London Scottish Regimental Gazette - G (London Scottish)

Reconnaissance Platoon
I AM writing these notes (under extreme pressure from
Mr Norman) having been in command of the Recce
Platoon for just over three months. Captain Mark
Ludlow, my predecessor, has now packed off to N.I.
scaring the Regulars with tales of war, armed only with
his Red Hackled (***) TOS!
Since his departure the platoon has been engrossed in
theory work, much of the backbone coming from our
‘borrowed’ Netheravon precis. This is about to come
crashing to an end and the practical aspects to receive an
airing instead.
Our first ‘out-of-Bromley’ incident was the Battle
Group Trainer at Catterick, Yorks where myself, C/Sgt
Small and one very strange Scottish lance-jack from
Perth ran the forward screen battle. The first battle
fought on the map-board and fortunately sponsored by
the Battalion was a disaster as we had no integral antitank
assets. However, the main battle saw us equipped
with a troop of tanks and a detachment of mobile ‘Milan’;
with those and the two bravely-wielded LAW of the
platoon, we well and truly stuffed the enemy Recce! Cpl
Cornell as the enemy mover can be appproached on this
for confirmation.
Disaffection is rife in the platoon at present - several
of the Jocks are now looking at joining Captain Ludlow
in N.I. either with the BJs or preferably the Gordon
Highlanders.
From the Regimental Colonel - continued
there will be Reports from the Trustees of all three Trusts
and a chance for further discussion and suggestions.
10. Big Blaw
On the 12th, 13th and 14th June, there is to be a
Massed Retreat at Horseguards. We acquired a stock of
tickets for sale to members, most of which have been sold
- Enquiries to Alan Morris. On the evening of the 14th
June “95” will be open. Entries are by ticket only; which
will be issued free up to the fire limits. Bars will be open,
and on the second floor there will be buffet supper with a
wine bar. Tickets are available for the Supper of a
different colour; there is a pro forma for use in this isue.
11. Canadian Visit
Probably coincidentally with the “Big Blaw”, the
Toronto Scottish are due to pay a visit. No details are
available as yet, but I will try to provide some as soon as
they are known - by bush telegraph, if necessary.
P.S. I suggest that you mark 27th June in your diaries for a
reason which is not yet public, but on which there will be a
celebration of one of this year’s great anniversaries.
John Clemence
Regimental Colonel
The future holds some interesting cards for us. Firstly
our private test exercise on Barossa, which is already
familiar to the platoon commander. This will be the first
time that the platoon will be working together under the
new command; it should prove to be an interesting
experience.
The rumour that we are likely to be moving drill halls
looks to be founded on more than just wind. Yeomanry
House here we come! This should see the Recce Platoon
and 6 Platoon out and about recruiting like mad in
Catford (of all places). However, the accommodation
looks large and hopefully, with careful attention, will
provide us with everything we need - I shall keep you
posted.
5 Platoon
Orbat
Platoon Commander: 2Lt A. F. B. Norman
Platoon Sergeant: Vacant
1. Section: L/Cpl Woodall
2. Section: L/Cpl Hetherington
3. Section: Vacant
WITH THE training year fast approaching its end, many
may wonder what the future holds for the Territorial
Army. The changes that we have seen recently in Europe
have been both alarming and encouraging. However we
must not allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of
security nor into the belief that we, as Territorials, are no
longer required. As each day passes our job becomes
more vital, particularly if the Regular Army is to be
trimmed down.
With the aforegoing in mind recruiting is very much in
the fore at the moment. Speak to your friends about The
London Scottish - tell them that you have a good time
- Bring them in - the recruiting team will do the rest.
The Platoon, in conjunction with 4 Platoon, put in a
praiseworthy effort for the Brigade Military Skills
Competition, held this year at Cultybraggan, Perthshire.
Despite appalling weather we covered the distance in
good time - and did well at the stands.
The Mobilisation Exercise was poorly attended by the
Platoon - but “Well Done!” to the few who did turn up
for the weekend. Apart from the usual Bounty Tests, the
Saturday culminated in a March and Shoot over the
assault course at Pirbright, followed by a two-mile run to
the Falling Plate Shoot. A good effort was put in by the
team, though they did not win.
We welcome several new members to the Platoon who
have joined us over the past few months - Privates
Ward, Ronnie, Etherington and Whelan.
A.F.B.N.