163 OCTU (Morecambe) Farewell Lunch 6 April 1943 [2]

Surprised as I look back at the Menu to see the choice and availability of food, despite the severe shortages and rationing. Can't remember much about the occasion. There was, of course, the great lark about being observed at the Officers Selection Board at your table etiquette and manners, that you would use the right cutlery and glass! My Signals Officer who put forward my name to Battalion HQ as a potential officer, before I attended my Selection Board had kindly arranged with Officers Mess sergeant that I should be shown the table arrangements for their dinner that evening. He was hesitant to suggest that to me but explained that he always remembered being confronted as a young officer with the ritual at the formal dinner table. Without that exceeding thoughtfulness and kindness I would probably have fallen at the first Officers Selection hurdle! Joe Brown.