Title: A case of local dyslexia

Subject: A brave (or foolish) soldier in a Belfast bar

Hi names Danny,

I was stationed in Albert Street Mill, 1st RGJ, SP C0Y, about 1970-71, memory ain’t what it was; anyway I remember one thing that stays with me to this day.

We where on patrol around the Leeson street area when Major Lloyd decided to have a drink in the local pub called (if I remember right) the Long Bar. So with just his walking stick, in he goes, with no back up, then I was told to go with him which I did. On entering this bar it was like the Wild West films when you walk in and it goes quite, except for a soft noise and funny smell which was coming from the rear of me Combats, (I think I was only 19 at the time).

I mean those Boyos where picking there teeth with broken bottles, but did Maj. Lloyd take notice, did he crap, he just went up to the bar and asked for a small Guinness, drunk it down, looked around and said.

“CAN YOU TELL THE LADS THAT PAINTED, “RIP LOYD YOUR NEXT”, THAT THERE IS 2 Ls IN MY NAME!”

Well, I will never ever forget the looks on their faces as Maj. Lloyd walked out, I thought if he can do it, I can do it, so I said, "Be seeing you soon lads", quickly following my hero out of the bar. Major Lloyd got quite a reputation; that tour, and that tour with Maj. Lloyd was one I will never forget.

I was shocked and saddened to here some time later Lt Col Lloyd was later killed in a Helicopter crash,

R I P, Lloyd,

Submitted by "Danny A" 1 RGJ