The course for me, was particularly beneficial in that I gave you a chance to TRY and lead strangers, successfully in various perplexing situations. Also to be led by strangers even if you thought you could do better.
One is continually assessed over the 10 days even giving a lecture halfway through the course.
The course I found most enjoyable, and demanding, but I felt more pleased to receive the certificate saying I had completed the course. Everyone afterwards said they had enjoyed it, more so on reflection. You learn your weaknesses and your strengths on this course, which I feel, it is designed for, apart from giving an insight into the life of an infantry man.
Finally, finishing on a most important note, the meals really are excellent, and most appreciated after 2 days, solid, on compo.
P J MacKenzie
During the 1978 Germany trip a diary of events was kept, each day an entry by a different person, This report is more or less an abridged, edited and censored version of that diary.
Day 1
Sunday 16 July. Very uneventful journey. "Met Boog-W at Aachen but our hopes of his being laden with goodies were quelled in one blow" (Cpl Maile, who made this entry, insisted Boog travel in his compartment with this hope!). Then spent the wait at Hannover HBF filling the 1 DM chocolate machines with 5p pieces, "This wait was livened up by our first harrowing experience - Vernon Williams had left his passport on the train! Arrived at transit camp 0400 hrs and got to bed as soon as possible"
Day 2
"Left for border at 0915 hrs approx. Went to a border observation post, looked at the East, - and a four touski of guards. Free evening and Vernon Williams got his passport back".
Day 3
"Went to tank squadron in Fallingbostel. Superb packed lunch, but no Smax'. We rode in Stalwarts, only to discover that Capt Atkins drives on like he does his car. With several other members of the party also becoming maniac Stalwart drivers! Turkey for tea on our return, and after our tea various people explored various areas of Hannover."
Day 4
"Went by train from Hannover HBF to Braunsweigh (Brunswick) and there boarded the corridor train cheap good dinner at 4 in the afternoon, and also saw Nick Justin's tank park. Arrived "Smuts Barracks, Berlin, 2000. From whence a certain short person disappeared into the Officer's Mess.