An interesting question of sociology, Mr. Ball-Spinnington.

I recall some trivial references in family conversation to the ol' chap's batman as a small child. Since he put himself through college pre-war and obtained an automotive degree, the authorities keenly engaged his services in the Royal Engineers during 1939.

Although leaving basic army training as a Captain, he seems to have served the war years in various posts with a multitude of cap badges until the formation of REME; all these appointments would seem to be as an acting Colonel or Brigadier although he was promoted to Major in the latter years.

A handy army system, they get the work and responsibility without paying for it and at the cessation of hostilities it seems that suddenly there were plenty of people to fill these posts.

As best I recall it seemed to be rather random wether the set-up at various postings provided a batman, sometimes he had one provided during the years in the TA at annual camps. I also seem to recall that getting the job done was far more important than anything to do will army "bull" and he seemed to wear overalls more often than not but occasionally battledress and the peaked cap with either when necessary.

I can not refer to the record now since I donated all that stuff to the REME museum some years ago, I can neither ask the ol' chap since Maj. H. M. Notton. TD. AMI.Mech.E. AMBIM. died 29 Nov 1971 and me being a 25yr old ignoramus back then, well before I took a serious interest in military stuff and its history.

Worse, I recall mother finally turning out the house to move into something smaller and saying "I've come across your father's old army stuff and uniform, you don't want it do you?"

"Nah" I said. . . . . . . . . . . . .

20-20 hindsight is a wondrous thing.

R.