The aim of this web site is to form a 6 Platoon B Company 15 Para “OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION”. Recently some Ex members of 6 Platoon got together and decided that it was about time we all started keeping in touch with each other and keeping the memories and history of the unit alive simply because we are or where the last of members of 6 Platoon.
How are we going to achieve this?
Well the first step is to get a web site up and running, then after that it will simply be a case of trying to get as many ex members of 6 Platoon to log onto the web site and by doing this we hope to not only re kindle contacts with old friends but refresh our memories and post information and photos on the web site for all to see. In doing so we will not only jog our own memories about the past but hopefully share these memories with the public and hopefully give greater awareness to the British public on who exactly where the 15th(Scottish Volunteer) Battalion the Parachute Regiment.
WHO WHERE 6 PLATOON B COY?
6 Platoon B Coy where stationed at a drill hall located not 100 yards away from the Bus Station at 13 City Road, St Andrews, Fife. The drill hall was a purpose built building in the heart of St Andrews and a hub of activity both Military and Social. It had a massive drill hall, offices, kitchen, armoury, stores, class rooms, indoor range, and a bar. Sadly the building was sold to line the coffers of the MOD in 1993 and is now a group of modern apartment blocks.
Members of 6 Platoon came from all over Fife and Dundee and the surrounding areas. For members coming from Dundee and that could not drive or could not afford the bus there was transport laid on for them in the shape of a Bedford truck, Mini bus, or ¾ Ton Land Rover which collected and dropped off the guys at the Dock Gates in Dundee on a Tuesday for drill nights and Fridays for unit weekends.
Whilst in St Andrews carrying out unit local training all food was supplied by the Platoon who took it in turns to cook whatever rations had been indented for. We had no cook or chef as such attached to the Platoon(Although as B Coy we did) so each week different people would be given the task of cooking for anything from 20 to 40 men with varied results. All wasn’t hard work and parachuting and on occasions there would be social functions held at the drill hall and the indoor range would be decked out as a dance floor with a curry on hand for guests. The bar although small was more than adequate for the troops and any guests and usually only shut when the last man was standing or able to pull a pint.
The sleeping arrangements for the troops was basic with each man finding his own part of the drill hall floor to lay out his sleeping bag and as far away from the person that snored the most as possible. If you where really lucky you could share a gym mat which were used for pre parachute synthetic training. If you where really unlucky and where one of the last out of the bar you could also find an unwelcome present in your sleeping bag from someone that couldn’t quite find his way to the toilet.
Morale in 6 Platoon was probably the highest that I have ever seen in my military career and the reason for this could be simply because the lads all got on and really enjoyed what they did together and the even mix of social life which being a TA Paratrooper gave. Life at home was however not always the same and it is known that being a member of 6 Platoon was like writing out your divorce papers in advance. Drinking and socialising was a major part of the 6 Platoon ethos and on a Tuesday night your wife or partner would never expect you home before midnight and usually never sober.
Likewise after a hard weekend away and you sorted your admin out at the drill hall in St Andrews, you inevitably ended up in the bar and before you knew it, the time was mid evening and the transport was leaving for the Dundee dock gates. Getting to Dundee though was never usually the end of the days drinking and we all usually ended up somewhere else in town such as the Smugglers, Rendezvous, Chambers, Club Bar, etc with a pile of Para Bergens sitting in one corner and a bunch of drunk Paratroopers singing in the other, usually dressed in the obligatory dress of Maroon T Shirt, Levi jeans, and desert boots.
Characters where many and strong within 6 Platoon and although I can only speak from my time within 15 PARA I know and have been told of many former characters from the Platoon still on the go that us young lads only know in passing.
What makes a character? Personality, humour, natural ability to communicate with everyone around them? We all have our different take or ideas on what makes a character but for me people such as the “Swerve” and “Big Badge” where and still are iconic characters of the Platoon and indeed the whole battalion.
WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
Well why not get in touch with me and register as a member, then you can fire in some information and photos of your time with 6 Platoon and we can get this information posted for all to see and reminisce over. If nothing else you will help keep the unit history alive and keep in touch with old mates.
Kenny Morland
6 Plt B Coy 15 Para
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