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Transcription THE GOSPORT OLD BOYS REUNION 1993
It was doubtful that any boys who walked through the gates of Haslar Barracks Gosport between mid 1950 and the end of 1953 thought that they would meet up some 40 years later . Based on a previous reunion organised by Major David Moore in the Summer of 1987 and attended by 22 " ex boys " and wives , it was decided to hold another reunion to signify the passing of the Corps whom all had served for many years . With the kind agreement of the PMC , the HQ RAOC Officers ' Mess was once again the venue and Major ( now Retd ) David Moore was once again given the task of co - ordinating the event . Since 1987 , unfortunately 3 of the original " ex boys " had died and a number of others were unable to attend due to business or family reasons and holidays . Nevertheless , after many letters , phone calls and faxes the list was finalised at 19 , but at short notice reduced to 16 due to illness and failure to attend a parade ! Full marks to Dennis Pendlebury , Maurice Palmer and David Fleet who travelled from BAOR for the reunion . Richard Fifield travelled a lonely 200 miles from the depths of sunny Cornwall to find snow on the ground in Surrey . From the north came Bob McCartney ( still serving despite his age !! ) , Mike Hart , Derek Bentley , and Jimmy Watkinson whilst the Home Counties produced Lew Halsall , Brian Withnall , John Stuart , Pat Tonkes , Tommy Woods , and Adrian Hurrell . John Orr represented Wales and Western District ! I hope I have mentioned all those attendees , who between them had a total of 462 years service in the RAOCI
Mr Budden and the chef laid on an excellent meal and the " top table " was well decorated with Corps silver to commemorate the occasion . Special mention must be made of John Adamson who managed to keep the bar going until time was called at 0330 hours . However , despite their years , it was gratifying to see a full attendance at breakfast on the Sunday .
By popular agreement Lew Halsall has taken on the task of organising the next reunion at RMCS in the Summer of 1994 , and hopefully the attendance will be in the mid 208 or higher .
Should any readers be " ex boys " who served in Haslar Barracks , or perhaps know of any they are invited to contact the writer at DCT Andover or Lew Halsall at HQ RMCS ( Ext 2427 ) and the list will be extended .
LC - 17-25.1
ADM
Ex - Boys Association