The Spirit of 656 in 1944
Something of the very special spirit of 656 Squadron may be gathered from the Daily Routine Orders for Christmas Day 1944 in Burma, which were presented thus:
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS NUMBER
DROs (Darned Ridiculous Orders) |
by ERK |
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Date… Christmas 1944 |
1. |
DUTIES |
ORDERLY OFFICER |
DUTY NCO |
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25 Dec 44 |
Santa Claus |
A Good Fairy (where’s that fairy) |
2. MUSTER PARADE
0700 hrs. Any man found out of bed will be liable to ‘naik markaro’ (corporal punishment). Parade will be taken by the Adj with Sgts (bless’ em all) in support; the Adj will carry the bucket. Dress : Pyjamas. Men will fall-in in a horizontal position. No swearing permitted. The services of the Accts Sgt will be rendered free and will not be deducted from Credits.
3. BREAKFAST
Personnel rising between the hrs of 0800 and 0830 will be lucky. Special dish – Soyas (not chocolate coated) will be supplied on demand – limit one tin per man. NOTE: Breakfast is being prepared for about nine men.
MENU: Fruit, tinned, Grape |
(Grape Fruit) |
Kellogg’ au lait |
(Cornflakes and milk) |
Unda a l’Anglais |
(Egg(s) and bacon) |
Burnt offering |
(Toast) |
Redskins |
(Tomatoes) |
Char (with sugar) |
(French for tea) |
4. DINNER
With every faith in the ability of our cooks we present the following list of fare :-
Potage a la Bebagie |
(Soup) |
Calcutta Bibi |
(Roast Fowl) |
Jungle dewdrops |
(Green peas) |
Pomme de terre a la Nolmes |
(Just potatoes) |
|
|
You too |
(Stuffing) |
Mystery Rollers |
(Sausage balls) |
Noel Kanner |
(Christmas Pudding) |
Liquer Cover |
(Brandy Sauce) |
Mince Pies |
(No recipes given) |
Coffee (Let’s be posh) or Char. |
|
Beer |
(If you bring your own) |
TOASTS
THE KING, EMPEROR OF INDIA
THE CO and his minions
THE COOKS
To the sufferers of Blighty
To the Girl I left Behind Me
To the Happy Jungle Boys
To the kids who play with toys
To the fast decreasing Japs
To us hardworking chaps (rpt working)
JOE (tum ho eck, tum ho – you are a one, you are)
5. TRAINING
1400 hrs. Horizontal Drill (in bed or out of barracks)
6. THE LITTLE YELLOW PILL
1730 hrs. It is regretted that owing to the over increasing popularity of the Little Yellow Pills, it is not possible to supply more than one per man.
The Mosquito Rajah has expressed his wish that personnel refrain from imbibing intoxicating liquor as this has been the cause of several prangs amongst his subjects. In one particular instance, one of his members was seen falling out of control after an attack upon one Sergeant of this Squadron.
We intend to ignore this appeal for the following reasons :-
1. Before 2359 hrs we are too drunk to feel a mosquito bite,
2. After 0001 hrs they are too drunk to bite.
7. SMOKEY JOE’S SNACK BAR
There will be a cold buffet which opens at 1800 hrs until cleared out. Take what you want it’s on the house – don’t shove just push, plenty of room for you and me.
The excellent range of dishes will include :-
Pot Luck Layers |
(Asstd sandwiches) |
Tarts – Savoury, Mince & Apple |
(All except the right tart) |
Kuchnai Soya |
(Sausage rolls) |
Squeaky buns |
|
Firpo’s Special |
(Fruit Salad) |
What’s left over |
(Trifle) |
Smokey’s Masterpiece |
(Christmas Cake) |
Whatisit |
(Fruit Cake) |
Drinks |
(As for para. 4 above) |
and anything else Bruiser Bill Butch can concoct.
It is requested that any songs sung during the evening be kept as pure as possible, to avoid embarrassment to the local girls (black) of the village. It was noted that several were seen to be blushing after the last jam session. I.e. Ram Sammy Safkaro (keep the party clean).
9. MISCELLANEOUS
1. It is hoped that the 0700 hrs fatigue party will NOT rpt NOT sing Christmas Carols.
2. Personnel will NOT be served with breakfast at 1230 hrs, but will be first in the queue for dinner.
3. No gratuities or adverse comments will be passed to the waiters during dinner. Any complaints will be ignored.
4. Training is an essential part of Army life (para.5 above refers).
5. The evenings entertainment will NOT include Postmans Knock or its equivalent.
6. Visitors to the Orderly Room will, for a change, be treated with civility, with the exception of one, a certain LAC Foster (alias ‘Peachy’).
7. Keep smiling – the Postal Orderly (Vish) is doing his best but he don’t write the letters to you.
8. Message to Tac HQ and Flights :-“Keep smiling – we’re right behind you.”
9. Message to the TROOPS :-
‘The Orderly Room Staff wish to take this opportunity of wishing all friends, and others, a very Merry Christmas and lashings of DROs in the New Year. They would also like to point out that, with the true Yuletide Spirit, they will be pleased to drink anyone’s health if asked.’
10. No Follower will wear a black look on Christmas Day.
11. FLASH – The Orderly Room Staff, as a special privilege, will cease work (?) at 1630 hrs on Christmas Day.
12. A consignment of Knickers (WAC[I]), in lieu of Drawers Cellular have been received by the Eqpt Section. These have been reserved for issue to Dvr Ops of SHQ only.
(Original signed)
(ERK)
The Democrat,
656 Sqdn RAF.
AFTER ORDER
Drink lime juice and be happy on Boxing Day.