Oh Aldershot, my Aldershot,
what have they done to you
there was a time, so long ago
when you were fresh and new
thirty years ago or so
you were a joy to know.Neglect, decay, stupidity
these all have brought you low
the contrast now to days before
it makes my heart to weep,
we were so proud, young soldiers then
your name, your fame to keep.Sometimes as lads about the town
not always angels we
recruited far and wide to share famed hospitality.
It was a place to call our own, you opened up your arms
great shops, the market, dance, the pubs
you had so many charms.My children all were born right here
in you they took due pride
but shame I see before me now
your greatness cast aside.Is it too late, can you go back?
Regain your former state
My heart says yes, my head says no
I pray it’s not too late.Gillygangle 1992
Aldershot has many references in literature, Kipling’s Gunga Din, Two Kopjes. Sir John Betjemen’s Subalterns’ Love Song’. Thomas Hardy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, PG Woodhouse, Aldous Huxley have used Aldershot as a setting or referenced it in their writings.
The ‘Home of the British Army was established on a small village of about 800 inhabitants. The attraction was the surrounding open land ideal for training and exercises.
From those small beginnings successive generations went out to conquer and establish the greatest empire the World has ever seen. We imposed order and provided a way of living and infrastructure most of which has survived to this day. Do not be ashamed of the benefits which emanated from this small island.
I last visited Aldershot some 6/7 years ago. Sad to see the two world leading hospitals being demolished; the military town being swept away. There remains the gateway to the cavalry barracks and I recall seeing parts of former barracks when I arrived in 1960. I must go again soon, Aldershot is in my heart it is there that I met, married and cruelly lost the love of my life.
Thank you Aldershot, you changed my lwor4lde.
Yes, it is now a bit of a shithole. Giving veteran Ghurkas the right to remain was, in my view, a good thing to do. We owe them a lot. One of the most entertaining nights of my life was spent at a Ghurka Sergeant’s Mess do. Fabulous and, of course, the curry buffet was fantastic. The ladiez also enjoyed lots of attention that night.
The Ghurka veterans, their wives and children wandering round the town seemed so lost. I felt for them.
They should be resettled comfortably in their home villages in Nepal, in recognition of the debt we owe them.
© Gillygangle 2025
