C.C.F. Notes

a tunnel, and when we reached Caux, the halfway mark, we were nearing the snow-line. The track was lined with snow which became deeper and deeper as we proceeded. The sun was shining brightly and the glare of the snow necessitated the wearing of sun-glasses. At last we reached the Rochers de Naye.

Here we found a hotel and a cosy restaurant. Several skiers were practising on the slopes below the hotel. Those who wanted to buy sun-glasses were disappointed to find that they cost seven francs (about 11s. 8d.). Many of us ventured to the observation post, a short distance from the hotel. The ascent was very slippery, but after many slips and slides, most of the party reached the observation post. From this point we had a marvellous view of the mountains around us. Then a mist would blot out our view for a few moments, only to clear away and reveal once more the magnificent snow-capped peaks, glistening in the sunshine. The descent was probably more treacherous than the ascent. Some of the boys used their cases to slide down to the hotel, and others were just compelled to use their backsides. The sun was warm and invigorating. This gave us a large appetite and we ate our packed lunches with zest and washed them down with beer or coca-cola. Soon the train was ready to go, and we jumped aboard.

At Caux we left the train in accordance with Mr. Le Tocq's wish to give us some exercise by walking the rest of the way to the hotel. We made our way along the narrow mountain paths, the column sometimes being bombarded with snowballs from the rear section, until we reached the lower slopes. The front section of the party took a wrong turning and went to Glion. The rest of us went on towards Les Avants. The woodland scenery was enchanting; we passed many waterfalls lined with icicles. Mrs. Le Tocq found many colourful and interesting woodland flowers. The whole countryside was very picturesque. At Les Avants we had a rest and some refreshments. Then we proceeded on our way singing merrily. At some places the descent was so steep that we could hardly avoid running, especially those of us who were rather hefty and fat (no names mentioned). About 1 hours after leaving Les Avants we reached our hotel to find that the "Glionites" had arrived back two hours before us. There were a few blisters and a few sore feet, but it had been very worthwhile and we had had a most enjoyable day.

R. D. WHEATLEY.

The term started with what may well be an historic occasion. The Head Master came on to parade to present Ft./Sgt. Weightman with his Flying Badge, the first to be won in this unit. After being

awarded a Flying Scholarship, Weightman obtained his Civil Flying Licence in record time. We also would like to congratulate him on being selected as a representative of this country in the exchange flights with the U.S.A. and Canada this Summer.

As a result of a request from the Editors of the "Tatler", a group photograph was taken of all officers and N.C.O.s. It was unfortunate that the group necessarily had to be taken in monochrome, as the different uniforms made quite a show of colour. We were honoured to be the second school chosen for the series.

In pursuance of our aim to widen the Basic Section training as much as possible, a series of lectures and demonstrations on First Aid were arranged for the term. We are grateful to the Officer Commanding, the York Military Hospital, for making this new venture possible. Next term we hope to extend it to the Service Sections on a more advanced scale.

In conformity with the rest of H.M.'s Forces, the unit is observing the period of official mourning for the late King George VI. To mark the close of the solemn day of the Funeral, representative guards from all Sections attended a special Flag-lowering Ceremony on the parade ground. C.S.M. Ankers took the parade.

The Signal Platoon has been as active as usual, with most of its training going on quietly behind the scenes. On two occasions, however, they came out into the open to give the commentaries on the Cross-country Race and the complex reporting lay-out for the Field Day Exercise. For the latter they were particularly successful.

There should have been a full day of examinations on the C.C.F. Day but last minute changes in the Certificate "A" Examination date meant a change in plan, and only the R.N. Examinations took place. At short notice a programme was devised and a useful day's training took place. The Map Reading Race for the Basic Section and Recruits, in the area of Kirby Underdale, was very much enjoyed. The weather was perfect and the transport was well on time. For the remainder, valuable experience was gained on the open range.

The Gun Crews have continued with their training and once again we must thank Mr. Dodds for his assistance.

The Certificate "A" Examination took place at the end of term. The hard work put in by all N.C.O.s was rewarded by an excellent result. It is a long time since there have been no failures in both parts.

We hear that the Army Camp is to be held at Fylingdales again this year. With good weather, it should prove to be a very popular camp.