40 CDO SGTS MESS OP HAVEN (PROVIDE COMFORT) 1991
(Globe & Laurel Report for Jul 91 by CSgt (S) A Lang Radio CSgt)

40 Cdo Sgts mess is finally home in Norton Manor Camp wearing its Op Haven suntan with pride and looking forward to some well-earned leave. During our absence the 'Trophy Cabinet' bequeathed to the mess by the Sgts Mess RM Eastney has been placed in a position of honour (just by the entrance) and now stands in full splendour showing off the mess trophies at their very best ...

Whilst in N Iraq the RSM W01 L Gordon was presented with his well deserved MSM by Major General RJ Ross OBE. At the same time Long Service and Good Conduct medals were presented to CSgt Tony Lang, Sgt Joe Burton, Sgt Bungy Williams, and Cpl Micky Finn, for fifteen years of undetected crime. The ceremony was concluded with a sit down meal, prepared by the Chief Cook Derek Evans in the Hotel at Sarseng, washed down with copious amounts of ice cold goffas. Sgt Dave Harris received his LS&GC at Kani-Masi presented by Lieutenant General Sir Henry (York La Roche) Beverley KCB OBE psc(m) jssc.

Though it can be said that the rations whilst on Op Haven were varied, Australian", American, French, and Italian Compo rats with the occasional bit of fresh, with this and the exercise mess members slimmed down to their fighting weight. Of course there is always an exception to the rule notably Dave Harris, the only man to actually put on weight in N Iraq. To keep us in trim and peak fitness Steve Sugden had the HQ out for PT at 0600hrs to beast our bodies. The mess did however get its own back - After the first session the RSM departed quite suddenly for a course at Ashford (un-be-known) to Steve). When Steve returned from his TQ run that day he was convinced that the RSM had had a heart attack as a result of the morning's PT and been casevac'd. After a day of furious biting he was ushered in to see the CO (Lt-Col Dunlop RM) after deciding to tone the PT sessions down and was informed that it was all a bite and handed a tin of sardines.

During the Op the Chief Clerk Graham "I'm not the TQ" Holmes found himself at the sharp end being made the HQ Sgt Maj. He was taken care of by the GD ranks in the mess and somehow always appeared just as the tea was being poured. It was reported by an anonymous source that during a search for W02 Rick Haynes' (or is it Haines ?) missing cot-bed Al Heward's rig was found by mistake, squashing all rumours that he had only packed sports kit for the tour.

It was thought that a record of mess members on Op Haven should be had. To this end a mess photo was taken at the end of the deployment. Unfortunately those seniors who only did half a tour were unable to attend. So that they are not forgotten they are: RSM W01 L Gordon; Loafs Latham; Tomo Thomas; Chris Cockayne; Mark Blease; Scotty Scott; Bob Brooker-Gilespie; Andy Peters; and Ben Donaldson, Tiny Shergold on the other hand made it back just in time for the photograph.

Movement in and out of the unit still went ahead with Bob Longhorn, Craig Peddie, Marty Wilkin, and Rob Robson joining and Gareth Evans, Hush Hushon, Paul Rees, and Di Rees leaving. Moving up to the mess on promotion is Stu Moore. It seems only fair to say at this point that Peter 'Joey' Hoare has achieved his life long ambition and on return to the UK moved to the Officers mess...

Selected for the SD board are Steve Ritchards, Bob Brooker-Gilespie, and Al Heward. I would like to congratulate the new Globe & Laurel rep CSgt Scotty Scott on passing his English GCSE and we all look forward to reading his first article in the next edition.

CSgt(S) A Lang
Radio CSgt
40 CDO RM