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Saturday.
One drawback to having a sleeping out pass is having
to forgo the Cholesterol enhancing Arborfield Breakfast on two mornings.
However, a lively version of some of the ingredients can be experienced HERE
I turned up at the gates again, fully expecting to
have to explain who I was and why I wanted to come in, but the lady MOD
policeman checked my personal pass details with her list and I was waved
through, much to my surprise. Next stop was the Bailleul WO & Sergeants
Mess where I hoped to meet more old friends from 52A and the first one to
appear was Terry Reddin. Later we were joined by Bob Condon who had
traveled from South
Africa and Eddie Hind who hadn’t. Very
soon the acting RSM and his colleagues started the annual ritual of
chivvying along the Old Boys to get themselves over to Rowcroft in time to
go through the pre-parade formalities, gathering at the top of the square
behind the accommodation block that wasn’t there when I was.
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Photo contributed by Max Warwick 49B
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“I look up to him. I know my place”. ( With apologies
to the Two Ronnies)
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Photo contributed by Max Warwick 49B
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“It wasn’t my fault, honest guv”.
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Proceedings started with a glass of port, or two for those
who didn’t realize that it was actually for a toast and had seen it off
straight away.
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Photo contributed by Max Warwick 49B
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The Acting part of the RSM came to the fore with all the
well worn, but loved and trusted, comments, jokes and suggestions as he
started things moving in preparation for the parade, eventually forming two
groups before carrying out the sizing of them.
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Whilst the RSM prepared the troops, the pipe band had
gathered for a quick blast before leading the lads onto the parade ground.
The City Of Rochester Pipe Band
were making a return visit having played at the 2008 reunion when they
proved to be a top quality outfit.
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For a short taste of the Sounds Of Arborfield Click on the picture.
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(Minimise your media player and continue reading.)
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At the top of the parade ground, in the shadow of the
accommodation block, the Old Boys march on, led by Trevor Guest (60A)
carrying the Arborfield Old Boys Association Banner.
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Everybody in position and the RSM handed over to
Brian Hutchins (61B) AOBA Chairman.
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Photo contributed by Terry Reddin 52A
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Photo contributed by Max Warwick 49B
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On Parade.
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With the parade formed up the Rochester City Pipe Band,
tucked away behind the ranks, played a selection of music which brought
back many memories..
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Again, Click On
The Picture for a selection of marches
to listen to.
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Photo contributed by Max Warwick 49B
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Fitting transport for the Inspecting Officer Colonel
Alistair Duncan, Chief of Staff DEME (A) to arrive in.
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Colonel Alistair Duncan, Chief of Staff DEME (A)
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Photo contributed by Terry Reddin 52A
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The Colonel looking up to George Percy Thrower of the 52A intake.
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The Colonel looking up to the Acting RSM
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Inspection over, the team return to base.
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Brian Hutchins (61B), Lt. Colonel Ian Cooper (72C), Colonel Alistair Duncan.
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Photo contributed by Terry Reddin 52A
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Permission to march off Sir?
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This would be a good point at which to offer a vote
of thanks to the Para Medics for their service and help. Unlike Friday,
this was a very warm and quite humid day and several of the Old Boys were
affected by the conditions, having been on parade for quite some time. The
medics restored them to health with a quick rub down with a wet sponge,
intakes of fluids (non-alcoholic unfortunately) and a few deep breaths from
the black bottle.
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Published: 15th August
2009
Latest Update: 1st
November 2009
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  Saturday continued
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