Bristol Branch visit to the 1st Battalion
August 1986
Diary of Events
Sunday 19th August …… Day 1
We set out from Bristol by coach with Dennis Griffiths, our Vice-Chairman driving. \the weather was appalling, but spirits were high and after pick-ups had been made at Wellington Barracks and Chelmsford, we had our complement of 32 Association members and headed for Harwich to board the overnight ferry. {Oh! Such memories of flat bottomed cross channel craft!?} – Webmaster.
The ferry crossing was very calm indeed, but evidently there were gale force conditions in the bar, leaving several members confused, one seriously wounded, and two excused boots!
Monday 11th August …… Day 2
Travelling the short distance through Holland into Germany, we reached Munster and Oxford Barracks slightly later than anticipated at 12.45hrs. We were met and welcomed by CSM S Denhel, and after a tour of the accommodation we had a most welcome lunch in the Mess.
There was some confusion amongst our ranks, because here was CSM saying things like – “Gentlemen,” “Please,” and if you don’t mind.”. What a change to he old days! – Lunch completed we were taken to lecture room, where the Commanding Officer Lt Col EJ Webb-Carter officially welcomed us. He gave a most interesting talk on the changing rolls of the modern soldier, and an insight as to how the Battalion adapts to these rolls wile continuing the traditions of the Grenadier. The Commanding Officer finished by wishing us all a very happy visit, trusting that it would be a most memorable one.
On then to Support Company Stores, where we drew kit in the form of Coveralls, Parkas, Etc. Many contortions were performed by all and sundry to try to get into the kit, but the sizes seemed fit only for thin Ghurkhas! We all felt sure that the storeman had worked for Burton’s with his “lovely fit Sir,” “Made to measure Sir,” “Oh just perfect Sir.” What a salesman! All eventually emerged with something approaching requirements, and headed for the sanctuary of the barrack room, away from the eagle eye of the CSM.
All ranks retired very late to their beds, bewildered but happy after a ‘wet’ evening in the welcoming Sgt’s Mess. What a start to the visit.
Tuesday 12th August …… Day 3
Most members had risen, shaved and showered before the Drummer visited our rooms to blow reveille at 06.30hrs, much to the bugler’s and CSM’s surprise. The local Padre, CSM Dehnel, and Cpl Wall, Corps of Drums, joined us for our day trip to Arnhem and Nijmegen, all enjoying the hour or so spent inside the museum, and outside in its well kept gardens.
Map reading by a senior rank (who shall be nameless), took us to parts of Holland including a cul-de-sac, (difficult to get out of with our coach), not on the itinerary. A lone Dutch cyclist appeared and kindly showed us the way. Day saved, honour restored. Our real mission of the day was to visit the Jockenboss War Cemetery, where several Grenadiers are buried, to lay a wreath on the memorial there.
On returning to Oxford Barracks we changed into our best walking out gear to attend our invitation to the Commanding Officer’s home for a garden party. A very enjoyable evening was had by all in the pleasant surroundings of the garden, where we were entertained in the best Grenadier fashion. We eventually had to take our leave, much to the disappointment of the Commanding Officer’s children, who had entertained and waited upon us most of the evening.
Wednesday 13th August Day 4
What can be said about letting 32 Geriatrics loose on a Company armoured vehicle fleet? Insanity? Dereliction of Duty? A desire to demolish a gymnasium? Yes, all that and more but let us loose they did, and how we enjoyed it. A quick lunch, and on to draw full kit, weapons and ammunition for a night exercise. More madness, will it never end?
Three sections were formed, and after detailed briefing by the CSM, we were delivered into the wilderness of the Dorbaum training area. We took maps, compasses, camouflage make-up and to everyone’s concern, distress flares! Some of the more senior members complained about not having armoured transport. Others got really into the part and applied the camouflage make-up so liberally they could have auditioned for the Black & White Minstrel Show.
After crashing about in what seemed miles of bramble, fern, pine forest and dusty tracks, beating off constant raids by the enemy, (keen Guardsmen from Support Company) and almost out of ammunition, we arrived at a bridge mentioned in the orders, not as suspected to more briefing for night exercising, but to a virtual oasis! The surprise was really on us. C/Sgt Bowbanks and a cast of thousands had worked miracles transporting the Sgt’s Mess o the training area. There were tables laid fit for a King all in a huge mess tent. There was real beer being dispensed from a real bar, a roaring bonfire, and even wine chilling in the nearby river. What a treat, what a spread, and what a relief!
After an incredible night of eating, drinking and story telling, and yet more drinking, some staggered off to the tents to sleep, some fell by the fire. Sgt Cooper seeing the danger of possible souvenir hunters, and fearing for the mess silver, insisted on sleeping with it, bravery in the field at its best. What an incredible day, how could we better this?
Thursday 14th August ……. Day 5
To be continued………….