RAOC Gazette - page 134
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 |
Corporal Mackle, who enlisted in the Corps through the internal recruiting programme during his father's first tour at AFCENT in 1975, has just returned to join the staff of ASG Supply Branch. Warrant Officer Mackle having just beaten him back to AFCENT by a few months. THE DINING OUT OF COLONEL, W H E N T IT is not everyday that someone of the stature of Colonel Aubrey Whent leaves the Army. The Chilwell solution to the problem of how to commemorate such an event was for the Commandant to appoint an ad hoc committee tasked to produce a ' Fun-Surprise' evening. The Committee (Major Geoff Albert) went for a drink in a local pub to think things over, and, feeling a little lonely he telephoned some friends. The results of this historic evening are recorded below. Colonel Aubrey was under the impression that he was to attend a normal, stag, Regimental Dinner Night in the Mess. Lieutenant Colonel Derek Booth (the PMC) knew that the dinner was not to be in the Mess, and was under the reasonable (but mistaken) impression that at least the pre-dinner drinks were to be in the Mess. In truth, nobody actually knew of all that was to happen during the evening, and therein lay the surprise. The Chilwell Garrison Officers were drawn, as if by some strange instinct, to the bar that had been prepared on the lawns below the Mess. They had just settled down to the serious business of drinking a few gins when a passing aeroplane dis- gorged two parachutists. Captain Gary Hawthorne and Captain Brydon Ritchie picked up the scent of the gin at about three hundred and fifty feet, landed not twenty yards from the bar and stripped off their jump-suits to reveal Mess kit. Following this rather stylish start, the Commandant turned to Colonel Aubrey and said " Come along now. You are the Senior Stores Officer; let's take a last look round the Depot before dinner." On arrival at Building 157, Colonel Aubrey was placed in a post pallet, and passed over the weigh-bridge. He entered the building through a triumphal arch of Fork Lift trucks with their masts raised in salute. He was then taken on a tour of inspection of the shed in our own Noddy Train, named of course, " T h e Whent Express." Colonel W h e n t thanks the Mess Colonel Higgins addresses the assembled company. naires Black Pudding Song. Second Lieutenant Peter Whent gave a tear-jerking rendition of " To be a Farmer's Boy" (a tune not unknown to members of the Hampshire Regiment), accompanied by the ever ready and proficient Corps Band. Colonel Harry Higgins from Bicester showed a slide of our Aubrey as a young officer on a tricycle, and then Aubrey's younger brother told us of some youthful escapades. The im- portance of the evening was highlighted by the Commandant making a speech before the presentations, following which Colonel Aubrey presented his. father's sword to his son. After six Whents had sung the Ovaltini's song, and the gathering had all sung some old music hall songs and listened to the Regimental Marches (conducted by Colonel Aubrey) all repaired to the Mess for the disco. At closing time the Whents were escorted home by a lantern procession that sang its way through Hobgoblin Wood. It was very sad that Brigadier Groves and Brigadier Biggs could not be present, but it was lovely to see: Colonel John Liveing who seems to be thriving; Colonel Reggie and Ann Edwards who came over from BAOR, as did Colonel Brian and Moya Smith (Colonel Smith used to command 38 Central Workshop REME); Colonel Harry and Gwen Higgins who have nearly lost their antipodean accents; Colonel David and Eileen Parker who are rumoured to have walked over from Donnington in preparation for a walk along the Pennine Way; and last but by no means least Lieutenant Colonel Paul and Paddy Vickery. Thanks in particular are due to Sergeant Kirk who proved once again what a valuable piece of equipment the No. 1 Burner is; to Frank, the Officers Mess Manager and his staff; to the staff in Building 157; to the gallant band of soldiers who, under the command of Sergeant Byrne turned a store- shed into a palace of fun and to Major Tom Griffiths and our most excellent RAOC Staff Band. In thanking Major Geoff Albert and his committee for choreographing the evening, it must be mentioned that every- one they approached for help gave of their time and talents willingly and with enthusiasm. Colonel Aubrey leaves the Army knowing that his memory will linger on. Staff. The Receipts Area in Building 157 had been face-lifted since last seen by the SSO. It was pretty crowded. There were ladies in long dresses, dining tables complete with the Mess silver, the RAOC Band was playing " Hail to the Chief," the floor was carpeted and the bunting was fluttering. A few more gins were drunk, and the odd prawn, whelk and winkle eaten before the assembled company sat down to dinner. The meal of trout, steak and fresh fruit (including strawberries) was washed down with some very fine wine (Valpolicella—Safeways 1980). During the meal there was ample entertainment. Colonel Reggie Edwards gave a spirited speech and brought a taped message from the DGOS, who grace- fully accepted the fact that he was now the shortest officer in the Corps. Lieutenant Colonel John Evans sang the French Legion- — BERLIN—THIRTY FIVE YEARS ON IN July 1945, 37 Port Ordnance Detachment RAOC arrived in Berlin and occupied a site in Spandau. Today, thirty five years later, the Corps flag still flies proudly in that fascinating city. We wonder whether there are any readers of THE GAZETTE who first set foot in Berlin with 37 Port Ordnance Detachment. We would very much like to hear from them (please write to CRAOC, Ordnance Services Berlin, BFPO 45). The already close Corps association with Spandau should be cemented next year. Plans are afoot for Ordnance Services to be given the freedom of Spandau, probably in May. 1 |
| Book number | R0404 |