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Reminiscences - Colonel John Blashford-Snell

My fondest memory of Victoria College is of CCF. Our RSM was Royal Marine ‘Blanco’ Blandford, whose powers of expression are legendary. When one ‘Boley’ Pittard had the misfortune to drop his rifle on parade, Blanco’s words of encouragement could be heard throughout St Helier. ‘Pittard!’ he roared. ‘If you ever drops your rifle again I will kick your arse so ’ard your shirt will fly up your back like a roller blind.’ Our CO was Lt Col Bill Eden, a stern, fearless officer. Coming upon a section crawling over Les Blanches Blanques one CCF Field Day, towards an ‘enemy’ machine gun, he looked down scornfully at the intrepid cadets worming their way through the sand. ‘Whatever are you doing, boys?’ he inquired. ‘Stand up and take the bullets in your chests like men.’ So inspired, the gallant lads rose as one and bayonet-charged the enemy. We did not lack leadership in the Victoria College CCF.

 


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