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Post by Dave Ross on Nov 23, 2012 9:12:19 GMT -5
Our 2013 Reunion is to be held at Norton Manor Camp - where we all started life in the Army back in the early 60s. 29th June 2013.
If you were there drop me a line to join our Norton Manor Group.
Dave Ross
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Post by Dave Ross on Dec 4, 2012 8:04:01 GMT -5
The current tally of attendees is 103. 114 122 NOW 128[. 130 NOW 146 149. Will be a fantastic day. If you were at Norton Manor between 1961 to 1965 with the Junior Leaders Bn RASC please contact me.
We now have THREE of our Training SGTs also attending. BETTS Ford Pl, ASHFIELD Clayton Pl and Des EATOCK APTC who gave us all hell.
Dave Ross
Dave371uk@ntlworld.com
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Post by Dave Ross on May 7, 2013 14:40:37 GMT -5
“The Boys Are Back In Town”
From 1961 to 1965 Norton Manor Camp Taunton was the home for many young Fifteen year olds. This was the start of their careers in the Junior Leaders Battalion RASC.
Their welcome to camp was emphasised by a large billboard at the GUARD ROOM with the slogan of “COURAGE, KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY, UNSELFISHNESS”.
For some this was their first time away from the comforts of home life having been looked after by “Mum and Dad”. Their new “Mummy and Daddy” were the Corporals, Sergeants and even more horrific Sergeant Majors. It is fair to say they were not as forgiving as those back home
The training that the young soldiers underwent was a shock to the system. Besides the normal military side, marching, weapon training, assault course, etc., there was also a decision to be made by each young lad. Would he become a Driver, qualified to drive anything on wheels, or a clerk, capable of working in an office environment and organising military operations/events.
They were given the opportunity to improve on education and flourish in an array of Sports (one young lad went on to represent England in the 1972 Olympics and for some be part of the Junior Leaders RASC Band.
Following weeks of achieving the required high standard of dress the Junior Leaders were released on the good folks of Taunton. With so many boys descending into town at weekends, many formed long lasting relationships with the local girls. Some even continued this and later took it further with a walk down the aisle. As a result, Taunton girls are now living all over the world.
This training formed the foundation for successful careers for most ex Junior Leaders RASC. As the name implies they went on to be the Sergeants and Warrant Officers of the British Army. Some became Commissioned Officers and, several rose as high as Lieutenant Colonel.
With the aid of the Internet, a Group was formed with the aim of tracing those young boys from the era of the 1960’s. Presently 168 have been located.
Several small-localized reunions have been held across the UK where the seed was sown for a return to NORTON MANOR CAMP.
On Saturday 29th June 2013, Armed Forces Day, 150 old soldiers including wives/partners will once again return to Taunton to hold a Reunion in Norton Manor Camp.
The present incumbents of the camp are 40 Commando RM, and with their help will be hosting this very “special” get together.
The group was fortunate to receive a grant towards some of the costs from the RASC/RCT Military Association.
This will bring together long lost pals for the first time in 50 YEARS from across the UK, and from places like Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, Spain, and France.
If there are ex Junior Leaders from Norton Manor Camp who were there between 1961 and 1965 and would like more information of the Group, please contact: Dave371uk@ntlworld.com
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Post by Dave Ross on Jul 8, 2013 5:19:00 GMT -5
On the 29th June 2013, a Reunion of ex Junior Leaders RASC was held in NORTON MANOR Camp. The attendance at the function was a mind boggling 153.
A fantastic time was had by everyone.
Thank you to all that attended. The Group continues to grow so if you were at Norton Manor bewteen 1961 & 1965 RASC Times, drop me an email to join
this special group.
Dave Ross
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