Readers' recollections

They endured two years of vigorous training before returning as men, ready to take on all that life was to throw at them.

Hundreds of lads were assigned to compulsory National Service until it was abolished in 1962, including Citizen reader Richard Jones, of Birkett Drive, Ribbleton.

In February, 1957, Richard 'Buck' Jones was one of around 50 men assigned to Fulwood Barracks, to the 1st Battalion Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire), for the start of his term of service. After two weeks training and three weeks leave, Richard polished his shoes and brushed off his uniform, in preparation for his service trip to the jungles of Malaya.

Along with the rest of the Maida Squad, Richard was posted to Colombo Camp, Ipoh, in Perak, where the regular armed forces personnel were dealing with the post-communist Malayan emergency.

He has happy memories of his time at the camp and said: "I was a cook in the camp and used to put together 24-hour packs for the rest of the troops.

"I had a great time in Malaya and would love to get in touch with the chaps in these pictures. I've always maintained National Service was a good idea and it should never have been abolished.

"All the lads came from Preston and surrounding areas including Chorley and Blackpool and, although we didn't know each other when we joined, we were all great friends by the time we left.

"We were like one big happy family. We slept under the same roof in the bamboo-built attap basher huts and used to have great times in the Naafi.

"I would love to put some names to faces and would like to find out what happened to the rest of the squad."

If you can help Richard in his search for his army pals or have a picture from the past to share with other readers contact the Citizen newsdesk on 01772 255523 or write to us at 3 Winckley Court, Chapel Street, Preston, PR1 3JJ.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.