Conversations and Letters from Issue 107 Dec 06

REG GRIGGS
Paul Duffin ‘I was looking on the Internet to find an old friend I worked with 20 odd years ago at Bryant and May in London. Looking at the photos on your web site it does look like the Reg Griggs I knew. Could I ask if Reg remembers me and my brother Gary Duffin and could you ask him to get in touch to catch up on old times?’
The Nfk Editor responded: ‘I telephoned Reg this morning and he was flabbergasted ! He said he would telephone you. Reg told me he played basketball for the Army v Harlem Globetrotters and would have played soccer for the Army had he not gone to Korea.
Are there any scurrilous but printable tales of Reg at Bryant and May ? As a result of your call Reg is re-subscribing to the B&C.
Now living in Suffolk, I recall as a lad the splendid B&M building visible from the Seven Kings (where I lived) train to Liverpool St Station. Reg says it is now a listed apartment block.’ [B&C 107]

BOYS OF THE OLD BRIGADE - THE ROYAL HOSPITAL, CHELSEA
Founded in 1682 by Charles II for ‘The Succour and Relief of Veterans Broken by War’, the Royal Hospital at Chelsea is home for 365 veterans. Though service in war is not a condition of residence, service in the army is. Admission is open to one who is:
1.    In receipt of an Army Pension.
2.    65 years or older.
3.    Free of obligation to support a wife & family.
4.    Able to look after himself.
5.    Of Good Character.
On entry a pensioner will forfeit his Army Pension, be issued with a complete uniform and will not have to contribute to his keep. The Hospital has always been run on military lines with the men living in companies and being expected to maintain traditions established over 300 years. There are opportunities in indulge in any hobby or interest the resident may have. There are opportunities to visit Regimental Associations, battlefield tours, sporting occasions or just enjoy a restful old age!
When no longer able to look after himself, an In-Pensioner will be cared for in the Infirmary. Application as an In-Pensioner should be made to The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SF. The grounds and some of the buildings, including a Museum, are open to the public, daily from 10-12 am and 2-4 pm. The Chapel Service on Sundays, at 11 am, preceded by the Governor’s Parade, is also open to the public.
The Royal Hospital welcomes visits from Regimental Association Branches. A 2-hour conducted tour with an In-Pensioner Guide can be arranged; starting at either 10 am or 2 pm and includes the Great Hall, the Chapel, The Royal Hospital Museum and Shop and finally the Prince of Wales Hall for a cup of tea. Tel: 0171 730 0161 Ext 240 or Fax 0171 823 6871. [B&C 107]

TONY FISHLOCK
Tony Fishlock is part of HSF folklore.
He was at the bottom of a trench in the 1980s when Lord Trefgarne visited the Norwich HSF (Home Service Force) F Coy on exercise.
‘And what are you doing my man?’ asked the noble Lord.
‘Digging a sh** pit sir.’
[Originally in B&C 86 Jun 96 and repeated in B&C 107]

Editorial Rule
To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened.
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.