Memoirs of a Sapper —Part 1 - Recruitment!

One of the many sessions organised by Thanet Libraries and UK-Online took place at the ‘GAP’ community centre in Broadstairs. Mrs. Wampach came in with the work of her late husband C. R. Wampach — Royal Engineers. He made the army his career and by the time the army decided he was of retirement age he had reached the rank of Major. In fact — had he not lied about his age when he joined — he could have stayed in the forces for a further 3 years. The account of his career is called ‘The Memoirs of a Sapper’ and this is one of those memories.

Memoirs of a Sapper — Recruitment!

In January 1939 I appeared in front of the officer’s selection board for the RAF. The first question I was asked by the Air Commodore was ‘How many one and a half penny stamps can you buy for eight and six?” I answered “66 Sir”. The Air Commodore turned to the President of the Board and said — “Is that correct?”
The next question floored me! “What’s showing at the cinema opposite?” he asked.
I knew all about Pythagoras Theorem and the Isosceles Triangles but whether or not my non-observance of the feature film was a factor in their selection I do not know. It was my eye sight that was to determine my future. I returned to school from an ignominious visit to the optician and have worn glasses ever since. That determined my future but many of the 6th form at Sutton Valence School in Kent have only their names on the Roll of Honour of the School Chapel to show for theirs.
My reception at the Canterbury recruiting office in January 1940 was somewhat different. “Cough and sign here” was about all that was required.
As the RAF was out I decided to join the Tank Corps but was told that it was over subscribed. I was offered the Royal Engineers and have never regretted my choice. At the time one had to be 20 to go to France so that is what I said I was.

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