RAOC Gazette - page 103
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 |
Northern Ireland HEADQUARTERS RAOC AT the beginning of the month it was our pleasure to welcome Major General Callan to the Province. The two day visit, also gave our social life a shot in the arm; a batchelor lunch for the officers in Lisburn, a gathering of senior ranks and soldiers with the ladies in evidence and a conventional ladies dinner night in the Officers Mess. This touch of festive atmosphere created an enjoyable diversion from what can sometimes feel a confined existence, particularly to the womenfolk. RAOC photographers were not slow to operate shutters at every opportunity, they, the photographers, gained plenty of practice, we for our part, received such a host of top quality pictures that it was difficult to choose one for publication, our final decision was made mainly because it was full of smiles and teeth that might make Esther Rantzen jealous. (Sorry Captain Dyer—it's life). We recently planned a Bar-B-Q weekend at Ballykinler for our families with W02 Ken McCormick as the Master of Ceremonies. He had houriy conversations with the weather men who tried to persuade him it was sunny despite the noise of rain hammering on his Portakabin roof. In desperation he ordered West Indian Corporal Alex Hastings to do a sun dance. Despite claims of not knowing the right words Alex's gyrations seemed to do the trick as the sun beamed down all day on the happy crowd of families who voted the day a resounding success, Meanwhile at the other end of the beach W02 Tony Bailey and his merry band were trying to beat the clock as they loaded vast quantities of ammunition on to a beached landing craft They were just congratulating themselves on defeating the rising tide when they were called to * recover' Lieutenant Colonel Maurice O'Dea whose wellies proved to be inadequate. Our footballers took part in the six-a-side championship at Donnington. Despite winning three games and only losing one they just failed to qualify for the quarter final on goal average. Nevertheless, it was a most enjoyable and welcome break from the troubles in the Province. We cannot keep W02 John Crosland out of the news. No sooner had Captain John Humphreys installed some gigantic flower pots on one of the Depot roads than our most 'ex- perienced Vehicle Specialist' decided to re-position them with the hub of a Saracen. Sergeant Dick Baker has now decided to follow his boss around with a can of paint in an attempt to keep him out of the limelight Posted in: Lance Corporals McDonough and Almond. Posted out: Sergeant Warren, Captain Dyer, the DG05, Corporal Hardman, Corporal Caitress and Sergeant McDonald. Sergeant * Big Harry Hill,' the General's temporary * Gun Slinger' managed to persuade the airport into allowing his 'Charge' through the boring search procedure, and on to the aeroplane with minimum fuzz!! We dared to wonder if the DGOS took a silent doze en route to London. Two days touring round Ulster (and we mean all Ulster!) can be a little tiring even for a General! Thank you General for sparing the time and taking trouble to come and visit us, we all thoroughly enjoyed seeing you among us. After endless months of anticipation Major Les Brown, moved off in the direction of Australia. To both ' Yer Man * and Ann, we wish a happy time in that far away and stalwart part of the Commonwealth. Welcome to Major Tim Proffitt, at the moment happy, but looking for three miles of curtain wire. In: Corporal Steve Phillips to AIS, Staff Sergeant Graham Hillier to CLF, WOl Mike Allen as FTOWO, Major Tim Proffitt as S02 Supplies. Out: Sergeant Ian Sylvester, Staff Sergeant Mark Cockram, WOl Dave Brunt and Major Les Brown. It is with deep regret that we have to report the death of Mr J. J, (Joe) North. Joe, who was due to retire on the 2nd of August died on the 3rd of June. The funeral was well at- tended by his colleagues and many friends. We offer our condolences to his wife and family. Ordnance Depot Northern Ireland DURING his tour of Northern Ireland, Major General Callan paid a working visit to Kinnegar. He was able to see the good use to which we put our Northern Ireland pay with every room he entered bristling with hi-fi, colour TV, skis etc. Whilst touring the POL Section he noticed the gruelling assault course that had been constructed between rows of Jerricans and asked " D o the chaps come to enjoy it?". Staff Sergeant Trev Griffiths, with a totally dead-pan face replied "Well Sir they come but I don't know whether they enjoy it! 1*' Corporal Mick Diskin on foot patrol with civilian Dog Handler, who must remain unidentified for security reasons. United Kingdom Land Forces ORDNANCE BRANCH SUPPLEMENTARY d e m a n d s for AF 1771s continue as our staff journey the length and breadth of the land in search of RAOC Units, both Regular and TAVR. The Chief Ordnance Officer descended on the Isle of Man, Major Sam Mulligan toured Scotland and our intrepid S02 Train- ing Major Alan Pollard went out to BAOR to tell them how it should be done. Major John Evans managed a trip to Tunisia and even the scribe for this month had half a day out at Old Sarum. Understandably life back at the ranch has been fairly quiet Eric Tandy, our new Fire Chief, is having his office redecorated within a few days of arrival. Apart from providing a cast iron excuse for not being there this must be some sort of record for DOE. As his office is on a different floor to the rest of ORD Branch he is thinking of installing a pole for visitors from above. Finally we say farewell to Colonel John Gregan on his appointment as Commander CVHQ and welcome to Lieutenant Colonel Donald O'Hare as SOI Ops. To both we wish all the best of good fortune. — 78 — |
| Book number | R0247 |