Like the rest of the 69th Aircraft Apprentices, we too had all the fun we could possibly get during the camping period. Living in the small tents, gathering in the NAAFI shed, enjoying different atmosphere, shouting and singing in the open, and walking about in the neighbouring areas.
But, alas, there was one horrible snag. It was the personal experience of using, willy nilly, the make-shift latrine with side-by-side open seating without any partioning. Nowadays such a scenario might be claimed by some critics or analysts as 'human rights violation', in the lightest meaning of course.
One day during our combat exercise in the field, an unforgettable incident occurred. A Pakistani aprentice with his rifle loaded with blank rounds teasingly aimed and pulled the trigger at another man's back. The poor fellow sustained a burnt red mark on his skin and the blast burnt through his blouse, shirt and vest. Luckily there was a medic nearby to treat the injury promptly.
A few of us Burmese went out for a walk through some bushes towards the beach. An Armourer named Sein Hla (since deceased) skilfully managed to catch a 'wild' chicken of considerable weight. That evening we enjoyed an extra meal for evening tea in the mess. Thanks to the cookhouse NCO for supplying us with cooking utensils, oil and other ingredients.
Lt. Col. Khin Myint. Rtd.
