Those days may have gone forever and many people from today's 'Politically Correct' times, will not believe that such things could ever have taken place. I hope that these pages will explain a little of what it was like then.  I also hope that it brings back memories for others, because my experiences were not unique by any means. The same things were happening 'up and down' the country, to other recovery operators.

You may just notice the look of total exhaustion on my face, in the picture above.  That week I had already dealt with half a dozen accidents. Member of the public do not consider this, but unlike the other emergency services, recovery operators back then did not have shifts.

Most of us were on call every hour, of every day, of every week! I would typically attend and deal with, five times as many accidents in a month, than any Traffic Officer!   During the late seventies and the eighties, the UK witnessed the highest rate of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA's) ever, but of course the job was not just about that.

Getting the best from the site
You will need a few hours to explore this extensive website. How do you explore it?  Simply click the link on the left, to read the history of vehicle recovery,  You can also read my recollections of life on the 'Kingston by-pass' by clicking on that link, also on the left. I have  added some pages, with vintage pictures and some with both old and new videos, to further amuse you.

You will also find some external links,  Those interested in the accident side of recovery, may want to follow the link about the Metropolitan Police Garage TDV. This is because they were also an important part of those times (for me at least). Those officers that myself and other recovery operators worked with, were very unique. So you may want to take the time, to read about Surbiton's very own 'Rat Pack'

Seeing today's recovery industry, with its procedures, police contracts, health and 'bloody' safety, PAS 43 etc. etc. makes me wonder if perhaps we exaggerated our own importance.  However my own, and my friend's memories, tell me that was certainly not the case.

I hope these pages give you a flavour for that period. I will add more to it as time permits and I would also be very happy to include your recollections, if they relate to those golden years.