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**Chris Boonzaier** · 07-06-2005, 04:56 AM

When I joined everything went. All you could keep was underwear, washing stuff and a dictionary. All papers etc. were taken until you are "rectified" or leave.
I had about USD1000 on me, that went into the regimental bank under my name.

We used to be paid cash, with the chance of putting it in the regt bank. But in about 1992 we got regular bank accounts with a bank machine card. Before this it was forbidden to have a regular account. Still forbidden were credit cards.

I think from mid 90s the guys were given their stuff back after basic training.

By the way, I think Ferguson was a Cpl, not a sgt.

I have never seen the programm, but I wonder how much of it is REAL legion and how much is just imagination run wild.

**Chris Boonzaier** · 07-06-2005, 05:14 PM

Ironically, I knew Ferguson, and one of my old school friends from South Africa has a good buddy who is on the show (as I just found out).

Hs name is Kurt Finch.

Like I said, I dont get the show here, can anyone tell me how K.F. is doing?

**Tom M** · 07-06-2005, 05:46 PM

Hey Chris

Interesting to note that you were part of legion, it's a shame you don't get the program, I would have loved your commentry on certain factors of it! I'm sure there will be a DVD or somthing of the series.... I will look out for you on the subject, just for the curiosity factor!

**DJT** · 07-07-2005, 04:12 AM

Hi Chris,

I noticed a south african accent but that guy did not feature much in the first episode.

Listen, I can just record the show and post it over to you if you want? Presuming UK/Irish VHS tapes work over in Germany?

**MH184** · 07-07-2005, 05:18 AM

I found it interesting and as for talking on tab's, I never did purely because I was unable to....to damn knackered

I don't think I'd have lasted 24 hrs in the Legion either.

I would suspect this Bear chap was TA SAS at 18 years old, 21 or 23......they're mostly support squadrons and troops. Normally to join the regular SAS you serve as a regular soldier for a duration..3 years or so and then can try your luck if permitted.

I think Chris Ryan was an exception, being TA first then straight into the regular regiment.

Kr

Marcus

**Chris Boonzaier** · 07-07-2005, 02:52 PM

Hi Des,
love and kisses if you would !!
I am sure it works here as well.

Tahnks
Chris

Originally posted by Des Thomas

Hi Chris,

I noticed a south african accent but that guy did not feature much in the first episode.

Listen, I can just record the show and post it over to you if you want? Presuming UK/Irish VHS tapes work over in Germany?

**Paul B** · 07-07-2005, 04:22 PM

I really enjoyed the program, not least the "talking heads" with the ex-Legionnaires who, interestingly, seemed to have been chosen as they all served at various times -from Simon Murray in the 60s up to fairly recently.

I don't think it's a true reality show in the sense that it isn't actually trying to replicate basic training as such, rather it's testing the physical -and mental- toughness of a varied group of guys in harsh conditions in the hands of ex-Legion NCOs. I also think one of the themes which will develop through the series is the difference beyween the widely held myths about the Legion as opposed to the reality -for example, when I told a friend of mine a few years back that the Legion had it's own parachute regiment, and that it served in Indo-China and had last parachuted in action in the late 70s, he thought they still wore kepis with neckflaps and garrisoned forts in the desert....

I believe Bear Grylls served with the regular SAS, having first served in an infantry regiment -I think his father, a Royal Marine, also spent some time with the SBS. As regards Chris Ryan, although direct entry into the SAS is only possible via one of the TA squadrons -in his case "C" Squadron of 23 SAS- applicants usually spend some time with a regular army unit (typically, as with Ryan, the Parachute Regiment, and often at the depot rather than with an active battalion) before crossing over to 22 SAS.

Still very much looking forward to the next part,

Cheers

Paul.

**MH184** · 07-08-2005, 01:53 AM

Thanks for the info Paul.

**Tom M** · 07-11-2005, 01:46 PM

Remember guys, tonight at 9.00pm on C4

**Paul B** · 07-11-2005, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by Chris Boonzaier

Ironically, I knew Ferguson, and one of my old school friends from South Africa has a good buddy who is on the show (as I just found out).

Hs name is Kurt Finch.

Like I said, I dont get the show here, can anyone tell me how K.F. is doing?

Hi Chris

In spite of a twisted ankle, Kurt is hanging in there. Presently he's hobbling around on crutches but at least he hasn't been invalided off the show like one of the other guys (some poor bloke who went down with a knee injury)

Aparrantly, having reached his 30s and served some 7 years in the South African Army, Kurt is undertaking this show to prove to himself that he can still do the business. I for one hope he sticks around, as the younger guys need someone with his experience and maturity.

All the best

Paul.

**Chris Boonzaier** · 07-13-2005, 01:38 AM

Hi,
My buddy Marcel is a Chiropracter and knows K.F. well, he looked after his ankle after the filming was over, so I guess it will hamper him throughout the show.

**Chris Boonzaier** · 07-21-2005, 01:26 AM

Anyting interesting happening on the show ?

**chrischa** · 07-26-2005, 05:10 AM

In the final programme last night, Kurt left as he could not take part in the 8km run in assult gear or the 40km march.

I was horrified when it seemed the psuedo legionaires seemed to about to be awarded the white kepi, but was glad when they were merely given them as souvineers.

Only four of the contestants made it through, with one of the failures losing the plot entirely.

**DJT** · 07-26-2005, 05:24 AM

What was with that guy Wayne? What a nob. I had to laugh when Kurt suggested they give him a good hiding. I felt like doing that just watching from my sofa

The funny thing is he actually wanted to join the legion for real

**Chris Boonzaier** · 08-07-2005, 10:01 AM

Well, Des was kind enough to send me the last couple of pisodes of this which I found rather interesting.
Of the Legionnaires shown I knew Fergussen and one of the guys that they were interviewing called Cosgrove.
Of the instructors I think the Brit Caporal Sutter was a good example of a legion caporal, from what I saw, a bit slap happy with a sense of humour. Fergusson as sgt... well, I may be wrong but I cant remember him being a sgt. He still seems to be a wanker with a small man complex. I remember him as such and his twang just makes it worse. The Sgtchef Hauser was a real deal longtime nco, I saw him as a perfect choice.
As for the stuff going on, I missed the first bits but it all seemed to fit in with the farm bit of basic training. The first 3-4 weeks are spent in a ramschackle farm house about 20km away from base, here you are on the go all day every day, I dont think they managed to keep up the pace in the parts I saw. In reality when you slowed down you were kicked along, this basic instruction tool was missing, as could be seen in the case of wayne. At the very latest when he dropped out of the run and came rambling back when the others were doing close cbt training. I thought..this is it, they are going to demonstrate on him... then when they rang the bell on him, just before the sgtchef had called him to attention and he just ignored him.. man, you could see Hauser did now know how to react on camera, in real life he would have pounded the sht out of wayne, and if wayne had been a grizzly then a handful of ncos would have pounded him to teach him discipline.
Sutter was saying the right thing all along, its all in the head, no matter how tough it is phsically, you must overcome it mentally. On the physical side they could push them on the show, short of a bit of physical violence, but they could not redo the mental part. The mental part revolved around the fact that you never knew what was coming or how far it would be pushed. And the threat of physical violence for screwing up was a great way to concentrate your thoughts. Usually guys who got a solid beating really deserved it, but kicks, slaps and the occasional punch wre not uncomman.

It was an interesting concept, I wonder how it will effect Brits who want to join

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