THE PART ORDNANCE PLAYS

Dragon, 1 December 1942, Page 12

THE PART ORDNANCE PLAYS

In this first issue of "The Dragon" it would perhaps be appropriate if some few words of explanation covering the functions of Ordnance were given in an effort to justify our existence. All equipment of a modern army, be it tanks, trucks, guns or wireless, is liable to breakdown or damage, and the repair and maintenance of this equipment is the responsibility of the Ordnance Units. Naturally, major repairs to vehicles cannot be undertaken in close proximity to the front line, and this applies more than ever today owing to the fluid nature of modem warfare.

With this fact as a basic, Ordnance personnel have been organised, firstly into small units known as Light Aid Detachments which carry out minor repairs and recovery, working well forward with the Unit to which they are attached and acting as connecting link between the Units and Brigade Ordnance Workshop. This workshop, drawing spare parts, as required, from a Field Park which forms portion of their organisation, is able to carry out more comprehensive repairs of all types which, because of the tactical situation or restricted equipment, cannot be handled by the Light Aid Detachments. Brigade Ordnance Workshop in turn acts as the connecting link with Army Tank Ordnance Workshop which, together with its Field Park, undertake major repairs which are beyond the scope of forward units. Equipped as this workshop is with a high proportion of skilled tradesmen and a large range of power-driven machinery, almost any repair work is within its capabilities.

The heat of battle and the thrill of an advance are seldom experienced by these units, and it is only by solid and reliable work that Ordnance units may justify their existence. Speed and dependability in repair are the keynote, and it is fitting that with this in view the motto of these units should be — "Work like Hellen B. Happy!"