RAOC Gazette - page 271
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 |
TERRITORIAL ARMY 73 Company RAOC (V) 73 COMPANY is an Independent Territorial Army unit based in Romford Essex with a detached platoon out at Colchester. Like all independent TA units our basic training commitment is one evening a week, one or two weekends a month, and a fort- night's annual camp or exercise (as a minimum). The Company has just returned from this year's most interesting and, we think, successful exercise, namely ' Rising Phoenix V.' Some seventy members of the Company set off for 4 Petroleum Depot in Warendorf near Munster in Germany. As usual we moved in two parties, the one lead by Company 21C Captain David Poll taking the vehicles and enjoying a pleasant cross channel cruise, whilst the main party, lead by the OC, Major Patrick Layden, finally made it by Hercules after having experienced two unscheduled landings, one of which had fire tenders chasing them down the runway after hydraulic failure! The TA, however, is made of strong stuff and so with still a smile Gust?) they moved into temporary barracks and the next day straight out into exercise location. In our true Company tradition we seemed to bring our typical German exercise weather with us as the sunshine had promptly disappeared to be replaced by rain for virtually the whole of the exercise. Being in a wooded location, when it was not actually raining it just felt like it as the rain just dripped off the trees till the next lot came. weather having at last let up on us, then we could turn to other things. The remaining period of time included a day's shoot- ing on the ranges, some NBC training tests and some football, interspersed with a day off with a trip into Dortmund and an afternoon's trip down to the Naafi for the presents to appease the wives and girlfriends who we hoped were waiting for us back at home. Then, armed with a full ration of duty free allowances and yet another collection of vivid memories of a tough and demand- ing yet most satisfactory camp, it was off back to the UK to take up our normal jobs again. As one soldier, Corporal ' Corky' Kirk put it, " Every year I say this'll be my last one but I'm always back again next year. I couldn't live without it." We would like to express our thanks to Major Newman, Captain Ellis, and all the staff of 4 Petroleum Depot for laying on and organising such a good camp for us together with all the background work they had put into it for us. HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE BEER IN CANADA (Continued from page 208.) A laugh and a wave and he soon left us alone. (Custer - take note.) By this time, it was evening on Thursday 9th June, and the lack of sleep was beginning to tell. It was wonderful running through the low prairie hills, but opportunities for uninterrupted rest were rare. A long night, therefore, before we ran out of the dawn, and almost into Suffield three hours early. That RAOC Senior Rank again! About turn, Staff! A five kilometre run with bloody feet for young Private Gareth Arnell (Stores Platoon) who insisted on running on. Then into the Base exactly on time, smiles, cheers, banners, kids crying, and on to Medicine Hat. We entered the City in the exhaust fumes of two Scorpions, and ran into Athletic Park, where a reception and a •capacity crowd of five thousand awaited us. WO Dan Kolesnik, our sole Canadian runner, read the Governor's message, followed by cameras, hand shakes, speeches of thanks, and best of all—the purpose of the story—free beer! Heady stuff this Centennial run—at least it was the next day. At the end of it all, we were fitter, wiser, better thought of in the community, and we'd raised $4,000 for charity. Not bad for ten minutes lying on my lounge floor. The following personnel took part in the Centennial run: Major Collis RAOC, Second Lieutenant Frendo REME, WO Kolesnik, Staff Sergeant Montgomery RAOC, Sergeant Storey REME, Corporal Scott RE, Corporal Hunking RAOC, Lance Corporal Pinnington RE, Lance Corporal Richardson REME, Lance Corporal Tymgaillo REME, Lance Corporal Irving RAOC, Craftsman Green REME, Privates Stanley, Arnell and Devey all RAOC, and Airtrooper Lee AAC. TWO MILLION STEPS Photo Captain Poll. (Continued from page 207.) Checking out the route (left to right) Staff Sergeant George Anncslcy, Sergeant Kevin Curley and Corporal Dave Shea. Working some sixteen hours, guarding six hours and two hours sleep each day meant some pretty tired eyes, but no letting up in the spirit. The inloading and outloading tasks having been accom- plished and the various incidents set up for us having been negotiated, then it was down to our two Platoon Commanders, Captain Roger Grout and Staff Sergeant George (Paddy) Annesley. to race whilst still remaining tactical to redeploy the kit back to the PUE stores. This involved cleaning and packing since the kit is held ready for Mobilisation. Having completed the major part of the Camp, and the the ones who prevented my onward journey by amphibious wheelchair at the thirty kilometres point!). The expertise of the Red Cross and the friendliness of the townspeople of Unna were features we shall always remember with fondness. Exercise 2 Million Steps 1983 was a great team success. We intend to ' r u n ' this as an annual event. Our generous sponsors have pledged DM6,500.00 this year and we hope to emulate, or better, that figure next year. If you are tired of running marathons then join the two and a quarter marathon runners and our 'Exercise 2 Million Steps 1984' Team—now! PS: All offers considered for 1938-vintage, two ton, amphi- bious wheelchair—suitable for all-weather, cross country-work and hill climbs! — 226 — |
| Book number | R0406 |