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RAOC Gazette - page 149

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Material type Journals
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Full title RAOC Gazette
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Publication date 1983
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Colour Yes
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Early date 1983
Late date 1983
Transcription The setting was matched by the magnificent buffet, in-
cluding a mouth-watering fish bar, which catered for. every-
body's taste and appetite. The Jiving-in members must have
enjoyed some remarkably exotic breakfasts for some time after
the event.
RAOC BAOR OFFICERS
BALL
THE annual RAOC BAOR Ofiiccrs Ball was held at the Bracht
Officers Mess, attended by some two hundred and forty officers,
their ladies and guests. The principal guests were the DGOS
and Mrs Whallcy who were welcomed back to BAOR, if only
for a short time.
THE DULMEN
GTJN
STANDING outside the Watchroom and close to the inner wire
of Forward Ordnance Depot Dulmen is a vintage field gun.
It is a Russian Model 1902/3 7.62cm piece designed to
replace the model 1900 gun which was found to be unsatisfactory
in war. The 1902 gun originally had no shield and was equipped
with two axletrce scats. In 1903 these scats were removed and
the weapon became known as the model 02/3 and was
manufactured by the Putilow Ordnance factory.
This type of field gun was still in service with the Soviet
Army at the outbreak of the Second World War and was also
used by the Finnish and Roumanian Armies. Some of these
weapons were captured by the German Army, retained by them
and designated 7.62cm lc FK 294(r).
Looking after the birds.
The DCOS and Mrs Whalley admire the splendid buffet.
The Mess forecourt had been transformed into its usual
delightful setting by the erection of a custom made marquee
which would have done credit to Henley, beautifully laid out and
decorated inside by a host of willing helpers, not least the wives
of 3 BAD. The decorations even included a miniature water-
fall, cleverly lit from behind, the sight of which brought balm
to the soul after an energetic session of disco dancing! The
3 BAD disco supplemented music from ' Charade,' a group well
known to those who enjoy the social whirl locally,
The maximum range of the weapon was nine thousand five
hundred and seventy two yards using HE or shrapnel shell; the
shell weight was 16.43 pounds and the muzzle velocity one
thousand nine hundred and thirty two feet/sec.
This information was supplied by Mr M. G. Hibberd, Head
of the Department of Exhibits and Fire Arms'of the Imperial
War Museum who also described the gun as ' a most unusual
find for students of Artillery.' Mr Hibberd also advised that
as far as is known there is not an example of a model 02/3 gun
in Britain and the only other example known to him is at
Overloon in the Netherlands.
Nature is, however, clearly unimpressed by history
because a tit has chosen to build her nest in the gun trail
below the elevating gear and both mum and the chicks have
let it be known, in no uncertain manner, what they think of any
renovation action before the important things of life are com-
plete! The five little fledglings are eternally hungry but under the
watchful eyes of the priority issues team and the civilian watch-
men they are doing very well.
HIDDEN
TREASURE
SOME years ago a silver cup was ' discovered' in a cupboard
at Ordnance Depot Antwerp. As it has been found to be of
considerable value, (£2,000 to £3,000), it is obviously necessary
to trace its origins and history.
The cup is at present in use as the ' Commander British
Forces Antwerp Inter-Unit Sports Trophy.'
It is heavily embossed with two layers of animals, flowers
and fishes. The upper layer shows four subjects plus two
spaces suitable for inscription. The lower layer shows six
subjects. There is a fitted, detachable lid with one inch high
handle. Handles are fitted to each side, both being double
strand. Overall height (less plinth) is twelve inches, and width
(including handles) is ten inches.
Brigadier and Mrs Alway chat to Mrs Carruthers.

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Book number R0406