The Bermuda Regiment is set to launch a major operation aimed at plugging leaks.

A Regiment insider confirmed yesterday that tough action would be taken to stop a flood of controversial breaches of secrecy at Warwick Camp.

He warned the mole hunt would lead to officers and other ranks being booted out of Warwick Camp if they were caught.

But Regiment spokesman Capt. Stephen Caton yesterday poured cold water on radio reports that special meetings were held to discuss the problem on Monday.

Capt. Caton said the regular Monday meetings for officers and warrant officers were held and they were reminded that speaking without authorisation is forbidden. He added: "On behalf of the Acting Commanding Officer I can advise that, contrary to media reports, no extraordinary meetings of officers or senior personnel of the Regiment have been held.

"We further took the opportunity to remind everyone that it's a contravention of standing orders and, by extension, an offence under the Defence Act for a member of the Regiment to communicate with the public or the press on Regimental matters without prior authorisation from the Commanding Officer.'' The news came as an insider warned the Regiment faced a mini-mutiny if favourite for the next Commanding Officer, Maj. David Gibbons, got the top job.

The Royal Gazette revealed several weeks ago that Maj. Gibbons had emerged as favourite to take the CO's job when Lt. Col. Outerbridge stands down in November.

It was reported then that -- while the job would not be made part-time officially -- Maj. Gibbons was believed to have made it clear that he would not be able to make a nine-to-five, five-days-a-week commitment due to extensive business interests.

But the soldier -- who asked not to be named -- predicted there would be an exodus of junior officers and NCOs if Maj. Gibbons, especially if allowed to run the part-time army on less than a full-time basis, got the job.

But Lt. Col. Alan Rance, a retired CO, insisted that the promotions board, which recommends candidates for the top job to Governor Thorold Masefield, would not allow race to play a part in their deliberations.

And Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said: "The promotions board has made a recommendation to the Governor which is under consideration at the moment.'' He added that he understood that the nomination, which he refused to disclose, would "enjoy very broad support from the Regiment and more widely''.

Major David Gibbons