Local care client reflects on time in the army ahead of Remembrance Sunday
A local care client has reflected on his time in the army, ahead of Remembrance Day taking place this weekend.
Gary, who lives in Audlem, is a client of SureCare Central Cheshire and has a super, and some would say, rather cheeky personality.
The ex-Crewe resident has built a great rapport with one of SureCare's carers, Lesley, who he knew from a long time ago when she worked in hospitality.
Ahead of Remembrance, SureCare' quality assurance officer, Ashleigh, was keen to capture stories from clients who have served in the Armed Forces so others can hear what they experienced.
Gary's History In The Army
Gary joined the army in 1970, aged 19 years. He went to the Woolwich Royal Artillery Training Centre and completed six weeks training.
On completion of his training he was then posted to 22LT Air Defence Regiment in Dortmund, Germany, where he was placed in 11 Sphinx Battery Royal Artillery and served his whole career there.
Gary told Nub News: "As a recruit I was given the job of a generator operator, following that I then became the Battery Sergeant Majors driver.
"I was later promoted to the Battery Commanders driver, which I did for a few years.
"Then I was promoted and put in charge of the Battery Motor Transport with responsibility of obtaining spare parts, fuel and monthly mileage accounts for all of the Battery vehicles."
Gary was then sent on a junior driver maintenance instructor course.
The Regiment decided they needed to establish a driver and maintenance wing and Gary was sent to Bovington, Dorset, to complete a regimental instructor's course.
Gary said: "When I came back, having successfully passed the course, I was posted to set up the new driving and maintenance wing within the Regiment."
This was a proud moment for Gary as he achieved another promotion.
The Regiment was then sent on a three month tour of Northern Ireland.
Gary said: "It was a very bad time as it was in the height of the troubles.
READ MORE: Remembrance service to take place in Crewe town centre with new parade location.
"Little did I know at the time that what I experienced would come back and haunt me through PTSD, which has affected me ever since.
"On my return from Northern Ireland I was asked to convert the Battery to the new equipment of Tracked Rapier and getting the soldiers their tracked vehicle licences."
The Regiment then had the directive to set up a wives driving course whilst the Regiment was on a second tour of Northern Ireland.
This was Gary's responsibility, as the instructor, to teach the wives to drive.
In total, Gary served 14 years in the Army in the rank of Bombardier.
What Remembrance Means to Gary
Gary added: "Remembrance Sunday means a lot to me as over the years I have lost a few guys I served with.
"I am proud to have served in the Army and also damn proud to be a veteran. I remember all of those that never returned from their tours of duty. They are my brothers and sisters.
"I came out of the forces in 1984 and miss being in the Army, particularly for the comradeship. I often think of all the good times I had while serving."
"We remember on this special day those that didn't come back and I wear my poppy with pride."
Why did Gary share his story?
Lesley was the obvious choice to ask Gary about his time in the Army and had a great time with him, as the photos show.
SureCare has thanked Gary for sharing his story, memories, photos, medals and artifacts and Lesley for taking the time to sit with Gary and capture his story.
Lesley said: "I have known Gary for a long time, he's bright, bubbly and full of fun and would brighten up anyone's day.
"The reunions Gary arranged at the Crewe Arms Hotel were incredible and great fun for all involved.
"I really enjoyed seeing the veterans come together and share their stories or just enjoy being with like-minded people."
READ MORE: Free agent joins Crewe Alex training as management attempts to strengthen squad.
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