In 1971, I was serving with 1 Queens in Berlin, I along with eight other mates had to do a swap with nine soldiers all under 18 from 3 Queens serving in Belfast... A soldier under 18 in Northern Ireland was injured, and his parents complained that he was not an adult and should not have been serving in NI. For that reason, none under the age of 18 was to server in NI.
I joined C Company. During an operation, my mate and I came under fire from 2 Thompson machine guns, and we were both shot. I took nine rounds. Whilst in Hospital in Belfast all my mates from my section came and visited me. I then spent the next two years in hospital in England recovering from my dreadful injures.
During that time, not one person ever visited me from the Regiment. No letters or telephone calls to enquire of me... On my discharge from hospital, I was no longer medically fit for military service. I was to report to back to 3 Queens in Tidworth for discharge. On reporting to the CSM of C Coy who asked my name it was below the name of my mate listed as deceased.
There is no record as I know of my posting to 3 Queens. No record of me is shot. The MOD promised my parents I would want for nothing and be well looked after. Nothing can be further from the truth. We all know of the Tomb of the Un-known Soldier. I am the Regiments ‘Forgotten Soldier.
John A Girdler.