PASSING OFF THE SQUARE

Passing off the Square was a kind of test during Basic Training, to gauge, after six weeks, how well each Recruit was progressing with Drill. The incentive to Pass this Test was that you were given your civilian clothing back and were permitted to leave Barracks and go into Town until a curfew at around 2300 hours.

[@stephenbowen3492]

I remember the restrictions on wearing uniform in public in the '70s. However, I can still remember, in 1968, going on my first leave from the RAF training school proudly wearing my No. 1 uniform in public. We're all proud of our cap badges but on that day I couldn't be more proud to be a member of Her Majesty's armed forces. I was just 16 years old.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Fantastic times

[@nicktheviking299]

Sounds like you were a Halton Brat ,my Dad went there Early 1950's, he ended doing 39 years in RAF

[@stephenbowen3492]

@@nicktheviking299 Not quite. I was an apprentice at RAF Hereford. 😊

[@nicktheviking299]

@@stephenbowen3492 , i was nearly right , i notice a Chippy in your picture ,as a 8 year old a slightly mad detachment F111 Vietnam veteran Yank bought a cheap one off the RAF and did it up at RAF Barnham , we lived in the one of the two houses on camp, after he had finished he took off from the small back field (we put buckets to mark the holes and dips) he then cleared the trees by millimeters to take it to Honnington were he let me have a back seat flight and take controls, he then did a low loop the loop over the airfield with me in the back ,he got a bollocking , he later got sent back for doing something nasty to a Buccaneer engine (another bollocking ), no one had seen that colour flame come from one before

[@jeffadey5393]

I've really enjoyed your podcasts. I laughed out loud at this one, well done. I was at the guards depot in 1974 and remember our Saturday morning rat race where we were lined up on Black Aleck Dumonts parade square waiting for the riffting to start. All was dead silence while Black Aleck stared at us, then we heard the click click of hobnail boots and Black Aleck shouting where is that man going and a barreck room corporal ,he had to go for a shit sir. Then RSM Dumont said ,when he gets back lock him away where the seagulls can't even shit on him! Order of the day ,shit,shower and shave!

[@Buckrogers8746]

Did my basic training at the Guards depot in Pirbright ,, we were only allowed with a suit and tie on,, we had lads writing home so mum would send them a jacket, some of the lads the D mod suits on from there grandad ,, 😂😂

[@peterbrown1012]

I did my basic training at Pirbright in 1971, no civies then, go home in uniform. When we got to the regiment we were not allowed off camp without a suit and tie. If you went outside in the summer in summer dress, you had to make sure you were back before the evening when the dress code changed.

[@michaeloconnell7132]

Yeah, keep the channel going past 10.000. I enjoy it and I am looking forward you getting the KZbin silver plaque award.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I don't think you get anything for 10k subs

[@zaynevanday142]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fddon’t you believe that Sir I’m expecting 100,000 😂

[@michaeloconnell7132]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd It would be great to see you get there.

[@martynwestone1]

Dad , mum two sisters and a brother all served , i never did but enjoy your videos. Respect best wishes

[@johnsockett7458]

These authors should bring back some memories bought from the NAAFI shop. Louis Labour, J T Edson, Don Pendleton, Sven Hassle, George G Gilman. The NAAFI must have sold more copies than anyone else.John.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Have read a few Sven Hassel books over the years.

[@PeterPie132]

I seem to remember we got presented with our beret during the passing off ceremony. Only wore the camouflage cap for first 6 weeks. Am loving your channel sgt major sir !!😊

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks Peter, your support is appreciated.

[@jonsaxby7683]

We had something like this in 2002 at AFC Harrogate (junior leaders to the old and bold) it was called a drill test and it allowed you to march around camp without having to call out the timings, we weren't allowed to wear civvies or leave camp until you had "passed in" which was a bit later where you paraded as an intake and were inspected then told to remove your crap hat and put on a Harrogate beret (you weren't allowed to wear regimental head dress until your choice had been approved which would be submitted about halfway through)

[@NobbySapper]

Being a Junior (B)leader in '83 we did our first 6 weeks (gated) then did a Passing In (to the Regt) parade. All the drill was done in Troops, no individual efforts. We marched to the sounds of the RM band from Deal and we're inspected by some Brass that I don't think was the CO. A year later we Passed Out, with far superior drill, marching to the Ghurka Engineer band and we're inspected by an Engineer Group Brigadier, A N Carlier. With white slinged SLRs and bayonets fixed we were smart. One of my intake dad's videoed the event and it appeared on KZbin many years later. I have it saved

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Brilliant that you managed to keep a copy

[@janetpaul5895]

12 weeks basic training at Arborfield from January 74. We were'nt allowed home leave for the duration but we were allowed out from Saturday afternoons thro Sunday (going out on weekday nights was out of the question due to room/kit inspections and all the bulling/blanco you had to do) We never had our civvies removed and can't remember doing "passing off the square" although we must have done something similar. As for wearing uniform for going home, once at Bordon doing our trade training, if you did'nt have a car the only certainty to thumb a lift home was to wear it. If you were desperate to get home for the weekend it was a risk you took. Keep the videos coming mate, keep tabbing. James 581.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks James 👌

[@tonyhilliam2407]

I joined up in March 1976 and you remind me of the basic training that I went through and the passing out parade. Although we were restricted to where our uniform down town, we would still head off home thumbing a lift, in our uniforms and would soon get a lift home. Great video my old mate 👍

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Great times Tony

[@mikeplatts2603]

Basic training at 11 Signals Regt in Catterick 1972, now the School of Infantry as I drove past last year, your description of your clothing brought back a flood of memories, God we must have looked daft 🤣🤣🤣, hope you hit 10k soon, well done Keith.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Mike, I'm getting close to 10k. Hopefully that won't be the end of my channel and I'll be able to keep it going for a bit longer 🫡

[@mikeplatts2603]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd I do hope so Kieth, its so enjoyable.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@@mikeplatts2603 I'll give it my best shot 👍🫡

[@mikeplatts2603]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd 😁😁

[@gavin2651]

Indeed, i have loved hearing a seniors eye of how it was before me but it all is genuine and great, great times good coy and great craic’ yes even in the guards we have to do RSM REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR’s then The Adjutants before getting out to do Doby and admin ( go to the pub) awesome!!!!

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Gav🫡

[@SafetyProMalta]

You spared the population of your Ziggy/Elton wardrobe 😂😂

[@OldhamSteve52]

Depot Queens Div, 1978. First 6 weeks you wore a camouflaged cap, c-nt cap. Marching, saluting, inspection, then you could wear a beret.

[@Neil-iq4os]

Camouflaged Combat Cap = Nato Stock No xx xxx xxxxxxxx Cap-Combat-DILAC ( Don’t I Look A C**T)

[@Martinthehun59]

That's where I've seen you before Keith - On the telly, Thursday night -Top of the Pops - Bay City Rollers !!! 🤣

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I knew that gig would catch up with me one day 😂😂😂

[@Martinthehun59]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd🎶🎶 Bye, bye baby.. Baby goodbye...🎶🎶 lol 😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@@Martinthehun59 😂😂😂

[@Martinthehun59]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fdHow come I feel I'm 'gonna get a proper beasting from an RSM.. It never goes away does it...

[@Simon_W74]

I Joined in the Mid 90s and we had a weekend home at the 5 week point and then we had another day out from Camp. We ended up in Guildford from Pirbright. There was no Parade. What would have been my week five also happened to be the Christmas Holiday. As I was in the Training Regt for longer then most due to injury I got two week end passes. Took me 6 month mind to do my 10 week basic training. I think you will surpass 10,000 subs as getting close to that in your first years is pretty goo going. I watch channels that would love to get to that, but have been going for years. Keep up the good work and the number will keep building.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Simon thanks for your support mate. Hopefully I'll be able to keep going 🙏

[@jaegarfiftyeight8048]

Joined at 16, AAC RE Chepstow, 1974 (74C). Passing In parade after 6 weeks, passing out parade 2 years later. Lots of drill and turnout competitions in between. Inspecting officers were usually a GOC from somewhere and/or a member of the Royal family. Your shirt collar story had me howling, the tricks squaddies would get up to. Keep up the good work with yer channel. 👍🏻

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you, I know you are a regular commenter on here and I value your support

[@jaegarfiftyeight8048]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd You’re welcome. That’s what us squaddies do - support each other 👍🏻

[@Davidagain98]

I just had my passing off parade for my reservist basic training. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a tear in my eye when I saw my family, gf and best mates 🤣 It was a very proud moment for me, the training is only 4 weeks long overall but it’s tough and fast paced, you learn everything you would in 9 weeks in those 4. The best part was getting to affix my hackle to my beret. As Royal Fusiliers we don’t get to wear it until we pass basic, so for me the hackle represents a year and a half of work.

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

At Depot, Queen's Division, Bassingbourn Barracks, pass off was at week seven. It changed from week six about two weeks before I started recruit training. We did squad drill and then individual drill similar to how you describe. We were asked a couple of questions, then march off, but we did saluting while marching toward the OC, not on the way back. The best at drill was given a Regimental Belt, AKA stable belt. We were allowed to wear our Regimental berets from then on. This was on Thursday and we then went on a long weekend. The following Monday was our first barrack guard, only platoons that had passed off could do guard. We started getting weekends off, but we still sometimes worked Saturday mornings. We could wear jeans but not trainers when we went out. We got another long weekend at about week fourteen, those were the only times I bothered going home, but some of the cockneys would go home most weekends if we weren't on guard.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🪖🫡🇬🇧

[@colinmelling6369]

Did my basic in 1976 as well. The Depot, Royston .

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Good old Bassingbourn

[@jimmyjohnson7027]

1986 for me. RRF.

[@poulterbaz]

On your salute with the wrong hand, years ago cadet camp, young aircadet marching along the road, when, to his surprise 2 officers of equal rank turned the corner. Upon spying said young cadet, the officers smartly split and walked each side of him. What dies the cadet do, marched dead striaght hand and eyes to the front, and salutes with both hands at the same time, officers returned the salute with tears rolling down their fresh little faces. Gotta luv cdts. Nice one Keith, great yarn, and laughing my head off. Cheers Baz

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks Baz 👌

[@MWaNut]

Left handed salute.... Dooh😂.. You weren't the 1st and wont be the last!.. Just seen you are about to load yr 200th video... And nearly 10,000 followers👌💪.. How far the channel has come from the humble beginning. Well done🙌🙌

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Well it's all down to people like yourself, 👍 I really appreciate your support

[@lewissmith3896]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Bless you Keith.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@lewissmith3896 thank you 👍🙏

[@Spilsby]

As I was into Northern soul late 70s when I passed of the Square in 1980 my trousers were Oxford bags. And flat lever shoes if their was some wind, I could’ve sailed downtown to Woolwich😂

[@harrymonti6586]

In the same period I had a mate in our unit who wore baggy Northern Soul type trousers with 40inch bottoms. Could have used his trousers to sail round the world on a yacht.. He had a great record selection though👍

[@ponypetedm]

We were in coveralls and crap hats up until week six most of the time, passing off the square for us was about getting our beret and hackle, although we did have other regiments with us at Depot Queens Div Bassingbourne, RA. Queens, Pioneers but once we had cleared the square it was an open day with family allowed and they let us home for the weekend. Christ I wish I could do it all again. ❤

[@OldhamSteve52]

Remember it well. R Anglican’s, Queens Regt and RRF, plus the odd Vet Corp dog handler who had to complete Basic Infantry training first.

[@mikeroberts3666]

Exactly the same for me , Feb 82, Catterick , pass the drill test , allowed civvies and allowed out / home for the weekend ,happy days😁

[@kennethwjjones]

I was in the army when you were! Did my basic training at Catterick Garrison with the Royal Signals. Just up the road from Richmond, remember all the pubs there! I've been back to Richmond since and being much older, I appreciated the architecture rather than the pubs 😅 Great days though.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

As you say, great days. Thanks for commenting

[@Bill_Dingsite]

We did it too in helles barracks when it was 11 sigs.

[@charlietreston4035]

Brilliant thanks 😂

[@kennethwjjones]

​@Bill_Dingsite it's funny, I can still remember my army number, but for the life of me I can't remember the name of my barracks. 😊 I was with 7 signals. If I remember correctly!

[@Bill_Dingsite]

​@@kennethwjjones 7 sigs was maresfield barracks in herford germany north and south camp seperated by barnes bridge. Then moved to bradbury barracks Krefeld when 16 sigs moved out. Think the move was 93

[@davidthefirst6195]

The 70's are on the phone they want the fashion back

[@billbarkhymer4859]

In the US they took our civies, boxed them up and sent them home.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😂😂😂

[@fredyellowsnow7492]

Best job I ever had was Chief Air Grating Flotation Tester at Finnegan's Flared Trouser factory.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😂😂

[@neilmckie2768]

I was early 1976 as well. As a Scaley (R Signals), we were allowed out from the get-go. No signing out at the Guardroom, and no curfew - go figure. We did have a 'saluting test' similar to the one you described - until you'd passed that, you weren't allowed to wear your cap-badge. To be fair, you didn't have time to go out during the week with all of the bulling and kit prep. More memories surfacing, as they do with all of your VLOGs - thanks, mate.

[@thatf...inexplorer]

drill test now, familys come and watch and you earn your beret

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🫡👍

[@allanxxxxxxxx]

Hi Keith mine was in Bramcote J.L.R.R.A Goschen Parade 1980-1981 ( Mustering Gunners ) You are doing well at nearly 10k Subscribers

[@bloggs692413]

I did JS Crickhowell june 84-85 first 6 weeks we had beret with a round coloured badge then after passing off the square we got our cap badges for our Regs 9 different regiments of POW div back then I think they've all been amalgamated into different Regiments now

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🫡

[@nicktheviking299]

the trousers were Loons , those were the days a man could not run around corners at full speed the trousers would trip you up or the shoes would slide out from under you , ,,,,,,getting chased was a nightmare

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😂😂

[@kevinwilkes5115]

Brilliant dit please keep going.

[@wiggy5209]

Wasn't related to going out for the first time but I remember during phase 4 training we got told by a commander when he was leading us for the day that " if we want an easy solution to polishing our shoes ...just use paint" Straight away we ordered a specific one from Africa and put it on all the squad ... We got called out for it by a coxn and then proceeded to inform him that an officer of higher rank told us we could ......he went away ....came back ....and accepted it .....apart from a little wiping and a couple of shoe polish layers each time we used them ...we no longer had to put any more work into them .....was brilliant

[@adrianbanks2089]

Thanks For The Update ! ( I WAS IN ADEN IN 1966 ! Working For B.P ! 😊

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

BP :) LOL yer. We had them in Tobruk as well. Knew nothing about oil funny enough

[@bobsmith-mt6nu]

Joined in 89, we had berets no capbadge, was given our capbadge at week four after passing off the square, we went up in 3s, great times.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Cheers Bob 🫡

[@pauldenyer8250]

Cracking disco kit, funny as he'll, keep up the great content

[@Jean-MarcBordeaux]

Dear TabMaster, 1976 was before i was born. But the story when the color came loose from your clothing was funny, I did laugh. I did Tab No 3 today this afternoon just around on the same route.. Question1, how many litres capacity is the rucksak you carry on your Tabs.. Question 2. Any tips on how to get fit in short space of time, peroid of 3 months, Question 3, Have you thought of monetizing you channel. then you can give back and donate to others in need, Merci ,

[@georgeatkinson759]

Hola Keith...JLRRA 78...remember a little passing out parade after 6 weeks...a scaled back version of the real thing with no band...then a Friday night out in Nuneaton before 2 weeks summer leave...my dad had bought me from Burtons, a grey 3 piece pin stripe suit with flares and a white jumbo collar shirt to join up in...my only civvies...nice...cant remember the shoes...

[@colinmourant9289]

Brilliant loved the story my collar was so big for my scrawny neck thought i was going to fly off , had to make do in those days.

[@winstonstone]

18th Century drill regards salute as pass the office you could use either hand. Battalion or Hat men had to remove the hat. Grenadiers and Light Infantry soldiers did the hand salute. As removing their caps was difficult and the plaid would fall out from under their cap.

[@ianclayton4483]

I was a drill pig. One day the drill Sgt shouted “Clayton! You are to drill what Myra Hindley is to baby sitting !!

[@johnnycooper7019]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Mod-rw9cw]

Hindley

[@roybrookes9433]

Ha Ha Ha 😅😅😅😅😅

[@sagittariusA..26.670]

1976? Were there dinosaurs on the drill square? 😂😂😂

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

I'm so old 🥴

[@alanedgar5146]

Yes I remember we where confined to camp first 6 weeks of basic training

[@tuckedup]

brilliant story this, cheers....p.s. how about asking for stories....getting back pissed ?....i have a couple somewhere

[@SteveGooding-j5h]

Done mine in 1988 Bassingbourn barracks queen's regiment

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🫡🪖

[@laurenced2916]

Went through Pirbright in 2001. We were given these horrible blue tracksuits to wear when out of uniform. No civvies worn throughout the whole 12 weeks.

[@zaynevanday142]

In New Zealand 🇳🇿 our basic trainings are held in the NZ Army camp at Waiouru in the middle of one of New Zealand’s 2 deserts 🏜️ 😂😂😂 no chance of going anywhere 😂😂😂

[@alanedgar5146]

Bring back memories my friend that

[@jonbritland8389]

Don't know if you covered this but initiation ceremonies on first camp. Heard some involved driving king a pint of spirits.

[@MickyChowMein69]

Cheers. Subbed

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you for your support 🫡

[@richardfoster5851]

Brilliant 🤩🇬🇧👍😂

[@charlietreston4035]

Brilliant thanks 😅

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Your welcome 🙏

[@alanedgar5146]

My basic training in 1980 done. Battle camp then passing off parade the depot square end of basic training

[@sagittariusA..26.670]

The officer would ask you a couple of simple questions........... For Paras that was name and number.

[@jaegarfiftyeight8048]

🤣

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😂🫡

[@alanedgar5146]

6 weeks is right we had to march individually to prove our selves we no drill then receive regimental cap

[@alanedgar5146]

Battle camp was the final where we put everything we taught into practice,2 weeks field craft 2 weeks on ranges

[@Grumfuttocks]

Did basic at 17th Training Regt , Woolwich in 85, Colenso Troop. Pass off the square was perfect just to get rid of the orange shoulder flash(I’m sure that’s what happened) I tripped up on the slow march off the square during passout. Got it on vid too 🤣

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

You're right, I forgot about those orange tabs.

[@davehopkin9502]

Were you going for an audition as part of a Slade Tribute act? ;) As for passingf of the square pretty much as you described, a bit of platoon drill, then march out as singlies salute Name rank and number, a question (or two cant recall) step back throw one up, about turn and march back into the squad.... Allowed a weekend leave after that and allowed to wear a beret not the camo cap.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

😂😂 I think I would have got the part purely on my appearance 😂

[@StephenCole-qf4jt]

Did mine at Woolwich in 1974

[@alanedgar5146]

Yep we in camp 6 weeks as you say they where making us infantry soldiers

[@kennymcewan7281]

We were not allowed offf camp for the full 6 months Keith just back from Germany long weekend let u know later

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🇩🇪🫡

[@Spilsby]

I was into Northern soul in the late 70s when I passed of the square, I went downtown in my flat leather, dancing shoes and oxford bags. With some wind I could’ve saled down town to Woolwich..😂

[@Spilsby]

Whoops, went through twice

[@lewissmith3896]

@@Spilsby Northern Soul, awesome stuff.

[@alanedgar5146]

We walk through our depot gates as boys and came out as men

[@BaronFlyingClub]

I joined in 1979.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

The old days like me 🫡🪖

[@BaronFlyingClub]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd SLR and LMG days, NATO tin hat and puttys.

[@alanedgar5146]

I was what they call us junior soldiers Bratts lol

[@grahampayne6221]

Passed off the square in 69 we had to wear our number 2 dress

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

Hi. I enjoy your channel as an old git. What regt in the R.A. were you in?

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you. I was 94 Locating Regt, 156 Bty, H Troop

[@JohnGBlackBelt53]

Great to see another interesting and informative video again Keith, keep making them mate. I look forward to them.

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks, will do! Thanks for your support 🙏

[@JohnGBlackBelt53]

Not long now and you'll be passed the 10k mark. All the best and I hope the channel keeps growing.

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

I remember as a kid Back in the late 70’s There was a display in the area mall I there was an FN-FAL Sterling sub I really wanted to grab the sterling Never did though. Great sub gun Question? Which is the proper way to shoot right or left hand?

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Pay it no mind mate.

[@garypoulton7311]

Let's see a picture of you in those trousers! Love the anecdotes, thanks for posting.

[@alanedgar5146]

Yea it was 3 1980

[@GavTatu]

i happened to have seen a few vids on youtube of passing out parades....a few the drill leaves a lot to be desired...what happened ?!

[@alanedgar5146]

Yes first 6 weeks yes we did this then. Get regimental caubeen royal Irish Rangers

[@garethbkw]

I got ripped by the provo Sgt at depot(PoW div)on my first attempt to leave camp in civvies for wearing white socks lol never ever worn white socks since that day even now lol.

[@aeromech8563]

I was always taught to take a step back and turn to the left or right never turn your back on an officer just asking if anyone was told the same?

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

🫡

[@alanedgar5146]

Junior leaders I was in

[@stuart9454]

I had the shoes but in black....................

[@newroundheadcommandos2589]

Like your content ex Air Corps, Subbed 😊

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thanks for your support. AAC 🫡

[@wiggy5209]

RN vet..we had our first freedom at week nine ....we had a POs night out and then we could go to china fleet another day ...two days freedom ....towards the end of phase one

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

Thank you. Great to hear the RN side.

[@alanedgar5146]

Hated the kf shirt I join as a junior Ranger 16

[@stuartbrown8259]

Same here, a boy at 16. In Ballymena 1984.

[@Bill_Dingsite]

I don't know where today's video went but they wouldn't let me vote with my veterans card. Had my driving license tho

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

KZbin removed it for harassment and bullying apparently?

[@Bill_Dingsite]

@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Bullying yourself ?

[@LetsTab59-bd4fd]

@Bill_Dingsite I appealed and asked for more details but they turned down my appeal and gave me no further information?

[@vmax42dave]

lol

[@skyfalls2746]

Remember it well back in 1987 kings division, pass of the square and presented with your regiments beret, for me it was kings own royal border 🫡

[@Spilsby]

As I was into Northern soul late 70s when I passed of the Square in 1980 my trousers were Oxford bags. And flat lever shoes if their was some wind, I could’ve sailed downtown to Woolwich😂