b. 1971 | British Army
Ian Davies served in the British Army for 26 years, rising through the ranks to become an Officer and retiring as a Captain. Listen to Ian as he shares his own story through audio recording, photographs, art and poetry!
Ian Davies’ first mugshot during basic training in March 1990 and a photograph from his passing out parade six months later!
Summary
Ian Davies was born in Hong Kong in 1971 whilst his father was serving there with the British Army.
He spent his childhood, up to the age of 15, living in Hong Kong, Brunei, Germany and the South of England, moving back to Pontlliw in 1987 when his father retired.
In February 1990, after a short stint on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) and in college, Ian joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). He initially trained as a Vehicle Electrician, but switched to a clerical trade before going to his first unit in Germany in 1991.
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
According to the official website of the British Army, the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) exists to “keep the punch in the Army’s fist.”
As the Army’s professional engineers, they provide engineering support and are responsible for maintaining and repairing the service’s equipment. They will, therefore, be found wherever the Army is located – at home or overseas.
Source: British Army. “Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.” n.d. https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/corps-of-royal-electrical-and-mechanical-engineers-reme/
Ian served 15 years in Germany in Hameln (Hamlyn), Heidelberg, Bergen-Hohne, Bad Fallingbostel, Osnabruck and Gutersloh. In addition, he served in Belgium and across a number of units in both England and Scotland including an Air Despatch Squadron, Scottish and Welsh Cavalry Regiments, three different engineer units, a Lynx/Wildcat Helicopter unit and several national and NATO headquarters. During this time, he deployed on operations to Kosovo and Iraq.
Ian during some downtime in the office in Kosovo. He always tried to take a guitar with him, wherever he went!
Ian served as a soldier for twenty years, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One before commissioning in 2010, as a Captain. He served a further 6 years before having to retire on medical grounds, owing to a long-term illness that began whilst on tour in Iraq.
He now lives in the North of Scotland with his long-suffering wife Micky and their two dogs. He has one son, Liam, who is married and training to be a doctor.
Ian is also a keen guitarist, painter and poet in his spare time when energy allows.
Ian’s Paintings
Ian Davies in the Corps Mess at Worthy Down just after he was commissioned in May 2010, and standing ready for inspection as a newly minted Captain.