Page 49 - WishStream Year of 2023

detested the idea of ‘horror bags’ for lunch; we were quickly ushered to Bayeux for what turned into a typically French three-hour lunch break in the local restaurants.
The highlight of the trip was a reception hosted by the French equivalent of New College Command- ing Officer in the grounds of his Norman farm- house cum chateau, where we were joined by the rest of Gaza Company. Reenactors of the American 101st Airborne Division felt they were missing out and promptly arrived with Sherman and Panzer II in tow to join the three hundred British, French, and German OCdts and staff for a garden party and the generous hospitality provided by Colonel Axel Dennis.
One final difference was discovered: in addition to the standard platoon roles of ‘Duty Student’ and ‘G4 Rep,’ the French also had a ‘party rep’ responsi- ble for manning any bars they come across in the course of their studies, and who thankfully did not understand the strict token-based system planned by the British staff. After trialling the local beer and discovering the French were slow drinkers of pints, the night closed with a frenzied black market exchange of patches, tactical recognition flashes and cap badges.
Spending the second day in the village of Saint- Pierre and on top of Hill 112 studying Operation Epsom, the exercise closed with a moving service at the CWGC Cemetery of St Manvieu, accompa- nied by the pipes of CC231’s resident Australian bagpiper, Mr Tutt. Whilst we were smartly dressed in planters, several RMAS cap badges could be seen adorning the berets of the French OCdts opposite.
In memoriam: Francis David Overton, 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster Dragoons). 16th July 1944, St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux.
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Hall Grove
Hall Grove is an excellent school with a strong values-based culture. A reputa- tion for achieving strong academic results
means that pupils move on to leading UK senior schools. This is achieved by combining class- room learning with an extensive co-curricular programme. Children excel on the sports fields and courts, dazzle in performing and visual arts and reap the benefits of annual outward-bound trips to our adventure centre on the South Devon coast, Battisborough House.
The Headmaster, Neil Tomlin, is a former Army Officer. With the support of his wife, Eugenie, they understand the demands and challenges facing Service families and of greatest impor- tance, they want to help!
The school is a day and boarding school for girls and boys from 3-13. They want to offer mem- bers of the British Army, a flexible package that is affordable and suits individual circumstances for however long is needed. They will aim to tai- lor their package to each family.
Situated 3 miles from the Royal Military Acad- emy, 10 miles from Windsor, 12 miles from Alder- shot, 20 minutes from Heathrow. Sunningdale Mainline train station is 3 miles away.
Our Head of Admissions, Mrs Lindsay Vetch, will be keen to hear from you (admissions@ hallgrove.co.uk).
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