Page Five Crimes and Punishment

Much later, realisation came that many of the so called "crimes" for which the trainees were being charged, had been artificially created for two reasons, the more important being the first. It was most strongly designed to tell us to do nothing foolish, after being posted to a unit, to warrant being hauled up on a "real" charge.

The second and more mundane reason was to ensure that certain jobs, essential to the running of day-to-day affairs, were done, for example, the peeling of mountains of potatoes. Equally essential, at least in the Commanding Officer's mind, was the taking care of his pride and joy, the large kitchen garden adjacent to his quarters.

Hopefully the "lessons" were taken to heart by one and all!

Physical Training

On the third day we were introduced to the members of the Army Physical Training Corps, whose bounden duty seemed to be to inflict as much pain on one's persona as possible. The wearing of black Battle Dress tops soon earned them the nickname of "The Black Eagles."

After the SM had introduced himself and members of his staff he called attention to the APTC's Cap Badge. "You see those sabres, they're for use across the backsides of slackers!" Despite his threat, which never came to pass, it wasn't long before a few began skipping PT Parades. About four weeks into training inoculations for tetanus etc. were the order of the day. Those of us, who received one for the prevention of small pox, were given "Attend C" which meant bed for a day. On the day that I was in bed quite a few of 34 Troop had skipped PT several of whom, including a Trooper Mitsialis, were taking it easy in my room. Came the warning "The Black Eagles are coming!" What a scramble! Some jumped into beds while Trooper Mitsialis took refuge in my locker, which, as may be recalled, was just inside the door.

Lead by the SM, in swept the Black Eagles to round up the absentees, a chitty from the Medical Officer prevented my being rousted out with the others. Satisfied at having done what they came for the Black Eagles, led by a Corporal commenced shepherding out the miscreants. While doing so there came a scuffling sound from my locker. Majestically sweeping open the door the SM thundered "What do you think you are you doing in there you miserable specimen?" "Please sir, I'm resting" was the reply. The SM's subsequent tirade seemed to go on forever! More about the misfortunes of Trooper Mitsialis in the next segment.

Despite all the moaning and groaning, the efforts of the A.P.T.C. crew paid dividends. As a result, by the time we were ready for posting, we were no longer considered to be "miserable specimens."

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