National Service At Lydd Camp.

A Memory of Lydd.

In March 1954 a lovely spring day saw two new members of the Camp staff arriving at Lydd Station. Craftsman Pankhurst and Craftsman Francis.
Stepping out of the train was like stepping onto a silent world. It was very peaceful and quite delightful especially as one is inclined to think the worst of a posting to a place we never knew existed.
A truck had been sent to collect us for the short drive to the camp.
On entering the camp it was noticed that most of the ground was shingle and a comment about the similarity to a beach was mentioned to which the driver said that it was just like a holiday camp here.
The next fourteen months proved to be just that. It was a terrific experience and has great memories even sixty years on. I made many friends, which did help, and spent quite a lot of time playing table tennis in the NAAFI. What more could anybody wish for?
In the time spent at Lydd there were two camp dances held in the large gym with, on both occasions a visit from the Syd Phillips Band made the dances even more memorable. Also, coach loads of young ladies from Ashford. Does anyone remember them? Exciting times!
The nice thing is that I have managed to make contact with many of my colleagues from Lydd Camp days even after 60 years. Very Happy days.
Ron W Francis. 22900217 ( QM Stores) :O)

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