"Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book." — Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.)
Editor's note : In these uncertain times there's concern that the youngest generation lacks the will to serve.
As a sixteen year old I was in my first fire fight on a ship in the South China Sea.
I had joined the Royal Navy in May 1964 having just turned 16 and commenced initial training at HMS Raleigh, down by Plymouth. I'd joined the RN partly to see the world (there is more to life that the street/town you live in - mine being Newcastle upon Tyne). My uncle was a Stoker in the RN, I never knew him as he was killed in World War II. My dad was in the Royal Signals during the same war so I combined the two ie: Joined the Royal Navy as a radio operator. My nickname in the RN was "Soapy" as there was a soap manufacturer many years ago called Watson.
War is a pendulum swinging back and forth between victory and defea, writes Joseph E Fallon. Its momentum is maintained by the gravity of human nature and human passions, maintained not just by emotions, but by blind arrogance and a blinder illusion.
We mark the passing of those who have served this country. Contributions from comrades and families welcome.Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
