One of a Kind (2nd Edition)

A NEW BEGINNING

327

FIFTEEN

VII. THE COMMISSIONING BALL

In due course, there was a roll of drums to announce the National Anthem, after which the

President departed, followed by the Prime Minister, Dr. Goh and other VVIPs. It was time

for the rest to disperse. Those new officers who had come by taxi merely went home by taxi

in their ceremonial dress, each carrying a sword and accompanied by their personal guests.

The Commissioning Ball was something of an anti-climax after the grandness of the

parade and the ceremony, but it is traditional in officer candidate schools to hold a formal

ball after each commissioning. Usually the graduating cadets would be responsible for the

arrangements, but SAFTI undertook to manage the one for the First Batch. It was held at the

Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way on 22

July. The Guest of Honour was Director,

SAFTI. Attendance was optional though there was a lot of peer and official pressure for the

new officers to attend. Nearly all the instructors of ‘A’ Company, representatives from IHQ,

and others who had been closely involved in earlier training like MAJ T. E. Ricketts attended.

The dress code was lounge suit and there was a multi-course Chinese dinner. A dance band

had been engaged.

2LT Lee Song Chong collects his 2

prize from Director, SAFTI.