Misfits, Dad's Army Types et al...
Discussion
baldy1926 said:
Didn't have my phone with me today but another van has appeared and hes started putting battenburg stickers on that as well.
The transit i saw yesterday has plenty of extra lights so i cant wait to see what goes on the new van
Maybe he's setting a business selling Battenburg cakes, door to door, at night and needs some eye catching livery for his van.. Never thought of that, did you?The transit i saw yesterday has plenty of extra lights so i cant wait to see what goes on the new van
Dr Jekyll said:
I knew a very old lady in the 1970s who reckoned she had met someone who fought at Waterloo.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
battle of waterloo was 1815
1975 ( for convenience sake) is 160 years from there
while life expectancies in the C19th weren't brilliant if you made it into and through middle age there was a decent chance of of making a decent age ( the low life expeceancies are pulled down by infant mortality and the toll of trauma - remember prior to WW1 a broken shaft of femur or prior to WW2 serious burns or a spinal injury was often a terminal injury )
so your very old lady is 1975 was born perhaps as early as 1880, a young drummer or bugler ( traditional boy entry points) or a young soldier at waterloo would have been born aroundthe turn of C18th to C19th
so it;s feasible that she as a young child, met an old man who was at waterloo as a 'boy' soldier or young 'adult' soldier ...
wildcat45 said:
Actually, is it possible? I don't mean did it happen, but is It possible that it could be true?
The battle was 1815, so it is quite possible a 15 year old born in 1800 could have been there at the battle. Let's say that person lived until 1900 - possible.
I don't know how old you are but let's assume you are my age, 45, born in 1970.
One of my grandfathers was born in the 1880s. It would have been possible for him to have met and known someone born in 1800. It would also be quite feasible for someone born in the 1880s to have lived until the 1980s and therefore it would be entirely possible for someone of my age to have known him, a man who knew soneone who was at Waterloo.
As you say though, probably a Walt across the centuries/generations.
i think we can agree that the maths is possible, though when they say met, i doubt they meant a frank exchange of views - i expect it was old person and a baby, The battle was 1815, so it is quite possible a 15 year old born in 1800 could have been there at the battle. Let's say that person lived until 1900 - possible.
I don't know how old you are but let's assume you are my age, 45, born in 1970.
One of my grandfathers was born in the 1880s. It would have been possible for him to have met and known someone born in 1800. It would also be quite feasible for someone born in the 1880s to have lived until the 1980s and therefore it would be entirely possible for someone of my age to have known him, a man who knew soneone who was at Waterloo.
As you say though, probably a Walt across the centuries/generations.
Also, whilst I dont particularly like the term, 'walt' is obviously a very charged one. It was just a case of someone thinking they had a fun little anecdote (always nice to see history is closer than we think) - i think 'second degree' walt? its a little far to go round branding everyone who has ever said they have met someone!
98elise said:
Definately. I was second canoeist on the balcony (SBS on attachment to tthe SAS) and it was a bit tight there for a while!
I remember seeing you there, I was on attachment to the SAS from the Boys Brigade at the time and asked if I could borrow your canoe for a paddle round the serpentine.
Vocal Minority said:
i think we can agree that the maths is possible, though when they say met, i doubt they meant a frank exchange of views - i expect it was old person and a baby,
Also, whilst I dont particularly like the term, 'walt' is obviously a very charged one. It was just a case of someone thinking they had a fun little anecdote (always nice to see history is closer than we think) - i think 'second degree' walt? its a little far to go round branding everyone who has ever said they have met someone!
Don't in this case take the term "Walt" too seriously. I think it was more to keep it on topic.Also, whilst I dont particularly like the term, 'walt' is obviously a very charged one. It was just a case of someone thinking they had a fun little anecdote (always nice to see history is closer than we think) - i think 'second degree' walt? its a little far to go round branding everyone who has ever said they have met someone!
I do actuall love the fact that history is closer than we think. The fact that I or any of us could be three degrees separated from someone like Nelson is to me quite sobering and shows the importance of history.
Dr Jekyll said:
I knew a very old lady in the 1970s who reckoned she had met someone who fought at Waterloo.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Quite possible, lets say the chap at Waterloo was born in 1795, so he would be 20 at the battle, and lived to be 90 dying in 1885Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Old lady in 1970 was 90 ,born in 1880.Yep just possible
In fact an American aged 65 now could have spoken to someone who fought in the US Civil War!!!
(last survivior died in 1956)
And one of the last three WW1 survivors < the sailor, Bill Stone, lived at the Masonic Care home Lord Harris Court in Sindlesham Reading
Edited by silverfoxcc on Monday 23 May 20:17
Ari said:
Not quite walts, but next best thing - building security.
Classic example of unstoppable prat meets immovable wannabe authority.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8wYzzSCVqg
Brilliant. Like the pan and hover over the sign bearing SClassic example of unstoppable prat meets immovable wannabe authority.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8wYzzSCVqg
h....98elise said:
I agree. In florida we were at a show in one of the theme parks, and they asked for all serving and ex members of the armed forces to stand up (not just American). They then asked for a round of appause. I'm glad I remained seated.
That's just reminded me of a joke Bernard Manning would often use:Fat Racist C**t of Hearts said:
"Celebrating with us tonight, down at the front here, we have some lads who were in the Falklands, fighting at Goose Green..." (pauses to rapturous applause from the audience).
"They're Argentinian...and if you want to clap for sh*t like this, that's your f**king problem!"
"They're Argentinian...and if you want to clap for sh*t like this, that's your f**king problem!"
wildcat45 said:
Where do they come from? How do they not end up getting punched?
Two incidents recently. All very funny, and I've just been recounting them to a friend.
Last night I went to a public meeting to do with local services. Like a Parish council thing I suppose.
Centre stage in the audience a bossy passive aggressive chap. Interjecting, challenging the speakers - who were just delivering a report - making loud stage whispers hinting that he was or had been very important.
People just let him get away with it until
One speaker on the stage told him to save his questions for the Q and A. When that time came, he was as quiet as a mouse.
A few weeks ago I went to an induction day for volunteers who are needed for a big public event in the summer. They need liaison people to work with participants. I thought it could be fun.
fk me! What a freak
Show.
Several contingents of Walts in some sort of unofficial uniform based around a Royal Navy theme. Some sort if maritime based volunteer group I guess. Very self important and trying to assume control.
A chap who arrived with a clutch of lanyards and ID cards round his neck. He kept trying to collar the organizers saying things like. 'I'm very experienced and I feel we really need a one to one meeting rather that me being with the general public.'
Then there were the disabled. Not their fault, but know your limits. This event won't be suitable for someone in an electric wheelchair. But one guy rocked up, ran across several
Sets of feet - including mine - with no apology and kept interrupting the proceedings with various statements and questions starting with 'I am disabled and....'
Another aggressive man kept shouting 'My daughter is a teacher and she can't be here today but.....'
The final straw for me was registration. They needed five people at a time and one guy decided to divide the group up by tapping people on the shoulder saying '1,2,3,4,5, you lot stand there. Now you five wait there...etc'
The organizers had it all in hand.
Needless to say I ignored him and joined a registration queue. He approached me, tapped me in the shoulder and ordered me away.
'Please don't touch me again.' I Said quietly. He continued to shout orders at me. My response again very quietly: 'I told you once to leave me alone. Now please fk off before you make me angry. '
He went red in the face, made some indignant noises then went off to bully some people standing around drinking coffee.
Why do certain events attract these freaks? I'm probably a freak and I don't even know it!
All posted in good humour.
Sounds very much like our own parish council meeting. It's amazing anything is achieved in the alloted time, but it always is .Two incidents recently. All very funny, and I've just been recounting them to a friend.
Last night I went to a public meeting to do with local services. Like a Parish council thing I suppose.
Centre stage in the audience a bossy passive aggressive chap. Interjecting, challenging the speakers - who were just delivering a report - making loud stage whispers hinting that he was or had been very important.
People just let him get away with it until
One speaker on the stage told him to save his questions for the Q and A. When that time came, he was as quiet as a mouse.
A few weeks ago I went to an induction day for volunteers who are needed for a big public event in the summer. They need liaison people to work with participants. I thought it could be fun.
f
k me! What a freakShow.
Several contingents of Walts in some sort of unofficial uniform based around a Royal Navy theme. Some sort if maritime based volunteer group I guess. Very self important and trying to assume control.
A chap who arrived with a clutch of lanyards and ID cards round his neck. He kept trying to collar the organizers saying things like. 'I'm very experienced and I feel we really need a one to one meeting rather that me being with the general public.'
Then there were the disabled. Not their fault, but know your limits. This event won't be suitable for someone in an electric wheelchair. But one guy rocked up, ran across several
Sets of feet - including mine - with no apology and kept interrupting the proceedings with various statements and questions starting with 'I am disabled and....'
Another aggressive man kept shouting 'My daughter is a teacher and she can't be here today but.....'
The final straw for me was registration. They needed five people at a time and one guy decided to divide the group up by tapping people on the shoulder saying '1,2,3,4,5, you lot stand there. Now you five wait there...etc'
The organizers had it all in hand.
Needless to say I ignored him and joined a registration queue. He approached me, tapped me in the shoulder and ordered me away.
'Please don't touch me again.' I Said quietly. He continued to shout orders at me. My response again very quietly: 'I told you once to leave me alone. Now please f
k off before you make me angry. ' He went red in the face, made some indignant noises then went off to bully some people standing around drinking coffee.
Why do certain events attract these freaks? I'm probably a freak and I don't even know it!
All posted in good humour.
It is always the same attendees, but fortunately they are the type people that get thing done.
Edited by WD39 on Monday 23 May 20:59
wildcat45 said:
Dr Jekyll said:
I knew a very old lady in the 1970s who reckoned she had met someone who fought at Waterloo.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Edited by WD39 on Monday 23 May 21:02
wildcat45 said:
I wonder if Walting is a recent thing.
Most of us will have grown up with parents orandoarents and others who servrd. It was the norm because of national service. I'm 45 and had teachers who served. All my parents generation did with older relatives in WW2 II. A family friend was shot down in Holland while flying a Misquito. Another chap I knew was a Canadian who flew Lancasters. A family friend saw Busmarck sink.
The attitude I picked up growing up that none of it was really a big deal. At least that's the way the people I knew portrayed it. Quite matter of fact.
I wonder if back in the 1960s or 70s if some Walt started telling stories what would have happened. Would the WWII generation have got angry? 'So you were in XXX chum. Big deal. Don't care, not impressed.'
Are there any of that generation posting here who care to give their view?
It's not a new phenomenon; Major Denis Bloodnok was real, superannuated buffers who saw out the war in a stores depot, boiling spuds in the mess or guarding Delhi from the ravages of the Imperial Japanese army were easy enough to find, considering how big the forces became and the support structures needed to maintain the teeth arms are in always in proportion it's inevitable that some of those who didn't do anything exciting or dangerous might pretend otherwise, either for ego or for pecuniary reward.Most of us will have grown up with parents orandoarents and others who servrd. It was the norm because of national service. I'm 45 and had teachers who served. All my parents generation did with older relatives in WW2 II. A family friend was shot down in Holland while flying a Misquito. Another chap I knew was a Canadian who flew Lancasters. A family friend saw Busmarck sink.
The attitude I picked up growing up that none of it was really a big deal. At least that's the way the people I knew portrayed it. Quite matter of fact.
I wonder if back in the 1960s or 70s if some Walt started telling stories what would have happened. Would the WWII generation have got angry? 'So you were in XXX chum. Big deal. Don't care, not impressed.'
Are there any of that generation posting here who care to give their view?
Dr Jekyll said:
I knew a very old lady in the 1970s who reckoned she had met someone who fought at Waterloo.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Not impossible as there could have been boys as young as 10 being drummers at Waterloo, if they lived into their eighties and she was similarly long-lived making her born perhaps in 1880 their lives could intersect. Somewhat unlikely though. Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Edit to add; some interesting pictures of Waterloo veterans, so several survived into the 1880s and even into the 1890s.
Edited by hidetheelephants on Monday 23 May 22:05
Crossflow Kid said:
Vaud said:
I think we are remarkably tolerant of "stolen valour" as it is known in the US. Over there they see it as comparable to impersonating police, etc and it's a crime:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_...
Whilst I think the Walt Hunters have a fairly unprofessional tone... I think it's good that they do it. I would prefer to see a law similar to the US that focuses on some of the more extreme Walts who claim to have medals...
The wearing of any military award, medal, decoration, emblem or insignia without the correct authority is a criminal offence under the Army Act 2006 (aspects of which aren't applicable solely to the military)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_...
Whilst I think the Walt Hunters have a fairly unprofessional tone... I think it's good that they do it. I would prefer to see a law similar to the US that focuses on some of the more extreme Walts who claim to have medals...
"The correct authority" is usually MoD.
...as in "Her Majesty The Queen is graciously pleased to approve the institution of the Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa."
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descr...
'Tis the same for all campaign medals, a qualifying period of service is set, and the JPA system is trawled to find service people who qualify. Medals are issued in batches from the MOD medal office, each inscribed with the recipient's name around the edge. Large campaign deployments are usually issued by way of a parade, attached personnel sometimes get to parade with the unit to which they were attached, or as was the case with my 1991 Gulf medal, I was on a long course at the RSME, my unit had been disbanded while I was away, and I was summoned to the OC's office and signed for my medal with very little ceremony at all, straight back to the classroom in fact.
The 'London Gazette' lists medals and awards other than campaign medals, and that is the "written authority" for you to wear them. My 'Long Service And Good Conduct' medal award is listed among this little lot, for example... https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/57233/su... ...there are six pages of names of personnel awarded their LS&GC at the same time as me, and it lists commissions awarded, and resigned, promotions, etc, too. Once an award has been made,or a qualifying period of service met, then the medal or award will be listed on a soldier's JPA computer record.
Believe it or not, there have been cases of 'Walts' WITHIN the army. For whatever reason a small number or personnel chose to wear replicas, or even stolen medals on their 'best kit' for operations they didn't take part in, or failed to meet the qualifying criteria for. It's considered to be a pretty serious matter, definitely if done while still serving. When I joined there were many long serving guys who had very little in the way of 'bling' to polish for Remembrance Sunday. Some who had the South Atlantic medal, more who had NI General Service medals, and the odd LS&GC, and we would be in awe of them on parades. FFWD to current times and guys with 15 or more medals are fairly common - former Yugoslavia/Balkans stuff from UK, the UN and NATO, various limited African adventures, peacekeeping in Cyprus, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc, etc. It'll go t'other way again soon enough if the UK government stays out of foreign deployments for a while, but these days it's odd to see someone on parade in No1 or No2 dress uniform without medals (or ribbons for them).
http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/11695020.Keighl... Dec 2014.
this is a chap I know of. He's now 101.5 years old. He still drives and indeed does the milk and newspaper run for the old ladies who live adjacent.
you would place him in his 80's ! seems fit, can stand and walk fine.
Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
this is a chap I know of. He's now 101.5 years old. He still drives and indeed does the milk and newspaper run for the old ladies who live adjacent.
you would place him in his 80's ! seems fit, can stand and walk fine.
Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
WD39 said:
wildcat45 said:
Dr Jekyll said:
I knew a very old lady in the 1970s who reckoned she had met someone who fought at Waterloo.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Genuine? Or a second level Walt? Or she was genuine but he was a Walt, I dunno.
Edited by WD39 on Monday 23 May 21:02
austinsmirk said:
http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/11695020.Keighl... Dec 2014.
Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
The "Black and Tans" were UK military policemen - supposedly defending the power of The Crown. If he was in the British Army, why would he have been fighting against them?Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
They were disbanded in 1922 following the end of the Irish War of Independence. If we was fighting against them, I reckon he was only 7 years old.
Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 24th May 13:03
98elise said:
I agree. In florida we were at a show in one of the theme parks, and they asked for all serving and ex members of the armed forces to stand up (not just American). They then asked for a round of appause. I'm glad I remained seated.
Exactly the same happened to me at Sea World, my ex was trying to shoe horn me out of my seat, she had more chance of moving Shamu!Eric Mc said:
austinsmirk said:
http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/11695020.Keighl... Dec 2014.
Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
The "Black and Tans" were UK military policemen - supposedly defending the power of The Crown. If he was in the British Army, why would he have been fighting against them?Accordingly to my conversations with him, he was fighting the "black and tans" in Ireland before WW2. when WW2 started he was already a long served experienced soldier. Was mongomery's personal bodyguard. joined the army as was living in abject poverty in a violent household at the age of 14 I think. better than going down the pits.
ended up in Burma and became part of the first SAS type regiment ??
was away from England for 6 whole years.
Anyway fascinating to speak to. But yes I guess at the age of 10, in 1926, he could have had a conversation with someone who at 90, was born in 1836 !
They were disbanded in 1922 following the end of the Irish War of Independence. If we was fighting against them, I reckon he was only 7 years old.
Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 24th May 13:03
The SAS-type unit referred to must have been the Chindits, who were all volunteers, and fought behind enemy lines in the jungle, something the Japanese had never expected. I'm not surprised if he was away from home for 6 years - all transport to the Far East was by troopship, no comfy flights in those days. My father was stationed in India for the duration, and there was a lot of unrest when they had to stay there until well into 1946 - they regarded themselves as "forgotten" and there was even mutiny on some RAF stations. My old man behaved himself and got an early repatriation as a reward.
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