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The 1999
Arborfield Old Boys Reunion
As recalled by Pete HENRY (49A), and
originally published in OBAN
My first thoughts of
the 1999 Reunion came to the fore in the
early part of the year. Following what had been considered successful
operations in 1997, I was obliged to undergo a course of radiotherapy and
Chemotherapy as a prelude to further operations in June and July. At the risk
of being a `whiner' the early months were the pits. Despite future
forebodings, I was determined to attend this reunion, the 50th
Anniversary of my reporting to the Army
Apprentices School,
Arborfield. Surgeons and doctors were all aware of my ambition for this year.
In the recent past my visiting nurses came also to know of this reunion.
Thus, I ventured from home on Friday 22 October, somewhat apprehensive as
this was my first journey alone since before my stay in hospital. My wife had
arranged for a weekend in the country, with my three daughters. She, above
all, needed a break from my caring routine. I live in Blackheath, the origin
of the London Marathon. I joined a traffic jam about a quarter of a mile from
home; the journey across London
was a series of `stops & starts'. The only respite from the tedium of
driving in poor light and driving rain was that on reaching junction 11 on
the M4, the turn off for Reading
and Arborfield, the traffic speed had reached 20 mph. The journey had taken
nearly 4 hours. On getting lost in Arborfield
Village, I stopped to
enquire the way at a pub when a luxurious car pulled up in front. The driver
was discernable as a fellow Old Boy when he asked for directions to Rowcroft Barracks. Great joy! My sense of isolation and
mild panic dissipated. We journeyed onward. As we neared our destination, out
of the rural gloom and darkness we were followed by other cars in a mini
convoy.
We reported to Peter GIBSON who gave us a cheerful welcome. Unpacked, bed
made, plus a wash and brush-up, I then proceeded to the Sergeants’ Mess bar.
On entering, I noted a spiritual gathering of young men aged about 16 to 19
years, accompanied by a background of merriment and laughter. They were
recognisable by their corpulent forms, receding and sparse hair along with
features that included jowls and wrinkles. All were in a state of denial,
rejecting readership of Saga or the need of Viagra. Youthful exuberance
predominated; the cares, aches and worries had been left in the rain and
darkness.
I was to meet again Bernie SCHRUBSOLE (49A) whom I first met at my first Reunion in 1996. As Usual, we congratulated each other
on making the trip to Arborfield. He informed me that we were not the only
49ers in attendance. A tall stocky figure was pointed out as being of my
intake, Gordon BONNER (See OBAN 18 - Ed). Whilst I failed to recognise
him, the mentioning of some familiar names soon put us in mutual awareness of
our time at Arborfield. He in turn drew my attention to a fresh face - this
was John CASSELLS (49B). I recognised him as one of twin brothers, who were
both in our year. Tragically, his brother was shot by EOKA terrorists while
serving in Cyprus
in the late 1950s. I remembered that particular incident, as I was serving at
the time with the Sappers at CRE Nicosia.
The brothers were outstanding athletes. I can remember running against them
in the 440-yard race in the annual Inter-Company Athletic Competition. This
distinction was not conferred on me because I was one of the `jock strap'
heroes. At the time, the Captain of Athletics for ‘C’ Company was Dick WRIGHT
(49B) [unavoidably absent from this reunion] with whom after 50 years
I am in intermittent contact. He would delight in entering me for this
particular race, knowing that tactically it could not be won. Thus he was
able to enjoy my struggling, pathetic effort to keep CASSELLS in my immediate
vision. However, I was pleased to hear that John has maintained his fitness
and was taking part in distance running and marathons until recent times.
It was good to see the College Commandant Lt. Colonel Jim MITCHELL and his
Adjutant, Captain Jason DONNACHIE with RSM EMMERSON all joining the first
arrivals at the bar. No doubt, the first night has a special atmosphere. I was
particularly pleased to see again Colin WILLIAMS and to meet David BONE, both
former Sappers. It has been queried as to why the Sappers always wear their
Corps tie at Arborfield reunions. It is not to suggest there lurks a sense of
superiority in a REME stronghold. The neckwear is to remind other Sappers not
to dare ask for money. However, should a drink be requested it must be
supplied with all due alacrity. Whist we may be small in number, we are proud
in a restrained manner, that the College CO is himself a Sapper officer. As
to how some former apprentices were drafted into the Royal Engineers, the
explanation may be found in historic observation. A Sapper is either mad, married or Methodist. On leaving Arborfield, I
was not married or ever discussed religion with those others destined for the
Corps.
Saturday dawned again wet and windy, similar to last year's weekend. Wet
weather routine fro the Parade and Drum Head Service was inevitable. Thus it
was held in the Beachley Centre. Not being able to
take part in the line-up for the Service Inspection, I was able to observe
the proceedings. The RSM by vibrant exhortations formed the untidy assembly
into some manner of military order. To onlookers, at a distance he appeared
to be giving a political speech. From the humorous reaction and obedience, he
had won their votes. My fellow Sappers expressed that it
was good to see the infantry, particularly the Brigade of Guards are
still involved in College training. An aware of the ethos and traditions of
the fighting arms, for which our role was to support and maintain, must be
beneficial for an all-round comprehension of the Army and its purpose.
Therefore, we in the AOBA wish RSM EMMERSON all success.
The Drum Head Service proved again to be a significant experience. It is
refreshing that it followed traditional form. The advent of `happy clappy' modern type of worship has a showbiz flavour. The
need for quiet contemplation has been forgotten. John CASSELLS and myself
found the experience most poignant. When the Last Post was sounded, John
revealed to me how he thought of his brother buried in the Military Cemetery
in Cyprus.
I found the opportunity to say `thank you' for being able to be present and
for the favourable signs for my future health. The potential for the
influence of the College Padre, Daniel MERCERON is considerable. However,
could he emulate a predecessor who was able to persuade members of the
Sergeants’ Mess to form an ‘Arborfield Corps of Ballet' for a Christmas pantomime. I personally wish Padre Tony COSLETT, the
former Padre, all success in Northern
Ireland. I appreciated a letter from him
during my first bout of health problems.
I was importuned in the bar during the lunch hour. I mention this as a
warning to the 1950 intake. My intake number had been noted and thus was
representing the 50th Anniversary group. The OBAN Editor Brian
HORNSEY (54A) pounced on me in the manner of a Rottweiler.
I had wandered into the bar in a complacent frame of mind. He was to cause me
stress. He pointed out it was the duty to write an account of the weekend,
which fell traditionally to the Anniversary Intake. Our Editor is a
determined man, thus OBAN flourishes. Declaration that my experience of
writing was limited to reports of fire, flood and disaster in my other life
went unheeded. I was never a social diarist.
However, the bar provides facility for discovery of the forgotten past.
Memories are triggered in conversation. I was to discover that my fellow
Sapper, David BONE and I ran in the same cross-country team for the London
Fire Brigade. This was in the early 1960s - we were both unaware at the time
that either of us had an Arborfield origin. Our team participated in the City
Business Houses League, which mainly comprised runners representing many
commercial firms, based in the City of London,
including other public services that had City links. Thus, the Police, London
Transport and Fire Brigade for example, were eligible to take part. The City
Police and Brigade, unlike our competitors, had in those years difficulty in
fielding teams due to the long hours of duty involving night cover. As David
Bone revealed, he was employed in the Education Department, which came under
the same authority as the Brigade, the London County Council, so he was
co-opted to make up our team numbers. So, we found ourselves 40 years later
exchanging names of running acquaintances. Why did we run? Maybe the
Arborfield experience still dominated. There was virtually no response from
the infantry heroes of past National Service or former Marines and Matelots in respect of distance running.
The other coincidence involved Bill TATE (44B) who in conversation, remarked
on his Judo training while serving in Japan. I mentioned that I had
attended Judo classes in Wolsey Barracks, Nicosia until Colonel Grivas
forced the authorities to restrict our deemed unnecessary movements. I
discovered that our instructor, who was adept at toppling over towering
Guardsmen, was the same Bill TATE. There followed the usual “Do you
remember…?" dialogue.
The wet weather and the Rugby match between England
and South Africa
appeared to have lessened the numbers who might have visited the Museum.
However, the AGM was well attended with Colonel Jim MITCHELL chairing the
meeting in his usual effortless and efficient manner. He outlined the role of
the College with an optimistic forecast for its future. Our membership
Secretary Peter GIBSON, masterfully explained the implications of membership
statistics. A plea was made that AOBA membership should follow Committee
guidance to ensure the effective functioning of our organization. The
possibility of a June reunion was declared, this was given a warm reception -
no doubt the weekend prevailing weather had an influence. An early
announcement of the June date was requested to take account of other
commitments. A special thanks is due to the
Committee who work hard and give up their own time to make our weekend stay a
happy occasion. We are fortunate to have a Committee of effective calibre. As
I had to leave the meeting early, I hope some individual comment of thanks
was made from the body of the meeting. If not, I know it was a collective
desire. On a personal basis, I was grateful for accommodation with some
degree of privacy. I wish to give my thanks to Peter GIBSON for his response
to my request.
As we gathered for the Reunion dinner, from
the top table it was discernible that youthful jollity was enduring. Of
course, we of the 1949 and 1939 intakes in our elevated positions,
endeavoured to maintain a mature persona. The atmosphere during the meal was
pleasant with food that would grace any festive table. Having assured the
young men and women who waited upon us that we knew the Commanding Officer,
wine was plentiful. From their pleasant manner I am sure they were motivated
in the spirit of generosity. A background of light music by the REME
musicians did much to enhance our enjoyment. The military flavour was
sharpened by the presence of a Pipe Major, which gave uniqueness to the
ambience.
The Commanding Officer, on rising to commence the speeches, was equal to the
boyish boisterousness of the young men on the lower tables. A slight tendency
for wine inspired remarks to arise from the tables referring to his Sapper
origins was adroitly dealt with. Such naughtiness would be reported home, as
was the practice in cases of youthful indiscretions at the College. This had
a salutary effect. He went on to give thanks to all who had prepared and
served the meal and those others who had generally contributed to the success
of the evening and weekend. Tribute was also made to the value of the AOBA to
the College.
The Guest of Honour, Major General Peter BALDWIN (42A) was introduced as a
former apprentice. He proved to be an excellent after-dinner speaker. The
General, as an Old Boy, was able to have everyone chuckling with series of
anecdotes referring to his time as a boy soldier at Arborfield and his
successful later service. He was able to relate to incidents that only former
Apprentices could identify with. Reference was made to `Sparky' ROBERTS who
taught him the rudiments of barrack room duties. On reporting to the
Guardroom, when asked where was his pail, the purpose of which was it should
be burnished as a punishment, his reaction was to readily point to `Sparky'
standing at the end of the line. I'm sure the General never reached his rank
on the basis of humour alone, although it is on occasions a vital asset. It
is good to know in this age of cynical attitudes to success that Arborfield
Apprentices of ability do prosper. At the close of the General's revelations,
a heartfelt standing ovation was the response.
Regular accounts are published in up-market newspapers of Service Dinners,
Reunions etc., perhaps the time has come that our gathering is of maturity to
be so published. The idea has come from the Times newspaper which has in the
past printed details of Halton Apprentices'
Reunions and recently of a dinner held at Dover Castle
for past boy entrants to the Royal Engineers, attended by the Chief Royal
Engineer. It may not be practicable for members of the AOBA to visit
Arborfield on significant occasions, for example a Passing Out Parade. It has
been remarked, the absence of the Apprentices gave an air of bleakness. Maybe
OBAN could list the occasions when we could attend as former apprentices. We
would only wish to support the College by invitation.
In conclusion, we all had a convivial weekend. Even those who remarked their
time at Arborfield had not always been a happy experience,
were able to say they were glad they had come. We had all reverted to
youthful vigour. Regretfully, I was unable to attend the Sunday Church
Service as I had to keep an appointment with my visiting nurse - a lady for
whom attendance on Sick Parade is one you dare not miss! The drive back to London was uneventful but despite the weather was
quicker than the journey to our Reunion. I
sincerely trust I am able to `go back' for many more years to come.
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