C.C.F. Notes

The Belgians speak two languages, Flemish (in Flanders) and French (in Wallonia). Having two languages does not seem to bother them, for they seem to know both equally well, and sometimes they even change from one to another in the middle of a sentence. Furthermore, many speak English and even German. It was disappointing for some of the party, who had hoped to use their French, over which so many weary hours had been spent, to find that so many Belgians, like the waitress and proprietor of the Hotel Wellington, insisted on speaking English. There were, as might be expected, the times when one launched forth into French, and received an English reply. But of course when we started in English we were usually met with an uncomprehending stare.

From the many conversations we had with the Belgians, we were able to get some idea of Belgian opinion. The Belgians, for the most part seem to have no time for the Communists. The two parties are the Socialists, and the Catholic-backed Government party, who have wide support. The Belgians are fairly politically minded. I was told by a Belgian, that they particularly resented British interference in the dispute over the monarchy last year.

We were given ample opportunity to shop, or at any rate window gaze in all the large towns. The large stores e.g., L'Innovation and Bon Marche, where much time was spent on the escalators and lifts, were the most popular; confectionery shops came a close second, though many mouths watered, many more were full of the marvellous variety of sweets.

The large proportion of British and American goods was very striking, but, unfortunately, many of us found that after a couple of days' ecstasy we were left to look ruefully at our few remaining francs.

Finally a note must be made upon the beauty of some of the characteristic products of Belgium, e.g., the brassware of the Dinant area and the lace of Bruges and Brussels.

This term has been, as usual, fully occupied with the various examinations. On 19th March the Annual Certificate "A" Examination was held. There were 66 candidates from the Basic Section for Part I and 30 from the Army Section for Part II. The result of the examination was very satisfactory. In Part I, 58 passed and in Part II, 25. The high standard that the majority reached this year is indicated by the number who passed with distinction, six in Part I—Firth, Maxwell, Seaton, Ibberson, Kent and Haxby—and six in Part II- 41

Oldroyd, Fairweather, King, Whittaker, Steele and Gray. It is unfortunate that only two of the Part II distinctions could be granted under the limit restrictions. The President of the Examining Board stated in his report that the standard was above average and that the turn-out, bearing, and confidence were particularly high. In the Part II he thought that several candidates were first class potential leaders.

After patiently waiting for over two years the new shoulder flashes arrived. The new pattern is blue and red instead of the brown and white. The change had to be made to fit in with the colour of the R.N. and R.A.F. uniforms. There has been general approval of the change.

The new Armoury was completed early in the term and the rifles have now been distributed again.

The specialist sections are reporting their own activities, the high lights of these being the R.N. Section camp at Chatham and the recent successes of members of the R.A.F. Section. The signals continue to be very active and are now attracting a very keen type of recruit.

In conclusion we should like to publish an extract from a recent publication which emphasises the important part the C.C.F. now plays in preparing its members for National Service—"The possession of a Certificate showing that he has passed any of the three section examinations is of very real value to a boy when he is called up, if he wishes to obtain a commission; such a certificate, especially when combined with a record of more than one attendance at camp or at a course, combined with a relatively high rank as a Non-Commissioned officer in the contingent normally gives a boy a great advantage over the other National Servicemen.

SERGEANT MAJOR PUDDICK. It was with deep regret that the Corps learned of the death of Sgt. Major Puddick. He served the Contingent most loyally for 22 years and will be remembered by many. The C.C.F. was represented at the funeral which took place in York and a wreath was sent on behalf of all past and present members of the unit.

R.N. SECTION

This term the section has been mainly engaged in work for examinations. In the earlier part of the term the Ldg. Seamen signalling exam. was taken and a large number of cadets were successful. After the exams. were over an exercise called "Fleet Manoeuvres", to test initiative, was introduced and was enjoyed by all who took part. Some work has been done on the whaler which will be completed early in the summer term. P.O. Murray is to be complimented on the high standard of efficiency with which he has run the Section. 42

Ldg. Seaman Hilton has done much invaluable work in the organisation of the Section's Training. Ldg. Seaman Gray has worked hard to make the Naval Sub-Station the best Basic Sub-Station. A.B.s Hawkins and Shaw have continued to run the Stores and Office efficiently.

EASTER CAMP

This year, camp was held at Easter because of overcrowding at Summer Camps. Thirteen Cadets went to H.M.S. Swiftsure, a cruiser of the Home Fleet, at Chatham, and spent a very enjoyable week, thanks to the efficient organisation of the programme by the Gunnery Officer.

A day was spent at sea on H.M.S. "Bleasdale", a frigate, and much practical seamanship was learnt. An inter-ship whaler race was organised and the Section "A" Crew beat a Marlborough College Crew from H.M.S. "Corunna" in the semi-final, and a Blundell's School Crew from H.M.S. "Gabbard" in the final. "B" Crew were unfortunately beaten by Blundell's in the other semi-final.

The Section visited the Gunnery School, Fire Fighting School, the Rope works and Sail Loft in the Dock Yard. An afternoon was spent on H.M.S. "Mansomar", a very fast minelayer, and all were impressed by the very efficient railway system used for the handling of mines. A conducted tour of H.M.S. "Swiftsure's" Engine Rooms by one of the Engineer Officers was enjoyed by all.

At the end of the camp the Section was addressed and presented with a plaque, bearing the ships crest, by the Captain, Captain Sir Robert Stirling-Hamilton, Bt.

R.A.F. SECTION

Flight-Sergeant Roe has left the School to join the Royal Air Force, and Sergeant Hodgson to join the Royal Navy. Both carried out their duties as N.C.O.s with efficiency, and we wish them well in their Service careers.

Flight Sergeant Weightman becomes N.C.O. in charge of the Section. He is to be congratulated on winning a Flying Scholarship.

Cadet Timms was fortunate enough to fly to Iraq during the holidays as the guest of the Royal Air Force. His account of his experience is added to these notes.

Sergeant Danton and Cadet Timms were in charge of the R.A.F. Section exhibit in the Science Exhibition, and both put in a good deal of work in its preparations.

Last terms work was again concerned with preparing for the Proficiency Examination which will have been taken (21st May) by the time of going to print.