The Writers' Circle

My Story
An Incredible Relationship

 My loyal and best friend Eric Raybould experienced the most incredible relationship with one of our greatest war heroes.

It was1956 Eric and I started our working life. Leaving school at fifteen to start our apprenticeships at Mather and Platt's, Newton Heath, Manchester. We both had similar interests, very keen sportsmen, played football for the works and interdepartmental sides. Working in the same work section on pump fitting, our friendship blossomed. 

In 1959, Eric was awarded the apprentice of the year. A prestigious award presented to the top apprentice each year. 
None other than Field Marshal Montgomery presented the award.  
Impressed by Eric's achievement, the Field Marshal took Mather and Platt's Director's and the assembly of wide-eyed apprentices by surprise.
 "Young man seeing you have won this prize, I would like you to give me a tour of your works"?

It was not the normal thing for a guest to request. Eric had not been forewarned of having to give such an important guest, a guided tour of the works. 
Finding the Field Marshal was an inquisitive man, who asked many questions, not just on the works, but also of Eric's ambitions in life. Eric had just become a part- time professional footballer with Chester FC, telling Field Marshal Montgomery about his football achievement.
 
It was at the end of the tour when the Field Marshal said, "Eric I would like to keep in touch with you, and perhaps give you guidance to your future. Each year I am invited to FA Cup Final, would you like to be my guest?" 
Eric was dumb struck, a man of such great importance wanted to invite him to his home, in Alton Hampshire, and take him to the cup final at Wembley. 

This friendship was to carry on until the Field Marshal passed away in 1976, Eric would go to Montgomery's residence for the weekend of the cup finals. 

The first year the Field Marshal was also taking the Royal Salute, inspecting the Guard of Honour. Eric was following behind the Field Marshal inspecting the guards with him.
Eric told me. Can you imagine a nineteen-year-old Manchester lad, in his £5 suit from John Colliers, inspecting the Guard of Honour.? 

Then onto the Cup Final with a pre match lunch, joining over 400 dignitaries, all special guests for the Cup Final. 
The likes of Anna Neagle film star, Billy Butlin holiday camp entrepreneur, and Harold Wilson prime minister. Field Marshal Montgomery seemed to delight introducing Eric has his friend. 

One year sitting on the top table with fifty-six highly influential guests. Field Marshal Montgomery on one side of him, the other side his, Excellency the High Commissioner Mr Eric Harrison K.C.V.O. of Australia, who leaned over toward Eric and asked, 
"Who are you"? 
"Sir, I'm Eric Raybould apprentice engineer from Mather and Platt's". "
What are you doing on the top table"? 
Well Sir, I'm a friend of Field Marshal Montgomery". It was quite a daunting experience in such high company.

Another year H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent presented the FA Cup.  Eric was on the front row of the Royal Box, just four seats from Her Royal Highness. Has she presented the Cup and shook hands with the winning captain and all the players. 
Eric did so as well. 

Afterwards they would go back to the Field Marshals residence. The Field Marshal would sit with Eric and talk about how he could improve his life.   He was very positive thinking man, encouraging Eric to set, and attain goals in life. 
He would always leave Eric with a goal to achieve. Drilling into him, nothing is too big that you cannot achieve. 'Be positive'. 'Have self belief', and go for it.

When Eric's apprenticeship was finished, the Field Marshal encouraged Eric to see the world before settling down. 
The Field Marshal Contacted the Union Castle Steam Ship Co on Eric's behalf.  
Eric joined them as junior Engineer on one of their Merchant ships, staying with the company for a number of years seeing the world, and gained a wide experience of life.

On one trip they docked in Cape Town. Who should be waiting in a Rolls Royce?
 Field Marshal Montgomery. Asking the captain for permission to take Eric off ship for a few hours? Shocked and amazed ships personnel couldn't believe one of there junior engineers had just been picked up by the legendary, Field Marshal Montgomery.

 This was to be the last time Eric was to see Field Marshal Montgomery.
 Eric told me as they parted. Field Marshal Montgomery took hold of his hands and clasped them, looking into Eric's eyes with those steely blue eyes of his. He said. "Eric I am so proud of you, you have made such good progress with your life and I wish you all the success in the world. 

In one of his books Path to Leadership, he dedicated a page (147) to his friendship and admiration for Eric's progress in life. 
 
Eric left the Merchant Navy and married Sylvia. I was his best man. Has he had been for me a few years earlier. 

Our friendship has been one of growing separately, but never apart. Whilst our lives have taken different avenues, we have both set challenges to better ourselves. 
The enormous enthusiasm and positive attitude Eric had gained from his friendship with Field Marshal rubbed off onto me. We have always been competitive at both sport and work. 

I went into Free house pubs building up three successful outlets.
 Eric started up his own company, Rubber Manufacturing Services, in Sandbach Cheshire. And became a prominent businessman in the Sandbach, joining the Round Table.
 Whilst he was a member of the Round Table, he put together a talk on his friendship with Field Marshal Montgomery taking it to various Round Table associations. It was so successful the organisers would send round a collection plate, this money mounted. Eric decided to honour the man who had given him so much. 

Field Marshal Montgomery was an advocate of the Outward Bound Courses, saying the courses are great character and discipline builders.
 He had put Eric on one in the early part of the friendship. 
With the money raised from his talks, Eric decided to send young teenagers on the outward-bound course.
 
The talk became so popular, Eric joined the after dinner speaker circuit. 
Raising over £17,000 from the talk, enabled 33 young people to go on the Outward Bound Course.
 
It's all thanks to Eric and his Friendship with Field Marshal Montgomery. 

What started out to be an Apprentice Award for a young and enthusiastic lad, a friendship and mentor emerged with one of the greatest war heroes of our time.

 This friendship has not only benefited Eric's life, but also many young lives he has helped by using his good fortune of a remarkable Friendship.

If Field Marshal Montgomery was alive today he would be proud of the Manchester boy he had befriended.