The day the 8th came home
This piece is from Eric Locke, Treasurer 8 RTR
The 14th February 1957. I was Squadron Orderly Serjeant. For once I had no difficulty getting the lads out of bed that morning; the Regiment was going home. Everyone was in good spirits. Down to the Cookhouse where double helpings of breakfast was laid on for all. We were advised to eat as much as we liked, as it was not known when we would get another meal. Back to our rooms for a final clear-up. Say cheerio to the Rear-guard. (They would follow us home a few days later) Then into the `Three-tonners ‘for the short trip to the Station.
Our special train was already at the station, and the platform was crowned with German civilians who had come to see us off. All aboard and the train steamed off, followed by the cheers of the crowd on the platform. Then all the way to Dusseldorf people stood in little groups at the side of the tracks to wave to us as we went past. The train stopped at Dusseldorf. The platform was crowded with people and were led by the Mayor of Dusseldorf who gave an address to the Regiment, thanking us for our service in Germany. We were treated like heroes, and it was all very moving.
Why were we thought so highly of? Because Paderborn was only 20 miles from the Russian Zone. Paderborn had been home to one of Rommel’s Panzer Divisions, and many of its soldiers had come from the local area. Because the Panzers were considered the elite of the German Army, and the locals considered the 8th the elite of the British Army. They were not alone in this point of view, our American Allies also rated us highly. Many a time the American Forces Radio would announce: `The Crack 8th Royal Tank Regiment return to barracks after yet another successful maneuvers.
The rest of the trip to the `Hook -of -Holland, and then to Harwich was uneventful. On arrival in England, it was raining, there were no crowds to greet us, just a single, disinterested platform attendant. Then we were transported across the Country to Bulford Camp! What a come-down; instead of the beautiful Centrally heated Barracks we had left in Germany we were put into cold, damp Nissen Huts. That night as I huddled up with the three blankets on top of a thin, hard mattress, I thought of the warmth of the send-off we had been given, and I was Home-sick for Germany!