Post by Diarist on May 18, 2016 19:14:49 GMT 1
I didn't go to RAF Duxford because it was already 11:20 and Sally & I had to go to London. There wasn't much to explain about the courier section so I told him that we need a flight of light transports from 24th Squadron to be stationed at RAF Netheravon until the end of the FTX. "We're giving them an advance warning so that when they receive their orders in the next couple of days they should be ready to move. You also need to find someone to run the section while you are at the parachute school next month." He nodded. "We'll talk tomorrow morning, OK?"
Sally and I arrived at the MoD just after 13:00 and easily found COL Wilkins who then walked with us to the offices allocated to TRADOC. I was pleasantly surprised. Very spacious and large windows ensured plenty of light. Very nice indeed. COL Wilkins introduced me to SSG Hargreaves who would forage for anything we might need.
"Do you work for Secretary Churchill, Colonel?"
"Yes."
"Here is a negative of my passport photo which is needed for the access-to-all-departments letter. That's one that he promised me. The second is his approval to be on the Board of Directors for Vickers-Armstrong. I also need an appointment with him or CIGS in reference to the upcoming FTX. I'm one of the Project Officers for Blue Forces. Secretary Churchill also promised me a list of candidates for the desks here. Do you need anything else from me?"
He thought for a moment, than answered, "not for the moment. Come to my office in one hour."
"Yes, Sir."
After he'd gone I introduced Sally, my Personal Secretary. We then went to each office. "The group of three here are for the three branches. The big one is my office, the one next to it is Sally's office then the final one is for the Science, Economics and Manpower section. I need three phones, two of which Sally also has. The four sections all need their own number. Each office will require a safe, two filing cabinets for Sally and myself, one for each of the other four sections. A corner sofa and a coffee table in the four sections and mine. Sally will need a second desk for an assistant. We also need a drawing board in each office." Sally was shaking her head. " Apart from Sally."
We walked around the corner to find a conference room and few small rooms. "One for office supplies, one where we can warm up food, brew tea, etc. and finally a break room where we can relax. Did I forget anything?"
"Notice boards."
"Thank you. One for public notices in the main entrance area. A second one for internal notices in the break room. A very visible sign on the door 'TRADOC Personnel Only!'" "One more thing. Portraits of our chain of command. King George, Winston Churchill, the Field Marshall, LG Gort, myself, then - are you to be my senior NCO?"
"If you wish, Sir."
"You already have one foot in the door. If you get all this done to Sally's satisfaction, consider yourself hired!"
A phone was ringing so Hargreaves answered. "It's for you, Sir. COL Wilkins."
Winston Churchill can see me in 15 minutes. Sally said she'll pick up my uniforms in Savile Row then meet me here later. "Will you be here all afternoon, Staff-Sergeant?"
"Yes, Sir. I can arrange most of this on the telephone and have it delivered tomorrow morning."
"Will you need either of us here?"
"No, Sir."
"Good. Two things. We are not at Sandhurst so you don't need to bark your replies, and we have until the end of the year to get operational so you don't need to do everything in one day. As you heard, I am heavily involved in the upcoming FTX so you won't see much of me during the next five weeks. Relax and that's an order!"
A more subdued, "yes, sir,"
"One more thing. We need a sign-in desk. Anyone not in our 'Hall of Fame' must sign in." I gave Sally a kiss then left.