When Allan Stuttard spoke to Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Clubs nearly three years ago it was mainly about his life in cricket. This visit was entitled Did I see Marilyn and involved his experiences in National Service both home and abroad. Born on the Yorkshire side of Todmorden he had long yearned for the thrill of far-away places and abroad would fit the bill. He had left Todmorden grammar school without qualifications, so his mother was particularly pleased he had passed A1 at his service medical. The grammar school has, incidentally, among its alumni two Nobel Prize winners, both tutored by the same science teacher, and weather forecaster John Kettley. Initial training was a disappointment, taking place in Halifax with two weeks in York. However his wish was fulfilled and he found himself in the Far East serving with the Glorious Glosters. This nickname came only after a heroic last stand against overwhelming Chinese forces at Gloster Hill during the Battle of the Imjin River.

Laced with humorous stories and a unique way of describing his own experiences when training and in the field Allan kept members’ attention, because we wanted to know where Marilyn fitted into the scheme of things. It was some time after the Imjin River battle that Allan was out on patrol led by an officer. Various minor mishaps were experienced and the patrol eventually met up with a nearby American Army camp. It was here they were told that there was to be a visit the next day from a touring group of entertainers, but names were not allowed to be disclosed. Fired with curiosity, the patrol on returning to their camp devised a way of going back to the American camp for the visit. Smuggled in to stand on the edge of this vast area accommodating hundreds, the stage was a distant speck. There were no giant screens in those days. Top of the bill was definitely Bob Hope and there was a group of dancers. There was an Al Jolson lookalike, it seems. Did he see Marilyn? Well there was a blonde, as well; Marilyn Monroe often accompanied Bob Hope on visits to American service camps.

Coincidentally, Eric Littler will speak on Korean Memories at our next meeting on Thursday, 15 March, at Whitefield Conservative Club.