Army : A very British institution (TV)

[buttonsin3s]

Stumbled across this, some may find in of interest;

Army: A very British institution

The BBC has made available online a series of historical programmes about the British Army under the broad heading of ‘Army: A Very British Institution’. Introduced by Newsnight’s diplomatic correspondent and ex-regular officer, Mark Urban, the collection features classic documentaries and historic events dating back to the 1950s.

The selection of programmes includes the following:

• Death or Glory – first transmitted in 1968, this documentary shows life in BAOR as seen through the eyes of the 17th/21st Lancers.

• In the Highest Tradition – 6 episodes focussing on the history and traditions of the British Army – including the Gurkhas, Royal Scots Greys, GREN GDS and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

• The Paras: Basic Wales – infantry theory and practice in the Welsh hills (1983)

• The Paras: P Company – gruelling 3-day test (1983)

• The Regiment – 3 months with 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (1977)

• The Bomb Disposal Men – training ATOs in 1974

The collection can be viewed here: BBC Four - Collections - Army: A Very British Institution

 

[polar69]

Thanks for the reminder, I especially enjoyed the "Ticking with the Crow" which showed good old fashioned shouting at SuS's in the guardroom.

 

[Charlie_Cong]

Ah... "Ticking With the Crow", proof that some things about soldiering never change.

Thankfully, though, some definitely do - the doc following a BAOR Cav Regiment c. 1989 had me squirming with dislike at the officers' chinless posturing.

The 17/21st Lancers programme, however, shows the real thing...

Its 1968 - Youth culture and the whiff of revolution is sweeping across the US and Europe.

Meanwhile, in Germany, long haired officers wear SD caps and no ear defs while sharing a turret with a 105mm gun, and obviously hope they might be allowed to bring their wagons home to put a few rounds of canister into crowds of flare-clad students before setting about some dollybirds on the Kings Road.

 

[OldAdam]

Ah... "Ticking With the Crow", proof that some things about soldiering never change.

Thankfully, though, some definitely do - the doc following a BAOR Cav Regiment c. 1989 had me squirming with dislike at the officers' chinless posturing.

The 17/21st Lancers programme, however, shows the real thing...

Its 1968 - Youth culture and the whiff of revolution is sweeping across the US and Europe.

Meanwhile, in Germany, long haired officers wear SD caps and no ear defs while sharing a turret with a 105mm gun, and obviously hope they might be allowed to bring their wagons home to put a few rounds of canister into crowds of flare-clad students before setting about some dollybirds on the Kings Road.

The BAOR Cav Regt episode was also 17/21st. My Bn supplied the Infantry component during the battle run and a mighty boring affair it was too; constantly going over the ground for 'just another take'! As if they really needed troops in the back for every single bloody take!

At that time we had a new OC; one of the few crashing 'duds' I ever encountered in the Bn - his outstanding contribution to the day came after the last run, sent to the 2i/c, en clair,
"Oh, Cwis, I feel just like Wommel!" followed by, "I think I'll have a sausage sarni..."
...And the inevitable response,
"An' I 'ope it fuckin' chokes you!"

A thoroughly good day was had by all...

 

[Accidental_discharge]

I remember watching a dramatic series (not sure if BBC or ITV) probably early '70s called "Death or Glory Boys", seem to recall it focused on a group of potential officer candidates, and seemed to take place in a Nissen hut or some such locale in Catterick or surrounding area? Found it rather tedious as a 12 year old, but would be interested in viewing it again with an older eye.