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RAOC Gazette - page 165

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Corps RAOC
Material type Journals
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Full title RAOC Gazette
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Publication date 1977
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Colour No
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Early date 1977
Late date 1977
Transcription Rhine Area
HEADQUARTERS
v\'(,'F, my last report there have been a few changes in person-
a l . Lance Corporal Bill Fletcher is now in charge of the
post room, and Corporal Ian O'DonneM is working in AQ
Branch. Both of them are ex RAF but there is no truth in
the rumour that the roundel is to be incorporated into the
RAOC or Rhine Area crest!
Congratulations to Sergeant Allan Rutledge on his recent
promotion. His third ' tape' was suitably christened. Now
that he is a member of the Sergeants Mess he drinks * tops,'
because he thinks it will get him a posting to the Far East.
W02 Jack Atkinson wears a smile because the promotion roll
ins been published and he is to be WOl.
In our last report we had a run down of RAOC members
of Headquarters Rhine Area but gave no mention to the
RAOC personnel serving with Headquarters Dusseldorf Station
who love the task of administering us. Corporal Eric Leech
is the clothing storeman and Corporal Alan Speed looks after
the arms and ammunition. Major Bill Heath-Smith (Retd) is
the Station Staff Officer and Sergeant Ken Roberts is in charge
of Headquarters Documents office.
The Headquarters has just completed a weeks adventure
training at Sulberhutte. It was quite a sight to see staff officers
arid clerks rock climbing, absailing, canoeing, pot-holing and
s.nling. Everyone enjoyed the week although there were some
creaking bones when they returned to their desks. There is so
much enthusiasm for this kind of activity perhaps the RAOC
in Rhine Area can emulate the American gentleman who scaled
the Empire State building recently.
Finally WOl Pete Hawkins has joined the Headquarters
staff as AOWO (about time too!). His arrival coincided with
the arrival of his son. Congratulations to Pete on both counts.
Ordnance Services Berlin
WE were pleased to have the RAOC Staff Band in Berlin for
two days, during their stay they gave an open air concert at the
North Spandau Hospital and an evening performance in the Kup-
pelsaal. The Mayor of Spandau, Hen Dr Kleusberg, presented
the band with a Spandau plate as a token of the town's ap-
preciation.
June's highlight was undoubtedly The Queen's Birthday
Parade. Our detachment of four Land Rovers overcame the
storm and flood of rehearsals to appear bright and shiny on
the day. The Unit was also well represented on the Guard of
Honour, mounted by the Guides, Scouts and Cubs, at the
GOCs reception after the parade.
Mrs Sally Rhodes, the
Berlin Guide Captain and six children of Unit members formed
part of the guard.
Our athletes, Staff Sergeant Geof Hoyland and Lance
Corporal Bob Hunter, formed part of the Ordnance / REME
team in the Field Force athletics meeting, the team gave a very
creditable performance to take scond place in the Minor Units
Competition. Captain D. Mackay also took second place, a
repeat of fast year, in the Veteran's race. SQMS John Kearney,
our golfer, was selected to play for the RAOC BAOR side in
(he annual Benson, and Hedges BAOR Inter Corps Cham-
pionships*
Not to be outdone by the diverse sporting pursuits of the
gladiators, the remainder of the Unit continue to pound the leafy
lanes of Spandau Forest, on the weekly three mile run, it is
rumoured that some of the * old and bold * are becoming quite
worried as they are beginning to enjoy it!
The new CRAOC Lieutenant Colonel J. V, Fitzsimmons,
assumed command during the week of the Jubilee Celebrations,
u-e bid him^velcome and hasten to add that life in Berlin is
not always so hectic as it first appears even if his first day
in office started with an early morning exercise alert.
The Wives Club accompanied the REME Wives Club on
an evening tour of East Berlin in June. Two wives who
managed to lose themselves inside the State Opera House, tem-
porarily made their guide, the Administration Officer, speech-
less, a rare feat indeed,
A barbeque party was held by the ladies to say farewell
to Mrs Jenny Istead. The party was followed by a trip to Cafe
Keese. Very few details of the evening have been divulged to
husbands, but they all returned home safely in the early hours.
The Annual RAOC Association boat trip on the Havel was
held on the 22nd July. A good time was had by all who at-
tended; it is not true to say that the bar, and later the revel-
ers, took on * enough ale to sink a ship' but some of the
The Mayor of Spandau presenting the Staff Band with a
Spandau plate during their visit to Berlin.
Captain Griffiths
receives the plate from Herr Dr Kleusberg.
latter had a distinct list when they disembarked and perhaps a
few mosquito bites—if anyone cared!
Farewell to WOl Rainey, Staff Sergeant Woodward and
Corporals Stevenson and Kelly on posting, and welcome to new
arrivals WOl Barker, Staff Sergeant Harris and Corporals
Mulligan and Cammack.
Congratulations to Corporal and Mrs Brian Cammack on
the birth of a son, Michael.
ARE YOU LEAVING
THE SERVICE?
When you leave, do you want—
A house of your own ?
To own your own business?
Protection for your family ?
To plan for retirement?
Why not consult Capt. Geoff King
(formerly RAOC) for advice on—
Savings plans linked to life assurance.
What building societies can offer.
Pension arrangements.
WRITE OR TELEPHONE TO :—
, G. F. KING,
I | g H
TARGET TRUST GROUP,
I f j S Y J I GATEHOUSE ROAD,
p S ^ j l AYLESBURY, BUCKS
• ^ ¥ ^ • 1 TEL. (0296) 5941
127

Book number R0246