Colin Jackman is a local veteran of the Armed Forces, and current chairman of the Royal British Legion. His nine year service took him through a number of different professions within the Army and to a range of locations across the globe.
Colin was called up for national service in 1959, at the age of 22. Colin did his basic training at Cove in Hampshire after working as an electrician.
After three short years of service, he decided to marry his future wife, being in the Army, Colin had to ask permission to get married, this was granted as long as he did it before he was deployed in Germany; so he did.
Colin was posted to Germany as one of the last of the army occupation forces in Minden. After just one month, Colin was sent to learn his trade as a combat engineer. He then moved on to work in the officers’ mess as a barman and waiter, forming some firm friendships along the way. During the interview, Colin regaled us with memories of finding happy times whilst in the midst of WWII.
After nine years of service, Colin finished his service in Waterbeach, when the engineers took over airfield constructions. Colin remains the chairman of the Royal British Legion and continues to support the Armed Forces.
As is often the case when hearing personal stories from wartime, Colin remembers the events of 70+ years ago with incredible detail. His passion for the Armed Forces and knowledge of the military come second only to his willingness to discuss his war, and perhaps educate others who did not have the first hand experience that he had.
If you would like to hear the interview please go to our website, www.tulip-
radio.co.uk, go to the podcast section and have a listen to Colin.
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