Barnes B, around 1945

[michael scuffil]

My swab brought me early-morning tea in bed...

(He later became the headmaster of the Yehudi Menuhin School.)

[J.R.]

My swab brought me early-morning tea in bed...
(He later became the headmaster of the Yehudi Menuhin School.)

So any jokes about 'being on the fiddle' are out of the question ?

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Swabs getting PAID ? Not in my day ! I was never a swab, they had all been allocated by the time I arrived in December.
I did have a "Nursemaid" who showed me how to pin my Bands, and what was "Done" and what was "Not Done "
His surname was Lucy -- I think I have mentioned him before -- we must be about the same age (If he is still alive !)

[michael scuffil]

I never heard of a swab not getting paid. Why else would anyone have done it (no, don't tell me...) It was never compulsory.
A study swab (who had more work to do) could expect about a pound a term in the early 60s. Equates to about 20 pounds now. Standard recommended pocket money at the time was 30 shillings (= one pound fifty, youngsters). So it was a good boost.