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RAOC Gazette - page 173

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Publication date 1981
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Transcription 3 Base Ammunition Depot
WE were sad to sec the departure of our CAO Lieutenant
Colonel Manuel, who left us for Washington. We wish him and
his wife all success in America and hope that he can cope with
no Coronation Street and wierd American customs. Our new
CAO, Lieutenant Colonel Allen has settled in nicely, he's
enrolled at the Bruggen goif club and. most important of all,
found his way around the depot. Other notable departures
have been Sergeant Alan. Breden ACC who left us for civilian
life. Staff Sergeant Joe Hoareau is still finding his way lo
Antwerp (a note for the MTO at O D A : Make sure your snow-
plough/gritter has got plenty of flashing lights on it!) and
Corporal Jock Lynch will be missed by the scouts here, as he's
been posted to RSA Larkhill.
Vogelsang raised its head as was promised by Major Robin-
son on his arrival. The unit spent a week there, to enable the
men lo get away from ammunition and sport. After a leisurely
trip by coach, (courtesy Richardson Tours) the chaps were shown
around the camp, and made friends with ' The Hill * shortly
afterwards. The days were made fairly long, starting with PT at
0600 hours (by popular request), and carrying on with various
aspects of military training until about 2000 hours. The military
training included Jungle and Assault Ranges, Field Craft with
basha building, fighting/recce patrols, and the use of hand
signals,
The OC presents Sergeant Dennis Brown with his three stripes for
valour at Vogelsang.
The highlight I'm told, was a thirty two kilometre march
which began at 2330 hours and carried on through the night
On arrival at the destination, the weary marchers were given
a nice surprise in the form of an additional five kilometres,
The march was culminated by an LMG shoot, contrary to the
rumours that the DS would stand in as targets. Overall, Vogel-
sang 81 proved to be a success. It is hoped that next year's
venture will be longer and include adventure training.
On a more serious note, Sergeant Barry Taylor is con-
gratulated on his recent award of the GOCs Commendation.
The award was presented to him at a short ceremony in the
Sergeants Mess by the Commandant.
The sporting scene has been a little quiet recently with
only the swimming team competing. They have just returned
from Berlin with second overall in the BAOR Minor Units
Competition- Apparently there are photographs being developed
so a report will feature next month.
Congratulations to W 2 Knoll, Lance Corporal Kinghan
ACC and their wives on the recent births of baby girls. Also
to Staff Sergeant Brien, Sergeant Brown, Corporal Evans, Lance
Corporals Gordon and Singh on their recent promotions.
We say farewell t o : Lieutenant Colonel Manuel, Captain
Melia, Stan: Sergeant Hoareau, Sergeant Breden ACC, Corporals
Keast, Lynch 229, Rumbelow, Pascoe, Privates Ash by, Brown
221 and Mart.


We welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Allen, Lieutenant Manuel
RPC (not on demotion). Corporals Ravenscroft (BATUS)
Sullivan, Tipiady, Zycinski, Lance Corporals Biggs, Clarke and
Private Wynn,
(For RAOC Manning and Records, the RSM would like to
see more 16 Para veterans before he leaves.)
4 Petroleum Depot
HIGHLIGHT of ihe months activities was the great 'fish in 1
organised by our Chief Chemist Mr Ron Elliott Talk about
a duck to water,
Ron, who is also President of Munster
Garrison Fishing Club organised a really big one this time. It
fell on the same weekend as did about three hundred million
gallons of rain.
Tents, tables, forms and chairs were to be seen drifting
around in a six acre field four feet deep in water. These
items were being chased by six MSO duly fitted out with
flippers, waders, Mae Wests and plastic buckets? Even with
all this kit it was a failure. Next day saw the intrepid Rear
Admiral Elliott, in full command of the RAOC Maritime
MSO, venture forth with their rubber boats, rubber boots and
rumour has it, the Pet Lab rubber doll. Finally to finish, this
fisherman's tale a request. Anyone fishing or partaking of any
form of water sport in the Ems area are asked to return any
item marked with an arrow or part number to Mr Ron Elliott
Next on the agenda. The Rheindahlen Allied March, four
members of our unit attended, on again what must have been
another weather record. They were our AO, Captain Barron,
Captain Harris and WO I Pete Chatfield both of the Inspec-
torate and last but not least Staff Sergeant Tony Biondic.
The unit social event this month was in the form of a
cricket match.
A challenge was thrown out by the Staff
Sergeants and above to the Sergeants and below. This meant
that we at least won one match this season! An excellent
buffet Bar-B-Que was laid on and prepared by Ronnie l a l a \
Moffat and Geordie ' a la carte' Symons.
It is said that
people came from miles around just to ' sniff it, 1 A great time
was had by all.
While I (Frank Jasper) have been sitting here writing this
epic, complaints are coming in from Departments saying
they've not had a mention. So from now on each department
will get a month. This month it's accounts: Headed by The
Mathematician of the Year, Sergeant Pete Wormley followed
closely by John (NAAF1) Davey, only on temp loan, and Mrs
Joan (Never been late yet) Gottwald, who is taking a course
in languages, as she seems to be a bit vague when it comes to
some of the MOD Jargon and soldiers slang.
Departures:
Corporal Ford. Lance Corporal Stevens,
Sergeant Hopkinson REME.
Arrivals: Sergeant Green REME, Privates Tomlinson and
Gregan (ATT1.
Congratulations to the Stevens, on the birth of their
daughter, and also to Sergeant and Mrs Hopkins on the arrival
of their daughter.
Promotions:
Congratulations to the following on their
recent elevations: Lieutenant Colonel Chapman soon to depart
for warmer climates. Corporal Dufton and Lance Corporals
Vaughan and Laws.
Management Services Unit BAOR
THE dust has now settled after the ARU, the Officer Command-
ing has landed and our lives resume the more even tenor that
should apply in his haven of tranquillity.
The Berlin detachments have returned to the fold and are in
the throes of report-writing, except for SSM Jimmy McLarty
(now minus plasterrast) who plans to go back to sort out the
computer.
It is nice to see the powers-that-be exercising their powers
over financial expenditure in these days of economic stringency;
for example there was a little old and broken putty in one of our
windows that was allowing dampness to penetrate a little, Did
PSA repair it? No, they knocked it all out and replaced it
with a very attractive glass wall. Shades of Coventry Cathedral 1
The sporting scene has been rather quiet just lately; the
golf course and running tracks have had a pounding but with no
great success. Our latest study involves trying to amend the
system so that work does not interfere with leisure pursuits.
Could this be classed as a staff suggestion?
144
Book number R0250