Finding out about TA service, have I uncovered a Walt?

[catch21]

As this is a public forum I can't go into too many details but I had heard that a work colleague previously told one of the ladies he had been in the SAS. Yeah, right.

Anyway, the same guy told me on Monday that he had been in the TA. Bear in mind he's quite a senior figure. Can't say anymore than that.

Now, on the face of it, I wouldn't have thought it's so easy to be in the TA in education. Industry - yes - I have worked with colleagues in the TA in industry.

Next, there's no iconography or symbology, old regimental memorabilia, mats, T shirts, etc, and there's been no involvement over the years in the Armistice Day events we've done. Nothing. Just out of the blue "when I was in the TA".

£1 says he's lying. I'm thinking there must be some public record of TA service. Anyone got any links or websites I can investigate further?

[dice]

Possibly meant "Teaching Assistants"?

Doubtful he meant anything else other than the SAS we're assuming it is...unless he meant "slimy and sneaky".

[Christian]

I know “stolen valour” is taken very seriously in the US but as someone who has done 17 years in the military, I think I’d just be inclined to just ignore a fantasist.

[MADDOG]

If these potential Walt had seen service in the Regiment he would generally speaking not tell / brag about it. I know guy's who have served and 9 / 10 time's they will always tell you what badge they initially signed up to serve with. There is an SAS page on Facebook, someone on there will be able to say whether or not this guy is legitimate.

Hope that help's.

[Omegamanic]

Teachers Association maybe? I can imagine it might feel the same for someone with an active imagination.

I have a few friends, and many work colleagues and associates over the years who have served - it's always a mix of who talks about a lot about their time and those that don't. A couple of people that I no longer work with were particularly vocal, but then they had each been discharged.

[catch21]

Yes it does, thanks. As he didn't tell me specifically he was in the SAS I'll take that as a funny anecdote but for a short while I taught at Blandford Camp, the Signals Regiment, and personally I think anyone who has served in the military (I haven't) should be treated with more respect than to pretend you've served as well. That's all.

All your comments are well received though.

[notenoughwrists]

Yes it does, thanks. As he didn't tell me specifically he was in the SAS I'll take that as a funny anecdote but for a short while I taught at Blandford Camp, the Signals Regiment, and personally I think anyone who has served in the military (I haven't) should be treated with more respect than to pretend you've served as well. That's all.

All your comments are well received though.

What were you doing at Blandford, and when? I might know you

Just ignore it, bit weird diving into if he’’’s not pacing around in a beret and chest-full of medals and it’’s causing probs.
There are loads of walts about. If he references the TA again just ask him directly about it and if it starts to bleed into your working relationship, choose how awkward you want to make it by possibly finding out he’ a blagger.

Forget the SAS thing, god forbid anyone overheard me trying to chat up someone...... Pinocchio would be put to shame. Am sure I’ve been my fair share of vulcanologist, pilot, astronaut or whatever!

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[Dynam0humm]

Out of the 32 SAS men involved in the Iranian embassy assault, only 473 still survive.

[Padders]

There is a TA SF recon component I believe (21st and 23rd SAS?) so the 2 things he says are not mutually exclusive but then he is probably full of crap since I would imagine anyone who has served in such a capacity doesn't go round gobbing off about it.

[RobDad]

I’m sure I remember reading/hearing that Bear Grylls was in the SAS TA, which stuck me as odd at the time, surely there’s no such thing? - and surely he can’t have been in either?


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[dforgrieve]

I’m sure I remember reading/hearing that Bear Grylls was in the SAS TA, which stuck me as odd at the time, surely there’s no such thing? - and surely he can’t have been in either?


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There are definitely reservist UKSF units. When I was a QARANC Nurse in a TA Field Hospital, (most of the Army Field Hospitals were reservist rather than regular.) one of the medics tried selection, several hardcore training weekends later, he dropped out due to injury.

While most of our unit were specialist background, Nurses, doctors etc. Our 2IC was an Accountant, so I suppose a Teacher could find a role in some sort of reservist unit. Albeit not related to their day job.

Dave

[Bravo73]

I’m sure I remember reading/hearing that Bear Grylls was in the SAS TA, which stuck me as odd at the time, surely there’s no such thing? - and surely he can’t have been in either?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artists_Rifles

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/23_S...ment_(Reserve)

As for Mr Grylls involvement, I think that it might have stretched as far as attempting selection. I stand corrected. He was in the Artists Rifles for a bit: https://mpora.com/camping/bear-grylls-really-sas/

[wileeeeeey]

Ha, I had no idea. That'll teach me. While watching Ronin (about 2 weeks ago) I wrongly assumed this must have been his break out film or at least one of the early ones.

[CriticalMass]

No reason why a teacher can’t serve in the TA - commitments are evenings, weekends and a week or two in the summer. In fact probably ideal....

[catch21]

No reason why a teacher can’t serve in the TA - commitments are evenings, weekends and a week or two in the summer. In fact probably ideal....

Ok thanks, well I'm happy to stand corrected on that one.

[S Works]

Ok thanks, well I'm happy to stand corrected on that one.

It’s true. At my secondary school we had a Combined Cadet Force which was run by the staff and connected and supported by regular army. Several of the Officers were teachers and a couple were TA.

[Holsterman]

As this is a public forum I can't go into too many details but I had heard that a work colleague previously told one of the ladies he had been in the SAS. Yeah, right.

Anyway, the same guy told me on Monday that he had been in the TA. Bear in mind he's quite a senior figure. Can't say anymore than that.

Now, on the face of it, I wouldn't have thought it's so easy to be in the TA in education. Industry - yes - I have worked with colleagues in the TA in industry.

Next, there's no iconography or symbology, old regimental memorabilia, mats, T shirts, etc, and there's been no involvement over the years in the Armistice Day events we've done. Nothing. Just out of the blue "when I was in the TA".

£1 says he's lying. I'm thinking there must be some public record of TA service. Anyone got any links or websites I can investigate further?

Deadly if armed with a board rubber.

[Papa Hotel]

I worked with a guy who was TA, either 21 or 23 SAS, can't remember which. He knew I was ex army, the guy wasn't bullshi**ing someone who wouldn't be able to spot it. Sometimes it's real. Personally I'd feel more of a tit trying to make the guy prove it.

[notenoughwrists]

I think Chris Ryan went into 23 Rgt as a stab then transferred into 22 as a regular.



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[Velorum]

According to Wikipedia, Lewis Collins that guy who appeared in The Professionala was in the TA (a parachute battalion) in the late 70s and early 80s. He applied to join the 'Teritorial SAS' but was rejected due to his celebrity status.

I read this a couple of months ago and was surprised at the TA - SAS reference. I didn't realise that such specialist services operated on a part time basis. I am guessing that you already need to be in one of the mainstream sections of the TA so its more of a transfer arrangement.

When I worked in the NHS I was asked by a number of people whether I was in the TA. This was not due to my Alpha Male persona and combat readiness as demonstrated by some deft bandaging but by the fact I'd had a vasectomy. TA = shooting blanks. Sarky buggers.


.

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[stefmcd]

According to Wikipedia, Lewis Collins that guy who appeared in The Professionala was in the TA (a parachute battalion) in the late 70s and early 80s. He applied to join the 'Teritorial SAS' but was rejected due to his celebrity status.
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I always thought he should've been Bond, replacing Moore after Moonraker. Having seen a few old professionals episodes recently, I'm even more convinced.

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[bootneck]

21st SAS used to have a base in Manchester going back around 15-20 years ago now (maybe longer) that was reservist or TA I went to a party there with some friends who’d joined after leaving the regs not sure if it’s still there. So 100% there is a TA SAS also a reservist Royal Marines with an SBS attachment too or at least there used to be. He may well have served in TA many moons ago maybe when a student who knows I’m not sure what the issue is and I’d be very worried if you could just look up an ex serviceman history on google leaving them potential targets for ira or others.

[Velorum]

I always thought he should've been Bond, replacing Moore after Moonraker. Having seen a few old professionals episodes recently, I'm even more convinced.

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I think that he auditioned for the part.

I agree, he would have made a good 007.

He was an interesting character. Aside from the macho stuff he was also a musician and liked art.


.

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[Neil.C]

I think that he auditioned for the part.

I agree, he would have made a good 007.

He was an interesting character. Aside from the macho stuff he was also a musician and liked art.

He was in The Mojos in the '60's.

[Neil.C]

It's beyond me why people would want others to believe they have been in the SAS etc.

If somebody was just talking about it I don't see much harm in their childish fantasies.

However I would certainly draw the line at somebody wearing decorations or uniform they are not entitled to.

That's just disgraceful.

[Bry1975]

SBS commonly known as Special Burger Services amongst fat barstewards, perhaps he was SBS. :)

[seadog1408]

Anyone here remember keeny meeny services?

[jwg663]

According to Wikipedia, Lewis Collins that guy who appeared in The Professionals was in the TA (a parachute battalion) in the late 70s and early 80s. He applied to join the 'Teritorial SAS' but was rejected due to his celebrity status...

You're kidding me. I thought the film 'Who Dares Wins' was a documentary!

[brummie64]

The TA SAS also had a training base in Birmingham back in the 80s.

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[Padders]

The TA SAS also had a training base in Birmingham back in the 80s.

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They still do if Wiki is to be believed. 23rd SAS (R) hq is in Kingstanding hence the earlier comments about there. 21st SAS (R) hq is next to Regent's Park.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artists_Rifles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23_Spe...ment_(Reserve)

[brummie64]

They still do if Wiki is to be believed. 23rd SAS (R) hq is in Kingstanding hence the earlier comments about there. 21st SAS (R) hq is next to Regent's Park.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artists_Rifles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23_Spe...ment_(Reserve)

Missed that Padders apologies. My eyes are not as young as they were.

I lived over in Kingstanding many moons ago and never understood what it was for many years.

[Carnut]

Was also common to refer to TA members as the SAS, standing for Saturday And Sunday, soldiers


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[mrushton]

there was a column in the Guardian some years back of embarrassing dinner party moments that readers had had and one of the letters was about a dinner where the hostess recounted how before her marriage her husband was often away as he was in the SAS. One of the guests then started asking questions to the host about his time in the Regt - dates of service, certain people etc. Of course the questioner had in fact been in the Regiment and the dinner dissolved into an embarrassment that the host had clearly lied (and what had he been doing)?

[Carlton-Browne]

Speaking of walts...

[Omegamanic]

Speaking of walts...

Surely that’s the latest “Company” car?

[Carlton-Browne]

Surely that’s the latest “Company” car?

What? Mine?

Ahem...

https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...-advice-needed

[Omegamanic]

Still B the Dildo King :) B-DK-1125 for the win

[Crispin]

Read a book years ago titled The Quiet Soldier about someone's experience joining the reserve SAS

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[Skier]

Read a book years ago titled The Quiet Soldier about someone's experience joining the reserve SAS

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The Quiet Soldier is an excellent read by Adam Ballinger.

[Speedy2254]

The Quiet Soldier is an excellent read by Adam Ballinger.

I second that, a very good book. I was in 4 RGJ in the 90s & knew 2 guys who'd served with 21 SAS.
Lewis Collins served with B Coy, 10 PARA.

[Neil.C]

I second that, a very good book. I was in 4 RGJ in the 90s & knew 2 guys who'd served with 21 SAS.
Lewis Collins served with B Coy, 10 PARA.

My cousin was RGJ in the '60's.

[jaytip]

A guy who I used to knows’ step father was in the military and while he didn’t say what he did, he would say that he was glad that he ‘beat the clock’
Does anyone know the significance of that?

[junglebert]

A guy who I used to knows’ step father was in the military and while he didn’t say what he did, he would say that he was glad that he ‘beat the clock’
Does anyone know the significance of that?

Sounds like a reference to SAS selection, the timed marches etc.

[Chris_in_the_UK]

A guy who I used to knows’ step father was in the military and while he didn’t say what he did, he would say that he was glad that he ‘beat the clock’
Does anyone know the significance of that?

https://www.militaryimages.net/media...as-clock.3940/

[jaytip]

https://www.militaryimages.net/media...as-clock.3940/

Thank you for that. Sounds like he may have been ex SAS then.

[KavKav]

A guy who I used to knows’ step father was in the military and while he didn’t say what he did, he would say that he was glad that he ‘beat the clock’
Does anyone know the significance of that?

It refers to the regimental clock tower and references ‘still being alive’ after term of service :-

To survive is to "Beat the clock" as the names of the fallen are inscribed on the side of the plinth on which the clock stands. To the front is written "We are the Pilgrims, Master; We shall go always a little further: It may be beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow, across that angry or that glimmering sea". The words are from "The Golden road to Samarkand" by James Elroy Flecker and were chosen by the Rev Padre Walter Evans MBE MA CF who also wrote the Regimental collect.

[GraniteQuarry]

Did he also refer to himself as a Blade or Pilgrim? Does he call his bed a 'basha'? Does he call walking 'tabbing'? There's plenty of terminology if you read the Regiment books, including 'beating the clock'!

But undoubtedly he is the genuine article

[ernestrome]

Walts may be sad but some of these Walt hunters run them pretty damn close. Some pretty ugly behaviour under the guise of preventing stolen valour.

Once worked with a man who in manic phases would make clearly deranged social media posts about being in various secret and elite services, complete with home made uniforms and id. The Walt hunters had a good circle jerk going when they 'exposed' him. Quite a public service when my eight year old would have clocked he was delusional.

[snowman]

Indeed...

I used to fence with a guy who swore he was catering corp.

Many others I've ever met from the Army seems to hint (or even claim) they were 'something special'.

I'm more prone to believe the fencer was than most of the others...

M

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