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

Ibberson, and secondly to L/Cpl. Pacey. Pacey led a large patrol with great care behind the enemy lines. It is possible that he sustained a few casualties on the well sighted A.P. mine-field, but he persevered, dealing with two smaller opposition forces, and finally got himself into such a position that he was able to bring small arms fire on to the S.P.A.M.

2. Black Force's Achievements. (a) Their '25-Pdr. Det. and O.P. were well sighted and many reports were received at the Gun Position, and they would have in fact inflicted heavy casualties on the other side. Their communications were good. It was unfortunate for White Force that their O.P. party walked into the enemy lines, thereby causing considerable delay in setting up their communications ! Black Force's Gun positions were eventually attacked, but not until they had done much firing.

(b) Inter-communications. The signal lay-out (W.T.) was definitely more efficient and helpful to the N.C.O. i/c on Black Force. White Force Comd. found his own signals more useful (lamp) but it must be borne in mind that this form of signalling is not so flexible. (c) Administration. Though it might have appeared that the distribution of food, ammunition and stores was more efficient on White Force, Black Force did not receive the stores from the vehicle until 13'20 hrs. This was not their fault.

SOME ITEMS OF INTEREST.

1. There was a most spirited action led by Johnson. He first led his patrol across the F.D.L.s and ran into a very well-concealed position of Dunwell. He next arranged for a second attempt which was to be supported by the Troop of tanks. Using their covering fire he again crossed the F.D.L.s, and penetrated deep into Black Force's Lines, and was finally wiped-out when within sight of the S.P.A.M. The tanks of both sides engaged each other heavily near Black Force's mine-field, and were umpired out. White Force's tanks' fire was very well controlled.

2. The patrol which set off White Force's S.P.A.M. was led by Netherwood. Time of explosion 15'24 hrs.

3. Long distance patrols were carried out by Nendick and Wheatley. The former reached White Force cookhouse in a somewhat exhausted state, demanded a meal, and finally made off. The latter managed to occupy Black Force transport before being spotted.

4. The organisation of the two cook-houses was excellent, and the two N.C.O.s i/c are to be congratulated for carrying out a difficult task. The soup supplied by White Force seemed the more popular !

UMPIRES.

The success of an Exercise generally depends upon the umpires. On both Forces the general standard was high; some, however, could have used a little more imagination. Among the outstanding umpires were Middlebrook, Varley and Kent. BAD POINTS. 1. The lack of appreciation of the enemy's view caused extremely bad fieldcraft. Forward slopes and skylines were ignored. 2. Few patrols appreciated the importance of getting information back to their N.C.O.s i/c. 3. Some of the junior N.C.O.s were slow in explaining the tactical situation to their Section, and gave either very scanty or no orders for firing. O.C. never heard a single fire order given by an Infantry Section and only one was reported from other umpires.

Finally, O.C. would like to congratulate the four chief N.C.O.s on the cool, efficient way that they handled the situation. Their task was certainly not an easy one.

The chief N.C.O.s involved in the two sides were : White Force- Ibberson, Timms, and Wheatley. Black Force—Oldroyd, Taylor, P. G., and Nendick.

On 7th December the Petty Officer and Certificate "A", Part II, Examinations were held. The former is reported elsewhere, the latter was not the normal examination at Easter, but was held because of the comparatively large number that failed the Drill part of the earlier examination. We are pleased to report that the majority have now passed and will be taking over N.C.O. duties. We were pleased to meet the President of the Examining Board, Major Webber, as he is Commanding the Depot of our affiliated unit. He is most anxious that any boys who are considering the Army as a career should pay an informal visit to the Depot and gain information about the West Yorkshire Regiment. We were very pleased to have a brief visit from a Regular Officer now serving in the Regiment, D. H. Holmes (Manor, 1945-50), who was at Sandhurst with Quirke, Emmett, and Blincoe. It is most unfortunate that we have no representative at Sandhurst at the moment and we hope this situation will be rectified in the very near future. It might not be out of place here to mention the wonder- ful facilities that are always available in the new Careers Room for boys to acquaint themselves with all the details of both Regular and National Service Commissions, and especially the National Service Information Bureau that Lieut. Jeffs has organised. After all, the goal for all members of the C.C.F. when called-up should be to hold a Queen's Commission in one of the three Services and either we or they are failing in purpose if this is not achieved. It is not our aim, as some recently appeared to think, to produce efficient noncommissioned officers.