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The full video of Stewart’s arrival can be seen at; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Vw3lNqWvw On a more serious note concerns were raised over comrades that we were expecting, but who didn’t arrive. It is still not clear if these were on operational duties, had gone AWOL or in Mr Hughes case he had overdone the training for the BFT and was struggling a little. Our thoughts are with John and I’m sure we will be seeing him soon.
Following a steady flow of liquid refreshments during the afternoon, a fish and chip meal was served at 1830 hrs, followed by a short welcome and brief. Some attending required confirmation of dress for the first training session, it had to be pointed out what was written on the joining instructions “The event is outdoors so dress accordingly”.
When the late arrivals were being fed and watered it was noticed something disconcerting, two of our so called comrades were stealing the men’s rations. Jackson and Finland you should be ashamed! As the night drifted on there were a number who retired early in preparation for the following days events and others who chatted over a beer which finally ended with a card swindle.
The Saturday soon arrived, with some up and ready at 0600 hrs, very keen to start the mission, but still in deep thought with signs of apprehension of what was ahead. Breakfast was good and plentiful, there could have been no complaints there.
The weather conditions for the past few weeks had been excellent, hot and sunny, but not what was required to test the men’s resolve. Fortunately overnight and through into the Saturday morning the heavens opened and the rain came down, accompanied by thunder and lightning, just perfect for the training. This was the perfect opportunity to issue and test specialist equipment, getting “L.O.S.T.” (lid on stick thing) may well happen, the two man weather protecting device or as known to civilians as an umbrella. Plans were also adjusted to give the troops the opportunity for a swift change between the military test and the formal visit to pay our respects to fallen comrades.
Part 2 of the subterfuge was set up in the bar, Dean and Hall paid special interest to the items of the deception. Ø Green garden canes, bag of old fashioned pegs, plastic gloves, 3 packets of coloured pens, a roll of bubble wrap, wooden barbeque skewers, ball of string, bag of glass pebbles and a box of elastic bands were laid out on a table to throw the cent. The old peg and stick game, Not!
This was the second time Mr Dean had fallen to Mr Dibbles dastardly plans. On the Friday a parcel of the above contents, all purchased at random from Wilkinson’s that afternoon, was left on reception for David in room 313, the bait was laid. The receptionist called to say it was there and Dixie went straight down, he was informed it was left by Lesley (Dave Perry’s wife), Dixie didn’t tell the receptionist she had the wrong Dave before he had all the contents out. When he did tell the receptionist she had the wrong Dave, there was a bit of a fight to get the contents back and the bag was ripped. The receptionist had strict instruction not to show anyone the contents. The moral to this story is, don’t trust anyone including the staff, they may all be spy’s or plants.
To ensure there was no cheating teams were drawn by each person selecting a toy soldiers with team numbers on out of a box. The arrangements for educational visit and remembrance parade were issued followed by a briefing for the morning’s activities, including how it would run and what it was designed to test.
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