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MAJ Bruce receiving the final touch from PTE Lang while MAJ Ware gets the clippers.

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CAPT Scudamore going to work on the CO.

By Private Trudi Manning

On the 1st of April 2000, most people from 9FSB had a break from work and attended a fund-raiser to help the people of East Timor.

The evening presented an opportunity for enjoyment and some relaxation from the daily routine of life on duty in East Timor.

The night was designed as an auction but we didn't buy any material items. Instead, during this auction with a difference, we parted with our money for a far better cause - to see the heads of our Officers and Seniors shaved. Not shaved short, but shaved BALD.  

The event was billed as the 'Shear-a-Soldier' night and was held in the Congo Club at 9FSB HQ.

Along with the main event, of seeing how many people we could pay to go bald, an array of other 'entertainment' was planned. These included raffles, give-aways and a series of Red Faces shows put on by various groups within the Battalion. Some of the more 'interesting' acts included the MP staff singing and dancing dressed in some very small outfits and the RSM in a skirt!

Eventually the team from Supply Platoon was voted as most entertaining act for the evening.

Throughout the night, in between the bouts of high-class entertainment, members of the unit had their hair auctioned.

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The Battalion 'Baldies' during The Day After.

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SGT Rigby seems to be enjoying
shaving the RSM.

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Later in the night the RSM appeared wearing this charming ensemble.

Of course, the first to be auctioned was the CO.
He took the stage and awaited the inevitable. But, instead of a quick, painless hair loss, a procession of shavers prolonged his agony for as long as they could. In the end it took almost an hour for him to become completely bald.

After the RSM and other BHQ victims had been shaved, it was 176 AD Sqn's turn. The OC, OPSO and LT McIntosh, among others, were all shaved in the name of charity.

In the end the night was a huge success with over $6,000.00 being presented to the Padre for use within the local community.

The highest bid for the night was a $1,000.00 call for the SSM of 26 Tpt Sqn to lose her hair. Unfortunately, she declined the offer.
After everyone had returned home, a further 15 people got into the spirit and shaved their heads at home.

Overall it was a very fun evening and, even though the amount raised was not much by our standards, it was a much needed and welcomed gift to the local people whose lives have been turned upside-down.

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The Medics and MPs during the
"Red Faces" show.

 

 

 

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CAPT Watson gets shaved by CPL Harvey while MAJs Bruce and Ware wait for their turn

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176 AD Sqn 'Baldies' on the dock at Dili Port.

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The winning Red Faces act from Supply Platoon.

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