C.B.T.C.
After a brief spell "off the record" we again present the latest news. We have said farewell to our late Commandant, Lt. Col. A. G. Komrower, D.S.O., Lancashire Fusiliers, and simultaneously had the pleasure of welcoming our new Commandant, Lt. CoL Martin Price, D.S.O., R.M. Our comrades-in-arms, the Army Commandos, have also left the Centre and we are at present in the throes of the great changeover.

 

The rigours of a West Highland winter, together with the feeling one gets when one is "miles from nowhere" is being destroyed by the "buckling-to" of all ranks. And the object to be reached is the high standard of efficiency which the Army has left us to maintain.

 

Christmas was spent in camp by about fifty per cent of the staff and was much enjoyed, thanks to the efforts of the R.S.M. and a handful of volunteers. The bill of fare was not lacking in all the usual festive season's items, and the manner in which it was presented was something to be wondered at. This particular off-shoot of Glen More was filled with the strains of dance music during the two holidays, broadcast from a loud·hailer situated in a central part of camp.

 

Boxing Day was finished off with a dance in the camp, which was much enjoyed by all who attended. One Marine was actually heard to remark how sorry he was for all those on Christmas leave! 

 

Christmas was spent rather quietly by the Sergeants' Mess, who found difficulty in recovering from the epic football match with the Officers, when both sides became lost in a smokescreen under a hail of rockets and thunder flashes. Both sides subsequently claimed decisive victory. It is rumoured, though, that if Christmas dinner had been served an hour later (by the Officers and Sergeants), the Marines and Corporals would have "had it" due to the unsteady hands of some of the waiters! 

 

The Corporals' Mess is well under way, thanks to a very able President, although with the constant fluctuation of members, nothing can be tackled in the true Commando fashion. 

 

Headdress seems to be a very common topic up here these days. The withdrawal of the famous green beret is causing dIsappointment in our ranks, but it is alleviated in some measure by the vision of a trilby, bowler or top hat!

 

And on this note we close, wishing all our ex- members the very best of everything wherever they may be. This also, of course, includes ex- trainees, of whom Achnacarry has cause to be justly proud.

E.M. & E.G.

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