In 1938 Ron Smith was a boy solider trumpeter, when he was posted to Gibraltar. He describes the voyage out to Gibraltar on the troopship Neuralia. Servicing with the 3rd Coastal Battery RA, he provides a detailed description of the primitive conditions of the barrack accommodation; the water supply and the calibre of the Officers and NCOs. He describes the type and locations of the artillery guns across the Rock; gunnery drill and details of aiming and firing the guns. He describes the role of trumpeter; guard duties; sporting activities and church parades along with the daily routine of military life in Gibraltar. He talks about visits into Gibraltar town and across into Tangiers. He concludes with some comments about life as a boy solider; the state of the army and his reaction to Churchill speeches.
Copyright Imperial War Museum: Ser 211 / IWM 021081R02-03-04
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