The Fire Nozzle Caper -  I was a Corporal in charge of one shift of Firefighters. Before my shift went on a 48 hour pass, I was training a new Firefighter by the name of Hardgraves to drive the fire truck. We were going too fast and lost two fire nozzles off the back of the vehicle. We returned from our 48 hour pass and I was advised by Hardgraves that the other shift chief Corporal Sigmiller had charged me with negligence as the nozzles were missing. Late that night we went out and found the nozzles and replaced them on the fire truck. The following morning Corporal Sigmiller informed me officially that I had been charged and I was to appear in front of the Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader George Shiles at 10:00 hrs. I never told Sigmiller that the nozzles had been replaced and when the Commanding Officer asked me if I was guilty or not guilty, I pleaded not guilty and asked the Commanding Officer if he would accompany me to the Fire Hall and see for himself that the nozzles in question were in place. The outcome of this exercise was that my case was dismissed and Corporal Sigmiller was charged with negligence.

By Archie Graham, Flight Lieutenant, Retired