37 years served in Arty 43
I was in 24 SA, Taman Jurong Camp, Block 86
and 87, from 27/10/1975 to 16/10/1978. I had an honour to work with a very
hardworking CO.
CO told the driver to wipe the windscreen of
the vehicle before started his journey. CO ordered in Hokkien dialect, "Clean the
windscreen with a piece of rag.” (Say in Hokkien dialect would be 7, 7 the windscreen).
So the drivers of 24 SA gave the CO a nickname "7 - 7". With due
respect, amongst the Senior NCOs, we called him "Uncle 7”.
"Uncle 7" was a workaholic, he formulated
exercise files, personally typed on stencils. "Uncle 7" worked 16
hours a day. On a Lunar New Year's Eve night, "Uncle 7" was still
working in his office, the CO’s wife called the duty officer, "Tell your
CO to go home for reunion dinner."
In 1977, 24 SA was honored to be the champion
unit for the Artillery Annual Small Arms Meet, it was the best gift to "Uncle
7" on the handing and taking over and farewell parade.