tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54636273028102457352024-03-05T22:47:50.780-08:00Condor Troop History 1971/197959Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-26449019784904038842010-01-04T12:14:00.000-08:002011-01-01T12:57:46.261-08:00<strong>Monday 11th October</strong> - <strong>Arbroath<br /></strong>The troop is sorting out personal clothing, plus checking and double checking the limited troop equipment that we had, then started loading the small amount of equipment into the few vehicles we had, along with the few Stores and personal kit.<br /><strong><em>Personal Kit consisted of:</em><br /><em>Large Pack</em><br /></strong><em>Sleeping Bag, Shirts KF, Denim Trousers, Socks, Washing/Shaving kit, Cleaning kit, Spare underclothes, Yoke, Ammo Pouches, Water Bottle & Carrier, Cape Carrier & Poncho, Large Nylon Stocking.</em><br /><strong><em>Kit Bag</em><br /></strong><em>Boots DMS, PT Shoes, Combat Trousers, Combat Jacket, Respirator, Steel Helmet, Kidney Pouches.</em><br /><strong><em>Suitcase</em><br /></strong><em>Shirts KF, Socks, UnderClothes, PT Vests, PT Shorts, Jersey Pullover, Gloves, Berets, Cap Badge, Denim Trousers/OG Trousers, Towels, Braces.</em><br /><strong><em>Leaving out, ready to wear:</em><br /></strong><em>Smocks Denim, Denim Trousers, Boots DMS, Puttees, Beret & Cap Badge, Belt58, Jack Knife, Housewife kit, Holdall, Mess Tin/KFS/Mug, FFD.</em><br /><br /><strong>15th October 1971 - 8th January 1972</strong><br /><strong>Northern Ireland</strong><br /><strong></strong>Condor Troop, 9 Indep Para Sqn RE, Antrim Bridging Camp, BFPO 801. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />"The Troubles" started back in the 12th Century, when British Troops stormed Ireland.<br />The current "Troubles" have their roots in the National Uprising on 24th April 1916.<br />A Guerilla war followed, resulting in most of Ireland becoming "free" from English rule, with exception to 6 North Eastern Counties, which were predominantly Protestant and wanted to remain a part of the United Kingdom. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGFfNJwTZzNJhayqUvYVcIepBxuKAKDydieJQIfXjxzJ3TObbo6TonZMHJ6Ft63gd1GgOyD-paMrzkpd2MRva8QLx0jIB9JEuHe_v7MVS0JD42uTuMTxgTc39jhK3-sFFVNpbOMI9Po8/s1600-h/img430.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 316px; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002409885447042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGFfNJwTZzNJhayqUvYVcIepBxuKAKDydieJQIfXjxzJ3TObbo6TonZMHJ6Ft63gd1GgOyD-paMrzkpd2MRva8QLx0jIB9JEuHe_v7MVS0JD42uTuMTxgTc39jhK3-sFFVNpbOMI9Po8/s200/img430.jpg" /></a></div><div>The "Troubles" really flared in July 1969, when a Civil Rights Demo in Londonderry, was broken up with great violence by the 'B' Specials. This caused the Protestants to attack Catholics, whilst the Police and Militia stood by and watched.<br />The British Government sent in Troops, to quieten down the fighting.<br /><br /><strong>Friday 15th October 1971</strong><br />All Landrovers are fitted with a "Cheese Cutter", an angle iron fitted at a 45 degree angle upwards from in front of the windscreen, giving head clearance. This was designed to cut wires </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ldbkFFknjCCxybMrh09GZ4K3lUkN-LhcIWv5j-z1OgP7Qw4YBJkYRKUnWnuTVVAsd7yvyJHISqbd-eKc679YCG_TZsc8UNW2imZKfNPgMfcCOOoGU9O6wDXhuWuCMIkaR8N4EqLtSoA/s1600-h/img431.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 305px; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002415118730994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ldbkFFknjCCxybMrh09GZ4K3lUkN-LhcIWv5j-z1OgP7Qw4YBJkYRKUnWnuTVVAsd7yvyJHISqbd-eKc679YCG_TZsc8UNW2imZKfNPgMfcCOOoGU9O6wDXhuWuCMIkaR8N4EqLtSoA/s200/img431.jpg" /></a></div><div>Troop Fitter Ray Elliott</div><div> </div><div>put across the road, to cause head decapitation. </div><div></div><div>Drivers parade before leaving, all drivers issued with weapons, including 'live' ammunition, generally drivers were issued with a Sub Machine Gun, passengers are issued with an SLR Rifle.<br /><br />A Convoy of vehicles (Marines, Battery & Engineers) which included - 21 x Landrovers, 7 x 3 Tonners(RL's) and 1 x Commer Tipper, left Arbroath Camp at 02.30hrs.<br />Eddy Sanders was driving the Engineer Commer Tipper, whilst Ray Elliott (Troop Fitter) was driving the Landrover, Peter Davey and one other driving the 3 Tonners.<br />At 07.00hrs a Marine Landrover crashed off the road, into a brick wall, the driver had fallen asleep. The front of the Landrover was severely damaged, rendering it un-fit to continue, so it was left behind. The trailer was transfered to our Troop Fitter's Landrover, plus kit from inside the damaged Landrover; the driver was taken to Hospital, with broken Arm & Shock.<br /><br />Arriving in Belfast Docks, the Convoy was surrounded by Heavily Armed Infantry and escorted to their Camp, possibly Flax Street Mill (on the Ardoyne Estate), about 4 miles from the Docks, arriving at 16.00hrs.<br />The Convoy of escorts and escorted, was spread back over one and a half miles, each vehicle only inches from the rear of the vehicle in front, to stop any other vehicles joining the convoy. The Convoy length could best be seen, when it crossed a bridge and doubled back on itself.<br />The Engineers remained with the Infantry overnight, our quarters used to be a huge workshop, divided up into bedrooms.<br />The Marines moved to Bessbrook Mill, a detachment went through to Newry.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq8C-ry7-Xd8COkKM76pdcxUZzNiNjo0pUrzYyAxn5BdhvvLcut63YFHWFo-FhiGn2M_orzsl02KqHr1x5ZaX4F9nt0LIkKkzijs7Wc4QDqZdJ-ysEm0Uu_H-VtNdCj-fAe9h4vpeio4/s1600-h/img432.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 306px; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002420070563586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq8C-ry7-Xd8COkKM76pdcxUZzNiNjo0pUrzYyAxn5BdhvvLcut63YFHWFo-FhiGn2M_orzsl02KqHr1x5ZaX4F9nt0LIkKkzijs7Wc4QDqZdJ-ysEm0Uu_H-VtNdCj-fAe9h4vpeio4/s200/img432.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div><strong>Saturday 16th October 1971</strong></div><div>Drivers were escorted from the Infantry Barracks, to our "new home" - Antrim Bridge Camp, which was still being constructed by 9 Indep Parachute Squadron RE.</div><div>Being the first of the Commando Engineers to arrive, we took a lot of 'stick' from the Paras.</div><div>The rest of the Troop was collected by the Paras and escorted to the Camp, we all had to find sleeping quarters. Quarters were newly built huts, with bunk beds ranged down both sides, I think there were 5 Bunk beds on each side.</div><div>The following day, the Troop Fitter was involved in his first Escort Duty with 9 Para, escorting our Troop Muirhills in from Belfast Airport.</div><div>Dress for Escort Duty:</div><div>Shirt, Trousers and matching Smock top, Flak Jacket, Webbing -Ammo Pouches with spare 'clips', Water Bottle, Gas Mask in Pouch, plus Field Medical Dressings.</div><div>The Sub Machine Gun has strap on the Butt of the handle, the other end secured round the right wrist.</div><div>From now on, the Troop Fitter would be in the Workshops, or on Escort Duties, Officer Driver or Emergency Call out driver. Generally working through the night in the workshops, whilst the Troop slept, given time to sleep in the morning and used for driving duties or workshop in the afternoon.</div><div></div><div>All Engineers are grouped together, for easier Command and task distribution.</div><div>Condor Troop was grouped with 9 Para and coming under command of 9 Para, who certainly tasked the Troop well, which included: Area Searches, Sangar Building, Fence Erecting and much more.</div><div>Our Troop Officer was out to "prove" the Troop, in the eyes of 9 Para, by taking on more tasks than any Para troop and in more dangerous areas, some that 9 Para refused to go to.</div><div>Our Officer was correct to do this, we were 'new' and un-tried. The troop actually covered almost twice the work of any Para Troop and worked in more dangerous places than 9 Para. We </div><div>gained a lot of respect from 9 Para and the Royal Engineer world.</div><div></div><div>Taff Bridgeman and Hamish remained in camp, working on Prefabricated Sangers.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpSYlq0ha5BumQUG-xKAbt6Fcb1otpe86vVoHI5qLEdA70NVx4Iv_b9g0FqhfSsY0YxEg02IXkXkFWdDznpW6UGuNCl6ahSBlDM4np4T-dyaV-q0ke64mw4fknVDrR7im2Y8Eo4yUysY/s1600-h/img437.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 288px; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004265201911154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpSYlq0ha5BumQUG-xKAbt6Fcb1otpe86vVoHI5qLEdA70NVx4Iv_b9g0FqhfSsY0YxEg02IXkXkFWdDznpW6UGuNCl6ahSBlDM4np4T-dyaV-q0ke64mw4fknVDrR7im2Y8Eo4yUysY/s200/img437.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PzLEfH52gckO_jURunCbA0jj-mYMq-5uS_W2m5bKrzZE-2e3sTuxyoK8gqqrMg6UgDcymMNfS0kXhh8jLyeTXB0gCdeopRHYSti04AduHORBkGFJmCn6PUOTnW-YRTPiF6CSKXhK1zk/s1600-h/img438.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 271px; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004269761157730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PzLEfH52gckO_jURunCbA0jj-mYMq-5uS_W2m5bKrzZE-2e3sTuxyoK8gqqrMg6UgDcymMNfS0kXhh8jLyeTXB0gCdeopRHYSti04AduHORBkGFJmCn6PUOTnW-YRTPiF6CSKXhK1zk/s200/img438.jpg" /></a></div><div>Bally Murphy - Building a Sanger (Sentry Hut) and Car Park area.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGrC1V7Zdd2cv5bdc2QGAAo9vrWVFsqSBf2vh5K3kmyFgqbhaD-l6bM0i81lomNKsZzxklDBGvTTVK6lJXtvDgA-YiUhKHzlDLoeL9_xfjxTszIqB1JVVPeprjRcXv0o117S6WGnsR0/s1600-h/img439.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004273035652450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGrC1V7Zdd2cv5bdc2QGAAo9vrWVFsqSBf2vh5K3kmyFgqbhaD-l6bM0i81lomNKsZzxklDBGvTTVK6lJXtvDgA-YiUhKHzlDLoeL9_xfjxTszIqB1JVVPeprjRcXv0o117S6WGnsR0/s200/img439.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup69fSYncbpzlMHcmEwq-4AOuxK9Tt1qJuIlpNvFJgMkyC4gw-fzWQFPoS4pwfBGqZRNk_4MMUqWlZj-QAeASptPaYAPgXdmNPJ51R-ApWFQP22bRol4WbFA6uDLNL0PALzRI6VAkg3M/s1600-h/img440.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004278114098242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup69fSYncbpzlMHcmEwq-4AOuxK9Tt1qJuIlpNvFJgMkyC4gw-fzWQFPoS4pwfBGqZRNk_4MMUqWlZj-QAeASptPaYAPgXdmNPJ51R-ApWFQP22bRol4WbFA6uDLNL0PALzRI6VAkg3M/s200/img440.jpg" /></a></div><div>The Muirhill is out Troop "Work Horse", used on all troop tasks. It is towed on a trailer, behind a Tipper.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4v7sbc5Tt6RwsZuOT5Zc8F4-yJUbDd5EnyqGR8F80wLSQNqKgxN0qt3vWHcIy2cMgWngwGdJ5hDdpeq5zTJcnJylyBS6lvqU732BEDSuOWDMsPxrVkFl9GGPUPjj5ZvI7ur1RK1AtYs/s1600-h/img441.jpg"></a></div><div><strong>21st October 1971</strong></div><div>Troop started work at Larne Power Station.</div><div>Fr<em>ont of Power Station </em>- Concrete in concrete fence posts with chain link fencing, covered with single Donit Barbed Wire.</div><div><em>Rear of Power Station</em> (Sea Wall) - Layout 3 miles of Double Donit Barbed Wire.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4v7sbc5Tt6RwsZuOT5Zc8F4-yJUbDd5EnyqGR8F80wLSQNqKgxN0qt3vWHcIy2cMgWngwGdJ5hDdpeq5zTJcnJylyBS6lvqU732BEDSuOWDMsPxrVkFl9GGPUPjj5ZvI7ur1RK1AtYs/s1600-h/img441.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004446778084802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4v7sbc5Tt6RwsZuOT5Zc8F4-yJUbDd5EnyqGR8F80wLSQNqKgxN0qt3vWHcIy2cMgWngwGdJ5hDdpeq5zTJcnJylyBS6lvqU732BEDSuOWDMsPxrVkFl9GGPUPjj5ZvI7ur1RK1AtYs/s200/img441.jpg" /></a></div><div>Bill Young - Troop Plant Fitter on Guard duty at Larne.</div><div></div><div><strong>24th October 1971</strong></div><div>Troop called out to help disarm the 'B' Specials in Shankill Road, supported by 45 Commando RM, plus other Infantry Units. Shankill Road was cordoned off, whilst our troop ripped out floor boards and walls, looking for hidden weapons. Of 2000 licensed weapons, our search only found 200.</div><div></div><div><strong>26th October 1971</strong></div><div>Troop called out to Girdwood Park, which had come under attack, killing two Guards and wounding another. The troop carried out repairs to fortification.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>27th October 1971</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter escorting a 10 tonner to Londonderry, to collect a Bray Wheeled Dozer, returning back to Antrim.</div><div></div><div><strong>28th October 1971</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter escorted 10 tonner to Girdwood Park, to collect a Road Roller, to be delivered to a quarry in Ballymurphy. On the way to Ballymurphy, we came upon a semi-blocked Roundabout, a burning car blocking the left side of the roundabout. All down both sides of the road, leading to and from the roundabout, were rows of children.</div><div>With the 10 tonner creeping at 10 mph, we were "sitting ducks", full and half bricks were thrown in a frenzy at us, every window was smashed, including headlights on both vehicles, luckily no petrol bombs were thrown. The Lorry passenger had to be raced to hospital by helicopter, with a fractured skull.</div><div></div><div><strong>21st November 1971</strong></div><div>All Army bases on "Red Alert", this was the IRA's 50th Anniversary.</div><div>During the night, Staff Pickles ran through our hut shouting "Stand to", then waited outside of the back door. 'Jock the Doc' or 'Piggy' got up, went out the back to urinate and promptly soaked the Staff's leg - he was not amused and I think his shouting scared the IRA away, for we were "stood down" shortly afterwards.</div><div></div><div>The Troop laid the very first "Sleeping Policeman" across Shankill Road, it was too high, causing half the buses to be put off the road with bus panels missing, Mini's became stranded on the top and Motorbikes 'took off', one landed about 30 feet down the road, before crashing.</div><div>This was laid outside of the Police Station.</div><div></div><div><strong>4th December 1971</strong></div><div>Sgt Jock Gray, Ronnie Gould and Troop Fitter, working at Belfast Police Station, strengthening the Station, by fitting concealed doors and windows.</div><div></div><div>The Troop was working in the Ardoyne area, building Sangers.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-cpR-hckUDmIVuWXk76fbRD3ed72vImyasy9lrb_rkIxto4CYYrffd_0UY3dG2Mg6G9zQ0HT2OYMc-R_OU-43iq6E7OKzY5MhIXpu1Oqjt_zfaiabp-_p06btFMxu4TaxwuXwLn-ryo/s1600-h/img442.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004443174297010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-cpR-hckUDmIVuWXk76fbRD3ed72vImyasy9lrb_rkIxto4CYYrffd_0UY3dG2Mg6G9zQ0HT2OYMc-R_OU-43iq6E7OKzY5MhIXpu1Oqjt_zfaiabp-_p06btFMxu4TaxwuXwLn-ryo/s200/img442.jpg" /></a></div><div>Here Eddy Sanders was setting up for the Sanger.</div><div></div><div>In-between various tasks, the Troop helped to complete Antrim Camp, carrying essential plumbing tasks.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXxfpZwGn0l9oEjz9B0mFEUTT6pFxc6Kg5a3kYxabOJ9di33vJgD3L73hMQifILaGDYmpAO8xH3JNwmJAENNgM7NUh_5M8eJnIe21LG_TxMcfALFEWkzC-EfMi_1gXgSaQG6mlXaSdFs/s1600-h/img433.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 193px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002703060822258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXxfpZwGn0l9oEjz9B0mFEUTT6pFxc6Kg5a3kYxabOJ9di33vJgD3L73hMQifILaGDYmpAO8xH3JNwmJAENNgM7NUh_5M8eJnIe21LG_TxMcfALFEWkzC-EfMi_1gXgSaQG6mlXaSdFs/s200/img433.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY2IispJWT7VseiZRiJLTCYFiLV3Q0MELCa8YcDj_lAA6V-IydpmFnAE0S7csoFP-ndQ3i2Q9WBn3jxqkOOoDZ3cra0MTzCKsyfvMQYUz7x4hGn5lh4f3CEjxA6VNivPXnehKVBBRtjQ/s1600-h/img434.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002701244727810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY2IispJWT7VseiZRiJLTCYFiLV3Q0MELCa8YcDj_lAA6V-IydpmFnAE0S7csoFP-ndQ3i2Q9WBn3jxqkOOoDZ3cra0MTzCKsyfvMQYUz7x4hGn5lh4f3CEjxA6VNivPXnehKVBBRtjQ/s200/img434.jpg" /></a></div><div>Muirhill digging pipe-line holes.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Other Troop Tasks included:</div><div>Clearing Burnt out vehicles on Flak Street, Belfast, with an Alice Chalmers.</div><div></div><div>Erecting a 16 foot Chain link fence around a School, required 3 men on each post, to pass up and then clamp the wire to the posts.</div><div>Two shots sounded, Bob Williams above Ray Elliott on the post, let go and crashed down, sending the two crashing into 'Piggy' (Chris Moore) at the bottom. One shot passed through the scaffold pole, just above Bob's head, but shock had made Bob forget why he had let go. Bob spent 10 days in Musgrove Hospital, damaged left side of his head - partly from sliding down the pole, plus drop onto the concrete ground.</div><div>Canada 'Mac' (McDonal) and Taff Bridgeman, held a competition to walk the furthest with a roll of fencing, Mac beat Taff by two steps only.</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>13th December 1971</strong></div><div>Union Street, belfast - Printing Factory blown-up, troop tasked with clearing the debris, looking for killed or injured and making the building safe.</div><div>Dock Yard, Belfast - Pub blown up, troop tasked with clearing debris, looking for killed or injured and making the building safe.</div><div><strong>Girdwood Park</strong></div><div>Before the "troubles" this used to be a TA depot, but was now becoming the main Recovery and Breakdown Centre.</div><div>Troop Fitter spending a lot of time at Girdwood Park, on Escort Duties, or Recoveries.</div><div>Also from the Troop, the Plant Operators took turn at being stationed here, Eddy Sanders, Jock-the-Doc, Ronnie Gould and Joe Noble, working with 9 Para Plant Operators.</div><div>The Alice Chalmers was a powerful machine, that could twist in the middle and turn around in its own length. These machines could lock their bucket on the centre deck of a burning double-decker bus and lift it out of the way.</div><div>To protect the Operator, from his door being opened whilst working, the door was welded shut.</div><div>The first design by 9 Para, saw the driver climbing in through the roof, the MOD then changed the design, so the driver climbed in through the side window. both designs were awkward for the driver.</div><div>The interior was not padded, so stones hitting the cab, sounded like minature explosions.</div><div>On the 4th Week, Eddy Sanders got stuck at Girdwood, until the troop returned home.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PzLEfH52gckO_jURunCbA0jj-mYMq-5uS_W2m5bKrzZE-2e3sTuxyoK8gqqrMg6UgDcymMNfS0kXhh8jLyeTXB0gCdeopRHYSti04AduHORBkGFJmCn6PUOTnW-YRTPiF6CSKXhK1zk/s1600-h/img438.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83zP8ki5LPIj6p8r5OvLKEOfGEEcALJfRCAg2Y5TKlActdsfAob404ufgsg7QCKUCnzEixgj6EP9sLh87MpqiXYW2xZohEG8Eqj1gi9A-4_ZYLV3YzUpJSfjHWnMnRaHGU21eVXSSiFY/s1600-h/img443.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 194px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004447320491570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83zP8ki5LPIj6p8r5OvLKEOfGEEcALJfRCAg2Y5TKlActdsfAob404ufgsg7QCKUCnzEixgj6EP9sLh87MpqiXYW2xZohEG8Eqj1gi9A-4_ZYLV3YzUpJSfjHWnMnRaHGU21eVXSSiFY/s200/img443.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_UN7VjrrjiNMV8_jOzShyB1FHV_A5ntJDHDSLqJPPqvXBtCgB4Qs5DKU1cVPX5CuhrPv_QRWBonS1RzKTkBXpdi2rtIPCqyIOn7BYgT6ntnhq684weqDfd7ubrHvaVXtrcTkuJneKE8/s1600-h/img444.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 194px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423004452829289154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_UN7VjrrjiNMV8_jOzShyB1FHV_A5ntJDHDSLqJPPqvXBtCgB4Qs5DKU1cVPX5CuhrPv_QRWBonS1RzKTkBXpdi2rtIPCqyIOn7BYgT6ntnhq684weqDfd7ubrHvaVXtrcTkuJneKE8/s200/img444.jpg" /></a><br /></div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Christmas Day</strong></div><div>Both 9 Para and Condor Troop, formed up in the Canteen for Christmas Dinner, Staff Sergeant Pickles was duty Officer.</div><div>The meal was served by the Officers and SNCO's, Starters followed by the main Course.</div><div>Members of 9 Para started throwing Peanuts at Condor Troop, who retaliated with Roast Potatoes, then the "Food Fight" went out of control. The Officers and SNCO's fled the room, leaving the lads to "fight" it out.</div><div>After the Roast Potatoes, followed the Meat and then the Plates, even the Chefs were bombarded and joined in. Those still hungry, slid under the tables, to retrieve Roast Potatoes, or whatever was about, until the tables took-off. Joe Morrison, Bob Williams and Canada Mac were among those trying to retrieve food.</div><div>When calm was finally restored, every plate had been broken, the Kitchen wrecked and 3 Windows smashed.</div><div>Eddy Sanders, stuck at Girdwood Park, missed all the fun. He was served his meal by the WO2 and given a glass of Whisky with it, so Eddy enjoyed his meal in peace.</div><div>Hamish & Ray Elliott missed all the action too, being served their meal by the local Vicar's wife; they returned to the camp, to be told about the "food fight" and saw the mess that had yet to be cleared up.</div><div></div><div><strong>Guard Patrol Goes Wrong</strong></div><div>A 3 Tonner set out on a sweep of the Belfast area, but as it passed through the gate, all went wrong.</div><div>When a Flare was set off, Garth Freeborn saw a figure "flitting" through the trees and fired a shot at it, only that figure happened to be the Guard Commander, checking out the Flare, which had been set off by a Rabbit.</div><div>The ejected cartridge from Garth's rifle, struck Big Jack Audsley on the side of his tin helmet, Big Jack thought he had been shot.</div><div>The patrol was cancelled, whilst an investigation was held.</div><div></div><div><strong>Boxing Day - Big Fight</strong></div><div>After a shower and donning clean clothes, Ray Elliott headed out to stay with the Vicar and his family, from 11.30hrs to 23.15hrs.</div><div>Arriving back in camp for Midnight, he witnessed the most senseless fight going.</div><div>The room mates arrived back shortly after Midnight, totally drunk and spoiling for fun.</div><div>Big Jack tried cutting down the Christmas Tree in the room, but gave up.</div><div>Ronnie Gould tried the same and he too gave up; in a fit of anger , Ronnie smashed a wooden chair, knocking himself out in the process, wjhen he came to, he put the splintered chair in the room fire.</div><div>Big Jack decided to smash a metal chair, gave up, got hold of an Axe and tried chopping up the room Sofa, he tore the fabric but luckily did no real damage.</div><div>Fed up by now, Ray Elliott tried to restore calm, but too late, other room mates arrived and the fun became more serious.</div><div>Garth Freeborn arrived first, saw his Christmas Tree damaged, lost his temper and using the discarded axe, cut it up. Harry tried to stop Garth, but they ended up fighting; four other lads tried to stop them and a bigger fight started, everyone fighting each other.</div><div>During the melee, the destroyed Christmas Tree was flung all over the room, someone tried swinging on the room light, which was ripped out of the ceiling, sending light and sapper crashing to the floor. He then hit another lad trying to lift him up and others joined in to stop them, but fighting each other took over.</div><div>Blue Fenwick was hit over the head with a bottle, obtaining a fractured skull and required 4 stitches.</div><div>Garth received a broken jaw, bleeding nose and cut around one eye.</div><div>Harry had a sore right hand.</div><div>Totally fed up, Ray went for reinforcements, in the form of the SNCO's; Jock Gray finally brought calm to the room.</div><div>The room was totally smashed up, lights hanging with bare wires, Christmas decorations ripped apart and hanging, Christmas tree partly in the fire and burning, sofa almost wrecked from falling sappers crashing into it.</div><div>What a Total Waste!!</div><div>Of course 9 Para thought this funny, fighting each other and wrecking a hut.</div><div></div><div><strong>8th January 1972</strong></div><div>Civilian Ferry home.</div><div>Troop Fitter found another "broken-down" landrover, just outside of Glasgow. Stopping to investigate, he found Jock-the-Doc and Eddy Sanders.</div><div>They had been 'split' from the Convoy, stopped at a Pub in Glasgow for directions and a few drinks, leaving the pub with a "carry-out", they finally found their way out of Glasgow (strange, Jock-the-Doc was from Glasgow) and stopped for a sleep.</div><div>The Troop Fitter, who was last in the Convoy, hooked the landrover to his, using an 'A' frame.</div><div>During the drive to Arbroath Jock and Eddy swapped seats, taking tuerns to 'drive', whilst consuming their carry-out.</div><div>At Arbroath, Staff Pickles wanted to check out the towed landrover, but could not start the engine, so could not charge Jock & Eddy with drunk driving.</div><div>Did the Fitter do something to the engine, to avoid the lads getting into trouble???</div><div></div><div>A lot of excess Stores came home with us, hidden under personal kit and authorised Stores, all would help raise money for our Troop Finances.</div><div>The Troop returned home 3 weeks early, due to an imminent deploying to Norway with 45 Cdo RM. Lt. Hoddinott had been sent to Norway 2 weeks earlier, on Special training, in advbance of the troop.</div><div></div><div>Despite the all-out fighting on Boxing Day, the whole Troop had started to "Bond" and were looking forward to Norway, though with some trepidation, having to walk on planks of wood was scarry.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-45803440767882722492010-01-03T07:41:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:26:37.590-08:00<strong>6th February - 14th March 1972 - Norway</strong><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEF40E1WR6BxO1j0t0x9p3BVD3eY9LctxctsJJUKVi0jqyGjNIu1dvJm1Wb8J5WOvhXtjulISzNbcH18q8M8t4YuBi6FwKf1cGtWFIzMq6xMNpxO2ueuu9JUQ7Y3z5zGqSNrsdSoQIM0/s1600-h/Norway+skiing.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424882024608277682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEF40E1WR6BxO1j0t0x9p3BVD3eY9LctxctsJJUKVi0jqyGjNIu1dvJm1Wb8J5WOvhXtjulISzNbcH18q8M8t4YuBi6FwKf1cGtWFIzMq6xMNpxO2ueuu9JUQ7Y3z5zGqSNrsdSoQIM0/s200/Norway+skiing.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ6oKlGoCYsajLBjWPNYOHjs9xfk3YA_MdsqY4yWX4cwymgloDj_Un6XNBTPWSZW8iESaGAvRLmYcNdQLZmZRFoKcTitsSGbewFup_xDRd7JnUMgg50PzuqsI7mumMjxmbHKJlXtf_yo/s1600-h/Norway+group+4.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 198px; 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HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424880647406775874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyLK_yuxPhS1hfbi8nWStXMpqHTRhzscxPM1zLRKzJBNm3KeXSpfTqx8v7l5eD0KAmNuXbiQfWUICuJjRMXwWewjw5EkDNhJ2vf5M8sZReaKvyjDJam6CrG_vhhphpYKT8A_uq9_ek-0/s200/Norway+1.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAreILcKPST4FuBIDhn0MHqVZNMjFNcmA8I34O9kUi1qqNXSRIV9wL2Iwnmy_JCsaveEBnIOL_XIuq-AgMBC8PTGr5cQ-QpONV2k_f6cbwjDaUK1izDf_DcYgRGK8_fKtFaRr_4WLn-po/s1600-h/Norway9.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424880641427259442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAreILcKPST4FuBIDhn0MHqVZNMjFNcmA8I34O9kUi1qqNXSRIV9wL2Iwnmy_JCsaveEBnIOL_XIuq-AgMBC8PTGr5cQ-QpONV2k_f6cbwjDaUK1izDf_DcYgRGK8_fKtFaRr_4WLn-po/s200/Norway9.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEXp-VL35bw89xIeRs4jJq3gp0z6W6uCeKfYoHsHLAq7Au3tkFGhuCqu1RQojZqBhDRR_7ozZEDHGw-tOgXkFjLxut7MrFLYU1a_ymVw0ARdhOpjId2s2PE6q513kRgwuP-Ib_hO5q80/s1600-h/NBorway.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424880636238344018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEXp-VL35bw89xIeRs4jJq3gp0z6W6uCeKfYoHsHLAq7Au3tkFGhuCqu1RQojZqBhDRR_7ozZEDHGw-tOgXkFjLxut7MrFLYU1a_ymVw0ARdhOpjId2s2PE6q513kRgwuP-Ib_hO5q80/s200/NBorway.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong></strong><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong>Last week in January 1972</strong></div><div>Lt Timmothy Hoddinott was sent to Norway, in advance of the Troop, to undertake Special training</div><div>----------</div><div><strong>6th February 1972</strong><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXf0ILuT7TfcvvH-6lmzUeqRmd5BSKSRHTGezLeliMXrKdnjBmbrscjdseC6KRNzQSABIDR_QzkOa8VdMZE1-mTrwnypyFirWldWINpE0L5rqelOnSILJ5TiVwFFGro108futMrmFY6M/s1600-h/img445.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 335px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286485004010498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXf0ILuT7TfcvvH-6lmzUeqRmd5BSKSRHTGezLeliMXrKdnjBmbrscjdseC6KRNzQSABIDR_QzkOa8VdMZE1-mTrwnypyFirWldWINpE0L5rqelOnSILJ5TiVwFFGro108futMrmFY6M/s200/img445.jpg" /></a></div><div>The troop boarded HMS Albion at Arrossan, at 18.00hrs, we were berthed in S2 Deck.</div><div><br /></div><div>This deck was crammed full of bunk beds, four beds high, with 2 feet between each bed and the top bunk was 2 feet from the overhead pipework and steering gear. there was 2 feet between each row of bunk beds, very tight to stand in, if everyone was trying to get dressed at the same time. It was so crowded, that blankets were not required, it was always hot down there. If one man caught a cold, by morning, everyone had a cold.</div><div>It was always very "stuffy" through the physical heat and smell of so many bodies in one space.</div><div>In rough seas, the nightmare was getting out of bed and slipping on sickness, worse still, was those above being sea-sick, without leaving their bunk.</div><div>-------------------------------------------------------</div><div>The first day was spent exploring the ship, finding our way up and down 9 decks, plus the quickest route to the Galley (cookhouse), Flight deck or side Gun emplacements.</div><div><br /></div><div>During Captains "Rounds" each day, 1500 men had to 'vanish', normally to the Gun emplacements or Flight deck. The Flight deck was our exercise yard, running round the deck, gymnasium area or weapon firing area.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIqUbxptyDjPsbldwFrsLwDSY5nhL8N6J5kXeRu_tnb79FK0tyF2kJFLMzTzlftDs54mCIAEbc5FTewZpjmzypqU2ZzE7Rgg6yWbkC7Jl36HbOGv-0mTRlgSTHr_EFL0o33UseDUXB6w/s1600-h/img446.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286488324172642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIqUbxptyDjPsbldwFrsLwDSY5nhL8N6J5kXeRu_tnb79FK0tyF2kJFLMzTzlftDs54mCIAEbc5FTewZpjmzypqU2ZzE7Rgg6yWbkC7Jl36HbOGv-0mTRlgSTHr_EFL0o33UseDUXB6w/s200/img446.jpg" /></a> </div><div><br />Sign found on board.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF3ytSala5pEAbe-6iuobf-ztpcYVTc6Mu_GYIdfmRZNtiJg4jnfazG4j6eAC4mdDXrmZCtwfUnO1bXvfV2kzVX6z6ijZftkgZP_JCMd-YCShNnjRGvfvmS0fcP8M8enTXk7187AAyvE/s1600-h/why+is+a+ship+called+-+she.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 193px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424027330755218306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF3ytSala5pEAbe-6iuobf-ztpcYVTc6Mu_GYIdfmRZNtiJg4jnfazG4j6eAC4mdDXrmZCtwfUnO1bXvfV2kzVX6z6ijZftkgZP_JCMd-YCShNnjRGvfvmS0fcP8M8enTXk7187AAyvE/s200/why+is+a+ship+called+-+she.bmp" /></a><br />A ship is called a "she" because there is always a lot of bustle about her.</div><div>There is usually a gang of men about her.</div><div>She has a waist and stays.</div><div>It takes a lot of paint to keep her looking good.</div><div>It is not the initial cost that breaks you, but the up-keep.</div><div>She can be all decked out.</div><div>It takes an experienced man to handle her correctly.</div><div>Without a man at the Helm, she is absolutely un-controllable.</div><div>She shows her 'topsides', hides her bottom and, when coming</div><div>into Port, always heads for the Bouys.<br />----------------------------------------</div><div><strong>8th February 1972 -Bergen</strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Si_0RsMcTK6Q72r2e_kSUyyHjxbWSU-4crZQ80ukPmYJZAhUEnDwL3fF_sq-UgbTLNnbLIrchX82sGrKUfXItDd8Uxd0VBMv6zCcqim7PLUWWWfkcekgUlQFXYtKtya4vpo7Hd-GZQc/s1600-h/img447.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 331px; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286490291187058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Si_0RsMcTK6Q72r2e_kSUyyHjxbWSU-4crZQ80ukPmYJZAhUEnDwL3fF_sq-UgbTLNnbLIrchX82sGrKUfXItDd8Uxd0VBMv6zCcqim7PLUWWWfkcekgUlQFXYtKtya4vpo7Hd-GZQc/s200/img447.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v0JvS8l2uHWNz6ndSptFayhA0oI3VAUeq5Xs4UbTiYiZWninhPxzgMEUr5C7TJb2LqXGbrfvSThyphenhyphenqdWCK636YC0LaN5KciyfyVLOIZukbjoJLGO_vjYu9bUlLEWOcsNhajmkC7gZxm4/s1600-h/Oslo+Map.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 313px; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424027325488281778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v0JvS8l2uHWNz6ndSptFayhA0oI3VAUeq5Xs4UbTiYiZWninhPxzgMEUr5C7TJb2LqXGbrfvSThyphenhyphenqdWCK636YC0LaN5KciyfyVLOIZukbjoJLGO_vjYu9bUlLEWOcsNhajmkC7gZxm4/s200/Oslo+Map.gif" /></a></div><div>Arrive Bergen at 03.00hrs, leave the ship.</div><div>Leave Bergen at 10.00hrs, arrive Voss at 17.00hrs - Bomoen Camp).</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a Norwegian Army Training Camp, where we will learn to Ski, gis Snow holes and other Survival Techniques.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sleeping huts were gathered together in one corner of the camp, with the NAAFI, Canteen and Toilet Block in a line, next to the Sleeping huts.</div><div>The Camp Cinema was about 300 yards away, at the end of the line, whilst the toilets were only 30 yards away, at the start of the line.</div><div>Next to the Toilets were the Sauna & Showers, then the Cookhouse, then the NAAFI and finally the Cinema.</div><div>The town of Voss is 4 miles away, but everything in town, was far too expensive for many.</div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN0QrPfi6NSsnPZxZdN6S-8-hsgs5W8k4U3FFvYM8rFS4vK6j-8pSsIkV79_Gu5y4nrR4FxMBTD1G8KlnK07jro4_-D70DN7DfxX204ZKL7fGqNQDeEKLNk_-MMCedzu-Jeco_-IWYt1r/s1600/Voss+72+-+Condor.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557326050295433874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN0QrPfi6NSsnPZxZdN6S-8-hsgs5W8k4U3FFvYM8rFS4vK6j-8pSsIkV79_Gu5y4nrR4FxMBTD1G8KlnK07jro4_-D70DN7DfxX204ZKL7fGqNQDeEKLNk_-MMCedzu-Jeco_-IWYt1r/s200/Voss+72+-+Condor.jpg" /></a></div><div>NAAFI - Voss</div><div>Scouse Hughes, Ron Gould, Blue Fenwick, Dave Green,</div><div>Pete Davey, Garth Freeborn, Georgie Stainton, </div><div>Ray Palmer.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Each bedroom had a wood burning stove, so the rooms were like Saunas, or blocks of ice.</div><div>-----------------------------------</div><div>Each day was the same, drive out to the Mountain Range, spending all day skiing, with an old Norwegian Skiing Instructor. His regular phrase was : "Use your legs like shock absorbers", with </div><div>his accent it was more like " Use legs like wock abworbers".</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42dMiSWyMFtFGYNamSD2PODcqO3rDdDKvxLZLq_ikLN5c8DarUSOlGtcNMZ5VWsFGCJOwHRthor3n2UH_QvKWFWoNJwzchs1RZAnyeTp-0rSim6TcEi4Gil4vTxcpHE0l-adNYqxtt3w/s1600-h/img448.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 328px; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286494702657682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42dMiSWyMFtFGYNamSD2PODcqO3rDdDKvxLZLq_ikLN5c8DarUSOlGtcNMZ5VWsFGCJOwHRthor3n2UH_QvKWFWoNJwzchs1RZAnyeTp-0rSim6TcEi4Gil4vTxcpHE0l-adNYqxtt3w/s200/img448.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPUfYULSM3s1eszKcxotoT22TaA18wbUmCBD-EHwekjPnOgAlrpI0zW-UGbMp9iCfS_I5Wp_mgUqfz5mgez__TaTqPSkUeMZG0XoDlOPZYgRouXGmnhrn-s1f6_OED6PJz4zLadZBS98/s1600-h/img449.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 314px; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286498903332434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPUfYULSM3s1eszKcxotoT22TaA18wbUmCBD-EHwekjPnOgAlrpI0zW-UGbMp9iCfS_I5Wp_mgUqfz5mgez__TaTqPSkUeMZG0XoDlOPZYgRouXGmnhrn-s1f6_OED6PJz4zLadZBS98/s200/img449.jpg" /></a></div><div>Voss and the Ski Routes</div><div><br />Also out there was 3 Troop, plus the Squadron OC; both troops got on well, despite 3 troop still being a Blue Beret troop, they were going through Commando Training, when they returned to Plymouth.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXbiRURVP8JlUnxe0raQdsSSfTAcl73l6AmM3kMy1jjFBp2LQoUfZ0PKHP_QiMYQuDtHgPbmdaRe5Z41yVfH6tNWeHJTbdVKAitIBEMLlntRNXsyYGpvAXv6f7IJhMIiG8cOQANS7UjQ/s1600-h/img450.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 264px; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286828728081714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXbiRURVP8JlUnxe0raQdsSSfTAcl73l6AmM3kMy1jjFBp2LQoUfZ0PKHP_QiMYQuDtHgPbmdaRe5Z41yVfH6tNWeHJTbdVKAitIBEMLlntRNXsyYGpvAXv6f7IJhMIiG8cOQANS7UjQ/s200/img450.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNVbfW2a7OeYqudaKIJ2RZ4mSmzwbgH5gz58bJuw5J1mGdqZy-wJH5CsNqk95vbzgd9LS6xHj1PoTez_RCdP5QiHghhPtzzei0vNWxUkBCnS42KBcRkgtCnA0arlVPsaA6ZXjA-Qmeg/s1600-h/img451.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 315px; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286840444769234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNVbfW2a7OeYqudaKIJ2RZ4mSmzwbgH5gz58bJuw5J1mGdqZy-wJH5CsNqk95vbzgd9LS6xHj1PoTez_RCdP5QiHghhPtzzei0vNWxUkBCnS42KBcRkgtCnA0arlVPsaA6ZXjA-Qmeg/s200/img451.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlrOt_E7Dy2leFqIZ5XdbZRwTDpDEoRuGqaPwkZJCk4VtgyyZmJJUZRO8sk-w0sg_PWDbKghdou32odw1wUWjenKY4gJs6t6zYJGfEG5mWcIEQkGjSu4fq8u6jIT6XAPyRas-cZ4ZJDE/s1600-h/img456.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287132736783842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlrOt_E7Dy2leFqIZ5XdbZRwTDpDEoRuGqaPwkZJCk4VtgyyZmJJUZRO8sk-w0sg_PWDbKghdou32odw1wUWjenKY4gJs6t6zYJGfEG5mWcIEQkGjSu4fq8u6jIT6XAPyRas-cZ4ZJDE/s200/img456.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWYKKPRSp7-cdwLDdJ7hnqLhOqIOBBt_WKQ5DrWaa5DJomeBp4gwfc_eQzCphBDVae4PPxcPjDbTMNOjYauWn2s6aD5W290jZVWezmJ3jQ8ei0lTtt3KN6KI3EcndjCd5VUqe2ZjTgnM/s1600-h/img454.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 292px; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286857518876402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWYKKPRSp7-cdwLDdJ7hnqLhOqIOBBt_WKQ5DrWaa5DJomeBp4gwfc_eQzCphBDVae4PPxcPjDbTMNOjYauWn2s6aD5W290jZVWezmJ3jQ8ei0lTtt3KN6KI3EcndjCd5VUqe2ZjTgnM/s200/img454.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjgZ7urUcCGTB7yxiOKTy_sln_DTj1BrSbIJyxERFZf2f-hSSAEyv6TEf2ln25bggRc2aIHbs3jHGX3-LQWkVf3siFJXT95UdRN77jCCBKJzBX7J0xJNVrZCznoIj1qBe1bEyA_500GA/s1600-h/img455.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 278px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287121500632018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjgZ7urUcCGTB7yxiOKTy_sln_DTj1BrSbIJyxERFZf2f-hSSAEyv6TEf2ln25bggRc2aIHbs3jHGX3-LQWkVf3siFJXT95UdRN77jCCBKJzBX7J0xJNVrZCznoIj1qBe1bEyA_500GA/s200/img455.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IJ_CBO0T-TMSOXm-SxwMia1GkXyt5qz-7adQFd4rJyBRhBhNCeIeRV0336U2s9mo11_i6usEMJObUHt0Rb6YafMaev-VMR9eqH28cu_M7BUcEnlVw1qNF4-Xh8yTklonoj2ijojsQJo/s1600-h/img453.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 302px; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286851252268258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IJ_CBO0T-TMSOXm-SxwMia1GkXyt5qz-7adQFd4rJyBRhBhNCeIeRV0336U2s9mo11_i6usEMJObUHt0Rb6YafMaev-VMR9eqH28cu_M7BUcEnlVw1qNF4-Xh8yTklonoj2ijojsQJo/s200/img453.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62T5Z6aII_BQ285hQnEgbbCL1HDkZ4qKDbAAPXfE2YrPGpW8WRpbsh83q_plQuYI6kFk5RDtW1kRTAO4UTFnCISRGq4KKzb1RXDu4ZMsbl8hxQJlTk9_kR66_eVlgpuA60lb-mD41j3k/s1600-h/img452.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 203px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286842119397762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62T5Z6aII_BQ285hQnEgbbCL1HDkZ4qKDbAAPXfE2YrPGpW8WRpbsh83q_plQuYI6kFk5RDtW1kRTAO4UTFnCISRGq4KKzb1RXDu4ZMsbl8hxQJlTk9_kR66_eVlgpuA60lb-mD41j3k/s200/img452.jpg" /></a></div><div>Skiing practise was on the "Nursery" slopes for the first week, then the intermediate slopes, which had a forest as part of it.</div><div>As you can see by the pictures, it was hard work standing on these planks of wood and to stop, it was easier to throw yourself to the floor.</div><div>Eventually, we started to 'master' the art of skiing and particularly, getting used to Langluf Ski's.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgwTMLe5smV55CBPqo6xPB6FO8S5j7UwHV2-_XdJyMZ4g2rZHavAUjLA18U5Lg4a65EgS3cDeZl7Y6SEpMeaE50ls_PzGv66QMghN_m0AHDV7SmE73hyPT8KM2wqqOcGsf0SukKfdHFM/s1600-h/img463.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 288px; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286136193547346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgwTMLe5smV55CBPqo6xPB6FO8S5j7UwHV2-_XdJyMZ4g2rZHavAUjLA18U5Lg4a65EgS3cDeZl7Y6SEpMeaE50ls_PzGv66QMghN_m0AHDV7SmE73hyPT8KM2wqqOcGsf0SukKfdHFM/s200/img463.jpg" /></a></div><div>Drivers were given instruction on Snow-trac driving, the best means of moving around in such conditions. The Troops also learned to ski behind the Snow-trac, including the drivers.</div><div>With two ropes hooked to the rear of the Snow-trac, upto 8 skiers holding onto each rope, this took a lot of practise, for if one skier fell, he could bring down the others.</div><div>-----------<br /><strong>SKI Dress</strong></div><div>Woolly string vest and long john underpants (thermal)</div><div>Standard Army Shirt - long sleeved.</div><div>Combat trousers</div><div>Heavy woollen Pullover</div><div>Double Quilted Combat Jacket</div><div>Thick woollen socks, worn over normal army socks.</div><div>Mittens (no fingers), covered with Army woollen gloves and covered with Windproof outer gloves.</div><div>An Army Balaclva was worn, which straps under the chin.</div><div>Sun glasses were worn under an Anti-glare clear glasses.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOmSBe1IE1oYhAXJ5S0byxaMf7qR6uzu8Gtddgn9aNcI-gAgr9Jib6yvEJqkGH5q9vX_FRYBLJVnYiVHzUv0AfadCW5FcNNNa3fRjy7hSTDFcTl-PmWbvaBOWFkoxADIZNZ2qWBGMdwA/s1600-h/img457.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 228px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287132874531538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOmSBe1IE1oYhAXJ5S0byxaMf7qR6uzu8Gtddgn9aNcI-gAgr9Jib6yvEJqkGH5q9vX_FRYBLJVnYiVHzUv0AfadCW5FcNNNa3fRjy7hSTDFcTl-PmWbvaBOWFkoxADIZNZ2qWBGMdwA/s200/img457.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoaaBQsV9kBygwqVKnndsjjFWn3s5eE4alnNIduJR9e9TQyE9PCdNXi2kb5JoWfj7RoTN6cjTErRXKgGrfc6vhWSMYNswjsbl9TdngTO4rNS4fdsb5I3uBBtxclUPIzQ2hbUW14EttBU/s1600-h/img458.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 215px; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287135491242050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoaaBQsV9kBygwqVKnndsjjFWn3s5eE4alnNIduJR9e9TQyE9PCdNXi2kb5JoWfj7RoTN6cjTErRXKgGrfc6vhWSMYNswjsbl9TdngTO4rNS4fdsb5I3uBBtxclUPIzQ2hbUW14EttBU/s200/img458.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j871ENcWNeZtdUKwWU80743iip6VeRpoRNRPVC_jmujpzCk0jAp7pnfhPLjMy4CPMvr817pwRilhI2M6NVXKaYvM2o2xRHzG0XiDP793MrPRjF7t2GgbxLqoFw-uSyZzejsBKg7y058/s1600-h/img459.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 205px; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423287137850269938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j871ENcWNeZtdUKwWU80743iip6VeRpoRNRPVC_jmujpzCk0jAp7pnfhPLjMy4CPMvr817pwRilhI2M6NVXKaYvM2o2xRHzG0XiDP793MrPRjF7t2GgbxLqoFw-uSyZzejsBKg7y058/s200/img459.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd3WUThbTDoMyeSh3gPzo2YY01a_5FZkoByv7tmro5Zd7PKohzFMdEGvw2b5e2jmpoViju5ZB28qAf25ttcIHYUEx1cGbAK_anWi-H_pCAIJSNc4RlNXKb_h3MHeAg2auZ_QepOtiq3k/s1600-h/img460.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286146558630898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqd3WUThbTDoMyeSh3gPzo2YY01a_5FZkoByv7tmro5Zd7PKohzFMdEGvw2b5e2jmpoViju5ZB28qAf25ttcIHYUEx1cGbAK_anWi-H_pCAIJSNc4RlNXKb_h3MHeAg2auZ_QepOtiq3k/s200/img460.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyOTF8IMmxiv8Hyn2xNpNZnW8NtV5aTsRQ_gSpUiO6zAjDZIrsx6VdVOXY_43Nf7yjKA51c_jQq7sXAWiCjR9qurDMMrIwNmWG1cCxpRuMhQ8b-uxZuclt1jTk76scJbPPvxFgZLbklU/s1600-h/img461.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 247px; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286143558744626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyOTF8IMmxiv8Hyn2xNpNZnW8NtV5aTsRQ_gSpUiO6zAjDZIrsx6VdVOXY_43Nf7yjKA51c_jQq7sXAWiCjR9qurDMMrIwNmWG1cCxpRuMhQ8b-uxZuclt1jTk76scJbPPvxFgZLbklU/s200/img461.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><strong>11th February 1972</strong></div><div>Due to steering problems with a Snow-trac, which the Troop Fitter did correct, the Troop Officer decided it was too late to continue, we would set-up a 10 man tent for the night.</div><div>As there was 8 of us - 5 Sappers, Staff Sergeant, L/Cpl and Captain, the tent would be "cosy", with enough bodies to keep the tent warm.</div><div>Staff Sergeant Pickles did all the cooking and our meals were good, despite it being Compo Rations.</div><div>Compo Rations came in a variety of powdered and dried foods, Curries, Stews, even Desserts. Plus Processed Cheese in tins, along with 'hard tack' biscuits and tubes of Jam.</div><div>High energy boiled sweets and hard chocolate bars, including Rolo's which were rock hard, even after softening up the chocolate, the caramel was solid. Easier was the Lemonade Sherbert powder, to make a cold or hot drink.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxbXYg-VK_WQkUvI2NUQR8hQUeGwHLUjnrJyEoLWmoYVnE3OkfLVGfpjS4MHtAcqke89S94I3P4XCyYDOqc80XicQ3ZBvHnmVijMVZ5uPLAOmOqXsKeaoXtSj8NCGsxmt94Nzr5MJu2Y/s1600-h/img462.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286140816162306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxbXYg-VK_WQkUvI2NUQR8hQUeGwHLUjnrJyEoLWmoYVnE3OkfLVGfpjS4MHtAcqke89S94I3P4XCyYDOqc80XicQ3ZBvHnmVijMVZ5uPLAOmOqXsKeaoXtSj8NCGsxmt94Nzr5MJu2Y/s200/img462.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><strong>16th February 1972</strong></div><div>The Royal Scottish Battallion arrived, for Winter Survival Training.</div><div>They have this strange custom, carried out day & night, walking around 'punching' a tartan bag held under their arms --they call it a Bag-Pipe!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Snow-trac training really became the norm for us, every day we used the snow-trac to travel long distances, up & down valleys and through the dreaded forests.</div><div>Snow-tracs can turn extremely tight (being tracked), speed up and slow down fast, this combined with bumps in the track, deep hollows and dips, made for a side splitting series of laughs. It was so funny to see the positions, that the lads ended up in, wrapped round trees and bushes, some taking off over large bumps and landing on top of high bushes, or wrapped round trees -high up.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPlUFCK2VJrp7AscaDtl38lG8xEWAwrnk5tIiw9bXSUFiAb96iuTq3vwdhY_STnSQuvFDJcaKOXkCPiUrqrD29qEZNhPQFY8XKKi7jL8WQoC13uYFihIcgLoiIZ5-qTTOu_cpHT43OLc/s1600-h/img464.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 274px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423286129370716738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPlUFCK2VJrp7AscaDtl38lG8xEWAwrnk5tIiw9bXSUFiAb96iuTq3vwdhY_STnSQuvFDJcaKOXkCPiUrqrD29qEZNhPQFY8XKKi7jL8WQoC13uYFihIcgLoiIZ5-qTTOu_cpHT43OLc/s200/img464.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdq5dLv9lf-RdT2yMsDM7DN3maD00uNdaPuSPDAjTaPzGsQrTgHGnNbp-9-1fJlLRf3sdeB_i10tiOZa46_unNBWm5qVn8S20oh_bxgeXqM0l1BdgPa7A7-yEPbE6UDOSF0EcpaWo5xE/s1600-h/img465.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 255px; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285795098061506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdq5dLv9lf-RdT2yMsDM7DN3maD00uNdaPuSPDAjTaPzGsQrTgHGnNbp-9-1fJlLRf3sdeB_i10tiOZa46_unNBWm5qVn8S20oh_bxgeXqM0l1BdgPa7A7-yEPbE6UDOSF0EcpaWo5xE/s200/img465.jpg" /></a></div><div>Due to the severe night coldness and Snow falls, transport had to be dug out each morning and engines run regularly, or at least for 2 hours every 12 hours. On really cold night -30, engines were run all night. This was very un-comfortable for the duty night driver, who had to sit in a freezing 3 tonner cab (heaters were not very good), especially the Air-portable Landrovers with soft tops, who had to keep the engines warmed up.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxmYYTzdgCOlzFqNtyH4Ui8sJyn0fn8sDNVJAOomDy1qqR1V9jtjc7QZApymf25W7fJ_NbAzqVS8vwCgv6o__kpOMlpQ8XIzX8zCRR_vuh98tkRZvGwM_W1Q4pmYXuVzmEwvOfkOg4fQ/s1600-h/img466.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 281px; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285785041829618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxmYYTzdgCOlzFqNtyH4Ui8sJyn0fn8sDNVJAOomDy1qqR1V9jtjc7QZApymf25W7fJ_NbAzqVS8vwCgv6o__kpOMlpQ8XIzX8zCRR_vuh98tkRZvGwM_W1Q4pmYXuVzmEwvOfkOg4fQ/s200/img466.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0_csHAAvJly9K72jcW6LRGDNKi5Z36x4YKREsfPlMnBBXaB81KvrP8To4ffLp6j_VkdH2zPmnHTifirKZj4QPxh2p9sldXD19F-n07nH0Guo4nKlHEcCZR7snqW4JuGmzPVhkt3xt9g/s1600-h/img467.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285784182519442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0_csHAAvJly9K72jcW6LRGDNKi5Z36x4YKREsfPlMnBBXaB81KvrP8To4ffLp6j_VkdH2zPmnHTifirKZj4QPxh2p9sldXD19F-n07nH0Guo4nKlHEcCZR7snqW4JuGmzPVhkt3xt9g/s200/img467.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoLumGTIwotGooS8WcNGzFzUWAoShdzZTL_2fRiYYkLh-1ojNajw7CNtXdERzEl_ZFRc24M-kGTq2s838c3gJyEk7mmdkHp3vHUWjBeScW71NVw1ZvKXyyYSAof5RTC1QARUlGncQReg/s1600-h/img468.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 284px; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285778748003138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoLumGTIwotGooS8WcNGzFzUWAoShdzZTL_2fRiYYkLh-1ojNajw7CNtXdERzEl_ZFRc24M-kGTq2s838c3gJyEk7mmdkHp3vHUWjBeScW71NVw1ZvKXyyYSAof5RTC1QARUlGncQReg/s200/img468.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><strong>18th February 1972</strong></div><div>The section of training, that all dreaded, skiing in full kit, meaning a pack weighing 60lbs, plus rifle. </div><div>To be useful to NATO, we had to be able to travel distances on skis , carrying personal kit and equipment, whilst being able to survive in tents, snow holes or even Igloos.</div><div><br /><strong>21st February 1972</strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUTumRDuF1fJQ3Z_j8habQrwWbWAiPeafhRBla384C3YKJ_kI8IfwKRTRDJ7_E5GQHnN85__1bsL2QvHcD6MD2M5nqAF8qtp0r0BM_bpYmpC_yR-qHrFsYNHuVvU6pp3NhrhFEpuKN2c/s1600-h/img469.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 218px; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285773853486978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUTumRDuF1fJQ3Z_j8habQrwWbWAiPeafhRBla384C3YKJ_kI8IfwKRTRDJ7_E5GQHnN85__1bsL2QvHcD6MD2M5nqAF8qtp0r0BM_bpYmpC_yR-qHrFsYNHuVvU6pp3NhrhFEpuKN2c/s200/img469.jpg" /></a></div><div>Peter Davey decided to drive a 3 tonner down a Landrover route, far too fast for the conditions.</div><div>Pete lost control and the lorry veered off the road, coming to rest down the embankment, resting against sapling trees, with a full compliment of men and equipment in the back.</div><div>Bob Williams injured his left arm, trapped under Ski's and Burgens, he was raced to hospital with bruised Ribs and suspected broken arms.</div><div>Surrey Sills was also trapped under the equipment, but only suffered minor bruising.</div><div>Ray Palmer also suffered minor bruising, whilst trying to Surrey Sills out, whilst struggling, Surrey kicked Ray in the face.</div><div>The lorry suffered a twisted chassis and was a "write-off".</div><div><br /></div><div>From there on, the whole troop "switched off", our troop Officer wanted us to do more than was possible, trying to boost our morale and improve quality of work.</div><div>Our Junior Officer - Lt Tim Hoddinott, a proffessional Skier, injured his knee, trying to do what was required, so the rest of the troop - rank amateurs, had no chance.</div><div>Troop morale sunk low, the troop had "given up", which caused friction between the lads and the Officers.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDrMvpbN-6dPwh2EDNXLH7M1Lyddf9ge0lG7uro5YF71dIijmQ763EiOaZ-XpSpFs741NADp6HxFnmzABmWGYi1us9EwOAm-nCAosc8UEktKBLxsrkmTrYkk_cLUZWvSZP2FFFpb9_mU/s1600-h/img489.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 278px; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423607006082100482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDrMvpbN-6dPwh2EDNXLH7M1Lyddf9ge0lG7uro5YF71dIijmQ763EiOaZ-XpSpFs741NADp6HxFnmzABmWGYi1us9EwOAm-nCAosc8UEktKBLxsrkmTrYkk_cLUZWvSZP2FFFpb9_mU/s200/img489.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXU7PHY4-J6zHcABTJV_npZu8Jq7EjRf7Ohz90KSeM5k7wD5tPp9OwR1FeUwftax0tCM6-ingbLx_1KHFTS3YU8Ep1zjLF9VQuROxKqF7tWJfyEcxYFtjoet7MWoLAv4S9BGQp5YFT5A/s1600-h/img471.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 228px; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285069183254466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXU7PHY4-J6zHcABTJV_npZu8Jq7EjRf7Ohz90KSeM5k7wD5tPp9OwR1FeUwftax0tCM6-ingbLx_1KHFTS3YU8Ep1zjLF9VQuROxKqF7tWJfyEcxYFtjoet7MWoLAv4S9BGQp5YFT5A/s200/img471.jpg" /></a></div><div>Skiing all day with heavier packs, containing Sleeping Bags, tents, shovels, etc.</div><div>Night out in Snow holes.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsdRmhSOhjnitRNVMtl0VSm2W5NYDPcFE5vtUxzgbQZwskcrk-CnuslSRhQMSvk8GqaEI-g1o7W5R-PioZxg6kxFtMX6V0IxGAhnaAbcY7st6JQQ9cf-Y3vqI54WcfJmNXNMOCJse6hU/s1600-h/Norway+Ice+hole.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 251px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424859561934716370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsdRmhSOhjnitRNVMtl0VSm2W5NYDPcFE5vtUxzgbQZwskcrk-CnuslSRhQMSvk8GqaEI-g1o7W5R-PioZxg6kxFtMX6V0IxGAhnaAbcY7st6JQQ9cf-Y3vqI54WcfJmNXNMOCJse6hU/s200/Norway+Ice+hole.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMKsIu1aAzA7eSdSKSNiphfkEwinQrVJ9XStELkfSz9Ghq42GTB3utAbEUxaH9sLSVkjVJUqgrz79H0-siNTn5UzV-Yni3mUBOrB_jHI4NwQgxM-w19jBgdPa5Thrhaxgysh7EftWflE/s1600-h/Norway+Ice+hole+1.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 229px; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424859556251872194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMKsIu1aAzA7eSdSKSNiphfkEwinQrVJ9XStELkfSz9Ghq42GTB3utAbEUxaH9sLSVkjVJUqgrz79H0-siNTn5UzV-Yni3mUBOrB_jHI4NwQgxM-w19jBgdPa5Thrhaxgysh7EftWflE/s200/Norway+Ice+hole+1.bmp" /></a></div><div><strong>26th February 1972</strong></div><div>The troop ski round the 9 kilometer ski course a few times, to get the "feel" of it.</div><div>Concluding with a full race round the circuit.<br /></div><div><strong>27th February 1972</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter driove Staff Pickles and some of the Troop, to Bergen on a shopping trip, this was a 300 mile round trip.<br /></div><div><strong>28th February 1972</strong></div><div>Troop Depletion:</div><div>12 lads injured - 6 lads unable to work.</div><div>Lt. Hoddinott - knee injury, unable to work.</div><div>3 Tonner badly damaged.</div><div>5 Snow-tracs un-serviceable, one was still stuck out on the ski slopes.</div><div><br /><strong>1st & 2nd March 1972</strong></div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2khAbbI-Xu9HZGsU6ou9flpAsqcdxlsf960_l_f2yCbx269EJGlmqW4-Xsg0qsCmEX6GD6-55DIuOISCUg1i4T3sWyr9Hr-y-bzogp6M1-_fb6hyYEbFU5hLjgBVEteUwlC7SCAxxXM/s1600-h/img472.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 278px; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285069437201730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2khAbbI-Xu9HZGsU6ou9flpAsqcdxlsf960_l_f2yCbx269EJGlmqW4-Xsg0qsCmEX6GD6-55DIuOISCUg1i4T3sWyr9Hr-y-bzogp6M1-_fb6hyYEbFU5hLjgBVEteUwlC7SCAxxXM/s200/img472.jpg" /></a> </strong></div><div><em>Oslo Ski Lift</em></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Drive to Oslo the Norwegian Capital, to use their superb ski slopes - Downhill skiing.</div><div>We travelled to the top ledge by Cable car, then seperated into our two troops (Condor & 3 Troop), skiing to the top of the mountain and converging as one large troop.</div><div>Our general exercise was designed to impress the Civilians looking on, as 50 Sappers exercise near the very top of the Mountain, where civilians are not allowed.</div><div>One lad had a bad accident and was casavaced by helicopter.</div><div>After lunch, we were allowed to use the civilian ski slopes, what fun!</div><div>With 50 lunatics racing down the mountain, turning, crashing into civilians, falling over each other to avoid civilians, the mornings work was un-done.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Civilians found they could no longer ski...through falling over...Laughing so much!! </div><div><br /><strong>3rd March 1972</strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG443Zn_Diia5K5nRR6IVa-32lIugyFteOEGyzwDLkRG_3u5M3Imb926lUFQu_tRYNJw_fkBz-0QEMi4Wg6NG8tSsfRsw0gSH-SVVIRl7pq6sInRdsU9RWVn9htfDzhzI5DJEV9ODVtg/s1600-h/img473.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 269px; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423285064102173986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG443Zn_Diia5K5nRR6IVa-32lIugyFteOEGyzwDLkRG_3u5M3Imb926lUFQu_tRYNJw_fkBz-0QEMi4Wg6NG8tSsfRsw0gSH-SVVIRl7pq6sInRdsU9RWVn9htfDzhzI5DJEV9ODVtg/s200/img473.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH2SXrD_dhqnB2NsY6csWVvmoHZohxfvzWEJymmLslXzh6MH95DJZLe19iUSukavtn2UZ0NTd9TqBm8wEvdyApLJMcZUougDt5cC7vWRvdGbzWtEdw5qrVpq0SJEoO91Wef3Pp3uqVrc/s1600-h/img475.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 246px; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423284062857593682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH2SXrD_dhqnB2NsY6csWVvmoHZohxfvzWEJymmLslXzh6MH95DJZLe19iUSukavtn2UZ0NTd9TqBm8wEvdyApLJMcZUougDt5cC7vWRvdGbzWtEdw5qrVpq0SJEoO91Wef3Pp3uqVrc/s200/img475.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUC0Yl0gRKHQXE57wslEx-9YxKrkUcAzjA2isYtuQ8ysddiU42EaEoanxBOJEK1LZdcVr5O-7FLUszyie9gSANgYMt5hAneXAG_B70hjbkLZMUlBD_jokJzIvke56-Sz_1yE3tTva4hY/s1600-h/img486.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 269px; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423282376816891026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUC0Yl0gRKHQXE57wslEx-9YxKrkUcAzjA2isYtuQ8ysddiU42EaEoanxBOJEK1LZdcVr5O-7FLUszyie9gSANgYMt5hAneXAG_B70hjbkLZMUlBD_jokJzIvke56-Sz_1yE3tTva4hY/s200/img486.jpg" /></a></div><div>Skiing all day and into the afternoon, camping out.</div><div>All night skiing, learning to do night patrols and Helicopter Night Training., return to base in the Helicopters.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>4th March 1972</strong></div><div>Day off for everyone - Shopping in Mjofell, purchasing souveniers such as: Deerskin rugs, Deerskin Slippers, Cows Bells, etc.</div><div>Troop Fitter tasked as an MP/Duty Driver and stationed with the Norwegian Police.</div><div>The Police were all 6 feet tall (or higher) and as broad shouldered as a toilet block, they rarely spoke - even to each other. The Coffee had to be tried - just to believe it, it was very strong, not only did it tarnish the teaspoon, but disolved it, if left for any time in the coffee.</div><div>On a couple of occassions, we went out to arrest Norwegian men; the Police just lifted these men up - off their feet, no words spoken until in the Police vehicle.</div><div>A Bad incident took place in the Town, 45 Commando RM ran "riot", smashing up Bars and knocking out any Norwegian men who tried to stop them.</div><div>It was an unfair fight really, Norwegians just slap each other to submission (Dental treatment is extremely expensive), of course the Marines did not know or care, they waded in fists flying, boots swinging.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an MP, the Troop Fitter found it un-comfortable to hit his own men, with a Baseball bat, however, less punishment than the Norwegian Police would give.</div><div>Three Marines stole a car, throwing the elderly occupants out onto the road, they drove over the couple, then reversed back over them to make sure.</div><div>When the Norwegian Police closed in on them, the Fitter had to be restrained from hitting the Marines so often and so hard. Badly injured, they were handed over to 45 Cdo, who promptly sent them back to Arbroath - for Court Martial.</div><div><br /><strong>5th to 10th March 1972</strong></div><div>The large Exercise up into the mountains, a 50 mile 'yomp' carried out with five days skiing and 4 nights in 10 man tents.</div><div>A "Safety" Snowtrac was to 'shadow' the troops, driven by Ronnie Gould.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbDuF7GoB37ux8Tg-fQwAPpVh4drs3g1ThD2hiYJp742by4UCnktaF12FZ3WV9xjrwZ9ZfLB5ot1zKph9JagVDkuGMxPPAE9YM4A5mOxatQ375U6N35bRxz7i8-aMy49025v-iU05Xpc/s1600-h/img477.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423284051519517938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbDuF7GoB37ux8Tg-fQwAPpVh4drs3g1ThD2hiYJp742by4UCnktaF12FZ3WV9xjrwZ9ZfLB5ot1zKph9JagVDkuGMxPPAE9YM4A5mOxatQ375U6N35bRxz7i8-aMy49025v-iU05Xpc/s200/img477.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili7jFQqei-Fu2gKdhmL2rFlwdOzLP84CFzfOkOFf9gNMF7zNd8p15jaxaKDA1SY-VHxa2mXILnH-S6Wo8pfKGTdIZystsNmXT3_G1QFoPJjzIeRZXRFTZxLc5EVoy05y0JMOxb7LeIfQ/s1600-h/img476.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 234px; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423284061919698194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili7jFQqei-Fu2gKdhmL2rFlwdOzLP84CFzfOkOFf9gNMF7zNd8p15jaxaKDA1SY-VHxa2mXILnH-S6Wo8pfKGTdIZystsNmXT3_G1QFoPJjzIeRZXRFTZxLc5EVoy05y0JMOxb7LeIfQ/s200/img476.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSR_KWDG6iLDT_SmLXHEx5A1xyUkK0UBT4cWtOH0ImeWVeucGOfi9k8wKVSZEeY2f0LOxAgu0_P7Etd2gu-abCdLtgbJgACNJjRSprImGbpgg1gLJ2efQYUhWerLKNqT1Jz6Bxxo9Pe8/s1600-h/img479.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423284046780007490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSR_KWDG6iLDT_SmLXHEx5A1xyUkK0UBT4cWtOH0ImeWVeucGOfi9k8wKVSZEeY2f0LOxAgu0_P7Etd2gu-abCdLtgbJgACNJjRSprImGbpgg1gLJ2efQYUhWerLKNqT1Jz6Bxxo9Pe8/s200/img479.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjml5qiHlGNAz-Uc2re2uq_hlUCoTpYSRgRE_59H9nKR96eAQJNnjfE_0F9kyLIKG6iZzjMBGSEEihDFHzXRncoRu9DtKPBHpNxeaKvBL_dDldFORFH_IAPrNeo_Z5rl_8TXlrSYL_c4/s1600-h/img478.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 268px; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423284049293778770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjml5qiHlGNAz-Uc2re2uq_hlUCoTpYSRgRE_59H9nKR96eAQJNnjfE_0F9kyLIKG6iZzjMBGSEEihDFHzXRncoRu9DtKPBHpNxeaKvBL_dDldFORFH_IAPrNeo_Z5rl_8TXlrSYL_c4/s200/img478.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hWomJh2JEvAWmIRJmBQWOcnUSjjnLo390uqEjZSnhQbtgMQmu4vK0DUuK0wYbBo31WBxRa9O6FvAl8E7GUBqHKXtKTx6FOQTo9vUYGy-FF1s76mGEnxfoFY_MKdckouZ-DCZiZYb3GI/s1600-h/img481.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 290px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423283164507852546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hWomJh2JEvAWmIRJmBQWOcnUSjjnLo390uqEjZSnhQbtgMQmu4vK0DUuK0wYbBo31WBxRa9O6FvAl8E7GUBqHKXtKTx6FOQTo9vUYGy-FF1s76mGEnxfoFY_MKdckouZ-DCZiZYb3GI/s200/img481.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-XgcYwWCXbdnbGHmnjhuCH07kAumNswpkEx4NUbYcdXdMrKjke3-uKnfGiguyLR198geZn2V4wY7o9JMUeEitbrU968u3u6IgHO97Jl4wy4cUGX6sBQ_pKnuLTG0KHe9DMBN7moKKM/s1600-h/img480.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 247px; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423283166056378754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAD-XgcYwWCXbdnbGHmnjhuCH07kAumNswpkEx4NUbYcdXdMrKjke3-uKnfGiguyLR198geZn2V4wY7o9JMUeEitbrU968u3u6IgHO97Jl4wy4cUGX6sBQ_pKnuLTG0KHe9DMBN7moKKM/s200/img480.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>Using the knowledge we had learned, we started skiing, removing a layer of of clothing as we became hot, or adding a layer during the frequent breaks, as we cooled down.</div><div>Each day we have to ski with full kit, plus four men assigned to each sledge (pulk), which contained spare sleeping bags, blankets, shovels, hexamine cookers and food.</div><div>The sledge would have one man strapped into the front harness, two others used ropes from each side, to pull or hold back the Sledge, with another man behind, holding it back.</div><div>On very steep hills, more lads tied up to the sides, to help pull, or slow down the sledge.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2VK0iaq3Xm591hwt9PqGEWSMZDhkSTGtU1oL16ldRU73lJOkeJu4tIsYf1mIIPPVoHFe6bcXSdNg92GJc_2bFzBqv2AAaOrq-qIED8EflUawSe4gJ67-JgBxTnOm2GIuJasune_4ImU/s1600-h/img482.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 285px; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423283163389155522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2VK0iaq3Xm591hwt9PqGEWSMZDhkSTGtU1oL16ldRU73lJOkeJu4tIsYf1mIIPPVoHFe6bcXSdNg92GJc_2bFzBqv2AAaOrq-qIED8EflUawSe4gJ67-JgBxTnOm2GIuJasune_4ImU/s200/img482.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf86s7210QM3hHqqjKdk1aii2_Mgpff5q7pHTW33H5jiMn14V40oQh10Wwb1rt3C-gWq57C61R0rM1QsOAZ_u02irUxuPjdqePgkiydNPn3EcDFN2vS9jcHqqR_8jGcSetDawukJI9q8/s1600-h/img484.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423283151595109746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf86s7210QM3hHqqjKdk1aii2_Mgpff5q7pHTW33H5jiMn14V40oQh10Wwb1rt3C-gWq57C61R0rM1QsOAZ_u02irUxuPjdqePgkiydNPn3EcDFN2vS9jcHqqR_8jGcSetDawukJI9q8/s200/img484.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUjI7x5z8gXiS80t1IYdXmxNs61kXwe922m7i7gnMvk8x4HfmF_YpKiY0cnEpD7Lo80LNTa5vl2eG8WU4zvUNcSpw3vAndMFuddnya8yBBjf4EdK9t-MFd17Crg3De7lacsOOnK3XDSI/s1600-h/img483.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 281px; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423283158062079682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUjI7x5z8gXiS80t1IYdXmxNs61kXwe922m7i7gnMvk8x4HfmF_YpKiY0cnEpD7Lo80LNTa5vl2eG8WU4zvUNcSpw3vAndMFuddnya8yBBjf4EdK9t-MFd17Crg3De7lacsOOnK3XDSI/s200/img483.jpg" /></a></div><div>Each day we must cover a minimum of 10 miles, despite the weather or terrain, then set-up camp and cook a meal.</div><div>With only 4 hours of daylight, we spent that time skiing, setting up camp in the dark.</div><div>Norwegian Engineers even taught us how to trap, skin and cook a deer.</div><div>Norwegians have a Union in their Army, which impose limitations. Their trainees did not do a 50 mile yomp in the mountains, not until they had completed 3 months severe weather survival.</div><div>They refused to accompany us this time, though they did flank us, as we started the climb up.</div><div>For "fun", we used to sit on the sledges (would hold 6 men), then "ride" them down steep slopes, just like a roller coaster, only these can roll over and often did.</div><div>Due to the constant changing weather, from sunny to snow blizzards (white out - unable to see), with constant drops and rises in temperature, clothing becomes wet, making each of us want to give up at different times.</div><div>Snow storms "white-outs" were the worse, unable to see more than inch in front of your eyes, blocking out our snow glasses and making skiing almost impossible, having no sense of direction and far too much "fresh" snow to deal with.</div><div>We just had to "dig-in", just a foot below the surface, to maintain body heat, then let the storm pass-by.</div><div>During this exercise, we dug snow holes or caves, or simply put up lean-to's using bushes of dense trees.</div><div>Out on top of the mountain, during late evenings, we were treated to natures own "light show", known as the "Northern Lights". </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScY60yuWmkaY1fgXcLF8xAGedAYPjTOf_e8bPwqXczMpRNKSrHErLQSzNi41MdzEt6r0efpASbvyIXOgcmNZc0MitSXyv16acjTebKZTHheEGBUAWYbgXHtN608Ii8q1QnSpW22DmNU0/s1600-h/northern_lights.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424027322145446178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScY60yuWmkaY1fgXcLF8xAGedAYPjTOf_e8bPwqXczMpRNKSrHErLQSzNi41MdzEt6r0efpASbvyIXOgcmNZc0MitSXyv16acjTebKZTHheEGBUAWYbgXHtN608Ii8q1QnSpW22DmNU0/s200/northern_lights.jpg" /></a></div><div>These were short or long strips of lighting, usually yellow, green or off-white, with some red thrown in. They wavered across the sky, looping the loop, shone bright, then slowly faded. It was very soothing to watch.</div><div>When we reached the determined "pick-up" point, the wind was so strong, the helicopters could not reach us, without being blown across the 'Border'.</div><div>We had to yomp a further 15 kilometers, before the helicopters could safely pick us up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R8DNbvbAHwYKHTPb9b1FY_vGF28VbBWtyegapJmmMBHkSctsUm4YUNmwtntFkalZcpsQKk8mnNFLNhCyrEymmFesKN1Vytc_rwUUtsgvuBf1HqcWdOeIlJ_RpEz6OODSJvjGy8hT7B8/s1600-h/img485.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423282381629044930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R8DNbvbAHwYKHTPb9b1FY_vGF28VbBWtyegapJmmMBHkSctsUm4YUNmwtntFkalZcpsQKk8mnNFLNhCyrEymmFesKN1Vytc_rwUUtsgvuBf1HqcWdOeIlJ_RpEz6OODSJvjGy8hT7B8/s200/img485.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw7iTnvAqFE8yLllgS8vd-DUZO97iNTomdtKwHTAouxfE2XPOzTpsWMiZtD4gRqzRUBty5gn5W_BH1EFKggosaIqGo5KxvcHwjLyz0NEc5VuHxuINLPCV8J_Y7pEtcRyhHYjG1wxsOvk/s1600-h/img488.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423282373425475234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw7iTnvAqFE8yLllgS8vd-DUZO97iNTomdtKwHTAouxfE2XPOzTpsWMiZtD4gRqzRUBty5gn5W_BH1EFKggosaIqGo5KxvcHwjLyz0NEc5VuHxuINLPCV8J_Y7pEtcRyhHYjG1wxsOvk/s200/img488.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb7Q_RPg4lDyBReqgj4pB5tz5bBYXQnMCxSm2uyatFa2-yE8dbG_a0aneraqaTNgr2vzGcSnJgRIwKwzDwCKjwKsoTQJFEOzDwO6eO-NdKN-OEh3MHtlko0UdsdtPbw3HMPndcd3ZJy4/s1600-h/img487.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 256px; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423282373066163954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGb7Q_RPg4lDyBReqgj4pB5tz5bBYXQnMCxSm2uyatFa2-yE8dbG_a0aneraqaTNgr2vzGcSnJgRIwKwzDwCKjwKsoTQJFEOzDwO6eO-NdKN-OEh3MHtlko0UdsdtPbw3HMPndcd3ZJy4/s200/img487.jpg" /></a></div><div>After 5 days in the mountains, using only snow to wash with, it was a luxury to get back to Base Camp, to a hot shower and shave, plus fresh food.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>11th March 1972</strong></div><div>Shopping in Voss for the troop.</div><div><br /><strong>13th March 1972</strong></div><div>Competing on the 10 kilometer Ski Race - 3 circuits of the track - race average was 55.32 minutes.</div><div><br /><strong>14th March 1972</strong></div><div>Drivers only, leave Camp at 06.00hrs, drive to Bergen and board Civilian Ferry at 18.00hrs.</div><div>Sleep on board Ferry overnight.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>15th March 1972</strong></div><div>Troop flew home.</div><div>Ferry sailed for England at midday.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>16th March 1972</strong></div><div>Troop boarded coaches at the Airport, to head back to Arbroath.</div><div>Ferry Docked at 08.00hrs in Newcastle Docks.</div><div>Customs went through our personal kit thoroughly, all drivers lost their excess Cigs and Spirits.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Arbroath, the troop was shocked to find our Spider had been looted, everyone had something stolen.</div><div><br /></div><div>We un-packed our vehicles, cleaned them and our personal kit, handed in Artic Warfare kit, then re-painted our vehicles from Black & White, to Black & Green.</div><div><br /></div><div>The troop found out who the "rear party" was and cornered them in the Dance hall, no Marine left un-harmed and a lot of our kit was retrieved - on fear of further reprisals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our troop had now fully "Bonded" together, we had gained respect from 9 Para and now 45 Cdo.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-2698463985169649212010-01-02T04:17:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:23:00.032-08:00<strong>Weymouth Bridging Camp </strong><br /><strong>9th April 1972 - 5th May 1972</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>9th April 1972</strong><br />Convoy arrived in Chickerell Camp at 21.00hrs.<br />Troop sleeping in Wooden Cabins - 15 men to a cabin.<br /><br /><strong>10th April 1972</strong><br />With exception to troop Drivers, all the troop moved to Portland Down, to start building Pontoons and learning to operate them.<br />This involved un-loading sections from lorries, floating each section and securing sections together, with four "power" plants, one on each corner.<br />Each power unit was very powerful and could be rotated through 180degrees.<br />The 'Raft' had four drivers and a Corporal in charge.<br />Hilarious fun was had for nearly an hour, whilst the "team" learned to work together, steering the raft in the same direction.<br />For those ashore, it was a 'side-splitting' show, as the raft tried pulling itself apart, or one-side would steer one way, the other the opposite - swinging around in exaggerated circles, zig-zags and plenty of "wobbling", when the bow waves washed over the raft, to drench each driver, who would lose balance.<br />When you watch 3 or 4 Rafts moving side by side, along or across the River - Together, it was a fantastic sight, when done correctly.<br />The benefit of these Rafts, being the ability to lift each engine and therefore "beach" the raft, to land its cargo.<br /><br />Drivers mustered at the Workshops - large Marquees, with electrical power for tools.<br />A REME Fitter instructs us on how he wants the vehicles Waterproofed, then the drivers carry-out the tasks.<br />After each vehicle is completed, the driver then drives the vehicle through a 5 foot deep water tank, to test it.<br />The vehicle can only travel short distances on dry land, before over-heating.<br />A Landrover takes 3 days to Waterproof, longer for larger road vehicles, or Plant.<br /><br />The Medical Officer was very concerned, he was issuing boxes of Condoms, far more than usual.<br />When he spoke to a Senior Officer, his fears were allayed "The Condoms are being used on vehicle waterproofing, to seal various electrical parts, because the correct equipment has not arrived.<br />It would be fair to say, that a third of Condoms, were being used correctly - Weymouth Girls!!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>19th April</strong><br />After completing the Waterproofing, the troop gathered together, to prepare for the Exercise.<br />Arnie Dousse decided to play the fool, but Staff Pickles was having none of it, he sent Arnie to stand by the rear gate, at the far end of the Weymouth "Hard".<br /><br />Lt. Col. Sir Steuart Pringle was due to visit that day, to see how the Engineers can help his troops, by viewing the waterproofing process (one Landrover left for the visit), plus view the Pontoons loading vehicles and doing a 'dummy' landing.<br />His driver got slightly lost, turning into the rear gates, he stopped to ask this Sapper standing there for directions.<br />After asking and receiving directions, the Colonel asked Arnie Dousse, what his trade was and why he was over by the rear gates.<br />Arnie responded truthfully "I am the Troop Idiot and have been sent here, to avoid the VIP due shortly".<br />The Colonel told his driver to continue, then sat back and laughed!<br /><br /><strong>20th - 25th April 1972 - Exercise Sea Horse</strong><br /><br /><strong>20th April</strong><br /><em>09.00hrs - Briefing:</em><br />It is now 1980 and 59 Indep Cdo Sqn RE has just arrived back in Weymouth, after 6 years abroad.<br />Due to the Common Market, the Welsh & Cornish Celts have turned against the Country.<br />Fierce fighting is taking place along the River Avon, from Liverpool to Bournemouth.<br />The Squadron's task, is to provide Bridging, Demolitions, Mine Clearance and Mine Laying, in support of our forward troops, to help cross the River Avon and force the Rebels back.<br />59 Indep Cdo Sqn will board LSL's, carry out a Beach landing, somewhere between Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight, then proceed across country, asc all roads are blocked, to give support to the forward troops.<br />Further details will be issued on board the LSL's.<br /><br />The Exercise will last 5 days and 4 nights, with the "Enemy" being 45 Cdo Group RM.<br /><br /><strong>10.00hrs</strong><br />Drivers leave camp and proceed to Portland, where they board the Pontoons built and manned by the "Field Doggies". The Pontoons take the road vehicles out to the LSL's, where we do a Sea transfer onto the LSL's.<br />Heavy Plant waded out to the LSL's.<br />All night the LSL's sailed along the coast, until we reached Lulworth Cove.<br /><br /><strong>23.00hrs</strong><br />Final Briefing about Landing, route inland and Tasks to carry out. Then some sleep.<br /><br /><strong>21st April</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>05.00hrs - </strong>Reveille<br /><strong>06.00hrs - </strong>Breakfast<br /><strong>07.00hrs -</strong> Move to Landing positions.<br />Board landing crafts to "attack" the shore line, completing a perfect landing - whilst being filmed from ashore.<br />The landing craft came right up on the shore, before lowering the ramp, our vehicle wheels never got wet!<br />Only the Plant machines had to wade to shore, they are too heavy for the landing craft and waded ashore from the LSL's.<br /><br /><strong>22nd - 25th April - Salisbury Plains</strong><br />Here the troop spent:<br />One day on Bridging, building a Bailley Bridge.<br />One day on Demolitions - playing with various shaped charges.<br />One day on Minefields - laying and lifting mines of all sorts.<br />Half a day on Ambush - setting up an ambush and firing on the "enemy".<br /><br /><strong>26th April to 5th May</strong><br />Drivers removing Waterproofing.<br />Field Doggies stripping the Pontoons.<br /><br />Leave Weymouth around Midday on the 5th.<br /><br /><strong>6th May - 26th May</strong><br />Condor Base<br /><br /><strong>27th May - 12th June Montrose</strong><br />Working for the Montrose Fish Farm and Sea salmon Netters, the troop erect a Bailley Bridge.<br />Ron Gould started the "first" Company Car, by taking the Muirhill home each night.<br />Dave Green set-up an invisible Water supply to a standpipe, which amazed everyone.<br /><br /><strong>Spean Bridge 1972</strong><br />A group of lads spent the week-end at Spean Bridge - Big Jack, Dennis Donald and Roger Peart.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56MSioC-vAo9dLM2DQ88yU-Xv9CJW3r_6kWccnJAPVedCtIAq_A5BRKMlcBSReTbvR8poK8RhzZg_Hj3DjFyjvpd2nLnlv_JmHlgRX26v76ZJPj-Rb1mRl6s0d1cb2hiBAcwdNvS5EKU/s1600-h/Spean+Bridge.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 331px; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424478310524549554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56MSioC-vAo9dLM2DQ88yU-Xv9CJW3r_6kWccnJAPVedCtIAq_A5BRKMlcBSReTbvR8poK8RhzZg_Hj3DjFyjvpd2nLnlv_JmHlgRX26v76ZJPj-Rb1mRl6s0d1cb2hiBAcwdNvS5EKU/s200/Spean+Bridge.jpg" /></a><br />L to R: Big Jack...Dennis....Roger<br />...........Audsley....Donald....Peart<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhP277VrCwzzDlC1MbM9auJJmXHRQqTn-It3IhmJgHEbW1qMwLxGQ2YI1FXD8GiCwg3SBQKEHnXPel39e9crl3EKfehc54LS20eJxEVv16wpz9P4fLDnFwjM0_1fgFwHZvmZ3Kx1GHlI/s1600-h/Blue,Bingham,+Noble,+Stainton,+Bridgeman,+Hamish.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 333px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424854392895627266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhP277VrCwzzDlC1MbM9auJJmXHRQqTn-It3IhmJgHEbW1qMwLxGQ2YI1FXD8GiCwg3SBQKEHnXPel39e9crl3EKfehc54LS20eJxEVv16wpz9P4fLDnFwjM0_1fgFwHZvmZ3Kx1GHlI/s200/Blue,Bingham,+Noble,+Stainton,+Bridgeman,+Hamish.JPG" /></a><br />After the Exercise, the lads Party.<br />L to R:<br />Blue........Paddy......Joe......George.....Hamish.<br />Fenwick..Bingham..Noble..Stainton..Hamilton.59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-92066057069000433482010-01-01T06:03:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:28:51.286-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLKdQSUPaYCydh-UOCLTPSMh8rODZFvIxm-OKZ9SB5ygkn0MYnxzD8mpEoAyxKLKWDb1ZIaxAuDzAC3rPfzmSON2UtjzwK9cGltfMwJ2U3PJEEJRznksIz9Kcg5h2DawhxK2skB7F_60/s1600-h/img491.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 281px; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424480207590509602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLKdQSUPaYCydh-UOCLTPSMh8rODZFvIxm-OKZ9SB5ygkn0MYnxzD8mpEoAyxKLKWDb1ZIaxAuDzAC3rPfzmSON2UtjzwK9cGltfMwJ2U3PJEEJRznksIz9Kcg5h2DawhxK2skB7F_60/s200/img491.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong>15th June - 25th June 1972</strong><br /><strong>Orkney Islands</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>15th June</strong><br />Troop board HMS Albion, engine problem, so off-loaded and return to Arbroath.<br /><br /><strong>18th June</strong><br />Troop board HMS Albion again, during early evening, bed down on S2 deck.<br /><br /><strong>19th June</strong><br /><strong>10.00hrs</strong> - Ship finally sets sail, heading for the Orkneys.<br /><br /><strong>20th June - 23rd June</strong><br /><strong>08.00hrs</strong> - Arrive Orkney Islands.<br />The Marines put in an "Air Assault" to secure the ground, before we land. Then move further inland, to carry out their own exercises.<br /><br />The troop task is to remove an old 'fixed' pier and replace with a 'floating pier', for the Laird of Orkney to land his sheep.<br />Ron Gould found an old D2 Bulldozer, plated 25th built and asked the Troop Fitter to help get the Donkey Engine running.<br />The Bulldozer had grass growing over it, it had been there some years.<br />The Donkey engine produces pressurised air, which then turns the main engine over.<br />The cylinder head was slightly cracked, but in the Troop Fitters 'box of tricks', was a sealant paste that turns to concrete, allowing the donkey engine to start.<br />After priming the main engine, Ronnie primed the main engine and after some spluttering, it fired up.<br />Ronnie then tied rope to the main clutch lever, engaged a forward gear, climbed down and pulled the string; nothing appeared to happen, then loud grinding noises were emitted, followed by the bulldozer shuddering. Suddenly it moved forward, Ron jumped onto the track and rode up to the cab, taking control of the monster.<br />After a few turns, Ron turned towards the beach head.<br />The Dozer was much appreciated by the troop, using it to pull out the old pier head scaffolding, buried in concrete in the sea bed.<br />With the job done, Ron parked the Dozer back in the field.<br /><br />Some lads found a baby seal, captured it and carried it out of the sea to the beach....followed by an angry mother seal. They promptly put the seal back and retreated.<br /><br />That evening, Albion sailed away along the coast.<br /><br /><strong>24th June</strong><br />Albion arrived at Scapa Flow, at the start of a warm day.<br />After breakfast, all Soldiers on board, were invited (told) to participate in some sport.<br />Football on the Flight Deck, running around the ship decks, press-ups, sit-ups, or swimming.<br />For those who could dive safely, groups were allowed to dive off a section of the Flight Deck, or further down, from the Weapon pits. Diving into the sea, has to be precise, the hard water can split a skull open.<br />For those who were adventurous, we could board a helicopter, with 200 foot ropes dangling; the helicopter hovers 20 feet above the sea, for those who wanted to slide down the ropes and drop the 20 feet into the sea. To reach the flight deck from the sea, it was climbing up the nets.<br />A few climbed up the centre "Castle", to the Ship Captain's deck, then dive outwards 10 feet, before angling towards the sea. When the Captain realised what was happening, he put 'armed' guards around the castle - he did not want blood spilt on his deck.<br />Experienced Divers, went down to explore the sunken war graves of British & German ships.<br />It was here that the Troop trialed out the first Army hovercraft.<br /><br /><strong>25th June - "Attack Arbroath Base"</strong><br />Albion hove-to off Arbroath, helicopters were used to land men and vehicles, in Arbroath Docks.<br />Landrovers formed-up, with heavy machine guns mounted to them and a team of 4 per landrover.<br />Other lads mounted helicopters, lightly clad with sub machine guns.<br />Others mounted helicopters, heavily clad with General Purpose machine guns and Mortars.<br /><br />Lining the Airfield were spectators, Wives, Families and residents of Arbroath.<br />The "Enemy" was the 'skeleton' rear party at the base.<br />With a Tannoy telling the spectators where to look and what they were seeing, the battle commenced.<br />In came helicopters with 200 foot trailing ropes, lightly armed men abseilled down and formed an outer perimeter.<br />In came heavily armoured men, jumping out of hovering helicopters, themen consolidated and started the attack on the enemy, using mortars and heavy machine guns, flares and pyro-technics (flash/bang grenades).<br />Roaring in from behind the enemy and surrounding them, came the Landrovers, with heavy machine guns and more flash/bangs.<br />Totally surrounded by the attackers, the "enemy" gave up.<br />The rest of the Groups vehicles were then flown in by helicopters.<br />A grand show had been put on, one that those watching, will never forget. The Marine Group had did what they do best - show off!!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyn26WbP4fiGbw3YR1-rJ4WN0bA4OeJPhtTBgD8hZuV9yfgzZx8Da35fAoLn8giFeWfZf97aWP7m7V5yFT6yBVYfKRKN9P4yKrdRryvCWSFawaSA5eLcjsrWgaXTgEduHMXXXHq0SJww/s1600-h/img492.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 234px; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424480214121550722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyn26WbP4fiGbw3YR1-rJ4WN0bA4OeJPhtTBgD8hZuV9yfgzZx8Da35fAoLn8giFeWfZf97aWP7m7V5yFT6yBVYfKRKN9P4yKrdRryvCWSFawaSA5eLcjsrWgaXTgEduHMXXXHq0SJww/s200/img492.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-33274859495035502172009-01-12T08:31:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:35:36.049-08:00<strong>28th June - 7th August 1972</strong><br /><strong>Northern Ireland.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Operation Motorman.</strong><br />The British Government sent in troops to quieten down the fighting, but then intervened, by trying to become involved in Politics, in correcting The Civil Rights Issues and dissolved the Northern Ireland Government at Stormont in 1972.<br />In response, the Catholics developed "No-go" areas, where the IRA flourished.<br />Operation Motorman was designed to "smash" open these no-go areas, by using vast numbers of British Troops, to overwhelm the areas.<br />Over 342 - IRA Suspects were arrested, plus a hundred sympthisers, all were interned in Long Kesh Maze Prison, Near Lisburn.<br />The Prison used to be an Airfield during WW2, it now had long huts, being used as a minor Prison.<br />With the increase in prisoners, these long huts were converted to the hated 'H' huts and called HM Prison Maze; numbers of prisoners rose drastically to 924 internees.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA17QpHVQVTKCurxqS_aD6eotXsN9CIxqlbyJXhR1Ms_k3hTF9reTb5o-CVzEkaL5efhT0RrqkBDjWcpk1tW2HrZ8MWmPOOgNtmLiiKqUa2e8vAsBDS3fJQbXbV1sGBupXB9NkmYD7e4/s1600-h/Maze+Prison.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 259px; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424480885920174866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA17QpHVQVTKCurxqS_aD6eotXsN9CIxqlbyJXhR1Ms_k3hTF9reTb5o-CVzEkaL5efhT0RrqkBDjWcpk1tW2HrZ8MWmPOOgNtmLiiKqUa2e8vAsBDS3fJQbXbV1sGBupXB9NkmYD7e4/s200/Maze+Prison.jpg" /></a><br />The 'H' huts were to house the most violent men in Europe, committed during 30 years of violence during the "troubles" in Ireland.<br /><br />The Troop was based in Antrim, along with Lt John Moore-Bick and his 3 Troop.<br />Covering the July Marches was the main requisite of this tour.<br />Both Troops carried out tasks in the Ardoyne area, building car check points, putting up fencing around Schools and Police Stations.<br />Taff Bridgeman was shot several times and rushed to hospital, Jim Bevan was asked to take his place, working with the troop.<br />Some of the troop were utilised for Cross Border Survellience, watching known meeting areas.<br />A section of the troop - Ron Gould, Hamish, Paddy Bingham and Blue Fenwick, worked at Long Kesh with an Alice Chalmers.<br />Some of the lads joined a Party being held by the Royal Scots at Bessbrook, sleeping in Caravans until the next morning.<br />The 45 Cdo Marines were based in Belfast.59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-69580569573818903322009-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:43:29.689-08:00<strong>14th - 21st August 1972</strong><br /><strong>Kingussie</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>14th August</strong><br />Arrived during late afternoon and settled into the Old Town Hall.<br />The troop started with gentle walking exercise and climbing up to 1000 feet and down for the night.<br /><br /><strong>15th August</strong><br />The troop now started climbing exercises in earnest.<br />Climbing to the top of the 4084 feet Cairngorms, ridge walking for a while, then back down - an easy 3 hour exercise.<br />Disco dancing that evening, for those who had the energy to do so, limited on drinking, due to climbing in the morning.<br /><br /><strong>16th August</strong><br />The troop climbed back to the top of the Cairgorm, working by Compass.<br />Troop task was to locate the sunken Loch, which was found, only it was 2000 feet below.<br />After descending to the Loch, skirting around it and climbing back up 700 feet to locate another Loch, the troop rested for a short while.<br />Climbing up a further 1500 feet, to the top of Ben McDhui, Britain's second highest mountain.<br />After locating the "centre stones", the troop descended the steep 1:6 slope, to the car park and our vehicles.<br />It was a good Compass Navigation exercise.<br /><br />During the exercise, the troop carried out various Safety Drills and Routines.<br />Splitting into groups of 3 or 4 men, roping to each other and practising a man falling over the edge, whilst the others recovered him.<br />The most dangerous was "Rim" walking, crossing the very top of the mountain ridges, exposed to the constant weather changes; these can occur very fast and without warning.<br />During one ridge walk, mist closed in very rapidly, the "Boss" got lost, we had to descend quickly, rest a short while and climb back up.<br /><br />Halway up Ben McDhui, the cloudbase was just above us and below was spectacular scenery.<br />Three Quarters of the way up, we were level with the cloudbase, the scenery was just as spectacular, BUT, standing up, our heads were in the cloudbase and visibility was almost zero.<br />Navigating around large chunks of ice, the size of a house foundation, we reached the top; the view was of "fluffy" clouds below us, with sunshine glinting off it.<br /><br /><strong>17th to 20th August</strong><br />Time to practise Cliff Face Climbing.<br />Climbing up a sheer Cliff face, reaching up to 700 feet, some with overhangs.<br />Although we had "Safety Ropes", we still had to climb ourselves. At the bottom of the Cliff, we searched the cliff face, for a route up, finding narrow finger and foot holds, stopping every so often, to locate the route we wanted and climbing on.<br />Once on the top, we rested for a short while, then abseilled back down.<br />In places there was loose shale hugging the cliff sides, we practised using this for an emergency way down, jumping from one patch to another, sliding downwards quickly.<br />This was great fun, but very dangerous, we had to memorize the route from above - jump left, then right, then right again, etc. Jumping the wrong way, lead to a dangerous fall, rolling down the cliff face.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2bKYUVlakvgFv8w3sNanmTA44it7hGgu8d-PncQ04LmhDvzl989W-nOkHcfyZRCCYZyDPkN_uW3C1ZZoHgs38ipeUYxN7Ll6x2EvlZ_lVY4vanOpF9rgp6nRCyv_DQ-5YKrVBuA5hq-m/s1600-h/Isle+of+Ske.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 294px; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424483278855600146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2bKYUVlakvgFv8w3sNanmTA44it7hGgu8d-PncQ04LmhDvzl989W-nOkHcfyZRCCYZyDPkN_uW3C1ZZoHgs38ipeUYxN7Ll6x2EvlZ_lVY4vanOpF9rgp6nRCyv_DQ-5YKrVBuA5hq-m/s200/Isle+of+Ske.jpg" /></a>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-32272417554476776762009-01-10T08:43:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:44:20.779-08:00<div><strong>23rd August 1972 - 5th September 1972</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Cape Wrath - Durness</strong><br />Troop Task: Build 4 Nissan Huts on the top of the Mountain, for Dutch Soldiers to use, during the NATO Exercise. These were the last Nissan Huts coming over from Antigua.<br /><br />The Mountain was half surrounded by Sea.<br />To access the Mountain track, we had to cross the compacted sand beach, then climb up the Mountain, which sorely tested our 4 wheel vehicles.<br />At the top was a wide Plateau, open to the elements - strong winds and driven rain, plus low temperatures.<br />An old Radar Station was mounted up there, close to the edge, looking out to sea.<br /><br />Fisrt job was to decide the location of each of the huts, then set up our Tent Camp, get a brew going to warm up.<br />Four huts were to be erected, with a solid roadway for the Dutch Soldiers.<br />Our troop had no experience of these Prefabricated Huts, which were a complete Jigsaw.<br />With such strong winds, the foundations would have to be deep.<br />Our tents had to be tied to our vehicles, to stop them being blown away.<br /><br />The next day, we set-up the Generator to power tools and lights for the Camp area, partly hidden behind a bluff. Also set up a Concrete mixer.<br />Working two shifts, from 07.00hrs to 13.00hrs and 13.00hrs to 19.00hrs, work started on digging out the first hut foundation - 60 feet long and 10 feet wide. then concrete mixed and poured into it.<br />As the next foundation was started, erecting the first hut started. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8_kc5pUrjq2Z1r06TwV0vQ5BNdel94ux3NTCqB9zgZ9ZTCuf656sX48EQoBbMDDxI3br-l5HoqZwTbk-tSlbZpGuvwPUZ20OP5TCEC5xEE103-7xFHBTbCGEuKq0-AnpqlWfNL4_sg4/s1600-h/Durness+Mixer.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 321px; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424484205788838578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8_kc5pUrjq2Z1r06TwV0vQ5BNdel94ux3NTCqB9zgZ9ZTCuf656sX48EQoBbMDDxI3br-l5HoqZwTbk-tSlbZpGuvwPUZ20OP5TCEC5xEE103-7xFHBTbCGEuKq0-AnpqlWfNL4_sg4/s200/Durness+Mixer.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XqE4GXOmEWrl-IKONS3NSCpu95C_tWFXRbviye_KUQeiD0tfGcdUwK1VqX25JaJen2MeLekJzWLcil4zrTM6JA5yniAEDdsLwqOiATkDlw69H9vMmbk9OYS0rpZdmaxyab8UYM6LCUU/s1600-h/Durness+huts.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424484205141419298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XqE4GXOmEWrl-IKONS3NSCpu95C_tWFXRbviye_KUQeiD0tfGcdUwK1VqX25JaJen2MeLekJzWLcil4zrTM6JA5yniAEDdsLwqOiATkDlw69H9vMmbk9OYS0rpZdmaxyab8UYM6LCUU/s200/Durness+huts.jpg" /></a></div><div>This was our type of work, remotely based, using limited tools and lots of improvisation.<br />The sun was very strong, we worked topless despite scratches and sunburn, yet the weather would change rapidly, causing a rush for warmer clothes and even waterproofs.<br />After the first hut was built, we moved into it, using sleeping bags on the floor.<br /><br />To build a hut:<br />Dig a one foot wide ditch, by 2 feet deep.<br />Fill with concrete and level.<br />Build a 3 foot wall on top of the foundation and back-fill with packed aggregate, to a foot from the top, top with sand, leaving four inches clear to the top of the wall.<br />Fit a partition down the length of the hut centre - 2" x 4" timber.<br />Fill one side with concrete, level and leave to set.<br />Fill the other side with concrete, level and leave to set.<br />Erect Hut framework.<br />Bolt on the roof.<br />Put in windows and doors.<br />Each hut takes approximately 7 days to build.<br /><br />Due to the mixer breaking down regularly, by the halfway point, we were running late.<br />Shifts were increased to compensate, the troop was now only getting 4-5 hours rest/sleep a day.<br />The local Contractors had turned this contract down, saying it was impossible to do in such short time.<br />Our Troop finished on time.<br /><br />During the Construction, the troop had lots of fun, some downright dangerous.<br />The track up the mountain zig-zagged across the mountain and high speed driving down the mountain, led to some dangerous incidents, with vehicles almost rolling over.<br />Blue crashed a landrover, injuring his arm, which was put into Plaster.<br />Jock Pews rolled a landrover, but not on the mountain, driving figure of '8's' on the sand beach.<br /><br />Tourists visiting the mountain beach, would park on it and often had to be pulled off the beach, as the tide returned within an hour.<br /><br />Ron Gould decided to try and fly, somewhat the worse for Spirit, he tied two camp beds to his arms and jumped off the Radar Station, floating down the cliff heading into the sea 700 feet below. The wind suddenly turned and Ron crashed to the rocks below, luckily, he was only 10 foot from the rocks, when the wind turned and escaped with bruises and cuts.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinphVr8yEoOLxU_rQ-UPBsmxlwXzlSQk1vso94BIze8HbXRe36FKs2VRDstIfd61fVN6w2jJ713GhkYfvkKPo76iAy6SQYDoNnWEGqG-qq7VqnNu8Dj2aFRAWX7yQPqQ0ZO2t2PYbIwF4/s1600-h/Ron+Gould+flying.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424484199274734114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinphVr8yEoOLxU_rQ-UPBsmxlwXzlSQk1vso94BIze8HbXRe36FKs2VRDstIfd61fVN6w2jJ713GhkYfvkKPo76iAy6SQYDoNnWEGqG-qq7VqnNu8Dj2aFRAWX7yQPqQ0ZO2t2PYbIwF4/s200/Ron+Gould+flying.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Only 4 miles from the mountain, was our local Pub - The Smooth Cave Hotel, run by Molly.<br />Blue Fenwick fancied her and worked his charms on her, despite the 33yrs gap in ages.<br />For the lads, this was beneficial, cheap drink and long opening hours.<br />When Dave Green was behind the Bar, everything cost the equivalent of 50 pence now, beer, spirits, matches, crisps, the bar never made so much money before!<br /></div><div>On one occassion, Molly's Ex-husband appeared, irritated because Blue was behind the bar, he attacked Blue. Blue tried to defend himself, shouting "Hit a man with one arm would you", Ron had one arm in a plastercast, which he used to drive the man backwards, whilst Mac leaned over the bar and grabbed the man by his hair, trying to drag him over the bar. As Blue drove the man towards the bar entrance, Mac released the man's hair, Ron Gould then slammed the bar hatch over the man's head, ending an awkward situation.<br /><br />Blue borrowed Molly's new Mini car, being late to return to the Mountain. About 200yrds from the pub, Blue swerved (too much drink) andstranded the car on a double ditch, ripping off the sump as it came to rest on the double hump.<br />Eddy & Blue stood wondering how to recover the Mini, whilst Jim Bevan yomped back to base - to prepare the troop breakfast. </div><div></div><div>Mac did not turn up for breakfast, everyone was dispersed to find him.</div><div>Lads hunted around the cliff edge, others around our base, others near the cliff bottom - it was thought that Mac had fallen over the cliff.</div><div>Mac was finally located in the Senior Staff toilet, sound asleep on the seat plank.<br /><br />Eddy Sanders was evicted from the Oykel Hotel, which was further away.<br />During a drinking session, he related the story of Blue and Molly to the owner. The owner exploded in rage "That is my Sister and she is about to die", he threw Eddy out, closed up and went to see Molly.</div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-20664103559482964182009-01-09T08:57:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:44:48.808-08:00<strong>8th September - 28th September 1972</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>NATO Exercise - War Games</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-vyPcqchvLS9HSi1MTqpBGA2kgD2dPGLZ-D54gITuJj_hL9pIZ9apLImJ5Kku8KbEATtYJlz1xLbbWCbQhRjwT-ksV15YWeu_0if6LCbUH0KoroKCtNemke1KQ38FLTWunGurTU6vec/s1600-h/img498.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424485590944722530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-vyPcqchvLS9HSi1MTqpBGA2kgD2dPGLZ-D54gITuJj_hL9pIZ9apLImJ5Kku8KbEATtYJlz1xLbbWCbQhRjwT-ksV15YWeu_0if6LCbUH0KoroKCtNemke1KQ38FLTWunGurTU6vec/s200/img498.jpg" /></a><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>10th September</strong><br />Board Albion early evening.<br /><br /><strong>11th September</strong><br />06.00hrs Albion sailed out of Rosyth, headed for the North Atlantic.<br />Albion joined HMS Ark Royal, HMS Fearless, 8 Flotilla Ships and USS Nimitz.<br />Our convoy was being "tailed" by Russian Cruisers.<br /><br /><strong>14th September</strong><br />Albion sailed away from the convoy, sailed in close to Scotland and helicoptered the Dutch Soldiers on board, the Soldiers who were living in the Nissan Huts we built.<br /><br /><strong>15th September</strong><br />After another day of sailing, our ship came in close to shore again.<br />A Sea King helicopter lifted off with 10 Dutch Soldiers on-board, the helicopter was blown backwards and its rotor blades hit another helicopter, the Sea King crashed into the sea.<br />Thankfully, the Sea King crew and soldiers were rescued quickly, with minor bruises and cuts, but the helicopter was badly damaged.<br />From the second the Sea King hit the other helicopter, extremely loud claxons sounded throughout the ship, bringing the ship's crew to emergency stations, to rescue the downed helicopter. For us soldiers below, we wondered where we should go, or even do, if only to avoid the deafening claxon noise. Many put on cold weather clothes and went to the weapon pits alongside the ship, to watch the rescue.<br /><br /><strong>16th September</strong><br />Troop flown ashore at 07.00hrs, re-embarked at 18.00hrs.<br />Helicopters filled the sky all day, as the Marines were also flown ashore.<br />Our troop was supposed to be lifting Mines, but walked around checking out the area, resting for a brew-up around Midday.<br /><br /><strong>17th to 19th September</strong><br />Sailing around for 3 days, go up top and check out the scenery and other ships close-by, even watch the frigates and destroyers "chase" the Russian ship away.<br />Meals were great, good variety, even the bar was open during the evening, but limited to 2 cans each.<br />During this period, the weather became very stormy, even our Aircraft Carrier was thrown around like a trawler.<br />The ships had tried to avoid a hurricane, eventually, having to go through it, scattering the ships far and wide. During the night, Albion had to steam hard to regain position, we had been blown 100 miles adrift.<br />On joining up, we watched as a small USA Carrier was tied-up to an American Destroyer and a Russian Cruiser, the forward deck was rolled back - like a can opener had been used. The three tied-up ships headed for landfall in Canada.<br /><br /><strong>20th September</strong><br />Eleven members of the troop flown ashore, with camping equipment.<br /><br /><strong>21st September</strong><br />The 11 members had a very busy day:<br />During the morning they re-built a blown up bridge.<br />During the afternoon, they cleared a Minefield.<br />What really happened was:<br />The lads walked to the bridge site (no bridge), recovered the sign saying 'Blown-up Bridge', then in the afternoon, found the sign 'Minefield'.<br />Whilst setting-up their Camp, the Troop Major walked up and informed them, that they had just built an Air Portable Bridge.<br />They spent the night rough in the tents.<br /><br /><strong>22nd September</strong><br />The 11 lads moved to the Helicopter collection point, boarded the helicopter, expecting to return to the ship. To their amazement, the helicopter landed in another field, where the rest of the troop was waiting.<br />The Troop then "fought" two major battles (did we??), before bedding down for the night.<br /><br /><strong>23rd September</strong><br />Troop cleared a 3 mile long Minefield - walked the 3 miles collecting the signs.<br />At 14.00hrs, airlifted to Albion, soaked and caked in mud.<br /><br /><strong>24th - 26th September</strong><br />Sailing back to Rosyth, troop totally fed-up with the in-activity.59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-24768077327059722822009-01-08T09:01:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:45:15.524-08:00<div><strong>28th September - 29th October 1972</strong><br /><strong>Condor Base</strong><br /><strong></strong>Time to catch up on leave, half the troop away at a time.<br />Vehicles being cleaned and maintained, Troop equipment being cleaned thoroughly and maintained.<br /><br /><strong>5th October</strong><br />Major David Hillard left the troop, destined for Germany to command a Regiment.<br />Captain Allan McLean took over command of Condor Troop, with Lt John Moore-Bick as our Junior Officer "Troopy".<br />Joe Morrison (Troop Clerk) was ordered to return to the Squadron, he tore up the letter and it took the Squadron another year, to realise he had not reported and was still with Condor Troop.<br /><br /><strong>30th October - 3rd November 1972</strong><br /><strong>Glen Cova</strong><br /><strong></strong>Troop moved to Lunan Bay, near Red Head Mountain.<br />This was a relaxing week, gentle exercises to get fit, ready for the Isle of Skye.<br />The troop practised:<br />Cliff Climbing, using ropes<br />Abseilling back down<br />Casavacing injured men<br />Moving large and heavy objects, user tree trunks as rollers, to move the objects across the mountain.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>6th November - 16th November 1972</strong><br /><strong>Isle of Skye</strong><br />Under control of the Royal Marine Winter Warfare Cadre, we undertook Cliff Climbing and Mountain Survival techniques, on the Cuillins Mountain Range.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguypTkhFCAUT3kL9jtPo2VoRSwDjpXD-kSG9hg5K4XvSebO6VJZe41HZiOPlyEfaRifssAFUl5SrFrHYHjxO1rNSObHdeDvqjmFzDKASSdQw09Fsl0ncPVt29SZjgYxL6m4ax9LeHxrwE/s1600-h/img502.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 295px; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424486940691773746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguypTkhFCAUT3kL9jtPo2VoRSwDjpXD-kSG9hg5K4XvSebO6VJZe41HZiOPlyEfaRifssAFUl5SrFrHYHjxO1rNSObHdeDvqjmFzDKASSdQw09Fsl0ncPVt29SZjgYxL6m4ax9LeHxrwE/s200/img502.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GxrsM8MWdGzPwMmF8Joi6T54cFeAFpBUlOfS27MRe_s7kCRSGZA0rep1pZkQeMfbhEN5__HcYLJP1AwK-LvSuPije_foZakjv_nk0e7lN0rv_8Fwm00PlGvXZMRgd8yIQpytDMA99Ug/s1600-h/img503.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 209px; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424486938078082050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GxrsM8MWdGzPwMmF8Joi6T54cFeAFpBUlOfS27MRe_s7kCRSGZA0rep1pZkQeMfbhEN5__HcYLJP1AwK-LvSuPije_foZakjv_nk0e7lN0rv_8Fwm00PlGvXZMRgd8yIQpytDMA99Ug/s200/img503.jpg" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1jUzwwXwtGSaIYlerj1nNWM_M-uTGbnNubXfCMLV01URJ4yjqs1OmqJkEMkeo0uGTRpzqPRENUtkhCTUJnmJLlkTB9SLshWpZb1XIEyIx45Q-HCPGwZmrDoNKVHfD0RWcQtrN_CobnY/s1600-h/img505.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 249px; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424486948556792850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1jUzwwXwtGSaIYlerj1nNWM_M-uTGbnNubXfCMLV01URJ4yjqs1OmqJkEMkeo0uGTRpzqPRENUtkhCTUJnmJLlkTB9SLshWpZb1XIEyIx45Q-HCPGwZmrDoNKVHfD0RWcQtrN_CobnY/s200/img505.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoiFKTyKl_V3tWOLIkO9M6OCSCLWyA2RrdG_JF7MBOojyxltWHKp_4wPjUHzQ71Vq-AfNpRd73XTDiUxhfVYpaBuNvOk3NLFf3EH5oelcG3fsWgjgdmCm7vwjPQEd46VGnkOHp5m5Wdg/s1600-h/img504.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 224px; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424486945426988514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoiFKTyKl_V3tWOLIkO9M6OCSCLWyA2RrdG_JF7MBOojyxltWHKp_4wPjUHzQ71Vq-AfNpRd73XTDiUxhfVYpaBuNvOk3NLFf3EH5oelcG3fsWgjgdmCm7vwjPQEd46VGnkOHp5m5Wdg/s200/img504.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><div>Base Camp was set-up by the Marines, with our Troop Fitter being responsible for the Generator and Electrical Lines.<br />Up on the Mountain, Ridge tents were used, one or two man tents, barely high enough to crawl into.<br />This was a full 45 Commando Group exercise.<br />Weather was so un-predictable, changing extremely fast, though rain was almost guarenteed.</div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-47921278694219590432009-01-07T08:56:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:45:39.543-08:00<strong>7th January - 30th March 1973</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Exercise Clockwork South</strong><br /><strong>Norway</strong><br /><br /><strong>7th - 9th January</strong><br />Preparing to move to Norway, packing personal kit, plus Troop Equipment, into our vehicles.<br /><br /><strong>10th January</strong><br />Flown out to RFA Sir Tristram, plus part of the Marines joined us.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeps1Nr3wufr5V6ndVQ-zR93FKF2lGxOi_OZgJl5Kt8vV-jublL4hh0vuiH2QWSmVwRg-XmPpLmbNQgBEQRCHU_bwwB7dczjxiH6n3nTfN4Rpqc7xFZz2AIUUSn9LttHw6AlXcAEnhyphenhyphenGC/s1600-h/img506.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 453px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488045583094338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeps1Nr3wufr5V6ndVQ-zR93FKF2lGxOi_OZgJl5Kt8vV-jublL4hh0vuiH2QWSmVwRg-XmPpLmbNQgBEQRCHU_bwwB7dczjxiH6n3nTfN4Rpqc7xFZz2AIUUSn9LttHw6AlXcAEnhyphenhyphenGC/s200/img506.jpg" /></a></div><div>Remainder of the Marine Group on RFA Sir Gallahad.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAalgikuEwHBbNAkStj2AwwY7nITdhoiQ0iOnBd9N3bsZ7Jck1ND2XQt1oeCCdglBXGbYslC8y9UAc-Z_LyNC2FM_YGZy8k7nhQHszEyTjEEBdynNqXI1zeeDsw8Vwz5c4NmgEk5P0Ax8/s1600-h/img507.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 454px; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488036466851170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAalgikuEwHBbNAkStj2AwwY7nITdhoiQ0iOnBd9N3bsZ7Jck1ND2XQt1oeCCdglBXGbYslC8y9UAc-Z_LyNC2FM_YGZy8k7nhQHszEyTjEEBdynNqXI1zeeDsw8Vwz5c4NmgEk5P0Ax8/s200/img507.jpg" /></a></div><div>RFA Sir Geraint and Albion un-able to attend, due to damage.<br />Each RFA ship can hold 500 men in 5 Cabins, all our vehicles and stores can be accommodated in the hold or on deck.<br />Other than being cramped in the sleeping quarters, the ship was very comfortable and produced good meals.<br /><br /><strong>12th January</strong><br />Docked at Strohor, just North of Oslo, some Marines departed.<br /><br /><strong>13th January</strong><br />Docked at Morzoe - rest of Marines left.<br /><br /><strong>14th January</strong><br />Docked at Moirana - we were helicoptered off, to a temporary Norwegian Camp.<br />Sleeping in wooden cabins.<br /><br /><strong>25th January</strong><br />Troop moved by road, 100 miles further North, only 35 miles North as the Crow flys, to Bjerka.<br />Troop trialing out new designs of Explosives, using recorders to configure the blast.<br /><br /><strong>30th January - 7th March</strong><br />Troop Fitter and Dave Green moved to Drevja, to help set-up and maintain the Day & Night Skiing course.<br />The lights kept fusing, Dave came up with the idea to use Condoms, over the electrical joints, It worked well!<br />Clean and grease the cable joints, insert into the Protective, then tape up.<br />Our troop knew which ones Dave had fitted - he blew them up like a balloon.<br /><br /><strong>2nd February</strong><br />Troop Fitter called to Marine workshops, informed that the parts requested, had been sent to Arbroath. Half the Marine transport was off the road, Troop Fitter to to get as many Landrovers and 3 tonners going, even by canabilising other vehicles.<br />Troop building a Bailey Bridge, leading to the Arctic Pass.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDerOhKGZJhvqeTlHbiXvNocU3MqoxiCKpS4UIUzi_mm-wjfueswVCz5w8L4DEN3hrpoRcwPQ9dXrrnsrRnYUYMGQuSQQLNjYCUtgYx9Lw3jcMRFLjgFDeiHtO85De-38FJMyurBOFWPG/s1600-h/Norway+Bridging.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 260px; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424858243737397506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDerOhKGZJhvqeTlHbiXvNocU3MqoxiCKpS4UIUzi_mm-wjfueswVCz5w8L4DEN3hrpoRcwPQ9dXrrnsrRnYUYMGQuSQQLNjYCUtgYx9Lw3jcMRFLjgFDeiHtO85De-38FJMyurBOFWPG/s200/Norway+Bridging.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>14th February</strong><br />Troop Day Off - Shopping in Mosjoen.<br /><br /><strong>15th February</strong><br />Troop went swimming in Gramoen Skole (Grammer School) in Mosjoen.<br /><br /><strong>28th February</strong><br />Troop Fitter stripping down the Ski Course.<br />Staff Pickles and 5 lads came through to collect the Generator and cables.<br />Staff passed on compliments from Lt. Blaaber - Norwegian Skiing Course Officer, to the Troop Fitter, for a job well done.<br />Moved back to Drevja.<br />Back to chaos, tempers are flaring, married men being kept seperate from Single men.<br />Even the Marines had in-fighting.<br />The whole Exercise had gone disastrously wrong, causing organisation changes every day, as each disaster was assessed.<br /><br /><strong>1st - 5th March</strong><br />Troop Fitter and 2 Marine Fitters, working until they fall asleep, trying to salvage as many vehicles as possible.<br />Those not working are made ready to be towed to the Docks, by the Norwegian Army.<br />Only three Landrovers were salvaged for our Troop.<br /><br /><strong>6th March</strong><br />Troop moved to Alvergarsten - 140 miles North of Bjerka, close to the Russian Border.<br /><br /><strong>7th - 11th March</strong><br />The dreaded 50 mile yomp got underway, climbing up into the Mountain, close to the Border.<br />Part of the Exercise, is to attack a Norwegian Army "Enemy" Camp at night.....Poor Soles, we skied in full darkness, stopping on a slight slope above the camp. At the signal, we skied down fast, attacking with full aggression (built up by the disasters), lads skied through the Norwegian tents, tents were set on fire, many Norwegians required hospital treatment.<br />Killer Commando's!! </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbnH2Pi3z0NKm7uPiKjJPeFDi_a3merMisP4UXv7MA2CAyxawq9TZt85wn_qTjfxJigfHTccWenqPa8vuYNNaWOv1brj9vGJhW1slzKHZg35rOPIA2qpWIndPvdBcLakCyz8-_qK2Dps3/s1600-h/img510.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 318px; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488361230167426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbnH2Pi3z0NKm7uPiKjJPeFDi_a3merMisP4UXv7MA2CAyxawq9TZt85wn_qTjfxJigfHTccWenqPa8vuYNNaWOv1brj9vGJhW1slzKHZg35rOPIA2qpWIndPvdBcLakCyz8-_qK2Dps3/s200/img510.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fGmX1lXGMDn1hA03plPaxGCcZLC7D4TzQijX67NioXKJjmjjPpj2HQBwS0pNg9KSurHmCSvpdExeZ-gdiewmvHpABWQV3nrUPkgjAPesoyFJ1I0_7CSqkpQbmhNsqCcSaiOPwhjzSW_5/s1600-h/img511.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 293px; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488369659873714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fGmX1lXGMDn1hA03plPaxGCcZLC7D4TzQijX67NioXKJjmjjPpj2HQBwS0pNg9KSurHmCSvpdExeZ-gdiewmvHpABWQV3nrUPkgjAPesoyFJ1I0_7CSqkpQbmhNsqCcSaiOPwhjzSW_5/s200/img511.jpg" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>13th April</strong><br />Troop flying home without any vehicles. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix32N8CC-9v5x-In4lQbVxYuGZeh7N-hxJV0-O2tDzBL4WsBwQlu0q5lVfGa6vNae0FXw9MCOkVH_4zrUwNOHckkEL8EUZonBg3ycovACgax4CWaVIbxPQ-cFHVfHLQRAWXQwOwmixltLz/s1600-h/img508.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 333px; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488355721269106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix32N8CC-9v5x-In4lQbVxYuGZeh7N-hxJV0-O2tDzBL4WsBwQlu0q5lVfGa6vNae0FXw9MCOkVH_4zrUwNOHckkEL8EUZonBg3ycovACgax4CWaVIbxPQ-cFHVfHLQRAWXQwOwmixltLz/s200/img508.jpg" /></a></div><div>Before the Hercules could take off, the Runway needed clearing, but as fast as the snow ploughs operated, the snow re-settled quickly. In desperation, the snow ploughs lined up across the Runway and raced forwards, followed by our Hercules. The Pilot judged it perfectly, barely scrapping over the Snow Ploughs. </div><div>Flew into RAF Lucas, then boarded Coaches to Arbroath.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWfb7Q7oBYCM3u38HqsxMUKcSe2Mp3BAyGgaH_3Q0G2nhxNtkzpVgPG69TPdIyGOoi9Vc3S9Tp47q0ykht5zNQuWP9y1g7_pLdBHPSfHErj7aWDjE7ri-OHmNLn7goAxh0Max_PyuXyIN/s1600-h/img509.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 336px; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424488352044593394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWfb7Q7oBYCM3u38HqsxMUKcSe2Mp3BAyGgaH_3Q0G2nhxNtkzpVgPG69TPdIyGOoi9Vc3S9Tp47q0ykht5zNQuWP9y1g7_pLdBHPSfHErj7aWDjE7ri-OHmNLn7goAxh0Max_PyuXyIN/s200/img509.jpg" /></a></div><div>Johhny ...........Tony.....Paddy..George...Chris</div><div>Sills................Audsley.Foran..Stainton..Moore</div><br /><div>Our Vehicles arrived later, this kept the Troop Fitter and drivers busy, all hands to collect them, clean them and then repair them.</div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-1914900441059471452009-01-06T15:40:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:01:01.317-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGovMRqXGxg-seoDvZRTV4M8KlZ87I5naDF2wlZqC9g36fjw3ZEtS2zdbUTxGT35G8yNzAXBcRq6ycVRcWRCk1Xo8fX2KcB0-4da_sZELR0bvqa_DBoKZToVGxQCqxEk3km5TPwr1kYta/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+73.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 366px; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424693701797903458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGovMRqXGxg-seoDvZRTV4M8KlZ87I5naDF2wlZqC9g36fjw3ZEtS2zdbUTxGT35G8yNzAXBcRq6ycVRcWRCk1Xo8fX2KcB0-4da_sZELR0bvqa_DBoKZToVGxQCqxEk3km5TPwr1kYta/s200/Condor+Troop+73.bmp" /></a><br />Condor Troop 1973<br /><br /><div><div><strong>14th July - 25th August 1973</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Castletown, Caithness.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>14th & 15th July</strong><br />Prepare vehicles, personal kit and Equipment.<br /><br /><strong>16th July</strong><br />A 9 hour drive up country to Castletown, set-up tents in a field, next to the main road, just inside the Farmers gate. That night we were pestered by cows coming up to the tents. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9tcDhF2s-hyJHG_rUt7edixLapc1rA5ppIiJfF9qgRi-nRBPVw5FOyYBcnVKSMkMu2ltZ3VGtSc1MfCUtsg6A3JwelWUxlxOy9t8uHaqAUEItYUE6ODqGpGWdlLF3_hlQatV85pCqHAr/s1600-h/Castletown+73.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424689512216624530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9tcDhF2s-hyJHG_rUt7edixLapc1rA5ppIiJfF9qgRi-nRBPVw5FOyYBcnVKSMkMu2ltZ3VGtSc1MfCUtsg6A3JwelWUxlxOy9t8uHaqAUEItYUE6ODqGpGWdlLF3_hlQatV85pCqHAr/s200/Castletown+73.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUSXTCHcMogsdgd0tQB1TeZB1gDjBX6T7EN0g0npttYO_sHe1XdMHMVPbqgdYfEl-qMH-2nYUwePBeMU2xzKDOzAn2AM5YBZzAGFVIbHRp6XWPjSclftppdYnoHgvbhKmktcWecvvoU_w/s1600-h/Castletown,+Caithness.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424689519063683298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUSXTCHcMogsdgd0tQB1TeZB1gDjBX6T7EN0g0npttYO_sHe1XdMHMVPbqgdYfEl-qMH-2nYUwePBeMU2xzKDOzAn2AM5YBZzAGFVIbHRp6XWPjSclftppdYnoHgvbhKmktcWecvvoU_w/s200/Castletown,+Caithness.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcxyvd7X17tOQtr5kmYBNeodwRQB1HGknghSJ9mUvee8UnSuhLv8YzWwd8eKVulRLFZz23USZgZeTMduGtr1LJCOFmeCPiCpdoRDsKL3RXT_BJ50bRVYIh8WBPejgMQqJdt54qc9lDM8I/s1600-h/Castletown+Showers+73.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 278px; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424689516806156322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcxyvd7X17tOQtr5kmYBNeodwRQB1HGknghSJ9mUvee8UnSuhLv8YzWwd8eKVulRLFZz23USZgZeTMduGtr1LJCOFmeCPiCpdoRDsKL3RXT_BJ50bRVYIh8WBPejgMQqJdt54qc9lDM8I/s200/Castletown+Showers+73.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>17th July</strong><br />Troop built a fence aroundc the camp, with second Farmers gate, to prevent the cows getting out and to prevent the beasts pestering us. They soon lost interest, but our cook kept eyeing them, fresh meat.<br />To be sure, we also set up an electric wire around the fence, so they did not push the fence over.<br /><br />Troop had 3 Sites to clear, these had WW2 Dragons teeth on the beaches, concrete blocks and a few metal objects, plus a Pill box dug into the Cliff face. The Cliff was sheer all along the coast, with only a few ways down to the beach.<br />We had to cover the three areas, spread over nearly 30 miles, to remove these WW2 obstacles.<br /><br />Troop Officer and Staff Sergeant recced the Sites.<br />1st Site - Castletown - 80 x Concrete Blocks/20 Dragon Teeth/Pill Box in Cliff.<br />2nd Site - Wick - 700 Concrete Blocks/100 Dragon Teeth.<br />3rd Site - John-O-Groats - 800 Concrete Blocks/150 Dragon Teeth.<br /><br /><strong>17th - 18th July</strong><br />Troop Fitter and Clerk sent to Rosyth Dockyard, to collect Explosives in 3 tonner.<br />20lbs of High Explosive<br />200lbs of Plastic Explosives<br /><br /><strong>19th July</strong><br />Tipper working flat out, collecting back-fill from the local quarry (half a mile away), to empty into the large crater, where the Pill box used to be.<br />Muirhill waded out onto the beach, lifting dragon teeth into his bucket, four at a time, then trundling back to a storage area.<br />Troop Fitter is Duty Driver (t-total), drove lads into Thurso for a drink, from now on, lads will go into Thurso 3 times a week, plus using the local pub a mile away.<br /><br />The Dragons Teeth were lifted out by the Muirhill, placed in storage area, then loaded into Tipper for disposal at Wick Harbour - new retaining wall.<br /><br />Two teams were formed up:<br /><br /><strong>Clean-up Team</strong><br />Tipper<br />Muirhill digger<br />Two Field "Doggies"<br /><br /><strong>Explosive Team</strong><br />Explosive Handler - Blue Fenwick<br />3 Tonner<br />Compressor<br />Two Field "Doggies"<br /><br />The rest of the troop moved from site-to-site, as required for work.<br /><br />To lift the Dragon teeth, Ron Gould had to time his runs along the beach, or he would be cut-off by the incoming tide.<br />Wick complained about the Dragon Teeth being dirty, so Ron had to slightly open his bucket, drive into the sea slightly and lifting his bucket up and down in the sea, wash the dragon teeth. On a few times, Ron drove over buried sheep in the sand, causing them to explode, the stench was awful. It is thought these creatures had died of Fott & Mouth, then buried under the rarely used beach, needless to say, the Farmers were not pleased about our "finds".<br /><br />The large Concrete Blocks could not be moved by the Muirhill, so the Compressor (trailer mounted) was backed up to the edge of the Cliff and hoses trailed down the cliff face. An extra 10 feet was required, but as we had no spare air pipes, the trailer would have to be backed out onto a Spur, with only an inch to spare on each side. The spur was considered to be safe for the weight, but no gaurentee.<br />The trailer was an 'A' frame, with front steering wheels, making it difficult to reverse. A volunteer was called for from the drivers and as usual, the Troop Fitter was "pushed" forwards.<br />Slowly, inch by painful inch, the trailer moved back the extra distance, onto the Spur.<br />The Troop Fitter was responsible for operating the Compressor, but had to climb along the trailer, to start or service it.<br /><br />The large blocks had to have holes drilled into it, then explosives packed in the holes and blown-up, into manageable pieces. The first attempt was a disaster, Blue used 1.5lbs of high explosives, instead of 1.5 ounces of explosives. This resulted in the beach being littered with lumps of concrete.<br />That night, the lads went to the local pub, only to be refused service, a lump of concrete, nearly a foot square, had crashed through the pub roof, which was a mile away from the explosion.<br />Even with the correct explosives, each Block exploded left a mess, which had to be cleared by the Muirhill, un-covering more dead sheep.<br /><br />Only once did Ron make a pure bad judgement, thought he could lift the last set of Dragon teeth, before the tide turned. He lifted the Dragon teeth, proceeded to wash them, then realised the tide had overtaken him. Dropping the Dragon teeth, he raced through the fast incoming tide, just reaching his escape point, before having to swim for it.<br /><br />The Cook remained in the Field, usually with a driver to collect stores, or deliver meals to the sites. The cook was using Compo rations and required fresh vegetables from the village each day.<br />The diet was transformed by our troop poachers - Arnie Dousse and Jock-the-Doc, who caught fresh Salmon from the near-by river, using one of two methods: Trailing electric wires across the river and hooking them up to a vehicle Battery, or using Plastic Explosive. Blue Fenwick would go out and catch Rabbits or other game.<br /><br />The field was actually a dis-used Bomber Airfield from WW2, it did not stop a light single engined Cessna aircraft from landing, he wanted to see what was going on. When he went to leave, his battery was too low to start the engine, troop drivers rigged up a 'jury' rig from vehicles and slave started the aircraft.</div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-88297708338535566982009-01-05T04:20:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:01:48.925-08:00<strong>12th October to 17th December 1973</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Isle of Skye</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>12th October - 2nd November</strong><br />Troop Fitter deployed with 45 Cdo RM, to the Isle of Skye, to set up the Base Camp and Generator.<br /><br /><strong>12th October - 25th October</strong><br />Troop deployed to the Isle of Skye, training on the Cuillins Mountain Range.<br />Whilst on the Mountain Ridge, a severe storm blew up, forcing them to come down.<br />On arriving at the base camp, they found that too had blown away.<br />For two days, whilst the Base Camp was re-built, only Tomato Soup and Mussels were available.<br /><br /><strong>2nd November - 2nd December</strong><br />Troop records are missing for this period.<br />Troop possibly on the Isle of Grain, working with Shaped Explosives, blowing soil everywhere, splitting trees and bolders, but most of all, trying to cover each other in soil.<br /><br /><strong>13th December - 17th December</strong><br />Troop movements not known.<br />Troop Fitter sent to Plymouth, to collect essential Stores and new Troop Lads.59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-83087133204591550882009-01-04T04:32:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:02:28.110-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyFJo9YFmTmPzixjreWPLMz1DvaB2agLtABzW7Hb37Eim-tNZ8TUBa3NG89MkYazydGf_VNoW4sogjHTOhqZRy8nc7SJLMb7O9FlQeD4PEPvc6fEiFT0zVLw7d9X-f6rnXOOBummf_Tk/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+Tree+Cutting.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442192112219707506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyFJo9YFmTmPzixjreWPLMz1DvaB2agLtABzW7Hb37Eim-tNZ8TUBa3NG89MkYazydGf_VNoW4sogjHTOhqZRy8nc7SJLMb7O9FlQeD4PEPvc6fEiFT0zVLw7d9X-f6rnXOOBummf_Tk/s200/Norway+Bridge+Tree+Cutting.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MI7tfAMN9-HVukhUOFiV_NZdraURYsPSacvmVARim0zIP8_ovZLU5el__Ay_lFPgrLUn6RWhxrf7Rx2jH4ODFWiMdD5hV88jt3mgcpkZPe7C8b5YUaqLJznxvRDYtbxpvh8jFgq2WT0/s1600-h/Norway+Sledge.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442192102325459794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MI7tfAMN9-HVukhUOFiV_NZdraURYsPSacvmVARim0zIP8_ovZLU5el__Ay_lFPgrLUn6RWhxrf7Rx2jH4ODFWiMdD5hV88jt3mgcpkZPe7C8b5YUaqLJznxvRDYtbxpvh8jFgq2WT0/s200/Norway+Sledge.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6aJChwYAOF4Ep7twKFZF0jwODsxMekNHPfugHndt5TM-NsbSex22WWJCLpc-wY-QimwU3WJ8snT8GzTDaUyg0shholj4SjjQdnq7rrOzNl3znjHa1tzSsomiQmfNyd48on1JiId-s9o/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+9.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442192101054046578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6aJChwYAOF4Ep7twKFZF0jwODsxMekNHPfugHndt5TM-NsbSex22WWJCLpc-wY-QimwU3WJ8snT8GzTDaUyg0shholj4SjjQdnq7rrOzNl3znjHa1tzSsomiQmfNyd48on1JiId-s9o/s200/Norway+Bridge+9.bmp" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GhpixQJcmm-q3E8JlSg5DYu1VoiNp24KlJGS9MLAVKutGeNRbuZIYIXxiabFDikN3Vg3pAdEnHX_0cITW0veifQLcvqEko0BGZFXdRUljdzDRNUduqsi3DJK6ulMrxy6OWMc6dde_G4/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+8.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442192096776466898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GhpixQJcmm-q3E8JlSg5DYu1VoiNp24KlJGS9MLAVKutGeNRbuZIYIXxiabFDikN3Vg3pAdEnHX_0cITW0veifQLcvqEko0BGZFXdRUljdzDRNUduqsi3DJK6ulMrxy6OWMc6dde_G4/s200/Norway+Bridge+8.bmp" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8BRPpHpIu5j_VpVVtL_55labrg-7qmpq4fi7CsgrVz-mSxBbPiSD_wlpboGTCJKsHRIejp8VCy-we51vLHa3bS10ssFj12USzpBv0DuF2RbtqUnshpm9oaXmOq7b22-gkCoGqH_HsHQ/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+5.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191306561509858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8BRPpHpIu5j_VpVVtL_55labrg-7qmpq4fi7CsgrVz-mSxBbPiSD_wlpboGTCJKsHRIejp8VCy-we51vLHa3bS10ssFj12USzpBv0DuF2RbtqUnshpm9oaXmOq7b22-gkCoGqH_HsHQ/s200/Norway+Bridge+5.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgTdwGDgVOzfO0xs_3kFISm5AphZf8ZN-QDOBAeaMfpwAPpxOKwrexm9cxu917jlQ6m85swIIl26cFZzIsc6b8YQpNY4JX35NG_xqcggOJfBfLyACVee_Yxumu-CvFOrQR6t0PbjAnx4/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+7.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191313620276482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgTdwGDgVOzfO0xs_3kFISm5AphZf8ZN-QDOBAeaMfpwAPpxOKwrexm9cxu917jlQ6m85swIIl26cFZzIsc6b8YQpNY4JX35NG_xqcggOJfBfLyACVee_Yxumu-CvFOrQR6t0PbjAnx4/s200/Norway+Bridge+7.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XQSolBh9WHdatH5_7vrZA-uf2Y8ZyGf24T_b8TNU1ACj2OggtaPlg3dDxXXWwZjS3DmqAlEyZ6WfKJ6GDzCwXMTxpeveBZY3gsrFqLyQjTyiMLIzfu1FDY0A9Gg4Z6Lq-BH_NTt-BA8/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+6.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191311361166034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XQSolBh9WHdatH5_7vrZA-uf2Y8ZyGf24T_b8TNU1ACj2OggtaPlg3dDxXXWwZjS3DmqAlEyZ6WfKJ6GDzCwXMTxpeveBZY3gsrFqLyQjTyiMLIzfu1FDY0A9Gg4Z6Lq-BH_NTt-BA8/s200/Norway+Bridge+6.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUMqQPnBnrYujBBH0-Q_HXGunXQybcowdnMnPXfcqwT69lRz6F6kg9EiAcuGIuFGG-cSqmqr2vKtIVKGhL0qXs8-y0yVCg9m-1K2LPaqD6xRp8L8dLgLBHHLEmn5IZHKJX06cE8H_B68/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+4.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191305517879650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUMqQPnBnrYujBBH0-Q_HXGunXQybcowdnMnPXfcqwT69lRz6F6kg9EiAcuGIuFGG-cSqmqr2vKtIVKGhL0qXs8-y0yVCg9m-1K2LPaqD6xRp8L8dLgLBHHLEmn5IZHKJX06cE8H_B68/s200/Norway+Bridge+4.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0F3iIsSrKVDxCEAAFxbPeMJOcQGji8jIkFVBfX5nKBSdko2ZnDBzHUdqDRUcRdxhWBRO9kdGxQFro4Q1touJzkLiVWa6DMq9gbK8pwTLFdQp5VAVV4zOSV741Ybgvs2G81B8q3bQXwk/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+3.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 198px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191012431697906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0F3iIsSrKVDxCEAAFxbPeMJOcQGji8jIkFVBfX5nKBSdko2ZnDBzHUdqDRUcRdxhWBRO9kdGxQFro4Q1touJzkLiVWa6DMq9gbK8pwTLFdQp5VAVV4zOSV741Ybgvs2G81B8q3bQXwk/s200/Norway+Bridge+3.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdjNYSd455jLxU6TFsL3EuIwrUbnYrUVVt8__QWiDFO4tQpzK2TdCDPbAjFKacD3LuWxcQ7ZMvJHhyphenhyphenw3koxkuv0EKGxRz7Hul7CFTxLr4z9cI_5uH-GjbDDXsFQojm8V23Fpv55rhVB8/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+2.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 196px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191009421828146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdjNYSd455jLxU6TFsL3EuIwrUbnYrUVVt8__QWiDFO4tQpzK2TdCDPbAjFKacD3LuWxcQ7ZMvJHhyphenhyphenw3koxkuv0EKGxRz7Hul7CFTxLr4z9cI_5uH-GjbDDXsFQojm8V23Fpv55rhVB8/s200/Norway+Bridge+2.bmp" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEhMOgCAQ-bLM9P_U-Tcl2rqr6G3hK73mHskh8ud1Z6EsQvlqAzZooJ880sVsJ82nwwNpXR-jxonMWEIN1W_HIVzvMMLJrT4wv62K9eXuKMzfWTHCWpvIMNyipa9jaafLgkFgryt1iqA/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge+1.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191002736721762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEhMOgCAQ-bLM9P_U-Tcl2rqr6G3hK73mHskh8ud1Z6EsQvlqAzZooJ880sVsJ82nwwNpXR-jxonMWEIN1W_HIVzvMMLJrT4wv62K9eXuKMzfWTHCWpvIMNyipa9jaafLgkFgryt1iqA/s200/Norway+Bridge+1.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapR6fieYJbhs3BtzKA2t0x8W1U_0EV7X0RW36o4uigFt8-vTvbxmMuCo62scg0D-Brk3VwSBpl3_xoYFcYQ5YDi8ggGPxRoXXG2KzT2MIr4Na7nuONmav3UlhZqN80oA3S43EZQuFL3U/s1600-h/Norway+Bridge.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 164px; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442191000095256786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapR6fieYJbhs3BtzKA2t0x8W1U_0EV7X0RW36o4uigFt8-vTvbxmMuCo62scg0D-Brk3VwSBpl3_xoYFcYQ5YDi8ggGPxRoXXG2KzT2MIr4Na7nuONmav3UlhZqN80oA3S43EZQuFL3U/s200/Norway+Bridge.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><strong>7th January - 9th March 1974</strong><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong>Exercise Clockwork South</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Norway</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>7th - 9th January</strong></div><div>Packing personal kit and troop equipment.</div><br /><div><strong>9th January</strong></div><div>09.15hrs - Troop leave Condor Base, for Rosyth Docks.</div><div>11.00hrs - Board RFA Sir Geraint.</div><div>Drivers find a bed and stow personal gear, then report to the hold, to chain down the vehicles.</div><br /><div><strong>10th January</strong></div><div>13.00hrs - Sir Geraint sailed into stormy seas, 20 foot waves lashed the ship.</div><div>The ship cork-screwed, pitched heavily up and down, rolled from side to side and "dropped" suddenly into the wave troughs, coming to a sudden halt, as though hitting a concrete wall, before climbing back up.</div><div>Men and personal equipment was being thrown around, it was difficult to stand, yet alone walk.</div><div>The troop and the Marines were becoming Sea-sick, wondering how long this was going to last.</div><div>Within 30 minutes of sailing, the Captain came on the Tannoy, warning everyone to hold tight to something, he was turning the ship around. Turning the ship broadside onto the waves, threw the ship almost fully onto its Port side, making the beds become the floor, then the ship righted itself. Returning to dock was a lot smoother, but still the cork-screwing effect was felt.</div><div>15.00hrs, the ship docked at Rosyth.</div><div>The bow door had become buckled and the hold was flooding, hence the drastic turn around.</div><br /><div><strong>11th January</strong></div><div>Troop boarded Coaches, back to Arbroath.</div><br /><div><strong>13th January</strong></div><div>Return to Rosyth, help un-load our vehicles from Sir Geraint and load them onto Sir Percival.</div><br /><div><strong>14th January</strong></div><div>06.30hrs, Sir Percival set sail, into a calmer sea.</div><br /><div><strong>16th January</strong></div><div>Sailing along the Norwegian Coast, splendid views.</div><br /><div><strong>17th January</strong></div><div>11.00hrs<strong> - </strong>Docked at Narvik - half of the Marines went ashore.</div><br /><div><strong>18th January</strong></div><div>10.00hrs - Docked at Mosjoen, amidst severe Snow Blizzard, visibility down to 3 feet.</div><div>Troop drove to Drevja, arriving at 15.00hrs.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPqRxv6QDHyOequEd4Q7MUzI7VW2TtL3h4UBgX8Pfil_zAIuyV9zsktZgU0iUx5u5wdBFxiagO3vHcm6kQe1itSM6aXwEq5sXmrGUIzPdax2gdbQmIlP2jwEHaGhPQ2_-sFuKswoVfP0/s1600-h/Big+Jack,Alan+Douthwaite,+Brian+Ryder+%2B+2+others+Norway+73.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 197px; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424735405073054210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPqRxv6QDHyOequEd4Q7MUzI7VW2TtL3h4UBgX8Pfil_zAIuyV9zsktZgU0iUx5u5wdBFxiagO3vHcm6kQe1itSM6aXwEq5sXmrGUIzPdax2gdbQmIlP2jwEHaGhPQ2_-sFuKswoVfP0/s200/Big+Jack,Alan+Douthwaite,+Brian+Ryder+%2B+2+others+Norway+73.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmwdxq3vq0WLuu7kz5vWVJdZyjVkht3N4nFiooEuon7c1gzYt0YoTch3TCw0Zpmkb3jUjNhNq8LOPS1UxNaGOOcHPlUuz0o_KJscqXbXp7VD8UJQmQGwC2tpecjbv-M2mIaylz6t_jI0/s1600-h/Brian+Ryder+%26+Chris+Moore+Norway+73.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 228px; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424735410019676226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmwdxq3vq0WLuu7kz5vWVJdZyjVkht3N4nFiooEuon7c1gzYt0YoTch3TCw0Zpmkb3jUjNhNq8LOPS1UxNaGOOcHPlUuz0o_KJscqXbXp7VD8UJQmQGwC2tpecjbv-M2mIaylz6t_jI0/s200/Brian+Ryder+%26+Chris+Moore+Norway+73.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy_XVPAS0Bzb_JcpybzvuKMru5rbt93jibkDLnAgNiESAHxjzc2RRFiIZaJaPWiGudoPkwhrGw24kdp1tXLrxsfoJgS_-p240vPx5rDYmevvF3k2rzpoKp1kPFTmYKgoRwom3pPzlITQ/s1600-h/Norway9.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 231px; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424868150810839282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy_XVPAS0Bzb_JcpybzvuKMru5rbt93jibkDLnAgNiESAHxjzc2RRFiIZaJaPWiGudoPkwhrGw24kdp1tXLrxsfoJgS_-p240vPx5rDYmevvF3k2rzpoKp1kPFTmYKgoRwom3pPzlITQ/s200/Norway9.bmp" /></a></div><div>Troop Fitter drove Troop Officer to Bjerka, to view the Ski Course, stopping overnight at a Norwegian Camp.</div><div>Returned to Drevja next morning.</div><br /><div><strong>20th January</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter, Sgt Gray, Paddy Bingham and Hamish, moved to Bjerka, with 3 tonner full of Diesel Gerry cans and Bottles of Battery fluid, plus a motorised Ski sledge.</div><div>Siteing the Generator and laying out the Ski Course cables.</div><br /><div><strong>21st January</strong></div><div>Connecting all Ski Course Lighting cables and hanging in the trees and bushes.</div><div>Run Generator for 5 hours, to top up the new batteries.</div><br /><div><strong>22nd January</strong></div><div>Erecting Poles in the open ground areas, to support the Lighting cables.</div><div>Connect Lighting Cables to the Switchboard, to test lighting.</div><div>When satisfied, clean connections, grease and wrap in Protectives.</div><div>Repair Paddy Binghams Motor Ski - used to flatten the ski course, borrowed Paddy's ski's, spent afternoon skiing round the course.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qQFF75t2GxLfHUI8CQraREGyeiL46Pu0inU8jr1tq9f07pVI-uxS1Y6BSKCILXbUEqclU3CyEIz7Wf1mU6aYl1pAJleqF9RsDvP1SOaanEV_9X1P1D2Fy2KjXMIRfr_1vUD1UwP-eMI/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+-+Norway.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 259px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424867635221991602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qQFF75t2GxLfHUI8CQraREGyeiL46Pu0inU8jr1tq9f07pVI-uxS1Y6BSKCILXbUEqclU3CyEIz7Wf1mU6aYl1pAJleqF9RsDvP1SOaanEV_9X1P1D2Fy2KjXMIRfr_1vUD1UwP-eMI/s200/Condor+Troop+-+Norway.bmp" /></a></div><div><strong>28th January</strong></div><div>08.00hrs - All of us left Bjerka, driving 300 miles to Alvergardsmoen, to join the troop.</div><div>A half hour stop at Drevja for fuel, then continue via the dreaded Arctic Pass to catch a Ferry.</div><div>The Arctic Pass is 15 miles long, open to the elements, with a few tunnels to "hide" in.</div><div>The packed snow and ice, form a 4 inch deep wheel rut, running close to the mountain range on one side and inches from a 1000 feet drop on the other side, in some places, the drop is as much as 3000 feet.</div><div>We were slowed down by fresh snow falling, making a skid very real, thankfully the Wind/Snow deflectors on the side of the road do work, or we could have become stuck in one of the tunnels, through the Cliff overhang.</div><div>Pushing as hard as possible, we just made the Ferry, then race for the next Ferry, but just missed it,bed down for a few hours, before next Ferry arrives.</div><br /><div><strong>29th January</strong></div><div>07.30hrs - caught Ferry and continued for Alvergardsmoen, ran out of Petrol, just 2 miles from the Base. Sgt Gray walked into the base and fuel sent out.</div><br /><div><strong>Exercise Clockwork North</strong></div><div></div><div><strong>31st January</strong></div><div>Troop moved to Skjol, 100 miles North, where we erected out 10 man Tent Camp.</div><br /><div><strong>1st February</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter and 4 lads set up the generator, to supply lighting for the tents and power for the troop tools.</div><div>Troop Officer looking at our Construction Site, whilst lads are clearing working areas, out of the snow, which is over 10 feet deep.</div><div>Troop task is to build a Wooden Bridge across a small river, as part of the National Skiing Course.</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>4th - 17th February</strong><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw2AP5lviwFO1QZYw7lDT8h-rEzZFh_6Sii-WYmpAF4_gqOa62Tmu2taTbgtS9Z39MiRO7dgeziAP-QYOnvPweeDRmBEd38BVdFib2m3w_RZrtULz9dd4xpJbMo7DX0Xa30X6Vr8QldA/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+3.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 277px; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424867654015372498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyw2AP5lviwFO1QZYw7lDT8h-rEzZFh_6Sii-WYmpAF4_gqOa62Tmu2taTbgtS9Z39MiRO7dgeziAP-QYOnvPweeDRmBEd38BVdFib2m3w_RZrtULz9dd4xpJbMo7DX0Xa30X6Vr8QldA/s200/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+3.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKqrF5x4470zhPvquH8zF3ySco-1ArBRJnWa-u5ebA0gQrGvrlZADffHzEazp0nGQxE83l3M3-F5ggeEMeZiaRddiJggMTGR9xra5WJXp1XqR7Na1X118hsDNOy1tseSpna8BoZU88Wc/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+1.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 263px; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424867649409124546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKqrF5x4470zhPvquH8zF3ySco-1ArBRJnWa-u5ebA0gQrGvrlZADffHzEazp0nGQxE83l3M3-F5ggeEMeZiaRddiJggMTGR9xra5WJXp1XqR7Na1X118hsDNOy1tseSpna8BoZU88Wc/s200/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+1.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwYpQNiMrM0Gpfe_dZYntyRuGs2DfwwPOUdKolIMIVKoi0Ex3cgWituwuVDC1Ab9i0Ox8lVS8Twqd-OzBqi-oY3IYSq_3SZMTFnia5NNI1SlFtj-n3UYTcjN7nK0UiIvNSCKkVNkGFA/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424867640481478642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQwYpQNiMrM0Gpfe_dZYntyRuGs2DfwwPOUdKolIMIVKoi0Ex3cgWituwuVDC1Ab9i0Ox8lVS8Twqd-OzBqi-oY3IYSq_3SZMTFnia5NNI1SlFtj-n3UYTcjN7nK0UiIvNSCKkVNkGFA/s200/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdrD1DOZBqWGyE26m6VQ6nJUVXvdbNSRDFriiN1aV1K9cLvJDRxnn2JBIoKd-J-INxn1lgP_WV_pxdVbxeO9go45J0zxhIEuQqJCzsRbjBxmWhbS7eXEoBQB2UA2BYPHYxHuAD_OoeTQ/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+2.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 229px; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424867647437931810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdrD1DOZBqWGyE26m6VQ6nJUVXvdbNSRDFriiN1aV1K9cLvJDRxnn2JBIoKd-J-INxn1lgP_WV_pxdVbxeO9go45J0zxhIEuQqJCzsRbjBxmWhbS7eXEoBQB2UA2BYPHYxHuAD_OoeTQ/s200/Condor+Troop+-+Norway+Bridge+2.bmp" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt2pABWpFXj-qGDeMfGuVOl56PaVyZzSnkMxDK5JPCDQ7b7M_dHr1QoKyICUIESP-d-w0nulha2yRW0jRm3Vo52CKTZKw9_OP2nIadE8zmsjC9lEtoZ4CXWZOj8YQEpoZy0r9-f4Lqb8/s1600-h/Alvargardsmoen+Bridge+!.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 295px; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424735397452286802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt2pABWpFXj-qGDeMfGuVOl56PaVyZzSnkMxDK5JPCDQ7b7M_dHr1QoKyICUIESP-d-w0nulha2yRW0jRm3Vo52CKTZKw9_OP2nIadE8zmsjC9lEtoZ4CXWZOj8YQEpoZy0r9-f4Lqb8/s200/Alvargardsmoen+Bridge+!.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsyBrijMNQXV-Sa9iaJR-Ry7KIEGmF9Z8Uc4lX9_pwCbaFgubHFMX40ZzbLXKxR9Rx5i4NDXg6AKogu1WgT3kqjFqaQAtfsOUAhs7SBnD2WqBweBTpSCGwMgT9PyXVLWFCBh_znNnPxI/s1600-h/Alvargardsmoen+Bridge.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424735394303611778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsyBrijMNQXV-Sa9iaJR-Ry7KIEGmF9Z8Uc4lX9_pwCbaFgubHFMX40ZzbLXKxR9Rx5i4NDXg6AKogu1WgT3kqjFqaQAtfsOUAhs7SBnD2WqBweBTpSCGwMgT9PyXVLWFCBh_znNnPxI/s200/Alvargardsmoen+Bridge.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-BWy9LwOCFHGcZ6RKw6x4hd9Uz4khHA_SmlJaF9M__lOMwMG6YTLc0r2VDq7vif8Q3NSqtnJBwmarJPTz3LCJIuVrPM9VupBrpO31jxSFEnVglfHfoQSbuWKHJ6_JuUYwitK8gPnV9g/s1600-h/Norway+bridge.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 290px; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424878512153499698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-BWy9LwOCFHGcZ6RKw6x4hd9Uz4khHA_SmlJaF9M__lOMwMG6YTLc0r2VDq7vif8Q3NSqtnJBwmarJPTz3LCJIuVrPM9VupBrpO31jxSFEnVglfHfoQSbuWKHJ6_JuUYwitK8gPnV9g/s200/Norway+bridge.bmp" /></a><br /><div>Utilising the surrounding Forest, cut down trees and build a bridge, using ropes to bind the bridge sections. Only the handrails will be nailed together, for safety when crossing.</div><div>The troop only has a limited period to complete this bridge, as the National Langluff Race is starting.</div><div>The bridge was finished just in time, no sooner was snow put on the bridge, than the first skiers passed over it.</div><br /><div><strong>19th February</strong></div><div>Troop move back to Alvergardsmoen.</div><br /><div><strong>4th March</strong></div><div>Board Sir Lancelot and chain down the vehicles.</div><br /><div><strong>5th March</strong></div><div>17.00hrs, ship sailed for Rosyth.</div><br /><div><strong>7th March</strong></div><div>Ship hove-to from 23.00hrs to 09.30hrs - trapped by a Force 14 Storm, very un-comfortable.</div><br /><div><strong>9th March</strong></div><div>Docked at Rosyth.</div><div>Arrive Condor Base at 14.00hrs.</div><br /><div><strong>Original Troop Left - from the 38 who started:</strong></div><div>Jack Audsley....Geoff Belsey....Paddy Bingham....Peter Davey....Ray Elliott....Blue Fenwick....Jock Gray....Harry Green....Ron Gould....Hamish Hamilton....Piggy Moore....Joe Noble....George Stainton.<br /></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-1237902528477977722009-01-03T06:11:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:02:59.467-08:00<strong>26th April - 11th May 1974</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Lydd Training Camp</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>26th April</strong><br />07.30hrs - Leave Arbroath in Convoy, convoy split-up on the M90.<br />18.30hrs - Arrive Swynerton camp for night stop.<br /><br /><strong>27th April</strong><br />08.30hrs - Leave Swynerton Camp.<br />17.00hrs - Arrive Lydd Training Camp -609 mile journey.<br />As we drive into the Camp, we are greeted by the 'local' children, with a hail of stones, just to get us into the training "spirit".<br /><br />Lydd is an old WW2 Camp, huts sleep 7 to a room.<br />The Camp accommodation sits in a square, with a road leading to a village, we would soon 'hate' this village.<br /><br /><strong>28th April - Hythe Ranges - Village.</strong><br />We first "zero" our rifles on an open range, during the morning.<br />Then we move to the "Killing Village".<br />A new experience, this was fully electrical operated, targets appear or turn at a push of a button, cameras watched every inch of the range. Music, Riot sounds, car horns blowing, bullets ricocheting even explosions can be piped round the range.<br />Observation was paramount, when targets turn or appear, they are either "friendly" or "enemy".<br />From now on, we use "live" rounds, so safety in carrying and using our weapons must be disciplined into us.<br /><br />The whole Commando Group, was given a "Penetration" and "Sound & Distance" Demonstration.<br />Split into sections, we advanced through the village, where we came under firte from "live" rounds, it was so realistic, it felt as though we really were being shot at.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Sight & Sounds</strong><br />After each shot was fired, the Tannoy announced what type of weapon was used, the distance the shot was fired from and the angle the shot came in from.<br />The frightening part, was the bullet passed within 2 feet of our heads, fired on a set projectory, whilst we walked on a set course.<br />Only "live" bullets are fired in this village and we are the 'Targets'.<br />It was our job to learn the sounds of different weapons, the "hissing" sound tells what direction and how close the bullet and the "ricochet" tells the distance.<br /><br /><strong>Penetration</strong><br />Various types of weapons were fired at Single and Double brick walls, only our SLR Rifles could penetrate a double wall.<br />Despite having been to Ireland, this was just as real, impressively showing us the dangers and how to recognise the dangers.<br />Un-like the Marines, our work does not always bring us close to gunmen, when we hear bullets getting close, we stop work and take cover.<br />This village, with live shots coming within 2 feet of our heads and bullets bouncing off of walls, made our hair stand on end, even though we knew we were safe.<br />Listening to the lads that evening, it was as though we had all walked through an "ambush" un-scathed, with bullets everywhere.<br /><br /><strong>29th April - Lydd Fort</strong><br />Another frightening area.<br />Moved into the fort, set-up Parking and Stores areas, then off-load the 3 tonner.<br />Driving around the outside of the Fort, facing children and adults, throwing stones and petrol bombs; we had faced this already in Ireland.<br />Troop patrolled the Fort in shifts.<br /><br /><strong>30th April</strong><br />06.45hrs rise, quick breakfast and start work.<br />The troop is laying a concrete floor and converting a room into an Interogation room, which has a half-step floor.<br />All the time we are working, the rioting continued outside.<br />20.30hrs - finally left the Fort, amidst stones and petrol bombs.<br /><br /><strong>1st - 2nd May - Lydd Ranges</strong><br />Morning - 300 yard Range - up & down targets.<br />Afternoon - Firing from a moving Landrover, then firing at targets from Landrover travelling at 8mph.<br />Night - Firing at oblique targets using Starlight sights, this was made difficult, due to very little moonlight available.<br />Then we used Zulu Night Sights, which turn night into day.<br />Troop finally got to bed at 00.30hrs, with rifle strapped to our wrists, for we were in a "live" situation.<br /><br /><strong>3rd - 4th May - Hythe Ranges - Village</strong><br />The Village is like 'Coronation Street' film set, a true village, but where we have to parol in vehicles and on foot, not knowing what to expect.<br />All houses are fitted with targets, 'film shows', moving screens with people being shown. Doors that suddenly swing open, bullets being fired, bombs going off, smoke bombs that go off as you pass, or worse, if you stand on one (leg blown off - casualty). Cars that drive past, or "charge" at you. Rioting crowds that throw stones (bloody hard) or petrol bombs.<br /><br /><strong>07.30hrs</strong><br />Arrive at the village, with our weapons converted to .22 calibre, for close quarter fighting.<br />We are briefed quickly - "Terrorists are due soon, be alert".<br />The troop is split into Sections, to do foot patrols through the village.<br />Doors suddenly swing open, we are trigger happy and open fire, the Tannoy informs us "You have killed a mother and daughter".<br />We continue our patrol, when suddenly three men fully armed jump out and start shooting, we return fire whilst taking cover, the three men fall. The Tannoy announces "Two Terrorists dead, one seriously wounded, two of you seriously wounded". Those hit, knew they had been hit, the bullets "sting" when they hit, even leave grazes or cuts.<br />The Patrol "carry" the two injured and continue the patrol.<br />Rounding a corner "OUCH", we walk straight into a 'wall' of thrown bricks and stones.<br />We rapidly retreat, don our Gas Masks and arrange our Riot Shields, we re-deploy to cover each other and drive the crowd back, using CS Gas.<br />The Riot Shields can withstand Petrol bombs, if linked together and firmly held to the ground, they give good reasonable cover.<br /><br />The Troop then splits into groups of Four, competing for the most "Kills", no riot crowds.<br /><br />The same the next day, only we had hatched a plan.<br />On the final Night Patrols, we would ignore the Tannoy and continue our Patrols, to "hunt" each others teams, it would be a "Kill or be killed" battle.<br />As expected, we came across a situation and the Tannoy stated "Retreat", we knew we were close to another group and continued. The other groups did likewise.<br />The Controllers soon realised what we were doing, lowered the volume to the Tannoys, talking directly to each group, without the others hearing. A Cat & Mouse game had started.<br />The Controllers could see the full picture and "steered" each group about, getting fleeting glimpses of each other - snap shots fired only.<br />Our Bullet-proof vests counted the hits, but our arms and legs felt the "stings".<br />For 30 minutes, the controllers "played" with us, giving us fleeting snapshots at each other.<br />Now they brought us all together in the centre square, where we expended all of our ammo.<br />It was a fabulous Final to the last night, everyone of us had bruises, grazes and cuts to arms, legs and even face cheeks. We slept soundly that night.<br /><br /><strong>5th May</strong><br />08.30hrs - Moved to St. Martins Bay.<br />We were held at the "mounting" area, as the Ranges were not ready for us. We spent the whole day just waiting.<br />During the early evening, we were briefed for the Exercise:<br />"Your task is to patrol in vehicles, behind enemy lines and attack an enemy camp, a hit & run operation".<br />Each Landrover would have four Riflemen, two of these would have Night sights fitted.<br />"The Eight Landrovers would surround the enemy camp and light it up with their headlights, those without sights would shoot at what they could see, those with Night sights, would shoot hidden objects".<br /><br />We then moved into position, with 4 Landrovers facing diagonally opposite the other 4 Landrovers, giving a good 'cross-fire' position.<br />We moved forwards slowly, killing everything in sight and "sweeping" through the enemy camp.<br />Back to our "hold" position, then onto the main Range.<br />Here were 6 'Heavy' weapons set up, all fitted with top quality night sights; each of us took turns in firing them, over a 100 yard range.<br />Back to Base for 01.00hrs, clean and hand-in our weapons.<br /><br /><strong>6th May</strong><br />06.30hrs rise.<br />On stand-by for move to the Ranges, waited all day, no range available.<br />20.30hrs - move back to Lydd Camp.<br /><br /><strong>7th - 8th May</strong><br />Troop continue to lay concrete, to improve the village.<br /><br /><strong>9th May</strong><br />Troop given day off, visit local village.<br /><br /><strong>10th May</strong><br />09.30hrs - Leave for Arbroath: Drivers by road, rest of troop by train.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong></strong>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-48487678211990048082009-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:002010-10-20T05:48:53.141-07:00<strong>1st July - 10th November 1974</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Castle Dillon</strong><br /><strong>N. Ireland</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>1st July</strong><br />Travel from Arbroath, to Glasgow Docks, under Captain Colin Peebles command.<br />Board civilian ferry early evening, wait for the other ferries to be filled with Marines.<br />Ferries sailed out in convoy.<br /><br /><strong>2nd July</strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Arrived at Belfast Docks, once the whole Commando gathered, we formed a very large Convoy, leaving no gaps for others to join.</div><div>Only when the Convoy did a 'U' turn over a bridge, onto Broomlie Road, could the one & half mile convoy, really be appreciated. The Convoy was flanked by Military Police and the RUC.</div><div>Shortly after arriving at Castle Dillon, we heard that 3 Field Squadron had been involved in searching a derelict house, when a bomb exploded - killing one, seriously wounding another.</div><br /><div>The Reception in Camp was 'cool', moral had been lowered and tempers were short.</div><div>Our troop is billited in Static Caravans - 17 to a caravan, parked alongside the main accommodation block.</div><div>The lads will tend to stop on the Work site throughout the week, so only three beds will be permanently used - Troop Fitter, Troop Plant Fitter and Troop Cook.</div><br /><div><strong>3rd July</strong></div><div>The troop is "ear marked" for various tasks: Bomb Fence building, Reinforcing Police Stations, Schools and Hospitals, plus permanent Road Blocks, where cars have to weave through.</div><br /><div>Troop working from 04.00hrs through to 16.00hrs, depending on the type of work.</div><br /><div>Troop Fitter and Plant Fitter in workshops - 07.30hrs through to 18.00hrs, though Troop Fitter will revert to night work, depending on troop vehicle repairs.</div><br /><div><strong>End of July</strong></div><br /><div>The troop has been involved in work specifically around the North and South Borders.</div><br /><div>Our troop will work in conditions, that 3 Field Squadron will avoid, such as "Snipers Alley", our troop has a great deal of faith in our Gaurdians - 45 Cdo RM, who cannot be seen, yet, are watching us and around us very carefully.</div><br /><div>It seems daft and very cruel, to put Specialist troops in with normal troops, 3 Field Squadron tend to pick fights with our troop and in true Commando spirit, we fight back with 'no holds barred', short & sharp treatment is handed out by our lads.</div><br /><div>Two new Caravans have arrived, as the Main Block, has become cramped.</div><br /><div>Behind the camp is a Lake, too cold for swimming, ideal for boating; the far side of the Lake actually reaches the Border, where shots are fired from.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71H5X4DAfOZ7IXRoWe_gNFOI0MwlwHEfcz7OrZ0H6O2DyWane8rXm03KvHiizV6MG5qX-Un2mXSmzvGBrzCQ3levFaXMC3v3GQhCHIaL7cO_XnsBw_J4p8-4bRJ_2cc5YFpWP5fq6KDc/s1600-h/C.+Dillon+Lake.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424796960127962130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71H5X4DAfOZ7IXRoWe_gNFOI0MwlwHEfcz7OrZ0H6O2DyWane8rXm03KvHiizV6MG5qX-Un2mXSmzvGBrzCQ3levFaXMC3v3GQhCHIaL7cO_XnsBw_J4p8-4bRJ_2cc5YFpWP5fq6KDc/s200/C.+Dillon+Lake.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6atxnhPL8ZQupA35RAb95Wi1wSM19BpAMiWsVgfwic3dy-vZgp4Hmqk1pREogKlEY2oAb7hHKP5z8TMurCoCbOpNBMc1lM5ycsp5WVfQQsSL2AxBgvlsBbabawU0B8lGosOKeTZg9lGc/s1600-h/R&R+C.+Dillon.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 133px; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424802894612575506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6atxnhPL8ZQupA35RAb95Wi1wSM19BpAMiWsVgfwic3dy-vZgp4Hmqk1pREogKlEY2oAb7hHKP5z8TMurCoCbOpNBMc1lM5ycsp5WVfQQsSL2AxBgvlsBbabawU0B8lGosOKeTZg9lGc/s200/R&R+C.+Dillon.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAALzEDvMWYZBMcuR7p5f0VIFBlIvu9xmLNmXr42bbkJ74v59bne3H0iHpwOGt3Mxa9uRoUN4OaV2fstK3pPcpb0EQEEvaYWyv7c3sVPCMjYCi_Y3GtwERCTdfHnPIyRgiDUVQmJobYc/s1600-h/R&R+Dinghy+74.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 138px; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424802899708475058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAALzEDvMWYZBMcuR7p5f0VIFBlIvu9xmLNmXr42bbkJ74v59bne3H0iHpwOGt3Mxa9uRoUN4OaV2fstK3pPcpb0EQEEvaYWyv7c3sVPCMjYCi_Y3GtwERCTdfHnPIyRgiDUVQmJobYc/s200/R&R+Dinghy+74.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><div>During July, the Tower of London and Heathrow Airport were bombed by the IRA.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>5th August</strong></div><div>Troop working in Newton-Hamilton, putting up a 16 foot high bomb fence round the school.</div><br /><div><strong>6th August</strong></div><div>Troop Fitter on regular Escort duties with 3 Field Squadron, driving Saracens, Ferrets or Landrovers. Everything coming into or out of the area, has to be escorted by Landrovers, Ferrets or Saracens, sprouting heavy machine guns and lots of SLR's.</div><div>If it is a large Convoy, it will be further covered by Helicopter gun-ships, flying overhead.<br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>7th August</strong></div><div>Troop carrying out Bridge demolitions on the border.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXuEm-eHTBvvnfr8MWj34kGuOaGsMZmLm9wxpzESduyBBOo_y_xuHy0oH4J3dTxi3O1-MiE65at1V5PSLYeA6sz1OxieyNWkRV54zwqgnX93A76jc9V6d3qOp8W5Xv3_t1YwpDOs14UQ/s1600-h/Bridge.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424795194405264018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXuEm-eHTBvvnfr8MWj34kGuOaGsMZmLm9wxpzESduyBBOo_y_xuHy0oH4J3dTxi3O1-MiE65at1V5PSLYeA6sz1OxieyNWkRV54zwqgnX93A76jc9V6d3qOp8W5Xv3_t1YwpDOs14UQ/s200/Bridge.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oqQAe10Uj7aTZHq8yuiJNTX-oSyf_8CuLPmmdLPl5IdzPknz7BjRi7XYC9zVLoafXyjlz-tb9w8zOPv1sWzIGbIcZSwg5HmlPrqcnkWL4dG_bDMnGaPX4tEUeK9oNrStUTRphd8lq4s/s1600-h/img043.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 287px; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424795201801925682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oqQAe10Uj7aTZHq8yuiJNTX-oSyf_8CuLPmmdLPl5IdzPknz7BjRi7XYC9zVLoafXyjlz-tb9w8zOPv1sWzIGbIcZSwg5HmlPrqcnkWL4dG_bDMnGaPX4tEUeK9oNrStUTRphd8lq4s/s200/img043.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS7XYsSTy9Uze8pp8I72dwlg7L8keBTSzkVI6r53g_DBKU3njk40E_RZvdw-k5s3lNXR3yNFrSQtptHU2keLqhn-tDVuHVp04RQiVaRNSUDjcI1lBB-AhJicOtEPnZGcKa92GpnYhmtA/s1600-h/img044.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 301px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424795196456205858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS7XYsSTy9Uze8pp8I72dwlg7L8keBTSzkVI6r53g_DBKU3njk40E_RZvdw-k5s3lNXR3yNFrSQtptHU2keLqhn-tDVuHVp04RQiVaRNSUDjcI1lBB-AhJicOtEPnZGcKa92GpnYhmtA/s200/img044.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4DqKvPUIRl275Rj_tQ6qvGhEvCJ53iqZiwmkLgxHcRKi0hOXd3lbML-OzK-8260YsgIG4bCYC0Phee0y0YgswtNwoURIVcjstyahstiYdXjrH3wxznr5_iIbnsawzFMNiT7X3h89LY/s1600-h/img042.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 302px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424795206212160498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq4DqKvPUIRl275Rj_tQ6qvGhEvCJ53iqZiwmkLgxHcRKi0hOXd3lbML-OzK-8260YsgIG4bCYC0Phee0y0YgswtNwoURIVcjstyahstiYdXjrH3wxznr5_iIbnsawzFMNiT7X3h89LY/s200/img042.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19pD8T0-D1zlkuRnMQT3hTmxwsV4jYo8lC63RU5Rs8BdAXLPqt9TKMj5sP7Zn0aJ_MEFUjQpuki4ePR6nQ4SuaMazNAXKSN3DZd3-FjikNGXwmLaTzLqiOi3ecr3q071hhDtIdHa5n2I/s1600-h/Blowing+up+Rat+runs.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 321px; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799764567354674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19pD8T0-D1zlkuRnMQT3hTmxwsV4jYo8lC63RU5Rs8BdAXLPqt9TKMj5sP7Zn0aJ_MEFUjQpuki4ePR6nQ4SuaMazNAXKSN3DZd3-FjikNGXwmLaTzLqiOi3ecr3q071hhDtIdHa5n2I/s200/Blowing+up+Rat+runs.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BCNlbv0qfNGBTS7yiC_iC0zxUp23u-ZA6e7M8Y7qz-ft65i0yrEMLu7L0-WSXv2tvcLjNK2d76efRtTIyd-OJKydd5e1sMJeEGQj82s0yT6DnlA1QwGtORZpAHJpHWkmPzYNH4GIFI0/s1600-h/PHOT0031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 275px; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424820583217450738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BCNlbv0qfNGBTS7yiC_iC0zxUp23u-ZA6e7M8Y7qz-ft65i0yrEMLu7L0-WSXv2tvcLjNK2d76efRtTIyd-OJKydd5e1sMJeEGQj82s0yT6DnlA1QwGtORZpAHJpHWkmPzYNH4GIFI0/s200/PHOT0031.JPG" /></a></div><div>This involves blowing up the bridge, putting in Barriers on both sides (to deter re-building and finally, cratering the roadway leading up to the bridge.</div><div>The same is done to roads, where known 'Gun running' routes are, the roads are cratered, leaving large pot-holes, we call it "Stopping the Rat-runs".</div><br /><div><strong>14th August - Crossmaglen</strong></div><div>Troop helping to fortify the "out-post", which is constantly mortared day & night, everyone lives below ground.</div><br /><div>"Blue" Fenwick, Harry Green & Team, moving huts.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkqaoH4iVAPnDQX16ApCSzpJQn89INjpRxriG8NdBmDIKKGl6Dl_gLwFRVlo667W7OpCBOzjtHfTJlv56fMAkkrDfus3SrJgPJeUE1j3N8wdQfKEkL3lpZoCGgltASObhyphenhyphen3w4NY3eUdvh/s1600/img435.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 237px; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529780087561690098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkqaoH4iVAPnDQX16ApCSzpJQn89INjpRxriG8NdBmDIKKGl6Dl_gLwFRVlo667W7OpCBOzjtHfTJlv56fMAkkrDfus3SrJgPJeUE1j3N8wdQfKEkL3lpZoCGgltASObhyphenhyphen3w4NY3eUdvh/s200/img435.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ2v_7KRqFxN6MBUlClLOUg0ZhCH3MtoUjXxMqYOKJhnOCbb8KLGleEExPHsCXLyjpYJd77KMvLtbRmuaZc1BecMIOhr1a9B-ESPNR8JbaPsfcKQDB7C4oTgnGbboxm8pH_eZRCeG0K8F/s1600/img436.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 239px; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529780092550147442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ2v_7KRqFxN6MBUlClLOUg0ZhCH3MtoUjXxMqYOKJhnOCbb8KLGleEExPHsCXLyjpYJd77KMvLtbRmuaZc1BecMIOhr1a9B-ESPNR8JbaPsfcKQDB7C4oTgnGbboxm8pH_eZRCeG0K8F/s200/img436.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Concrete is mixed at Castle Dillon, put into large self-dumping buckets and flown suspended under a Puma Helicopter to Crossmaglen.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qzap9b3jg8AWl835KbEUs61zqzaB35DYVIGXtAEwXo6O8FRprSb7KRdbncwP4l21HkooCfQA3P2-M-eAjDsaYcVsdffVXH2lNRdaVTYlmMbSs5qt9IoecsXQORmrTl7yKIk8NIedwkY/s1600-h/Bad+hair+day+for+Noble.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 299px; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799751084136882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qzap9b3jg8AWl835KbEUs61zqzaB35DYVIGXtAEwXo6O8FRprSb7KRdbncwP4l21HkooCfQA3P2-M-eAjDsaYcVsdffVXH2lNRdaVTYlmMbSs5qt9IoecsXQORmrTl7yKIk8NIedwkY/s200/Bad+hair+day+for+Noble.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH_mZ7glMcmFsOpcUjL2Unch3naCwCdLJdABX1rEhGwGcsJzsX-2j7UOF1rsGJesty01YximP0owI_4QzTyMDfsNnmJ1Mexo8_UeiefCvrtznkKMGB1QAkUohM017bmDcAw_6Ucu5KEw/s1600-h/Alan+Douthwaite+%26+Pete+Davey.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 317px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799755125085602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH_mZ7glMcmFsOpcUjL2Unch3naCwCdLJdABX1rEhGwGcsJzsX-2j7UOF1rsGJesty01YximP0owI_4QzTyMDfsNnmJ1Mexo8_UeiefCvrtznkKMGB1QAkUohM017bmDcAw_6Ucu5KEw/s200/Alan+Douthwaite+%26+Pete+Davey.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76HePQVPCeTZcfThYuKMgNlJD9caldv-6BQg2dNcK8m3SPRsRod9nvXDaTz6RyHFdIOcne8WzP8HbHhy7Yvamx3_Qjy7m_sixqptWaIdU6HX_RCvHuN7AXg3ZU9umdu5eLArV828Dm3o/s1600-h/Alan+Douthwaite+at+Castle+Dillon.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 296px; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799755047424994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76HePQVPCeTZcfThYuKMgNlJD9caldv-6BQg2dNcK8m3SPRsRod9nvXDaTz6RyHFdIOcne8WzP8HbHhy7Yvamx3_Qjy7m_sixqptWaIdU6HX_RCvHuN7AXg3ZU9umdu5eLArV828Dm3o/s200/Alan+Douthwaite+at+Castle+Dillon.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA4A_JUVMNHETsuhTyh6d7Be5wetU8cvXhzWgrc_3un-7NIqDnCsItuaGgVxzkZGN2434QEvHebVJ2kMTOpNM_w2xYbekZkQEat2AFvXQClfn9Yp_512ZawjU3LZ1PBfHT_quBXM1SHw/s1600-h/Culvert+heli+ride.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 314px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424802891494925346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMA4A_JUVMNHETsuhTyh6d7Be5wetU8cvXhzWgrc_3un-7NIqDnCsItuaGgVxzkZGN2434QEvHebVJ2kMTOpNM_w2xYbekZkQEat2AFvXQClfn9Yp_512ZawjU3LZ1PBfHT_quBXM1SHw/s200/Culvert+heli+ride.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlbOV-8lrXYfmoVy21m3f3LYXPTP9BnefHlGWmDpcwDZn2VRMFnr63Q7B_v0KHQC90AogobrKNBZVQZcEAIDuz8GDXOcMRLw-TjjMJv1-L8En7bHb4pPiE3IPsSjwlPcnclnOvXQ5pPI/s1600-h/Puma+Loaded.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 296px; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424802901206396194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlbOV-8lrXYfmoVy21m3f3LYXPTP9BnefHlGWmDpcwDZn2VRMFnr63Q7B_v0KHQC90AogobrKNBZVQZcEAIDuz8GDXOcMRLw-TjjMJv1-L8En7bHb4pPiE3IPsSjwlPcnclnOvXQ5pPI/s200/Puma+Loaded.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NC95r7QmMGhUGH04ImqrXLOHTu1wLOF7UO_w3jLz9LJwRxkGPYBbUPlqOK7ZUqYwBpZhJbmLaYn1rt-rKduSy4eqvZRuFJKiAaHkhoUO29czVA4XoWXjDnyUKQK_SjaZOGqKRLNew1w/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+272.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 147px; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801056838379154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NC95r7QmMGhUGH04ImqrXLOHTu1wLOF7UO_w3jLz9LJwRxkGPYBbUPlqOK7ZUqYwBpZhJbmLaYn1rt-rKduSy4eqvZRuFJKiAaHkhoUO29czVA4XoWXjDnyUKQK_SjaZOGqKRLNew1w/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+272.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div>Troop helping to Patrol the Village, by foot and by vehicle. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljtYBfLiH1o5_KtkQh20agFGKJdbXR2WKXlNmS81Am4f0kUEERSH6FoBFoY8jkxGl80f0Ra3ugLDGqwK_pHvvdN03UZ5JVCi-YJUG2lnkK6fQ3q9DV6-bkQpApCGay1ixOpqddzbDTdA/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+270.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 256px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801050045611858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljtYBfLiH1o5_KtkQh20agFGKJdbXR2WKXlNmS81Am4f0kUEERSH6FoBFoY8jkxGl80f0Ra3ugLDGqwK_pHvvdN03UZ5JVCi-YJUG2lnkK6fQ3q9DV6-bkQpApCGay1ixOpqddzbDTdA/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+270.bmp" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYAn5_DmKEcIWuTyu09Yi0EeNzsa_UkT9SmCH4_q75pzddDvW9lV_zJekAGsW5LIktWy4L3falXwEbFlJ5wNRIx6fWhtUoz_LQKdQ7YuAQhMyi-ga39-wokndO7s3F8f7_KrpQaQqvOo/s1600-h/Xmaglen+-+Rasps+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 136px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424823177251666994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYAn5_DmKEcIWuTyu09Yi0EeNzsa_UkT9SmCH4_q75pzddDvW9lV_zJekAGsW5LIktWy4L3falXwEbFlJ5wNRIx6fWhtUoz_LQKdQ7YuAQhMyi-ga39-wokndO7s3F8f7_KrpQaQqvOo/s200/Xmaglen+-+Rasps+1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEakfSeOnm24lJ27Pwi1a8A_EBpshxtOEifL2frnYKdveih1pg73jH8qzAmEgY4IPHBvrIBlSNZHgovOTs39q1OlBzSR77knMXcZtnD9m39exo4O_oS2tNhWwK6fDxClxxq1Mw8ToXZc/s1600-h/Xmaglen+-+Rasps.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 142px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424823181258725506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEakfSeOnm24lJ27Pwi1a8A_EBpshxtOEifL2frnYKdveih1pg73jH8qzAmEgY4IPHBvrIBlSNZHgovOTs39q1OlBzSR77knMXcZtnD9m39exo4O_oS2tNhWwK6fDxClxxq1Mw8ToXZc/s200/Xmaglen+-+Rasps.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__44PULg9UvXNtikbs0ZqIuhtldG3cTiGpgIPAODTfzX776iYYpCTTnF43N0LtA3ip6fmMdCa3VcNzE3ayU7UxD72kW7Zj1OMj1k-12MAXI5SQXpvJfGfBGE0S7WxJbW6hcimXV67VG8/s1600-h/Xmaglen+-+John+monks.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 142px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424823188797030514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__44PULg9UvXNtikbs0ZqIuhtldG3cTiGpgIPAODTfzX776iYYpCTTnF43N0LtA3ip6fmMdCa3VcNzE3ayU7UxD72kW7Zj1OMj1k-12MAXI5SQXpvJfGfBGE0S7WxJbW6hcimXV67VG8/s200/Xmaglen+-+John+monks.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><strong>25th August</strong></div><div>Day off - Troop went to Port Rush by Coach, a booze-up trip.</div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW6-3L5aeB40XdGPKEZdcgtYMVlc5UNY4TO-3THgyNKO1RqLFd_fNaRB7e9vv53gjd_UvAIAmcipydxSx46YlGKPeKTa1nKiTsCuYQDuZsHuTHQVv15rtkYWTKo2E8vd0MimDdZAECqMR/s1600/Condor+Troop.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 455px; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481210022714674306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW6-3L5aeB40XdGPKEZdcgtYMVlc5UNY4TO-3THgyNKO1RqLFd_fNaRB7e9vv53gjd_UvAIAmcipydxSx46YlGKPeKTa1nKiTsCuYQDuZsHuTHQVv15rtkYWTKo2E8vd0MimDdZAECqMR/s200/Condor+Troop.jpg" /></a></div><div>Left to Right</div><div>Woolvern, Brian "Killer" Carter, John "Tree Surgeon" Moore-Bick, Hamish Hamilton, Bob "Bionic" Williams, Joe Noble, Paddy Bingham, Pete Davey, Kerbs Coulthard, John "Rasps" Monks, Bill Young, Ray "two sheds" Palmer. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ-Tihj91DxQa7WxtCpwQMXgMIFz_pyIBtsWHbPJsTXgGUAQfW2dZoij0fu8l4uZhvS3NYmVKCyiNJU2-xsss9mzTpeflIoCW6xiHMzb5rBZZ66OGiZG41CesmFoinjs6SiHdZMFLgoMx/s1600/Giants+Causeway+Group+Photo.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 429px; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530107565852486002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ-Tihj91DxQa7WxtCpwQMXgMIFz_pyIBtsWHbPJsTXgGUAQfW2dZoij0fu8l4uZhvS3NYmVKCyiNJU2-xsss9mzTpeflIoCW6xiHMzb5rBZZ66OGiZG41CesmFoinjs6SiHdZMFLgoMx/s200/Giants+Causeway+Group+Photo.bmp" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><strong>1st September</strong></div><div>Very heavy rain, workshop flooded out with up to 8 inches of water.</div><br /><div><strong>4th October</strong></div><div>3 Field Squadron, replaced by 9 Indep Para Sqn -Thankfully.</div><div>Our troop is far happier now, we know these lads.</div><br /><div><strong>16th October - Long Kesh</strong></div><div>04.00hrs - Troop put on Stand-by for quelling Riots in Long Kesh Prison, parts of the prison is on fire.</div><div>Troop shipping in supplies for Long Kesh, to replace that lost in the fire.</div><br /><div><strong>22nd October - Forkhill</strong></div><div>Bridge demolitions - 2 x Bridges.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYadbXuuvAKArkusxSysyTOjvt_iLl2Ugo4qagny4tEcskhvXZR_FSRiZG2kdimYjcT28V0PCdyocNL3qmE6UIgwe6P6gXQ_ePfIPqYf1PuHAxhRp3mlw_8EWp__sHvpzy0My3utwI7I/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+034.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 297px; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424800338493022466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYadbXuuvAKArkusxSysyTOjvt_iLl2Ugo4qagny4tEcskhvXZR_FSRiZG2kdimYjcT28V0PCdyocNL3qmE6UIgwe6P6gXQ_ePfIPqYf1PuHAxhRp3mlw_8EWp__sHvpzy0My3utwI7I/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+034.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal6TnpCLICo_Hwi4ekEAz1FH9Xc80sQGFAneV2c4TUIGUZZ29B2jtdWWXhuOPQEjxe43l5fUdbK1AZ4Tf724fk5ei9lHvCHVQBh0s9QWXMT21bSx0tDBaiUjP4hUpepzAlSD4DydMPFQ/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+266.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 294px; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424800344949653570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhal6TnpCLICo_Hwi4ekEAz1FH9Xc80sQGFAneV2c4TUIGUZZ29B2jtdWWXhuOPQEjxe43l5fUdbK1AZ4Tf724fk5ei9lHvCHVQBh0s9QWXMT21bSx0tDBaiUjP4hUpepzAlSD4DydMPFQ/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+266.bmp" /></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FaJnDtlGpYgb6gyN3oW9DVE54T0tV6_nbvFAp-_H4y9-zlre3zOOBI26YfkHa8eAL2IUlqe-UKvmW-DddahBbT9f2x02ZvmzAD7xYyFiq75Rm12dVXrdJ3J2fYliSWjuPOCCpSI7gHE/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+298.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 147px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801066207668978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FaJnDtlGpYgb6gyN3oW9DVE54T0tV6_nbvFAp-_H4y9-zlre3zOOBI26YfkHa8eAL2IUlqe-UKvmW-DddahBbT9f2x02ZvmzAD7xYyFiq75Rm12dVXrdJ3J2fYliSWjuPOCCpSI7gHE/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+298.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUt0Hjo_lCPn2CxN7XpNnii4yKeU1-JL43rnD26W4TM3ERifiYX2d6_N7Uz3B9oF3Z0LDYuufz4pyKMBhyzGF8QY4t5BWfz1grAqZ62Xyd36aVuor9sAD0js6BC9KB0T7vYzhrlYyuBzQ/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+269.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 275px; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801047760780818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUt0Hjo_lCPn2CxN7XpNnii4yKeU1-JL43rnD26W4TM3ERifiYX2d6_N7Uz3B9oF3Z0LDYuufz4pyKMBhyzGF8QY4t5BWfz1grAqZ62Xyd36aVuor9sAD0js6BC9KB0T7vYzhrlYyuBzQ/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+269.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NC95r7QmMGhUGH04ImqrXLOHTu1wLOF7UO_w3jLz9LJwRxkGPYBbUPlqOK7ZUqYwBpZhJbmLaYn1rt-rKduSy4eqvZRuFJKiAaHkhoUO29czVA4XoWXjDnyUKQK_SjaZOGqKRLNew1w/s1600-h/Condor+Troop+Reunions+272.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 131px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801056838379154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NC95r7QmMGhUGH04ImqrXLOHTu1wLOF7UO_w3jLz9LJwRxkGPYBbUPlqOK7ZUqYwBpZhJbmLaYn1rt-rKduSy4eqvZRuFJKiAaHkhoUO29czVA4XoWXjDnyUKQK_SjaZOGqKRLNew1w/s200/Condor+Troop+Reunions+272.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div>These bridges are semi-destroyed, to stop them being used; when the "troubles" are over, the bridges can be easily repaired.</div><div>Troop carried out Patrols around the Border area, one section was ambushed, but thankfully, no-one injured.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRDYIApQhoD9Pr1MUbjSk_sM1czfc-NCr0ZoRs8L1E7WZkniG7Yk2K_q0UzLezRmnNYcB2ETYjgRl-nBDNgG5vTkgnIW9V0Uz2ZWe_Kt2PjXdQ42OXaQyS0Vf-byz7JVBAbLHzHcsedk/s1600-h/Ambush.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 350px; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799759770601042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRDYIApQhoD9Pr1MUbjSk_sM1czfc-NCr0ZoRs8L1E7WZkniG7Yk2K_q0UzLezRmnNYcB2ETYjgRl-nBDNgG5vTkgnIW9V0Uz2ZWe_Kt2PjXdQ42OXaQyS0Vf-byz7JVBAbLHzHcsedk/s200/Ambush.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><strong>29th October</strong></div><div>Armour plating being removed from Troop vehicles.</div><br /><div><strong>2nd November</strong></div><div>Troop shopping trip to Lisburn.</div><br /><div><strong>3rd November</strong></div><div>Loading Armour and G1098 Stores onto vehicles.</div><br /><div><strong>5th November</strong></div><div>14.30hrs - Loading vehicles onto RFA Sir Belvidere.</div><div>19.15hrs - Watching Irish coast slipping past.</div><br /><div><strong>6th November</strong></div><div>04.30hrs - Docked in Rosyth.</div><div>15.00hrs - Arrive in Arbroath.</div><br /><div>Royal Marines were based in: Bessbrook, Belfast, Newry, Crossmaglen and Forkhill. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-70098287562493871492009-01-01T02:07:00.000-08:002010-03-11T13:03:51.158-08:00<strong>Condor Troop Outline 1975</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>April</strong><br />Troop Fitter left Condor Troop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>May - Weymouth Bridging Camp</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>1st October - 11th October </strong><br /><strong>Exercise Batten Bolt</strong><br /><strong>Norway</strong><br />Troop sailed from Newcastle to Oslo.<br /><br /><strong></strong>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-49342678007641625102008-06-10T03:10:00.000-07:002010-10-20T05:24:53.358-07:00Findhorn Bridge - Morayshire Sept/Oct 1976Morayshire Council required a Suspension footbridge, to be built over the fast flowing river Findhorn, only it had to be done in secret.<br />Condor Troop - Royal Engineer Commandos, were given the task. The troop was based in Arbroath, giving support to 45 Commando Group RM.<br /><br />Captain Colin Peebles was in control of this clandestine bridging operation, to be built in the Darnaway Forest, near Forres.<br />The bridge would be part of the World Orienteering Championships, competed by 120 top sportsmen & sports women.<br />Because of the nature of the sport, which is described as - Cross country running, whilst simultaneously reading a map, the area where the event was to take place, had to remain a secret, until the last possible moment.<br /><br />Captain Peebles had to plan, command and control the construction of a 44 metre suspension footbridge, required as a crossing point over the river Findhorn.<br />The bridge design was reasonably simple - Two steel wire cables were secured to specially designed rock anchors on both sides of the river and from these cables, a metre wide timber walkway was suspended, using mild steel hangars. Designed by HQ (RE) Scotland.<br /><br />The troop had never built such a bridge before, yet Sgt Carder with his section leaders - Cpl Jock McAleese and Cpl Paddy Rainey, led the troop into this 'supposed Training Exercise', with such enthusiasm, that the bridge was completed on time.<br />The far bank of the river, only had a small section of rock, that was not thick enough to support the Bridge.<br />So much for the 100 page document - selection of area, preparation and building.<br />The Bridge had to be re-designed in 2 days, then construction proceeded very quickly.<br /><br />The Organisers that "The bridge was undoubtedly a main attraction for competitors and VIP's alike, it made the Championship 'Unique' for all".<br />A visiting Dignatory was the Rt. Hon. Denis Howell MP - Minister for Sport, plus the Squadron OC & SSM.<br /><br />The BBC filmed the event and placed one of their cameras at the Bridge.<br />Condor Troop was later presented with a Framed Map of the Championship Course.<br />Appreciation has been stated to Condor Troop by 15 Nations out of the 19 Nations competing.<br /><br />The Sponsors of the Bridge was - William Younger, who supplied Condor Troop with 10 Barrels of Beer - in secrecy of course! A fantastic & challenging Bridge, with a Grrreeeeat finish!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb_M1jsFmZshy2rivGJt90O_wu6IbqNFPaMynfHoh2axd5NoB_KBD1AhkBGxPTDuo-4hqlS83pj-DqrmF83dXwgg8Ba-ssTOw-W_iHjK3godVZ28yeO1qvgFi3FurXAU_eM855MeyiiGa/s1600/img722.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 265px; HEIGHT: 352px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481086278118195394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb_M1jsFmZshy2rivGJt90O_wu6IbqNFPaMynfHoh2axd5NoB_KBD1AhkBGxPTDuo-4hqlS83pj-DqrmF83dXwgg8Ba-ssTOw-W_iHjK3godVZ28yeO1qvgFi3FurXAU_eM855MeyiiGa/s200/img722.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88k8S2AaQoatMsS4LRYXgfsspT3nK0SwM7Ui8Jhft7iPNwSlGyAD5ccai7DpxJtAD4_sVNYmEDy0pplS7-5cNPcg6c4n60xcWF39o8lHZ1LpMsPwjo3nCLqHB7icL6jzwowJhtoPcHGee/s1600/img720.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 263px; HEIGHT: 358px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481086273230925330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88k8S2AaQoatMsS4LRYXgfsspT3nK0SwM7Ui8Jhft7iPNwSlGyAD5ccai7DpxJtAD4_sVNYmEDy0pplS7-5cNPcg6c4n60xcWF39o8lHZ1LpMsPwjo3nCLqHB7icL6jzwowJhtoPcHGee/s200/img720.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDBx8buSwtVXPBZEASYracRoWzxXsfH3KMeS2692lNqWr6F5cBLrNtvmEOsPrSRwSklTCftjorSPCpPUTxmUdz3pIGT8o7WRFXX6U2Ms42oVTjNDBEjvc_L2PeO0xymQ4T2lItokTmkK2/s1600/img714.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 342px; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481085835142255138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDBx8buSwtVXPBZEASYracRoWzxXsfH3KMeS2692lNqWr6F5cBLrNtvmEOsPrSRwSklTCftjorSPCpPUTxmUdz3pIGT8o7WRFXX6U2Ms42oVTjNDBEjvc_L2PeO0xymQ4T2lItokTmkK2/s200/img714.jpg" /></a><br />Captain Colin Peebles and the RT. Hon. Denis Howell MP<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z0YFOwbqkn-2Wy5FgBTRYR22__F1fuPNPQUMxM8fvvOUSJttgo1-VpNR65J3SZfV8D2Y-NyOf7JTKLCtXUInh7Q9KOTjfqQ-7Tgvk2lknLT5AERRgfMc6-dQCFafeuZuXsdq-QcwmrZc/s1600/img713.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 341px; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481085830374719330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z0YFOwbqkn-2Wy5FgBTRYR22__F1fuPNPQUMxM8fvvOUSJttgo1-VpNR65J3SZfV8D2Y-NyOf7JTKLCtXUInh7Q9KOTjfqQ-7Tgvk2lknLT5AERRgfMc6-dQCFafeuZuXsdq-QcwmrZc/s200/img713.jpg" /></a><br /><div>From the left:</div><div>???, Capt. Peebles, Cpl John Macleish, ???,, Sgt Peter Carder, Taff Morgan sitting in front of the sign.</div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-48265080966436367902008-01-12T02:15:00.000-08:002011-04-03T12:52:58.080-07:00<strong>Condor Troop Outline 1976 - 79</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>18th January - 18th March 1976</strong> <strong>Norway</strong> Troop based at Skjold. Tasked with building a Single-Single Bailley Bridge. <strong></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbeZGgSkKgdbzLzzGSnnev098YaHO3jmMtNcbcL-HBf3MiQA2Xz34M6jprZQiy-mr2A1ZqJ5HuNPm8fZ57fvOkT_2NYL3PKRp2gxpC5gBlE-XrVZ5JHpXyhtk_Qdis7wQpXQTuaeRxqlr/s1600-h/Taff+Stubbington.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 291px; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425062564188700866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbeZGgSkKgdbzLzzGSnnev098YaHO3jmMtNcbcL-HBf3MiQA2Xz34M6jprZQiy-mr2A1ZqJ5HuNPm8fZ57fvOkT_2NYL3PKRp2gxpC5gBlE-XrVZ5JHpXyhtk_Qdis7wQpXQTuaeRxqlr/s200/Taff+Stubbington.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzbm0tQS5d0VMA5otshnuTU5gjqyFRVph8uz5ls-BUHGqDwYQPPev5S4JPDznahshzHMXOO5KfhZ6m65Pe7Yh2HOb1f-HwnwGwg0K6HilQz2STaDElMIZKeVAO6PxfA1-he-TfX1Yde8G/s1600-h/Taff+Stubbington-+hungry.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 249px; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425062573380063490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzbm0tQS5d0VMA5otshnuTU5gjqyFRVph8uz5ls-BUHGqDwYQPPev5S4JPDznahshzHMXOO5KfhZ6m65Pe7Yh2HOb1f-HwnwGwg0K6HilQz2STaDElMIZKeVAO6PxfA1-he-TfX1Yde8G/s200/Taff+Stubbington-+hungry.jpg" /></a> <strong></strong>Taff Stubbington <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><strong>13th May - 15th June 1976</strong> <strong>Northern Ireland</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>1976</strong> <strong>Cyprus Tour</strong> </div><br /><div><strong>12th November - 10th December 1976</strong> <strong>Norway</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>May/June 1978 - Cyprus Tour</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>Condor Troop deployed with the Squadron for 6 weeks, tasked with Engineering to aid local communities and Military training, which included an Inter-Troop/Section Competitions.</div><br /><div>During the Engineering phase, Condor Troop was based alone at RAF Akrotiri.</div><br /><div>The Troop task was strip out an existing Bailley Bridge, used by locals to reach their village and replace with a new Bridge, near Episkopi.</div><br /><div>The old bridge was in an unsafe condition, as nearly all the clamps and pins had been removed.</div><br /><div>Both banks had to be re-built, the bridge came from Dahkelia, a permanent Double-Single Bailley bridge with a roadway to & from it.</div><br /><div>To avoid locals stealing the pins and clamps, these were welded into place, to the main bridge structure.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_wKyFqgxH2pmFuCTyzrDRmhk1IXWwXalQmRBZuwlHWMb8zMjEKvEU_RWcZpkNE3J3Ywnmh_s_zol5RSVJc6BQnc2hQdsHobE1dSfuAQgcxuI99qJJzLjCE1Qr1tayuvd5IG_O245FJyX/s1600/img715.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481199996464353890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_wKyFqgxH2pmFuCTyzrDRmhk1IXWwXalQmRBZuwlHWMb8zMjEKvEU_RWcZpkNE3J3Ywnmh_s_zol5RSVJc6BQnc2hQdsHobE1dSfuAQgcxuI99qJJzLjCE1Qr1tayuvd5IG_O245FJyX/s200/img715.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxXYwpZ2SNmbgj2QBSP5LC4TJvwCOPE5XiBqmpBJ7Do4NoIrSK4_jeMhXoZ9NMGVProX3VYLmV8Us-onBg9gsQkWWfjF5NQSMLmX-PaGKFseY4ojIlK1kZnuoEu7Y6B-r9fJOMsh-f1xA/s1600/img716.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 354px; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481200007052828626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxXYwpZ2SNmbgj2QBSP5LC4TJvwCOPE5XiBqmpBJ7Do4NoIrSK4_jeMhXoZ9NMGVProX3VYLmV8Us-onBg9gsQkWWfjF5NQSMLmX-PaGKFseY4ojIlK1kZnuoEu7Y6B-r9fJOMsh-f1xA/s200/img716.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cVwuK33T5HQQJNuMQy9RIxF8x25mLBC2iCUqDrFbWSPAXrnzHzhhcouOUiZH6dJXPF-xCyU8UeNyvzXiEJebA6-Pw-Hm3dgiWKH4P5RuPg68azn-EJ3H_x5a31vxPFx2JH65VqOFWgTR/s1600/img719.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481200302016322322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cVwuK33T5HQQJNuMQy9RIxF8x25mLBC2iCUqDrFbWSPAXrnzHzhhcouOUiZH6dJXPF-xCyU8UeNyvzXiEJebA6-Pw-Hm3dgiWKH4P5RuPg68azn-EJ3H_x5a31vxPFx2JH65VqOFWgTR/s200/img719.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Left to right:</div><br /><div>Sitting on bridge ???, Sooty Geary, REME L/Cpl ???, Spanner Wright, ???, ???, Ossie Osbourne?, Tich Hines, S/Sgt Smiles. Two lads in the foreground ??.</div><br /><div>Can any one help with Names?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3mNv_6xmJ7BBtuQda9RF8yJURMiFWfBXB6ydsvSVJN8gVIFjc8ARiw365P860jW_2LlSrVqstyBHjDuAEtxSto34CY-ySr2uhfgZM0xeKeNIbBOc-4GAr87C1eGMD3Vs0upfFXmlTeK_/s1600/img717.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 356px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481200287836000482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3mNv_6xmJ7BBtuQda9RF8yJURMiFWfBXB6ydsvSVJN8gVIFjc8ARiw365P860jW_2LlSrVqstyBHjDuAEtxSto34CY-ySr2uhfgZM0xeKeNIbBOc-4GAr87C1eGMD3Vs0upfFXmlTeK_/s200/img717.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463627302810245735.post-23899430841801308112007-10-19T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-19T09:23:42.864-07:00Meaford - Canada Tour 831983 - Meaford in Canada<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh8CesGIo9FwyOfoRuxpxoJ04E3jHfB-8ReBPmLkJ7W4RTIrc2uu5ThQdtBOxOpj0ZoZljcmmf0l2zTdU08pKp8Zto4H1rrfcBujlAqF6KfJ6uvUarQfDLMlL2hbmmKzr3hdH-0HSGqrY/s1600/Condor+83.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 342px; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529790610911778658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTh8CesGIo9FwyOfoRuxpxoJ04E3jHfB-8ReBPmLkJ7W4RTIrc2uu5ThQdtBOxOpj0ZoZljcmmf0l2zTdU08pKp8Zto4H1rrfcBujlAqF6KfJ6uvUarQfDLMlL2hbmmKzr3hdH-0HSGqrY/s200/Condor+83.jpg" /></a><br />This photo was the Rugby Tournament party in Buffalo USA.<br />The party was in a pub, with sand on the floor (about 4 tons), plus a Lifeguards Chair in the corner - hence it was called a "Beach Party".<br />Bottom L/H corner - Masher Manders, Taff Evans next to him, Ian Wright next, Kid Currie above him. Mike Adams - Left in Red T-shirt. Tank Tasker - Flat Cap & Stripy t - shirt.<br />Who else?59Sqnhistoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09768184857519574573noreply@blogger.com0