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RAOC Gazette - page 169

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Corps RAOC
Material type Journals
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Full title RAOC Gazette
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Publication date 1981
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Early date 1981
Late date 1981
Transcription Dave Horan, and a special farewell to Sergeant Pete Salisbury
and Margaret who leave us for the delights of Viersen. A sad
day for the Platoon but a bonus for Viersen.
The OC Captain Phil Hanlon has already got his 'Whites'
out of mothballs in preparation for the coming season. Wel-
come back sire from the rigours of the ' School.'
Combat Supplies Battalion
Corporal Vine is helped to dress by W01 Flannagan and Staff
Sergeant Owen.
ORDNANCE
COMPANY
THE month began with the Company departing to the Vogelsang
Training Camp for a fortnights Regimental Training. Un-
perturbed by blizzards, snow drifts and a little flexibility in the
programme the Company managed to complete all of its
personal weapon classifications and BFT for the year.
Awaiting the Company on their return was Major O'Kelly
who had just arrived from the MOD via a six month tour in
Zimbabwe to take over command. We wish both Major O'Kelly
and his wife a pleasant tour of duty in Detmold, don't worry
it does not snow all the time, it usually rains.
Lieutenant Colonel Heap, after catching his breath from
Vogelsang then spent a hectic week showing his relief all the
ins and outs of the Company. However, the week was not all
work, and a social evening was organised by the Corporals
Club for the Tuesday evening and on the Thursday prior to
the OCs departure a dinner with the ladies in attendance, was
held in the Sergeants Mess which was enjoyed by all con-
cerned. We wish both Lieutenant Colonel Heap and his wife a
bon voyage and hope they enjoy the UK as much as they
enjoyed their stay in Germany.
As part of our contribution to the International Year of the
Disabled, a Pool Marathon was organised over one of the week-
ends. Monday morning found some very tired soldiers but it
is hoped that their efforts will raise over DM2,000 for this very
worthy cause.
Not only has the OC departed but we also said farewell to
Staff Sergeant Robinson, Lance Corporals Martin and Law and
Privates Jolliffe and Morris.
We welcome to Detmold Staff Sergeant Lawrence, Crafts-
man McLaughlin, Privates McCarthy, Hargate, Purves, Phillips,
Collinson, Griffin, Clay, Brennan and the brothers Brough, who
are causing confusion throughout the unit as they are identical
twins.
STORES PLATOON 4 ARMOURED
WORKSHOP
THE good news from the Platoon this month is, the excellent
recovery of Sergeant Brummie Wilkes. It just goes to show how
fit he was through football. Well done ' Brum.' Also on his
behalf many thanks to all who were so concerned over his health,
especially Captain Robin Sider.
Training has commenced for the Annual ARU. Shortly
after that, the event of the year, ' Op Banner Training.' The
Workshop deploys to Northern Ireland and a percentage of the
Platoon are also committed. The Clerks provide the majority
of the manpower including ' Hissing Sid,' alias Sergeant
Armstrong.
Congratulations this month must go to Private Dave Frost
and Erica Frost for the birth of their son. To Lance Corporal
Adam Anderson on promotion to Corporal, to Lance Corporal
Clive Hunt on promotion, RPC and Clerk B2. Also to Lance
Corporal Alan Harrison on promotion and RPC2, Privates Jonah
Jones and Spud Murphy on RPC2. To W02 Pat Ryan on
being selected to officiate on the BAOR Football Army Challenge
Cup Major Units at Sennelager.
Welcome to Lance Corporal Sampson, Privates Mitchell,
Thomas, Banks, Davies and Edwards.
Farewells to Privates Geordie Robinson, Tommo Tomkins,
43 RP COMPANY.
There is no
change from the snow clearing
routine for the Company this month,
however, someone in high places
seems to be on our side, hence the
trialing of a purpose built snow
plough at Pombscn. Corporal Jon
Lee docs not mind the snow in the
least since he skis the four kilometres
to work and back most days.
A fortunate few from the Company managed to get away
to sunny Guernsey on a Battalion Rugby Tour. Lance Corporal
Scouse Thornctt certainly got more than the normal souvenirs
and displayed a beautiful ' shiner.' Sergeant John Balding is
also still feeling the pain. Congratulations to Lance Corporal
Rob Tai for scoring the only two trys of the tour.
We feel the good word has got out about 43 Company
since the flow of young soldiers has increased dramatically over
the past few weeks. Corporal Bill Billson has solved the
accommodation problem by turning his hand most successfully
to Igloo building. However, it is felt that this is only a
temporary solution.
We welcome back Staff Sergeant Steve Wilks from his tour
of duty in Northern Ireland and Private Mick the Whinge
Wray from a ten week stay in hospital.
New arrivals are: Corporals Holmes and Jones; Lance
Corporal Scanlan; Privates Allen, Berry, Bryant, Cairns,
Dickins, McKee, Reid, Morden, Gibson, Pibworthj Preira,
Swaddle, Stead and Davis. Welcome back to Mrs Mitchell
with her new arrival.
Photo Mrs S. M. Bowes.
The photograph shows Corporal ' Bill ' Billson leaving his new
accommodation.
44 RP COMPANY.
On the workfront the Simmulated Am-
munition is now in full production again, and because of Staff
Sergeant Reid's absence on Snow Queen, lucky devil, Staff
Sergeant Foster has been in the Depot map in hand, looking at
Pallets of Simmo.
The Company rugby team having returned from a short
holiday in the Channel Islands, commenced proceedings in the
CCRAOC Cup beating 2 ADOC fifty eight points to nil. They
play 49 RP Company in the quarter final (and it is expected
that the score will beat all records).
Pride and place this month in the Company must go to
Captain Mark Wickham on being awarded the Queens Gallantry
— 382 —
Book number R0404a