1962 SUMMER CAMP

SUMMER CAMP – DEVON – 1^st to 15^th JUNE 1962

About three or four times a year I drive across Dartmoor (I live near Exeter) and it brings back memories of summer 1962, when we travelled, by train, to Devon for summer camp.

In the Association Archive, is a copy of Bircham Newton Movement Order 1/62, detailing the travelling arrangements, personnel etc for the camp. The numbers of personnel involved is quite staggering – 10 officers, 1 W.O. , 22 NCOs, 4 SACs & 3 Drivers not to mention 151 apprentices!

It states that the purpose was “to carry out a programme of training designed to develop in the apprentices the characteristics of self-reliance, initiative and responsibility”

We departed Kings Lynn at 0933hrs and arrived in Plymouth at 1855hrs.

In my mind, I have little detail of our time there, as below, but I wonder if any members of 43, 44 or 45 Entries can fill in other detail.

The main camp was at RAF Collaton Cross, nr Newton Ferrers, which was a WW2 balloon station, what we did whilst there, I have no memory!

I do remember we camped at Cator Court, on Dartmoor and one of our “hikes” was from there to MaryTavy, nr. Tavistock, a journey of 16 miles! We then carried on to near Plymouth and then returned to Cator Court – I think. Whilst there, some took part in the 10 Tors competition?

Can anyone help fill in the blanks, there may even be some photographs?

David Tinley