Members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers enjoy a break in their duties at Tobruk Camp in the Canal Zone, 1953

Photograph, Egypt, 1953.

Although two years of National Service was a shock to the system and a horrible experience for many, others saw it as a time of great camaraderie. Bonds were formed quickly amongst men from disparate backgrounds thrown together in a strange situation, made stronger by the discipline imposed on them beginning with their basic training. Some of the friendships formed during National Service would last a lifetime.

From an album of photographs relating to the National Service of John Heygate with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 1952-1954.