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Adjutant Generals’ Corps Hockey Club
Tour Manager
Major Warren Ginn
SO2 J1 Mobilisation
RTMCChetwynd Barracks
Chilwell, Nottingham
NG9 5HA
Telephone 0115 9572148Military 94551 2148
E-Mail:
See Distribution /
Reference:
Date:
/ AGCHC/ExDT/PXR5 Dec 14
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S CORPS HOCKEY TOUR: AUSTRALIA AND SINGAPORE
EXERCISE DIGGER THUNDER2014 (ExDT): 23 OCT – 10 NOV 14
POST EXERCISE REPORT
Introduction
- This was the 4th tour the AGC Hockey Club has undertaken since the formation of the Corps in 1992. It was the second twin location tour and follows the very successful tour to New Zealand and South Korea in Jan 12. This tour was a huge success and the AGC Hockey team played games in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore.
- The Men’s team played 6 matches, won 1, drew 1 and lost 4. The fixtures included 3 military sides and 2 civilian sides in Australia and 1 civilian side in Singapore.
- The Ladies team played 6 matches and won 1, drew 1 and lost 4, playing the same opposition as the men’s team.
- In addition 2 mixed games were played against ADF opposition and honours were shared with a win a piece.
Personnel
- The tour consisted of 30 personnel, 14 Men and 16 Ladies. Selection has been based on availability and commitment to Corps Hockey in recent years. Included in the Men’s side was an AMS Doctor who replaced, at the very last minute, an AGC player who was unable to attend the tour due to an injury. His presence on tour proved invaluable.
Points of Contact
- The Australian Defence Force (ADF), Hockey Club provided a liaison officer, Warrant Officer Will McConnell. Due to the REME touring earlier in the year accommodation, transport and feeding was not available through the ADF. That said Warrant Officer McConnell was essential in the organisation of this tour and organised a training pitch, all ADF matches and pitches as well as providing contacts for the games in Melbourne. This tour could not have been possible without his assistance. Contact details, +61 412327585 or + 61 244243432, email is McConnell, William CPO [. In addition for the games in Melbourne against Footscray HC and Victoria ADF, the POC was PO Greg Kahl,
- President of ADF Hockey is Brigadier Bruce Cook, +61 262663571 or +61 419795400 and his email is
- The point of contact used in Singapore was Mrs Pauline Appleyard, Social Secretary (Hockey) from the SingaporeCricket Club,
Accommodation
- Hostel accommodation was utilised throughout the tour and was found to be completely suitable. Rooms were a combination of 4 to 8 bed dorms and facilities varied between the 3 hostels used. The Australian Hostels were booked through Groups at Hostel Bookers and the Singapore hostel booked direct. If possible bookings should be made direct with the hostel and may prove cheaper. Full details are as follows:
a.Sydney (26 – 30 Oct and 3 – 7 Nov 14) – Big Hostel, 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney,2010, Australia. Contact – Hellen - (+61 (2) 9281 6030). The hostel was clean and bedding and towels provided with en-suite showers and toilets in the dorms. Free wi-fi and breakfast was provided. It is in a great central location and easily accessed by public transport from the airport.
b. Melbourne (30 Oct – 3 Nov 14) - Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000, Australia. Contact – Yossi - (+61 3 9662 3888). This was an excellent hostel in a great location. Bedding and towels were provided; showers and toilets were clean and on each floor. Wi-fi is at a cost and breakfast was not provided.
c.Singapore (7 – 9 Nov 14) – Five Stones Hostel,61 South Bridge Road Level 2 (near Hong Kong Street), Singapore 058691. Contact - (+65 6535 5607). This hostel was in a great location by Clark Quay and close to ChinaTown. Free wi-fi was available throughout the hostel and breakfast was provided. Towels are not provided but cost about £1.50 to hire.
Timings
- The tour was organised at the start of the Australian off season and dates were discussed and agreed with Warrant Officer McConnell.
Travel
11.Flights were organised through group sales at Trailfinders and were via Singapore Airlines. (POC Sarah Szyszkiewicz – 020 7938 3858):
- London Heathrow (LHR) TO Sydney (SYD) Singapore Airlines –23 Oct 14
SQ 32123 OctLONDONTO SINGAPORE2205 - 1755
SQ 22124 OctSINGAPORETO SYDNEY 2015 - 0655
- Sydney (SYD) TOSingapore (Sin)Singapore Airlines –7 Nov 14
SQ 212 SYDNEY TO SINGAPORE0905 – 1415
c.Singapore TO London Heathrow – 9 Nov 14
SQ 322SINGAPORETO LONDON2345 - 0555
12.Flights were held with a 10% deposit. Final payment was taken 8 weeks before departure on 1 Sep 14. Only 1 name change was required and this cost £175.00 and was notified less than 7 days before departure. The earlier the flights are booked the cheaper the flights are.
13.The tour party met at Mons Barracks, Aldershot at 1400 hrs on the day of travel and the tour party were issued their tour kit. Final checks were made on passports and driving licences and the party then departed by coach to London Heathrow. Dress was smart trousers and tour polo shirts. A coach was organised to collect the party on the return and taken to Mons Barracks. The RAO from 1 Irish Guards facilitated the use of the barracks and this allowed individuals to park personal vehicles during the tour.
14.Transport in Australia and Singapore. For travel in Australia 3 x 12 seater mini-buses were hired with 2 x trailers. The mini-buses were modern, fitted with satnav and came with toll free devices in each vehicle. There was a cap of 200 km per day and only 1 vehicle exceeded this with a charge of approx AUS$ 60.00. An optional charge to reduce the excess was taken and this proved sensible as some damage was sustained to a vehicle and the cost was limited to AUS $ 550.00, some smaller damage was sustained and paid locally. Only drivers over 25 years old could drive in Australia. In Singapore public transport was utilised. After the game against the Singapore Cricket Club transport was arranged by the hosts and the British High Commissionorganised transport to attend the Remembrance Service in Singapore. In addition tour funds paid for a bus to the airport from the hostel in Singapore. The company used in Australia for mini-buseswas Sydney Mini Bus Company and the contact details are as follows:
a.Tony Potter –
Messing
15.Most breakfasts were provided by the hostels and the remaining meals were either paid for by the individual, by hosting teams or through tour funds. The cost of food and drink in Australia is high, although in Singapore the costs in some locations (outside tourist’s areas) were considerably cheaper.
Administration
16.Finance. Please see Annex B for the final costings. All personal contributions were kept to £750. This was paid in instalments prior to the trip.
17.Funding. All personal were encouraged to approach their individual units for grants from the PRI and ECOPF. For the majority this reduced the cost of the personal contribution and varied from £50 - £200.
18.Currency. It was a personal responsibility to make arrangements for currency exchange for the tour. It was recommended that the majorityof funds is taken as cash passports as these can be more easily replaced than cash if stolen. Restaurants and shops accept the major credit cards. Thomas Cook, Marks & Spencer and the Post Office all offer “no commission” currency exchange to military personnel.
19.Passports. All members of the tour held a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining (a requirement for entry into Singapore), as at the end date of the tour (10 Nov 14).Details of passports and driving licences were held by the tour manager and all personal were directed to hold a photocopy of their passport. No passport issues were encountered on the tour.
20.E Visas. All British passport holders completed the Australian online electronic visitor Visa and submitted a pdf copy to the tour manager prior to departing. This allows for expedited passage through immigration. No issues were found during the trip. A visa is not required for British Passport holders in Singapore.
21.Army Sports Lottery. All members of the tour were fully paid members of the Army Sports Lottery (ASL) prior to departure. The ASL also provided water bottles and t-shirts with ASL logos that were used throughout the tour. Without the £750.00 contribution per person to the tour, the tour would not have been possible.
22.Emergency Contacts. All members of the tour logged on to JPA and ensured their Emergency Contact (EC) details were correct and in date. The Tour Manager held emergency contact details and JCCC was not required.
23.Compassionate Emergencies. All members of the tour ensured they passed on the “Compassionate Leave and Travel from Overseas” information card (JPA P001) onto their NoK.
Clearances
24.ASCB. Authority to travel must be obtained through both the chain of command and the ASCB. The latest DIN for Army Overseas Sports Travel is 2014DIN10-054.
25.Political. In addition to the ASCB authority political clearance must be obtained, for Australia this was through the British Embassy in Canberra. POC is Admin Officer d in Singapore it is the British High Commission and the POC is .
Medical
26.Vaccinations. Personnel ensured they were fully up to date with their normalmilitary required vaccinations. No specific additional vaccinations were required for visiting Australia and Singapore.
27.Personal Medical Responsibilities. All personnel were deemed fit to travel prior to the tour although some injuries were sustained during the matches in Australia.
28.First Aid Kit. A specialist hockey first aid kit was included in the team’s equipment. This proved to be sufficient for the needs of the tour. The company used was Firstaid4sport.
29.Impact of the Weather. The estimated temperature for Australia West Coast in Oct/Nov was estimated to be 20°C but the actual temperature was closer to 30°C in Sydney. The weather was cooler in Melbourne. In Singapore the temperature was around 32°C and with humidity around 100%. Playing conditions in Sydney and Melbourne were manageable, even the games played in the afternoon. Precautions were taken and ice, fruit and drinks were readily available on the sidelines. The playing conditions in Singapore were considerably harsher and games were reduced to 25 mins each way to compensate. Again fluids and ice were readily available for players and players fully re-hydrated after the fixture
30.Injuries. The touring party suffered some injuries during the fixtures played and it proved invaluable having a team doctor. The injuries sustained were as follows (MOD Form 510 to be completed by the player concerned on return to UK):
a.Cut to the head requiring stitches.
b.Player fainting – No further action required.
c.Damage to knee ligaments – Follow up action required in the UK.
d.Various bruises – No further action required.
Insurance
31.Travel Insurance. All players paid for their own travel insurance. It was stressed this must include cover for contact sports and in particular hockey must be mentioned. All players had to confirm their policy details to the tour manager before departure.
32.Security. There were no incidents of theft or altercations during the tour. The Australian and Singaporehosts ensured we did not venture into the back streets of the cities and kept to the tourist areas. On the whole the cities were found to be very safe.
Equipment
33.Baggage Allowance. Everyone was allowed two hold bags with a combined total of up to 30kg. It was suggested, one holdall and one stick bag (or goalie bag for Goalkeepers) be taken per person. There was also a hand baggage allowance, which was restricted to the usual 7kg per bag and the bag must be of the correct dimensions for routine flights. No excess baggage was required. In the tour instruction players were limited to 25kg of their baggage allowance to allow for tour kit and goalkeeper equipment. There was no specific group check-in for Singapore Airlines and liaison with the ground staff at check-in ensured there were no issues.
34.Tour Kit. The tour kit was purchased through Frog Island Sport in Leicester. They provided a healthy discount and were able to embroider the kit at avery reasonable price. Each player was issued the following kit:
a.Tour tracksuit.
b.2 x Playing shirts.
c.Tracksuit.
d.2 x Tour polo shirts.
e.Tour shorts and 2 x socks.
f.Tour stick bag.
Activities
35.Activities at some locations were factored into the itinerary. Other days were left free for individuals to explore where they wished. Activities factored into the tour budget are below. Activities were undertaken by some or all of the tour party, including;
a.Sydney.
(1)SydneyHarbour Cruise – Via Captain Cook Cruises. Approx Aus$100 per
person andincluded a 4 ½ cruise, 3 course lunch and drinks.
(2)Hunter Valley Wine Tour – Included a visit to Australian animal zoo and lunch.
ApproxAus$90.00 per person.
(3)Blue Mountains Tour – Approx Aus£90.00 per person.
(4)Bondi beach. A day of relaxing between matches, plenty of bars, markets and restaurants stretch along the beach.
b.Melbourne.
(1)Melbourne Zoo – Free with MOD Form 90.
c.Singapore.
(1)Aquarium and waterpark – Sing$67.00
Media
36.Maj Sarah Ballantyne was the Chief Scribe and articles will be submitted to the AGC Journal, ASCB, ASL, Soldier Magazine and England Hockey.
Discipline
37.No disciplinary incidents occurred on the tour.
Pre-Tour Training Match
38.There was just ONE pre-tour meet up and training match at HM Prison Service in Warwick.
Tour Matches MEN
Match 1 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Loss 5-4 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversityMatch 2 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Drew 2-2 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversity
Match 3 / Doncaster Hockey Club / Lost 5-2 / Sarah Gaskill [ / Doncaster HC – Melbourne
Match 4 / Victoria ADF / Won 4-2 / PO Greg Kahl / Footscray HC - Melbourne
Match 5 / Footscray HC / Lost 4-2 / PO Greg Kahl / Footscray HC - Melbourne
Match 6 / Singapore Cricket Club / Lost 3-2 / Pauline Appleyard / Singapore
Tour Matches LADIES
Match 1 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Drew 2-2 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversityMatch 2 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Lost 1-0 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversity
Match 3 / Doncaster Hockey Club / Lost 3-0 / Sarah Gaskill [ / Doncaster HC – Melbourne
Match 4 / Victoria ADF / Won 5-2 / PO Greg Kahl / Footscray HC - Melbourne
Match 5 / Footscray HC / Lost 6-0 / PO Greg Kahl / Footscray HC - Melbourne
Match 6 / Singapore Cricket Club / Lost 1-0 / Pauline Appleyard / Singapore
Tour Matches MIXED
Match 1 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Lost 3-2 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversityMatch 2 / New South WalesAustralian Defence Force (NSW ADF) / Won 2-1 / WO McConnell / Daceyville Pitch – NSWUniversity
Defence Engagement
39.We were well hosted by the ADF both in Sydney and in Melbourne and played a total of 5 matches against ADF opposition. Parking of the tour mini buses was facilitated by WO McConnell and secured military barrack locations were sourced close to the accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne.
40.In Singapore we were hosted by the Defence Attaché and his staff from the British High Commission and attended the Remembrance Service at the KranjiMilitaryCemetery in Singapore. The OIC Lt Col David Rutherford laid a wreath on behalf of the Corps.
Command and Control
OIC Tour – LtCol David Rutherford
Tour Manager – Maj Warren Ginn
Media – Maj Sarah Ballantyne
Ladies’ Coach – Cpl Emily Lewis
Men’s’ Coach – Major Andrew Lowe
Ladies’ Captain – Capt Sarah Peel
Men’s’ Captain – Maj Matt Cann
Summary
41.The AGC Hockey tour to Australia and Singapore was a great success and was hugely rewarding to those that took part. Some very competitive hockey was played and continued the great tradition and rivalry against the Australian Defence Force. In Singapore a strong bond was made with the Hockey element of the Singapore Cricket Club and the Remembrance Service at the KranjiMilitaryCemetery was a truly moving experience and one that will remain in everyone’s memory.
42. Any queries relating to this PXR should be directed to the undersigned in the first instance.
{Original Signed}
WF GINN
Major
Tour Manager and Secretary
for Chairman AGC HC
Annexes:
- Tour Itinerary.
- Finance.
- Nominal Roll.
Distribution:
All participants at Annex C
Copy to:
ASCB
Sec AHA
RHQ AGC
Chairman AGC Hockey
ANNEX A to
AGCHC/ExDT/PXR
Dated 5 Dec 14
AGC HOCKEY TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 23 OCT – 10 NOV 14
Date / Time / Activity / Remarks23 Oct 14 / 2205 / Depart London Heathrow / Singapore airlines SQ321
25 Oct 14 / 0655 / Arrive SydneyAirport / From Singapore on SQ221
25 Oct 14 / 0900 / Move to accommodation – rest of day free / BIG Hostel
212 Elizabetht, Surry Hills, Sydney,2010, Australia
26 Oct 14 / 1000 / Tour briefing / Room provided by Big Hostel
26 Oct 14 / 1100 / Collect 3 x mini-buses / Delivered to Big Hostel
26 Oct 14 / 1130
1300 / Training / The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032, Australia – Travel time approx 15 mins (10 km)
27 Oct 14 / 1330
1500 / Men’s Match
Ladies Match / NSW/ACT Defence Side – The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032
28 Oct 14 / 1330
1500 / Men’s Match
Ladies Match / NSW/ACT Defence Side – The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032
29 Oct 14 / 1130
1700 / Team building with ADF / Harbour Cruise – Depart Circular Quay 1230 pm – 2.40 km from Big Hostel
30 Oct 14 / 0800 / Move to Melbourne / 874 km – Approx 9 hour drive
30 Oct 14 / 1900 / Arrive Melbourne / Space Hotel
380 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
31 Oct 14 / 0900 / Tour of Melbourne / Including beach at St Kilda – Team breakfast
31 Oct 14 / 1800 / Ladies match / Melbourne – Doncaster Hockey Club, corner of Reynolds and Springvale Roads, Doncaster 26 Km approx 30 mins (Doncaster East VIC 3109)
31 Oct 14 / 1930 / Men’s match / Melbourne – Doncaster Hockey Club
31 Oct 14 / 2130 / BBQ / Hosted at Doncaster Hockey Club
1 Nov 14 / 1400 / Ladies Match / VIC/SA Defence Side @ Footscray Hockey Club, McIvor Reserve, Fogarty Avenue, Yarraville, Victoria 3013
1 Nov 14 / 1530 / Men’s Match / VIC/SA Defence Side – as above
1 Nov 14 / 1700 / Social at Footscray Hockey Club
2 Nov 14 / 1400 / Ladies Match / Footscray Hockey Club, McIvor Reserve, Fogarty Avenue, Yarraville, Victoria 3013
2 Nov 14 / 1530 / Men’s Match / Footscray Hockey Club
2 Nov 14 / 1700 / Social at Footscray Hockey Club
3 Nov 14 / 0900 / Move to Sydney / Coastal route 1100 km approx 14 hour drive
3 Nov 14 / 1900 / Arrive Sydney / BIG Hostel
212 Elizabetht, Surry Hills, Sydney,2010, Australia
4 Nov 14 / 1000 / Team building day / Bondi beach/Sydney Opera House
Tour photo
5 Nov 14 / 1000
1130 / Ladies Match
Men’s match / NSW/ACT Defence Side - The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032
6 Nov 14 / 1400
1530 / Ladies Match
Men’ match / NSW/ACT Defence Side - The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032
6 Nov 14 / 1900 / Tour dinner / Location TBC
7 Nov 14 / 0600 / Depart hostel for Airport / Drop mini buses at Airport
7 Nov 14 / 0905 / Depart Sydney for Singapore / Singapore Airlines SQ212
7 Nov 14 / 1415 / Arrive Singapore
7 Nov 14 / 1500 / Book into Hotel/hostel / Five Stones Hostel -61 South Bridge Road #02-01 (near Hong Kong Street), Singapore – Nearest tube station is Clarke Quay MRT (Journey time from airport 35 mins plus 5 min walk)
8 Nov 14 / 1400 (TBC) / Match (Ladies and Men’s) / Singapore Cricket Club – Match at Delta Sport Complex, 900 Tiong Bahru Road 158790 (Nearest MRT Station is Redhill) Travel time – Clark Quay to Redhill is 12 mins
9 Nov 14 / 0630 / Remembrance Service / Smart civilian clothes – transport from hostel provided by High Commission
9 Nov 14 / 2345 / Depart Singapore / Singapore Airlines SQ322
10 Nov 14 / 0555 / Arrive London
ANNEX B TO