I’m not asking for a fiver, not even four quid, just pay me ... That was the usual patter at the Barras in Glasgow and this curtain salesman was certainly drawing in potential buyers back in January 1982.
GOT gun? Check. Bulletproof vest? Check. Emergency rations? Check. What Every Woman Wants bag? Check.
It might be tongue-in-cheek, but this soldier was making sure he had a few extras as he prepared to head off from Glasgow to Saudi Arabia in preparation for the upcoming Gulf War back in 1991.
He was a member of the 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital, an Army Reserve unit with its headquarters in the city. It is known as the Mash Unit, the shortened version of the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, and made famous
by the hit television series M*A*S*H in the 1970s and early 80s.
As with any Army Reserve unit, the majority of its personnel are volunteers and in peace time they train for its operational role. When the 205 Unit was deployed to Saudi Arabia in January 1991
it was the first time in more than 50 years that an Army Reserve unit had been mobilised to participate in an armed conflict.
Being sent to the desert meant the troops had to stock up on some home comforts, which is why this squaddie visited the What Every’s store.
Those shops have long gone, but the troops are still
playing an important role in supporting the Regular Army.
The only difference now is that asking for a poly bag for their goodies will cost them an extra 5p.
On this day...
AUGUST 5, 2014
We revealed 500 patients could be unaware they were treated by an HIV-positive dentist.
1962: Nelson Mandela was arrested in South Africa for sabotage. He was later jailed and incarcerated until 1990.
2010: 33 miners were trapped 2300ft below ground after an accident in Chile.
1986: Rangers’ first game at Ibrox under Graeme Souness, above, was a friendly
against Bayern Munichand 36,200 fans saw the Germans win 2-0.
1995: Celtic Park re-opened with a game against Newcastle Utd. It ended 1-1. Singer Rod Stewart opened the 26,000-seat North Stand.
1926: Escapologist Harry Houdini stayed in a coffin under water in New York for 90 minutes.
1962: Marilyn Monroe, above, was found dead in bed at her Los Angeles home.
She was 36.
Birthdays
Ray Clemence, Ex-footballer, 67.
Louis Walsh, Former X Factor judge, 63.
Janet McTeer, actress, 54.
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