Monday 10 Sept
All of the males managed to sleep in until 6 this morning after our largest
sleep since we arrived - 5 hours in one night! After our last experience in
the gym, we were a little nervous whilst waiting for Sgt
Griffin to meet us for this morning's session. Once we got started though,
the whole troop gave it their best and before long we were on our final movement.
Sgt Griffin left us in high spirits as he passed us for starting to show determination
and working harder.
After a brief lecture on education in the Royal Navy, we began our first session
of weapons training. We've now been split into two sections with Sgt
Connolly teaching one and Sgt
Higgins taking the second. It is only now that we've worn combats and held
infantry weapons that it has really registered that we are now in the armed
forces and aren't just here to play instruments. However, everyone got on well
and already mastered NSPs (Normal Safety Precautions).
The evening seemed to be a particularly difficult one for many of the troop.
After being picked up for a few things like not marching around the base, many
felt a bit fed up with the strain of training.
Tuesday 11 Sept
The first half of the day consisted of more weapons training which included
stripping down the weapon for cleaning. After lunch we had a kit insurance lecture
before running to HMS Temeraire for a swimming session. The swimming sessions
seem much more bearable than other PT sessions even for a weak swimmer like
myself. It is here where genuine enthusiasm comes through the strict PTI facade
of Sgt Griffin and is
something that is very encouraging for the trainees. Back in HMS Nelson we had
a lecture on military law before beginning our preparations for the following
days activity: - 'Exercise First Step'.
Wednesday 12 Sept - Thursday 13 Sept
After packing our Bergens well into the early hours, the entire coach leaving
for Longmoor was asleep before it had even left HMS Nelson. An hour later we
arrived and set up camp. The exercise was to last just one night and was a basic
introduction to the field. The daytime activities were generally enjoyed by
all. These included introductions (and tasting sessions) to ration pack food
and to observation and the lecture 'Why things are seen'. The real fun started
though on Wednesday evening when the troop fell in next to the tranquil pond
adjacent to the camp. Under the command of Colour
Sgt Basford, he marched the troop into the pond, right up to their necks,
much to the amusement of the training team and our guests for the evening (the
PDM, Corps Drum Major and DoM(T)). Leading from the front CSgt
Basford did all the drills himself… except he was wearing his full
blues! We were understandably delighted to then change into dry kit and cook
our evening meal of chilli con carne, noodles, chocolate pudding and a hot drink.
Unfortunately though, the wet-dry routine was not yet complete. All the troop
members had a sentry duty for an hour at staggered intervals throughout the
night. As if getting up at 2am wasn't bad enough, we had to get changed back
into our soaking wet kit to carry out the duty. Even more of a shock to the
system came when Musn Burton (Scottie) was pulled out of his sleeping bag in
front of the whole troop by one of the training team. The virtually naked zombified
life form that emerged will no doubt haunt us all for years to come.
By 1500hrs on Thursday we were back at HMS Nelson waiting for another batch
of injections. The whole troop was now really quite down. We were all very tired
and finding it difficult to adapt to military life. On top of this we were reading
in the papers for the first time about the dreadful news from America. By the
end of the night, there were several people talking about giving up and leaving.
Friday 14 Sept
After just two hours of sleep, rounds was conducted at 0700hrs by the whole
training team. An hour later (once lots of kit had been thrown around and the
training team were losing their voices) we changed into PT rig and took part
in a three minutes silence as a mark of respect for all those who died in the
American terrorist attacks. Then it was straight into another IMF session in
the gym. A quick chat from Sgt Wysall after this session helped a lot of people
think twice about leaving and generally boosted troop morale.
After scran we had an afternoon of weapons training. This subject is generally
enjoyed by the troop but in this session, I found it difficult to concentrate.
This was partly down to tiredness but also because these sessions take place
in the School of Music and it is easy to find yourself listening to a concert
band rehearsal rather than listening to the instructor. As soon as Sgt
Connolly saw this, I was running up and down the school to wake me up. Unfortunately
for me, Lt Col Waterer arrived as I was carrying out this punishment.
The evening was left for us to sort out our drill rig for the following morning
and for the first time since getting here, I got to sleep before midnight.
Saturday 15 Sept
After being allowed a bit of a lie in, we were inspected in our drill rig at
about 0930hrs. This didn't really go all that well with every member of the
troop having to do press-ups. After admitting to not having a shave that morning,
Challis was sent to get a mess tin of water and his shaving gear and then have
a shave in the middle of the parade square in front of the troop (and most of
Training Company looking through the coffee-boat windows).
This was followed by a video on Corps history and then shore leave. This week
we were given leave from 1300hrs until 2300hrs giving us the opportunity to
buy everything we needed and ample time in the pub.
Sunday 16 Sept
We had the opportunity to sleep in until about 1000hrs today. However, due to
a full and strict locker inspection tomorrow morning, we can't really make use
of the shore leave we've been given. We are going to try and go to the Royal
Marines Museum this afternoon to help us with our Corps History. The rest of
the day we will be washing, ironing and folding kit and preparing for another
challenging week ahead.
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The Troop fall in prior to the wet stage of their 'wet
& dry' drill
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Unknown to the troop CSgt
Basford marches into the water behind them in Full Blues!
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...deeper
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...deeper
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...deepest!
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The morning after the 'wet & dry' drills the Troop
prepare for a field inspection...
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... to ensure they are maintaining their field drills
and high standard of hygiene
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Musn Mace