Page 8 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 62

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

he, as a stretcher bearer/Medic was
Airborne Chefs Association injured when he went to the aid of a
Paratrooper who stood on a mine. Paul
3 Para (Op Corporate) reunion was medically evacuated or Casevacked
as it became known.
After we got back to the UK, we all
By Tom Onions went our separate ways, being posted to
the four corners of the world.
In 2002 I was privileged to be part of
Over 40 years ago a merry band of Army
an organised Pilgrimage and returned to
chefs came together through circum- Left to right: Pete Marshal, Keith Foster, David
the Falklands. It was during this first trip
stance and coincidence. We were the Daniels, Alan Spark, John Smith, Tommy Onions
back the seed of an idea emerged. My aim, (seated), Shaun O’Connell, Chip Walker, George
Catering Platoon, proudly attached
to try to get the lads together again for a Mark Foreman and Alec Taylor
to the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute
3 Para chefs (82) reunion. Unfortunately,
Regiment. If the old grey matter serves
following the trip back down south,
me correctly, there were 25 of us. I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD. Reunion Dinner and
January 1982 will never be forgotten
However, rather than let this get in the
for it is forged into our collective memo- Arnhem commemoration
way of getting the boys back together, I
ries. With the the 3RD Battalion of the
allowed the seed to propagate.
Parachute Regiment, the ACC attached By Chip Walker
Last year whilst meeting up at the
arm had been honing their skills at
London Cenotaph with several of the
Hythe & Lydd ranges, readying for yet On Saturday 23rd September 2023 the Airborne Chefs Association held a reun-
3 Para chefs, we decided to look at that
another NI tour. On the last night on ion at the Smugglers Inn, Blue Anchor Bay, Somerset.
long planted seed and try to get a proper
the Ranges, the QM required all the The date was chosen so that the air-
reunion of those brave chefs. I searched
chefs to complete a night shoot. This borne chefs could celebrate the actions
high and low and of the 19 chefs who
was accomplished and on the return of our predecessors at Arnhem in 1944
travelled South in 82, I sadly learned
to the camp I volunteered to work a That’s me far left during the final briefing before tabbing onto Longdon later that night for one of the fiercest battles and to remember those six ACC soldiers
few extra hours knocking out six huge of the war.) At least two of the lads in this photo never made it off the mountain. (Rest easy Westy & Ginge) that two of our number had passed away sadly killed in action.
(RIP Bob Thornley & Dave Ogden).
butchers’ trays of freshly prepared and 3rd Battalion were on LPBG (Leading We were hosted by one of our own,
blanched chips. Parachute Brigade Group), we were all Despite huge efforts and calling in Airborne Chef; ‘George’ Mark Foreman.
I was so late leaving the cookhouse called to 24 hours-notice, apart from many favours, three remained missing. George is the owner and Head Chef at
that even the night shift had already left. Dinger Bell that is. He had decided to go I just couldn’t find (Scouse Wells, Tony the wonderful Smugglers Inn.
Anyway, to cut a very long story short, the on unauthorised weekend leave. On his Browne & Jock Furgusson). The Smugglers is an ancient build-
cookhouse completely burnt down and I, return to Barracks he was ‘Banged up’ for Not to be beaten though, through ing with origins going back 800 years.
being the last one out got the blame. being AWOL. His sentence was a three- sheer tenacity and the assistance of It’s full of atmosphere and a great place
A few weeks later on return to Hythe week spell of jankers on the Canberra Spike Reigate, I decided to put it out to visit.
& Lydd for the Court Marshall I picked heading South. The Ministry of Defence there for a get-together. The response George treated the assembled chefs Tommy Onions presenting the framed print to Chip Walker.
up the nickname ‘Rumpole’. That’s a story (MoD) had requisitioned SS Canberra 3 Para chefs united again was amazing, three of the lads (Al and partners to a wonderful array of fine
for another day. On the 2nd of April a for use as a UK forces Troopship. Beaumont, Mick Rowson (sunning it curries and dishes with an Asian influ- In the morning and on behalf of
group of Gaucho type fellas decided to Canberra sailed on the 9th April for the On board, the Catering platoon was in the Med) and Dick Grainger) were ence. He really did do us proud. Jim Mackie, Tommy Onions pre-
invade the Falklands Islands and as the war zone of the South Atlantic. split into differing work parties; some unable to make it, so out of the 19 chefs Great company, great food, great sented Chip Walker and ‘George’ Mark
were told they’d have to be trained up to we managed to contact a further 11 of prices, we really look forward to the next Foreman with framed prints depicting
battlefield medic level and SF support. the old Brigade and each confirmed one. Well done George!! Op’ Banner.
Those first group included; Pete Marshall, they were up for it. As a group, we were The next get-together for the Airborne
Paul Roberts, Mick Arthur, Geordie literally living in all parts of the UK. Chefs will be in partnership with the
Rowson, Dick Grainger and myself. I decided then to utilise/piggyback British Airborne Forces Club and will be
Others were trained to be Heli- Airborne Forces/Corps Weekend as a the Para’s 10 miler held at Aldershot on
handlers and a number of other (all vital) starting point to get the reunion off to Saturday the 04th November.
roles within the battalion orbat. We were a reasonable chance of succeeding. This After that, we have the D-Day
all small but important cogs in a massive was shared with all involved and agreed March on Friday the 15th March 2024,
machine and I can say, in keeping with as a good plan of action. which is a walk along the southwest
Corps tradition, we all set about our new The weekend rapidly approached coast path and follows the route used
jobs with gusto and to the very best of and I was filled with trepidation as well by American Rangers and allied troops
our ability. This esprit de corps included as excitement at the thought of meeting to Weymouth where they embarked for
the guys who completed the difficult yet up with friends I hadn’t seen for a con- the invasion of Normandy. We’d love to
essential task of rear party. siderable time. However, I needn’t have see you there!
Despite the best efforts of the worried. Like most in the military fam- It’s open to all army chefs who
Argentine air force and army, we all ily, we started as we’d left off all those served with British Airborne Forces
came back and the only battlefield years previously. Years were forgotten whether they were para-trained or not. If
injury involving the 3 Para chefs was to and suddenly this group of old men were Enjoying George’s great Indian curries at the Smugglers you are interested, contact Chip or Tom
This photo was taken at the Airborne Statue on the Friday night (starting the weekend as we meant to carry on) Cpl Paul Roberts. Bravery personified once again young soldiers. Inn, Somerset via the Secretary@accassociation.org
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