Quote:
Originally posted by BIG MIKE
WHAT is a Pukka Sapper? , Some kind of Finnish Fish? lol
BIG MIKE
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Here ya go Mike:
THE ORDER OF THE PUKKA SAPPER
1. 33. Adoption of the Hindi term pukka – meaning “genuine, of good quality, reliable” – into English usage has its origin in the days of British rule in India. To recognize individuals outside the CME who demonstrate these sterling qualities and who have given outstanding service to the Engineers, the highest honour the CME can bestow upon an outsider is induction into the Order of the Pukka Sapper. The sponsoring unit should treat inducted Pukka Sappers as members of the extended CME Family.
2. 34. The origin of the ritual is uncertain, but the myth perpetuated is that an ancient Sapper, being involved in digging a well, was so dedicated to the task that he remained at the work site for the meal break. He consumed his lunch and beer while hanging, inverted, from a cross-brace. The initiation ritual normally takes place in a mess or equivalent institution. The senior Engineer present invites the initiate to join the fellowship, describes the initiate’s contribution to the Engineers, and explains the significance of the ritual to those assembled. This having been done, a demonstration may be given of how to consume a drink while in an inverted vertical position. While originally requiring the consumption of an alcoholic drink, Canadian Forces policies require that there be no coercion on any occasion that would encourage the consumption or immoderate use of alcoholic beverages. The initiate selects the drink of choice and, if necessary, is assisted in achieving the headstand. After consuming the drink, the Pukka Sapper is presented with a scroll signed by the inductor and the senior Engineer present. The ritual is no longer practised unless the inductee wishes to perform the feat. The current practice is to forego the headstand and to simply present the scroll to the Pukka Sapper at a small ceremony. The CME Adjutant controls the scrolls and all scrolls are numbered and registered for historical record.
I've also included the fourth verse, my favourite, of the
SALUTE TO THE ENGINEERS
Oh they look like tramps but they build your camps and sometimes lead the advance.
And they sweat red blood to bridge the flood, to give you a fighting chance.
But who stays behind when it gets too hot, to blow up the roads in the rear?
Just tell your wife that you owe your life to the muddy old Engineers!
CHIMO!