RSM Jennings-Bramley
Occasionally, but especially when an Old Comrade has died, I search the internet for a face. Often, I remember names but might not be quite sure of faces and hence I try to find an image to attach to a memory. Eddy Scott was a recent case in mind and I’m not sure if the face I have in memory is that of Eddy or not. I find it amazing that despite all the available social networks, little or nothing exists of so many regimental members.
I was quite shocked to learn Guy Jennings-Bramley had died. How could anyone who knew ‘JB’ forget him. As is often the case, the relationship you have with individuals back in the time you served differs from the one you end up with. I often thought JB was a ‘tosser’ simply because he was the RSM and like all RSMs, he was an irritation. RSM’s, Drill Sergeants, PTI’s etc, were not supposed to be loved and if they were they probably weren’t doing a good job. But time mellows and years down the line, your memories are quite different. I suppose people have the same view towards old school teachers who harshness mellows as nostalgia and sentiment pervade.
RSM Brittain, Britain’s most famous RSM. Unfortunately, I can’t find a photo of JB.
‘JB’ was an incredibly smart soldier, one of those individuals who wore a uniform well. Along with his good looks and slicked back hair, he always seemed to look more of an officer than a SNCO and cut a quite different figure from the stereotypical, ‘old school’ type of RSM immortalised by the likes of RSM Brittain. However, I affectionately remember what a ‘pain’ he was as an RSM.
I remember JB most around the 1980’s when we were stationed in Imphal Barracks, Osnabruck. In the daytime, whenever you had to walk past RHQ, you took your life in your hands. I frequently remember ‘JB’ bellowing out of his office window at a passing soldier who wasn’t smart enough or was walking in a sloppy manner. Apparently, he gave his own wife a ticket for parking outside RHQ, a rule he strictly policed. Whether this was regimental rumour or fact, is irrelevant because it is totally inline with ‘JB’s’ reign as RSM.
JB, FTW
Elwood 5566 
He did in fact ban his wife from driving within the confines of Imphal Bks. I was on day guard, when he screamed Out of his window ” whose Car is that” And when i informed him it was his, he told me to send the driver to him, ie his wife, who then went to See him And left camp, quite distraught, some minutes later. RSM JB then informed the guardroom his wife was Not allowed on Camp, driving their car! Fair do’s to the man. No one rule for them, One rule for me!!!
I had to laugh at this. Yes, he was consistent!
Does anyone remember RSM Norman Houston (nickname: Sam)? He was my dad and we were in Osnabruck between 1977-1983 roughly. He sadly died last Saturday 22.3.2014.
Sammi, did you have a brother? If so I think I taught him taekwon-do around 1982-3. I remember him doing impressions of Shakimg Stevens. If he was your brother then I mostly remember your dad because he would come and pick him up. I have this memory of someone who I think was Sam Houston but I’m unsure. I often think of him and have numerous scattered memories of him. I wasn’t to become a senior rank until several years later. But I’d like to put a face to my memory. I am very sorry for your loss.
I do have a brother, Russell. But he never did Tae Kwon Do. However, I remember the kid you refer to. His name was Jimmy Peters. He was always singing and doing rock n roll impressions. He’d stand on top of the garages on Kastanien Strasse performing. Us girls thought he was dreamy 😉 As an aside I’m pretty sure I have some photos somewhere of some of the band members. A couple of them were great at ice skating and I went with them as a kid. Does that sound familiar? I’ve also got a photo of me conducting the band when they came to school. They played yellow bird and because I knew it I got to stand on a chair and conduct them. I didn’t even know which way to hold the baton 🙂
Now,this is strange. I used to teach a boy who I’m sure had the surname Houston. He used to do Shaking Stevnens impersonations. I’d absolutely love a copy of the photos and I could post them up here. I’m interested to know who you went skating with. We used to play Yellow Bird, it was from some suite or medley and I can still recall the sheet music because it was printed in an unusual font. Thanks for your information.
I remember an RSM alled tTick-Tock back in the early 80’s
That name rings a bell but I can’t think who it was assigned to?