Coasts of Cape York by Christopher Cummings Page A

shirt was soon soaked and he felt quite put out. Both his parents gave him sympathetic but ‘I-told-you-so’ looks. Marjorie took his hand and squeezed it until he pulled it away. “Not when we are in uniform Marjorie!” he hissed.
    The army cadet’s passing-out parade began a few minutes later. The VIPs: Capt Conkey, the Principal, Mr Crossland, an army Lieutenant Colonel, Squadron Leader English and Flt Lt Comstock, two officers from the Navy Cadets, and a few other dignitaries moved to the front row of seats and the displays began. Captain Conkey then took over, speaking over the PA system to the parents. As he did Willy was reminded that in his youth Captain Conkey had been a regular soldier and had fought in the jungles of South East Asia. The row of bright medals hanging from their coloured ribbons pinned to the left side of his shirt showed that. Seeing his teacher wearing the army ceremonial uniform gave Willy a peculiar feeling of pride and satisfaction.
    When the army cadets moved into position in front of the audience Willy was able to pick out his friends and rivals. Graham was the platoon sergeant of Number 3 Platoon. Roger, a lance corporal in Number 4 Section. Stephen commanded 6 Section and Peter was in charge of the HQ Signals Section. Willy was also able to pick out Barbara. She stood in a section behind a very attractive blonde female corporal. ‘Gwen someone or other in Year 10,’ Willy remembered. He shifted his attention back to Barbara. Then he shook his head and muttered, “She is just so lovely!” But what to do about her? He could not decide.
    The previous year the displays had included one showing piece by piece the organization and rank structure of the company; a second one showing the types of training activities done, with each section doing a different short act; and a third showing some drill by the corporals. This year the three displays began with the organization of the unit. This was followed by two that were races between the sections. The first race was to carry out First Aid on a ‘snakebite’ victim and get him on an improvised stretcher quickly (1minute and 15 seconds for the winners!). The second race was much more entertaining and involved the sections erecting a shelter using only two broom handles, some thin rope, 6 pegs and one Shelter Individual.
    To Graham’s obvious discomfiture both races were won by 2 Section. The company then moved off for a drink (It was very hot and humid, even at 5:00pm) and to prepare for the formal ceremonial parade.
    Willy really enjoyed watching the parade. He saw his friends trying their very best to do their drill. Graham in particular did an outstanding job. As a temporary sergeant he was the centre escort in the five strong cadet Flag Party. As such he marched between the two CUOs who were carrying the Australian flag and the school flag.
    The three sergeants guarding the flags were of particular interest to Willy. All wore scarlet sashes over their right shoulders and carried old World War 2 Lee Enfield .303 rifles. They did the old drill with these, the rifles at the ‘slope’ over their left shoulders. Added to the shimmer of the CUO’s swords and the glitter of polished brass and badges it all looked very military to Willy. He even admitted to himself that it did look impressive and that he was just a little jealous!
    After a march past and an ‘advance in review order’ there were speeches and the presentation of prizes. Graham got the award for Best Junior NCO, it being explained that he won the award while still a corporal. Once again Willy experienced a twinge of envy.
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CHAPTER 7
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    AIR MUSEUM
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    Through all of the army cadet parade Marjorie sat close beside Willy, pressing her hip and leg against his. As Graham marched past she leaned over and whispered, “Gee, Graham is really handsome isn’t he?”
    Willy felt another spurt of jealousy but