Army Days ©
by William Carolan
(National Service with the Argylls in 1952)
The postman brought a letter when I turned eighteen,
It said, "We need your presence, to serve the Queen.
Please report to Glasgow and have the doctors check,
if you are fit to serve, or medically a wreck."
"If it's found you are A1 and fighting fit,
then one of the Armed Services would like you to join it."
I said, "If I had the choice of the rank and file,
I would follow father's footsteps and be an Argyll."
Well, they granted me the choice without any hassle,
and gave me a date to report to Stirling Castle.
The day came for me to go and I was sad,
it meant leaving my family, my mum and dad.
Well they gave me a uniform a kilt and sporran,
which being a Lowlander I felt quite foreign.
When I learned the Regiment's history of battles far and wide,
I wore that kilt with a great deal of pride.
The two years I spent in this great Regiment
is part of my life full of sentiment.
I remember being an extra in Disney's "ROB ROY"
an experience I treasure with a great deal of joy.
Another was the Tattoo on the Castle esplanade,
To take part in this event the memory will never fade.
With my two years over I was finally demobbed,
back to civvy street and my old job.
I left behind memories and lots of friends
the day my National Service came to an end...
'Ne Obliviscaris'
