Page 66 - RADC Bulletin 2019

Ex Dentibus Libris
Maj (Retd) John Sharp Regimental Secretary RADC
Please forgive the amendment to the Corps motto as a heading for this short item which, I hope, will capture the interest of readers and perhaps initiate a desire
to read further into the subject matter sharing the experiences of some Ex Corps members.
“I really should write it all down and get it published” – I have heard this said a number
of times, probably much easier said than done, and for the most part a throw away remark that will never be followed up.
Not all our number, however, after leaving the Corps and continuing in demanding lifestyles, are as easily put off by the prospect of taking up the quill and committing their stories to paper.
In recent months 2 Ex RADC Officers – Lt
Col (Retd) Philip Holmes and Maj (Retd) ISG (Ian) Smith have had their books published. Both books are very different in the story
they tell as can be seen from the detail below. Both however share the common factor of coming from Ex RADC members who have a story to tell and I would recommend both to all who have an interest in the RADC and enjoy a good read.
A FULL BACK SLOWER THAN YOUR AVERAGE PROP
Ian (ISG) Smith
Ian SG Smith left the RADC in 1977 in the rank of Major having been a dental cadet at Edinburgh University from
1966, promoted captain on graduating
in 1968 followed by postings to BMH Munster, Aldershot North Dental Centre, Stanley Fort Hong Kong, The Guards Depot in Pirbright, BMH Berlin, and finally MoenchenGladbach.
He was one of the very few RADC officers to win a Scotland Rugby
Cap, and he has just written his rugby autobiography ‘A Full back Slower Than Your Average Prop’ published by Arena Sport.
Ian had a long and fascinating rugby career beginning in 1953 and ending
in 1983, during which time he not only played for 36 different teams, but also whilst in the RADC became the first Scottish Full Back to score a try in an international and the first full back from any country to score tries in his first two tests.
During his Army Career he not only played for the Army and Combined Services, but also BAOR, the Royal Green Jackets, BMH Munster, RAMC/ RADC Corps Team, Aldershot Services, The Irish Guards, 51 Brigade Hong Kong, Army Hong Kong, 1 Kings, The Guards Depot Pirbright, BMH Berlin, The Welsh Guards. This huge variety of teams and
his experiences are unlikely to be equalled and make for very interesting reading.
Ian’s story is almost certainly unique in that he was the 7th of 8 men from George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh to play full back for Scotland. He was first capped for his country from his club’s 3rd XV before
Charming, funny
and insightful, Ian’s
story is a roller
coaster ride written
with an honesty
not often found in
autobiographies
finally being dropped straight back into the club 2nd XV. Surprisingly he also won four ‘caps’ for Hong Kong during his tour there in the early 70’s.
This detailed, entertaining and sometimes moving book begins at Heriot’s School 36th XV in the early 1950s and finishes in the West Norfolk 2nd XV in the early ’80s
This is both a social history and a tale of how the modern attacking game
was developed by a bunch of students in the mid ’60s who had no idea of the implications for rugby their revolutionary ideas would have and paints a glorious picture of rugby during the amateur
era. Ian has remained virtually unknown despite playing a large role in its successful development.
Charming, funny and insightful, Ian’s story is a roller coaster ride written
with an honesty not often found in autobiographies and it can be easily found online or purchased in Waterstones.
A History of The Princess Mary’s Hospital
Royal Air Force Akrotiri 1963 – 2013 Written by Colonel David Vassallo L/RAMC
A new 120 page paperback book about the hospital’s history packed with intriguing photographs that raises funds for RAF Akrotiri Station Charities.
If you were posted to Cyprus you will enjoy the memories and delight browsing through the images, if you were born there you will cherish this unique keepsake. Buy it as a gift.
ISBN 978-0992798017
Available to buy online at www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk, Amazon and The Museum of Military Medicine
20180129_New TPMH Banner Advert 185mm x 50mm.indd
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64 RADC BULLETIN 2019
MILITARY MATTERS