Dancing Lessons

A Memory of Aldershot.

It was 1952 and the NAAFI Club held dancing lessons. Now, trying to learn to dance in hobnailed Army boots was impossible, but I did chat up a NAAFI girl and arranged to meet her after her work, which I did. She had, to me, an exotic name and was Finnish. When I arrived back at Baadjos Barracks the Intelligence Corps awaited me. I was taken to their HQ near Tunbridge Wells and quizzed overnight. Apparently they thought she was a Soviet spy and had been placed there to quiz solidiers about their regiments. I was so innocent then, but was angry when they refused me transport back to Aldershot. I had to phone the RSM who reluctantly sent a PU vehicle for me to return to Aldershot and my RASC unit. Being the RSM he really tore me off a strip - as RSMs do, of course. As he dismissed me with an angry warning about chatting up foreign girls, and wasting his time, he winked.
Graham Vahey.


Added 06 January 2010

#226900

Comments & Feedback

Hi Graham, such a lovely memory you have shared.
I know this is a long shot but I am trying to find a Harold Yancey who was stationed at Aldershot 1952/53. I believe he was either Canadian or American. I don't suppose you remember the name at all?
Kind regards
Carrie
Hi Carrie

My mother has some information about a US serviceman called Harold Yancey who was stationed in the UK at that time. She'd be very interested to hear from you.

Amery

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