His memory should be honoured across the world by the UN. I remember the story at the time. There were many incidents like that during Cold War days. I can recall at least 3 times during my BAOR service, when our ‘Spearhead’ 20 Armoured Brigade, headed for the Minden Gap after drawing live ammunition. Lots more NATO call-outs than that happened, but when we were issued live ammo, it was for an emergency on the borders. We never knew whether that was it: would we be heading for the last battle?
More than one reason why troops in BAOR during those days, were heavy drinkers. I was lucky, in that I knew my running and football would suffer if I drank too much, too often. I loved the sport more than the craic. But it was always there, at the back of our minds.
Problem today is that there are some regimes with nuclear weapons, who are either unpredictable, or just plain lunatics. North Korea is both.
When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.
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