Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0060
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CHAPTER FOUR CA TTERICK The Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment which the 9th/l2th Royal Lancers had now become was responsible for the introductory training of the recruit intakes to the RAC for 14 weeks, The training was divided into three courses — four weeks of Basic Military Training, seven weeks of Trade Train— ing and a final period of three weeks consolidation before each passing-out parade. Potential Officers received a special course to prepare them for the Regular Commissions Board after completing BM'I‘. Of historical interest is that the 12th Lancers had been the first regular Armoured Car Regiment to take over the armoured car training role in 1948 when four regular regiments were needed to do the introductory training of the whole Corps. To compensate for the loss of manpower of the squadron in Berlin an additional establishment of Link Instructors from other RAC regiments was provided and up to 100 Oflicers and NCOs taught in the training wings. However, the existing regimental organisation was adapted to meet the needs so that B Squadron dealt with driving and maintenance training, CSquadron with gunnery and Wireless and Recce Squadron with B vehicles and the transport pool. Like any other school it was a life of routine for the per- mament staff but the advantages of set courses and block leave could be used to the full by the enterprising. Captain Clapton, for instance, found time in February to go to the Cairngorms and win the individual Army skiing trophy and seven horses were soon in residence in the stables. Some Changes occurred to the Order of Battle with Captain Going coming in as Adjutant, Major Vere-Laurie to BSquadron, Major Jackson to Reece Squadron and, later in the year, Major Hunter from the 58 |
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