Born in 1962, Keith Dobson was one of three children. His family came from a humble background.
He was from Gateshead, his parents were proud and hard-working. His father worked for the CEGB (Central Electric Generating Board) and his mother was at home bringing up the family. She insisted that the family didn’t reside in a Council House or receive free school dinners, despite the fact they had relatively modest means.
In 1978 Keith joined the Army and despite his lack of school acumen, he went to the Army Apprentices College in Harrogate, where he obtained the qualifications to undertake his trade as a Radio Telegraphist in the Royal Corps of Signals.
In 1982 Keith was deployed to the Falklands. He talks in detail about his experiences as he prepared to be deployed.
He recounts the support displayed by members of the public as they make their way to Southampton to board the QE2. However, his hopes of boarding the QE2 were quickly dashed when he was directed to travel with secure equipment on a cross-channel ferry to the South Atlantic.
Keith describes the moment he drives off the “Landing Craft” with his team. It was 3 a.m. and pitch black! The memory of water entering the vehicle will stay with him forever.
During the war, Keith was charged with putting electricity and hot water into the compounds that were being occupied by Argentinian prisoners. It was during this he became aware of the RFA support ships, Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram.
The tragedy of war became more real on 6th June 1982. His OC, Major Michal Forge and Staff Sgt Joe Baker were travelling in a Gazelle helicopter when HMS Cardiff dispatched a sea dart. The missile brought down the helicopter, killing the occupants.
After the war, Keith went to South Georgia to collect marines and the bodies of those who had fallen. He regrets not visiting the grave of Ernest Shackleton
When they returned home the soldiers were searched by the RMP for war trophies.
Having concluded the search Keith exited the building and was unexpectedly met by his mum. They hit the town! When he returned home he received a welcome from the entire street and a CV party was held.
In the early 90s, Keith left the military and moved to civilian street, which lasted a couple of years before he joined West Yorkshire Police. He subsequently transferred to Essex and whilst at Brentwood, he received a call from Sir Alan Sugar!
Keith transferred to the Metropolitan Police as a Superintendent and was posted to Enfield. He then moved to SO20, which was part of the counter-terrorism wing.
After his service, Keith took up a role connected to policing and is now a published author. His book “Crossing The Line” is available from Amazon Waterstones and WH Smiths We discuss the mechanics of writing a book and the pitfalls of English grammar rules!
Listen to his story.
Your family must be very proud of you, many people say they are going to write a book, but never do it. Thanks for sharing this with us.