Page 20 - The Wish Stream Year of 2020 Crest

The Log Race
OCdt Shaw
The air was crisp, shattering like ice as it entered the lungs of OCdts waiting with anticipation. Their breath bellowed out like smoke as they huddled together in pens that had been marked out in orange mine tape, standing out in stark contrast to the morning green of the polo pitch. This was the setting for the beginning of the infamous log race. Any Officer who has come through the gates of Sandhurst would tell you that they remember this event from back in their day. It was a right of passage, a part of our history and an event that marked another mile- stone passed.
The platoons would set off in five-minute inter- vals; 15 Platoon would be the last to charge off the start line and had been watching in ever- growing eager silence. It was almost time and so the appointed commanders for the task gath- ered the group into a huddled circle. A short motivational talk got the Platoon riled up and focused with fresh determination. The Platoon weren’t carrying logs, but a casu-
CHANGE! Slick drills will make the difference between winning and losing
the coming storm. Then an air horn pierced the silence, and all erupted into action.
alty, and in their minds someone’s life was on the line. They were in it to win; everyone knew their role and it was time to show their worth.
The start was hard and fast with the logs charging off the line and across the field towards Churchill Hall at breakneck speed
The start was hard and fast with the logs charging off the line and across the field towards Churchill Hall at breakneck speed. The first hill put a stop to that, and soon a steady rhythm set in, as hands began to raise and weakening arms were switched out for fresh bodies standing ready in the wings.
As OCdts lined up next to their
assigned burdens, the tension
grew. Everyone took a knee on
the cold grass and waited. The
sun glowed in the morning air and
a tranquillity took over for just a moment before
Despite the multi-directional jerk- ing of the attached toggle ropes, the wooden log began to pull away. Under the commander’s ‘enthusiastic’ direction, the metal log made a fierce charge to close the gap before they hit Windsor Ride gate, where the real challenge began. All freshness gone, red faces grunted and panted as they climbed the grinding uphill towards the FOB. It was on this stretch that vic- tory would be won or lost, and there could be no let-up in speed. With this in mind, the OCdts continued to switch out with each other, know- ing that it didn’t matter how fit you were, no one escaped the grip of the hurt locker. Minds focused on pushing through the pain, trying to shut up burning legs or a dying arm; this was no
place to let the Platoon down.
Downhill means more speed.
Making up time before the big drive uphill
18 SANDHURST