"A Day at The Ranges" Just promoted to the dizzy height of CPL, stationed at UNST in the Shetland Isles.
Saxa Vord , 1979, GDT post , Annual Range Shoot for station personnel at Quendale Range .
Now the background to this tale is that I have been promoted to the dizzy height of CPL and posted to the Island of UNST in the Shetland Isles .
This is my first time away from the fold of the Corp and all on my own . I was young ( I was really ) keen and eager to achieve my goals . I will turn these airmen into soldier's nothing will stop me. You are soldier's first and foremost I would bellow at the small band of airmen who would be forced to attend my course's.
Now the station had a few LMG's ( to our most respected senior Rockapes that is a converted Bren Gun, able to fire 7.62 rds instead of .303rds ) With these I had trained a few airmen in the art of machine gun crews . For once they took notice and seemed very keen to learn.
Range firing came , This was a big event for them as it would involve Drinking on overnight stay as range was 2 island's away, some 65miles from camp , not going to fire the rifles. Anyway come the day , My first range all on my own doing. Had a RAF officer with me ( Flt / Lt Mellors ) though he was just with me as oc and new nothing about ranges.
Finished days shoot with rifles , lots of shouting , running around on my part. Felt very important, pleased with myself as I took a lot of pride with my range procedures etc. Pack up rifles and move all personnel ,kit to 100meters point. Ordered LMG gun Crews to clean and prepare the guns for firing.
Done Cpl was the word , right on the point all guns and then stand back. This done I got all personnel together and boy did I give them the big speech about machine guns, " FIRST I WILL SHOW YOU HOW ITS DONE FROM THE HIP " STAND BACK . Up to the gun I had chosen to fire ( Would not get away with this on Sqn but here I am boss, I will show them. ) Magazine full, Stroll up check safety catch, all ok , Load , ready , pick up gun , FIRE.-----------BANG--------------WHY AM I ON MY BACKSIDE-----------AND WHERE IS THE BLOODY BARREL-------LOOK AROUND-------EVERY BODY ON THERE BACKS LAUGHING FIT TO DIE.
Had failed to check the barrel was locked after gun put back. Found barrel some 40 meters down range. Never was so cocky again after that. To top it all some body had told the Shetland island local press and cartoon appeared with story . NO WHERE TO HIDE. SPIKE.