RAOC Gazette - page 126
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 |
» j%&& Letters to the CMtor MEMORIES OF ADEN From Staff Sergeant B. Shakeshaft. Dear Sir>—With reference to Observations by The Checker in the February GAZETTE. My time in Aden was spent mostly with 24 A/P Ordnance Field Park, located at Falaise Camp in Little Aden—often referred to as the * holiday camp' by those at ' the sharp end.' Memories that come foremost to mind are the Friday * Happy Hours' in the unit club, with competitions which were often both masterminded, and won, by the Officer Commanding —also the empty can disposal ' technique' which one had to master before being allowed to order another beer. One of the Garrison duties carried out by the Ordnance Field Park was rather interesting: a patrol of two men was required to climb to the top of the Jebel that overlooked the camp (and incidentally Silent Valley). Four men were involved in this duty. Two to actually climb the Jebel, a driver to convey them to and from the base of the climb route, and one man (the one who drew the short matchstick!)—whose job it was to sit by the telephone in the duty room with a pair of binoculars and keep his eye on the * unlucky * climbers. 24 Ordnance Field Park at Fafaise Camp September 1967. Little Aden in the unit went to UK and BAOR on posting: some went to Coypool, Plymouth, to the newly formed 24 Ordnance Field Park and some stayed behind to form what was 1 Composite Ordnance Unit, Sharjah (Aden Detachment) for subsequent move to Sharjah, It is surprising how memories come flooding back when one starts to relate a few of the more memorable incidents. I look forward to reading those of others. I was one of those lucky enough to go on to Sharjah and set up what was eventually to be called Composite Ordnance Depot—this alas, being yet another of those distant outposts no longer open to us, but also one that, like Aden, brings back memories. \ Wyt &&4£C Steseociatton gfomtal Burner anb Reunion THE ANNUAL DINNER is to be held at St George's Barracks, Bicester, on Saturday, 22nd April, 1978, It will be followed by activities extending into Sunday, 23rd ApriL Limited overnight accommodation will be available to those members who travel from a distance, The Programme for the weekend will be: 24 Ordnance Field Park move across to Singapore Lines. The daily 4 milk-runs' to and from the Ordnance Depot at Singapore Lines were the source of many ' war stories' and amusing incidents—like the Private soldier on armed escort duty in the rear of a three ton truck who leapt into the sea along the * Causeway' when a passing truck backfired! Shortly before the British withdrawal from Aden all troops at Falaise were moved to the main Base location. This meant that the Ordnance Field Park, had to move into the Ordnance Depot in Singapore Lines, Because of the risk of ambush between the two points r most * support troops were moved across by Landing craft to Ma'alla Wharf. This included the Ordnance Field Park— it was quite an experience. The Checker asked if anyone recalled the Ammunition Depot. I should think that most RAOC Junior ranks who were in Aden towards the latter end of 1967 do so,—quite well, as we were required to mount guard there as much as three times per week! My favourite duty within the Ammo Compound was No. 1 Searchlight—who else remembers what we used to get up to there?—and the knack of operating the searchlight without disturbing your reading! On a serious note, T feel that the limitations placed on the lights arc of search—for operation reasons—made this particular duty a bit" of a farce. Not long after moving into Singapore Lines 24 A/P Ordnance Field Park ceased to exist—in Aden at least,—part of Saturday 22nd April Annual General Meeting Annual Dinner 6.00 pm 7.30 pm Sunday 23rd April Breakfast 8.00 am to 9.00 am Items of Corps Interest 9.15 am to 1 LOO am Morning Coffee ... 11.15 am Church service and parade ... 11.35 am Lunch 12.30pm The Dress for dinner will be lounge suit. Dinner tickets will cost £3.00, tickets for breakfast 40p and for lunch 60p. They may be obtained from Branch Secretaries or direct from the RAOC Secretariat, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey. Telephone: Brookwood 4511 extension 650. Applications to be submitted by 15th March 1978. All cheques/postal orders should be made payable to " The RAOC Association." 342 — |
| Book number | R0246a |