RAOC Gazette - page 70
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 |
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES UNIT SENNELAGER A LOT of AFP I956's have been raised since we made our last contribution. Captain Ken Binns took over from Captain Bernie Stevens as the man in Detmold. Then there was the Silver Jubilee Review. Given that it took place on our doorstep, a degree of involvement was to be expected, In the run up to the great day this estimate proved to be not ill-judged; events took a frantic turn and most of our staff earned the Jubilee Medal—but only the OC got one. Another memorable day was the switching on, by Lieutenant General Sir Richard Worsley, of an automatic watering system at the Sennelager Golf Club. What had this to do with us? Well water is an accommodation service, but Major Frank Beaumont and Captain John Robertson were present in their capacities of Club Captain and Secretary respectively, a side- line activity which has proved on occasion to be no less problem- producing than the business of equipping new builds which has also kept us busy this year. The next great event was a change of unit title from the outmoded and irrelevant Barrack Services to the rather more apt and descriptive title which now appears above. Well that was 1977 that was. In 1978 we split to form ASU Detmold under command of 4 Division with the attenuated remains of ASU Sennelager passing to the command of 3 Division. That will be an appropriate time to send our next contribution. Corps Troops Central HEADQUARTERS RAOC THE laugh of the month must be aimed at us, as we were crashed out on "Active Edge '* recently, and were suitably de- ployed and settled down for a long night; after a few hours wait, a tiny figure appeared in our midst and politely informed us that we were to return to BarTacks (hours after everyone eke), apparently we were forgotten! Still never mind it was fun especially as the Galloping Gourmets (namely Captain Griffiths assisted by the Mechanised Transport Staff) prepared the evening meal, consisting of spaghetti, kidney pudding and tinned fruit—all mixed together in the same disk Their comment was—" Well it all mixes up inside you." At one stage during the past month it was suspected that DADOS Mats—(Major W. Carpenter) and his trusty aide— AOWO (WOl B. E. Irwin) had been either posted or were on extended leave, however, it was discovered that they were both early starters and late returners to Barracks as it is the In- spection Season (sorry lads). The AOWO leaves us during the next few weeks en route for Maidstone to join 36 Engineer Regiment Workshop. The WOIC Control (P. J, O'Neill) has just received his posting order, and was last seen walking out of the door muttering " 48 Company where's that?*'. When he was told what 48 Com- pany do and where they go, he immediately went on three weeks leave. (I wonder why). We welcome Private David and hope that he enjoys his stay and have said farewell to Private Pawsey. 1 (BR) CORPS STORES COMPANY ACTIVITY within the Unit is even more frantic than usual (even giving the completely false impression of chaos) due mainly to the reorganisation of the Barracks. Most days a harassed looking WOl passes my office bearing a tape measure and all the troubles of the world. Every other day the Technical Officer wanders past mumbling about the number of barrels of oil which go round the Cape Route every year (is- this what the Staff exam does to a man?). When will it all end, we ask. For one week the Company was without several of its number, as the chosen few had to gallantly fight their way across the Rhine in a Bedford office truck, on Exercise Autumn Sales. (Scene from Exercise. Mechanised Transport lt Officer rushes back to his desk after speaking to the Brigadier: What idiot spilt coffee all over the talc?" OC " You did, as you left") The civilized world can sleep safe tonight as these victorious heroes returned to the fold, tired, hungry and two days early. The heavens obviously smile on 1 (BR) Corps. Our football team, fighting bravely despite the managership of Corporal McGechie, seem to be enjoying themselves. New talent has been found in the boots of Private Ron (Bite yer legs off) Grant, ably captained by Corporal Paddy (an offside trap is roadworks on the left hand side of the road in Germany) Johnston. It was good to see everyone passing their PT test—some with ease, some with difficulty and some with five attempts. Sparky Hastings lived up to his name and completed the course like greased lightning. Fingers Forsdick passed on his third attempt (he needed the first two to learn the course) and Corporal Ivor Giraud gave Captain Walcroft a black look when he finished his test. We have said goodbye this month to our Chief Clerk Dave Perry (off to Korea) and Privates Les Lock and Jock ArnieJ, We welcome Sergeant Cliff Lee and Private Brian Ward. 85 SUPPLY DEPOT IT has finally happened—The Trefoil Club has fallen. It was a sad day when the crane moved in and demolished the only place big enough to hold Unit Functions. Many tear-reddened eyes were to be seen and unmentionable utterances were directed at the crane operator. The operator must have enjoyed him- self though—because he pulled two more buildings down in quick time—the Depot looks bare and there is an unobstructed view of the civilian canteen door—much to the consternation of some of the civilians. The feasts and films are continuing at a fair pace. The Depot dined out the old Officer Commanding, Major Tony Schranz and his wife and welcomed the new Officer Commanding, Major Ian Walker. Major Schranz will be missed by all—his humour especially—one never knew what was going to happen next. Of course he " lemoned" some poor soul into buying the infamous Caravan before leaving. We welcome Major Walker to 85 and hope his tour will be as varied as Major Schranz's, The last film .night was a success and very enjoyable. W 2 Alan Leonard arrived and bent over to pat Meggan—StafE Sergeant Dick Swann's dog, who always attends—and then stood up and asked Staff Sergeant Rod Craigie if he had actually touched the dog. Apparently it was cold out and he had fortified himself with a few " Herfys" before braving the trip to the Depot. The Depot also dined out Captain Harold Thomas and his wife. It was a very enjoyable but sad occasion, Captain and Mrs Thomas will be missed by all and we wish them the very best of luck in Welsh Wales. The Depot has been the subject of numerous visits of late. The wife of the Representative Colonel Commandant, Mrs Cornock, visited the Depot for a coffee morning with the wives, After coffee the wives went to the Bakery to bake and fashion their own loaves. What a performance. Sergeant Ron Louis looked visibly shaken and the shapes that emerged from the oven were truly works of art. We have welcomed Private John Mortimer and family to the Depot and we also await the return of Sergeants Tommy Brough and John West from their holidays abroad. This is the month of the Children's Christmas Party—what a riot of fun—watch this space for results, We say farewell to Staff Sergeant George Gregory who is on his way to Berlin. STORES PLATOON 71 AIRCRAFT WORKSHOP THE Stores Platoon had its Christmas Dinner and Dance in the Junior Ranks Club of 20 Ordnance Field Park, which was kindly loaned for the occasion. In the event, it was a great success, the dinner superb and an enjoyable evening was had by all. Its success is owed in no small measure to the hard work and organisation put in by Sergeants Mike McPhee and Mike Mayes. To them we extend our sincere thanks, and to all who contributed. Corporal Bren Reppe won the Star Raffle prize, a return trip to the UK by kind courtesy of D.E. Travel, Hobart Garrison. The following Monday the Workshop had its annual ARU inspection. This was precipitated by the "Active Edge " crash out we had all been anticipating for weeks. However, for- tunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, the Workshop obtained an exemption from participation. So the ARU went ahead. It took the form of the annual Physical Training Test, followed by an airlift by RAF Wessex Helicopters to the Sennelager Training Area. With our feet firmly on the ground, the Workshop split into teams. Our two, led by our Officer Commanding, Captain Eric Pitchforth and WOl Chuck Roberts respectively, tackled various military skills and initiative test. It can be said, on reflection—and there was a lot of it on the Rifle Range—that the Stores Platoon acquitted themselves well. We welcome back from Ireland Lance Corporal Adge Bowser, and wish his successor Lance Corporal Dave Laney a rapid four months. Private Alex Crawford has managed a football game without being sent off—no mean achievement for him; also Corporal Ray Bailie is proud to announce that he is to become a father, congratulations to him and to Glynnis. No doubt after the way he has been fleecing us with his coffee swindle, he can well afford to start a family! — 296 — |
| Book number | R0246a |