1975 and Waterford again. My first camp as a corporal and I got a great section. Again I was pretty busy and only took a few photos, I think it was also Conor’s POTS course and I got some pictures of that class. Both my section and the POTS class included guys who are still active in the 62nd – see if you can spot them!
I was very lucky with my section, they were great guys. The picture below includes at least one very famous face.
Cpl O’Toole recruit section Waterford 1975
Best Billet
Our billet had lino on the floor and so may have been easier to keep clean than others. We also went and bought floor polish and smeared it on the floor. We left a series of blankets at the door and everyone who came in stood on a blanket and then skated around the billet. On the day of billet inspection I had been on duty and was resting off in my bed when I heard the various officers arrive. The next thing I heard was a shriek and a thump(as opposed to a crack and a thump) as the legs went from under whoever it was, as they slipped on the lino. Whether it was the knock on the head, or whether they were truly impressed by our effort and ingenuity, we won best billet that year.
Receiving prize for best billet – Waterford 1975
In all my years as a corporal, I have never had to resort to the sort of corporal punishment (hur hur), that some have. The doubling around the square with your rifle over your head, or confining to barracks etc. However one corporal in our block did hand out such punishments and one of his victims decided to get his own back. Not wishing to be caught, he established an alibi by being seen in a conspicuous place while a mate of his went to wreak revenge. Unfortunately this nemesis had as much grasp of left and right as his mate and turned the wrong way inside the door and poured water all over MY kit bag and clothes! He was apprehended and apologised to me and took my stuff to a launderette were he washed them and shrank them by about 2 sizes. Luckily I was only half the man I am now and skin tight ribbed jumpers did not look quite as hideous on me then, as they would today.
The next photo shows two of my fellow corporals on their first camp as instructors. As can be seen it was not easy to keep up the pace of a hectic social life and making soldiers out of the G1s. Vinny Hourican went on to serve with USAREUR (acronym for U.S.Army Europe) and was based towards S.E.Germany on the Rhine.
Mick Mooney and Vinny Hourican
Mick Mooney
Mick Mooney is shown here in front of Jimmy Mulvey’s car – KID 27. Jimmy could always be relied upon for a lift to Tramore or Kate Reilly’s Kitchen. He would decline to partake in some of our more outrageous car-based stunts because he reckoned his registration number was too easily recognised.
B Coy Corporals
My brother Conor was on the POTS course that year and so I got a few photos of the B Coy students. Again there are 2 people in the group photo who, at the date of posting, I think are still members of the 62nd.
New B Coy corporals showing off their stripes
End of camp party.
There was a tradition of having an end of camp party. This sometimes took the form of a meal in Rockets, other times a party in the mess. B Coy and Peter Campbell would also have a party back in Dun Laoghaire – usually in Smyths as I recall. These pictures are in my photos from camp but I cannot say where they were taken. I don’t know who the guys in the one with guitar are.
Paddy Cuffe and Mick O’Toole
Location unknown