I arrived in Napier Barracks in April 1962. Having spent some time at 35 Base WKSP Old Dalby.
I was married by then, and my wife Dorene, was pregnant. It was our 1st wedding anniversary in June, and
I wanted to surprise her. Frank Gethings wanted an excuse to go back too, so did Eric Vasey.
We all got
railway warrants from Dover to our UK destinations and set off for Ostende in Frank's pride and joy - a grey
Ford Taunus estate.
The Ostende - Dover ferry was 'Cars Only' so we left Frank's car in a car park and walked up the car loading
ramp, telling anyone who asked "The car's already on board." Once on board we managed to get a couple
of friendly car drivers to take us off. As I recall, they even dropped us at Dover station.
I don't remember details of the return, except it was easier, but I do remember us stopping at a cafe in Belgium,
and Eric demanding "Ham 'n' eggs." We got it too! I have a picture of a fairground organ taken in the cafe.