This would take place once a week after evening meal. 19.30 for 20.00 hours. They designed the course, a straight dash of 12 feet. The track was 5 lanes, each 6 inches wide, 2 inches deep with raised sides of plastic down the length. This enabled the crabs to be seen and to see each other and to be kept in separate track for the rule was that no two crabs were to be in the same lane. The Police drew up the rules, so we knew they would be fair. However, as Police, Firemen, Clerks, Cooks and 'Posties' are honest. I personally did not see the need for such formal drafting...

The mail arrivals became more regular as the weeks went by, and a move from Port Camp to main camp was made, which enabled us to be with the force H.Q. This was now equipped with Heavy Plant, Tractors, Rollers, Bowsers, Mixers etc. These were brought ashore from the Fleet Auxiliary and Transport Steamers from all corners of the Merchant Marine. The supply ships bought surface mail, parcels and newspaper post to be distributed amongst the island forces and civilian staff.

We were quartered at Gunside Camp. twixt Wormwood scrubs Prison and the Middlesex Hospital. For those who can recall the location, around the square were the wooden huts. MT Park at the top of the square, living accommodation to the right, and administrators block at the bottom of the square. The veranda enclosed the PC Adjutant and Orderly Room. The regimental flag flew in all its glory and the hub of the Royal Engineers Postal Section was the centre of a world wide service, second to none.

They were then able to bang the serving utensil on the rim of his pot. and transfer whatever he was dispensing onto your tray. Their aim was not always true however, although in hindsight I suspect it was done deliberately because we were new. Finding a seat at a large table was the next task, and we sat down to our first army meal.