RAOC Gazette - page 115
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 |
THE RAOC BAOR MARATHON WHEN one looks back over the past four months it is quite amazing how a casual conversation between a certain keen, fit Major and his Commander could be transformed into the first BAOR RAOC Marathon. In fact the first such event was staged at Dulmen. In January, Commander 15 Ordnance Group Colonel R. M. Carmthers placed his Marathon Chief of Staff, Major M. W. Knight at operational readiness with an H-Day for the Marathon on 8th May. The preparation and Administration effort was not fully appreciated and as the plans progressed the ' things to do ' list seemed to increase with time. However, as with many well planned operations it is always right on the day. The only real omission was the failure to speak nicely to the padre as the weather was not as kind on the day as it could have been. After all the mad panic of the previous months the appointed date arrived. The admin tent was set up, water points and medical aid positioned at various locations ' en route.' At the start one hundred and seventeen runners lined up, all eager to begin the gruelling road pounding which was to follow. At 1200 hours sharp Colonel Carruthers lowered the flag and the 1983 Marathon had begun. Initially the weather was kind to both runners and spectators alike but as the afternoon wore on so the dark rain clouds moved in from the West. As the hours ticked by so the field of runners widened. Staff Sergeant D. O'Neill who led from the start steadily in- creased his lead until at the end he was a clear three minutes ahead of his nearest rival. The cup is presented. (of squash fame) came a creditable eleventh in three hours thirteen minutes. Major Knight came fifty second in four hours 03 minutes which was very well run as he was the organiser and veteran of the race. Finally mention must be made of the gallant ladies. Three ladies ran and finished. First home was Mrs Bateman (three hours forty two minutes) closely followed by her husband Sergeant Bateman. Second lady home was Mrs O'Neill (four hours 07 minutes) and third was W/Sergeant Lewis (154 FAD) (four hours forty nine minutes). Once the runners had rested and re-fuelled, the prize giving ceremony began. We were fortunate in having Brigadier and Mrs Alway with us for the day. Mrs Alway presented the ladies prize to Mrs O'Neill and the Brigadier presented the medals and certificates to all runners who completed the course. The Carruthers' Cup, which was kindly donated by the Commander, was presented by Mrs Carruthers to the men's winning team, Headquarters BAOR. Mrs O'Dea, the wife of the Commanding Officer of Forward Ordnance Depot presented the prizes to the age group winners. The main results were as follows: — Team Events First Mens Headquarters BAOR 'A' Team—Carruthers Cup First Ladies Forward Ordnance Depot Dulmen Runners-up Mens Forward Ordnance Depot Dulmen Individual Ladies: First Mrs Bateman Forward Ordnance Depot Second Mrs O'Neill Forward Ordnance Depot Third W/Sergeant Lewis . 154 Forward Ammunition Depot Men: First Staff Sergeant O'Neill Forward Ordnance Depot Second Mr Black Headquarters BAOR Third WOl (SSM) Moore Forward Ordnance Depot Fourth W02 O'Brian Headquarters BAOR Fifth Staff Sergeant Latham Headquarters BAOR Sixth Sergeant Holmes 5 Ordnance Battalion Seventh Private Evans 154 Forward Ammunition Depot Age Group Winners Over 30 Corporal Mackell Headquarters NORTHAG Over 35 Staff Sergeant O'Neill Forward Ammunition Depot Over45 Major Knight ... Headquarters 15 Ordnance Group In summary, we believe the event was a great success and we are looking forward to running the event next year. To all the runners we say very well done and hope to see you next year. The field is encouraged by a good turnout of spectators. Meanwhile, the spectators awaited the arrival of the intrepid veteran who appeared back at the start in a good time of two hours forty three minutes. W/Sergeant Wood, our catering adviser, valiantly manned the ' Bratty' stall during the day and rumour control informs us that a healthy profit was made for the Dulmen Freedom fund. There were far too many runners to mention individually, however, a number of spectators favourites emerged. Staff Sergeant O'Neill was the popular winner followed by Mr Black and WOl Moore in second and third positions. Major Robinson ANNUAL SIX-A-SIDE SHIELD FOOTBALL THE annual six-a-side football competition took place at Bicester on the 8th June. The conditions were good but it was disappoint- ing to see only twelve teams competing. The teams were divided into four groups of three and each team played each other twice. — 94 — |
| Book number | R0406 |