Page 100 - Bugle Autumn 2014

WOs’ & Sjts’ Mess
It’s been another busy year for the WOs’
& Sjts’ Mess. Of course we are used to this with our role as an Armoured Infantry Battalion and the largest Battalion within our family. Having finished collective training exercises in Bavaria and Canada we then subsequently started MST. By the end
of May a large proportion of the Mess deployed on HERRICK 20. Even during this busy period, in true 5 RIFLES style, we have managed to fit in a few functions. To kick it all off we started with an Officers and Serjeants’ Mess BBQ.
In the autumn we had our annual Bavarian night hosted by CSjt John Wheatley. This gave one and all a chance
to dust off the lederhosen and enjoy a couple of ‘bratties’ washed down with more than one stein of ale. A great night was had by all and it gave the Mess a chance
to say farewell to one of our long standing members, WO2 Jim Liddy who has now departed for pastures new. We wish
him well. The annual
Christmas ball was
held at the Bergerhalle
in Elsen and was
organised and ran by
WO2 Neil Harding and
his committee. As
usual the committee
won all the prizes and
WO2 Risdale won the
booby prize of two toilet rolls. With a free bar and strong continental beer, it was inevitable that the night would end with the annual dance off. Some members really need to understand that they are not built for dance offs!
GGS with Mess members
The Battalion’s annual Wheeler Clock competition between the Officers’ Mess and the WOs’ and Sjts’ Mess was held on the same day as the Riflemen’s Christmas
lunch, with the Officers Mess hosting this years event. The Officers Mess won, however lessons in discrete rigging of events are advised. The end of the evening was finished off with Sjt Dicky “The Worm” Udale and his
twin brother, the Det Comd having a dance off in the Cpls’ Mess. This was a sight for sore eyes. They are now friends for life and we are looking forward to the double act this year.
The last event held before deployment
was a Mess BBQ and Games day against the Officers Mess. This time we showed them that if you want to fix an event to win, then you do it the right way or not at all. The highlight was seeing the infamous Sjt Dicky “The Worm” Udale showing the Adjutant how fast he can move on the bungee run. With most of the Mess now departed on HERRICK 20 it has been left to WSM WO2 Harding and our new RQMS (T) WO2 Chris Mills to keep the bar propped up. They are doing a great job. We also have to say good bye to CSjt Wills, CSjt Gill, CSjt Brocklehurst and Sjt Padfield. A good proportion of our Mess could be back in Germany as early
as September. Functions already being planned are a regimental dinner, Battalion parade, where some will receive medals and our Christmas function.
Some members really need to understand that they are not built for dance offs!
The Warrant Officers’ and Searjeants’ Mess lets its hair down
98 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES