"On 12 October 2005 I made a return trip to Tywyn after a period of
52 years. In the summer of 1953 I was sent to the community as part of a large contingent of territorial servicemen from around the UK to continue my National Service. We arrived early on a Sunday morning and marched to the tented camp site to the north of the town.
The same evening a number of us came to the town to view the place and all we saw was the small promenade on the sea front. We enjoyed an evening meal at what we thought was the only restaurant in the community.
A few nights later, for want of something to do, I boarded a train bound for Barmouth, but did not find anything exciting to do.
On the middle Saturday of our two-week stay, almost the whole encampment went by train to Aberystwyth where there was much more sign of life and excitement. The return journey was marked by much merriment onthe part of the not-so-sober troops. On the final Saturday the total encampment returned to our native cities glad to be relieved of the boredom of what we thought was an isolated "hick" town, determined not to repeat the same fiasco another time.
In 1954 I was able to flee my territorial engagement to emigrate to Canada. (draft dodger?). There were other reasons.
On my visit last month I was pleasantly surprised to discover there was much more to Tywyn than I found in my initial two-week stay. There is
and no doubt was, a busy main street with shops, public buildings, picture house and other facilities that would have provided some relief for a soldier's boredom. Today the camp is no longer there and Tywyn appears to be a vibrant community, a feature I missed those many years ago."
your comments
Gerald Lucas
My father Bill (Bob) Lucas was at Tonfanau 51-58 I think.. he was in charge at one point of putting in the concrete pads for the gun mounts. He too knew Manny Fine and recounted Boxing Day when they got plastered having created a drink by placing brown sugar in a marrow and letting it ferment. Back there last weekend, hardly anything left now. All the gun placements have overgrown or fallen into the sea. The firing Rifle Range is in excellent condition and should be preserved as a monument.
Thu Sep 3 14:22:27 2009
David Earl,Kawasaki Japan
I was in the last intake of boys to train at AAJLR Tonfanau. Our training was condensed into 1 year. At 17 I was posted to 25 Regt RA who were at that time Depot Regiment at the Royal School of Artillery. Did the same work for half the pay until I was 17.5. The politically correct welfare wendys would have a field day with that one.
I remember "Dan" Dare who was mentioned in a previous post. Happy Days sharing a miniature size "Cadet" or "No6" with mates after they asked for "Twos up".
Mon Aug 24 11:59:10 2009
Mike Mortlock, Richmond, Virginia
Further to my earlier submissions. I also remember Fine, he had a handsome head of well-oiled black hair, I bought a spare R.A. cap badge at his shop. Sgt. Snook and Bdr. Paton were two of our N.C.O.s., and my best friend L/Bdr. John Hubbard was over in the 37th H.A.A. so I had someone I knew out there. On Sundays we had to slave on 'the Burma Road' loading rocks and pebbles from the seashore. Someone told us Ireland was visible across the sea, whereas in fact it was the northern horn of Cardiban Bay!
Thu Jul 23 10:01:36 2009
Mike Mortlock, from Richmond, Virginia
I remember some other things about Tonfanau Camp in the early months of 1952. . . . Major Marchbanks was B.C. of Asten Bty. Don't recall a Garrison Cinema---only film I saw was in Towyn when elderly ladies showed us behind a curtain into their parlour to view an excruciating bad quality film in rather homely surroundings.
Wed Jul 8 13:35:53 2009
Mike Mortlock, Richmond, Virginia
I did my basic training at Tonfanau with Asten Bty., 55th Trg. Regt.,R.A., from Jan-Mar,1952. King George VI died while I was there and we all wore black arm-bands. L/Bdr. Chris Apperley was, I believe, our hut bombardier, and was a very decent bloke.
Thu Jun 25 09:21:59 2009
Chris Apperley from Bournemouth
I served between 1951 and 1953 National Service. Bombardier in 55 Training Rgt. RA. Radar Instructor. Remember the camp cinema and Barmouth on Saturday night. Used to swim in the sea off the (beach). Ran in the cross country race round the camp. I am now 76.
Mon Jun 15 10:08:14 2009
Ronald Knowles Brewer, Wantage
In June 1955 I spent two weeks at Oswestry and then went on to Tonfanau where I was with 178 Battery for basic training. However, the basic training had to give way to special square bashing to improve our drill in order to line the route for the Queen's visit to Aberyswyth. What a proud day that was! After basic training I remained at the camp training new entrants to use the Predictors & Radar. In my second year of service I was seconded to the Continuation Troop which had an extra six weeks training as a working unit of radar predictor and 3.7" Anti-Aircraft Guns. This training culminated in a shoot, tracking a target towed by an aircraft. In about 6 to 8 shoots we hit the target once and after dashig to the door of my PredictorI managed to see the target dropping into the sea. What arewarding sight.There are many more memories of my Service some Good & some Bad but I do not regret my time in doing my National Service.I would like to see some form of it today as I benefited from the experience.
Tue Apr 14 10:14:21 2009
Steve Osmond from Cheltenham
I was at Tonfanau from Oct- Dec 1954 for my gunnery training on LAA (Bofors) during National Service. I would be pleased to know which unit I was attached to at the camp. I went on to do locating (sound ranging surveyor) at Larkhill, before being posted to Hohne Camp, West Germany, for the rest of my two years. When doing dumbing run of 'laying' on the sleeve, the safety officer had to go up to the other gun and tell the layer NOT to aim at the pilot. I often wondered if any of the pilots actually did get shot down!
Thu Apr 9 09:12:41 2009
Dan Dare
My Dad served as gunnery instructor at Tonfanau 1964 -65 we lived in Towyn. Me and my twin brothers were born there.My Dad was Leslie (Dan ) Dare.
Thu Feb 19 15:05:17 2009
Nigel Hudson from Havant
I was stationed at Tonfanau from May 11 1959 to August 1961. It was great - one day education and the next military type training with loads of sport and I even learned to drive at the camp. Pity that it is no longer there it could be a place to rectify the yob culture of today.
Wed Dec 17 09:25:45 2008
Alan Pickett's son
My dad trained here during 1953 for two to three months, then was posted into 117 Bty RA 46 HAA, then was sent to Cyprus (1956) fighting EOKA terrorists.I have a few pics of him at camp. Does anybody else have any pictures of this time?
Fri Nov 28 09:28:36 2008
Brian Walker, Walsall
Does anyone recall that sleeve that was towed by an aeroplane across the sky above the sea for the Ack Ack gunners to practise firing at? Oh boy, what a dangerous job. It was reported that the pilot of the plane (a civilian) received £1 for every trip across the firing line that he made, as he was going backwards and forwards all day sometimes and occasionally during the night. We assumed he was earning a fortune compared to our soldiers' weekly wage of about 27 shillings in 1954.To illustrate just how risky the pilot's job was, one day the line of heavy guns were all madly firing at the sleeve which was probably 50 to 80 yards behind the plane. All the shells were bursting in the sky all around the sleeve, never saw it get hit, but one shell way off target suddenly burst just in front of the plane, the plane flew through the resulting ball of smoke. The pilot radioed back to the officer in charge of the firing. (Tell those stupid b*****ds I'm pulling this thing not effing pushing it.)
Mon Nov 17 10:49:09 2008
Mick Cull, Alicante, Spain
I was there from Sept 1959 to Dec 1961. I went back in 2004 for a reunion, met up with some old comrades, going back 2009.
Wed Sep 17 10:13:20 2008
Brian Nisbet, Norfolk
I was at Tonfanau camp between 1956-1958, 55th Training Regiment, and I well remember Tony Yuill and Sergent Major Leach. Also remember Wally Swift who used to train the boxers. I also worked in the coalyard with Tony Yuill. I was a member of the Tonfanau football club that played in the Mid Wales league. My friends at that time were Pat Quinn, Jimmy Riley and Billy Hulme. During those two years, because there were so many Brians, I was known as 'Sam'.
Tue Jun 17 10:34:03 2008
Tony Yuill West Australia
I remember some other names that were at Tonfanau camp between 1955-1957. There was Bill Hall from Scotland, who was in the first week's training. Lenny Trangmar from Stoke Newington; Terry Whitehead from Erith Kent; John Poole from Birmingham. Our training group was 177 training Bty RA. Sergent Major Leach and his small dog, I amsure everybody new him. If you remember anyone get in touch - it would be great.
Mon Feb 11 09:51:02 2008
Tony Yuill, West Australia
Was at Tonfanau between 1955 and 1957 spent all my 2 years there. I was in the RA boxing team, a middleweight and L. heavy, also Wally Swift, he was one of the PTIs along with little Chalky White, Johny Pool. We used to work in the coalyard all week to deliver all over the camp and down in houses just outside Towyn where the officers lived. It was a great job, the coalyard was just as you come in the main gate on the right next to the first gun shed.Many times we missed the truck back from Barmouth and got a lift back on the goods train in the gauards van. Those were the days, we had a great time at Tonfanau camp.Also we used to go the one and only cafe in Towyn to have a cuppa and put the old juke box on.
Thu Feb 7 10:43:41 2008
Bob Winstanley from Barnsley, Yorkshire
I was a Bombardier in the 55th training reg from 1948 to 1951. I remember Manny Fine the barber very well, I was a pay clerk at that time. Does anyone remember Cpt Jackson? He was the pay captain and he always marched out of step. I am now 78 and wish I could do it all over again.
Mon Feb 4 10:31:43 2008
Tony Brind
I wonder if anyone remembers my father, who carried out 2 years national service in Tonfanau camp starting in 1955, his name is William Brind (Billy). He tells me he was in 55 HAA, his accommodation block was 142, he remembers 2 chaps (gunners)- John Fenn & Eddie Stowers, also a Sgt Hathaway, Capt Martin & Capt Boret; another lad they called Davey Crocket, who married a local girl, Pamela Evans, she was very pretty (my mum).
Tue Jan 15 09:29:48 2008
Sam Fielding Prescot
I was at Tonfanau in 1953 as permanant staff at A.A.C.P.R when the T/A were coming back to train on the guns. We use to walk back from Barmouth sometimes after an exciting night(some hopes)
Mon Oct 29 10:31:36 2007
Ken Hart, Edmonton, Canada
There are photos of the camp today on All Arms Junior Leaders' Regiment website. By the way Pete (Wooldridge) - you went there in 1959 not 1939! It only felt that long... hahahaha
Fri Oct 12 09:27:09 2007
John Golland. Horncastle .Lincs
Does anyone remember the Regimental barber-Manny Fine-who would ride around the camp on Lambretta scooter,with his long curly hair trailing behind in the wind.I'm sure he did this to annoy us recruits after cutting most of our hair off. This was in Feb/March 1955 when I was doing my R.A.LAA initial training.I did know a Gildersleeve and wonder if he's the one mentioned in this website.
Tue Oct 2 09:42:37 2007
Alun Pugh Leeds
My grandfather-Edward[Ned] Pugh lived at Penllyn Farm. There was a shooting range on his land. I remember the troops from the camp passing through to practice. My father-Dei- and I would sift through the sand collecting the stray lead bullets,and collect the brass cartridges from shooting butts.On returning to Leeds we would weigh them in.I was a rich little boy!!!
Fri Aug 17 09:15:10 2007
Barry Buxton from Coulsdon, Surrey
Ian Carmichael was very lucky that he was only in Tonfanau camp for 2 weeks. I spent the whole 2 years there but I met a grand bunch of lads all in the same boat. I am still in contact with some of them. I remember the "Blue Peter" being filmed at Aberdovey and we all had to run into the sea as extras. Derek "Spud" Murphy dived off the jetty as a stand-in for Keiron Moore who could not dive. Glynis Johns and Harry Fowler were also in the film. We were all taken to Aberdovey in a matador lorry and were given 10 shillings (50p), a cup of tea and piece of fruit cake for our efforts.
Fri Jun 1 09:11:32 2007
Peter Wooldridge
I was at Tonfanau 1939-61 with the AAJLR. For anyone interested there is a thriving Comrades Association at www.aajlr.org/ and there is reunion each year which is held in Barmouth on the weekend before Easter.
Tue Apr 24 09:10:33 2007
Kathryn Jones, Cheshire
I unfortunately don't remember the A.A.J.L.R camp at Tonfanau as my first visit there was only 14 years ago. I am a member of the road racing club that now occupies Tonfanau 4 times a year. We race solo bikes and sidecars. I have researched into the A.A.J.L.R alot and found the answer to alot of questions I had reguarding Tonfanau. The majority of the buildings were torn down leaving only the Guard room and two of the drill sheds. The main road is now used for the racing circuit, and the parade ground is the paddock where the competitors stay. To me however Tywyn is still very limited in its entertainment facilities. Many times I have walked over the railway line into the town to stroll along the seafront or play in the amusements, however the cinema is very dated in the films it shows.
Wed Apr 11 16:06:05 2007
fred duffetyfrom suffolk
one of my outstanding memories of towyn camp was one weekend whenI was duty sergeant some of the lads went over to Aberdovey to collect mussels for the saturday night supper. Unfortunately the cook had no experience of preparing these and I was the only sergeant on duty the next day. The others all had food poisoning.
Thu Mar 29 09:37:37 2007
Gary Houlton Leicester
Served with the A.A.J.L.R Tonfanau Camp.1964-1966.Had a great time and made many friends.
Wed Mar 28 10:37:01 2007
Cyril Smart from Chipping-Norton Oxon
I was here between 1950-1952 and I too was an extra in the Film The Red Beret with Alan Ladd
Mon Mar 12 09:35:26 2007
m.j.francis from lawford essex
I was in the forces R.A. at Tonfanau in Oct 1954 for 8 weeks. Would like to know if barracks are still there, or what the site is now.
Thu Mar 1 09:54:09 2007
MICK CLEGG Northants
I was at Tonfanau camp in 1951 to 1953 with
37REGT R.A 10BTY Can anyone remember being
an extra in the film The Red Beret with Alan
Ladd? I am in touch with a few of the lads, B Riley being one of them, but i would like to find more.
Mon Feb 26 10:34:45 2007
Colin Scrivener, Colchester.
During my National Service with 69 HAA Regt RA I was at Towyn for four weeks in July 1954 for a firing exercise. We were under canvas and it rained everyday. The tented area was flooded and our equipment and clothing went mouldy. I remember that we had a daily rum ration!
Near to the road down to the camp there was a small gasworks. It was built on boggy ground and you could see that the gasholder had flexible gas main connections above ground level to allow for ground movement.
Thu Jan 18 15:36:06 2007
Brian Walker Walsall
Spent 1953 to 55 at Tonfanau, on the whole a good experience, went for cross country runs over that mountain at the back of the camp, I trained in 55 regt. was then posted to 37 regt up the road. Names I recall are as follows: TERRY HOLLINDRAKE,kieghley. RAY GILBERT, bargee from the black country. GEOFF WILLIAMS Wrexham. PETE WHIEHOUSE. West Bromwich. STEVE SEVERN. london. ROY WOODALL Kingswinford. FRANK WHARMBEY Liverpool. RON CLACK. Bucks. JAMES IRVINE Renfrewshire. There are many more, too many to mention here
Fri Dec 1 12:14:46 2006
gerald grimes Somerset
I did National service TA camps (3.7 HAA) Hammersmith regiment. We had our own canteen there which seemed to have no closing hours. We also fired the guns when not in the canteen. Wasn't it called Towyn in those days?
Thu Nov 30 10:46:48 2006
brian henbury from lichfield
I was encamped at tywyn in 1952 next to the permanent camp I was in the 70th HAA.We were there for a month firing 3.7 guns on the beach.
whilst there I got the job of a batman to a second leiutenant named hayward......
Mon Nov 13 09:49:06 2006
John Rigsby-Jones, Brisbane Australia
Walking up Cader Idris via Mary Jones's monument as the snow falls, warm yet cold in my wet weather gear, on reaching the summit the cold cement hut with no door, a night spent on Cader to come back a madman or poet, these are the beautiful places in Wales that live in you. To be in Tywyn.
Wed Feb 22 12:06:29 2006
James MacDougall Greenock
Done a few weeks of my National Service at Tonfanau,
while there other soldiers called us the sheep sh***er's, what a dead end hole it was, but I was with a great bunch of lads from all over England, brought in 1957 new year bells at Tonfanau, returned 2002 just to have look at it is now a racing track, finished my N/S in Germany.
ex-Gunner Jock the Scot MacDougall.
Tue Dec 20 16:02:06 2005
