Page Four
By the 29th of December enough books had been collected and the Mustang Library was officially opened. During the winter months the Library was very popular and, when we were in the line, books were brought up and distributed amongst the tank crews. During the summer months, the demand not being so great, we shut up shop until quite recently when we reopened the library afresh.
New Year's Eve saw twelve members of the Crew paying a visit to our friends of the Ancona Crew - we all have pleasant memories of that enjoyable evening.
During the first three months of the New Year the Crew met reasonably regularly in between spells of action. March saw a highlight when we contacted an Italian Scout Troop in Ravenna. Whilst we were in that town we were able to help quite a lot in the furtherence of their efforts to recapture the great Spirit of Scouting.
Events were moving quickly now and Crew meetings were few. We met whenever possible but that was not very often.
Then came the conclusion of hostilities in Italy and, from that date on, we have been meeting at regular intervals.
Now we must face the fact that the Crew will gradually weaken as chaps are demobilised or drafted to other theatres of operation. Whilst two remain the Mustangs will carry on until eventually comes the grand reunion camp that we are planning for the future.
It has been a memorable Year during which, we are proud to say, we have, in no small measure, been able to contribute towards the furtherance of B.P's lifework.
Gerry
WEEK-END CAMP
Our first week-end camp was held at San Marino on the 30th & 31st June, 1945. We left on Friday by truck for the concentration area prior to 'doing' San Marino.
Fortunately we got an excellent 'casa' as our base, water etc., laid on. We cooked our dinner - and cynics - we did not use one match and a gallon of petrol but a good honest-to-heaven tank cooker - which worked! We used half our meat ration. Pity we didn't use all of it because the other half was never seen again - local Acting Unpaids please note!
While the grub was being 'done', Skipper and Johnnie put the Flag up with the cooperation of Italians.
Dinner over we prepared our 'scratchers' for the night. Due to the shortage of wood a camp fire was impossible. However, we had a natter and the Burma Boys 'sang'. (Chaps who had voluntered for service in the Far-East. Ed. ). Then the Crew came and they seemed to loosen up the voices and the singing was excellent. Finally Ken ended with some thoughts and we retired to our 'scratchers'.
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