What they couldn't repair or draw replacements for, they manufactured
complete themselves.
In addition to their normal job of providing running repairs to our
equipment they sometimes found themselves saddled with such projects
as providing complete heating and plumbing systems.
The second was E Troop 2 Squadron,
R.C.C.S.
They spent the greater part of the first year on
R/T
procedure and maintenance.
That the job was well-done was later proved time and time again in action.
Who could forget the voice of L/Cpl. Andrews laying down the law on the regimental net.
23.
On the 9th June the Regiment participated in
it's
first divisional exercise RAM III.
37 battery was under command the 1st Armoured Brigade, 76 battery was under
command the 2 Armoured Brigade and 60 battery was under command
the Support Group.
Ration trouble developed early owing to the extreme decentralization
of the Regiment and the true
significance of the word “
SNAFU”
was indelibly impressed on everyone.
The whole exercise proved to be a bit complicated for a Division in
it's
first field venture.
At the conclusion the Regiment returned to bivouac at ELSTEAD.
Morale was high and all ranks thoroughly enjoyed the stay in the open.
After a week in bivouac the Regiment proceeded to LARKHILL for firing
practice which included
course shooting, fire and movement, airplane shoots and a regimental
concentration.
Much was learned and it was a highly successful practice.
On the return to ALDERSHOT laying tests became the order of the day, with 60 battery laying down
the rule “no leave until laying tests are passed”.
This resulted in considerable “home work” after parade hours.
The Regiment walked away with the Div Artillery track and field meet on the 2nd July amassing a
total of 49 points while the combined total of all the other Regiments was 50 points.
On the 7th July one gun crew under Sgt. Hegan, supervised by Capt. W.M.
Sutherland went to CAMBERLEY to demonstrate gun drill to
RMC cadets.