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RAOC Gazette - page 175

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Publication date 1983
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Early date 1983
Late date 1983
Transcription Also on the Rheindahlen M a r c h e s — l e f t to right—Sergeant
Naisbctt, Lance Corporal Flanders, Lance Corporal Heron, W 2
Kinsey, Mrs Nutman and Lance Corporal Valentine.
Alan Hughes from, the Directorate were part of the Rhein-
dahlen Garrison Cricket Club team that handsomely beat 13
Signal Regiment recently. Whether or not the fact that Major
Alan Glasby and Captain Steve Owen (the umpires of the
match) had anything to do with it, is not being said. Let's
hope for more successes to come this season! By the way, what
ever became of the idea to have a cricket match to be played
between the Directorate Officers and Soldiers? Who got cold
feet?
In the things always happen in threes department this
month we find W02 Keith Betchley: One, the long awaited
move from Rheindahlen village into the Garrison takes place.
Two, an expensive sounding bump on the car while doing some-
one a good turn. And three, an early call from the RMP,
to advise him that a water main had burst in his old flat,
and he'd better try and rescue any carpets/furniture he can
before the tide goes out!
Major Roy Southworth has finally taken over the reins
from Captain (soon to be Major) Marion Randall including
the hockey file. There may be some truth in the rumour that he
turned up for the AGM with his twelve bore shot gun not
having been adequately briefed about this hockey thing but all
the attendees are reported to have survived. He and Major
John Harradence have again been busily playing musical houses
as a result of several NAAFI bomb scares. Part of the SOP
when evacuated from ones's MQ is to ' take all valuables,'
"Where did I put the Krugerrand dear!"
Major Alan Glasby again features in the Shooting news.
He and his team of WOl Frank Lawrence, W02 Dave Heath
and Sergeant Derick Catterall won the LMG pairs and the
falling plate at the BAOR Corps Meeting.
The farewell presentation—Major
Matthews and ' Tex.'
A highlight of the past month was the retirement of Mr
Francois Michel Metaxas known throughout the JHQ as
'Tex.' Tex had been employed as the counter clerk in the
small JHQ post office since 1968 and for the seven years
previous to that with 207 Postal Unit. During his time in the
JHQ Tex has conversed with most people who have had the
good fortune of being posted here.
Our photograph shows Tex receiving from Major Stan
Matthews, the S02 G3 Headquarters Coord, some of the retire-
ment presents that members of the JHQ had donated towards.
I feel sure that past members of the JHQ will want to join
us in wishing Tex a long and happy retirement.
Congratulations this month, on promotion, to Corporal
Lorraine Paisley. Congratulations are also due, on selection
for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel for Major Richard Rhodes
and on selection for promotion to Major for Captain Marion
Randall and Captain Eamon Hannaway, perhaps we can suggest
the Belgian Bar?
On arrivals and departures in the Directorate this month:
Goodbye to Lieutenant Colonel John Owen off to the USA, in
his place is Lieutenant Colonel Shaun de Wolf, have a nice
time sirs. Off to less exotic Tidworth, went Sergeant Bill
Cammack, in from even less exotic Dulmen, came Alan Hughes
to replace him. Off just down the road to Laarbruch is Mrs
Mandy Parker in to replace her is Mrs Lesley Percival (the wife
of W02 Phil Percival of AMIS—we must mention AMIS). Also
recently arrived to join us in various jobs in Supply are Mrs
Mandy Clarke and Mrs Liz Greary, welcome all, we hope you
enjoy your stay with us.
British Forces Antwerp
WE say farewell to W02 (QMS(AC)) Dave Scott and wish him
all the best for the future and welcome to our new Chief Clerk
W02 (QMS(AQ) Jim Doran.
BFA, under a proposal from our new Chief Clerk, had our
very first sports afternoon recently with three immediate non
starters. Sergeant John Hunter saying " I have too much work
to do. The work here never ends." Major Alan D'alton said
his work was too heavy at the moment so Sergeant Hunter gave
him more.
Congratulations to Private George Petrie on his recent
marriage to Sandi.
Corporal Frank Sambrook didn't look too keen when he
heard what we're doing on our next sports afternoon, but insists
he's not too worried about it all.
ORDNANCE
DEPOT
ANTWERP
THE past month has seen frantic activity around ODA, with the
ARU and the annual unit summer camp. The ARU clashing
with the latter has left the whole unit looking jaded although
rumour has it that the various Summer Balls may have had
some effect.
The advance party for summer camp left Emblem for
Vielsalm in the Belgian Ardennes under the watchful eye of
Captain Richard Ough. His 2IC W02 (RQMS) John Matthews
had a feeling that things were not going too well when it began
to rain and the first vehicle went U/S before we had travelled
five kilometres. Despite the rain, the camp was erected in
time for the OC, Major Peter O'Brien to inspect. He arrived
with the good weather which then stayed for the rest of the
camp.
As the first sections went to the camp the ARU took
place.
The inspecting officer was Brigadier Russell, Com-
mander Rhine Area. ODA was put through its paces in a
military skills competition by the ARU team and can be
congratulated on putting up a first class effort despite the
extreme heat which had a gruelling effect on all the teams.
Brigadier Russell then took a quick helicopter ride to
Vielsalm to visit the site of the Summer Camp. He was
treated to displays of canoeing, climbing and abseiling and the
use of a Belgian Army confidence area. Pride of place during
this afternoons activity was Corporal Shoohie Clark who
managed to Salute the Brigadier whilst abseiling from an over-
hang. A pity he forgot he was not wearing his beret.
After the usual panics about the ARU the summer camp
settled down to normal activities with lots of healthy exercise
involved. Captain Ough and SSI Harvey seem to have a knack
of picking hill walks where the lunch time checkpoints coincides
with a cafe/chip shop/ice cream vendor. Nobody complains
about the checkpoints, only the routes between them.
— 146 —
Book number R0406