In the previous article, I mentioned that, somewhere, I had secreted away further photographs of the time I served with the HQ 3rd Commando Brigade Band from 1963 - 1966. I was grovelling about in my drawers a few days ago and chanced upon them.

The first picture shows that the tree is so old that an ambush was highly unlikely unless, that is, some industrious person had sat up all night stripping the bark off. Portrayed [left to right] are:- Derek Fisk, Reg Russell, Charlie Heaton, Alf Bromley, Alan Rigden, Pete Reeves, (B/Sgt) Frank Williams, Charlie Laws, George Fenlon and Pete Dunstan.

Back Row:- 42 Cdo MT driver (there again, how come HE didn't know that that tree was down? Was he trying to kidnap the band perchance and sell them at a later date on the amah's market?) (Sgt. Bug) Eddie Fisher, and finally (complete with the official fag) (B/M) "Chippy" Carpenter overseeing the entire operation.

The second portrait was taken at Kalabaken camp, a forward post in Sabah. We left Tawau on April 24: I know this because Jock Hunter had won a bottle of champagne whilst playing for a St. George's Day Ball the previous evening. We shared it out in our tin mugs whilst chugging up the river, deep in the Ulu. Our tinned rations? Cold kippers! From left to right, "Chippy" Carpenter, "Sticky" Weller, Pete Reeves, Eddie Pescud, (B/Cpl) Tony Oberdries, Derek Fisk, (the official back view) Reg Russell, and (B/Cpl) Pete Fox.

The third offering depicts Charlie Laws, Pete Reeves, Reg Russell plus a pretty cheesed-off looking MT driver. Peeping out of the back of the pussers truck can be espied Derek Fisk with two more decapitated unfortunates.

Finally, the fourth contribution. The more observant of you may have been aware that I have not included myself in any of these photographs; modesty forbids. Jimmy Kay (front row, right) tells me that it was taken on Plymouth Hoe around 1961/2. Back row, left to right, is Joe Pennington, Jan Langley and then to spare rib party in front: well you know who Jimmy Kay is by now and, as I'm now 17 stone (very well, be pedantic; nearer 18 stone), don't you just HATE to see that picture? I've taken to wearing a beard to try to disassociate myself from that photograph.

Stop Press! I've just won the prize! Three years membership of a fitness club! It's taken me YEARS to get to where I am now and the thought of reverting to the Advance Party fills me with dread!

Richard Wright