RAOC Gazette - page 72
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1981 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | No |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1981 |
| Late date | 1981 |
| Transcription |
7 Field Force ORDNANCE COMPANY IT is almost three GAZI'TTF-S ago since we last went on exercise, which might suggest that the Company is going through a slack period—but it never seems to work out that way. Many of the ' low priority ' jobs which were deferred in favour of more pressing pre and post-exercise tasks have now assumed a new importance, and all depart- ments are consequently humming with activity. Against such an industrious background, the survival of the nditional NAAF1 break is always threatened, but great emphasis as been placed on preserving this time honoured ritual; it affords uch a perfect opportunity to wean our field hardened veterans rom the compo can and dirty twig to the more socially accept- tble chipped mug and stained spoon. The Combat Supplies Platoon have been keeping their hand n by providing the students of a recent officers TEWT with a lisplay of a typical five day Combat Supplies backing for an nfantry Platoon. Captain Nick Whale is the OIC Combat supplies Platoon, (when he is not wearing his 2IC or Training Jffieer hats), and found himself on both the organising and reiving end of the demonstration when he was nominated to ittend the TEWT. The display was produced by Corporal Eddie Lawson, ably assisted by Lance Corporals Wiggy Wignal and Jack Frost, and included exhibits of Milan and Swingfire missiles, small arms ammunition, compo rations and all the usual paraphenalia without which the infantry could not carry oul their role. The muscle was provided by Privates Taff Page, Charlie Clarke and Geordie Hiscock. " W h a t do you know about Spearhead?" That was the question put to Sergeant Mick Diskin on his arrival in early May. " N o t a lot!" replied Mick—He does now! Having dismantled a Land Rover for airportability, (never to be seen in one piece again we suspect), and collated a welter of misc hting, digging and cooking kit, it only remains for him get it all into a three quarter ton trailer. It can be done ck, the SOP says so. Also waiting in the wings at eight hours readiness are Second ^utenant Tan Wallwork and Sergeants Bill McKay and Bob llespie. All three seem in agreement that the delicate political nation in the Bahamas makes it an obvious location for a ecautionary recce. Spain and Monte Carlo are said to have jnilar problems. On the sporting front, the unit is determined to improve on last years Force Athletics performances. The arrival of Second Lieutenant Ian Wallwork has ensured that we have at least one fine contender on the track, and under his guidance a small but promising team is beginning to develop. The accent so far has been on cross country and track, where Corporal Keith Eaton is showing good form. The shot-put potential of Corporal Steve Hollinshead and Private Stud Stoodley must not go un- mentioned—provided that the raw meat supply holds out. Mr Wallwork is also putting his orienteering expertise to good use, and has already formed a unit team. Their first outing was in the Canterbury area at a meet organised by a local civilian club. Having had a little difficulty reading the map to Canterbury, Lance Corporal Bill Black and Privates Mick Edwards, Jack Thompson, Mark Hammond and Garry Twitchett all enjoyed themselves, but found the competition a little too hot. The remainder of the Company have confined their efforts to such mundane tasks as passing BFTs and range classification, where a number of people were surprised to discover that the SLR can be used quite effectively with 'real a m m o ' when the BFA is removed. Since the last issue we have said farewell to Sergeant Dave Jones and Lance Corporal Boots Hawksby and wish them every success in their new units. On the arrivals side we welcome W 2 Alan Proudlove, Corporal Gordon Bennion and Lance Corporals Robin Gould and Taff Davies on RTU from Belize, We wish them all a pleasant and productive tour in Colchester, Central Ordnance Depot Donnington THE big event of the month was the Regimental Weekend. This encompassed the Garrison Athletics Meeting and St Barbara's Day Parade and came the day, we were rewarded not only with good weather but a fine performance by all taking part in both events. On the sportsfield a good deal of enthusiasm added to some performances but with three teams taking part, there was plenty Sergeant Fazakerly receiving his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal from Brigadier Barratt. In attendance are Major Powell and Sergeant Boyer (Irish Guards). of competition. At the end of the day L C ' Team were winners by a thirty point margin. Prizes were presented by Mrs Barratt and the afternoon was topped off with the Corps Staff Band Beating Retreat. The following morning three platoons of RAOC personnel and three platoons of WRAC stepped out from Parsons Barracks for the St Barbara's Day Parade on Venning Barracks Square. The parade was commanded by Major Powell and the Staff Band was in attendance. The service was taken by the Chaplain, The Reverend Anthony Jones, followed by the presentation of Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to Sergeants Dennis Fazakerly RAOC and Brian Bealle ACC. Rain cast its ugly shadow but fortunately, held up until the parade finished. Despite the weather and the moratorium the raft race was held on the Severn River. Fifteen teams turned up at the start, displaying an enthusiasm reminiscent of Dunkirk. The GOC Western District, Major General Tony Ward-Booth started the race and a variety of craft began to take shape. The Printing Branch gained Pole position on the river and waited for other craft to join them. The race began in earnest at half past four and immediately four craft broke up. some were re-built rapidly and eventually twelve teams completed the course. The race was won by the Hash House Harrier team who were just ahead of the J65 Provost Company RMP team. Unfortunately, the barbecue at the finish was a wet affair but competitors and spectators alike sought refuge in the Woodbridge Inn for liquid sustenance. Next month our Shadow Units depart for training in BAOR with our newshound John Bednall in hot pursuit, Central Ordnance Depot Chilwell THE run-down of the Depot continues and we recently had a visit from the Vice- Quarter-Master-General, M a j o r G e n e r a l Thorpe to see the progress both towards closure of the Depot and the reorganisation of the new Station. To mark the end of the Depot existence \\ Vi ?? n at Chilwell, we are going to exercise our >\ \Uj Jj right to march through the City of Notting- nam w m ^^!^^&j& i drums beating and bayonets fixed ^ ^ j m0 ^^y on Saturday 21st November and plans are ^* ^ well advanced for this spectacular. It should be fun if Forest are playing at home that day! We may be a long way from Northern Ireland and all troops there have our best wishes but recent events in the Province have had some effect at Chilwell with a spate of bomb warnings. So far they have all been hoaxes but precautionary drill always has to be followed. At least the civilian workers in the Depot received an allowance in lieu of their productivity bonus when they are called out for these drills. Our Shadow Company recently visited BAOR for Power Play and had a very successful exercise, On the sporting scene, the football team ended their season losing by the odd goal in the Bull Cup Final and also as runners- up in the local Thursday League Division 2. The cricket season opened with the traditional * Chiefs against Indians' match and a very exciting and close game it — 55 — |
| Book number | R0250 |