Back to Library Journals

RAOC Gazette - page 61

Image details

Corps RAOC
Material type Journals
Book page
Chapter head
Chapter key
Chapter number
Full title RAOC Gazette
Page number
Publication date 1978
Real page
Colour No
Grey No
Early date 1978
Late date 1978
Transcription neing held by Private Ray Powell with one weighing in at
.eventy pounds followed by Private Marty Lovell with a sixty
rounder, Many were the other monsters of the deep hauled
:n over the side, in particular ling, whiting and mackerel whilst
Private Tony Redfern held the record for offbeat catches with
a broken nosed garfish and an inquisitive seagull which en-
deavoured to take flight with his line. Meanwhile, back at base
camp, Corporal Geordie McShane acted as the ' Galloping
Gourmet' and very respectful we were of his earnest en-
deavours—thanks Geordie! On balance, the weather was good
for the first week, but deteriorated for the second which 'forced*
us to take shelter in a local hostelry. It has to be said that we
all found the locals extremely hospitable, especially the clientele
of the Mason Arms who encouraged, without much effort, the
final party to out-sing the juke-box which they did with no
great strain. All activities were cloaked under the guise of
Adventure Training, and despite protestations to the contrary
from the SSO, we really did find it adventurous (at times),
Some of us who had never tried this sport before are now
enthralled with it—though it has to be said there are those who
never want to go out again! The general opinion of those
attending was, that posting orders permitting^-they hope to go
again next year. A certain officer who organised this years trip
has already been seen around with a begging bowl in preparation
for next year
Our Fire Crews continue to man two Green Goddesses
covering part of Shropshire.
Since the Barn Marathon fire
incident reported in November they have been called to twenty
five fires but there has been nothing as big. Morale is high and
they are now extremely proficient. Well done lads,
There is little to report on the sporting front in view of the
fire commitment. We were taken out of the Richards Football
Cup by CVD Ashchurch with a three to two result. Well done
Ashchurch and good luck in the next round.
The one marriage to report is that between Lance Corporal
Tony Redfern and Lance Corporal Sharron Howard WRAC
and we offer our congratulations.
of a three year holiday in Lab 8, it becomes very difficult to
refuse their offers! The Christmas celebrations have brought
to light the brand new hobby of "gloom spreading 11 ! Relying
on the good old principle that " a soldier is never happy unless
he's miserable" the SAT's in the Depot have set about spread-
ing gloom instead of joy at Christmas time. They get all the
Christmas spirit they need from their alcohol store!
The usual winter sporting fixtures having gone into hiber-
nation the highlight of the month has been a comedy football
match between members of A Company and the WRAC, in aid
of the Guides, Scouts, Cubs and Brownies. The game was
noted for the unusual amount of loose scrums, but ardour
was eventually cooled by giving early baths to some over-
enthusiastic players in a nearby pooi! Needless to say the
WRAC team beat the men!
On a more serious note T the members of the Sergeants and
Officers Messes said their farewells to Major General Minogue
who visited Kineton for the last time with his wife at the
beginning of December. He will be sadly missed.
Congratulations are in order for WOl Boucher on the
award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal, and for W02 Adams
on the award of the George Medal. Both of these awards were
for recognition of services in Northern Ireland,
Central Ammunition Depot Kineton
j
M^.,.uu^
w
wliyS'".'.\
W1W S||p&*r*
^ g j ^ ' • v ^ ^ ^ S
/*;*;'vs|&^
THE continuing reluctance of the Fire-
men to return to work has resulted in a
thoroughly hectic December at Kineton
*
curtailed those sporting and social
occasions which normally form the sub-
stance of our GAZETTE notes. Personnel
a
\
W 9 s*
J on fire fighting duties are popping in to
te
\
!2^i*
/
^ t n e * r w a r s t o r i e s t anybody prepared
V
rr^|g£ J
to listen, and various teams threaten to
\ ^ ~ ^ ^ /
reveal all in their autobiographies when,
and if, the Firemen return to work!
Despite working very long hours, all the soldiers fire fighting in
Warwickshire have maintained a very high morale.
The festive season has brought with it the usual round up of
Departmental parties. At the same time the press gangs have
emerged from their dark, gloomy corners to sell raffle and draw
tickets. With their very persuasive manner, and the first prize
W O l Boucher moved into his new office on time! The smile
on his face indicates his liking for the air conditioning and open
plan layout of his new office!
Army School of Ammunition
SINCE our last report we have had many staff changes. Rather
than list them individually I will, during the next few months,
give a run-down on a Branch by Branch basis. Our Chief
Instructor is Lieutenant Colonel Laurie Guy and his presence at
Kineton will not only bring a breath of fresh air to the School
but also give a welcome boost during the summer months to
the cricket team. He is ably assisted by his 2IC, Major David
Hourahane who is also the Head of Training Development
and Co-ordination Branch. Other members of this most im-
portant Branch are Captain Doug Doherty, the syllabus king,
who tackles fire-fighting as a side line, Conductor John Morling,
who, when not speaking to Manning and Records Office, writes
programmes. W 2 John Lawrence, who, when not employed
on disposals, assists Captain Doherty. Staff Sergeant Jim Howe
is the controller of examinations, chosen for this task because
of his bribe-proof nature. As the School is * C * Company of
CAD Kineton we have W 2 Nick Browning as CSM who to-
gether with Corpora] John Hall are now expert in the assembly
of new beds. Corporal Hall in his spare time also shows
films.
The School has welcomed many visitors including the
Quarter-Master-General Sir Patrick Howard-Dobson; the DOS
Nigerian Army, Colonel Dumaje, and some thirty Headmasters
who received a presentation on careers in the RAOC.
Congratulations must be offered to Captain Mick Coldrick
on the award of the MBE by Her Majesty The Queen at
Buckingham Palace. He's getting to know the place quite well!
We must also congratulate WOl Fred Murphy and W 2 Ken
Dickson on being awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct
The W R A C element- here at Kineton held a Christmas Party for
the Old Age Pensioners in the area. Seen here are some of the
very willing helpers with the partygoers.

287

Book number R0246a