Enough to bring a tear to the eye of many an old B Coy soldier, this series of photos from Kevin Phelan and others shows the last day of “The Coastguard”. First occupied by An Forsa on May 1st 1951 with the official opening of the new hall on May 20th, 1951. More photos after the break.
During POTS training it became traditional that on the Thursday when all students were particularly tired and pressurised, an evening lecture on “Discipline” would be arranged and all participants were required to attend in number 1s at 2000 hours. Paddy Whelan would be at the top of the lecture room resplendent in his number 1s and he would begin in very serious tones to deliver the following lecture on “Discipline”. I have tried to recall the details to the best of my ability but all corrections or clarifications are welcome.
Paddy would “grow out of” anyone caught sniggering explaining that “no one sees me laughing” and “the Minister does not find this funny”. Some of the more assiduous students would begin taking notes.
While searching on Google I came across a document held in the National Library entitled “21st Inf Bn 1959-1980 by 2/Lt J Scannell” under call number 3A 2747 held in the Main Reading Room. I got a copy and scanned the text and reproduce it here. It remains copyright J Scannell 1980 and if he objects I will remove it. The full text is after the break
When I joined the FCA in 1972 we were all asked what our religion was. Perhaps, being true to the adage “there are no atheists in the trenches”, I declared “Roman Catholic” and had “RC” marked against my name. I suppose one would have wished to have the correct Padre show up when you were dying of your wounds. I think the only alternate designation available may have been “OD” for “Other Denomination”, but it may have been more inclusive. The US army now allows “Atheist/Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” dog tags. This log contains some rambling memories and photos on a religious theme.
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