 It was around 00.30hrs on a deep and very crisp November night, on the banks of the River Exe. All was still, duty men were taking a stroll around camp just to ensure we had not left rubbish out of bins, no fires burning, No lights left on that shouldn't be, etc. You know the drill!
And in that quiet frost bitten night, there came a shout and suddenly all hell broke loose!!
Everything from Junior snot to the Adjetants horse were scrambled to the parade ground for muster and roll call.
All were there! Including the WRENS, who were the only ones allowed to take long enough to grab something warm to cover themselves, Odd that! Provost marshall came swaggering onto the parade ground and whispered to the duty officer who then returned to the commanding officer.
The parade was called to attention. All was silent for a few moments. Everybody from junior snot to the adjetants horse were shivering when, in a very loud voice and language which seemed to show how jacked this guy was, the commanding officer called false alarm and we all returned to bed some three hours later. Next day we all reported for duty. The troop sergeant announced that the events in the small hours of the night had been due to a package which seemed to be ticking. This turned out to be an ALARM CLOCK!!! One of the senior snots had been into Exmouth for the day, purchased the clock, had a few wets, staggered up the hill (The train station at Lympstone is at the bottom of a hill) had dropped the clock and the rest is history. The camp magazine ran a slot about the need for prpoer security, all should be aware etc.
Looking back I can see how serious this was at the time, However, as an ex-serviceman, I can now see the funny side of the event! That clock certainly raised the alarnm that night!!
Vince P |
