Page 9 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 61

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Commemoration of the 51st Anniversary of the

Bombing of the Headquarters 16th Parachute Brigade

Officers’ Mess, Aldershot 22nd February 2023

Do you remember where you were on 22nd February 1972? Whilst I was still Secretary of the ACC Association,
I was a young 16-year-old at the Army Apprentices College I received an invitation to the 50th anniversary commemo-
(ACC), a relatively new and modern St Omer Barracks built ration in 2022 but was unfortunately unable to attend. Apart
in the same style as many others in Aldershot Garrison at the from being a significant anniversary, it also marked the
time. It was a time when many military roads in the Garrison unveiling of a new memorial on the site of the old Officers’
were still open to public traffic but that was to change soon Mess, in conjunction with Grainger PLC, to enhance the
after the bombing of the 16th Parachute Brigade Officers’ area surrounding the previous monument. I was delighted to
Mess at the top end of Montgomery Lines, close to the A325. receive another invitation this year and went to join families
Sadly, the following six Officers’ Mess civilian staff and the of the bereaved, the Assistant Commandant of the Parachute
Brigade Padre lost their lives that day: Regiment, members of the Parachute Regimental Association
and representatives from Aldershot Garrison.
Mary Thelma Bosley Fortunately, the day stayed dry and a Service of
Commemoration was conducted by The Reverend Dean
Margaret Jean Grant
Pusey. The history of the bombing was read, followed by an
John Charles Hasler Act of Remembrance. I then had the privilege of laying an
ACC wreath on behalf of all members, past and present of the
Joan Violet Lunn
ACC Association. Of course, it doesn’t seem like 51 years ago
Jill Cynthia Mansfield as I remember the bombing so very well, where did that time
Sheri Christina Munton go. Should you wish to visit the memorial it is to be found just
off Pennefather’s Road, Aldershot GU11 4BT.
The Reverend Gerard Weston MBE CF(RC)
Major (Retd) Wally Vincent

SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG PAGE 9