RAOC Gazette - page 20
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1983 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1983 |
| Late date | 1983 |
| Transcription |
ARMY CADET FORCE BICESTER DETACHMENT ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS By CAPTAIN M. J. HART, RAOC Detachment Liaison Officer THE Detachment was formed in March 1963, with the idea of giving Servicemen's sons something interesting to do after school and at the same time encourage lads from neighbouring villages and the town of Bicester, by giving them an insight into the Army life and the important role the Royal Army Ordnance Corps has throughout the area of Bicester and the British Army. As no official accommodation was available, the Graven Hill Theatre was used as their Headquarters and eighteen boys attended the first Enrolment Ceremony. Since 1963 they have moved to various locations around Bicester Garrison, but are now situated in first class accom- modation near Rodney House which was previously the accom- modation of the single civilian staff who worked throughout the Garrison. With the help from many military and civilian staff the Detachment began to take shape. Clothing, equipment, train- ing aids, publications, stationery and many other items arrived. Where it all came from no one is sure but one must remember that the largest storeholding depot in the RAOC, or maybe the British Army is only a few miles along the road. The Bicester Detachment is one of 31 Army Cadet Force or Combined Cadet Force Contingents which operate throughout the County of Oxfordshire. All contingents are under the control of the Affiliated Formation Commander Headquarters South East District, who is the Commander Bicester Garrison for all Cadet matters ensuring that close liaison and support is given or made avail- able to all contingents by Regular military units. All of the Army Cadet Force Detachments throughout the County of Oxfordshire are Royal Green Jacket cap badged except the Bicester Detachment which is an independant De- tachment (RAOC) by authority of the Commander Bicester Garrison. The boys receive instruction on map reading, drill, weapon training, fieldcraft, Adventure Training, sport and hold certain social events, which they are encouraged to organise to give them experience and accept responsibilities for the future. Training exercises are arranged for them where they can experience the outdoor life and sleep in a slit trench with a sleeping bag, enjoy preparing their own meals—hoping that when they return home to Mum and Dad they tell them that the Army life and outside exercises/activities is the life for them. m Cadet Sergeant Michael Hart of the Bicester Detachment Army Cadet Force, son of Captain M i k e Hart now serving at Bicester. Miichael is to join the RAOC Apprentices College this month. The Bicester boys participate also in many sporting events and have a good record in athletics. Last year a Corporal of the Detachment won the National Junior High Jump Com- petition. Raising monies for charities has always been high on the boys agenda and they are always willing to assist organisa- tions like the Bicester Garrison Gun Club at their shooting competitions. Many of the boys decide to make the Service their career and the Bicester Detachment has played their part in this with boys being accepted for military service during the last twelve months as follows:—Five Cadets to Junior Leaders, one Cadet to Naval Apprentice, three Cadets into the TA and four Cadets waiting for Junior Leaders acceptance. The present strength of the Detachment is as follows: — Adults — one Officer, two Senior Instructors. Cadets — two Sergeants, one Corporal, three Lance Corporals and thirty Cadets. Standards are laid down for Cadets which are published in Army Cadet Regulations. The Detachments star standards are as follows: —4 Star—three Cadets; 1 Star—fifteen ; Recruits—• fourteen and new Recruits—four. The Detachment parades on Tuesday evenings between 1930 and 2130 hours. If you are serving in Bicester Garrison at the moment or due to be posted here and have sons between the ages of thirteen and seventeen and a half who are interested in joining the Army Cadet Force would you please contact Captain J. Pointon, Officer Commanding Bicester Detachment, 11 Almond Road, Bicester, Oxon, or Captain M. J. Hart RAOC, Head- quarters Central Ordnance Depot Bicester, Oxon, Bicester Mili- tary Ext 2214. \t£Sx£it ^KRRtf* l l h - l ^ - V-»; UKMF 6 r RO o* T-SHIRTS.SWEATSHIRTS Silk screen printed to your own design Minimum order only 12 garments. For information package contact SPRINTPRINT Boys who visited Bicester Carrison on 2 3 r d February 1 9 8 3 , w i t h their OC Detachment, Captain Jess Pointon and Captain M i k e Hart R A O C , Liaison Officer. — 15 — Unit 9 Ash. KembreyPark, Swindon SU2 6U.V, Wiltshire. Telephone 10793) 695765 m |
| Book number | R0406 |