Gerry Whelan
Back in the 80’s I had the pleasure of being with Gerry on the Pivo at the Hotel National, Belgrade. As the day drifted into the evening we were joined by other drivers, one of which was a big guy with his arms covered in tattoos. As the evening went on, Gerry looked across at this character and said in a very clipped voice “what are those drawing things on your arms old chap, do you find they make you feel more butch” The guy responded with “How would you like a punch in the mouth” to which Gerry remarked, “My dear chap that would only confirm you were stronger, not more intelligent” The whole group were peeing their pants with laughter, that is with the exception of the character with the tattoos.
Gerry survived that day and continued to be the outrageous fabulous chap that he was….RIP
ainacs:
I have also posted this on the Mike Sargents “Rogues’ Gallery” on Middle East but thought it would be of interest here aswell.
Dug out the funeral card for Gerard Michael Whelan
And it says inside that Peter Jenkins, Gunnar and Peter Burgess all spoke of their memories of Gerry’s life at the service
Continuing with Mike’s photos with a few tongue in cheek remarks.
What’s this and where?
It was always a problem with drivers going “native”
Christmas dinner Baghdad 1975
This bloke doesn’t look too happy. It seems that he’s been waiting a long time for customs clearance and he’s still not got an overall suntan to show for it!
Steptoe & Son International…Shepherds Bush/Tehran
It will take more than a lick of paint and a bit of panel beating to get that up and running again!
Davnic:
There is a Ford D series on this photo which I think was taken in Teheran but it looks like one of Promotors, maybe you might recognise some of these lads Trev.
Best regards Steve.
What sort of load would have warranted sending such a small vehicle on such a long distance journey?
I notice that it has Wallingford on the door of the THOR truck. I remember the firm but had no idea that they came from Wallingford. I drove for a firm from Wallingford (Ridgeway Int) between mid 80’ to mid 90’s. Anybody can recall whereabouts THOR’s yard was?
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thor were from stoke -on trent mate the lad with the hat on is bunchy .
Shhhhhhh…don’t say anymore Gav! Or i’ll have to “nip over” and chop your fingers off Not long to wait now mate
What’s going to happen on here when we’re all talking about your book Ashley… and those unfortunate ones who haven’t bought it wont know what on earth everyone’s going on about… doubt there’ll be many though! Can’t wait… I think it’s going to kick off one heck of an explosion of memories…
On the thread about the Destination Doha re release a question came up about the trailer Dave Poulton was pulling in the film ,I having pulled this trailer several times but never knew what happened to it, M C Jamie thinks it might be the trailer that was parked in Intramass yard in Doha used by the Lads doing the Double bottoms to the Emirates as a living shack I think this trailer was not a step frame ,does anyone else remember this trailer in the yard,and did they have a go at the 1000 riyal comp to reverse the double bottom 50 mtr,I had a go every trip there but only mannaged 8 mtrs before it folded with two pivot points it must be impossible,I think the trailer ended up being used by Tony Kearle Astrans fitter as a storage unit for spare Scania parts Rack your brains lads where is it.
On the thread about the Destination Doha re release a question came up about the trailer Dave Poulton was pulling in the film ,I having pulled this trailer several times but never knew what happened to it, M C Jamie thinks it might be the trailer that was parked in Intramass yard in Doha used by the Lads doing the Double bottoms to the Emirates as a living shack I think this trailer was not a step frame ,does anyone else remember this trailer in the yard,and did they have a go at the 1000 riyal comp to reverse the double bottom 50 mtr,I had a go every trip there but only mannaged 8 mtrs before it folded with two pivot points it must be impossible,I think the trailer ended up being used by Tony Kearle Astrans fitter as a storage unit for spare Scania parts Rack your brains lads where is it.
Roger Haywood
Roger - this might have been the trailer that we used for “aaaghhh better not say… Ashley’s about!”
Hi Alison,If this trailer holds such fond memories for you after all this time, you should remember how high it was to climb up to the passion room. Even I was not graced with this privelage when i was there with my wife in 1980, saying that I only drove for astran subbies. It was the same old story of truck drivers always the odd ones spoiling things for all the rest. in the earlier days when the trailer was put their all were welcome but it was not long before there was a paddlock on the door. I am almost certain that the trailer in Doha was a step frame box van as the floor was not very high off the ground. I must say that i was always treated very well by Bob Paul and always think of him with good memories as well as many of their drivers. regards Jamie.
M&C Jamie:
Hi Alison,If this trailer holds such fond memories for you after all this time, you should remember how high it was to climb up to the passion room. Even I was not graced with this privelage when i was there with my wife in 1980, saying that I only drove for astran subbies. It was the same old story of truck drivers always the odd ones spoiling things for all the rest. in the earlier days when the trailer was put their all were welcome but it was not long before there was a paddlock on the door. I am almost certain that the trailer in Doha was a step frame box van as the floor was not very high off the ground. I must say that i was always treated very well by Bob Paul and always think of him with good memories as well as many of their drivers. regards Jamie.
A Scot Lost in the Valley’s.
Passion room Jamie… that’s a new one on me… but we only heard in the office what you drivers wanted us to hear, of course! We used it for something else, if I’m thinking of the correct trailer. I think Roger will remember
Sorry mate you have lost me I hope your not having a dig at me or Alison I hvnt got a clue whats going on with this trailer.you may be right about the trailer in Doha but I remember a set of wooded steps up to the rear and they were quite steep but at 64 now the brain cells are fading ,im sure you were treated well by Bob Paul I dont know anyone that wasnt .I spent most of my time at Raccal Decca when in Doha it was the radio direction Mast on the right about 40 clicks from Doha it was used for navigation for ships entering the Gulf we alsways got nice clean bed and food cooked by the indian guys that looked after the English or Aussies that looked after the station.I used to take beer kits to them with the lable off ,happy days untill a number of them were killed in a car crash in the emmirates You may recall it, it was on National Telivision Decca automated the station after that ,so we were reduced to parking at the customs from then on .
Or i’ll have to “nip over” and chop your fingers off 
