2 minute read
Venture Scouts
from Feb 1968
by StPetersYork
The week after this, the Advanced Naval Proficiency and Able Seaman's Test were held. The results of A.N.P. will not be known until next term, but the whole of Nelson Division passed the A.B. test, which is a good sign for the future. In this respect Chief Petty Officer Keefe has again been very helpful.
During the Summer Holidays, six cadets attended a Quartermaster's Course at H.M.S. Raleigh, and all six passed what is acknowledged as the hardest course run for the C.C.F.
At the beginning of the term 19 boys joined the Naval Section of the New Recruits, and since then five more have joined, bringing the total up to 24.
G.M.F.
At various times during Sunday, 30th July, the following cadets (and thirteen from elsewhere) presented themselves at Plymouth station for transport to H.M.S. Raleigh at Torpoint : —P.O. Instrs. Fairhurst and Harrison. A.B.s Littlefield, Hudson, Eggleshaw and Marsden.
H.M.S. 'Raleigh is the primary training establishment for all those entering the "lower deck" of the Royal Navy, its equipment and instructors are therefore ideally suited to the training of C.C.F. Cadets.
The course was designed to show us just what duties a quartermaster must be able to carry out, and just how numerous these duties are was drilled into us by an expert Sub-Lieutenant and Chief Petty Officer. We were taught how to handle and give orders in power, sailing and pulling boats. A day at sea in a fleet tender (cf. M.F.V.) showed some of us just how easy it is to "chase the lubbers line", and the necessity for a "weather helm".
A large portion of time was spent in classrooms, learning the intricacies of charts and chartwork, buoyage and bends and hitches. The course would not, however, have been complete, without an attempt at the assault course; this proving a very sadistic sport for the onlookers.
At the end of the course, we took an examination, which all of the St. Peter's cadets passed. G. M. Fairhurst succeeded in coming top and breaking all records with 91
Although this course is classed as one of the most difficult to pass, we had a reasonably early schedule, with two shore-leaves. The food was good and there is a good N.A.A.F.I. on the camp. This course is certainly worth attending for those who seek to gain promotion. P.O. Insts. Harrison R.L.
This term saw the beginning of the new training scheme with the publication of the training manual. Organisation has been in - the hands of 22
