One year in Victoria (SE Australia) at Balcome Army Camp, the only living in Officer at Xmas, decided to give the Mess Staff a break so told them he wouldnt be in for lunch and they could go home to their families, he was going to the beach.
At 1200, on the Beach, a Staff car Heavy arrived and out came the mess staff in full formal attire and trooped down the beach carrying large silver platters, a table, chair, and an ice box.
The poor hossifer had to sit at the table, and be served his 3 course Xmas lunch with dessert and wine. Much to the mirth of the general public on the beach..