New Recruits Diary Week 10

"Table 2 pass-out & gas chambers - all in one week, NO WAY!!" So close to the end yet so much to do, this week is going to be a hard one!

Mon 6 Nov:

Rounds! The usual early morning panic with everyone trying to get their rooms to the impeccable inspection standards of Sgt Smith. 07.00 standing by your beds nervously wiping down every surface, to be free from dust. As usual, the troop made a good effort and passed the inspection without incident. NBC training and more IMF sessions followed to make this another fun day in basic training!

Tue 7 Nov:

A fairly relaxing day today, with only NBC training and an interest only introduction to self defence and unarmed combat on the agenda. The NBC training, was once again, lectures and practise for the gas chamber on Friday (3 days left!!). This left most of the troop in a fairly nervous state, wondering if the chamber really is necessary. After a spot of lunch, CSgt Fulthorpe and Sgt Griffin took the troop for the self defence and unarmed combat lesson. This was to be a relaxed and fun session, however, some of the troop unfortunately started to see 'the red mist', but you will have to ask Musn "Stormy" Richardson about that!

Wed 8 Nov:

Table 2 IMF pass-out. This was the big one! If the troop pass this, then there will be no more full IMF sessions ever again. This gave the whole troop an extra incentive to pass this as no-one likes IMF sessions, apart from Sgt Griffin. 'Far-end', shouted Sgt Griffin and the troop became the greased ball of fire the PTI's have been striving for. This was a hard session for everyone, but 100% effort from the troop resulted in the troop gaining a superior pass. As far as the troop could tell, Sgt Griffin was pleased with our performance and this left the troop on a high - until Sgt Baldwin announced that some magazines had gone missing and had to be paid for by us!

Thu 9 Nov:

More NBC training, just to make sure everyone was nervous for the gas chamber tomorrow morning, and a trip to HMS Victory and the Corps History Museum at the old Eastney Barracks. Surprisingly this was enjoyable for everyone, and a quick trip to the Royal Marines Artillery Pub made sure everyone didn't die of thirst! The evening brought a general feeling of apprehension towards tomorrow's activities, but a quick trip to the Victory Bar sorted the last minute nerves out.

Fri 10 Nov:

GAS CHAMBER DAY; now we see who has got guts. The coach journey to the gas chamber was strangely quiet. There was no singing or joking and an atmosphere of dread fell across the bus as we entered HMS Phoenix. When we were asked to suit up, it took us longer than usual (surprisingly enough) as no-one really wanted to go in the chamber! The actual chamber wasn't nearly as bad as anyone expected. We found that by carrying out the correct drills, trusting our kit (the best in the world our instructors say) and getting on with it we all made it through with out any problems. Special credit goes to Musn Bailey and Musn AJ Clark who performed very well even though they were extremely nervous.

Well done everyone, only Baptist Run to go and we're home and dry, hopefully.

Musn Beasley