The COVID-19 & Corona free thread.

[scarry]

But it was un-gentlemany to relieve him of his Soldering iron while his back was turned.

Defender driver,so what else would you expect

[bob10]

C'mon Des, you must have some amusing anecdotes to add, lightening the general demeanor of the forum. Applies equally to Pickles, Bob and all you other wize old geezers, to borrow Des's terminology.

Well, Don't know about amusing, but I have a yarn or two. Manila Bay in the late 60's, the end of a huge SEATO exercise, thousands of sailors/ Marines anchored out in the bay, going ashore to the one landing , what could possibly go wrong? My mate and I had a great time in the bars near the landing, and worse for wear, weaved our way back to the landing . Unknown to us, an international incident was unfolding. Some RN sailors had come back jolly, as they do, and seeing as how there were not enough boats to get everyone back to their ships in a timely manner, decided to take over a USN cutter, and get back to their ship. The US sailors disagreed, and the fight broke out. The fight turned into a riot, the US Admiral sent his Marines ashore to maintain control, and control was lost. The US Marines then went into jarhead mode, and bashed anyone within reach. [ Mostly RN sailors.] Then the RN Admiral sent the USN Admiral a message, call off your dogs or I will send my Marines ashore with fixed bayonets. Now that is the scene set.

Cue two drunk Australian sailors, giggling drunk actually, having a wonderful time in our own little World, walked into this melee. Mate says to me " bit of a blue Bob " I reply with all the intelligence I could muster " yeah" , we weaved our way through the blue, past the agitated US marines forming the first line of defence [ no idea how they just let us through, probably thought that two giggling dickheads posed no threat. ]got as far as the biggest human I have ever seen who challenged us, ****!!!, which I think was where the hell are you two going!!! To which we said " Home Cobber," as if it was the most natural thing in the World. To which he said "GODDAM Aussies HEY !" To which my mate said" probably." I thought that was the smartest thing he said all night. To which the giant just pointed in the direction we had just come. Now I'd seen my dad work sheep dogs, and I knew " get around back" when I saw it, so we got around back, the way we had come.

Back through the milling crowd ,the fight gone out of them it looked, until we bumped into another small group of Vampire sailors who had been watching from a distance, [ Vampire sailors were a smart mob, always knew how to make the most out of a bad situation. ] They said they had been invited back to a Philippine politicians house just up the hill, and he had a pool. So we drank whiskey and swam in the pool, and made our way back in the morning. When I think about it, just another run ashore in the Far East. The Poms started the fight, the Yanks made it worse, the Aussies had a good time.

[V8Ian]

Thanks Bob, after half a lifetime in diligent service of this wonderful country, upon the oceans of the globe, I'm sure you're good for anothe yarn or two.

[Hogarthde]

We where resting up around Horseshoe, a couple of us Engineers ,a section of Grunts,with our webbing all strewn about. So the O.C.of the Grunts choppers in and damn if he didn’t come over to our little group for a little “ so how is it going lads “, he chats for a few minutes , then he accidentally picked up my mates water bottle and has a swig .His face contorts a bit , his lips tighten up, he stands up and strides away .

My sapper mate was a cattle man from Dingo , and often had a strong rum/water/anti snake/ mix in one water bottle, and that was what the O.C. had grabbed .

Bob, you reckon you picked up working dog attributes , well I think we two sappers showed our eye dog breeding then ,not a sound from either of us.

Dave

[Hogarthde]

We where resting up around Horseshoe, a couple of us Engineers ,a section of Grunts,with our webbing all strewn about. So the O.C.of the Grunts choppers in and damn if he didn’t come over to our little group for a little “ so how is it going lads “, he chats for a few minutes , then he accidentally picked up my mates water bottle and has a swig .His face contorts a bit , his lips tighten up, he stands up and strides away .

My sapper mate was a cattle man from Dingo , and often had a strong rum/water/anti snake/ mix in one water bottle, and that was what the O.C. had grabbed .

Bob, you reckon you picked up working dog attributes , well I think we two sappers showed our eye dog breeding then ,not a sound from either of us.

Dave

[Saitch]

As I said Andrew, he'll never be capable of living independently, but he's the most cheerful, affectionate person I know.
Before he started, Geebung Special School, his elder sister spent months secretly coaching him one phrase. On Mothers' Day his parents heard him utter his first words, as his sister ushered him into their bedroom, whilst delivering breakfast. "Happy Mothers' Day Mum." Saw Mum burst into tears.

Special Schools in Queensland are far different now from what they were when we went to school. No longer are they merely a place to park kids who cannot cope (or be coped with) in mainstream schools. Nowadays each school specialiises in various disabilities, actually allowing kids to reach their individual potential. Ed is very fortunate that the school that suited his needs is only two suburbs from home. He loves it and will now miss it terribly.

I have a very good friend who retired recently. For most of her teaching career, probably around 40 years, she was 'Special Education' with the last 10 years as a principal.
Some of the yarns she can tell are amazing. Some sad, some hilarious. I reckon it takes a special kind of person to do what she did and enjoy doing it although, without getting political, sometimes 'The System' let her done, apparently.

[JDNSW]

An interesting coincidence related to Special Education. My son I mentioned above had a very special Special Ed teacher, who has remained a lifelong friend, and who has become one of my friends. She taught him in Melbourne, but I found out later that she had been a favourite primary school teacher in Sydney of my High School friend who later became my best man.

[bob10]

We where resting up around Horseshoe, a couple of us Engineers ,a section of Grunts,with our webbing all strewn about. So the O.C.of the Grunts choppers in and damn if he didn’t come over to our little group for a little “ so how is it going lads “, he chats for a few minutes , then he accidentally picked up my mates water bottle and has a swig .His face contorts a bit , his lips tighten up, he stands up and strides away .

My sapper mate was a cattle man from Dingo , and often had a strong rum/water/anti snake/ mix in one water bottle, and that was what the O.C. had grabbed .

Bob, you reckon you picked up working dog attributes , well I think we two sappers showed our eye dog breeding then ,not a sound from either of us.

Dave

From what I read in that terrific book, nothing sappers did would surprise me. After many years I decided to join the VVAA, advancing age made it prudent to be in a position to receive the latest news from DVA , and news from the Association which could be relevant to me. As luck had it, the sub-branch I joined was made up of mostly Engineers, a great bunch. While the years have condemned, and age has caught up with them, they still have their sense of humour. The young blokes from the CER at Enoggera are affiliated with them, so the link is strong. I don't get to many meetings, I'm not a meeting type of person, but I help out at sausage sizzles and the like. It's comforting to have good people around in a crisis. Charles Parsons is our President.

[bob10]

Thanks Bob, after half a lifetime in diligent service of this wonderful country, upon the oceans of the globe, I'm sure you're good for anothe yarn or two.

I'm struggling to find ones that can be published, Ian.

[bob10]

Got one about Gibraltar. A leading Stoker who was part of my engine room watch on HMAS Brisbane, No 2 engine room. Top man, but prone to blotting the copybook when under the influence of the demon drink. Now this was after the RN had stopped their rum ration. The pubs of Gibraltar formed a consortium and purchased mobs of the RN rum, distributing it among their bars. The go was, order your first pint, get a tot free. What could possibly go wrong there? Now 'B ' as I will call him, was in his element. Cue to the wharf area, HMAS Melbourne was hosting a cocktail party for Senior Officers and dignitaries of Gibraltar. Official cars were driving up, an Aussie sailor , spick and span in his uniform, would open the door , salute ,welcome Sir or M'aam, and in the best ship side grey and Bristol fashion, step back out of the way, allowing Sir and M'aam to progress up the Officers gangway. What about 'B' I hear you ask? ………..Well, happily full of rum , he decided to involve himself in the very important role of greeter, and taking advantage of the containers and such on the wharf managed to find his way unnoticed to close to the point where the cars rolled up. Then, with perfect timing he dashed in , opened the door of a car, and greeted the Wife of a Senior RN Officer with his best salute, STARK NAKED. Now, this could have been an ' incident', if not for the cool head and calm demeanour of the Lady concerned. She looked him slowly up and down, and said " Good evening sailor, I see it's cold tonight". And calmly walked up the gangway. 'B' disappeared as quickly as he had appeared, but he did not go ashore for a long time after that. That Lady showed how to act under pressure, people like her made the Empire great. And people like 'B'? well, just one of the many great characters I served with.