms Field Training, Hohne;CO RDG;Northern Ireland;move to Tidworth;training;Col RAC MCM Div;Comd Catterick Garrison;role and challenges;appointed Col of Regt.

Mrs Sue Ellen Milne 5 Innis DG 1957-1972, daughter of Vic Chester, interviewed at her home in Burnley by Ben Robinson on 31 July 2013.

Topics covered: many incidents and memories of family life in various stations; Sennelager 1957-62;1963 Warminster;1964-65 father on unaccompanied tour in Aden;1966-67 Benghazi and Cyprus;1968 Weeton;1969 Herford;1971 Munster;father's stroke;father's retirement from Army as WO2 1972; the Skins family.

Mr Joe Monks 4/7RDG 1963-91 interviewed at his home in Ewell by Eric Stockley on 12 February 2014.

Topics covered: introduction and summary of career;Munster 1963;Army Youth Team;Aden;incidents and memories;deployments;Sharjah, Habilayn, Dhala;thoughts;Omagh - Saladins and Ferrets;JSSC Latimer;duties;Sennelager-Chieftain;Tidworth 1974;recruiting in Huddersfield;Fallingbostel Tp Sgt A Sqn;families facilities;Catterick SQMS HQ Sqn;Detmold WO2 Officers Mess manager;1985 Long Service List 1985;retirement 1991.

Brig David Montgomery 5 Innis DG 1972-1992 interviewed in London by Alan Jude on 22 May 2014.

Topics covered: Background;why joined Skins;Sandhurst training;joining regt Munster;Cyprus tour 73/74;Berlin Squadron;role;activities;social life;Catterick - training regt;Osnabruck 1976;Adjutant responsibilities;skiing;instructor at Sandhurst;officer recruiting;1981 D Sqn Ldr;BATUS;Staff College;MA to Commander Land Army;D Sqn Ldr Warminster demo Sqn;move to Paderborn;motivation;MOD post;1989 Kenya Staff College instructor;Sept 1990 assumed command of regt;selection of key personnel;preparation for Gulf War 1;preparation for amalgamation;social life;operational priorities;amalgamation principles;attitudes;selection of uniform;orbat details;officer strength;pride in service;family life.

Mr Terence Moxham 5 Innis DG 1955-1976 (RSM 1974-76) interviewed by Billy Walker at his home in Stoke on Trent on 2 August 2013.

Topics covered: Introduction;basic training;badges and uniform;D&M instructor;Great Railway strike;Sennelager;conditions;role;training;exercises;sports;marriage;recce troop on Ferret Scout Car;border patrols;Tidworth 1962;RAC Para Sqn - Hornet with Malkara;Air Troops in regiments;pilot training;Aden as pilot;Benghazi as pilot;(see 'Rise and Fall of the Air Troop);Benghazi riots;families evacuated;moved to RAF El Adem;role - Air/Sea rescue;Weeton as Officers Mess manager;SSM HQ Sqn;Herford;crash out and mobilisation to East German border 1969;Munster Chieftain, diesel:exercises;RQMS;responsibilities;Canada exercises 1973;British Columbia Dragoons;R&R in Canada and USA;Cyprus UN tour 1973/74;move to Catterick;role;personal study;sad farewell;summing up;separate interview 'THe Rise and Fall of the Regimental Air Troop'.

Mr Cecil Newton 4/7RDG 1942-1945 interviewed at his home near Marlborough by Barry Port on 27 August 2013.

Topics covered: Background;Beam Benders;basic training Bovington;trade training;Lloyd Carriers;Churchill tanks;joining regt;training on Valentine tanks;Sherman DD tanks;amphibious training with Valentine;Davis Escape Apparatus;role and equipment of regt;training accidents and casualties;Studland memorial;final training for D Day;D Day briefings;loading onto LCTs;D Day delayed - weather;troop objective;conditions at sea 3 to 6 June 44;arrival on beach;conditions on beach;incidents;build-up of troops;rejoining Sqn on 11th;new tanks issued;action at Verriers - 7 killed;actions during advance to Belgium;incidents;Lille;info from resistance fighters;Hell's Highway;intense fighting at Triprath;tank hit;wounded;treatment and evacuation to UK;adjusting to normal life;writes book 'A Soldier's Tale';the Regimental Association.

Tpr Daniel O'Donnell RDG 2013 interviewed at Catterick by 2/Lt Charles Morris on 8 September 2013.

Topics covered:background;phase 1 training Bassingbourne;phase 2 training Bovington;joining regt;life in Catterick;lack of vehicles;aspirations.

Brig John Oborne 4/7RDG 1946-1965 interviewed at his home near Warminster by Eric Stockley on 3 December 2013.

Topics covered; Background;reasons for joining 4/7RDG;basic training 1946, Retford and Barnard Castle;Sabratha, Libya 1948;conditions;Suez crisis;Adjutant Scottish Horse Dunkeld;Fallingbostel;roles;Lulworth as Gunnery Instructor;Catterick as training regiment;Staff College;Munster as Sqn Ldr;Aden;Habilayn;Sharjah;posting to Detmold;British Liaison Officer Fort Knox USA;Warminster as instructor;Sudan, running British Army team in Staff College;role;Wilton - overseas training;India - Defence Advisor to High Commissioner;travel through Iran/Afghanistan;RCB Westbury as examiner;retirement;Schools Liaison Officer;Defence Attache Dublin;Irish Parliamentary Commission;feelings since leaving regt in Aden and not returning.

Mr Stewart Osborn 5 Innis DG 1942-1946 interviewed at his home in Gosport by Billy Walker on 24 May 2014.

Topics covered: Introduction and career summary;training at Ludgershall and Barnard Castle;joining regiment;training;in recce tp;1943 moved to Northampton;Ex Spartan;incidents;at Kirkcudbright when informed of D Day;Norfolk;to Fareham Aug 44;ship to Normandy, pontoon onto beach;Stukas firing on beach;incidents;equipped with Stuarts;move up through battle area;bombed;Villers Bocage;ration packs from 1914-18 war;incidents;V2 sites; RAF Typhoons;Rhine;jaundice-hospitalised and evacuated;back to regt at DP camp at Brunsbuttel near Kiel Canal;incidents;demob 1946.

Lt Col FAJ Piggott OBE 4/7RDG 1991-92 RDG 1992-2013 commanded regiment 2011-2013, interviewed at Army HQ Andover on 22nd January 2015 by Noel McCleery.

Topics covered(in order): General outline of interview and experience.

Joined 4/7 DG in 1991.  Amalgamation; Armoured training and role and experience; Change of character over 25 years; Amalgamation observations; Distinct character of regiments; Development of RDG identity; Belfast and PGF deployment 1996; Effect of Germany on regiment; Challenger; End of armoured ‘warrior’ ethos; Lag in operational experience; Telic 5 roles;  Telic 11 roles and deployments; tasks; changing role of the armoured soldier; development of regimental character; Dress, recruiting areas and history comments; thinking behind change to green beret; History and traditions; Cap on NI recruiting and effect on regimental character; perception of wider army community; regiment comfortable in own skins;  fundamental change of 25 years;

Time in command; takeover; Johnnie Cray’s legacy; weariness after 2 Iraq and 1 Afghanistan tours; Difficulty of ensuring deployment as formed unit; Reasons for choosing Police Mentoring role; training for role; assistance from N Yorks police and PSNI; de-escalation to prevent insider attacks; Warthog  Sqn with Bde Recce Force; outstanding SNCOs; training the Afghan police; Insider attack fears; example of preventing insider attack ‘green on blue’; qualities of RDG soldier; 

Lt Col Barry Port 5 Innis DG/RDG 1971-2008 interviewed at his home in Shipton Bellinger by Billy Walker on 25 May 2014.

Topics covered:Background;Junior Leaders Regiment RAC Bovington;joining regt Munster 1971;training and equipment - Chieftain;Catterick on Provost staff;move to Osnabruck;BATUS;ammo safety breach;Tp Sgt A Sqn;Canada;personalities;NI tour 1981;incidents;Roslea mortaring;Ansell Cup;Tidworth;D&M School instr;Recce Tp Canada;Officers Mess manager;NI tour under 6UDR;finds of weapons and explosives;Hong Kong as instructor;Vietnamese boat people;illegal immigrants;triads and criminal gangs;amalgamation;RSM;problems;NI tour;commissioned as QM;Tidworth 1996-67;QM Technical 1999;2ic A Sqn;Camp Commandant in Egypt;Sierra Leone as UN Observer;Sqn Ldr in Germany;senior instructor D&M School;changes to training;RAC rugby league;new IT system in Warminster;cultural differences and relationships;closing remarks.

The RDG Pipes and Drums practicising in Catterick, recorded by Billy Walker in June 2014.  The regimental march 'Fare Thee Well Inniskilling' is in the second half. 

Mr Terence Moxham 5 Innis DG 1955-1976, Pilot 1965-1970 interviewed at his home in Stoke on Trent by Billy Walker on 2 August 2013.

Topics covered: background to Air Troops;Skins pilots;training;difficulties of flying;flying in Aden;conditions;role;Sam Puckerin casulaty;directing guns onto terrorist village;Sioux helicopter;Benghazi-helicopters in crates;training;signs of WW2 battles;Lady be Good aircraft;incidents - forced landing;picked up by Hercules;Benghazi riots;move to El Adem;incidents;return to UK;disbandment of Air Troop 1968.

WO2 Chris Richards MC RDG 1997-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Billy Walker on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered: Background;training;joined regt at Tidworth 1997;exercises;Standard Parade 1998;Op Fresco - fireman's strike;OPFOR in BATUS;Hohne;Poland;left and rejoined 2007;Iraq;role;Charge of the Knights operation;leading into Basra;2 IEDs;shooting;used main armament;more IEDs;objective; wdr to BASRA airport;posted to Bassingbourne;awarded MC;May 2009 investiture;recce tp;training;incidents;promoted WO2;Afghanistan extended tour;preparing to train Libyan Army;aspirations.

WO2 Robbie Ross RTR/RDG 1989-2014 interviewed in Catterick by Billy Walker on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered: 1989 trained with QRIH in Catterick;joined 4RTR in Osnabruck;amalgamation with 1RTR;joined RDG as PTI in 1996;family life in Tidworth and Winchester;training recruits;Munster to 1999;exercises;recce tp;exercise in Poland;incidents;courses;changes of role 2006/7;Iraq Op Telic 5;patrols;tour in Cyprus;Iraq - Op Telic 11;Bulldogs;Warriors;role;incidents;gunnery posting;friends killed on Op Herrick 12;Op Herrick 17;police mentoring;RQMS;aspirations;traditions.

Mr Bob Rowell 4/7RDG 1967-1979 interviewed at his home near Norwich by Alan Jude on 29 January 2014.

Topics covered: Background;reasons for joining 4/7RDG;training in Catterick;joined regt on exercise on Salisbury Plain;Omagh;met wife;1969 Sennelager;incidents;learning German;married quarters;Stalwart fire incident;Jankers;1973 Tidworth;Coronation Street housing;loss of friend on NI tour;Regimental band;clerk employment;driving qualifications and employment;1976 Fallingbostel;army pay;German friends;border patrol;Berlin corridor;folk music group;car rallying;camaraderie;friends one made in Army;highlights of service.

Maj Benedict Ryan RDG 1995-2012 interviewed in London by David Boardman on 18 July 2013.

Topics covered: Background;joining regt in Paderborn;Op Banner NI training;Ex Lion Sun Cyprus;delpoyment to Belfast following Canary Wharf bomb;Girdwood;weekly routine;patrols;Irish soldiers;relations with locals;RUC;Tp Ldrs Course;Tidworth;exercises on Salisbury Plain;1997 BATUS;conditions;1997 Bosnia att 9/12L;role and activities of Civil Affairs liaison Officer;demo Sqn Warminster;role;Headley Court;1999 NI training;Standard Parade;role in South Armagh;peace process;role and activities of watchkeeper in Londonderry;JDSC course content;role and duties SO3 Development and Doctrine;SO3 G5 Plans HQ 1 (UK) Armd Div Herford;Iraq invasion plans;deployment to Kuwait;US Marines;Iraq invasion 2003;Basra airport;activities;Basra Palace;visit of Tony Blair;Iraqi people attitude;mistakes made;death of 6 RMPs;Staff College;role of SO2 MOD Operational Equipment;2007 rejoin regt Munster;settling in after long period away;career;re-roling for Op Telic 11;deployment to Basra;1Scots BG;role;Op Charge of the Knights;incidents;IED effects on Warrior;summary;thoughts of leaving Army;Catterick;Challenger 2;routine;injury and rehab;Army HQ Project Hyperion;Army HQ Plans Dept;decision to leave;Ladysmith Commemmoration in South Africa;Boer War battlefields;adventure training;blind skiing;reflections of 18 years service and changes to role and outlook.

Maj Noel Santry 5 Innis DG 1956-1985 interviewed at his home near Enniskillen by Billy Walker on 18 october 2013.

Topics covered: Joining for National Service 1956; Catterick training;interview with CO Monkey Blacker;Sennelager;Centurion tanks;conversion to regular engagement;life in barracks;sport;conditions;personalities;North Irish Horse posting;meeting wife;Hong Kong;married quarter;Benghazi;conditions;Arab/Israeli 6 day war;incidents;evacuation of families;conditions in barracks;radio tombola;drive overland to UK;Weeton Camp;Herford;equipment;COs guard;Munster;Officers Mess Manager;SSM A Sqn;RQMS;Cyprus UN tour;commissioning;MTO Catterick;Osnabruck;OC HQ Sqn;NI tour 1981;role;HQ NI as Information Officer;role and duties;Maze breakout;Royal Yeomanry Admin Offr;retirement 1985;General Trading Company;Queen Mother;summing up.

Mrs Jean Santry (family life as child and wife 5 Innis DG 1950s-1980s) interviewed at her home near Enniskillen by Billy Walker on 18 October 2013.

Mrs Santry is the daughter of the late Sgt Jimmy Taggart and wife of Maj Noel Santry,

Topics covered: Boat train Harwich-Hook;Barker Barracks Paderborn;living conditions schools;Hull transit camp;Catterick until 1957;Sennelager;Hamm Boarding School;work in Belfast;met Noel;Hong Kong;conditions;work at HQ LFHK;Benghazi;memories;work as PA to Area Commander;social life;riots;effects on families;casualties;problems;prep for evacuation;drive back to UK;Weeton Camp near Blackpool;Herford;additions to family;Cyprus 1973;joining Officer' Mess;NI tour 1981;postings;Noel Chairman of OCA; A Regimental family.

Capt Richard Sealey 4/7RDG 1968-1992 interviewed at his home in Southampton by Mike Bartlett on 30 May 2013.

Topics covered: Background;Junior Leaders Regiment;Joining regiment in Omagh;experiences;1969 to Sennelager;Chieftain;RAC Para Sqn for 4 years;NI tours;1974 back to regt;GW troop;Tidworth;courses;employments and equipment;firefighting in Belfast;1982 Catterick training regt;Potential Officers wing;training;Belize;border patrols;BATUS Ex Med Man 7;experiences;extreme weather conditions;SSM A Sqn;RSM Cyprus;Green Line Nicosia;commision;Regt Ski Hut;QM(T) Chieftain Regiment;amalgamation;drawdown of equipment;redundancy.

Sgt Martin Slattery RDG 2003-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Lt Charles Morris on 2 September 2013.

Topics covered: Background;training in Bassingbourne and Winchester;joining regt in Munster;social life;routine;Iraq-Op Telic 5;role;life in Catterick;Afghanistan Op Herrick 17;police mentoring;change of role;relationships;conditions in Catterick;changes on promotion.

Miss Lesli Speers (daughter of Capt John Speers 4/7RDG interviewed at her home in Adlington by Billy Walker on 1 June 2013.

Topics covered: Born Iran 1976;school in Antrim;Royal Wedding 1981;school in Leeds with Belfast accent;Detmold for nearly 10 years;regtl tercentenary;father's role;meeting Duchess of Kent;boarding school;effect on education;losing friends when parents posted;social activities;security precautions;holidays in Europe;subsequent visit to Detmold;Rhine Army Summer Show;BFBS;leaving army cocoon;reflections.

Capt John Speers 4/7RDG/RDG 1968-1993 interviewed at his home in Adlington by Billy Walker on 29 June 2013.

Topics covered: Background;training;joined regt Omagh;situation;Sennelager;posting to Sharjah;incidents;Army Youth Team;activities;met wife;Sennelager;career change to clerk;Tidworth;Canada exercises;Iran-Loan Service;equipment;Chieftain;life in Iran;Fallingbostel;1979 NI posting;9 UDR;casualties;family life;Catterick;Duchess of Kent visit;move to Detmold;life in Detmold;Tercentenary Parade - Standard Bearer;painting in Officers Mess;WO1-families officer;commissioned.posting to ACIO Bradford/Chester;recruits;round up of career.

Maj Eddie Spence 5 Innis DG/RDG 1969-1998 RSM (89-91) interviewed at his home near Gloucester by Barry Port on 5 June 2013.

Topics covered:Background;training Catterick;arrival Herford;composition of regt;exercises;incidents;social life;conditions;1971 Munster;re-roling to armour;conditions;Chieftain;personalities;gunnery camp conditions;family conditions;BATUS May 1973;Marriage;1973 Cyprus tour;UNFICYP;armd soldier flexibility;Catterick;MQ state;financial hardship;role of trg regt;recruiting;1976 Osnabruck;change of orbat;training;posting gnry school;conditions;professionalism and mindset of regt;visit of Australian Sqn;exercises;Active Edge;nuclear site guards;1981 NI tour;training;attitude of soldiers;leadership, spirit,ethos;Ansell Cup competition;impact on families;BFBS TV;social events;Cpls Mess;Tidworth;MQs;role;Tercentenary;Paderborn C Sqn SSM;IRA attacks in Germany;2nd NI tour;deployments and role;successes;amalgamation;prep for Gulf War;conversion to Challenger 1;Summary of time as RSM;transition to Officers Mess;1st RDG NI tour;leaving the regt;summary of career.

Capt Steven Stewart 4/7RDG/RDG 1987-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Barry Port on 19 June 2014.

Topics covered: Background;basic training Catterick;Jan 87 joined regt Detmold;exercises;family;training;sports;Cyprus tour;courses;Hohne ranges;amalgamation;NI tour Maze prison;Tidworth;BATUS;recruiting Leeds;Officers Mess Manager;Oman exercise;career progression;Iraq Op Telic5;WO1 post Bovington;commissioning;officer posts in regt;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12;casualties;Afghanistan 2nd tour;changes to soldiers over decades.

Mr Paul Stopford-Adams 4/7RDG 1963-1967 interviewed at his home in Dorset by Mike Bartlett on 16 January 2014.

Topics covered: Background;training Sandhurst;Tp Ldrs Cse Bovington;joined regt 1964;arrival RAF Gutersloh;Soltau training;Gunnery Camp Hohne;sports;Saladin;Gunnery Officer;1965 Aden;incidents and memories.

Maj Gen GMG Swindells 5 Innis DG and afterwards 1948-1985 interviewed at his home in Wiltshire by Barry Port on 15 November 2013.

Topics covered; Overview of career;family background;training with 12th Lancers and Mons;joining regt Paderborn;personalities;conditions;National Servicemen;composition of regt;routine;sports;regimental reputation;Cheshire Yeomanry;Comet tanks;prep for Korea;MS Georgic conditions;arrival Korea;train move to front;reception from 8th Hussars;harsh weather conditions;Centurions;Hill 355;Commonwealth Division comradeship;patrols;mines;incidents;effect of incoming artillery fire;keeping warm;rations;laundry system;Canal Zone Egypt;Lt Col Dick Vigors taking command;background of soldiers;Adjt Cheshire Yeomanry;1958 Technical Adjutant;regimental outlook;OC B Sqn;CO Lt Col Harry Walker;Welsh Guards;1961 Standard Parade;death of SSM Garragan;Singapore posting;Brunei uprising;Jahore Polo Club;Aden OC HQ Sqn;activities;Cyprus OC A Sqn;situation;Bde Maj 7 Armd Bde;appointment as CO 9/12 Lancers;Bde Comd 11 Bde;visit of politician;RCDS;Def Procurements;JSLO Bonn;Defence intelligence Staff;retirement;ABF;BLESMA;Colonel of 9/12 Lancers;National President of Korean Wr Veterans.

Brig Ian Talbot 4/7RDG 1969-1990 and afterwards interviewed at his home in Oxfordshire by Eric Stockley on 3 March 2014.

Topics covered; Background;reasons for joining;joined regt Sennelager;personalities;Chieftain;NI tour with Life Guards, East Belfast;Gunnery Officer;ADC to Governor Gibralter;Cyprus tour;Tidworth;Adjutant;NI Fireman's strike;Cranwell;Staff College;met wife;Detmold Sqn Ldr;NI tour Maze prison;Sandhurst as Coy Cmdr;instructor at Staff College;1988 CO;Op Grandee;Land Forces advisor in Riyadh;Chief of Staff Division Germany;Higher Command Staff College;reorg of RAC, Bovington;Cyprus UN tour;Saudi Arabia;Yemen;retirement;world food programme Indonesia;closing thoughts;amalgamation.

Col CE Taylor MC 5 Innis DG 1947-1989 interviewed at his home in Herefordshire by Barry Port on 18 November 2013.

Topics covered; career summary;background;RCB;training;Sandhurst;travelling through Ruhr to join regt Paderborn;meeting CO Lt Col Alex Scott;role of regt;training;visiting WOs and Sgts Mess;devastated Hamburg;training at Soltau;facilities in Paderborn;Officers Club Bad Lippspringe;1950 B Sqn;personalities;trials on Centurion and combat clothing;training on Rhine;Vogelsang;Formation level exercises on Weser;1951 Asst Adjt/IO;warned for Korea;bringing regt to War Estb;equipment;Cromwell tanks;Talavera Barracks Aldershot;sent off by 14/20H;MV Georgic;onboard training and experiences;arrival Pusan;train journey forward;Korean soldiers;Sqn roles;operational cycle;Tp Ldr C Sqn;routine in troop position;Op Jehu;award of Military Cross;attached NZ tank crew;handover;Op Jehu detail;legacy of Korean War;Egypt;conditions;Tech Adjt and PRI Offr;exercise with Guards Brigade;routine in camp;visit to Jerusalem;move back to Catterick;ADC to Gen John Anderson, Herford;Paris;machine gun accident at Sennelager;1956 Adjt Catterick;incidents;Sennelager;link of recruiting areas to Yeomanry areas;recruiting area;200 NI recruits in first year;Sandhurst as Pl Comd and Adjt;training focus;replacement of Commandant;1961 OC HQ Sqn;Standard Parade 1961;1962 posting 39 Bde NI;incidents;deployment to Aden;Posting to HQ RAC 3 Div;manpower involvement in horse trials;3 Div exercise in Libya;1966 Libya with regt;OC C Sqn - armd cars;exercise with American Marines;Lady be Good expedition;rescue of CO;1967 Benghazi riots detailed description;hospital treatment.medical evacuation;possible command of Blues and Royals;told he would command Skins;Headley Court treatment;1969 takes command in Herford;move to Munster;conversion to Chieftain;reorg of regt;personnel policy;concerns about concept of Corps Counter Attack Operations;unrealistic training Hohne;Lord Mayor of Belfast's visit to regt;interesting and irritating problems of CO;100th Anniversary of death of Yorke Scarlett;Sqn bars; Ansell Cup competitions;Swedish S tank trial;HQ Wales, Brecon;Col GS Collective Trg HQ UKLF;personalities;decision to apply for redundancy.

Lt Col Charles Thwaites 4/7RDG 1969-1992 interviewed at his home in Herefordshire by Carolyn Barstow on 11 August 2013.

Topics covered: Background;places served;changes over 23 years;reduction in size of army;decision to leave;troop leading 1970;NI tour 1972;casualties;Op Motorman;NI tour 1974;IO activities;incidents;working with Royal Fusiliers;1976-78 Oman armoured sqn;role;exercises on tanks;TA deployments;threat;BATUS;simulation;Bertrand Stewart essay;interview with SACEUR;posting as speech writer SHAPE;writing doctrine at Wilton;family life;commanding the regiment;effects of the Gulf War;amalgamation;career highlights;Cyprus incidents;running a charity;looking back.

Brig Johnny Torrens-Spence 5 Innis DG/RDG 1977-1994 (CO 1992-94 Colonel 2009-2014) interviewed in Yorkshire by Mark Faulkner on 3 May 2013.

Topics covered: Time as SSLC offr;Munster, Cyprus, Berlin;1977 Osnabruck;exercises;BATUS;expedition to Greenland;1979 Adjt NIH Belfast;1982 Sqn Ldr Osnabruck;soldiering and exercising in the Cold War era;doctrine changes;Indian Staff College;role in Operational Requirements;design of replacement for Challenger 1;1989 Sqn Ldr Paderborn;NI tour;MA to QMG;logistic support to Gulf War deployment;prep for amalgamation;1992 1st CO RDG;1994 Project Manager Challenger 2;1996 Recce Bde Cmdr;Balkans deployment Chief Operations NATO HQ;Defence Attache Pakistan during 9/11;Military Attache Washington;invasion of Iraq;transformation of US Army from armoured warfare, conventional operations army to counter insurgency force;2008 Deputy Commander of Multinational Transformation Force Iraq;role of Colonel of Regiment.

Lt Col HSL Tottenham 5 Innis DG 1943-1947 and Sharpshooters 1954-1965 interviewed at his home in Ramsbury by Barry Port on 26 September 2013.

Topics covered:Background;Oxford University Armoured Sqn;1943 Sandhurst ;joining regt in Yorkshire;deployments;personalities;Cromwell tanks;Sqn Orbat;deployment to Normandy;deaths.conditions;moving towards Seine;advance towards Ghent;finding river crossing point;action at S'Hertogenbosch;75th anniversary Association visit;Christmas regtl revue in Munstergeelen;the recce tp poem;travel to and from Paris;Liaison officer to Bde;taking surrender of 2000 German soldiers at Brunsbuttel;surrender at Naval dockyard;Itzehoe;conditions;gunnery training;award of Belgian Order of Leopold II and the Croix de Guerre;move to Munster;many awaiting demob.

Service in the Sharpshooters 1954-1965;CO 1962-1965;brief wartime history of the Sharpshooters.

Maj John Townrow RDG 2001-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Lt Jack Torrens-Spence on 31 March 2014.

Topics covered: Career summary;background;Sandhurst;life in Germany in early 00s;facilities;Challenger 2;Iraq Op Telic 5;tour,locations, roles;Iraq Op Telic 11;situation;frustrations;move to Catterick;differences to life;Afghanistan Op Herrick 12;working in Bde HQ;tasks;casualties;frustrations with regtl role;role as C Sqn Ldr;training Libyan Armed Forces;reflections on service.

WO2 Richard Wales RDG 1998-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Barry Port on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered: Reasons for joining;basic training ATR Winchester;phase 2 training Bovington;joined regt Tidworth;BATUS;NI training;move to Munster;conversion to Challenger 2;social life;employment;Iraq - mentoring role;exercise in Poland;courses;Instr ATR Winchester;BATUS safety staff;Afghanistan;Viking vehicles;casualty in troop;incidents;Tp Ldr Challenger;Afghanistan 2012;conversion to medium armour role;outlook.

Mr Billy Walker 5 Innis DG 1963 - 1985 interviewed at his home in Cumbria by Peter McCormick on 16 May 2013.

Earliest memories in late 49/50 Paderborn; family living conditions; incidents; military train journeys; move to Catterick 1950; first school; schoolboy adventures; move to Birkenhead; to Sennelager; regimental friends; Windsor School Hamm; FVRDE Kirkcudbright; school in Newcastle; 

To shipyard at age 15; joined Army at 17.5 years; training at Catterick; Joined regt at Tidworth; Aliwal Barracks; Centurions; foot injury; charges; found court martial papers; RAF camp; bullying incident; canister ammo; Hong Kong; conditions; bars; fights with 47 Hvy Regt RA; bullying incident; made to measure suits; US 7th Fleet visits; stolen bus incident; Libya 1966; Living conditions; equipment; desert conditions; hitch-hiking to Tripoli; UN attachment; SAS selection; old car at Bovington; hawk memories; 6 day war 5 Jun 1967; background;  Benghazi riots; 

4 in Saracen downtown  to rescue people; riot squad; CS grenades; flying rocks; Maj Taylor hit by rock; petrol poured; escaped; mob attacked; flames out; injuries; got to British Embassy; rescued by helicopter; others rescued by Libyans; BMH Benghazi; casevac to Malta then UK; to RAF Halton; treatment; to Weeton; equipment; rounding up girls for dance; meeting future wife; Vigilant GW course; to Herford; married life; winter conditions; 1st anniv of Czech uprising; Munster 1970; Chieftain; incident with CO; posted to NI; Army Youth Team tasks; security incidents; life in Lisburn; to Catterick; training recruits; drill course at Pirbright; Riley incident; Osnabruck; D Sqn Tp Ldr; best time in career;  Int WO; NI tour; Rosslea mortar attack; QRF incident; video interview incident; RSWO; differences with RSM; to Hong Kong 1982; good life; to NI for last two years; LSGC.

Maj Richard Walker 4/7RDG/RDG 1987-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Barry Port on 20 June 2014.

Topics covered: Background;basic training;joining regt in Detmold;daily routine;exercises in German countryside;visit to Berlin;1990 NI tour with 2 Royal Irish Rangers;prison guard force, Maze;amalgamation;attitudes;BATUS;deployment from Cyprus to Belfast after Canary Wharf bomb;Tidworth;exercises;1999 move to Munster;2001 PSI RMLY Chester;Op Fresco firman's strike;BATUS OPFOR;2004 Iraq;incidents;RSMI Shrivenham;experiences in Kansas;2008commissioned;Welfare Officer duties;Afghanistan tour;impact of losses on regiment and families;30 casualties and 4 KIA;srength of regtl family;QM recce Afghanistan;injury and recovery;Afghanistan deployment;subsequent appointments.

Col Guy Wathen 5 Innis DG 1946-1970 (CO 1968-1970) interviewed at his home in Norfolk by Alan Jude on 26 July 2013.

Topics covered: Joining army 1943;transfer to Skins 1946;Itzehoe;1946 ADC to Gen Keightley, GOC BAOR;Berlin Airlift;1949 Adjt Paderborn;Centurion tanks;move to Korea;culture change from Germany;role;conditions;incidents;Charles Taylor MC;casualties;supporting the Black Watch;Mike Anstice MC;regt to Egypt;Adjt Cheshire Yeomanry;Catterick RAC training regt;1957 Sennelager Sqn Ldr;1961 North Irish Horse;Tidworth;sporting successes;posting to Fort Knox as British Armour Liaison Officer;1967 Benghazi;6 day war;Benghazi riots;Air Squadron;organising defence of camp;vist of Col Gaddafi;assuming command of regt;trouble in Cyprus;evacuation of families;Weeton Camp near Blackpool;activities;1969 Herford;exercises in US zone;1970 handed over command;command of RAC Tactical School;Military Attache Rome;role and duties;retirement;family life in army;reflections on Fort Knox;Americans attitude to English;relationship between officers and soldiers;soldiers through the last 60 years.

Mr John Wisener 5 Innis DG 1968-2005 (RSM 1987-89) interviewed at his home in Reading by Barry Port on 13 June 2014.

Topics covered: reasons for joining;basic training Catterick;Saladin;attachment to 4/7RDG;exercises;1968 joined Skins Weeton;conditions;pay;comradeship;Assault Troop;1969 Herford;Armd Recce Role;conditions;exercises;border patrols;1970 Munster;change of role;Chieftain tanks;Ansell Cup competition;1st BATUS exercise;Battle Group composition;regtl expertise;1973 Cyprus UN tour;Catterick trg regt;training recruits;families' conditions;joining WOs & Sgts Mess;Osnabruck;regt regrouping;1981 NI tour;tour assessment;Australia Ex Southern Cross;Leopard tank;large exercises;King Leopold funeral;loss of Maj Peter Pearn;Warminster demo sqn;Tercentenary;financial hardships in UK;RQMS; RSM;thoughts on commissioning;Force Sgt Maj in Sinai;GSM Bovington;Amalgamation;RSM Army Staff College 1993-97;RSM JSCSC 200-2005;awarded MBE;summary of time in regt;family; ethos.

Maj Gen HCG Woods CB MVO MBE MC DL 5 Innis DG 1943-1967 (CO 1965-1967) interviewed at his home in North Yorkshire by Mark Faulkner on 11 February 2014.

Topics covered: Reasons for joining;joined regt OCt 1943;deployment to Normandy July 1944;fighting in Normandy;Operation Blackcock December 1944;move through Belgium, Holland;injury;hospital;war ended on 21st birthday;BAOR - regt reputation for professionalism and sports;Internationsl Horse Show at Olympia;advance party to Korea;action in Korea;Canal Zone Egypt;commanded regtl detachment at Coronation;1953 Catterick;Monkey Blacker;laying up of last standard of Inniskilling Dragoons in St Macartans Cathedral Enniskillen;Staff College;Sennelager as Sqn Ldr;National Servicement;establishment of regtl recruiting areas;1961 Standard Parade;1964 2ic regt Aden;deployment of regt;assumed command of regt;tensions with Brigadier;1966 Benghazi;1967 Arab/Israeli war;riots and aftermath;handed over command Oct 1967;post regimental appointments.

Brig Charles Wright 4/7RDG 1959-1983 (CO 1981-1983) interviewed at his home in Wiltshire by Eric Stockley on 6 May 2014.

Topics covered: Career summary;joined as National Serviceman;training;1962 Munster as Tp Ldr;Centurion and Conqueror tanks;Junior Leaders Regiment;adventure training;Aden Sigs and Int Offr;role and activities;Omagh;Cyprus with UN;20 Armd Bde Detmold;Czech uprising anniversary;Staff College;Sennelager Sqn Ldr;Tidworth;BATUS;ADC to Comd Staff College;visit to Russian Staff College 1976;1977 Fallingbostel as Sqn Ldr;Duchess of Kent's visit;NI fire fighting;1979 DS Sudanese Staff College;1981 Catterick as CO;deployments;Berlin;move to Detmold;Gibralter as Staff Offr to Governor;Spanish threat;RMCS Shrivenham as Chief of Staff;Commander New College Sandhurst;Regular Commissions Board as Brigadier;redundancy 1994;reflections;civilian life.

Maj Tim Wright RDG 2001-2014 interviewed at Catterick by Capt R McConkey on 1 April 2014.

Topics covered: Resume of service;background;training Sandhurst, Bovington;joined regt 2001;equipment; life in Germany;change to Whole Fleet Management;First exercises;gunnery camp;Iraq Op Telic 5 2004;dispositions;roles;experiences;Afghanistan Op Herrick 10;roles;experiences;BATUS;experiences;July 2013 Sqn Ldr;differences between Germany and UK;unit cohesion;reflections on career;reflections on regiment.

Mrs Christine Zambelli (husband Lt Col K Zambelli(deceased) 4/7RDG)1967-1991 interviewed at her home in Weymouth by Mike Bartlett on 18 July 2013.

Topics covered: Meeting future husband 1967;marriage 1969;Omagh;shortage of MQs-separation;joining Sgts Mess;unaccompanied tours-separation;Tidworth;MQ haunted;Fallingbostel;magnificent buffets by army chefs;BFBS TV arrival in Germany;husband RSM;schools in BAOR;wives employment;husband commissioned;Catterick;Officers Quarters;boarding school;Detmold;employment;MQs;Visit of Duchess of Kent;1991 Bovington;owning first house;1998 Keith awarded MBE;family experiences.