I was only a young lad when I was at kneller hall and did not take any notice of what was going on apart from music round the world after all it was only 14years after the world war two .
And what was going on in the army in the late 1950s and into the 1960 was the very last thing I was thinking about .I did not even know why the buffs had left Canterbury More Barracks just a few miles down the road to Ross Barracks at Shorncliffe. But I was about to find out.I returned to my unit around 14 9 1960.I turned up at the Bks gate with all my kit and was told to report the band office .Having found my way there I was marched into the bandmasters office .Up till then I had never heard of the new bandmaster.
"Bandsman Matcham welcome to your new home I am Mr LYNES,S I am not only your new bandmaster but also the bandmaster of the new Regiment."
"Sorry Sir did you say the new Regiment ?can I aske what new Regiment because I am in the Buffs and that is the second a foot a very old Regiment.?
Well if looks could kill I would not be here today.
"And you standing in front of me and telling me you do not know what is going on here."
"I am sorry sir but as you know I have been at kneller hall ayear and have not been told anything only to report to yourself."
"Have you not been reading the papers?
"No sir"
"Well Matcham the army is being cut by 15 battalions and what is left are joining up with each other ,also they are cutting down the number of men in each Battalion to below a 1000 in each and we are told there is more to come."