Batmen
A seat for the batman was not a problem so he was boarded but was probably quite hungry en route to BZN, unless the cabin staff found a morsel for him. I bet the colonel was not bothered about his well being.
Gentleman Aviator
Many were very very happy with their lot. I remember a civvy batty at Shawbury (Centre Block) called Dave King - but always always "Mr" King.
He retired about 10 years ago, IIRC, and it turned out that it was the only job he'd ever had!! I think we worked it out that in (I think) 45 years he must have served under 27 Stn Cdrs, Lord knows how many PMCs and looked after literally thousands of officers.
And he never wanted to do anything else.....
He retired about 10 years ago, IIRC, and it turned out that it was the only job he'd ever had!! I think we worked it out that in (I think) 45 years he must have served under 27 Stn Cdrs, Lord knows how many PMCs and looked after literally thousands of officers.
And he never wanted to do anything else.....
In 1963 or '64 during the Turks v Greeks bust-up Round One, service and attached personnel with less than 4 months or so until tourex were housed in RAF Nicosia Messes and the families trooped home without ifs or buts.
I was already a Nicosia Mess member so had a fairly privileged crack at accommodation. The officers normally were 5 to a bungalow, with a room each, and a batmans' room cum laundry and ablutions down one end. Naturally, the crisis meant 2 beds to a room, 10 blokes.
The batty was a Turkish male [most were]. He greeted me with a pseudo- salute to which I was not entitled, and offered me shared use of one of his many daughters as required "wife away many weeks now, need woman". When I stood open mouthed he added "Its OK sir, most my young officers have my girls, but now have to share a little, like rooms".
No I didn't, and yes it was true. I wonder how many got a dose to take home.
I was already a Nicosia Mess member so had a fairly privileged crack at accommodation. The officers normally were 5 to a bungalow, with a room each, and a batmans' room cum laundry and ablutions down one end. Naturally, the crisis meant 2 beds to a room, 10 blokes.
The batty was a Turkish male [most were]. He greeted me with a pseudo- salute to which I was not entitled, and offered me shared use of one of his many daughters as required "wife away many weeks now, need woman". When I stood open mouthed he added "Its OK sir, most my young officers have my girls, but now have to share a little, like rooms".
No I didn't, and yes it was true. I wonder how many got a dose to take home.
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And then there was 'blind' Neville at Wroughton who cycled to work and knew your tea was full when his thumb got wet. God bless his memory but he made a stack from our voluntary monthly tips.
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Hipper
The RAF did not recognise married officers until he/she was 25 years old. If you got married before then, there was no entitlement to MQ and marraige allowance. Private housing was expensive to rent so the caravan was the cheapest way to house yourself and the Mrs O.
All this changed when the military salary was introduced IIRC in 1971 by Sir Andrew Humphrey RIP. Mind you, still had to write to the staish for permission to marry! I did in 1975 but that convention has been consigned to history. Not before time.
We were lucky to live in married quarters because I understand quite a few married couples lived in caravans, at least for a time.
All this changed when the military salary was introduced IIRC in 1971 by Sir Andrew Humphrey RIP. Mind you, still had to write to the staish for permission to marry! I did in 1975 but that convention has been consigned to history. Not before time.
Permission to Marry?
I have really enjoyed reading this thread. So much of what has been posted on other threads is 'doom and gloom' and it is nice to have some rampant nostalgia!
Permission to marry continued well into the 1990s. I had to get my Stn Cdr's signature in 1995 at RAF Lyneham to receive an Archbishop's Special License to marry Mrs WP, as I was outside her denomination. I also had to swear an oath in the Stn Chapel (ie the parish church, just outside the gates) and in return received an extremely impressive parchment from the Archbishop of Canterbury, allowing me to , err, marry an Anglican at a specific time,at a specific church.
Ahh Batmen!
When I was first commissioned in a Colonial air force in the mid 1980s, we still had full batting service (cup of tea, shoes polished and allegedly 5 shirst ironed a week). It was a risky thing to put shoes outside your door - invariably they were a bit squishy in the morning and smelt a bit like the WOs and SNCOs Mess...could never work out why!
The batting staff were General Service Hands - old sweats (generally long-retired SNCOs) working as ACs on a rolling 2 week contract in the Territorial Air Force. They were good at 'sourcing' stuff for you (Sir, that shirt's a bit frayed - leave it with me - hey presto a new (free) shirt appeared the following day!). After I transfered to the RAF, Batting Service was a distant memory. Apparently I was entitled to it at Cranwell on SERE course, but clearly the staff had other ideas.
Several years later I was 'courting' future Mrs WP and we went to Badminton Horse Trials - hamper, champers, the works. We are walking around the jumps and then there's a tap on my shoulder - it was 'Audrey', one of the Batmen from NZ. To be recognised by one's Batman at Badminton! A toe curling few minutes passed as we exchanged pleasantries, hoping that 'Audrey' wouldn't mention the occasions when two cups of tea were delivered to my room, amongst other events...
I last encountered 'full' batting service at RAF Stafford in c 1999 during a visit; of course Naval Wardrooms still offer a pretty could level of service in your cabin. Perhaps I was dreaming, but I am sure at HMS Drake a few years ago, when the tea was delivered at OMG early, the was a brusque voice 'Sugar Sir?' 'Err, no' 'Well don't stir it then!'
In Singapore in the late 1980s there was a 'boot boy' at Khatib Mess, IIRC, who had been taken on at the age of 12 just before WWII. He worked for the British, the Japanese, the British and then the Kiwis. Probably worked for the Chinese MSS...Samuel - perhaps you remember him?
Happy days amongst all this gloom.
Permission to marry continued well into the 1990s. I had to get my Stn Cdr's signature in 1995 at RAF Lyneham to receive an Archbishop's Special License to marry Mrs WP, as I was outside her denomination. I also had to swear an oath in the Stn Chapel (ie the parish church, just outside the gates) and in return received an extremely impressive parchment from the Archbishop of Canterbury, allowing me to , err, marry an Anglican at a specific time,at a specific church.
Ahh Batmen!
When I was first commissioned in a Colonial air force in the mid 1980s, we still had full batting service (cup of tea, shoes polished and allegedly 5 shirst ironed a week). It was a risky thing to put shoes outside your door - invariably they were a bit squishy in the morning and smelt a bit like the WOs and SNCOs Mess...could never work out why!
The batting staff were General Service Hands - old sweats (generally long-retired SNCOs) working as ACs on a rolling 2 week contract in the Territorial Air Force. They were good at 'sourcing' stuff for you (Sir, that shirt's a bit frayed - leave it with me - hey presto a new (free) shirt appeared the following day!). After I transfered to the RAF, Batting Service was a distant memory. Apparently I was entitled to it at Cranwell on SERE course, but clearly the staff had other ideas.
Several years later I was 'courting' future Mrs WP and we went to Badminton Horse Trials - hamper, champers, the works. We are walking around the jumps and then there's a tap on my shoulder - it was 'Audrey', one of the Batmen from NZ. To be recognised by one's Batman at Badminton! A toe curling few minutes passed as we exchanged pleasantries, hoping that 'Audrey' wouldn't mention the occasions when two cups of tea were delivered to my room, amongst other events...
I last encountered 'full' batting service at RAF Stafford in c 1999 during a visit; of course Naval Wardrooms still offer a pretty could level of service in your cabin. Perhaps I was dreaming, but I am sure at HMS Drake a few years ago, when the tea was delivered at OMG early, the was a brusque voice 'Sugar Sir?' 'Err, no' 'Well don't stir it then!'
In Singapore in the late 1980s there was a 'boot boy' at Khatib Mess, IIRC, who had been taken on at the age of 12 just before WWII. He worked for the British, the Japanese, the British and then the Kiwis. Probably worked for the Chinese MSS...Samuel - perhaps you remember him?
Happy days amongst all this gloom.
In 1984 I wrote a Formal letter to Aunty Joan asking for "Permission to Marry" the now Mrs W (both of us had been married before), when I was the newly arrived OC Admin Sqn at Neatishead. She then called me into the sanctum, smiled sweetly and told me the MQ was available as of now (3 weeks before the wedding) and she had no problem if we were both in occupation from the following day.
The RAF did not recognise married officers until he/she was 25 years old.
Talk about a different world.
Sepulot; the middle of Sabah, Borneo in 1966. I was on a short detachment with my own Whirlwind 10 and was accomodated in the Ghurka officers mess. This was a long hut constructed by the Ghurka Engineers out of bamboo, wrinkly tin and parachute baseboards as the floors. The were no windows, just an awning the was pushed up and propped. Dinner was always served on the Regimental China and drinks were always in solid silver goblets. Naturally there was a batman who would bring you your char in the morning.
There were only two problems at the time. A trumpet bird would settle outside my room just before dawn and let the whole world know that the sun was coming up. The other was that my room's floor was not that secure. I had to be careful where I trod because a board edge was a bit loose. I was too lazy to report this as I was only there for week or so.
One morning the Ghurka orderly came in with my char. I was asleep after having that damn bird blaring in my ear for half an hour. He was about to place the tea on the side table when I woke and he, as Ghurkas do, crashed to attention. This broke the baseboard fixing and he sank about two feet to the jungle floor. Unperturbed, without spilling a drop, he reached up and placed the tea on my table and bolted under the floor outside.
I drank the tea, got up and when to the ablution block outside. Whilst showering away I heard this hammering and banging. Back to my room and there was a new floor installed.
OC HQ Coy and I had a joint moan one night about the trumpet bird. OC A Coy said he would sort it. Next morning the bird started up.
BLAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR BANG.
Problem solved.
There were only two problems at the time. A trumpet bird would settle outside my room just before dawn and let the whole world know that the sun was coming up. The other was that my room's floor was not that secure. I had to be careful where I trod because a board edge was a bit loose. I was too lazy to report this as I was only there for week or so.
One morning the Ghurka orderly came in with my char. I was asleep after having that damn bird blaring in my ear for half an hour. He was about to place the tea on the side table when I woke and he, as Ghurkas do, crashed to attention. This broke the baseboard fixing and he sank about two feet to the jungle floor. Unperturbed, without spilling a drop, he reached up and placed the tea on my table and bolted under the floor outside.
I drank the tea, got up and when to the ablution block outside. Whilst showering away I heard this hammering and banging. Back to my room and there was a new floor installed.
OC HQ Coy and I had a joint moan one night about the trumpet bird. OC A Coy said he would sort it. Next morning the bird started up.
BLAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR BANG.
Problem solved.
We may be good at this fighting business...
Yoof today may be good at this fighting business....but where is the style and elan (see previous post)?
Imagine the hue and cry it it was revealed that the 3rd Bn, the Loamshire Regiment deployed with Batmen and Mess silver to, say, Helmand Province. Great for morale but it would be a PR disaster!
Although I do recall a Signals Regiment (11?) in Kosovo from Jun - Sep 99 deploying with mess silver and decent china.
On 6 Feb 02 we held a Dining-In (50 years of the Queens Accession) in the middle of the Saudi Desert with US and French officers in attendance - great food, drink, service (the hint is there - Service staff to prepare and serve) - and it probably achieved more goodwill with our Allies - especially the US - than tanking umptie-ump F-18s, or whatever during the opening stages of OEF.
Imagine the hue and cry it it was revealed that the 3rd Bn, the Loamshire Regiment deployed with Batmen and Mess silver to, say, Helmand Province. Great for morale but it would be a PR disaster!
Although I do recall a Signals Regiment (11?) in Kosovo from Jun - Sep 99 deploying with mess silver and decent china.
On 6 Feb 02 we held a Dining-In (50 years of the Queens Accession) in the middle of the Saudi Desert with US and French officers in attendance - great food, drink, service (the hint is there - Service staff to prepare and serve) - and it probably achieved more goodwill with our Allies - especially the US - than tanking umptie-ump F-18s, or whatever during the opening stages of OEF.
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DamianF
So where did it all go wrong!!!! Surely you can't blame me (or 3Putt)!
'Twas not only batmen; there were other stalwarts of the officers' mess who knew how to look after 'their officers'!
I have vivid recall of a Bucc detachment for ex Northern Wedding (or such like) to Lossie in the 70s when, on the Sunday, we moseyed on out to the Gordon Arms at Fochabers for a spot of lunch, which subsequently turned into an extended drinkex before we were evicted prior to the arrival of the gentile ladies of the town who were inbound for afternoon tea. Still requiring of a spirit or two, we took ourselves off to the Glenlivet distillery and arrived back at Lossie OM at about 1750 hours! Rushing to the bar to continue our happy imbibing, we discovered to our horror that it was not yet open and was being guarded by Mr Mac (the aged retainer and friend to all officers - God Bless him) who informed us that the bar was closed and that, no, we couldn't have a beer! His response, however, was quickly followed in that soft, enchanting accent of the north of Scotland: 'Mind, ye can all have a whisky while yer waitin'!'
Mr Mac, whatever would we have done without him!
Foldie
ensured that we all remained on the straight and narrow................
'Twas not only batmen; there were other stalwarts of the officers' mess who knew how to look after 'their officers'!
I have vivid recall of a Bucc detachment for ex Northern Wedding (or such like) to Lossie in the 70s when, on the Sunday, we moseyed on out to the Gordon Arms at Fochabers for a spot of lunch, which subsequently turned into an extended drinkex before we were evicted prior to the arrival of the gentile ladies of the town who were inbound for afternoon tea. Still requiring of a spirit or two, we took ourselves off to the Glenlivet distillery and arrived back at Lossie OM at about 1750 hours! Rushing to the bar to continue our happy imbibing, we discovered to our horror that it was not yet open and was being guarded by Mr Mac (the aged retainer and friend to all officers - God Bless him) who informed us that the bar was closed and that, no, we couldn't have a beer! His response, however, was quickly followed in that soft, enchanting accent of the north of Scotland: 'Mind, ye can all have a whisky while yer waitin'!'
Mr Mac, whatever would we have done without him!
Foldie
Sandy was a mess steward at Bentley Priory rather than a batman, but was the epitomy of everything that has been mentioned in previous posts. And quite right too given that he had spent umpteen years as a steward on The Royal Yacht.
I remember sitting in the bar at Bentley one Saturday evening. I had been in Town all day, got back late and missed dinner. Being a bit peckish, I was on my 3rd pack of crisps at which point Sandy piped up along the lines of 'excuse me Sir, I do apologise for interrupting, but I notice that's your 3rd pack of crisps and you weren't in dinner; if you would like, I can pop into the kitchen and rustle up a sandwich if you're hungry. If you need another beer whilst I'm gone, help yourself and just leave a chit on the counter'.
Sandy was an absolute star. He took pleasure in providing the best service possible to everybody in the Mess, regardless of rank, or civilian status, and we all thought he was amazing for it. Alas, I'm afraid those sorts of standards are now very much consigned to the bin with the relentless march to 'Catering, Leisure and Retail' and how much can we charge for doing as little as possible.
I remember sitting in the bar at Bentley one Saturday evening. I had been in Town all day, got back late and missed dinner. Being a bit peckish, I was on my 3rd pack of crisps at which point Sandy piped up along the lines of 'excuse me Sir, I do apologise for interrupting, but I notice that's your 3rd pack of crisps and you weren't in dinner; if you would like, I can pop into the kitchen and rustle up a sandwich if you're hungry. If you need another beer whilst I'm gone, help yourself and just leave a chit on the counter'.
Sandy was an absolute star. He took pleasure in providing the best service possible to everybody in the Mess, regardless of rank, or civilian status, and we all thought he was amazing for it. Alas, I'm afraid those sorts of standards are now very much consigned to the bin with the relentless march to 'Catering, Leisure and Retail' and how much can we charge for doing as little as possible.
Very civil of you. I do hope the Bruggen was not between 1989 and 1996 ........ I thought Derek Nazer and Nev Simmons and their boys and girls were just about the best team assembled under one Stevenson Screen. AFTER I kicked collective ARSSE.
Pete Tweed alas, the best briefer that ever worked for me, passed away last year at a far-too-young age.
RIP Pete.
Pete Tweed alas, the best briefer that ever worked for me, passed away last year at a far-too-young age.
RIP Pete.
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DamianF
Yes, Happy day's etc. We did the same to Osby and a few other shavers as well but, they seemed to cope all right.
Don't get me going on Eric the one eyed, civilian batman in the west wing huts at Shawbury in 1968 or for that matter the wonderful ladies in the feeder at Waddo in the late 70's or the two ladies in the Officers Mess dining room at Finningley in the early 80's
Fore!
3P
Don't get me going on Eric the one eyed, civilian batman in the west wing huts at Shawbury in 1968 or for that matter the wonderful ladies in the feeder at Waddo in the late 70's or the two ladies in the Officers Mess dining room at Finningley in the early 80's
Fore!
3P
Thank you. Nev Simmons is still in half-harness, the remainder [like all of us us] dispersed to the four thirds of the world ....... happy days, were they not!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
One day, somewhere near a small town in Germany, he pitched up at Cavalry unit ready for the kick-off, like 0700 or so. He found the officers at a camp table, linen, silver, waiter service seated having breakfast. Breakfast continued well past the start time. Nothing he said caused them to speed up.
He duly complained to his Col who said that tomorrow they would be ready on time. Naturally they were again having silver service breakfast but a few thunderflashes and smoke bombs sorted that out.
However I quite agree about style.
The Staish at Akrotiri before Baron Radley, Air Cdre Stacy used to collect VIPs off the early morning trooper and entertain them to breakfast, mess table, linen, silver etc, on the cliff top to watch the dawn. Carrington was one such receipient that I recall who had been en route to Singapore.
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DamianF-Met O's
Being as how ""FW" and I used to spend a fair amount of our time authorising young scrotes like you to commit flying we had a lot to do with the Bruggen Met office. Yes, local weather forecasts were excellent as the weather was usually 1000 ft cloudbase and 8k ish viz (even in the summer months). However, they were less than 100% at getting a decent UK LL forecast which, towards the end, is where the wing spent most of it's time.
Derek Nazer now there was a bloke and a half! Wonder if he had a batting person?
3P
Derek Nazer now there was a bloke and a half! Wonder if he had a batting person?
3P
Last edited by threeputt; 22nd Feb 2011 at 06:26. Reason: Better title!
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The Met men we had at Bruggen were the very best
However, I do have a specific memory of one met brief in the hard over the talking orange during an exercise, when met man said, "many showers around today".
Question from me: "So how many showers are we talking about?"
Met man: "Oh 3 to 4 an hour".
Me: "And how long do you expect each one to last?"
Met man: "15 to 20 minutes probably"
