Hello everyone.
I was told about this site from a likeish minded friend, and thought I would add my bit.
The names Steve and I hail from Ulverston, South Cumbria.
After school, I joined the Royal Artillery and stayed for 8 years. I was initially trained up on 25 Pounders (sequence of lay - E.L.X.L.E. - elevation, line, crosslevel, fine for line, fine for elevation (this has never left me), and went on to 5.5" howitzers - which were very simarlar in usage to the 25 lb er, only a bit bigger and a lot heavier. From here I was posted to a Light Air defence Regiment where I was trained up on the
40 / 20 Bofors, it was quite a bit of kit this despite its then age. I also passed my HGV in a Gun Tractor - an AEC Militant - 32 mph flat out, ratchet handbrake, true crash box, no power steering etc etc. I also rode the then MOD bike - the BSA B40. Also used was the then new 1 Ton Landrover (fitted with the Rover V8) and blah blah blah.
I endured two tours of N.I. preceeded by 6 months in Cyprus, would you believe in training for N.I. I left the Army just as the guns were being superceded by objects such as Rapier, and which, when put to the test in the Falklands didnt bloody work eh !
I run a 1940 BSA M20, but have 6 other civilian bikes that I use very often, especially a rather nice 1949 BSA B33 Plunger. I have Steam Loco experience, specifically fireman duties (lots too), and off course boiler maintainace etc. Because of this, I was asked to look after the boiler and engines of The Gondola - which is a steam pinnace (type), owned by the National trust on Coniston lake, around 12 miles away, a very enjoyable period this was.
I have always had an eye for things Military whether it be vehicles or any other item, and will be interested to hear from like minded people.
Anyway, if I can help anyone I will.