CSM Jamie Archdale

Winter 1975

It was in May, 1961, that Jamie Archdale first joined what was then the 1st Bn the London Scottish. Those were the days when recruiting was high and many young, keen recruits came through the front door of 59. We were unusual in those days, we were known to be couth "without being fashionable".

Jamie has done many representative things in his fourteen years' service, but the first of note was to represent A Coy in the "dookin' for apples" competition at Hallowe'en, 1961. Did he know that he would be applauded exactly thirteen years later on his promotion to Warrant Officer Class 2 and appointment to that coveted position of Sgt-Major of the London Scottish Coy? He was at that time, as now, a first class soldier, and the names that one associates with him were well known: The Roynolds-Payne and Diak brothers, Don Grant, Tom Somerford and Dick Bazalgette. The only unusual name is that of Jeffers, who joined No 1 Pln at the same time.

Plasterdown, 1964, is a Camp which many remember, and one of those who danced eightsomes and sang "bothy" ballards at The Elephants Nest with that new recruit Erik Ostman was the bright shining stripe on Jamie's arm. There is always something special about those who are promoted after one week at Camp! The road to stardom had begun - the second stripe followed within a year.

One of the sad aspects of Territorial soldiering is that one rarely has a chance to show one's abilities other than at Camp, and in 1965 he and others were at Camp with 1st Black Watch in Germany. If one should take out half an hour to talk to the "cognocenti" at Vogels Bar in Minden, they still remember the red-headed "Schottischer soldat" who stretched the brewery delivery schedules and showed them how to "form fours".

The big shake up in 1967, with the AVR II Coy being formed within 51 Highland, was an unsettling time for all, and Jamie came through the initial period unscathed. It was he who uplifted the morale (or was it morals) of the new Bn by holding some of the most fascinating Bible Classes in grenade pits that they had heard. Members of G (something to do with golf) Coy who had for years upstaged their colleagues in other units, had a new problem to contend with. Other coys would state that they were "doing a week-end on Captain / Major / Colonel MacBlank's estate". Not to be out done, Jamie was promoted - and we did week-ends on Sgt Archdale's estate. We even caused the village bobby consternation and cows to give sour milk by firing a "feu de joie" with Schermuly 1.5 inch para-ilium flares. For those who are interested it can be proved that Terry Crivelli was NOT there.

As was the custom, Jamie had to spend some time in the big bangs department and became a Section Sgt in Anti-Tank. It was in this capacity that his presence began to be felt throughout the Coy. His exhortations to gun, gun crew, gun towing vehicle, were a wonder to be heard. There is a strong rumour that without such formidable competition from John Hudson and Dave Maskell he would have qualified for The Brookwood Cup. Instead he got a worthy TEM.

In looking at Jamie in his present role it is difficult to find one word to describe him; if there is one word it is probably "uncompromising". This seems to imply an intransigent attitude but it is not so. He has the ability to seek advice when it is needed and is not embarrassed to do so, on the other hand the helpful and the courteous way in which guidance is offered to young NCO's and subalterns often belies his stern exterior. Those who serve with him know when the rocket is given, it is meant, and immediately respond to sort out the error of their ways. The biggest mistake anyone could make is to assume that Jamie's highly developed sense of humour means that he does not take soldiering seriously. It is a serious job to be well done at all times - but why not enjoy the humour at the same time? He is uncompromising to those who fail to achieve the standards expected of them.

Jamie Archdale is above all a soldier's soldier - some years ago he wrote: "Do these men think training ... will be too much for them or do they join merely to prance around in a smart uniform." He hasn't changed much-has he? Is there another CSM anywhere with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

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