RAOC Gazette - page 53
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1980 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1980 |
| Late date | 1980 |
| Transcription |
THE OPENING OF MARLBOROUGH KINETON HAS NOW THE MOST MODERN FACILITY IN NATO ON Thursday 15th May 1980, the Quarter-Mastcr-General, General Sir Richard Worsley, opened new ammunition store- houses at CAD Kineton. To mark this important occasion in the history of Kine- ton and the Corps a simple ceremony was held before an audience of military and civilian guests. CAD Kineton was built in some haste during the Second World War and in recent years a number of building pro- jects have been carried out to replace the original administra- tive and storage accommodation with modern buildings. The most recent and largest of these projects involved the complete rebuild of East Sub-Depot. This project, which took several years to complete (at a cost of approximately £20,000,000), has now been formally opened and provides the Corps with probably the finest ammunition storage depot in NATO. The construction and layout has revolutionised ammunition storage procedures by permitting storehouses to be closely grouped; thus making the movement of ammunition and personnel easier and more economical. The new Depot is to be known as Marlborough. Why Marlborough you may ask? Many readers will be familiar with some of Kineton's historical connections with the Knights Templars of mediaeval times and the Cavaliers and Round- heads of the Civil War. Many will not, however, know very much about the more recent history. When the Depot, occupying an area of over two thousand five hundred acres with some ninety miles of railway track, was first built during the Second World War a large workforce was required to operate it. This workforce was accommodated in a temporary nissen-hutted camp known as Marlborough Farm Camp. The original name has now been partially reinstated for the new storage complex—thus providing another link with earlier times. Fortunately the 15th of May dawned bright and sunny and the wet weather programme was quickly consigned to the archives. Indeed the glorious weather was a vital factor in ensuring the success of the occasion. Ideally one would have chosen to hold the ceremony in the new Depot. Unfortunately, Ammunition and Explosive Regulations preclude the under- taking of such non-essential activities in an explosives area. A compromise was reached by holding the ceremony at the entrance to Marlborough. The QMG, accompanied by the Commandant, Colonel D. C. Stone, arrived at the flag-bedecked stands and was paid the customary military compliments by the Barrack Guard A memorial walnut tree is planted. and by the band of the Light Infantry Depot—as the Corps Band was away on duty in Northern Ireland. After the QMG had inspected the Barrack Guard, made up of both RAOC and RPC soldiers, the Padres said a simple prayer of blessing to the new Depot. The QMG then made a short speech in which he said many complimentary things about the Corps and emphasised the importance of Marlborough, to the British Army. To complete the formal part of the proceedings the General stepped forward to cut the tape prior to the gates at the entrance to Marlborough being opened to symbolise the official opening. The QMG then returned to the saluting base for a March and Drive Past by members of the Unit. For most spectators the highlight of the ceremony was perhaps the drive past— which took the form of a cavalcade of floats each depicting one or more of the many and varied tasks undertaken at Kine- ton. These ranged from floats depicting purely technical functions to those showing administrative and, of course, re- creational activities. Many of the smaller Units based at Kine- ton Station contributed exhibits and even the main construction company was represented. At the end of the ceremony the QMG was taken on a tour of the new Depot, meanwhile official guests were conveyed by coach to the Army School of Ammunition and an opportunity to visit the School's excellent museum. This was followed by a conducted coach tour of the Marlborough complex which was carefully scheduled to end at the Officers Mess in time for a reception which gave the QMG an opportunity to circulate freely and meet the guests. During the reception the DGOS presented the QMG with an engraved crystal goblet to commemorate the day. This came as a complete surprise to the QMG and he was momen- tarily non-plussed. Recovering swiftly he set a superb example for all aspiring generals to follow by awarding all members of the Unit an additional days leave; thus providing a fittinfi end to a successful and a memorable occasion. The Quarter-Mastcr-Ceneral is presented with a crystal goblet by the DCOS. — 38 — {Photographs by Sergeant Bain) |
| Book number | R0404 |