Hello All,
I was invited to the W.O's and Sjts mess for the regeneration dinner on the 19/9/09. I met the parents and close relatives of the present members of the mess. In the afternoon we had a tour of 3 stands. One was the 81 mm Mortar all the specs and details were explained to us. Then onto the Javelin and the same format took place on this weapon, both with a question and answer period. Then for me came the highlight of the afternoon a visit to the 25 metre range. During this visit all guests had the chance to fire 6 different typs of small arms. I elected to fire the Browning 9 m.m pistol and pass, on the other automatic weapons, due to having had bilateral total knee replacements on the same day, ( not a very good idea) so for safety sake I declined firing the other weapons as they were fired from a prone position. I was kindly offered the chance to fire them "From the hip", how the memories came flooding back on hearing this phrase again.But for obvious reasons I thought it unwise to tackle this opportunity.I stopped my wandering after the range, and went back to the mess. I missed the section attack as the ground was unsuitable for me to contend with. But two out of three is not bad for me.
The evening dinner started with a group photo, and a drink or two. Then on to the meal.I really enjoyed meeting and talking to the other mess guests. It was a most enjoyable evening for me,my thanks go out to "Scorch" for sending me an invitation to this dinner. I can say without any doubt that the humour and hospitality shown to me by all and sundry in the mess was most excellent. Of course after the meal we went to the bar for a convivial evening and chat with former RWF, and present mess members to talk over past times and in my case"Crimes" So to summarise the event and close my thread I would like to thank all the mess members and their guests for such a wonderful evening.Gentlemen (and one member of the distaff side of the family who was sitting on my table) I thank you all for a most memorable evening. You have made an ex septugenarian (+ )RWF member proud of you all. I also wish you all well on your next posting.
Regards RBD aka jungle1810.

