The Harrogate Army Apprentice, Our Story” Fred Carslake, ISBN: 9780957087606

Part yearbook, scrapbook, roll of honour and reunion, ‘Our Story’ means that the tale of the Harrogate Army Apprentices will never be lost – and a good thing too. Every page is filled with rich camaraderie and banter and is a genuine and heartfelt piece of nostalgia for a bygone age and a branch of the Army that turned callow inexperienced lads into men ready to serve.

The fun and japes were obviously an important aspect of life to balance the apprentice’s hardworking, no-nonsense existence. It says a great deal about the character of the lads involved that they were able to receive cross-words and kindness equally and unflinchingly.

What also comes across in these pages is the reward of opportunity. The apprentice’s seem to have grabbed it all with both hands and excelled at competitions in football and boxing in particular. Perhaps the strength of the lads’ unity is still on show here. All ranks are heard and clearly sing with one voice.
The book also contains a great gem from Colonel N.A.C Croft DSO, OBE, MA (Commanding Officer 1957 – 60) that could be written into every resettlement guide: “To all Apprentices I say ‘Go flat-out in all you do’ yours is the opportunity of a lifetime and yours is the age to learn.”