The pioneering years of ‘continental driving’
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AS A FORMER HGV driver who was part of the select group that undertook journeys to the Middle East, I was impressed with your feature about Trans UK Continental (CM 17 March).
A close personal friend was a former driver for Bob Carter [pictured] at Trans UK, who I worked for until my retirement some years ago.
He was part of this original group that took part in many subsequent trips to the Middle East. Terry Lauder Smith [Smudge to his mates] lost his wife last year. A number of the guys turned up for this sad occasion to show their respects – including Bob Carter.
The CM issue is a treasure that should be passed on to family members to celebrate these historic events in the 1970s. I can remember well the early pioneering years when European drivers called themselves ‘continental drivers’.
I remember having to back up the truck at Dover on the old rail way lines to gain entry to the ferry, and having deliveries to make without a single word of French or German, and the slow process of learning how to communicate with people who don’t understand English. You begin by learning the lingo! Brian McKay Retired driver