C.C.F. Notes

this unique campaign; these and things like the ink freezing in one's pen, shaving soap freezing in the tube and one's breath forming icicles on the blanket. They will remember the mud, too—thick and clinging, which follows swiftly on the thaw and then freezes solid again, making the so-called roads doubly dangerous.

I have mentioned little of the actual fighting, partly because we usually have to depend on weeks-old English newspapers to learn what is going on in Korea and partly because, to the average soldier, fighting is always the least important aspect of a war.

There are, of course, bright spots, few and far between; mail from home, Christmas parcels, a Church Service in a barrack-room with grenades, rifles, Sten guns, bayonets lining the walls, a full night's sleep in two sleeping-bags in a warm room, a BATH—but, on the whole, it's still a sordid business.

A.E.R.D.

On paper this would appear to have been an uneventful term, though in an unspectacular way much constructive work has been done.

At the beginning of term we had three visits by a "Method of Instruction" team. After some interesting and lively discussions, some of the more outspoken N.C.O.s thought they had discovered the secret of the business of teaching ! What was significant about the short course was that N.C.O.s from all three Sections met and trained together on common ground.

At about half term a Certificate "A" Part I examination was held for those who, through sickness or failure, did not qualify last term. As a departure from normal the examination was held at the Depot of the West Yorkshire Regiment at the Infantry Barracks, Fulford. The result was very satisfactory, all eighteen passing except one. Major Craig, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, who conducted the examination, is retiring from the Army, and we should like to place on record our thanks to him for his many services to this Unit over the past fourteen years.

On 10th November we were honoured by a visit from the Air Officer Commanding 64 Group. The visit was informal, Air Commodore Gilmore had expressed a wish that nothing special should be arranged. He made a thorough inspection of all the activities in progress, paying particular attention to the R.A.F. Section. In a short address to this Section, the A.O.C. stressed the importance of every cadet being fully acquainted with the opportunities afforded by National Service in the R.A.F., and also the R.A.F. as a career. 40

The term ended with a full Ceremonial Parade, and short march round Clifton. Even without the band, outside reports indicate that the standard of march discipline was maintained at quite a high level.

The new Armoury is now completely rebuilt and should be fully operating next term.

Many recent members of the C.C.F., who are now doing their Military training, have visited us this term, and it is good to hear that the C.C.F. plays a real part in giving the keener cadets a flying start in National Service, and the idle one experience that he never really appreciated while at School !

R.N. SECTION

This term, activity has been mainly centred round the preparation for examinations, though the signalling tests have been postponed until the Easter Term, and it is pleasing to note that of the seven cadets who sat for the P.O. Examination (written and oral) ,four were successful; all six cadets who took the Leading Seaman Examination (written and oral) were successful; and the whole of the A.B. Class reached a satisfactory standard in the A.B. Examination (oral).

The above satisfactory results are due largely to the hard work carried out by all successful candidates, but mention must be made of the keen way in which A/P.O. Murray has been running the Section, ably assisted by Leading Seaman Hilton (Staff P.O., i/c Training). Praise is also due to Leading Seaman Powell who has been largely responsible for the instruction of the A.B. Class.

Leading Seaman Gray has carried out some splendid work with the R.N. Squad of the Basic Section, which has been shaping excellently under his direction. A.B. Hawkins has maintained the high standard expected in the organisation of the R.N. Stores, and this has entailed much extra work on his part. A.B. Kelsey has proved himself to be a most reliable and efficient Divisional Office Writer.

Toward the end of term eight recruits came up from the Basic Section, and by their general smartness on their first parade in No. 2's, it is evident that they mean to be a credit to the R.N. Section.

R.A.F. SECTION

There was no flying during the term, most of the time being taken in training for the Proficiency Examination, in which seven were successful in November and three in December.

Proficient cadets are encouraged to undertake instructional work and there will be some responsible C.C.F. positions outside the work of the R.A.F. itself, which they can fill. In future, Proficiency will be the first requirement for any N.C.O. appointment.

The introduction of boots and gaiters as part of the uniform should help to improve the standard of drill, which at present compares unfavourably with that in the other Service sections. 41