I was asked to file a short report on the Trebah Military day on Saturday 7 June.
We all met at Treliever lay-by, above Penryn. Bill Bock was the first to arrive. We arrived with Graham Martin, who took the day off to enjoy the sunshine. I'm hopeless with some names, so please forgive me, but there was a jeep from Teignmouth, another jeep with Adrian, Vanessa plus 1 in a land rover, Martin Raven, Brin and Gwen, Adrian and family, Sharon and the boys, George Brinkley, Daniel and Matt, Frank Volante, Mark Simm, Simon Smith and Andrew. Also Paula, Adam and Tracey. There were 13 vehicles mustered in the lay-by, with Joe's Cafe doing a roaring trade before we hit the road for Trebah.
The plan being to arrive at 1240, which I think we blew by about 15 seconds! I was at one point dispatched to count the vehicles and somehow lost count, because it was over 10. No-one was left behind as far as I know. I know that, because on the way home we didn't see anyone along the road.
After a swift lunch it was off to the beach at 1330 and most vehicles stayed under control with Gwen on a 2-way radio with another chap whose name I've also misplaced. Only the odd freelancer got out of hand and tried descending the hill whilst others were climbing it, but all got resolved without too much trouble. On the beach, there was the inevitable shuffle to clear the way and Frank Volante valiantly caved in to move his jeep to make a gap for the Caledonian Pipe band. When the band arrived they missed the gap provided,
squeezed past Frank's jeep in its tight, new location, and I think I heard a gasp somewhere amongst the crowd. Perhaps it was the bass drum player breathing in to get past Frank's jeep.
The service commenced around 1430 with the Culdrose vicar in the most interesting of uniforms. He is in the navy, but was an army Chaplain and a paratrooper. He had smart black naval uniform, with a purple beret with a Naval badge on it. The Queen of course, answers to his Boss, so I guess he just does as he is told. VIP attendance was made by Mrs. Vera Kotliar who fought at Stalin grad in 1942. There was representation from the Australian Navy and Richard Gere (wasn't it?) in an ice cream suit. The US Naval Chief seemed quite pleased with all the attention he was getting, and I was hoping to put a stop
to that by asking him, if I could have a 99 with a flake please! .
However Major Hibbert kept us so busy that I didn't get the opportunity.
At 1520 we had a nice, close-in display by the Royal Naval Search and Rescue Sea King of 771 Squadron. The RNLI also had a boat working with the helicopter. The helicopter also laid a wreath in the water in memory of the US 29th Infantry Division soldiers who gave their lives 64 years ago.
The Spitfire fly-past was cancelled due to a leaking cylinder head gasket. Not something that the 4 wheeled veteran vehicles had problems with today. However Brin and Gwen's jeep needed a bit of "points tweaking", which I hope cured the problem.
At 1545 it was back up to the house for tea and cake, kindly laid on by Major Hibbert, entertainment by the Caledonian Band.
The weather throughout was sunny with some cloud respite. Most had departed by 1730.
Another very enjoyable day. With thanks to Adrian for the organization. As we all know, none of these events happen by themselves. Also there were also those who traveled considerable distances. to make the event what it was.
Chris Dunn