REME

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Joe's entire unit were posted to REME on 30/09/42 at the time of its inception, he was Staff Sergeant at the time. Training continued during his time in Manchester. After getting several qualifications - at A.A.(anti-aircraft) Radio School at Petersham (Richmond) – 2nd AA school of TI (Technical Instruction), 4th AA group for PT (Physical Training) at Lytham St Annes, 12th Hackney TTC (Technical Training College), Beaumaris (Anglesey in Wales) PT59, he was promoted to WO11 (Warrant Officer 2nd Class).
	Phsyical Training Course at Lytham St. Annes near Blackpool. Apparently they were not allowed to stop running from the moment they arrived to the moment they left. The only break was one night off when they visited Blackpool. Joe remembers going to the Tower Ballroom for a rest and being too exhausted to even consider dancing.

Another PT Course at Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, Wales. Apparently this one wasn't so bad as he was one of those in charge rather than having to run around. Again it's easy to spot Joe as he's always the tallest in the pictures. The reason for these courses was that apparently all Officers had to have some other qualifications besides their trade before they could gain promotion.
It's quite ironic really, that despite all the PT training, Joe's only war wound came about as a result of physical activity. He broke his ankle playing Rugby. While he was suffering from his broken ankle his unit were about to be despatched to Belgium. It became apparent that he was not going to be fit in time to go with them, but he was determined not to be left behind. He persuaded his MO to send him for an examination against his better judgement. They removed his cast and made him jump up and down on his ankle. It nearly killed him but he managed to do it and get passed fit to travel with his unit. He then had to drive a lorry several hundred miles using only one foot as he was in such pain.
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What did you do in the War Dad?

Transfer to R.E.M.E