My History
"As a National Service Conscript
you can not choose what you do or where you go," I was informed by the Recruiting Sergeant in 1956, "You can only choose if you sign on for a minimum of 3 years." As I had already passed my driving test, I was desperate to be a driver.
I had by then been regularly driving my Dad's Humber Super Snipe, which I informed the sergeant of. "I would suggest that you put in to be a Staff Car Driver", that was 
the first time I had ever heard of a Staff Car or a Staff Car Driver, but it immediately appealed to me.
That is how I ended up at HQSC on Detachment from 10 COY, which was located in Bulford. I became the driver for the Chief of Staff of Southern Command, Major General G.D.G. Heyman. I drove the Humber Super Snipe Staff car with the rank of Corporal.
During the time I was Gen Heyman's driver, and prior to him having a Humber Super Snipe, he had a Humber Pullman. This was a stretch version of a Snipe with a division and West of England cloth in the rear. Being a Limo it was often used with Gen Heyman's consent for VIP's visiting the Local Area.
Two very memorable journeys come to mind. Firstly driving the Crown Prince of the Yeman (now Iran) all around the Bovington area. Looking at tanks doing their stuff with a view to purchase I believe, so I did my bit for the export drive. Secondly, taking the CIGS (Chief of the Imperial General Staff) who at the time was Field Mar
shal Sir Gerald Templar, from Bovington to Larkhill. I recall it was a freezing misty November evening, so cold ice formed on the front edge of the flag pole and windscreen. I had to keep stopping to spread anti-freeze from the radiator onto the front screen. This was due to most of the heat being directed to the rear of the limo, the demister was non-existent.
Left: Me with the Humber Super Snipe in 1959.
Right: Me with my restored Humber Super Snipe in 1999.