Jan 1954

C.C.F. NOTES The term started with the news of another but and no time was lost in making anticipatory moves in the present one. The sand model room was given up in favour of R.A.F. Instruction; the Signals left their very cramped quarters to take over the former R.A.F. store; the R.A.F. store was moved into the old Signals store; a small room was built in the entrance hall for the wireless transmitter; surplus R.N. stores, band equipment and training stores were stacked in the only remaining space in the hall. The but started to arrive in small sections and the pile of equipment gradually grew until it was complete, but then we received the disappointing news that there was likely to be a delay in construction owing to some financial difficulties. As far as we know this unfortunate set-back has now been remedied, thanks to the efforts of the West Riding T.A. and A.F. Association, and we look forward to seeing the start of building early in the new year.

The new but is eagerly awaited by all Sections, especially the R.N. The new accommodation will provide a Seamanship Room and Store; the former is much needed and its absence has been strongly noted in the last two inspection reports. The building of the extensions to the Science Block has necessitated the moving of the Armoury and Magazine.

The most notable event this term was undoubtedly the Field Day Exercise held on the moor above Otley. The exercise, which was developed from an idea from the R.A.F. Section, proved to be one of the most successful held for a number of years.

The final plan, following on from the re-enaction of the battle of Marston Moor last year, emerged not unlike a great game of military, or should we say, tactical chess. Two sides, black and white, were chosen as equally as possible. Each had similar units—an "Atomic missile" or "S.P.A.M.", minefields, tanks, "recce" units, signals, cookhouse, artillery and defence forces. The time was divided into two phases—firstly that of seeking information, disposition of forces and administration (which meant the actual cooking of meals in field conditions), and secondly, redisposition of forces as a result of patrolling and other action. Some extracts from the umpires' reports will give a better picture of what happened :The result, judged by the majority of umpires, was that White Force, though suffering heavy casualties, set off by small arms fire Black Force's S.P.A.M. before their own atomic weapon was exploded.

Apart from the Atomic weapon, there is no doubt that Black Force was superior.

REASONS. 1. The Atomic Weapon. The credit for the destruction of Black Force's S.P.A.M. must first go to the brilliant tactical planning of P.O. 36