REME Keeping the British Army on the road during the Cold War

Aged 16 Chris joined the British Army apprentice school in Arborfield, at Princess Marina College. He was trained as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers otherwise known as REME.We talk about life expectancy in war scenarios, experiences with crash-out exercises, and life as a British soldier in West GermanyChris also served Post-Wall Berlin with the Military Police and describes an interesting “secret” job he was involved in.The episode was recorded at one of the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker Living History Weekends where Chris is one of the re-enactors. His advice has proved valuable to the other re-enactors as he is someone who was there… It’s a great down-to-earth account of a sometimes forgotten part of the British Army, without whose support they wouldn’t have been able to operate. 0:00 Introduction and Chris's early life and decision to join the British army3:05 Life expectancy in war scenarios and crash out exercises4:40 Casualties on exercises and in training9:25 Encounters with Soviet military liaison units and inspections by the Warsaw Pact13:59 Living with the constant threat of conflict and its mental toll15:53 De-escalation of tensions and the opening of the Berlin Wall19:45 Life in Berlin post-Wall20:31 Best aspects of serving in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR)23:57 Differences between the RAF and the Army26:03 Closing remarks Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Extra episode info here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode309/The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/
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