July-September 2011

July-September 2011

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USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

july-september 2011AIR MAIL

The Royal Air ForcesAssociation

Central Headquarters

1171/2 Loughborough Road,Leicester.LE4 5ND

Telephone: 0116 266 5224

website: www.rafa.org.uk

Northern

Area HQ and North West OfficeCenturion House,Offices B1 & B2,

Leyland Business Park, Leyland, PR25 3GR.

Telephone: 01772 426930

Northern OfficeThe Raynor Centre,

James Street,York, YO10 3DW.

Telephone 01904 870691

Useful RAF Association Contact Addresses and Telephone Numbers

South-East and Eastern

South East Office3-5 Old Bridge Street,

Hampton Wick,Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 4BU.

Telephone: 020 8286 6667

Area HQ and Eastern Office1171/2 Loughborough Road,

Leicester, LE4 5NDTelephone: Office 0116 266 5224

Welfare: 0116 266 2812

Scotland and NorthernIreland

Area HQ and Scotland Office20 Queen Street,

Edinburgh, EH2 1JX.Telephone: 0131 225 5221

Northern Ireland Office21 Talbot Street,Belfast, BT1 2LD.

Telephone: 02890 325718

Wales, Midland and South Western

Wales OfficeCelynen Collieries InstituteMemorial Hall, High Street,

Newport. NP11 4FHTelephone 01495 249522

Midland OfficeThe Windermere Club, 110 Wake Green Road,

Moseley, Birmingham. B13 9PZTelephone: 0121 449 9356

Area HQ & South WesternOffice

RAFA House, Chancel Lane,Pinhoe, Exeter. EX4 8JU

Telephone: 01392 462088

Overseas Area

1171/2 Loughborough Road, Leicester,LE4 5ND

Telephone: 01684 568457

Flowerdown House55 Beach Road,

Weston Super Mare. BS23 1BHTelephone: 01934 621664

Richard Peck House1 St Thomas Road,

Lytham St Annes. FY8 1JLTelephone: 01253 725519

Rothbury HouseRothbury,

Morpeth. NE65 7TTTelephone: 01669 620235

Other Useful Contact Addresses and Telephone Numbers

The RAF Families Federation13-15 St Georges Road

WitteringPeterborough

PE8 6DL

Telephone: 01780 781650website: www.raf-ff.org.uk

The RAF Benevolent Fund12 Park Crescent

LondonW1B 1PH

Telephone: 0800 169 2942website: www.rafbf.org

Service Personnel andVeterans Agency

NorcrossThornton Cleveleys

FY5 3WP

Telephone: 0800 169 2277website: www.veterans-uk.info.org

The Royal British Legion199 Borough High Street

LondonSE1 1AA

Telephone: Office 020 3207 2100website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

The Royal British Legion ScotlandNew Haig House

Logie Green RoadEdinburghEH7 4HR

Telephone 0131 557 2782website: www.rblscotland.org

SSAFA Forces Help19 Queen Elizabeth Street

LondonSE1 2LP

Telephone 0845 1300 975website: www.ssafa.org.uk

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CONTENTS

AIR MAIL2011 july-september 1

Average distributionJan-Dec 2010 - 61,507 per issue

COVER PICTURE

Photo: © Marc Kay

CONTACTS

Editorial and Advertising Sales

Editor: Colin Pullene-mail: [email protected]

Telephone number:from UK 01892 600192

from Overseas 00 44 1892 600192

Customer Services andRAFASHOP

Louise Pullene-mail: [email protected]

Telephone number:from UK 01892 600191

from Overseas 00 44 1892 600191

RAFATRAD LtdUnit 3, 5 Sybron Way

Millbrook Industrial EstateCrowborough

East SussexTN6 3DZ

Website: www.rafatrad.co.uk

Air Mail delivery queries andchange of address should be

directed to your Area HQ.

Submissions for theOctober-December 2011 issue must

be received at RAFATRAD Ltdno later than: 29 Aug 2011

Views expressed in Air Mail are those of thecontributers alone and do not rep re sent policy ofThe RAF Association (RAFA), except where shown.

Reproduction of any part of this publication, text,photographs or illustrations is strictly forbiddenwithout written permission from the publisher.

The editor regrets that it is impossible to respondpersonally to all letters received except where the

subject specifically necessitates a personal response.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure information isaccurate at the time of going to print, no responsibility

can be accepted for loss or damage caused by publishedinformation later found to be inaccurate.

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ISSN 0002-2446

31Annual Conference

2011

news02 News and Events07 Forthcoming Events12 Finance News21 RAF Families Federation22 RAF Benevolent Fund

regulars30 Letters to the Editor42 Book Reviews44 Military Aviation News46 Area, Region, Branch and Overseas News59 Notices60 Classified Advertising62 Fun Crossword63 Obituaries

24

Pirate Attacks

36Death of an

International

Features

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secondary runway and the outer taxiway. With no plannedaircra� movements, they had several hours to explore thecapabili�es of the new bikes.

Within the first few circuits of the airfield, Cpl Russell washi�ng speeds in excess of 170mph along the main runway.He said; “I was extremely impressed with the incrediblepower of the machines, especially the larger Kawasaki.”

The RAF Associa�on supports the Royal Air Force TT teamproviding financial sponsorship to help fund some of thecosts of compe�ng.

NEWS & EVENTS

july-september 2011AIR MAIL22

RAF Association staff paid a visit to RAF Valley after thestation nominated the Association as its national charityfor 2011.

A central headquarters team including Rachel Huxford,Director of Fundraising, Pete Brocklehurst, FundraisingOfficer, Nicola Short, Marketing and CommunicationsManager, and Natasha Glenville, PR and Press Officer, werejoined by Paul Baker, Wales, Midlands and South WesternArea Director, to brief personnel on the Association’s workand, in conjunction with Wolf Brewery, hosted an evening offree beer and wine in the mess.

Rachel Huxford, comments: “We are extremely pleased tobe one of RAF Valley’s chosen charities this year. The stationvisit was a great opportunity for us to talk to personnelabout what it is we do and how they can support us.

“Everyone we spoke to on station was really enthusiastic.The visit was a great success with almost everyone joiningus for a beer and a glass of wine in the evening”.

Personnel from RAF Valley have already started fundraisingfor the RAF Wings Appeal. Sqn Ldr Sally Varley and

Fg Off Jim Rowe took part in the Great Manchester 10k runcompleting the course in 59 and 46 minutes respectively.

One of the major events the station is planning to hold toraise money for the Wings Appeal is the Valley trackweekend which is scheduled to take place at the beginningof September.

RAF ASSOCIATION ROLLS INTO RAF VALLEY

Abright and sunny RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire wasthe venue for the first prac�ce session for theRAF TT Team, ahead of their deployment at the

start of June to the Isle of Man for TT 2011. This yearthe RAF Team will campaign a 1000cc Kawasaki ZX10and a 600cc Honda CBR600.

Each 37.73 mile lap at the TT races comprises aseries of ultra-fast straights, jumps, bumps, lampposts, kerbs and stone walls, all set amongst thestunning scenery of the Isle of Man. The top ridersaverage in excess of 130 mph around the TT Course.

As well as being the first �me that eithermotorcycle had been trialled seriously, the prac�cesession was an important shake-down forCpl Mike ‘Jack’ Russell, the team rider, as it washis first �me on a bike in several months, due tohis recent opera�onal deployment to Kandaharin Afghanistan.

Wg Cdr Paul Taylor, Team Manager, said: “Cpl ‘Jack’ Russellonly recently returned from a four-month deployment toAfghanistan. As a Royal Air Force Mechanical TransportDriver, he provided key support to opera�ons as a driverat Kandahar Airfield. Whilst Cpl Russell found hisopera�onal role both exci�ng and enjoyable, he was keento get back home to see his family and, of course, to getprepara�ons underway for this year’s TT Races - hisbiggest race of the season!”

The team had the use of the majority of the main runwayforthe prac�ce session, in addi�on to a sizeable sec�on of the

RAF TT TEAM GETS WARMED UP FOR ISLE OF MAN

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Text competition winners Peter Clark, pictured below,from Rustingdon, West Sussex, and Robert Moonfrom Hertfordshire were treated to one of the most

thrilling experiences of their lives after spending a daywith The Blades.

Peter, a captain for Monarch airlines, won the prize after hiswife, Sarah, entered a text competition to fly with the team.

Robert Moon won his flight after entering the textcompetition at the 2010 NEC bike show to win a flight withthe infamous aerobatics team alongside world super bikerider Leon Haslam. A truly one-off experience, the prizeincluded a flight with The Blades as they perform a series ofmanoeuvres straight from their displays, a session flying ahelicopter, a test drive in a multi-screen simulator and, to topit off, a private display by The Blades to end the day.

A new text competition has been launched for 2011 offeringanother chance for someone to fly with The Blades.

To enter the competition simply text ‘Wings’ to 70007.

Entry costs £1 plus one message at your standard networkrate. An average of 88p per entry will go towards the WingsAppeal which offers support to serving and ex-RAF personneland their families whenever they are in need.

WINNERS FLY HIGH WITHTHE BLADES

NEWS & EVENTS


WINGS LOTTO WEEKLYHAVE YOU

JOINED YET?

The RAF Associa�on is always looking for its members andthe general public to take part in events organised for theRAF Wings Appeal.

If you are interested, or know anyone else who is interested,in taking part in any organised, or community fundraisingevents on behalf of the RAF Wings Appeal, for example, asponsored walk or run, please contact Gina Percy on0116 268 8758 to obtain a sponsorship packand event t-shirt.

GET INVOLVED

WE APOLOGISE

Last year, Vulcan XH558 celebrated the 50th anniversary ofher first flight. Next year in 2012, she will celebrate the60th anniversary of the first-ever flight of a Vulcan, but

also hopefully Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee andthe 30th anniversary of the South Atlan�c conflict.

With the re�rement of the RAF's VC10 fleet in 2013, VulcanXH558 is des�ned to become the last flying all-Bri�sh four-engined jet aircra�, and a living testament to one of thegreatest eras in Bri�sh avia�on.

Vulcan to the Sky Trust seeks to keep the one remainingVulcan flying for as long as possible. 2011 will be the firstyear that the aircra� will be able to complete the whole airdisplay season which started with Abingdon on 8 May. Overfive million people are expected to enjoy the Vulcan’s displaythis year as the aircra� visits shows including Cosford,Waddington and Shoreham Air Shows.

If you would like to keep informed of the latest Vulcan news,including her extensive flying programme this year pleasesign up to the Vulcan’s e-newsle�er atwww.vulcantothesky.org.uk

To see the Vulcan in ac�on visit;h�p://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-Q2UCg9yU

VULCAN TO THE SKY

We offer our sincere apologies to Mr Peter Stockdale MBEfor the error that occurred in the previous edi�on ofAir Mail, in the ar�cle en�tled ‘The New Year Honours List2011’ where his post nominal of MBE was omi�ed.

If you would like to join seepage 10 for further details.


ITV’s Daybreak teamed up with theRAF Wings Appeal to encouragemembers of the public to ‘donate a

day’ and volunteer their �me in aid ofcharity.

Daybreak introduced the ini�a�vena�onwide on Monday 23 May withthe RAF Wings Appeal as one of itschosen chari�es.

Since the ini�a�ve launched thousandsof people have pledged to donate aday online. Following the campaign the

DAYBREAK TEAMS UP WITH THE RAF ASSOCIATIONRAF Associa�on now has more than 50new volunteers who have comeforward to offer their �me.

Members of the public havevolunteered their �me to assist witheverything from gardening at therespite care homes to helping out at airshows and events.

Rachel Huxford, Director of Fundraising,comments: “The Daybreak donate aday appeal was extremely successfuland really helped to raise awareness

amongst the general public about therange of work that we do.

“We have had a good number ofvolunteers approach us as a result ofthe ini�a�ve, and are now lookingforward to working closely with themover the coming months.”

There are many ways that people canvolunteer their �me to help the WingsAppeal. To find out more aboutdona�ng a day visitwww.rafa.org.uk/donateaday

NEWS & EVENTS


We are proud to announce that the Northern Area haselected a new President, Air Commodore H R Richard Corney.

Richard began his career in 1970 at RAF Ouston, the thenhome of the Northumbrian University Air Squadron, beforegaining his wings at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. During his service,Richard spent time as a navigator on Buccaneers andTornados joining several tours in NATO and Cyprus.

Air Cdre Corney says: “I am honoured to have been electedto the role of Northern Area President and I am looking

NEW AREA PRESIDENT FOR NORTHERN AREAforward to getting started. I am well acquainted with most ofthe area as I was born in Corbridge in the Tyne Valley, wentto school in Newcastle upon Tyne and to university in Durham.”

Richard is married to Janette and they have two children,Nick and Sarah.

“Janette and I are very enthusiastic about getting involved inArea activities and in visiting as many branches and clubs aswe can to get to know the members, especially in those partsof the Area I know less well.”

around the central roundel in celebra�on of the lives offormer RAF service personnel and other members of theRAF family.

If you would like to place a cross or a stone in theRemembrance Garden please contact Liz Frederickson 0116 268 8766 or email [email protected].

On an overcast but dry day, over 130 guestsgathered together at the Na�onal MemorialArboretum in Staffordshire on Friday 20 May

to celebrate the first dedica�on of memorials at theRAF Associa�on’s Remembrance Garden.

The garden is dedicated to all those who haveselflessly devoted their lives to their country andparents, grandparents, nieces and friends, as wellas members from several RAF Associa�onbranches, travelled from around the country toremember their loved ones. Sir Dusty Milleralso a�ended, taking this opportunity to meetmany of the people who have placed memorialsin the garden.

Rev (Sqn Ldr) David Norfield, Sta�on Chaplainfrom RAF Cosford led the service. Jane Eastongave the reading and AVM Pat O’Reilly thededica�on. Music was provided by an ensemble fromthe RAF Associa�on Concert Band, under the direc�on ofPeter Skellon, Musical Director. Standard BearersMr T Phillips, Mr G Johnson and Mr J Allman came from theTamworth, Stone and District and Cosford branches.

The garden opened in September 2009 in the peacefulsurroundings of the arboretum and, since then, more than80 remembrance crosses and 19 stones have been placed

RAF ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES ITS FIRST DEDICATION OF MEMORIALS


Also included in the programme were visits to local beachesand historical sites, such as Aphrodites Rock, an evening atthe bowling alley on camp and, on the final night, a meal atChris’ Kebabs with the accompanying staff, Akro�ri RAFALOsand several Aphrodites branch members.

Jonathan Barker, a Cadet Sergeant at 317 (Failsworth) SqnATC and one of the cadet award recipients, said: “I have seenthe Red Arrows before but seeing their 2011 rou�ne thisclose was amazing.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be doinganything like this but the RAF Associa�on have given me theunique opportunity to meet some of the most incrediblepeople, and experience something that only a frac�on ofpeople in this country will ever have the chance to, and Icannot thank them enough.”

Hannah Morris added: “Three years ago when I was enrolledas a member of the Air Training Corps I never would havethought that I would ever have the chance to fly out toCyprus, meet the Red Arrows and do all the incredible thingsthat I've done. I am truly grateful to all the people thathelped to organise the trip and would like to say a hugethank you in par�cular to the RAF Associa�on.”

Anne Henson, Services Liaison Manager for theRAF Associa�on who a�ended the trip, comments: “We havebeen taking cadets out to Ako�ri for the past seven years butlast year was the first �me that we ran the award and it’sproven to be a huge success. The Air Cadet Organisa�onplays a huge part in promo�ng the Associa�on and helpingus to raise money for the Wings Appeal and this is just oneway in which we show our thanks for all the hard work thatthey do, it is much appreciated.

“We are already looking forward to next year and hope tosee the award con�nue to develop for many years to come.”

For more informa�on on the RAF Associa�on’s work withthe cadets visit: rafa.org.uk/cadets

NEWS & EVENTS


Ten air cadets from the Air Cadet Organisa�on (ACO)enjoyed the trip of a life�me to RAF Akro�ri in Cyprus,including spending an a�ernoon with the RAF Red

Arrows, a�er being chosen as recipients of the RAFAssocia�on’s Air Cadet Award 2011.

This is the second year that the RAF Associa�on has run thispar�cular ini�a�ve which is a fully-funded expedi�on toCyprus for 10 cadets. The award is granted annually to cadetsfrom a different region each �me and this year were chosenby the Regional Commandant from the North Region ACO.

The RAF Associa�on Cadet Award was established inrecogni�on of the dedica�on and hard work that the cadetsput into promo�ng the RAF Associa�on and is awarded toindividuals who have demonstrated outstandingcommitment, both to the ACO and the RAF Associa�on,o�en whilst dealing with difficult or challengingcircumstances.

Throughout the five days that the cadets spent at Ako�rithey took part in a range of ac�vi�es including a visit to thedog sec�on, where they witnessed first hand the animals inac�on. They also had the opportunity to see the U-2 ‘spyplane’ up close at the USAF sec�on of Akro�ri base whereseven of the cadets were also able to ride in the chase cars.

In addi�on, the group was treated to an a�ernoon on theDCCT laser shoo�ng range at Episkopi Garrison and met theSta�on Commander, Gp Capt Thompson, where an officialphotograph was taken with Akro�ri’s Lightning gateguardian.

For many of the cadets the highlight of the trip was thea�ernoon spent with the Red Arrows where they were notonly able to watch the team display and have photos takenwith the pilots, they had the unique opportunity to sit in onthe pre-flight brief and de-brief, and have a talk from theteam’s engineers, ‘The Blues’.

RAF ASSOCIATION RETURNS TO AKROTIRI FOR CADET TRIP


NEWS & EVENTS


support and to theRAF MuseumCosford for helpingto make it such awell a�ended andextremely funevent."

Sgt's Mark Fulcherand Ian Williams,pictured right fromRAF Shawburya�ended the rideout for the firstyear. Ian said: "I found out about the ride out when I was at

RAF Cosford and we both decided to signup for it. It's been a brilliant day and we'vehad the opportunity to raise money for theWings Appeal which is an extremelyworthy cause."

Nadine Morgan has taken part in theride out since its launch, in aid of her sonwho has been deployed to Afghanistan anumber of �mes. She added: "My son hasbeen serving for ten years now and we doa lot of charity events that support theforces such as this one. We are reallyproud of him and a�endingthe ride out is one way we can showour support and do our bit."

More than a thousand bikers from across Britain took partin the 2011 ride out for the RAF to raise funds for theAssocia�on’s Wings Appeal.

The third annual ride out saw hordes of motorbike riderstravel from Shrewsbury to the RAF Museum Cosford to raisefunds for the RAF Wings Appeal and the Museum.

More than 1,000 bikers, who each paid £5 to take part, metat Shrewsbury Meole Brace Park and Ride before travellingwith a police escort down the M54 to the RAF Museum.

Pete Brocklehurst, Fundraising Officer, said: "Once again itwas a fantas�c event, there was a good turnout and it wasgood to see so many bikers suppor�ng the Wings Appeal.We'd like to thank all those who took part for their

BIKERS RIDE IN SUPPORT OF THE RAF

27 runners pounded the streets ofLondon on 17 April to raise moneyfor the Wings Appeal in the 2011

Virgin London Marathon.

Through a combination of sheerdetermination, blood, sweat,tears and blisters each of the runnerscompleted the marathon raising acombined total of over £20k so far.

Darrell Slater-Smith, NorthernArea Director for the RAF Association,raised more than £3,000 finishing themarathon in five hours 17 minutes.

Flt Lt Tanya McMinn from RAF BrizeNorton completed the course in fivehours and one minute. She added:“The atmosphere at the race was justamazing. Despite the many aches andpains afterwards it was a brilliantexperience and something I’m glad tohave done. To have been able to raisemoney for the RAF Association as wellmade it all the more worthwhile.”

ON THE RUN FOR WINGS APPEAL

SAC technician, Dan Rowan, picturedright, ran alongside Sgt Tom Sawyer,both from RAF Marham. Dan and Tomfinished the course in four hours, tenminutes and five hours, 26 minutesrespectively.

Tom said: “After only three monthstraining the marathon was a bigchallenge to face. With 21 yearsservice already behind me, I have seenfirst hand the fantastic work that theRAF Association continues to produceand am exceptionally proud to havehad this opportunity to givesomething back.”

The RAF Association was supportedon the day by physiotherapists fromRAF Northolt, DMRC Headley Courtand ESPH, a physiotherapy andexercise clinic based in London.

11 runners also laced on their running shoes and battled the wind

and rain to tackle the 10k in the GreatManchester Run to raise money forthe RAF Wings Appeal.

We’d like to say a big thank you to allour runners for putting in the hours toraise money for the RAF Wings Appeal.


NEWS & EVENTS


Brian May and Kerry Ellis –Anthems in the Park

Queen guitarist Brian May and WestEnd and Broadway star Kerry Ellisare to top the bill at a prestigious

outdoor concert at Royal Air ForceCranwell in Lincolnshire this summer.

Following their successful ANTHEMStour Kerry and Brian will performoutside the historic College Hall atRAF Cranwell on Saturday 16 July in aidof the RAF Association and theRoyal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

Also appearing on the night is theBand of the Royal Air Force CollegeCranwell under the baton of their

Director of Music, Flt Lt Matt Little, aswell as the Salon Orchestra of theCentral Band of the Royal Air Force.

“ANTHEMS in the PARK will be afantastic occasion and I’m very gratefulto both Brian May and Kerry Ellis inagreeing to perform for us and makingwhat would otherwise be an enjoyableevent into a truly outstanding andmemorable one,” said Royal Air ForceCranwell’s Station Commander,Gp Capt Dave Waddington.

“Kerry and Brian will be supported byour very own, world-class Band of theRoyal Air Force College and willperform in front of the grandeur ofCollege Hall Officers’ Mess, the mostfamous building of the Royal Air Force.Brian’s mother and father both servedin the Royal Air Force and met atCranwell, so it is especially fitting thathe should perform here.”

The event has been organised by ateam of volunteers and all profits madewill be donated to charity.

Tickets for ANTHEMS in the PARK arenow available at www.ticketline.co.ukor at www.rafbf.org/cranwell orwww.raf.mod.uk/cranwell The ticketsales hotline is 0844 888 9991 andtickets are priced as follows:

Adult - £25 Child ticket (5-17) - £15Under 5s freeFamily ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children5-17) - £65

Gates will open at 4.30 p.m. and at6.40 p.m. (weather permitting)there will be flypast by a Hurricaneand Spitfire as well as a flying displayby the world famous aerobatic team,The Blades.

THEY WILL ROCK YOU....

After an epic month and a half ofclimbing, former Red Arrow,Sqn Ldr Graham Duff, completed

the challenge of his lifetime on the 21May when he reached the summit ofMount Everest.

Graham climbed Everest as part of anongoing feat to complete all seven

summits in aid of theRAF Wings Appeal. Havingconquered Everest,Graham has now tackled threeof the seven summits, raisingover £20,000 for the WingsAppeal.

Graham describes the feeling ofhaving reached the summit:“The climb on summit daystarted just after 9pm. I actuallyfelt really good, excited,confident and fit.

“I reached the base of thesummit pyramid at about 2am.From there on there were somany false summits, it took me

a further four hours to reach thesummit ridge, probably only 100m.

“I’d been on my second oxygenbottle for a quite a while at thatpoint but it didn’t matter, I had toreach the top. We reached thesummit at about 6am. I was happy,but I had physically given everything.

”It’s difficult to explain the feelings,exhausted, beyond normal, hypoxic,starving, dehydrated, excited, elated,flippin cold and finished.”

Rachel Huxford, Director of Fundraisingcomments: “What Graham hasachieved is absolutely fantastic andwe are extremely proud that he choseus as his charity for the challenge.We’d like to say a big thank you anda huge well done to Graham on hisgreat achievement.”

Graham adds: “The Wings Appeal is acause very close to my heart as one ofthe things that the appeal is aiming todo is raise money to allow servicemenand women to call home more often.Having been away many times myself, Iknow how important it is to speak toyour family and the entitlement fromthe government on the satellite phonedoesn’t give you long.”

To read more about Graham’s climband for more pictures read his blog onwww.lincolnshiretoday.net

DUFFY SUMMITS



NEWS & EVENTSSIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME TODAY

Contact: Lorna Tagg, Fundraising Events Officer e-mail: [email protected] number 0116 268 8777 website: www.rafa.org.uk

Three Peaks Challenge14-16 October 2011

Registra�on Fee £99

+ Op�on 1 Raise £700 minimum sponsorship

+ Op�on 2 Pay £399 and raise as much money as you can

Run – London Kilomathon23 Oct 2011

Registra�on Free

Kilomathon 26.2k (16.3 Miles)

Raise £300 minimum sponsorship

Half Kilomathon 13.1k (8.1 Miles)Raise £150 minimum sponsorship

Climb – Kilimanjaro19-29 January 2012


+Op�on 1 Raise £3,400 minimumsponsorship

+Op�on 2 Pay £1,696 & raise as muchas you can

Other dates are available

Trek – The Inca Trail10-19 May 2012


+Op�on 1 Raise £3000 minimumsponsorship

+Op�on 2 Pay £1497 & raise as muchas you can

Cycle - London to Paris22-25 June 2012



+Op�on 2 Pay £595 & raise as much asyou can


Trek – The Great Wall of China14-23 September 2012



+Op�on 2 Pay £1,342 & raise as muchas you can




NEWS & EVENTS

The RAF Wings Appeal will be usingpedal power at air shows and eventsthroughout the summer to cycle

round the world for the RAF.

The team has mapped out a route ofaround 46,000 miles that links all thecountries across the world where RAFpersonnel are currently deployed,including Afghanistan and Libya. Now,the RAF Wings Appeal is a�emp�ng tocycle the thousands of miles on spinbikes throughout the summer atdifferent air shows and events.

The team launched the sta�c cyclingchallenge at Cosford Air Show and it willcon�nue throughout the season.Members of the public will be able toget involved by making a dona�on tothe Wings Appeal and joining the teamand some of the display pilots who areflying at the shows, to cycle some ofthe miles.

Rachel Huxford, Director of Fundraising,said: “Cycling has proven to be a reallypopular ac�vity this year with manypeople choosing to take on cyclingchallenges to raise money for the WingsAppeal which is one of the reasons wedecided to set ourselves, and the rest ofthe public, this enormous challenge.

“Following the success of theEastbourne to Afghanistan cyclechallenge that we ran last year we’rehoping that this will really capture thepublic’s imagina�on and that we will seeplenty of willing volunteers ready tocycle a few miles for a good cause.”

ON YOUR BIKEFOR THE RAF

The concert proved a real success withover 150 musicians performing on theevening all demonstra�ng real skillthroughout their performances.

Qyan Arnachellum, who reviewedthe concert for the Leicester Mercury,commented: “There was nothing tofault in anything, it was of thehighest quality.

”All credit to the conductors andsoloists whose interpreta�on of themusic was passionate andspellbinding, connec�ng with theaudience at every point.”

Secretary General Jane Eastonexpressed her profound thanks for allthe support given by those a�endingthis wonderful evening.

On Sunday 3 April at De Mon�ortHall, Leicester, the RAF VoluntaryBand Associa�on held a ‘Spi�ire

Salute’ concert to celebrate 75 yearsof the Supermarine Spi�ire which isheld in much affec�on in the hearts ofthe Bri�sh people.

The Na�onal Anthem beganproceedings followed by the ‘Spi�irePrelude’. ‘Where Never Lark or EagleFlew’ was based on a poem by ayoung officer killed in ac�on. The bandperformed whilst part of the poemwas read out.

Other highlights from the eveninginclude the theme from ‘Schindler’sList’, ‘Elgar’s Pomp’ and CircumstanceNo. 4’ and ‘Nimrod’ together with the‘Dambusters March’.

RAF VOLUNTARY MASSED BANDS CONCERT

We would like to remind all branches that you can now order your WingsAppeal merchandise online. Did you know that by ordering online, you savethe Associa�on 49p per order?

We have now introduced a new Chinook pin badge, small bears and wristbands,and have also recently introduced a set of postcards. These contain nine images ofdifferent aircra� ranging from the Ba�le of Britain Memorial Flight to the Air SeaRescue Sea King helicopter.

In addi�on to the normal Wings Appeal stock, we have car s�ckers and bear pinbadges that we are trialling this year. If any branch wishes to help us trial theseitems or has any ideas for future merchandise.

Any branches wishing to use this facility should contact Gina or Pete on0116 268 8758/8757 to obtain their branch log-in and password.

Access to the online ordering system is available at: www.rafa.org.uk/order

WINGS APPEAL ONLINE ORDERING


website www.wingslo�o.org.uk and follow thejoin on line link.

You do not need to be a RAF Associa�onmember to join the lo�o so you could eveninvite a family member, neighbour, workcolleague or friend to have a go too. Everypound helps us to support members of theRAF family in need – and it could bring you asizeable cash prize as well.

To find out more about Wings Lo�o Weekly,simply visit the web site, or call the lo�ohotline on 0870 085 8844 or contactNeil Everall at e-mail [email protected] call 0116 268 8756.


NEWS & EVENTS

Hosted by 3 MC Sqn at RAF Wi�ering, 28 male and seven female teams tookpart in the 19th TG19 five-a-side football tournament to raise money for theRAF Wings Appeal.

Taking place over the course of two days the tournament has been hosted by3 MC Sqn for the last three years and this �me raised £1,000 for the Wings Appealwhich was presented to the team at RAF Wi�ering.

The ladies compe��on was played in a league format with a nail-bi�ng final todecide the winning team. The final was eventually won by 101 Sqn Ladies fromRAF Brize Norton overcoming RAF Waddington in a closely contested game. 101Sqn made a clean sweep of the silverware up for grabs by also winning the LadiesPlayer of the Tournament trophy.

The men’s plate and cup finals were ba�led over by RAF Cranwell v RAF Marhamand 3 MC Sqn v RAF Leuchars respec�vely. In a lively plate final RAF Marhamovercame Cranwell to take the glory. As the reigning champions 3 MC Sqn enteredthe final as the favourites, however, a spirited performance by Leuchars meant thegame went down to the wire in penalty shoot-outs.

3 MC Sqn heldtheir nerve andCpl John Grimasecured the winfor the home teama�er RAF Leucharsfailed from thepenalty spot.Gp Capt Lester-Powell presentedthe winners withtheir trophies.

The nextcompe��on willmark the 20th

anniversary of thetournament and isdue to take place26/27 July 2011.

FIVE A SIDE TEAMS GET THEIR KIT ONFOR WINGS APPEAL

Sunday 8 May was the date for theba�le of the forces at HighburyStadium in Fleetwood as the RAF

took on the Army in a charity footballmatch to raise money for the RAFAssocia�on and the Soldiers’ Charity.

Part of an Armed Forces family day theMayor and Mayoress of Wyre,Counsellor Russell Forsyth and hiswife, Chris�ne were just two of the VIPguests who a�ended to show theirsupport for the chari�es.

The event began at noon at thememorial park with a youth footballmatch and half �me and post matchac�vi�es also took place with aPride of Fleetwood parade courtesy ofaround 170 local school children, cubsand girl guides. A�er the matchspectators were treated to a MilitaryTa�oo which included live militarybands and displays.

Darrell Slater-Smith, Northern AreaDirector, said: “I would like to thankFleetwood Football Club for all theirsupport and, in par�cular,Terry Lambe their CommunityDevelopment Manager without whosehelp this event would not havehappened.”

Also a�ending the event as guests ofhonour were bereaved familymembers of six UK Armed Forcespersonnel from the Fylde Area whohave lost their lives whilst onopera�onal duty in recent years.

CLASH OF FORCES INCHARITY MATCH

Since we changed the look of theweekly lo�ery earlier in the year ithas gone from strength to strength.

Since March we have increased theplayer numbers by a massive 22%.

Every week we give away a top prize of£1000 and have generated 2 majorjackpot winners of £10,000.

We hope that you will con�nue tosupport of Wings Lo�o by eithersigning up as a new player or taking anaddi�onal number if you already play.You can join on line and pay using youcredit or debit card. Just visit the

WINGS LOTTO WEEKLY


Squadron Prints Ltd, a well-knownSco�sh avia�on art company, havelaunched a tribute book to the

Tornado F3 jet as the aircra�, and thesquadron that it last flew in the handsof, 111(F) Squadron, are re�red.

The Tornado F3 first flew onto thescene at the RAF Leuchars Airshow in1989, which is also where the aircra�made its final flight.

During a quarter of a century ofservice the Tornado F3 has almostconstantly been on opera�onal duty.The aircra� was twice used during theGulf war, and patrolled the no-flyzones in the Balkans and Iraq foryears, alongside a 17 year s�nt in theSouth Atlan�c.

Having ini�ally served with 43(F)Squadron, every RAF Squadron andunit that operated the F3, plus theRoyal Saudi Air Force and Italian AirForce, are covered in the book along

with accounts from many people thatflew, maintained and adored thishistoric aircra�.

From the Bal�c Coast to a final publicbow at the Leuchars Airshow, thebook gives a taste of what it was reallylike to fly, fix and fight the Tornado F3whilst based at the Royal Air ForceSta�ons at Coningsby, Leeming, theFalkland Islands and Leuchars.Squadron Prints were joined byGeoffrey Lee, the world renownedAvia�on Photographer andWg Cdr Jus�n Reuter (Former F3Navigator ) to produce a manuscript ofanecdotes along with dis�nc�ve andcolourful photographs from home andabroad, many of which have neverpreviously been published.

A percentage of all the money raisedfrom the sales of the book will begiven to the RAF Wings Appeal.

The book was launched on 22 March

TORNADO F3 - 25 YEARS OF AIR DEFENCE

NEWS & EVENTS


Kevin McRandle, HWO and DeputyWings Appeal Organiser of theCarrickfergus Branch was presented

with his MBE in March byHRH The Prince of Wales at BuckinghamPalace. Kevin was honoured for hisoutstanding work on behalf of the RAFAssocia�on, and in par�cular for hiswelfare commitment to the branch.

Kevin and his guests were hosted at alunch at the RAF Club by AVM DavidWhi�aker and Mrs Sarah Waugh. He ispictured above right with his wife Elva.

Gordon Cook was awarded his MBEby HM The Queen at Windsor Castlein April. Gordon is Chairman and

HWO of the Walton & Weybridge Branchand has been a staunch supporter of theAssocia�on for 54 years. He washonoured for his outstanding work overmany years, not only for the RAFAssocia�on, but also in the widercommunity. A lunch followed at the RAFClub hosted by Dr Bryan Pa�son andAir Cdre Nick Carter. Gordon is picturedwith the Secretary General, Jane Easton,at the RAF Club.

NEW YEAR HONOURSAWARDS 2011

ANOTHER ROUND......IN EASTBOURNE

The team at Wolf Brewery onceagain joined forces with the RAFAssocia�on at the recent Annual

Conference held in Eastbourne.

With the Ba�le of Britain Ales havingalready raised in excess of £10,000through na�onal on trade and off tradesales Wolf were, on this occasionhoping to meet with the numerousBranch and Club members a�endingconference. Given the on-goingpopularity of the brand and financialbenefits offered to the RAF WingsAppeal the next ambi�on is to see theBa�le of Britain Collec�on madeavailable in as many RAF Associa�onClubs as possible up and down thecountry. To this end Wolf Brewery arescheduled to meet Membership andClubs Adviser, Stuart Haigh overcoming weeks to discuss theopportunity further. We will of coursekeep you posted...

2011 and is priced at £19.95 pluspostage and packing. It is availablethrough www.tornadof3.com orwww.squadronprints.com



NEWS & EVENTS

In 2010 there were 62 Honorary Welfare Officers (HWOs) and 18 Caseworkerstrained to support their branches, fellow colleagues, and area staff. To date wehave conducted accredited training for 265 HWOs and 86 Caseworkers.

2011 Training dates

Branch Honorary Welfare Officers who have not undertaken the OCN Level 1 coursein the last three years may wish to a�end one of the following courses:

Level Loca�on Dates Capacity Apply by

1 Kegworth 07-09 Oct 18 05 Sep

2 Kegworth 14-16 Nov 16 03 Oct

A�endees of last years courses felt the format and content was relevant, useful andinteres�ng and gave such feedback as:

“Enjoyed the course, much be�er than I thought it would be, lots of usefulinforma�on, delivered in pleasant surroundings, well organised. I feel much be�erequipped to go out and do the HWO role, well worth the long journey.”

“Expecta�ons were met and surpassed. I would go back to any course that bothinstructors run. They are excellent, thank you.”

“What a fantas�c course. I have learned so much and am looking forward toapplying what I have learnt in welfare cases.”

If you are interested in applying for any of the above courses then please contactyour Area Welfare Officer for details.

WELFARE TRAINING 2011

The Report and Financial Statements for 2010 werepresented by the Chairman of Central Council toa�endees of the Annual Conference in May. A copy of

the financial statements will be circulated to those Branchesthat did not a�end Conference in due course.

The Associa�on reported net incoming resources beforegains and losses on investment assets and the definedbenefit scheme of £1.9m, £0.3m above 2009. Income forthe year of £10.4m was £0.9m above 2009 largely becauselegacy income of £3.7m exceeded the 2009 total by £0.8m.

Costs of £8.5m were £0.7m above 2009 with increasedamounts being spent on the residen�al and respite carehomes and welfare support.

The favourable performance of the Associa�on’sinvestments and a reduc�on in the amount of the deficit onthe defined benefit pension scheme resulted in a netsurplus for the year of £3.5m and total funds carriedforward of £20.9m. Free reserves increased to £12.9m.

FINANCE UPDATE by Ruth Martindale, Director of Resources

This is sufficient to ensure that the Associa�on couldcon�nue to operate without any income for at least 19months. Over the next few months I will be working on along term financial view of the Associa�on and assessingthe level of reserves that need to be maintained.

In the first few months of the financial year the Associa�onhas been opera�ng within budget. Legacy receipts of£0.5m are less than for the same period last year but theflow of receipts is difficult to predict and the posi�on cansoon change. Other income is favourable to budget andahead of last year. Increased ac�vity by the fundraisingteam at events has resulted in addi�onal income andwe look forward to this con�nuing throughout theAir Show season.

At the beginning of April the Associa�on received asixth dividend from the administrators of KaupthingSinger and Friedlander. An amount of £218k was receivedbringing the amount recovered to date to £2,526krepresen�ng 58% of the total.

With the main Wings Appealcollec�ons fast approaching,please ensure that your Branch

has ordered the financial return forms(WA form - English and Welsh Branchesor SWA form – Sco�sh Branches)which are available through theWings Appeal paper order form, or theonline ordering system.

The blue coloured rebate forms (WA5)will be posted out to all BranchWings Appeal organisers in July, readyfor the September collec�ons.

Please ensure that Wings Appealmonies from this year’s streetcollec�ons arrives at CHQ, completewith the financial return forms, nolater than 14 days a�er thecollec�on date. Please only collecton the date and in the area statedon the permit. The deadline for allother monies for Wings Appeal 2011is 14 November.

WINGS APPEALFINANCIAL RETURNS

Have you considered paying your Membership feeby direct debit?

Why not ask about direct debit, contact the membership department for more details.


18 personnel from RAF Brize Norton are taking on their cyclechallenge from 12-23 July travelling 1,000 miles end to endfrom Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Four cyclists from RAF Lossiemouth are also tacklingthe infamous Land’s End to John O’Groats route from2-13 September.


NEWS & EVENTS

Teams of fundraisers from RAF sta�ons acrossthe country have been gearing up to raisemoney for the RAF Wings Appeal taking on a

series of epic cycle challenges throughout theyear covering hundreds of miles a day.

Cyclists from RAF Marham, Leeming,Lossiemouth, Brize Norton and the Red Arrowsand Ba�le of Britain Memorial Flight displayteams have set themselves challenges rangingfrom a coast to coast ride from St David’s Headto Lowesto�, to a ten day ride fromRAF Lossiemouth to Marham.

SACs Grant Smith and Calum Parker set offfrom RAF Lossiemouth on 4th June to tackle a1250 mile journey in just ten days visi�ng17 different RAF sta�ons on the way.

The duo have been training for the ride sinceJune 2010 and have already raised more than£4,000 for the Wings Appeal. In prepara�on forthe ride, Grant and Calum have spent �me training with former SAC and world championcyclist, Jon-Allan Bu�erworth.

Jon-Allan, an Iraq war veteran and former SAC, losthis le� arm in a rocket a�ack in Basra and took upcycling as a professional career a�er leaving theRAF. He is now a hopeful for the 2012 Paralympics.

In addi�on to training with the team Jon-Allanjoined the ride on 7 June from Leemingto Manchester.

Ten personnel from RAF Leeming started theirchallenge on 7 June to complete 1,000 milesstar�ng and finishing at RAF Leeming andtaking in RAF Boulmer, Edinburgh, RAFLeuchars, Lossiemouth, Fort William, Faslane,Gretna Green and the RAF Associa�on RegionalHQ at Leyland.

The team of ten completed the ride in just tendays, raising £10,000 for the Wings Appeal inthe process.

20 cyclists from the Red Arrows Display Teamand the RAF’s Ba�le of Britain Memorial Flightwill be riding 400 miles in just four days as theytake on a coast to coast cycle challenge to raisemoney for the RAF Wings Appeal and fly2help.

Beginning on 11 October, the team will be cyclingacross the widest point of the UK from St David’sHead in Wales to Lowesto� in Suffolk, aiming to coveraround 100 miles a day.

Through a combina�on of fundraising events and individualsponsorship, the team is aiming to raise around £50,000 forthe two chari�es.

READY TO RIDE FOR THE RAF ASSOCIATION



NEWS & EVENTS

The 40th anniversary cheese drop at Sussexdownresiden�al and nursing home in Storrington, WestSussex, took place on Tuesday 7 June 2011.

Regular guest Dame Vera Lynn was present at the eventalong with the home’s residents, management team,members of the Dutch Air Force and other VIPs towatch the Dutch Edambusters fly over the grounds ofSussexdown and drop their cheeses by parachute.

The Sussexdown cheese drop was introduced by theAmsterdam branch of the RAF Associa�on 40 years agoto celebrate Opera�on Manna, the drop of food overNorth West Holland made by the RAF during WWII.

Event organiser Malcolm Mason MBE, has been runningthe cheese drop in conjunc�on with fellow members of theAmsterdam branch since 1984, when Sussexdown was run bythe RAF Associa�on. This year’s cheese drop was the last thatthe branch will organise themselves, although it is hopedthat the well-loved tradi�on will con�nue in future years.

Also par�cipa�ng in the flying display was an RAF SquirrelHelicopter, a Spi�ire flown by Peter Teichman,Justyn Gorman’s X-300 and John Drake’s Harvard. The flying

SUSSEXDOWN CELBRATES DUTCH DAY 40TH ANNIVERSARY

display was organised by Don Bean MBE and other membersof Shoreham Airshow Ltd and the Shoreham-by-Sea branchof the RAF Associa�on.

The home is now run by Care South. Susan Willoughby, ChiefExecu�ve, said: “We were delighted to host this historicevent at Sussexdown once again. Dutch Day is a wonderfuloccasion which is greatly enjoyed by all who are involved.”

Both the RAF Hawk and the RAF Tucano display teams havechosen to support the Wings Appeal throughoutthis summer's air show season at displays around

the country. They are raising money by promo�ngWings Appeal merchandise on their ground stands,helping to draw in the crowds at the Wings Appealexhibi�on units by signing autographs and cyclingalongside members of the public in the Wings Appeal'sround the world sta�c cycle challenge. Flown byFlt Lt Jules Fleming, the RAF Hawk display aircra� hasalso been liveried with the RAF Associa�on's branding,which will be seen by millions of people a�ending airshows this year.

On the ground, topUK entertainmentcompany SimulatorSuppliers Ltd, run byWilliam and JosephAbbo�, havere-liveried one oftheir popularTornado GR4simulators withRAF Associa�onlogos. They havealso generouslyagreed to donate£1 for every personwho rides theirsimulator duringthis year to theWings Appeal.

SKY HIGH SUPPORT FOR THE WINGS APPEAL


informa�on on sta�on atRAF Odiham.

He adds “It seemed aperfect scheme,especially given that Iwas about to bedeployed toAfghanistan. It’s good tobe able to dosomething so posi�vethat helps you to stayclose to your familywhen you are going tobe serving overseas.

“The stories themselves were brilliant and the quality wasreally good, we were very impressed.

“Storybook Wings has been really upli�ing. It meant a lotto me, and to the children, to be able to record thesestories for them. When I was away it was nice to thinkthat they were s�ll listening to the sound of my voice.”

The RAF Associa�on is asking those who would beinterested in volunteering their �me to contactMark Mussell at [email protected]

NEWS & EVENTS


Carol Vorderman is on the ‘Countdown’ to taking on awingwalking challenge in support of the RAFAssocia�on’s Storybook Wings project.

Strapped to the top of an aircra� used by the famousBreitling Wingwalkers, courageous Carol will bechallenged to read a bed�me story whilst wingwalking at70 mph to appeal for more volunteer editors forStorybook Wings.

Storybook Wings provides a vital link between parents inthe RAF who are serving overseas in places such asAfghanistan and their children. The scheme enablesparents to record bed�me stories, along with personalmessages, for their children to listen to whilst they areaway, helping to ease the anxiety caused by separa�on.

Over 1,000 stories have been recorded to date butfollowing a recent surge, the project’s organisers arestruggling to keep up with demand. The RAF Associa�on isnow appealing for more members of the public to helpedit the stories.

All volunteers receive training in how to edit therecordings and add sound effects using professionalso�ware, provided by the charity. Volunteers can thenedit the stories at their convenience at home.

Tricia Freer, Director of Welfare at the RAF Associa�on,comments “Our Storybook Wings editors are invaluableand do a fantas�c job. It’s been so popular that we are inreal need of more people to join the team so that we cancon�nue recording as many stories as possible.

“We provide full training for all of our volunteers so noprior experience is necessary just a desire to help us keepserving families connected.”

Carol Vorderman comments “Storybook Wings is afantas�c ini�a�ve that I am very proud to be suppor�ng.As a parent I know how important it is to feel close toyour family no ma�er how far you are apart. Projects likeStorybook Wings are all about keeping our brave militaryfamilies united and strong.

“We need members of the public to help us byvolunteering a small amount of their �me. Togetherwe can make more children missing their parents feel ali�le happier.”

Flt Sgt Alistair Jackson used Storybook Wings in 2010when he was deployed to Afghanistan meaning he missedspending Christmas with his wife, Susan, and their twochildren, Amy, 9, and Owen, 5.

Amy and Owen received their stories on Christmas Day.

“Of all the Christmas presents that Amy and Owenreceived, this was by far the best.” Susan comments. “It isa wonderful service to be able to use.”Alistair learnt about Storybook Wings a�er receiving

CAROL ON COUNTDOWN TO WINGWALK

At Foot Anstey we believe in the holis�c approach, it is about ge�ng theright rehabilita�on and support in place to help families through o�endifficult and challenging �mes.

We are one of the leading teams of lawyers pursuing the rights ofserving and ex-members of the Armed forces. The team have recoveredmillions of pounds of compensa�on for service and ex service personnel,for example:

• £7.3 million for an individual rendered paralysed when atraining exercise went wrong

• £650,000 for an ex-helicopter pilot who developed a chronicback condi�on from flying

• £16,000 for a serviceman, serving in Iraq, who reported tosick bay and, despite being unwell, was passed fit for duty and

sent out on patrol. He collapsed from heat exhaus�on. As a result he has become heat - intolerant and unable to cope with the demands of exercise

• Over £700,000 for an ex-serviceman seriously injured in a road traffic collision. He had an acquired brain injury. With specialist advice he received full support and early payments easing the financial and emo�onal burden on the family and giving them the support they need

Call our FREE legal helpline service for FREE ini�al adviceon clinical negligence and personal injury claims -

0800 915 4650 or visit www.footansteyinjury.com

Plus receive 10% discount on all our other legal services.Simply quote ‘RAFA’ when you call.

For more informa�on on all our services visit: www.footanstey.comFoot Anstey is regulated by the Solicitors Regula�on Authority No. 321319



Following the success of a ‘Salute tothe Ba�le of Britain’ concert held in2010, the beau�fully manicured

gardens of Chartwell House in Kent willplay host on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4September 2011 to two more veryspecial events. Atmospheric Chartwell,the former residence of Sir WinstonChurchill, will be brought to life by ‘AMusical Salute to the Royal Air Force’; apatrio�c celebra�on of the role of theRAF yesterday and today.

The Central Band of the Royal Air Forcewill take centre stage with specialguests Stacey Solomon, Fiona Howell,the RAF Presenta�on Team and theSpi�ires Choir for this twilight concert.Supported by displays of historic andmodern RAF aircra�, special effects,archive and modern film footage - thisconcert will bring alive some of theRAF's greatest moments of yesterdayand today. Men and women of today'sRAF will join in a celebra�on of theircurrent service culmina�ng in anupli�ing, patrio�c finale.

For the secondyear running, theevent’s organisershave chosen theWings Appeal asthe beneficiarycharity. “I am sodelighted that weare able to workwith SynergyEvents again thisyear, especiallyin the beau�fulse�ng ofChartwell” saidRachel Huxford,RAF Associa�onDirector of Fundraising: “Last year’sconcert was truly magical and thisyear’s event is shaping up to be evenmore spectacular. Hopefullyby running it on two consecu�veevenings this year there will beenough �ckets available to keep upwith public demand.”

Gates open at 3.30pm and the

CHARTWELL CONCERT

concert begins at 6.15pm. Guests areinvited to arrive early and enjoy thebeau�ful gardens. A limited number of�ckets are on sale, priced at £33 perperson, plus a £2 booking fee perorder. Tickets can be ordered byvisi�ng synergyeventsuk.com/�cketsor by calling 01689 300 005 (9am -5pm, Monday - Friday).

Following a very successful re launch of the branding forthe Wings Lo�o, the Lo�o Wings Grand Draw has nowfollowed suit and has a smart new look.

This year we are offering a fantas�c VW Golf up to the valueof £17,000, a stunning Breitling watch, £2,500 worth oftravel vouchers or an amazing Dambuster helicopter flightplus many others.

You will find your �ckets stubs inside the front addresssheet of this issue of Air Mail. To take part all you need todo is send back your �ckets along with your payment inthe postage paid envelope.

Addi�onal stocks of �ckets and posters are available forbranches to sell at their func�ons, events and air showsetc.

As in previous years this years Grand Draw will supportWings Appeal and will help to provide support to thosewho serve in the RAF today and our proud veterans whohave given so much in the past. You support is reallyappreciated and means that those in need will not haveto cope alone.

For more informa�on visit www.rafa.org.uk or contactNeil Everall via e-mail at [email protected] or call0116 268 8756.

LOTTO WINGS GRAND DRAW

NEWS & EVENTS

Page 16-21 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 14:01 Page 16

HM THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2011 You will be pleased to hear that the following were awarded Na�onal Presiden�al Cer�ficates to coincide with theQueen’s Birthday Honours List 2011:

Name RAF Associa�on Branch Area

Mr William Wallis Guildford South East & EasternMrs Ann Wallis Guildford South East & EasternMrs Susan Cooper Amsterdam European

The President has sent a le�er of congratula�ons to the above and they will be presented with their awards at theRAF Associa�on Annual Conference in Blackpool in May 2012.


NEWS & EVENTS

Congratula�ons to Karen Ward and Isabelle Wright who walkedThe West Highland Way in memory of their Father, Ex ArmourerSgt Fred Osliff.

Scotland’s first official long distance route links Milngavie toFort William – a distance of 96 miles - from the northern outskirts ofGlasgow, to the foot of Ben Nevis at Fort William.

Karen and Isabelle faced a mixture of moors, dense woodland, rollinghills, and high mountains.

The ladies raised over £640 for the RAF Associa�on on their intrepidwalk. The money they raised will help to provide support to servingand ex RAF personnel and their families when they are in need. Weare extremely grateful to Karen and Isabelle for their support.

The Associa�on has a wide range of exci�ng opportuni�es fromcycling challenges, climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking the Inca trail tofreefall skydives. To take part and raise money for the RAF Associa�on,please contact Lorna Tagg on 0116 268 8777, [email protected] or visit www.rafa.org.uk

WEST HIGHLAND WAY WALK

HONORARY WELFAREOFFICERS NEEDED

The Associa�on needs Honorary Welfare Officers (HWO)across the UK to support the RAF Family. If you have acaring and pa�ent nature and are prepared to a�endour professional training course, then this role could befor you.

Travel is essen�al and a degree of flexibility is required.We provide full training appropriate to the role and coverall travelling expenses. All applicants will be required toundergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. This is avery rewarding volunteer role and if you feel you have thea�ributes required we would like to hear from you.

For an applica�on form please contactCentral Headquarters, RAF Associa�on,117½ Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5NDor visit www.rafa.org.uk, Tel: 0116 266 5224or email [email protected]

As the number of caseloads con�nues to increase for theRAF Associa�on’s Honorary Welfare Officers, Caseworkersand Area Welfare Officers, Paul Hughesdon, Director ofWelfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, hasexpressed his sincere thanks to the team for their fantas�cwork. "The work that the RAF Associa�on and theBenevolent Fund do in suppor�ng and sustaining the RAFfamily is vital to its wellbeing. The work that the HWOsundertake in dealing with welfare issues is essen�al toensuring that problems which require the Fund's support arehighlighted as early as possible, drawing as necessary on theincreasingly important trained Caseworkers and AWOs. I amdelighted that we are increasing the referrals to theAssocia�on, which is an excellent reflec�on of the quality ofthe work that the Associa�on's whole welfare team areundertaking. I and all my staff are enormously grateful to youall for your hard work on the ground and we can be veryproud of the effects that we jointly achieve, helping toprovide dignity in re�rement for the RAF Family."

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

Page 16-21 200611:Layout 1 21/6/11 11:04 Page 17


The RAF Associa�on providessupport for all members of the RAFfamily from a WWII veteran to the

partner of a serving airman who hasdeveloped a restric�ve medicalcondi�on. The homes from home andthe supported and sheltered housingthat the Associa�on offers are a majorpart of the welfare that is provided.

From a short respite break to a longerterm need the RAF Associa�on canoffer solu�ons for a wide variety ofwelfare needs through the range ofhomes.

Situated in idyllic loca�ons across thecountry, Richard Peck House,Flowerdown House and RothburyHouse are jointly funded with theRAF Benevolent Fund and providewelfare breaks for the en�re RAFfamily offering a true home fromhome and a warm welcome for thosewho are looking for a relaxing breakaway.

Each of the homes are run by a teamof excellent staff who are always thereto ensure that guests can relax andenjoy their stay with respite andconvalescent care available whenrequired.

Rothbury House is situated in theNorthumberland countryside

in Leicestershire. Wexford Houseprovides a home from whichresidents can maintain theirindependence whilst benefi�ng fromcare and support as o�en and asmuch as they need.

The communal lounge and dining roomwhere meals are shared is the focalpoint of Wexford House where thesense of family and community canreally be felt. In the summer theconservatory is free for all residents touse with a view of the well-keptgarden. All residents have their ownen-suite bedrooms with plenty ofspace to enjoy �me on their ownwhether it be reading, watchingtelevision or listening to music.

Located in the picturesque town ofMoffat in Dumfriesshire, DowdingHouse offers single and double flats forthose capable of independent livingand is supported by a live in wardenproviding care and support as required.

For further informa�on on any of thehomes please contact Patrick Rendall,Welfare Manager, on 0116 268 8774or email [email protected]

overlooking the CoquetValley whilst Richard PeckHouse is located just 100yards from Lytham St Anne’sstriking sea front.

Sheltered accommoda�on isprovided at Rothbury Housein Malcolm and Lord TedderCourt with four, twobedroom apartments andsix, one bedroomapartments respec�vely.

Flowerdown House is basedon Weston-super-Mare’sstunning sea front in theheart of the West Country.In addi�on to offering roomsin the main home,Flowerdown House alsohas a self-cateringapartment suitable forfamilies of up to two adultsand two children which isavailable all year round.

Wexford House pictured is one of theRAF Associa�on’s supported housingproper�es located in Melton Mowbray

NEWS & EVENTSA HOME TO SUIT YOU FROM THE RAF ASSOCIATION

Page 16-21 200611:Layout 1 21/6/11 16:02 Page 18

21 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 14:07 Page 19

The RAF’s Ba�le of Britain Memorial Flight is offeringmembers of the public the chance to buy a keepsakewith a difference from the Royal Wedding flypast.

At 1:30pm on 29 April 2011 the Ba�le of Britain MemorialFlight led a forma�on flypast over Buckingham Palace forthe Royal Wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William.

The public can now buy themselves a piece of the flypastac�on as the team at BBMF flew a limited number ofitems of memorabilia over the wedding to auc�on off inaid of charity.

All items flew in either the Lancaster B1, the Spi�ire MkXIX PR or the Hurricane Mk IIC. People can choose from anumber of items to purchase from a tradi�onal leatherflying helmet, to t-shirts signed by all the pilots involvedin the flypast, or model Hurricanes or Lancasters.

A truly one-off opportunity to own a piece of RoyalWedding history, there is a limited number of each itemavailable. All items come with a signed cer�ficate fromthe pilots confirming that they were airborne inside theaircra� during the flypast.

Money raised from the auc�oning of these items will begiven to the RAF Wings Appeal and flytohelp. All itemswill be sold on ebay.


NEWS & EVENTS

The Lt Governer of Guernsey, Air Marshal Peter Walkerwas elected as President of the European Area at theirConference at Eastbourne this year.

Following his elec�on Air Marshal Walker “volunteered” tobecome Parade Commander of the Overseas Area Flight atthe Sunday morning parade and service held on the seafront at Eastbourne.

Also parading in the flight were Air Group Cadets fromTrinidad and Tobago who are currently undergoing theirtraining at RAF Cranwell.

NEW EUROPEAN AREA PRESIDENT

Thursday 17 April 2011 saw a final dinner at RAF Cranwellfor the RAF Catering Officers Associa�on (RAFCOA). Thebranch, which formed in 1956 for past and present

commissioned members of the RAF Catering Branch tomeet, has now disbanded.

We would like to thank the members of RAFCOA for theirgenerous dona�on of £1000.

Picture right, Air Commodore Barry D. Jones OBELife Vice-President, Wales, Midland & South Western Areaaccep�ng a cheque from the RAFCOA.

FAREWELL & THANK YOU RAFCOA

ROYAL WEDDINGLIMITED EDITION MEMORABILIA

Page 16-21 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 14:08 Page 20

Briefing by Senior Staff at PJHQ

The Permanent Joint Headquarters atNorthwood is at the heart of all jointoverseas opera�ons and permanentoverseas loca�ons. We were thereforedelighted to take up an invita�on,extended to all three Service FamiliesFedera�ons, to a�end briefings therehosted by Colonel Richard Goodman andhis team. The team were extremelygenerous with their �me and answeredour many ques�ons about deploymentsand overseas tours in a very frank andopen manner.

The Federa�on staffs regularly receivebriefings from MoD joint and single-Service policy staff and their willingnessto share this privileged informa�on isextremely welcome. By keeping well-informed, we are in a be�er posi�on toadvise any family members whoapproach us with concerns.

The New Line is ON-LINE

The RAF Families Federa�on is inincreasing demand at the highest levelsto provide independent, evidence-basedinput regarding RAF family life. We hadbeen looking for new ways to gatherevidence from family members, bothserving and non-serving, and going on-line seemed the obvious next step,par�cularly if we were to reach familiesliving ‘beyond the wire’. A�er a greatdeal of hard work by the team to designand test new surveys, the Federa�onlaunched six on-line surveys on 1 June.These are aimed specifically at servingRAF personnel and their families and arepassword protected via our website.

We s�ll intend to run a number of ourinterac�ve evidence sessions at unitsacross the UK as we believe thatpersonal, face-to-face interac�on withfamily members adds depth to theevidence we gather.

The results of our evidence-gatheringwill be published at the end of theseason and we hope our findings willcon�nue to influence and shape futurepersonnel policies.

ON BUSINESS OF THE DAYFor this issue of Air Mail we thought itmight be useful to give you a flavour ofsome of the core ac�vity the Federa�onhas been involved in over recent months.

One-to-One with theChief of the Air Staff

Such was concern at the pace of changewithin the RAF and its poten�al impacton families, the Federa�on Chairmanrequested a mee�ng with theChief of the Air Staff. This was anunusual step and one that was not seento be of need since the Federa�onlaunched. However, the StrategicDefence and Security Review had placednew pressures on the Service and we felta mee�ng between the FamiliesFedera�on and the man at the head ofthe Service was important. CAS agreed.

The Chairman came away reassured thathe is acutely aware of the concernsbeing ar�culated by many RAF personneland their families. The cloud ofuncertainty hanging over the RAF andthe feelings of betrayal felt by some arereal challenges for the senior leadershipand we were pleased to have anopportunity to represent families’ viewsdirect to CAS, who welcomed theindependent (and occasionally blunt!)nature of my evidence.

Appearing before the House ofCommons Defence Commi�ee

This Inquiry into “Support to Bereavedand those Seriously Injured whilstServing” was to be the first of a series ofHCDC inquiries exploring elements ofthe Armed Forces Covenant. Clearly,support to those who die or areseriously injured in service is at the heartof the Covenant and, by star�ng thisInquiry from the family’s perspec�ve,the Commi�ee is clearly commi�ed tounderstanding the impact of a casualtyon the wider family. In this two-houroral session, evidence was provided byall three Service Families Federa�ons.

The key messages to the Inquiryincluded our observa�on that the RAF isclearly commi�ed to delivering the bestsupport it can to families facing suchtragic, difficult and o�en life-changingcircumstances. Another key messagewas the need for life-long support,where required. A bereaved family mayrequire support for many years a�er thedeath; the combined role of the MoD,SPVA Veterans Welfare Service, Widows’Associa�ons and the military chari�esare pivotal to the family never feelingabandoned by the Service or the Na�on.

For those badly injured, again supportmust be enduring and we need toensure that we can deliver that supportnot just for the next few years but forthe next 40, 50 or 60 years as required.

Finally, the Chairman wanted to drawa�en�on to the blurred boundaries ofresponsibility between the MoD, theGovernment and the charitable sector,par�cularly during the cri�cal stage oftransi�on when a Serviceperson andhis/her family move from the militaryenvironment to a civilian one.

We welcomed the opportunity tocontribute to this Inquiry and hope thatthe Commi�ee will provide a focus on allaspects of post casualty care.

The Armed Forces CovenantWhat should we make of it?

Whilst recognising that there couldhardly be a worse �me to publish adocument that a�empts to capture theway in which the Government and widersociety values its Armed Forces, wewelcomed the publica�on of theCovenant and its comprehensivesuppor�ng documents as an importantstep forward.

The inclusion of military families at theheart of the Covenant is very welcomeand confirms our belief that opera�onaleffec�veness derives to a large extentfrom the support offered to those inuniform by those who love them most.Our role on the Covenant ExternalReference Group is to understand theindividual commitments that have beenmade in respect of Service families andto gather evidence to measureimplementa�on and effect. TheCovenant itself is not the panacea to themyriad challenges facing militarypersonnel but is the beginning of aprocess which will hopefully see achange in a�tude and approach so thatall those who support the Armed Forcescan demonstrate how much they valuethe role performed and respect themany sacrifices made.

All members of the Associa�on, whetherserving or veteran, are encouraged toread the Covenant publica�ons so youcan understand what the Governmentand local communi�es intend to deliverin many areas of public life to recogniseand support the Armed ForcesCommunity. Whilst the Federa�on’sfocus is on the families, issues impac�ngon veterans will be taken forward by theAssocia�on in its work with COBSEO,who also sit on the Reference Group.

NEWS & EVENTS


Page 16-21 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 14:10 Page 21

21 170611:Layout 1 20/6/11 15:51 Page 22

0800 198 2400 www.rafbf.orgRegistered Charity No. 1081009

You, or somebody you know, could be eligible for help from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

If you have ever served in the Royal Air Force, including National Service – or you are an immediate dependant of someone who served – and you now find yourself in need of help or advice then you may be eligible for assistance from the RAF Benevolent Fund. We’re here to look after all of those in the RAF family who may be in need of our support. So, if this is you then help could be just a phone call away.

Call us now to find out more, or if you think you know somebody who might be eligible, please let them know.

ONCERAFALWAYSRAFBF

RAFBF A4 50s Uniform Ad.indd 1 04/06/2011 10:46


Strangely, no record of this attack from the British side wasmade. The next attack, by an unidentified unit, took place onthe night of 9 January 1941-16 houses destroyed, 50 rendereduninhabitable and 250 damaged. 13 civilians were killed, 10seriously and 20 slightly injured. The next attack was in theearly afternoon of 27 January 1941.

On this date, in order to celebrate his 100th operational flight,the Staffel Kapitän of 9/KG 30, Oblt Friedrich-Karl Rinckdecided that the BMARC factory would make a fitting attack.He decided that this attack would be made in a brand newJunker 88 A-5 which had been delivered a few days before.The poor weather at this time of year did assist lone Germanbombers carrying out what was known as Pirateneinsätze-loneattacks by experienced crews utilising poor weather and low-level flying as a form of defence. For example, on 8 January1941, the miserable weather allowed Lt Karl Höflinger of 8/KG77 to approach Coventry unseen. His target was the StandardMotors factory and at 1454 hrs, it was reported that a loneraider had dropped bombs in the city but that no extensivedamage was done to property and that there were nocasualties. Höflinger reported having dropped three SC 500bombs on the factory from an altitude of 100 metres and theGerman propaganda machine hailed him and his crew OfwKarl Vogelhuber, Ofw Karl Odelga and Fw Karl Herfort asheroes-Höflinger would be awarded the Ritterkreuz on 7March 1941 but just over a month later, he and his crewwould be shot down by Flak whilst attacking Portsmouth;there were no survivors when his Junkers 88 plunged into thesea off the Nab Tower.

Rinck was an experienced pilot. He had already been takenprisoner together with his crew on 10 May 1940 after beingshot down by Dutch fighters whilst attacking Schiphol airfield,

The British Manufacturing and Research Company (BMARC)which was located at Springfield Road, Grantham inLincolnshire was well known to the Luftwaffe. They

believed this was the only company in the United Kingdommaking Hispano Suiza aircraft cannon. Their intelligence wasnot far wrong-by 1943, BMARC manufactured 46% of the20mm cannon, vital in the air war when it was found to be farmore effective in air combat than the standard .303 machinegun.

Grantham first came under air attack on the night of 30September 1940 which resulted in seven deaths and 18injured as well as damage to houses, a factory, gas, water andelectricity mains. On 23 November 1940, Lt Kurt Dahlmann of9/KG 30, who would end the war a highly decorated bomberand fighter-bomber pilot, reported to have carried out adevastating attack on the BMARC factory, the report reading:

Fight against English ‘bottleneck industry’

Dawn attack on Hispano-Suiza motor cannon factory in Grantham. Glide attack – dropped four SC 250 and ten SC 50. Two, probably three SC 250 hit the main workshop, all other detonations in factory buildings and on the factory site. According to reports by agents, factory had been put out of operation for six weeks.

Remarks:

Detonations observed by Oblt Elle’s crew. Official recognition of the attack by General der Flieger Cöhler, commanding general of IX.Fl.Korps. Official recognition in Frontnachrichtenblatt der Luftwaffe.

PIRATE ATTACKSBy Chris Goss

One of the BMARC factory an� aircra� gun emplacements: Photo: © Author.

Page 24-27 Pirate Attacks 130611:Layout 1 17/6/11 10:37 Page 24


readiness. 1355 hrs received Yellow Warning. 1410 hrs all employees to take to shelters as the raider was approaching 12 miles away to the west. 1414 hrs raider five miles away at 1,000 feet with two Hurricanes intercepting. Command at 1439 hrs that raider had gone eastwards and we could stand down. I did not give the order to stand down.

“1445 hrs raider suddenly appeared, coming straight towards the factory from the north-west in a low dive. I gave the command to open fire. As our guns opened fire, he released his bombs. A fraction of a second afterwards, the plane wobbled, righted itself and endeavoured to gain height but was not able to do so. As it disappeared from view, we heard cheering and going outside we were informed it only just managed to get over the brow of the hill with one side of the plane on fire.

“We later heard we had got our target and that a plane had crashed in a field at Fishtoft. Dennis Kendall (elected MP for Grantham) andCapt Dawrant went to Fishtoft to view theaircrafts wreckage.”

As the Junkers 88 made good its escape, its pilot quicklyrealised that all was not right. The port engine was leakingoil and quickly began to vibrate and overheat, forcing Rinckto shut it down. They had taken numerous hits frommachine gun and 20 mm bullets and the port wing hadappeared to have suffered badly. At such low level, they wereunable to climb and by the time they reached Boston, theywere below tree level so the only option was to crash-landwhich they did at Pilley’s Lane on the outskirts of Boston. Allfour crew clambered out and before they were captured,succeeded in setting off an explosive charge which destroyed

the very airfield he was flying from thisday. He therefore decided to flyalongside another member of hisStaffel, someone who had apparentlyattacked BMARC before -Lt Kurt Dahlmann. Dahlmann took offfirst but his report reads:

“Planned lowest-level attack on Hispano-Suiza motor cannon factory in Grantham”

This attack was not possible, although three attempts were made, because of the weather and much haze. Low-level attack with two SC 500,two SC 250 and ten SC 50 on alternative target, theironworks Moulders andPieters in Newark. Two SC 500 hit industrial railway lines, allthe other detonations in factory plants.

Remarks:

Confirmed by photos taken of the works before and during the detonations”.

Rinck, unaware that Dahmann, took off and headed west,making landfall just north of Great Yarmouth. The weatherwas terrible-200 metres visibility with a low cloud base.Crossing the coast at 1,300 feet, they skirted Boston thenpicked up the Sleaford-Grantham railway and soon spottedthe factory with, to his surprise, a new factory building.

Unseen by the German crew, on the factory roof was a sectionof Home Guardsmen from the 3rd Kesteven (Grantham andSpittlegate) Battalion. Apparently on 3 December 1940, theyhad engaged, damaged and driven off a German bomberwhich was attempting to bomb the BMARC factory. Theplatoon commander was a Captain A L Dawrant, the CompanySecretary and manning Number 10 Gun was Private R WEllacott, a clerk, Sgt G A M McNicoll, an accountant andCaptain R H T Ridler, Chief Accountant. Seeing Rinck’s bomberapproaching, they opened fire. In the Junkers 88, Rinck wassurprised that they were encountering light Flak. At 500 feetand in a leisurely fashion, he dropped four SC 250 and 10 SC50 bombs, the gunner, Uffz Ferdinand Wissing, reporting twohit the target and that one factory building was damaged. Inall, the 14 bombs landed in and around the factory killing 12at the BMARC factory and anther three in the local area andwounding 2 seriously and four slightly. Four houses werebadly damaged and 30 damaged to varying degrees. TheMajor in charge of the Home Guardsmen submitted a reportas to what happened:

Major Macdonnell

“On 27 January 1941, at 1300 hrs warned of approach of enemy aircraft. All guns manned in

The destruction in factories 3 and 4 on 27 January 1041 . Photo: © Author

Pirate Attacks



small electric motor. I also have an inspection panel about 15” by 12”.

“Shortly after the incident, a senior fire officer was charged and fined for ‘acquiring’ an aerial camera and a machine gun ditto his assistant for a drum of ammunition…”

Together with this loss, it had been a costly two days for III/KG30 who had lost four Junkers 88s to Flak but it had been aterrible day for Grantham. Sadly, it would not end there as onthe evening of 4 February 1941, just before his Gruppeheaded off to the Mediterranean, Lt Kurt Dahlmann, this timeaccompanied by another bomber commanded by

all but the wings and an engine,its destruction being witnessed bytwo civilians:

Kathy Sharp

“My husband’s parents ran a fruit and veg round and did house-to-house selling with a horse and cart. On this particular day, my husband and a friend went to our farmer friend’s farm to pick up some hay and straw in a truck. Ron and his friend were 13 years old. After leaving the farm, they saw this plane land in the field opposite the farmhouse and ran towards it and saw the crew jump out. One of them threw something at the plane which exploded. Needless to say they both made a quick exits! Bye the bye, the Police and Fire engine were soon on the scene!”

The crash-landing was quite exciting for the people of Boston:

Norman Melson

“I was in my last year of school and the news went around. At leaving time, I think every boy in Boston was heading for Pilley’s Lane a little more than a mile from my school. The weather was damp and grey and drizzly (I often wondered how they managed to find BMARC at Grantham in the overcast). The aircraft was in a ploughed field surrounded by RAF, Fire Service and police. It didn’t look too badly damaged despite the demolition charge.

“The attack killed three Boston men-Reg Pearson,Edwin Hadwick and Robert Sissons, all were motor mechanics and had been drafted in to work at BMARC. The 10 year old daughter ofReg Pearson went to the same school as myself.

“On the Saturday followingthe clearance of the wreckage, the landowner gave a friend and myself permission to search for souvenirs. I found a large piece of cast alloy radio chassis complete with a few switches and tuning dials - the only piece now left is a Pictured above, damage from the raid on 4 February 1941 . Photo: © Author.

Another view of damage inflicted on the factory on 27 January 1941. Photo: © Author.



Oblt Rudolf Elle , carried out yet another attack on the BMARCfactory; his report read:

“Glide attack on Hispano-Suiza motor cannon factory in Grantham

The factory had taken up production again after the last attack. Two SC 250 direct hits in large assembly shop. All the other detonations onfactory site, the sighting-in range and itsammunition store. A lot of colourful explosions (sighting - in ammunition) and detonations followed.Extensive fire damage.

Remarks:

The attack and its effects observed and confirmed by Elle’s crew who had attackedthe same target.

Labelled ‘Air Raid 15’, the most vivid account of thatattack is as follows:

Sergeant A Patrick

“…it circled the factory three times, coming lower each time. At the end of the third circle, it dived on the factory and released three bombs. One dropped at the back of 1 & 2 factories, a second hit 3 & 4 Factories and the third fell on the road about 100 yds west of3 & 4 factories.

“Curiously enough, the first bomb dropped behind the joiners’ shop in which the propeller from a previous raider was stored and this was knocked over and further damaged. We could still hear an enemy plane circling around. Whether or not it was the first raider it was difficult to say but I rather think it was another plane for it came from a different direction and, moreover, the Ju 88 usually carried three bombs. This plane came apparently from a northerly direction.

“Diving lower than the first-and he was certainly very low for several of our gunners told me afterwards that he appeared to skim the office roof tops - he released his bombs.

“The last bomb scored a direct hit on thewatchmans’s hut in the entrance of factories3 & 4in which there were two or three men;the other landed in the allotments adjoiningthe factory.

“This Jerry also used his machine gun as he dived-he raked No 9 gun crew knocking out three gunners. Gunner Hogan had a badly shattered leg which later had to be amputated, Dixon had a broken leg and Kilby was shot through the hand…”

Considerable damage was yet again done to a factory withfive killed, five seriously and 12 slightly wounded. There

Pirate Attacks

was also extensive damage to residential property whereanother three were killed and nine injured. This time, one ofthe Home Guardsmen defending the factory, 18 year oldPhilip English, was one of the fatalities.

The attack on Grantham was yet another attack during theBlitz and during the Second World War and over the years,what happened especially on 27 January 1941 has generallybeen forgotten. However, 84 civilians who died as a result ofenemy action are buried within Grantham’s cemeteries, astark reminder of the price this Lincolnshire market town paidin the Second World War.

Below, another view of one of the BMARC factory an� aircra� gun crew and itsemplacement. Photo: © Author.


21 170611:Layout 1 20/6/11 10:09 Page 2

21 170611:Layout 1 20/6/11 10:10 Page 3


LETTERS TO THE EDITORe-mail [email protected]

PROOF THE MILK OF HUMANKINDNESS STILL FLOURISHES

I along with many hunderds of ex-aircrew a�ended the ceremony atSt Clement Danes for the ‘laying up ofthe ACA Standard in May. I took myChiltern Branch colleague, now 96and registered blind, with me to theservice and to the recep�on atAustralia House a�erwards. The taxidriver who took us from the service tothe recep�on refused to take a �p.

A�er the event my colleague and Itook another taxi back to Euston, thedriver, a pleasant lady, nego�ated thetraffic through side streets avoidingthe chaos. Having got us to Eustonshe took us as far forward aspossible. Dropping us off near theli�s, she refused to accept our fares.Having heard us talking about theevent she joined in with ourconversa�on and even bragged to herbrother about her passengers beingWW2 Aircrew veterans.

She thanked us for our service to ourcountry, which made me feel quitetearful at the �me, but she insistedthat the fare was on her. If anybodyknows this wonderful London blackcab driver please let her know of theeffect she made on us both, it reallymade our day.

Tom Payne and Jack Easter

POSSIBLE ATA MEMORIAL

Following a visit to the Na�onalArboretum by members of theCardigan Branch which was madepossible by a generous grant from theBig Lo�ery Fund and a programme inthe BBC Ba�le of Britain series aboutthe role of the girls of the ATA; our ex-WAAFs remarked upon the absence ofany memorial to the ATA at thearboretum.

We sought advice from the SecretaryGeneral who said that although theAssocia�on cannot act centrally, shethought that if individual brancheswanted to pursue the ma�er therewas nothing to stop them doing soand suggested a le�er to Air Mail tosee if there is any possibility ofsupport from Branches and otherinterested bodies being forthcoming.

As a very small Branch we are unableto take on such a project but do notmind ac�ng as a catalyst to help startthe ball rolling. It is thought that sucha memorial to the men and women ofthe ATA, all of whom were volunteers,some from around the world, oughtto be physically associated with theRAF Associa�on Memorial.Dependant upon the likely funding, itshould be modest in design and be oflow maintenance. One thought thatcould fit the bill would be the plan�ngof a flowering cherry adjacent to thewalkway leading to our Memorialwith a small plinth and an engravedpanel describing the force andperhaps lis�ng those who lost theirlives on service.

If money was available, it would benice to have a hardwood bench to restour weary bones allowingcontempla�on of both memorials.The cos�ng of these proposals is notlikely to be beyond a few thousandpounds which ought to be achievable.

We are seeking addresses of likelycontributors to this effort and anysugges�ons for them will bewelcomed. Any other suitable ideasfor a memorial would also be valued.

Colin SpraggsChairman, Cardigan Branch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Having been a member of theAssocia�on since 1946 I have readmany edi�ons of Air Mail. In 1974 ale�er to the editor concerning a visit Ihad made to Durnbach war cemeteryto see the last res�ng place of fourfellow crew members was published.As a result of this le�er I receivedsome le�ers from readers includingMike Garbe� the co-editor of ‘TheLancaster at War’ series of books.These le�ers gave me the enthusiasmto trace where the Lancaster hadcrashed that I was flying in as a flightengineer on 16 March 1945, I washelped by friends in this country whohad friends in Germany. It was locatedat a small pine forest in the hamlet ofPleikarshof in southern Germany. In2001 I, along with English andGerman friends, visited the site and Ihave made three visits since then and

met some amazing people all ofwhom had a tale to tell about eventsthat night; people like the youngsoldier who took me prisoner andanother who as a nine year old hadpicked up the camera lens from thecrash site and willingly gave it to meon my second visit. The amazingstories I was told are too numerous tomen�on here but it does show how ale�er to the editor of Air Mail resultedin me making so many Germanfriends all with a different tale to tell.

Doug Cady, Halesworth

MILES MORE MINUTES

Just a big thanks to one and all for theMiles More Minutes cards that theRAF Associa�on sent out. They wentto staff in the Tower, the airfieldengineers and the domes�c FireService who get the nasty job ofhelping to get the dead and woundedoff the helicopters and need all thehelp they can get for doing such afantas�c job. The Tower here isprobably the busiest single runwayairport in the world with only aminimal amount of staff. It’s 14 hourssolid work every day and nightopera�ng not only an airport buthelping with the war and ba�le spacethat's going on all around us.

Thanks for all the help

WO Dougie Lee, Camp Bas�on

LANCASTER SPECIAL � CORRECTION

Thank you to all those who pointedout the error in the Lancaster Specialitem, in which the author wronglystated that the Peenemunde Raid waspreceded by an unsuccesful raid by aforce of Eighth Air Force FlyingFortresses. Although Eighth Air Forceraid did take place on the same day itwas on another target to the west ofPeenemunde and not connected inany way to the successful raid byLancasters, Halifaxs and S�rlings.

The Editor

Le�ers to the editor can be sent viapost to the RAFATRAD Ltd address on

page 1 or submi�ed via e-mail to:[email protected]

Page 30 Letters 170611:Layout 1 23/6/11 09:44 Page 30

NEWS & EVENTS


The 2011 Annual Conference of the RAF Associa�onreturned to Eastbourne in mid-May for the first �me inmany years. It was met with the warmest of welcomes

from the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Carolyn Heaps.

The blue skies of Eastbourne were mirrored on the cover ofthe Associa�on’s Annual Review and Strategic Plan, whichwas launched at the Conference. The 2010 Review, en�tled‘Making a Difference’, sets out the Associa�on’s recentachievements and gives readers vital informa�on on how thecharity is resourced. These themes were picked up by theChairman of Central Council as he took Conference throughthe strategic plan that will shape the RAF Associa�on’s workover the next five years.

Scholarship Awards. Cadet Sergeant Jonathan Coates from886 (City of Ripon) Sqn ATC took the top prize of 35 hours offlying training. Cadet Warrant Officer Vici Bates,Cadet Sergeant Rob Watson, and Cadet Flight SergeantsSiena Whiteside and Tom Bean each received 12 hours offlying training.

The recipients of Presiden�al Cer�ficates and trophies wereapplauded by Conference. Following the mee�ng ofRAFALOs on the Friday of the Conference weekend (seeseparate report on page 34), the RAFALO of the Year Awardwent to Sgt Tom Sawyer from RAF Marham, pictured below.

Throughout the weekend, the Central Band of theRoyal Air Force provided a wonderful musicalaccompaniment to both the ceremonial and social events.The Service of Dedica�on on Sunday morning was led by theChaplain in Chief, Air Vice Marshal Ray Pentland. TheStandard bearers, RAF personnel past and present, andmembers of the public stood in silence as wreaths were laid.

A flypast by a Spi�ire from the Ba�le of Britain MemorialFlight concluded the tribute.

The 2011 Annual Conference also put a significant emphasison discussion seminars on key aspects of the Associa�on’sfuture. The strategic plan demands a renewed focus onmembership recruitment and invigora�on of the Branchnetwork. This will ensure that the Associa�on has a healthyfuture and can con�nue to provide local support to thewhole RAF family. Honorary Welfare Officers need to befound for an increasing number of areas where coverage ispatchy. Agreeing that it was vitally important to keep anac�ve presence in all communi�es, the Conferencesupported a resolu�on to allow closing Branches to form‘Registered Members Groups’. The Respite Care Homes,funded jointly with the RAF Benevolent Fund, were alsounder review to ensure future viability. Responding tosta�s�cs about current levels of occupancy and future

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011 REPORT

To view a copy of the Annual Review online visitwww.rafa.org.uk/annualreview

The Conference welcomed the Air Member for Personnel,Air Marshal Andy Pulford, to speak about the RAF’s currentopera�ons, and the impact of the Strategic Defence andSecurity Review (SDSR). He explained in some detail thestrategic role of the RAF in Afghanistan and Libya, but alsothe ongoing defence role in the Falklands, and the protec�onof the UK against ever-present threat. The SDSR was causinggreat uncertainty amongst service personnel, and against thisbackground the RAF was very grateful for the supportprovided by the RAF Associa�on.

The Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, Sir Rob Wright,gave Conference an update on the work of the Fund during2010. He highlighted the combined work of our twoorganisa�ons, and thanked the Honorary Welfare Officers forall their efforts. He stressed the importance of planningtogether for future respite care needs and to agree a plan forthe Jointly Funded Homes.

The Associa�on was pleased to welcome the CommandantAir Cadets, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper, to sharecelebra�ons with the recipients of the RAF Associa�on Flying

Page 31-34 Annual Conference-RAFALO 22a0611:Layout 1 21/6/11 12:56 Page 31

2. This Conference resolves that the posi�on of AreaTreasurer be discon�nued with immediate effect as proposedin CC Paper 3/11 and that the governing documents beamended accordingly.

4. This Conference resolves that nomina�ons for elec�onto Branch Commi�ees must be signed by two Members ofthe Branch, one of whom may be a Full Associate Memberof the Branch and that Branch Regula�on 26(1) beamended accordingly.

5. This Conference resolves that nomina�ons for elec�on toa Branch Club Commi�ee must be signed by any twoMembers of the Branch Club and that Standard ClubRule 23 be amended accordingly.

6. This Conference receives CC Paper 1/11 and endorses therecommenda�on that Branches, on official closure, may, ifthey so wish, form a Registered Members’ Group and thatthe governing documents be amended accordingly.

8. This Conference re-affirms the Object of the Associa�on inthat we are a membership organisa�on providing welfarethrough charitable means and not a charity with members.

9. This Conference, no�ng the seriousness of the decliningmembership, requires the Execu�ve to mount a proac�vemembership recruitment campaign, targe�ng ex-Servicepersonnel, and that sufficient funds be allocated for this.

10. This Conference, no�ng the responsibility of AreaCouncils to encourage membership recruitment andfundraising, resolves that the membership rebate eachyear for those on an Area HQ Roll, be allocated to therespec�ve Area Council, to enable them to organise andpromote events within their Area and that Byelaw 13(8) beamended accordingly.

11. That this Associa�on ac�vely seeks a change toregula�ons concerning street collec�ons by an altera�on to,or a replacement of, Sec�on 5 of the Police, Factories etc(Miscellaneous provisions) Act of 1916 by which LocalAuthori�es currently oversee street collec�ons, so that theyreflect 21st Century means of communica�on.

12. This Conference, having noted CC Paper 05/11 resolvesthat Annual Conference 2014 be held at Blackpool 16-18 May 2014.

NEWS & EVENTS


poten�al demand, delegates made the dis�nc�onbetween managing care homes and providing respite careservices. The review will con�nue during 2011.

A full record of the Conference Resolu�ons is given in theAbridged Report of the Annual Conference, availablefrom Branch Secretaries, or on the website at:www.rafa.org.uk/annualconference

The seminars concluded with a review of the AnnualConference format, and the Chairman and President hopedthat future resolu�ons would focus on issues whichsupported the strategic agenda. Delegates welcomed thesocial focus of the weekend and the opportuni�es to renewfriendships and support all members and delegates in theirwork for the Associa�on.

Throughout the Conference, tribute was paid to thePresident, Air Marshal Philip Sturley, as he completed sixyears in post. His vision, leadership and dedica�on wereapplauded by all speakers, and gi�s were presented onbehalf of the Associa�on.

Air Marshal Philip Sturley and Air Vice-Marshal Peter Liddellwere made Life Vice-Presidents of the RAF Associa�on. Themembership elected Air Vice-Marshal David Whi�aker asVice-President of the Associa�on.

Following the Vote of Thanks, the Conference concludedwith the presenta�on of the Presiden�al Chain to thenewly-elected President of the RAF Associa�on,Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller. Conference delegates stood toapplaud the out-going and in-coming Presidents as theyshook hands on the Eastbourne stage.

RESOLUTIONS CARRIED1. This Conference resolves that an Ordinary, Life orAssociate Member of the Associa�on may be elected to theposi�on of Honorary Treasurer of the Associa�on asproposed in CC Paper 2/11 and that the governingdocuments be amended accordingly.

NB: The Resolu�on was carried with the caveat that thiswould only be enacted if a suitable Ordinary or Life Membercould not be found

Page 31-34 Annual Conference-RAFALO 22a0611:Layout 1 21/6/11 12:56 Page 32

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS CARRIED AT THEEND OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE

This Conference, apprecia�ng his service to theAssocia�on, invites Air Vice-Marshal Peter Liddell CB tobecome a Life Vice-President of the Royal Air ForcesAssocia�on.

This Conference, apprecia�ng his service to theAssocia�on, invites Air Marshal Philip Sturley CB MBE tobecome a Life Vice-President of the Royal Air ForcesAssocia�on.

RESOLUTIONS NOT CARRIED

13. This Conference resolves that the requirement for aresolu�on marked with a dagger to be discussed shall bereduced from a two thirds majority to a simple majority.

RESOLUTIONS WITHDRAWN

7. This Conference resolves that clear and defini�vedirec�ves be introduced into the Associa�on’s governingdocuments covering procedures for mo�ons of “NoConfidence” and “Censure”.

RESOLUTIONS THAT FELL3. This Conference resolves that an Ordinary, Life orAssociate Member of the Associa�on may be elected tothe posi�on of Honorary Treasurer of the Area asproposed in CC Paper 04/11 and that the governingdocuments be amended accordingly.

NEWS & EVENTS


A full transcript of the President’s Address and the Chairmanof Central Council’s Address are available from the Secretary

General’s office at RAF Associa�on CHQ, in Leicester.

Photographs taken over the conference weekend areavailable on CD by post from:

“Yorkie” Kay, 29, Huntershaw Way, Darlington, DL3 0SE.

UK and EU members should forward their name, address andtelephone number along with a cheque for £5 (standarddelivery), £8 (special delivery) made payable to: SM Kay.

Non EU members should write for details of postage pricingor email: [email protected]

MAKE YOUR DIARY ENTRY NOW!!!!VENUE FOR

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012The RAF Associa�on Annual Conference 2012

will be held in Blackpool Winter Gardens on the weekendof 18-20 May, 2012.

CONFERENCE OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS:

RAF Associa�on Conference, PO Box 316, Leyland, PR25 9AXTelephone/Fax: 01772 600211

e-mail: [email protected]

Page 31-34 Annual Conference-RAFALO 220611:Layout 1 21/6/11 11:31 Page 33

NEWS & EVENTS


Over 50 serving personnel a�ended the Royal Air ForcesAssocia�on Liaison Officers (RAFALOs) conference andseminars in May to take part in sessions to discuss the

RAF Associa�on’s work and generate ideas for the future.

To start proceedings an update was given on the ac�on thatthe RAF Associa�on took as a result of topics discussed atlast year’s conference, followed by this year’s seminarswhich focused on five key areas: welfare, membership,fundraising, marke�ng and the RAF Families Federa�on.

The welfare seminar discussed the image of the RAFAssocia�on amongst current RAF personnel, in par�cularthat many believe it s�ll exists only to help veterans, whilstother personnel were unaware what the Associa�on offersat sta�on level. One possible solu�on to this would be tocreate a video which shows the work that the Associa�onhas done with serving and ex RAF personnel throughout theprevious year, which RAFALOs can use in on sta�on venuessuch as the HIVE, medical centres and gyms.

It was suggested that opportuni�es should also be exploredfor the RAF Associa�on to be involved in briefings fromsta�on HR staff and during RAF welfare modules andcourses, as well as increased signpos�ng from otherchari�es such as SSAFA.

Where the RAF Associa�on has provided funding for onsta�on projects, such as contact houses and internet cafes,the Associa�on should seek to ensure that branding andlogos are used to help build awareness of the work that isbeing done for serving personnel.

The key theme during the membership seminar was how torecruit more members on sta�on and how the membershipteam can assist the RAFALOs with this task. Suggestedcourses of ac�on included: RAFALOs being able to speak atsta�on briefings and to become part of the sta�ondeparture process, possible expansion of the membershipto capture other groups, for example, avia�on enthusiastsand contractors and civilians on sta�on, plus a global emailfrom community support to encourage new members.

Sta�on recruitment drives supported by CHQ staff andthe motorised exhibi�on trailer were also suggestedalong with the possibility of having branded polo shirtscreated for RAFALOs to wear when working in supportof the RAF Associa�on to help raise awareness.

At the end of the seminar Bob Hounslow, Director ofMembership, issued a challenge to all RAFALOs foreach of them to recruit five new members by the endof the year.

The fundraising seminar touched on a wide range ofareas including the Wings Appeal order form. SomeRAFALOs found it to be too complicated and felt thatmore informa�on should be published on the onlineordering form including the fact that this methodhelps the Associa�on to save money. Sugges�onswere also made regarding upda�ng and re-wri�ng

the Wings Appeal handbook. The idea of a joint collec�on �nwith the RAF Benevolent Fund was well received and wouldbe supported on sta�on.

A number of groups suggested RAF Associa�on brandedsports kit as an excellent way of raising awareness – therugby shirts produced by Chris Goss that will be available forthe public to buy were seen as a good example of this.

A number of new fundraising ideas were suggested includinga formal dinner and auc�on which could be held on sta�onand at branches, sta�on and unit auc�ons, driving days and atalent compe��on u�lising the RAF Central Band.

The marke�ng seminar raised issues around RAFALOcommunica�ons, with a par�cular need highlighted for aforum to be developed within RAFALOGEN so that events,projects and files can be shared amongst the team. Using theWings Appeal social media sites to highlight when messagesare being sent out via RAFALOGEN was also requested.

Again, the team highlighted the need for a roadshow byRAF Associa�on staff to raise awareness of the work that theAssocia�on does and to lend assistance in upda�ng anddistribu�ng literature.

In addi�on to discussing the visibility of the work ofFedera�on, the RAF Families Federa�on seminar looked atthe link between the RAF Associa�on and the Federa�on andhow best to promote the organisa�on within the RAF.

The link between the Associa�on and the Federa�on wasagreed to be invaluable to both organisa�ons. RAFALOs couldalso be used as Families Federa�on reps on sta�on and therewas a strong view that the Federa�on’s remit should beexpanded to include independent representa�on of allserving personnel on any issue they wish to raise. All groupssuggested that a name change would be suitable to moveaway from the image that the Federa�on only serves familiesand not single personnel, although it was advised that this isunlikely to happen in the short term.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2011 - RAFALO SEMINAR

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34 Annual Conference-RAFALO 22a0611:Layout 1 21/6/11 13:39 Page 35

The author recently obtained aWorld War One postcardshowing the wreckage of whatappears to be an aircraft withGerman soldiers standing by it.The card was annotated inGerman “English aircraftcrashed 24.8.15” whichhopefully would make it easyto identify the aircraft,squadron and crew. However,it turned out not asstraightforward as first hoped.

German records for 24 August1915 mentioned a number ofaircraft shot down by Flak.One was reported crashing inflames at Bolchen, Saarland inGermany with the crew’s deathbeing presumed. However, thiswas nowhere near the British sector and on closerexamination, the photograph of the wreckage would appearto be of a French Voisin. In that case, it is probable that the24 August 1915 crash photograph was that of a Voisin of VB111 crewed by Caporal Rene de L’Isle (pilot) andSublieutenant Francois Jean (observer).

There was another possible loss which was suggested couldbe the aircraft in the photograph. On 22 August 1915, aBE2C serial 2034 of 2 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC) liftedoff from the airfield at Hesdigneul for a photo reconnaissancesortie. A short time later, the German Flak reported shootingdown a British aircraft at Wavrin, south-west of Lille with thedeaths of both crew members-British reports stated theaircraft “fell like a stone”. The aircraft crashed at Saingin-en-Weppes, eight miles south-west of Lille immediately south ofWavrin and about five miles behind German lines. Both crewwere killed-pilot 2/Lt Charles Gallie, formerly of the RoyalScots Fusiliers and observer Lt William Wallace formerly of5th Battalion Rifle Brigade. Little is known about CharlesGallie but William Wallace was well known for his sportingprowess.

As his name would suggest, William Wallace was born inEdinburgh 23 September 1892. He was educated atEdinburgh Academy and then King’s College Cambridge andquickly proved to be a first class athlete, especially when itcame to rugby. He was Full Back of the Academy XV 1909-12and vice-captain of the XV in 1912. He was also anaccomplished cricketer and footballer. He was awarded theschool Braeburn Shield for best all-round athlete in 1910, theBurma Cup for the highest number of wins in school sports in1912 and the Fives Cup in 1910. He was in the GymnasiumEight in 1911, broke the Academy record for high jump in1911 and for throwing a cricket ball in 1912. At Cambridge,


Death of an InternationalBy Chris Goss

German soldiers gather round the wreckage of the aircra�. Photo: © via Author.

he did so well in the Freshmen’s Match that even by half-time, there was no doubt he was the first choice as Full Backfor the Varsity Match against Oxford which he was for 1912and 1913. He also played for Cambridge against the 1912-13South African Springboks (where they lost 0-24), wasselected to play for the Barbarians against Cardiff (wherethey lost 5-6) and again against Cheltenham (which they won19-5). He was also noticed by the Scotland selectors and inMarch 1913 got his first cap against England (Scotland lost 3-0) and the February of following year was capped againagainst Wales (Scotland losing 24-5), England (Scotland losing15-16) and Ireland (Scotland losing 6-0). E H D Sewell in hisbook ‘The Rugby Roll of Honour said of him:

“…His confident style, splendid fielding and long kicking with either foot led naturally to his inclusion in the National XV ….. Of him it used to be said that he was too cool, too daring, over confident …..That was his was-he did everything from driving a motor to wicket keeping as though nothing mattered as if nobody was quite as good as he. Thiswas not due to conceit but to sheer self-confidence of the right type…”

Sadly, he was unable to improve on the “played four lostfour” of his international career as the First World Warintervened and William was quick to volunteer. He wasgazetted as a 2ndLt in the 5th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps(the Prince Consort’s Own) from 15 August 1915 and just 15days later, after very basic training at Sheppey, left with hisBattalion for France.

William fought with 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade at the battle ofthe Aisne, at Frelinghein and at Ploegsteert Wood in theYpres Salient. However on 14 February 1915, he transferred

Page 36-37 Death of an International 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 11:26 Page 36

to the RFC and soonjoined 2 Squadron asan observer. He flewin the Armentieres-LaBassee area, includingNeuve Chapelle,Aubers and Rued’Ouvert, and waspromoted to Lt on 21July 1915. However,his time with the RFClasted just over sixmonths by which timehe had become thesenior observer onthe Squadron, andalthough it is believedhe was initially buriedclose to where hedied on 22 August1915, he now liestogether with his pilotin the Cabaret-RougeBritish Cemetery,Souchez, a village inthe Pas de Calaisabout two miles northof Arras on the mainroad to Bethune. His Commonwealth War Grave entry mentions he was a Scottish Rugby international - in fact he was one ofsix from the pre-war Scotland teams who were killed in the Great War.

William’s story doesn’t end there. In November 1992, his medals, the 1914 Star and British War and Victory medals, togetherwith his next-of-kin bronze plaque, were sold at Christies for £638, well over the £350-£400 estimate.

Then, in April 2011, a photograph was obtained by the author. Another collector has exactly the same photograph on which isinscribed in German “English aircraft shot down 22.8.15”. The aircraft is clearly a BE2C and on the ground by the observer’scockpit lies the body of what is presumed to be Lt William Wallace, the last known photograph of this former talentedScotland rugby international.


Death of an International

Page 36-37 Death of an International 170611:Layout 1 17/6/11 11:24 Page 37

38 july-september 2011AIR MAIL

In December 2010 the legendary Douglas Dakotacelebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of its first flight.Additionally 2011 is the seventieth anniversary year of the

Dakota entering service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

In fact as the Second World War unfolded a total of some1,900 examples of the ubiquitous transport entered servicewith the RAF under Lend-Lease arrangements with the USGovernment. The basic design of the Dakota dated to 1933and the sole example of the Douglas Commercial DC-1. Thelater production model which served with both US andEuropean airlines seated 12 passengers and was designatedDouglas DC-2. However the subsequent DC-3 overshadowedits predecessors and initiated non-stopNew York to Chicagoservices in 1936, withAmerican Airlines, asthe Douglas SleeperTransport (DST). Theday aeroplane versionof the DST was quicklydubbed DC-3, andcarried twenty-onepassengers. By 1938, 95percent of all UScommercial airlinetraffic was on DC-3s.

On entering USAAFservice the DC-3 wasdesignatedC-47 and C-53.However the RAFselected the name

Douglas Dakota70th Anniversary of entering RAF service and75th Anniversary of the aircrafts first flight

By Keith A Saunders

The Ba�le of Britain Memorial Flight operates the RAF’s last Dakota as a display aircra� and also for general support tasks. In addi�on it is used to train aircrew forthe Flight’s mul�-engined tail wheel aircra� and to keep the pilots of the Lancaster current on mul�-engine aircra�, during the winter when the bomber is out of ac�on.

Photo: © MoD/Crown.

A privately owned preserved example seen at the RAF Associa�on Shoreham by Sea Branch’s Air show. Photo: © Air Mail

Dakota, as an acronym of DACoTA for Douglas AircraftCompany Transport Aircraft. In June 1942 No.31 Squadroncommenced operations with the Dakota on the Burma front,and in the Middle East they joined No.117 Squadron. TheDakota also featured on D-Day operations, some 108 aircraftcarried the 3rd Parachute Brigade to Normandy fromBroadwell, Down Ampney and Blakehill Farm.

The Dakota also featured prominently during OperationMarket Garden, which included three consecutive days of airdrops during September 1944. On 18 SeptemberFlt Lt David Lord of No.271 Squadron lifted his Dakota fromDown Ampney and headed for the Arnhem area on a

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40 Dakota Article 140611:Layout 1 16/6/11 10:53 Page 39


re-supply mission. Hit byFlak as he approached theDZ, Lord pressed on with asecond run only to die inhis blazing aircraft togetherwith three members of hiscrew and four armydispatchers. He wasposthumously awardedthe Victoria Cross.

Together with the AvroYork, the Dakota played animportant role inOperation ‘Plainfare’ asthe Berlin Airlift becameknown, when TransportCommand’s Dakota fleetwas mobilised.

In 1956, No.267 Squadron operated Dakotas inMalaya whilst taking part in loudspeaker‘Skyshout’ missions and for leaflet dropping.

The last two MoD operated Dakotas in RAFcolours served with the RAE at West Freugh. Amodified nose was fitted to TS423 and theaeroplane spent a period with Ferranti atTurnhouse for flight trials with radar equipment.

Subsequent to retirement in 1979 the elderly Dakota was civilianisedand featured in the TV series Ruskin Air Service, and is now operated byAces High Ltd at North Weald. The second West Freugh Dakota iscurrently operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF)operating from RAF Coningsby.

Initially identified as a former RCAF aeroplane, its identity waseventually questioned, and the new serial ZA947 allocated. In the handsof the BBMF the Dakota is a display aircraft in its own right and appearseither on its own or accompanied by a pair of fighters as part of a 3-ship formation. A fitting memorial to a world renowned transportaircraft that served the British armed forces well.

Below an example of the type used in D Day opera�ons. Photo: © MoD/Crown.

Above, the cockpit. Photo: © Keith A Saunders

Below, one of the modified West Freugh Dakotas. Photo: © Keith A Saunders

Below, another via of the BBMF’s Dakota. Photo: © MoD/Crown.

Douglas Dakota

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40 Dakota Article 140611:Layout 1 20/6/11 10:17 Page 41

BOOK REVIEWS


THE LUFTWAFFE’S BLITZ The inside story November 1940 - May 1941

Chris Goss

Crecy Publishing Limited1a Ringway Trading Estate

Shadowmoss RoadManchester M22 5LH

www.crecy.co.uk

£18.95 hardback

Many good books have been wri�en about the Blitz but I cantell you that it didn’t take long to realise that this was anoutstanding book, packed full of detail. Many of the maps andphotographs will have not been seen before and although the�tle doesn’t reflect it, the author has balanced the story byhaving interviewed aircrew from both the bomber crews andfrom the night fighters involved. This provides a par�cularlyinteres�ng comparison of views from both sides of some raids.Sadly many of the crews are no longer with us but this bookprovides a fi�ng tribute to the bravery on both sides of theba�le. The new detail contained in this book makes it a validand significant reference to the Blitz that can sit proudly besideother reference works on the subject.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

LIFELINE IN HELMANDRoger Annett

Pen and Sword Books Ltd,47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS

0122 [email protected]

Reduced from £30.00 to £25.00 (hardback)

As an ex-Argosy pilot with 215 Sqn, the author has been ableto give us a unique understanding of Front Line Chinookopera�ons in Afghanistan. He recently followed the pre-deployment prepara�ons of a crew from ‘C’ Flt 27 Sqn andtheir subsequent arduous and dangerous support to ops in

Helmand. This book transports you into Theatre, and indeed,into the Chinook cockpit with all its drama and ac�on, andleaves you with a vivid picture of life (and death) on thefrontline figh�ng the Taliban . This book is a must for thosewan�ng to gain an in�mate insight into helicopter ops in ahos�le environment and is superbly supported by many highquality photographs.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

THE WORLD AIR POWER GUIDEDavid Wragg

Pen & Sword Books Ltd,47 Church Street,

Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS01226 734555

[email protected]

Reduced from £25.00 to £20.00 hardback

Packed with facts and figures of all the known current militaryaircra� holdings of 169 na�ons covering ‘A’ to ‘Z‘, each country has its own comprehensive history ofhow its Air Force elements were formed. This is an idealmilitary aircra� reference book which would grace anybookshelf.

SCOTTISH AIRFIELDS IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR.VOL 3 - THE GRAMPIANS

Martyn Chorlton

Countryside Books, 3 Catherine Road, Newbury, Berkswww.countrysidebooks.co.uk

£12.99 so�back

Another book in the series covering this area of Scotland. I amamazed how many different publishers s�ll churn out airfieldhistories but what makes this series different is it just coversWW2 and the price. As with previous in this series, good valueand well produced with good photos so a useful addi�on toone's bookshelf.

A NASTIA GAME

R W KayBook Guild Publishing,

Pavilion View, 19 New Road,Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UF01273 720900

[email protected]

£17.99 hardback

We don't normally review novels but as this one was wri�enby a RAF Associa�on member, we made an excep�on. At first Ithought that with such a strange �tle and a book linking theRAF in the 70s, chess and Iraq pre Iran-Iraq war, I was not goingto enjoy it and prepared to read just the first few chapters ofthis weighty tome (406 pages). However, the more I got into it,the more I enjoyed it, even though some of the plot was a bitfar fetched. That said, I would recommend the book to ourreaders but I would not recommend the price-£17.99 is a lot

Page 42-43 Books 230611:Layout 1 23/6/11 09:24 Page 42

to pay for a novel unless it is a first edi�on from the likes ofFrederick Forsythe. Let us hope the book comes out inpaperback a lot cheaper!

THE COURAGE OF THE SMALL HOURSHelen Nall

www.fergussonspor�ngart.co.uk

£9.99 so�back

Following the discovery of a fragment from a crashedLancaster, the author researched the loss of not one but twoLancasters which had crashed near her village opera�ng fromthe nearby RAF Syerston in No�s. The book is 150 pages longbut the first 126 pages are the author's account of the air war,interspersed with a few local stories and accounts. The storyof the demise of the two Lancasters and personal details of thecrew members are interes�ng enough but I will admit the firstthree quarters will appeal to very few. Nonetheless, it is clearthat the author wanted a tribute to those who had died andher research and sen�ment should be commended. Also, theproceeds from each book sold will go to the RAF BenevolentFund and Bomber Command Memorial Appeal.

SIXTY MORE AVIATION EXPERIENCES

Edited by Jack BurgessWoodfield Publishing Ltd, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 5EL

www.woodfieldpublishing.com

£16 so�back

This is the third book of avia�on experiences submi�ed bythe members of the Sco�sh Saltaire Branch of theAircrew Associa�on. It covers over 60 years of flying andwith 262 pages, is good value and not a bad read. If youhave the first two volumes, you will certainly want this one!

THE BATTLE OF BRITAINJohn Frayn Turner



www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

£14.99 so� back

Another comprehensive research into the hec�c days ofthe Ba�le of Britain, which holds its own with othersimilar accounts, first published by Airlife in 1995 andreprinted by Pen & Sword in 2010. Plenty of black &white photographs and maps to support the details ofdaily opera�ons and how they affected both aircrew andground staff who bore the brunt of the enemy‘s aerialthrusts against UK.

However, I found the daily ’football score’ of aircra� lossesa�er each account to be rather unnecessary, as I wasunsure whether the figures were ‘confirmed’ or ‘claimed’losses and therefore were they truly representa�ve?

BOOK REVIEWS


PROFILE OF FLIGHT - BAe HAWK

PROFILE OF FLIGHT - PANAVIA TORNADO

PROFILE OF FLIGHT - SEPECAT JAGUAR Dave Windle & Mar�n Bowman



[email protected]

£19.99 each hard back

Compiled by two well renowned and highly accomplishedmilitary authors, each of the 3 books contain a concise historyof the three depicted aircra� types, various squadron colourschemes and many of the authors’ personal photographs.Although in A5 hardback format, they would neverthelessgrace any bookshelf, though this par�cular book collec�on mayprove rather costly…!

Book reviews are carried out by an independent team made up ofaviation authors, historians and serving RAF personnel. Air Mail

takes no part in the review processa d the views published are thoseof the individual reviewer. Please note prices shown are correct at

time of print and do not include packing and postage charges.

Page 42-43 Books 230611:Layout 1 23/6/11 09:24 Page 43

MILITARY AVIATION NEWS


AUSTRALIA

The country has signed an agreement toacquire a fi�h Boeing C-17AGlobemaster III transport. Expediteddelivery will see the aircra� arrive infour months �me. The aircra� will beoperated by No.36 Squadron atAmberley.

BULGARIA

The first of three Alenia Aeronau�ca C-27J transport aircra� has been deliveredto the country’s 1/16 Transportna AvioEskadrila (1/16 TrAE) based at Sofia’sVrazhdebna Airport.

CHILE

The Navy has recently received its firstAirbus Military C-295 ASW configuredaircra�. One of three ordered during2007, the first aircra�, a C-295MPAmari�me patrol variant, was deliveredin late 2009, with the second ASWversion due for delivery during thesummer.

CHINA

The Pakistani air exercise Shaheen-1 hasseen the first ever deployment ofChinese Air Force assets to Pakistan.Details of the aircra� involved have notbeen released.

ITALY

During the Libyan crisis, Navy AV-8BsHarrier 11s flying from the carrier

Giuseppe Garibaldi have operated insupport of defending NATO’s navalcomponent. Other Italian assetsinvolved in the Libyan crisis have

included Eurofighters and PanaviaTornado electronic combat andreconnaissance aircra�, together withItalian Air Force F-16 air defencefighters. Lockheed C-130Js from the46th Air Brigade at Pisa air base haveprovided tanker support for Italianopera�ons.

The first T-346A advanced jet trainer forthe Italian Air Force made its maidenflight from Venegono on 31 March. Thejets will be operated by the air force’sflying training school at Lecce.Addi�onally Singapore, as the launchexport customer, has 12 of the aircra�on order.

KOREA

A pair of Boeing F-15K Slam Eagles haverecently been delivered to the Republicof Korea Air Force (ROKAF). The ini�alorder for the F-15K aircra� dates toApril 2002 with a follow-on op�on for afurther 20 aircra� being placed duringApril 2008.

NETHERLANDS

The Dutch Government has discloseddetails of big cuts to the country’sarmed forces. The Air Force is to lose 14of its AS532 Cougar helicopters,retaining just three for SAR du�es, whilethe F-16 force will be reduced from 87to 68 aircra�, with the loss of onesquadron from Volkel.

RUSSIA

The Su-27 equipped Russian Knightsaeroba�c team has recently celebratedits 20th anniversary with demonstra�onflights over Moscow. The team flies a sixaircra� forma�on and has previouslyappeared in the UK at RAF Finningly andRAF Leuchars.

UNITED KINGDOM

No.111(F) Squadron, the RAF’s lastopera�onal Tornado F.3 unit disbandedat RAF Leuchars on 22 March. The unithad performed QRA du�es for the last20 years un�l superseded by theTyphoons of No.6 Squadron. At the turnof the year swinging cuts to the defencebudget saw the disbandment of theHarrier equipped No.1V(AC) Squadrontogether with the news that thesquadron’s base, RAF Co�esmore wouldclose during 2011. The remaining threefront-line Harrier units, No.1(F)Squadron, No.4(R) Squadron andNo.800 Naval Air Squadron flew a final16-ship disbandment forma�on, fromRAF Wi�ering, on 14 December.

Further disturbing cuts in RAF capabilitywere due to take place on 1 June withthe disbandment of two Tornado GR.4sunits, Marham based No.13 Squadronand No.14 Squadron based atLossiemouth. This will result in theservice retaining five front line TornadoGR.4 squadrons, with a total fleet of 136aircra�. During the Libyan crisis BAESystems announced that it had beenawarded an £8 million contract by theMOD, to fit helmet mounted cueingsystems to the Tornado GR.4 aircra�under an Urgent Opera�onalRequirement. The system hadpreviously been installed in the Harriershortly before the un�mely scrapping ofthe V/STOL jets.

Further cuts to the front line have seenthe disbandment of the last NimrodMR.2 equipped unit, No.42 Squadron atRAF Kinloss, and the re�rement of itsmari�me reconnaissance aircra�. TheNimrods have also played an importantrole in providing top cover for ASRhelicopters during rescue missions. Theaddi�onal decision to cancel the new

ITALY – Unlike the UK Government, Italy has con�nued to maintain its two aircra�carriers together with its Harrier fleet. This Harrier is pictured about to launch fromthe carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi on a combat air patrol over Libya. Photo: © US Navy.

UK – Amongst the variety of front-line types, to be withdrawn from serviceduring 2010 was the Nimrod MR.2 ‘The Mighty Hunter,’ its capabili�es

reportedly being fulfilled by a mix of Reaper remotely piloted aircra�, theRaytheon Systems Shadow R.1 a modified King Air 350ER, and the airborne stand-off

radar system equipped Sen�nel R.1 airframe. Photo: © Keith A. Saunders.

Page 44-45 WMN 140611:Layout 1 15/6/11 15:53 Page 44

UNITED STATES OFAMERICA

Harrier jets of the 26th MarineExpedi�onary Unit, flying from theamphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge(LHD 3), have conducted air strikes insupport of Joint Task Force Odyssey

MILITARY AVIATION NEWS


Nimrod MRA.4 programme at a cost of£3.6bn, shortly a�er the first flight ofthe prototype, has been described asli�le ‘short of scandalous.’ FurthermoreGovernment plans to scrapRAF Waddington’s two intelligencegathering Nimrod R.1 aircra� on31 March, have been shelved for at leastthree months. This is due to theimportant role being played by thesetwo aircra�, with No.51 Squadron inAfghanistan, and as part of 907Expedi�onary Air Wing opera�ng fromRAF Akro�ri due to the Libyan crisis.During early April it was announced thatplans to send an addi�onal four moreTornados to Gioia del Colle in support ofthe Libyan crisis had been changed. Itstated that four of the sixTyphoon FGR.4 aircra� already at theItalian air base would be re-rolled to theair-ground role, in support of theTornado GR.4 aircra� already in theatre.

Other frontline withdrawals in recentyears have seen the re�rement of theJaguar force, when the last Jaguar unit,No.6 Squadron, disbanded during May2007 and the Royal Navy’s Sea Harriersa year earlier.

Set against the recent drawdown of UKassets, the first of 14 new Airbus A330-200 Voyager dual role transport andtanker aircra� for the RAF arrived atBoscombe Down on 18 April. The newaircra� will provide a considerablecapability boost with each jet having thecapability to carry 291 troops over 6,000miles, and to refuel other aircra�, inflight from its 100,000 litre reservoir.The Voyager will replace the longserving VC-10 and Tristar fleet. The firstaircra� is due to enter service by theend of the current year.

Dawn. Other US assets flying in supportof the Libyan crisis have includedLakenheath based F-15E Strike Eaglejets. In addi�on three B-2 Stealthbombers made the 11,418 mile roundtrip from Whiteman Air Force Base inMissouri, during a 25 hour mission toa�ack forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi.

UK - The first Airbus KC-30 Voyager mul�-role Tanker Transport aircra� for the RAF pictured landing at Boscombe Down on 19 April. The largest aircra� ever to servewith the Royal Air Force, 14 of the type will eventually serve with No.10 Squadron at Brize Norton. Photo: © Crown Copyright/MOD 2011.

UNITED STATE OF AMERICA – Illustra�ng the con�nuing advantages and capabili�es of both the Harrierand small carrier deployments, a US Marine Corps Harrier about to launch from the amphibious assault

ship USS Kearsarge during night opera�ons over Libya. Photo: © US Navy.

QATAR – On 25 March a Qatar Air Force Mirage 2000-5 flew the country’s first opera�onal missionover Libya alongside a similar French Air Force Mirage 2000-5. Photo: © US Navy.

Page 44-45 WMN:Layout 1 15/6/11 15:46 Page 45


Poole Branch hosted a Spring Lunch attended by representatives of Dorset and Hampshire Branches.

Secretary General, Jane Easton and President of the Wales,Midland and South Western Area and his wife,

AVM and Mrs P J O'Reilly were Honoured Guests.

Branch President Mr Dennis Mallett and President of theShaftesbury Branch, Mrs Dorothy Wallis,

are shown presenting a memento of the occasion to theSecretary General.

Since Keyworth branch was formed in 1990 there have beensix Presidents, five of whom were made Life Vice Presidents

at the last AGM.

Photo shows the current President, John Buck (centre) with l-r Brian Whitaker, Geoff Hannibal,

Bernard Bell and Chris Short who was representingGeorge Wardle (unwell).

Missing from the photo is Kenneth Allen who is still amember of the branch but lives in France.

In March TCW & 90SU Branch held its inaugural AGM at theUnion Jack Club, London. In addition to Branch

Officers and Members, the meeting was also attended byAVM Peter Liddell, representing Central Council. There was aquick meet and greet of the Committee, many of whom had

travelled down from North Yorkshire that morning. Thenumber of Branch members that had taken the time and

effort to be there was great. If the formal AGM requirementshad not been there, the UJ Club would have witnessed an ‘offthe cuff’ reunion, right there and then. One thing is for sure,

esprit de corps of TCW and 90 SU is alive and well.

Since the Branches’ formation last year membership has steadily grown with over 75% of Branch Members being

new to RAFA. This was rewarded by the Area Certificate for ‘The Small Branch with the greatest

increase in Membership’, presented by AVM Liddell to theBranch President Air Cdre Barrie Gray. This is an excellent

achievement for such a new Branch. Following various reports by the committee members a Wings Appeal cheque

for £2000 was presented by the Chairman to AVM Peter Liddell, the amount having been raised throughvarious Unit functions and reunions through the year. Withthe AGM completed, a social gathering then ensued where

another £115 was raised for Wings Appeal.

Photos show Air Cdre Barrie Gray and AVM Peter Liddell andin bottom picture the addition of Chairman

Wg Cdr Stew Woods and Branch Founder/Secretary WO Phil Caswell.

BRANCH NEWSincluding Region, Area and Overseas

Page 46- 59 Branch News 230611:Layout 1 22/6/11 15:02 Page 46

AIR MAIL 47


2011 july-september

Newmarket & District Branch AGM saw the presentation of a voucher to Fred Claydon (84) who

was handing over the office of Welfare Officer toJill Mansell after 30 years in the job. Fred has been in theBranch for over 60 years and, in that time, was 30 years

as Branch Secretary, 24 years on Eastern Area Council, BranchStandard Bearer for 10 years and Area Standard Bearer for

two years attending eight Royal Tournaments with the Standard.

This was an outstanding contribution to RAFA hence thepresentation from the Branch. Photo shows Bill Brown,

Chairman, presenting Fred with the voucher.

St Austell Branch teamed up with St Austell ATC Squadron toput on an entertainment evening at Mount Charles

Social Club.

The event also saw Branch President, Gp Capt Mike Trace,present a Certificate of Affiliation to the youngsters after

watching a display by their well tuned drill squad.

Providing the entertainment were two lots of show dances;The Holland Hoofers tapped their way through a clutch of old

time classics and were followed by theSt Austell Follies who performed The Charleston and Abba’s

classic Money Money Money.Photo ©: Paul Williams St Austell Voice

Porthcawl & Kenfig Branch Club held a fun evening to recognise the efforts of the local cadets of 1092 ATC Squadron in helping to raise

£4100 for Wings Appeal.

The Bridgend area won the cup for the highest collection, a massive £809.09.The total collected came from the cadets’ street and store

collections and from activities held at the Club throughout the year.

Photo shows Mrs Ann Gould, Wings Officer; Cadet Tom Lethardy and Roy Cottey, Club Chairman.

Main guests at Tamworth Branch AGM l-r:- R French (Chairperson), C Gordon (Area Cllr),

Mrs J Gordon, Mrs S Sanford-Casey, B M Sanford-Casey (President),

Surgeon Captain Peter J Buxton OBE MA (Oxon) RN Chief of Staff to the Commander, Joint Medical

Command at DMS Whittington,Mrs Buxton, Mrs S Harrison.

During the Evening the Captain presented a slide show showing the changes that have taken

place at what was for over 100 years known locally as Whittington Barracks.


Members of 1310 Chinook Flight at Camp Bastion continue to benefit from Miles More Minutes Phone Cards and tea, coffeeand biscuits contributed through Bognor Regis Branch. Photo shows members in festive gear last Christmas.

Pilots and Crewmen of No 27 Chinook Squadron, based at RAF Odiham, made a welcome return visit to the club in April. Clubmembers and guests were given first hand accounts of flying in hostile and challenging conditions including footage of night

time ops. Sqn Ldr Stu Hague, a Flt Commander, presented the club with framed photos of the Flight’s Christmas Detachmentas a thank you for the Club’s continuing support.

The Club has kept itself busy over the year so far, following the New Year which was celebrated in style. The two performancesof pantomime “Jack and the Beanstork - With a Twist” were rightfully a sellout! During the period, sadly three key memberspassed away: Dennis Viner was a solid Branch and Club Committee Member; Iran Annis, Wings Officer for 13 years - totally

blind in one eye and only 30% vision in theother. She consistently

exceeded £10K and withPeter Farrell and the Goodwood team lastyear topped £18k. At Club level over the

past 19 years by running weekly raffles herefforts have raised over £60k towards the

Club funds. Her passing has left a largevoid; finally one of its most respected

members,Wg Cdr “Todd” Sweeney, whose service

career spanned the thirties through to theseventies. He flew anything from Tiger

Moths to Vulcans, completed 30 bombingmissions in Lancasters, was a VIP Dakota

pilot for such dignitaries as PresidentNehru of India and

Lady Mountbatten and latterly became aSenior Officer in NATO.



Several members of St Neots Branch visited RAF Brampton to participate in Common Combined Skills

(CCS) lessons and to fire on the Dismounted Close CombatTrainer (DCCT) range, cementing and enhancing the

relationship between the two. John Lee, Rob Eaton, BrianWood, Arthur Mason and his wife Val received a welcomebriefing from FS Al Turnbull followed by three short briefs

from Cpl’s Gary Thornton, Steve Dean and Olly Croucher. Theteam were closely mentored and did exceptionally well.

After tea and biscuits at the Regt Flt, the day was rounded offby FS Turnbull briefing on current operations. A hugelysuccessful day. Thanks to the Flight and Station CO for

giving permission for the visit.

The last edition of the magazine showed four Standard Bearers ready to commence the

Lord Mayors Show Parade last year.

Unfortunately the name of Eddie Dukelow, City & Central London Branch (second from left) wasomitted in the submission entered by one of the other

Standard Bearers.

Photo shows (l-r) Ernie Bounds, Eddie Dukelow,John Eddisford and Peter Stoddart.


AIR MAIL 49


2011 july-september

In April Danny Stroud, Assistant Harbour Master Aberdeen, invited Inverurie Branch members to

visit the state of the art £3.7mAberdeen Harbour Marine Operations Centre.

(The centre controls all shipping within 30 miles of Aberdeen).

Branch members were treated to a lecture on the centre, a visit to the control room, meeting with staff

and a hands-on demonstration of ship handling in theirvirtual simulator suit.

Newcastle on Tyne Branch held an ANZAC Tribute Parade atChevington Cemetery where 12 wartime aircrew from

Australia and New Zealand are buried. Over fifty veteransand 12 standard bearers were in attendance. Wreaths were

laid by Sqn Ldr Steve O'Hara of the Royal Australian Air Force,Fg Off Sam Warren of RAF Boulmer and

Air Cdre Ian Forster, Branch President. Cadets from 1110Squadron ATC laid a poppy cross on the grave of each ANZAC

airman. This was an excellent service in superbNorthumberland weather.

Following the Parade, a small reception was held in the TrapInn where veterans, serving airmen and cadets

were able to chat and share stories.

RAF Lyneham, despite cutbacks, commitments, transfer to RAF Brize Norton and evacuations in the Libyan Desert,hosted Sturminster Newton and Gillingham Branch inFebruary. One of the last visits to the station was spentabsorbing its warm, friendly hospitality, the last flying

Vulcan, Air Traffic Control and the workhorse of the RAF, theHercules. The Branch presented 30 Squadron with a donation

towards their R&R facility being built at Brize Norton forthose returning from Afghanistan. The lasting impression willbe the dedication, professionalism and pressure under which

they all have to work with ever decreasing resources. Thesmell of AVTUR was inspirational, as were invitations for areturn visit when settled into Brize and for a small party to

witness the departure of the Vulcan to Doncaster.

Tony Thomas of Penarth Branch was recently awarded an Area Presidential Certificate for his work as Penarth Club Treasurer.

Lorraine Barrett AM for Cardiff South and Penarth, visited the branch to re-present the award and

also presented the Branch with itsAwards for All Big Lottery Fund cheque which had been

awarded to aid the refurbishment of the Branch headquarters.

Photo shows Tony with Lorraine Barrett AM with Certificate.


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july-september 2011

Malta GC Branch arranged for the unveiling and blessing of amarble plaque commemorating The Marine Branch of the RAF

based in Malta 1918 - 1978. The Branch operated a largevariety of vessels from small dinghies to flying boat depot shipsto provide specialist maritime support and air sea rescue. The

commemoration took place at Upper Barrakka Gardens in April. The Mayor of Valletta,

Dr Alexei Dingli, unveiled the plaque.AM Sir Christopher Coville KCB (European Area President)

is shown along with Standard Bearers.

The Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Air ForcesMemorial in Valleta was held in May, guests were the

Australian High Commissioner, British High Commissioner, HEThe President of Malta, Bob Gauci (Secretary), Branch Standard

Bearer Tony Mansueto and Canadian Consul.

Congratulations all around to Erewash Branchwhich was very well supported at its annual AGM.

Branch Chairman Ray Noble received the Northern Area Presidential Commendation Awardfrom Northern Area Director Darren Slater Smith at the meeting, along with Wings Appeal Officer

Ted Peck who also received the Wings Appeal certificate for the £25,000 Club

on behalf of the Branch.

The total collected was £25,522.

Aylesford & Malling Branch attended South East & Eastern Area Conference in some strength this year, with its

delegation of 8 committee members for the event held for thefirst time at Potters, Norfolk.

Also attending, for the last time as RAF Association President,was AM Philip Sturley and the Branch was delighted when he

stopped for a chat during a break in proceedings. Picture shows AM Sturley seated next to Marie Bennett who hadjust been presented with an Area Presidential Certificate for her

many years as a member of the Branch Committeeand Assistant HWO, the Branch Chairman acted as photographer.

Members of Harrow and District Branch visited the Houses ofParliament in April. They were conducted on a visit that took

into account the Queen's Robing Room, Royal Gallery,Central, Members and Division lobbies and the Chambersof the House of Commons. The visit was an opportunity to

learn about the fascinating history of the Houses of Parliament,it was both educational and informative on the workings of

government, and not to mention a truly entertaining afternoon.

The Branch also held a function in their club to celebrate theRoyal wedding attended by members, their families, and also bythe club’s neighbours who joined in the fun. The party went on

till late and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Fordingbridge & District Branch is pleased to announce that it has just donated the sum

of £4,000.00 to Flowerdown House in Weston Super Mare for replacement

carpets in the entrance hall and the recep�on area of the home. This amountcon�nues a rela�onship with the Home as

previous dona�ons have been for the‘Fordingbridge Room’ within the home.

Branch Members hope to visit the home in the near future to view its gi� in person.


AIR MAIL 51


2011 july-september

Members of Northampton & District Branchenjoyed a quiz followed by music from the

50's and 60's to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

Hull Branch Chairman, Ray Maudson, presented Certificates of Appreciation to: Ken Jagger, Treasurer; Stuart

Gray, RAFALO and Frank Flood, Welfare Officer at thecommittee dinner in April for outstanding work for the Branch.

He also said that planning permission had been granted to placea memorial to the Royal Air Force at the Cenotaph in Hull and itwill be in place ready for dedication on Battle of Britain Sunday

on the 18 September

Bedford Branch Club held its 4th annual Beerfest to coincide with its AGM. This year’s theme concentrated on a localmicro brewery with such ales as "Pigs Do Fly", and "Bravery" from

Wolf Brewery Norwich (RAFA’s own beer).

The organisers would like to send a special thank you to all whohelped sponsor the festival or helped in any way. The toughest job,

that of quality control, was carried out by Branch Chairman LezFishman - someone had to do it! All but a few gallons were drunkand besides having a great week it helped to swell the branch club

funds. A great St George's Sunday lunch was later held and a“bring your own hamper day” for the Royal wedding.

Whilst Lez Fishman collected his second certificate in two years, for a branch collectingover £10,000, at Area

Conference, the real honours go to one Maggie Hudson.All branch members would like to thank Maggie, an

associate member, whose hard work and dedication throughout the 2 years has beennon stop, resulting in the collections rising from around £4,000 to £11,000+ in 2009

then to over £12,000 in 2010. The branch would also like to thank all who weredragged out of bed at all hours to do their bit under Maggie's guidance and to thosewho contributed willingly including members of RAF Henlow. Her efforts for 2011 are

currently being directed to organising celebrations for the 50th anniversary of theRhodesian Light Infantry in September, as the Bedford Branch Club is home to its

museum and will be a focal point for the occasion. The building also housesmemorabilia belonging to that of the Rhodesian Air Force and other sections of their

armed services, a true collection that has to be seen to be believed.

Mrs Joan Greening, Twickenham Branch Wings Officer, recently received yet another Central Council's Award,

having again collected over £10,000 locally.


Sale Branch are proud of cadets from Sale 318 Squadron ATC which organised atour to visit the War Graves of WWI in April but focused on a remembrance paradeat the Menin Gate in Ypres, a town razed to the ground during the Great War andrebuilt to its original state after hostilities. It was one of the access points throughthe city’s defensive wall but was constructed as a remembrance epitaph in 1926

and carries the names of over 50,000 soldiers who were never found. Every nightsince, with the exception of WW2, nightly parades are held with bugles from thecity’s fire service sounding the last post with piped laments from a sole bagpiper.

The haunting ceremony was attended on the 16 April by Sale cadets together witha small contingent from their colleagues at Poynton.

Sgt Glarvey laid a wreath on behalf of both squadrons which carried the badges ofRAF Association and their individual squadrons. The parade was preceded by a

banner party carrying the colours of 318, RAF Assocation and 2448 into the MeninGate and witnessed by approximately 1500 to 2000 respectful bystanders.

Members of the publiccommented on the smartness

and discipline of the cadetsand the way they held thecolours with solemnity andrespect. The cadets werebetween 13 and 18 years,

which came as a surprise and arevelation to the audience but

the ultimate accolade camewhen one member of the

public stated to staff from 318Sqn, that they were once again

proud to be British.

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july-september 2011

The RAFA Concert Band has just produced its second CDentitled 'At Your Request'. Many of the pieces have been

requested by members and includes music from films, shows,classics and the parade ground. Future engagements include

Concerts in Cardiff Castle, Melksham, Taunton, Solihull,Torquay & Weston-super-Mare; Bandstand & Outdoor

Concerts in Weston-super-Mare & on board one HM Shipsat The Bristol Harbour Festival event; Music support to

Dinners, Guest & Theme Nights - around the Midlands, Wales& South West Area and further afield. The Band are always

looking for players to join them on either Brass,Woodwind or Percussion.

Visit website on www.rafaswconcertband.org.uk or ringPeter on 01934 820205 for more details.

Armagh Branch held its annual Open Day in April. During theday members of the public were invited to go along for a chatabout the Association and enjoy a free cup of tea/coffee withsnacks. In the evening a Quiz was held with supper providedby members and a raffle to raise funds. Photo: Back row (l-r)

Tommy Foster (Chairman); Ivan McLoughlin (StandardBearer); Paul Corr.

Front row (l-r) Mrs Barbara Black, Mrs Doris Edgar, Mrs Margaret Cotton (Secretary), Dan Faulkner (President),

Karl Magee, Brian Cotton (Treasurer). The display in the background shows Branch activities andawards won over the years with central cup, James RossTrophy (Junior Branch Efficiency for Scotland & Northern

Ireland) won by branch for last two years.

Geoff Moth, ChairmanMarket Harborough Branch

presenting a gift set of2011 Mint UK Coins to mark theretirement of Branch Treasurer

George Cator after 30 years valiantservice.


Aylesbury & Halton Branch celebrated its 80th Anniversary with a dinner held at branch HQ.

A cake made in the CTS of Royal Air Force Halton was won in a raffle by Fran Davies whothen presented it to the club to celebrate the 80th Anniversary. The cake was cut by the

oldest member Edna Bannister.

The Branch Annual General Meeting took place on in March at the HQ on the RAF Haltonairfield. The Meeting was very well attended and at the close of the meeting the Branch

President, Gp Capt Christine Elliott received two presentations. Tom Payne, the Branch’s ownLancaster Pilot, presented a Pilot Officer Teddy Bear complete with Pilot wings.

Betty Turner then presented a hand knitted Gp Capt doll.

AIR MAIL 53


2011 july-september

Len Pierce joined RAFA in 1947 after wartime service in theRAF Regiment. In 1948 he founded the

Alresford and District Branch being, at various times since,Chairman, Secretary, and Welfare Officer. In 1951 he

became the Standard Bearer, a post he still holds today afteran unbroken 60 years. Len, at 89, was at

National Conference carrying its standard. Today he remains Wings Appeal Organiser and Life Vice-President, andis its longest serving member. The branch also celebrated the

100th birthday of its oldest member,Edgar Sales. Edgar, who stood six feet tall, was a

tail-gunner in Lancasters, and survived 29 missions.The picture right shows Edgar with Chairman

Derek Sweetenham.

Ripon & District Branch produced this colourful window display atits HQ in the city centre for the Royal Wedding of

HRH Prince William to Catherine.

As Prince William is a serving officer in the RAF, the club members felt it was appropriate to mark this special occasion

and draw the public’s attention to his RAF connection, not onlyto local people but to the many visitors to the city,

especially from overseas.

The club enjoys a prominent position on one of the main touristroutes and is situated adjacent to the cathedral.

Royal Air Forces Association Housing Ltd andthe Trustees of Storrington Sheltered Housing

congratulated one of its residents,Mrs Mollie Mitchell who celebrated her 90th birthday

in May and also marked 30 years as a resident.

Mollie was presented with a decorated cake and acard showing the Red Arrows in display. They weresorry not to be able to arrange for the real flypast

to commemorate such a special occassion.

Mollie is a lovely person and has always been verysupportive of RAF Association. We wish her good health

and happiness and many more years at Storrington.


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july-september 2011

In May eight members of Sudbury Branch joined with otherBranches from Suffolk & Norfolk at RAF Honinton for their

bi-annual RAF Association Quiz Night.

Having won the quiz last time it was a pleasant surprise to doso again, narrowly beating Newmarket Branch,

also managing to win two raffle prizes as a bonus.

Photo:- nearest the camera, Bill Martin, then going round thetable left to right are: Greg Grant Branch Treasurer, John

Mullan, Ron Farrow Branch Secretary, Mike Marsh, BeverlySmith, Ray Smith Branch Chairman, Mitch Sage and new

RAFALO Cpl Des Lowdes.

Several members of Harlow Branch spent their fifth annual week at Princess Marina House in April where they

were well looked after and had a thoroughly enjoyable time.One of the outings was to Brighton Greyhound

Stadium where, combined with Crawley Branch, a profit of£50 was donated to the Home’s Amenities Fund.

The Branch also donated £500 to the same fund and seenhere presenting the cheque during an in-house Race Night, is

Chairman Les Hayes. In the background is the familiar figure of Harry Beever, ex Area Parade Marshal from

Littlehampton Branch and Chairman of the“Friends of Princess Marina House”, also organiser of

that evening’s entertainment.

Kenley & Caterham Branch Membership Secretary Bert Fane and Chairman Mike Roach accepting a

certificate for the greatest increase in membership for 2010 presented by Colin Hignet, Area Councillor

of the SE and E area office.

The presentation was made at the Portcullis Club, Kenley Airfield.

The RAF Association were welcomed to Goodwood Aerodrome, formerlyRAF Westhampnett in April by two ex-RAF pilots, Peter Hale and John“Tommy” Thompson who flew from there during the WWII and Joe

Roddis, a member of the magnificent ground crew who worked so hard tokeep the ‘Boys Flying’. The Association was invited to receive a £6,000

cheque from the proceeds of the sale of a book ‘Westhampnett at War”written by Gregory Percival, Mark Hillier and Dieter Sinanan. Over 20

members from the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Branches arrived atthe aerodrome along with David Boak, the Vice President of the South

East and Eastern Area, to receive the donation. Many other friends andfamily were also present to witness the ceremony. David Boak commented

“Very many thanks to Gregory, Mark and Dieter for the most generousdonation . The welfare costs to the Association are ever increasing and

this donation will go towards helping the whole RAF family.”


AIR MAIL 55


2011 july-september

Huddersfield Branch members have includedtheir own items of RAF memorabilia in a displaycabinet at their HQ, George Hotel, collated by

Richard Broadbent.

The event was attended by Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, a former RAF officer who is

President of the Branch. Unveiling the display ofmemorabilia are (l-r) David Normanton,

Colin Gower, Richard Broadbent, Robert Willis,Frank Smith and Tony Bailey.

Photo ©: Neil Atkinson, HuddersfieldDaily Examiner.

Haywards Heath Branch was presented a Certificate from Peter Stockdale MBE, SE & E Area Manager in May

at a Branch Meeting in recognition of its Wings total for 2010. This Certificate was presented at Area

Conference earlier in the year to be handed over to the branch.

Harry Gawan, Chairman, thanked the Area Managerand also Branch members for their splendid efforts

in raising £14,240.45 for the Appeal.

A small party from Bridport & Lyme Regis Branch spent a dayat the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas and were

there to say a few words over the recently installed stone onthe RAF Association National Memorial pathway.

Life Vice President Sqn Ldr Ted Flavell AFC, read a shortpassage on behalf of the Branch commemorating those whohad served and passed on. Standard Bearer Alan Kidson then

placed a smalll floral tribute at the stone.

After some time inspecting the extensive grounds andmemorials, the party visited beautiful Lichfield. Sadly, theBranch has now closed. Photo: Shows Ted with members(l-r) Roger Stoodley, Gill Savage, Sallyanne Stoodley and

Marion Wrighton.

Costa Blanca Branch accompanied by other ex-service organisations, resplendant with standards, joined with theSpanish to celebrate their patron saint of the armed and

emergency services, 'San Cristobel', in February.

The major event was held at Torrevieja quayside where severalthousand people gathered. After wreaths were laid, including onelaid by the Chairman on behalf of all the ex-service organisations

(see photo), all formed up and marched to the 'Virgen delCarmen' theatre where they were entertained to a military

concert. The following morning the Branch was represented atanother event in nearby town of Orihuela, where it took part in

escorting the 'Paseo' , a beautifully decorated religious float,through the streets of local villages.


AIR MAIL56


july-september 2011

In May the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Cllr Kathleen Owen, presented a Community Award, on behalf of the Shrewsbury

Town Council, to the Shrewsbury and District Branch.

The occasional awards are made by the Council to organisations and individuals within the town who have,over a period of time, made a significant contribution to the well being of citizens, and helped to improve the life

of the community.

Seen accepting the Award on behalf of the Branch areJohn Tisbury, Vice Chairman, and Alan Poole the

Branch Hon Welfare Officer.

Ellesmere Branch members Tim Potter, Don Nelson and John Jewiss infront of Wellington T10 MF628 at the Michael Beetham Conservation

Centre at Cosford. The aircraft is the subject of a complete refurbishmentand will ultimately return to the RAF Museum at Hendon.

Sadly, Don Nelson died in March - having been Vice President for15 years. During his wartime service he flew Wellingtons with

37 Squadron in the Middle East and earned two DFCs with the PathfinderForce flying Lancasters on 7 Squadron, on 70 operations.

At the time of his death Don Nelson was very active in support of theBomber Command Appeal for the projected memorial in Green Park.

Solihull Branch committee members were re-elected thisyear with the exception of Standard Bearer

George Bagnell who retired. In April members travelled to RAF Northolt for a tour of the Royal Flight

(32 Sqn) which included the Windsor and Winston suites, anddeparture lounges used by the Royal Family and VIP's as well

as the Polish Lounge used during the Battle of Britainby 302 and 303 Polish Sqns. The group then went on to visitthe underground bunker at the former RAF Uxbridge wherethe Ops Room was reached by some 76 steps, where fighter

control was directed from in WW2.Everyone came away fully inspired - a very interesting day

enjoyed by all. The Branch now looks forward to its Summerprogramme, a concert on 3 Sept.

Ryedale Branch memberspictured on one of its

frequent well attended lunchoutings, always and mostoften at one of the manyhostelries in the RyedaleNorth Yorkshire district.

Here the Branch members areflying the flag and enjoying the

kind hospitality of theenthusiastic landlord of theHalf Moon Inn at Acklam.

TalkingAIR MAIL

Those who are registeredblind or par�ally sighted

can receive an audioversion of the

Journal, post free.

Contact:Geoff Middletonon 01274 778102

A Yorkshire Region ini�a�ve


Having read an article in the Jan- March edition of Air Mailabout the twin boys who needed special Helmets and support

to overcome a rare medical condition of Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, it was with great

surprise when Alan Clark, Wantage & District BranchChairman received a call from WO’s Steve Guppy and

Rob Eccles (community support officers), telling of a youngfamily at RAF Benson with a similar problem.

SAC Darren Poole’s daughter Chloe at the age of three monthsold had been diagnosed with the same condition and alsoneeded a corrective helmet. Fortnightly consultations in

London were required to have the cranial helmet altered as herhead grew until it was to its correct shape. Failure to carry outthis treatment could result in misalignment of the eyes, earsand jaw. As in the previous case the NHS would not fund the

treatment. The RAF Benevolent Fund was able to award a grant towards the travel costs, but not for the helmet. This is wherethe Branch was asked if it might like to get involved. It was decided that it could help, and so on a bright sunny morning on in

April Alan Clark, Treasurer Linda Clark, HWO’s Betty Jones and Derrick Cain visited RAF Benson and presented the Poole familywith a cheque to cover the cost of the Helmet.

Little Chloe didn’t miss out as she received a present of a large cuddly toy! After several months of wearing the helmet for 23 hours each day Chloe’s head is now fully back to the correct shape. The Branch is pleased that in some small

way it has been able to help a young Air Force family get back to a normal life.

In the Oct-Dec 2010 Air Mail, Sud-Ouest France Branchappealed for support for a planned memorial ceremony to beheld on 8 May 2011 at Pont Saint Martin near Nantes in theLoire. The day was an enormous success with over 20 family

members of the dead aircrew being present coupled with over500 local citizens and organisations. The day centred around

the commemoration of the aircrew who died in two crashes in1941. A Hampden of 106 Sqn was shot down near

Pont Saint Martin on 4 Feb 1941 whilst attacking the U-Boatpens at St Nazaire; four aircrew died. On 8 May 1941, a

Wellington of 150 Sqn on a night bomber raid was also shotdown near Pont Saint Martin; six aircrew died. All 10 aircreware buried in War Graves in Nantes but both crash sites which

are near Pont Saint Martin have been preserved and now amemorial, in the garden by the Town Hall, has been erected in

their honour exactly 70 years after both tragedies. Photo showsthe new memorial. The Mayor and all the team at

Pont Saint Martin should be congratulated for honouring all 10 RAF aircrew in such a royal fashion.

Branch members Paulette and Phil Jones (Phil was a pilot in the RAF for over 30 years) inaugurated their holiday project“Joie de Vie” in May. “Joie de Vie” is Paulette and Phil’s way of helping to provide a place for all current serving and

ex-military personnel to enjoy some “R & R” at really minimal cost. The house is near Cognac and is ideal for two people.All facilities are readily useable by disabled visitors. The accommodation is ideal for that special break that is comfortable,

welcoming, relaxing and away from it all.

The Branch wishes them great success for this generous project which was conceived after Paulette underwent major surgeryand having suffered many years of chronic pain they both decided in June 2009 to move to the vineyards of Cognac in the

Charente. After the move Paulette recovered well and realised how valuable it is to enjoy a special break away just when youare most in need of time out and relaxation.

For contact please email: [email protected]

AIR MAIL 57


2011 july-september

Please note that the offices of Rafatrad Ltd and Air Mail will be closed from30 July to 14 August inclusive for staff holidays.




Colin Ellis, Hythe & Romney Marsh Branch President, was presented with a framed certificate recognising his unstinting hard

work, enthusiasm and wholehearted support for the Branch and forRAF Association as a whole. He joined in 1951 and the Branch in

1983, serving for some 28 years as it’s Secretary. Flying Hurricanes,Spitfires and Republic Thunderbolts in the Middle and Far East duringthe war he made his way back, on foot, from behind Japanese lines

following a crash in Burma. Life Vice President, Don Nowers,presented Colin with the certificate supported by Chairman Patricia

Hayes and members ‘Jamie’ Ludlow and Mollie Nowers.

Dennis Sexton was presented with a National Presidential Certificate at National Conference for being a long standing and

hardworking member of the Association.

A Certificate of Appreciation has been presented toMichael Haines, landlord of the Church Wicketts pub inDawley, Telford by the Wrekin (Wellington) Branch for

collections made to the Wings Appeal.

Michael is a former member of the Parachute Regiment andhas collected many boxes at his pub over the years. This isthe second certificate to the pub as one was issued to the

previous landlord in 2008.

Seen in the photo is Eddie Mansfield, Standard Bearer,presenting the certificate to Michael Haines on behalf of the

branch. Eddie is also the Media Communications Officer to 2379 Dawley Squadron Air Training Corps.

Stornoway Branch recently welcomed 72(R) Sqn Tucano'Lewis & Harris Fighter' back to the Isle of Lewis. The aircraft

was named after the wartime Spitfire funded bythe people of Lewis and Harris at a ceremony in 2005 at the

instigation of the Branch, when 72(R) Sqn were atRAF Linton-on-Ouse and were naming many of their aircraft

after wartime 'presentation' Spitfires. The visit, in thecompany of sister Tucano 'City of Leeds', was undertaken

primarily for the benefit of the local 1731(Isle of Lewis) SqnATC. The aircraft made a very welcome return, a true

embodiment of the RAF 'Family', ATC, RAF and RAFA. Shownin the picture is Tucano ZF349 'Lewis & Harris Fighter' with1731 Sqn cadets, branch members and the visiting aircrew.

Reigate & District Branch had itsbest ever Wings Appeal resulting in

Life President Jack Hodges DFCreceiving an Area Certificate forSmall Branch with the greatest percentage increase in WingsAppeal. The certificate was

presented by Colin Hignett MBE atits AGM.

Three of the Branch’s five 90 yearold members attended.

Items for possible publica�on should be sentto us direct either via post to the

Crowborough address on page 1 or they canbe submi�ed via e-mail to:

[email protected]

When submi�ng pictures by via e-mailplease ensure they are sent as separate

e-mail a�achments.

If you have any queries call us on01892 600191


WAAF Association welcomes ex-WAAF as members andWRAF as Associate Members. Subscription is £8.00 paand includes twice yearly magazines, reunions etc.A warm welcome awaits you! Contact Iris Sheppardon 01622 727740.

Air dropped propaganda/surrender leaflets, newssheets, blood chits, in all languages required byresearcher. Info, Squadron, dates, aircraft. Contact S E Baggett, 14 West Hill Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8JU. Tel 01372 728404

Seeking family of Flt Lt Charles Cholmondley, OperationMincemeat 1943 with Cdr Ewen Montagu. Please e-mailhistorian [email protected] or call0208 986 4868 after 7 pm only - re erection of plaque inhis memory.

Seeking Martin Stephens possible ex-Vulcan aircrew,married to Anthea Christine Dodd in 1977 and believedto have lived in Doncaster and Peterborough. Extendedfamily who have lost touch seek contact. Please [email protected] or if you wish to write: W BruceDodd, 2998 Linton Road, Ottawa ON K1V 8H3 Canada.

Seeking ex-Sergeant Duncan Cameron RobertsonC4157944, last known posting RAF Digby 1959. Had darkbrown hair and blue eyes. Contact Angela Calow, 20Springfield Avenue, Hartburn, Stockton TS18 4EH orphone 01642 658595.

Sgt G R Ramsey 900194, Newcastle and Sgt G Shearer, Leadgate Durham kia 14.10.41Waasmunster Belgium. Seeking relatives forremembrance service in Waasmunster as Guests ofHonour. Contact Paul Claes 00322 7820630 [email protected] or Joe Harrington 01642 711917 [email protected]

Keith “Yorky” Harrison. Aged approx 75, last seen atRAF Lyneham 1955 in HUT 36, originally from CAYTON,Scarborough, Yorkshire. Any info, please tel Jim Semple01793 728206.

Godfrey Hounsfield 1919-2006 - Radar instructor atCranwell during WWII and won Nobel prize forpioneering CT scanning. Interested in hearing fromanyone who knew him, tel Liz 07768 610212 or e-mail [email protected]

RAF Locking Apprentices Association seeks Apprentices66th to 406th entries who underwent training at RAFLocking who wish to renew comradeship. Tel 01643705443 or www.raflaa.org.uk

Ex RAF Boy Entrants join your association. RAFBEAwebsite www.rafbea.org.uk/. Mem Sec Roy Gooden,e-mail [email protected] or tel 07766 400892.

RAF Transport Command Association. Why not join usputting old mates back in touch. We have an annualreunion and Summer & Winter magazines. To date wehave members from RAF Abingdon, Akrotiri, Benson,Bramcote, Brize Norton, Bushey Park, Changi, Colerne,Croydon, Dishforth, Down Ampney, Fayid, Gan,Habbaniya, Hendon, Khormaksar, Lyneham, Northolt,Steamer Point, Stoney Cross, Topcliffe, Upavon etc. Sendsae to Jim Semple, TCVA, Sec, 187 Severn Avenue,Swindon, Wilts SN25 3NB. Tel 01793 728206 or email:[email protected]

Seeking old colleagues of the late Flt Lt Jim Simpson, ex35 and 78 Squadrons, with a view to war time biography.All info appreciated First contact, tel 02842772998

Seeking any surviving member of 197 Staging Post TigerForce, SE Asia or 56 MU Inverness. If interested, contactErnest Vines 01664 500790 or text 07963 029927

RAF Seletar incorporating RAF Tengah. New memberswelcome. Three Searchlight magazines p.a. and localreunions. Our annual reunion in Crewe 7-9 Oct 2011.Contact David Taylor 01904 612542 [email protected]

AIR MAIL 592011 july-september

Old ColleaguesRAF Halton 1969-71. Members of 216th entry haveformed an Association and would very much like to get intouch with our former COs, DIs and Tech Instructors. Ifyou would like to renew acquaintances with the boyswho you helped shape into men, please contact 07515683414 or e-mail [email protected]

RAF Golfing Society for serving and retired folk of allranks. 6 meetings and 20 fixtures on great courses. £20annual subscription for Full Members and £5 for closerelatives. Ring Roger Carr 01344 486031 or seewww.raf.mod.uk/rafgolf/Administration/rafgolfingsociety.cfm

Help

NOTICES

Reunionsl46th Entry Clk GD (J and D Flt). It is proposed to hold a50th Anniversary Reunion in May 2012. Contact ChrisJones at [email protected]

WWII Air Forces Radar Reunion at Lincoln Oct 28-312011. Operators, mechanics, filter room, airborne radar -day visitors welcome. Details from Jim Ward, 17 ValleyWalk, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 3TA.

RAF Habbaniya Association reunion on 13 October atYorkshire Air Museum, Elvington. Also Shaibah, BasrahAmman and Mafraq. Contact Hon Sec on 01922 612296or [email protected]

1216 Craft Apprentice Entry RAF Halton 40th AnniversaryPass Out reunion October 14-16. Please contact RossKneath or Tony Green via [email protected], phone 0751 5683414 or seewww.216rafhalton.webeden.co.uk

NOTICESTo place No�ces on these pages please contact us on01892 600191 or e-mail [email protected] for details.

HELP and OLD COLLEAGUES NoticesMembers: Maximum of 30 words £3.50,Non-Members: Maximum of 30 words £20.00,Extra words: 80p each word

REUNION NoticesMaximum of 30 words £10.00.Extra words 80p each word



CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PRICES

To place Classified Adver�sing on these pages please contact us on 01892 600192 or e-mail [email protected] width Boxed advertising up to 8cms deep are available. Call us for details:

PRIVATE Lineage - Maximum of 25 words £21.95, Extra Words £0.86p each

TRADE Lineage - Maximum of 25 words £25.82, Extra Words £1.03p each

RAF Association Clubs

RAF ASSOCIATION BEDFORDVisi�ng Bedford

then why not join usat the BRANCH CLUB93 Ashburnham RoadApprox 300 yards fromBedford Railway Sta�on

ENJOY A DRINK AND A MEAL IN ARELAXED ATMOSPHERE

Opening HoursOpen from Tuesday to Sunday 11.30amEvenings Tuesday to Saturday 7.00pm

TIME TO SPARE, THEN VISIT OUR VERY OWNRHODESIAN LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM

Museum also on our doorstepChicksands, Twinwood, Thurleigh and Henlow

Find out more atwww.rafa-bedford.org.uk

or telephone 01234 350107

BOGNOR REGIS

in Waterloo Square, close to the pierVERY REASONABLE PRICES

Sunday Lunch a speciality

01243 865615website:www.bognorregisrafa.co.uk

RAF ASSOCIATION CLUB

CORNWALLThe Gremlin Club

Chapel Street, PENZANCECornwall’s only RAF Association Club

Open every dayTelephone Number: (01736) 363720

www.rafapenzance.org

WHEN IN CARDIFFWHEN IN CARDIFFA warm welcome is assured at

Llandaff & ElyRAF Association Club

Riverside Terrace . Ely . Cardiff . CF5 5AS

Telephone No: 02920 562546Open evenings 7 - 11.30pm

Friday and Sunday Lunchtime 12 - 2pmSaturday 12 - 11.30pm

EASTBOURNEBRANCH/CLUB

RAF Association Members andBona Fide guests

OPEN EVERY DAYWISH ROAD off South Street near WAR MEMORIAL

� Close to shopping centre� Near Sea Front� 2 Lounges� Lunchtime Hot Meals and snacks� Coach parties by arrangement please

Enquiries 01323 723551/509662or 01323 727131

Wheelchair access and facilities

Weston-super-MareRAF Association Branch Club

Open Wed to SatLunch & Evenings

Except Thursday lunchCoffee Mornings on

Wednesdays at 1100hrsBranch meetings 2nd Wed of Month

• Open for Parties, Meetings.

• Hot Food available – pre book

• Visit during Day trips to

Weston and Flowerdown

• Will open for Coach trips

• Close to beach and Shops

21-22 Alexandra Parade (Opposite Odeon)

Telephone: 01934 644024or 01934 515883

When in TORBAY orSOUTH DEVON

visit the

RAF ASSOCIATION CLUB7 Scarborough Road

TORQUAYLUNCHTIME FROM 12 Noon

Evenings 5pm - 11 pm

The Teignmouth Branch& Roundel ClubTeignmouth, Devon

B&B, LunchesEnquiries Tel: 01626 774375www.rafateignmouth.co.uk

e-mail rafateignmouth@btconnect .com

Newark-on-TrentBranch Club

Nottinghamshire

Visit our

Top Flight RAF Association Clubwhen travelling North or South

on the A1 or A46

and our Websitehttp://www.rafa-newark.co.uk

Parking in London Road Car Park

23A London Road,Newark, Notts.

NG24 4QH

01636 707505Billi

ards

/Sno

oker G

reat Facili�es

Darts

RAFAVisiting Weymouth

Call at the WINGS CLUBMAIDEN STREET (Near Old Harbour)Open daily - MORNING and EVENINGLUNCH AVAILABLE (Monday to Friday)

Chairlift available

Telephone: 01305 785581

ExmouthRAF Association Branch and Club

open every dayLunchtime & Evening

Branch Meeting 1st Tuesday

Also home to the RBL, &East Devon Branch Aircrew Association

close to Seafront & Shops Coach parties by arrangement

33 Imperial Road (opposite large car park)

01395 266685

CHELTENHAMCHELTENHAMRAFA HQ & CLUBRAFA HQ & CLUB

WELCOMES VISITING MEMBERSThurs-Sun Lunchtimes & Evenings

(Wings Coffee Bar Thurs/Fri 10am-12noon)

1 ROYAL CRESCENT,CHELTENHAM

(Off Promenade to rear of Coach Station)Branch Administrator:

Mrs Adlam (01242) 516285

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGcall us on 01892 600192 for details

Page 60-64 Classifieds 230611:Layout 1 22/6/11 14:58 Page 60

AIR MAIL 61


2011 july-september

Historic ResearchBadges and Medals

Regimental Blazer Badges and Ties, Cuff Links,Hand Painted Heraldic Shields/Car Badges, Medal Mounting Service

also Miniatures. Specialist Manufacturing Service Available.Send SAE for enquiries

.RADNOR REGIMENTAL (Est. 1919)

Chandos House, 14 Vale Square,Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9DFTel/Fax: (01843) 580389

email: [email protected]

BOOK PUBLISHINGAuthors invited to submit manuscripts,

all categories including PoetryNew Authors welcomeA.H. STOCKWELL LTD,

Dept. 827 Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8BA.Tel 01271 862557

www.ahstockwell.co.ukPublishers For 100 Years

Books and Services

BOOKFINDING SERVICEOut of print titles. All subjects, includingAviation. Barlow Moor Books,29 Churchwood Road, Didsbury,Manchester, M20 6TZ.Telephone: 0161 434 5073.E-mail: [email protected]

AVIATION PAINTINGSOriginal Paintings for your Home or Office.

Limited Edition Prints now Available.

For free colour brochure write to:

NIGEL W. MORRISAssociate of the Guild of Aviation Artists.

1 Headington Road, Saughall Massie, Wirral.CH49 4GG.

Telephone 0151 678 0834

For Sale

WRITE YOUR LIFE STORYWhether you are starting fromscratch, or have already writtensomething, Bound Biographies canwork with you to produce ahandsomely bound book for yourfamily. Call Wendy on 01428 643591or e-mail [email protected]

Holiday Accommodationincluding Self-Catering

HISTORICAL RESEARCHinto Army, Royal Navy and RAF service,unit and operational records carried outon your behalf. Contact GEOFF DEWING,97, Kings Chase, East Molesey, Surrey,KT8 9DQ Telephone 020 8941 5854 ore-mail: [email protected]

FOR SALE Berets, Side Caps and MetalBadges, both RAF and RAFA. For details orto order send SAE to: NU Global Ltd,27 Lancelot Drive, Stretton, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 0GJ, or call 01283 512475 ore-mail [email protected]

NORMANDY near Carentan1 hour from Cherbourg. 2 BedroomCottage, sleeps 4. Large Garden. Fullyequipped and furnished to a highstandard. Quiet location. Open all year.TV UK Free Sat. Telephone 0776 5267721or e-mail [email protected]

Societies etc

CYPRUS, Pissouri (near Episkopi)Two bedrooms, garden, shared pool,peaceful location overlooking beautifulbay. Five minutes to beach, tavernas andwater sports close to charming mountainvillage, good restuarants and golf course. Telephone 01243 780381or e-mail: [email protected]

LET’S RETIRE TO THE LOUNGENostalgic Musical Memories played on piano

by Ray Whitehouse.Taking you back in time with tunes such as:‘The Gypsy’ .... ’Again’ and ’Bewitched’.

All in all 22 tracks on this superb CD£5.75 inc p&p cheques should be made

payable to R. Whitehouse.SEVERN MUSIC. PO Box 7780.

REDDITCH. B98 8PZ

The Blenheim SocietyHELP US TO GET HER FLYING AGAIN

Want to preserve living history? Want to help raisemoney to get the only airworthy Bristol Blenheim in

the world repaired and flying again, as a fittingmemorial to all the ground crews and those thatflew and fought in Blenheims during World WarTwo, but especially the many that lost their lives

doing so? Then why not join THE BLENHEIMSOCIETY, her support organisation, for a mere

£15 annual subscription (£7 for juniors)?Members receive three journals a year and there

are several activities organised throughout theyear to enjoy as well.

For more information, please contact:The Hon. Treasurer, 25 Herongate Road,

Cheshunt, Herts EN8 0TUTel: 01992 442608

www.blenheimsociety.org.ukE-mail: [email protected]:1 Ba�le of Britain; 9 Winston; 10 Fighter; 11

Electable; 12 Ennui; 13 Splints; 15 Sidling; 17 Annoyed;19 Technic; 21 Neath; 23 Churchill; 25 Satsuma;

26 Italian; 27 Air Chief Marshal. Down:1 Bowsers; 2 Tense; 3 La�tancy; 4 Omnibus; 5Buffets; 6 Ingle; 7 A�en�on; 8 Nursing; 14 Lancaster;

16 Deckchair; 17 Amnesia; 18 Decease; 19 Tourism; 20 Colonel; 22 Hough; 24 Irish.

regimentalbrooches.comOONN--LLIINNEE SSHHOOPP

with large selection of genuine RFCand RAF sweetheart brooches from WW1,WW2 and through to the current reign.

RN, FAA and many regiments also available.All guaranteed original.

WESTDALE GUEST HOUSE - 3 STARWithin walking distance of Llandudno Pier and Shore,

two golf clubs nearby. The house has a bar,wi-fi tv’s in all rooms with dvd. En-suite and standard

rooms, quiet, beautiful area.Newly renovated rooms, very warm welcome,

from ex-RAF family, good food. 37 Abbey Road, Llandudno. LL30 2EH

Contact Lesley and SimonTelephone: 01492 879878 - Mobile: 07780 593162

CRO

SSW

ORD

SOLU

TIO

N

VILLA IN SCENIC COUNTRYSIDEclose to Lagos, Algarve, Portugal. Fourbedrooms, fully furnished and equipped,large pool, walled garden and sun patios.Telphone 020 7488 1088or e-mail [email protected]


Across1 Its 71st Anniversary is on 15th September 2011 (6,2,7)9 & 23 WWII Leader (7,9)

10 Eg, Spitfire, Hurricane ... (7)11 Can be chosen (9)12 Boredom (5)13 Special linen or strips of wood (7)15 Edging along sideways (7)17 Irritated (7)19 Skilled procedure (7)21 At a lower level than some fine athletes (5)23 See 925 Type of mandarin orange (7)26 From Rome, presumably (7)27 RAF 4-star (3,5,7)

Down1 Aircraft refuellers (7)2 Verb form sounds rigid (5)3 Writ based on the person being in hiding (9)4 Large vehicle (7)5 Batters refreshment bars (7)6 Nigel manufactures a fireplace (5)7 Drill order to stand erect! (9)8 Tending (7)

14 WWII bomber (9)16 Seaside seat (9)17 Loss of memory (7)18 Drop right out then die (7)19 The business of travellers (7)20 Army equivalent of Group Captain (7)22 Scottish ham joint (5)24 A Celtic language (5)


Residential Homesand Sheltered Housing

HUNTLYThe Officers’ Associa�on Residen�al Country Home

Located between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot in South Devon

Huntly is a residen�al re�rement home belonging to theOfficers’ Associa�on. We provide accommoda�on forsingle ex-officers, male or female, of all three Services andtheir widows and widowers who wish to enjoy an ac�vere�rement in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Subjectto room availability we also offer “Short Break” stays.

Located in the village of Bishopsteignton and situated inextensive landscaped grounds overlooking the river Teign,Huntly offers the comfort, security and peace of mind of acommunity while preserving the independence andprivacy of residents.

Applicants must be mobile and able to look a�erthemselves as there are no care facili�es at Huntlyalthough welfare officers are employed to provide supportfor residents.

For a colour brochure and applica�on form please contact:The House Governor on

Tel: 01626 775223, Fax: 01626 779241or email: huntly2@officersassocia�on.org.uk

Or visit our website: www.officersassocia�on.org.uk

FLYING CLOTHING and LOG BOOKSWANTED: Helmets, goggles, masks,boots, gloves, parachutes, lifejackets,rations, escape kits etc. Anythingconsidered. Unbeatable prices! Contact: D Farnsworth, 192 Broadway,Derby. DE22 1BP Tel/Fax: 01332 345729

WantedAIRFIX and all other unmade model kitswanted. All subjects. Aviation andmilitary books also sought by servingcollector. Contact Richard with detailson 07801 257323

DFM MEDAL GROUP WITH LOGBOOKWANTED: £2,000 minimum paid, alsoDFC Group, interesting Logbooks and oldRolex Watches. Will visit, pay cash.Telephone: Michael Young on01530 245897

The Royal Air ForcesAssociation Housing Ltd

The Sheltered Housing Scheme,situated in Storrington, West Sussex,

provides accommoda�on for all ex-RAFre�red personnel, their dependantsand widows/widowers. The scheme

consists of 32 self-contained flats, eachsuitable for occupa�on by up to 2

people. There is a communal lounge,laundry facili�es,

guest suite, care call system andresident Scheme Manager. Theloca�on is near the village and

ameni�es with excellent bus andcommunity services.

Please contact Mrs Sandra Spinner,the resident Scheme Manager, on

01903 744701 for further informa�on.

Are you interested in placing Classified or Display Adver�singin AIR MAIL? If so please contact us on UK telephone no: 01892 600192

or e-mail [email protected]

Informa�on on sizes, pricing, distribu�on dates and specifica�ons can befound on the AIR MAIL part of our website at:

www.rafashop.com


Solution to this crossword can be found at the bottom of page 61

Summer 2011 FUN CROSSWORDby Enigma

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

11 12

21 22 23 24

25 26

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

27


OBITUARIESWe record with sadness the passing of the

following members of the AssociationMr G P Allam BostonMr D B Anderson NairnMr F T Anderson ShetlandMr S Bagley St HelensMrs A V Baker Leamington SpaMr R A Baker RutlandMrs B K Balchin Overseas HQMrs S Bamber Rhyl & AbergeleMr J M Bangay Long SuttonMr B J Barnett TorquayMr J R Bates TamworthMr A V Bedwell HuntingdonMrs H R Beedle HolbeachMr R H Bissett Thornton CleveleysMr G B Blacklock Wales AreaMr J R Blake LincolnMr C E Boulding MaidstoneMr A J Brown New Milton & DistrictMr G D Brown GlasgowMrs I D Buss Haywards HeathMr J F Cain Isle of ManMr O Campbell BanbridgeMr R F Carter WigstonMr R A Cessford

Edinburgh, Lothians and BordersMr S J Chapman Birmingham MoseleyMr J E Charles Sydney MetropolitanMr R H Clark High WycombeMrs D Clarke StowmarketMr J Clarke Northern AreaMr T H Clarke Great YarmouthMr H H Cload TorquayMr H F Coaton TamworthMr K C Cole TorquayMrs J V Corin SolihullMr D J Cornish Midlands AreaMr P J Cudbill TadcasterMr R E Cumins LisburnMr G Davies SaleMr C J Dempster ReadingMr I T Dempster EnfieldDiana The Countess of Ilchester Biggin HillMr D Donaldson-Davidson NorwichMr H Double SwindonMr R Douglass Northern AreaMr K Durbidge DFC DFM NairnMr T J Durston Weymouth & PortlandMr A R Dyer HaverfordwestMr R H Edwards Porthcawl & KenfigSqn Ldr J V Evans Weston-super-MareMr P G W Everett Downham MarketMr J L Farmer CHQMr H M Faulks Cape TownMr D Fearon SWAHQMr S Fielding SaleMr J H Findlay Hinckley & DistrictMr A Fowlie East KilbrideMr G E Floyd BEM NeathMrs D M Gay LlangollenMr C Geraghty GlasgowMr L Gibbins Taunton DeaneMrs H J Gilbert GosportMiss E C Gilchrist

Edinburgh, Lothians and BordersMr R Glover HinckleyMrs A Gregg TadcasterFather W J Grigg North CornwallMrs F H Hall Romford

Mr J Hamilton DumfriesMr D W Harborow SolihullMrs A Heath Farnborough & AldershotMr R Heath MelbourneMrB L Hedley Windsor & EtonGp Capt D C Hencken BSocSc

Sturminster Newton/GillinghamMr P C Higson StowmarketMr I Hockley Newbury & DistrictMr D Hoddinott Dereham & SwaffhamMr E Hodgson Isle of WightMr W G Hoing High WycombeMr J W Hollands Medway TownsMr H J Hooker SherringhamMr J F Howard SalisburyMrs B Hutchinson LincolnMr N Jeanes Taunton DeaneMr R Jenkins Llandaff & ElyMrs F M Jepson SalisburyMr G H Jesson HinckleyMr H M Kitchen

Walton, Weybridge & DistrictMr A Knaggs Stockton & ThornabyMr R M Knight Rugby & DistrictMr H M Knobbs

Shotton & Connah’s QuayMr R A Lack TorquayMr J F Laker WymondhamMr J C Lang GreenockMr A Langley HuntingdonMr E Laurie GreenockMr L Lawrence BarryMr J B Lewis DFC AltonMr D MacGilchrist Paisley & DistrictMr W A Marsland

Morecambe & LancasterMr R Mathieson Paisley & DistrictMr R T Matthews Aylesford & MallingMr W A McAllister Roe ValleyMr J McCreedy DownpatrickMr L McKay Trinidad & TobagoMr S Meakin HinckleyMrs B Menzies GuernseyMr W Millar GranthamMr A G Miller WymondhamMr J Milner SkiptonMiss M L Mitchell Ilford & WoodfordMr J Moncur LincolnMr H Moore Cape TownMr J Morrison OrkneyMr A S Morton SWAHQMr H A Murray LisburnMr R W L Needham ExeterMr D K Nelson DFC EllesmereMr N G Nugent Clacton on SeaMr G O’Brien Weymouth & PortlandMrs C M Ordish JP Sydney MetropolitanMr L G Pettit North Weald & OngarMrs E Piggin Great YarmouthMr R Pike Cape TownDr S T H H Pilbeam MelbourneMr M R Pitman Weston-super-MareMr G N Pope NewarkMr K Potter PeterboroughMr F W Pryke BathMr W I Quigley St Germain & District Mr E S Rivett WymondhamMr D A Rogers Medway Towns

Sqn Ldr E S Rooney LeicesterMr J Ruck Cape TownMr L A Sams Newton AycliffeMr L Savage Mornington PeninsulaMr P Sekine KensingtonMr K P Senior WorthingMr A Sheard HuddersfieldMr P G Sheath Isle of WightMr L D Shelley TorquayMr V R W Shepherd EAHQMr M R Shorter Sydney MetropolitanMrs D Slow WarminsterMr R E W Smerdon BodminWg Cdr D W Smith AmsterdamMr E W Smith YaxleyMr G P Smith AltonMr G S Smith Hastings & St LeonardsMrs J Smith SwindonMr J E Smith ChelmsfordMr L G Smith WimborneMr T Smith AphroditeMr N A Smithells MelbourneMr J H Smyrk Ramsgate & BroadstairsMr G Spence Bradford & DistrictMr J Stanford Cape TownMr J B Stark BangorMr G A Statham LincolnMr D Sterritt Republic of IrelandMr A A Stewart GlasgowMr J G Stinton LudlowMr R F G Stratford Clacton on SeaMr D C Summers

Horsham & StorringtonMr P Sundsbakk NorwegianMr T Sykes Brighouse & RastrickMr F J Tanner SEAHQMr A W Tasker WolverhamptonMr S Taylor Mornington PeninsulaMr R G Thackeray SaleMr S R Thompson PontefractMr E Thornton DoncasterMr K R Thurlow DartfordMr L R Tinkler Stockton & ThornabyMr J Todd AltonMr J R Tomlinson ExmouthMr G W Townsend TamworthMrs W Trevor Sydney MetropolitanMr F J Walkingshaw Newcatle & DistrictMr C J Waller SherringhamMr S C W Ward Haywards HeathMr H J Watson LowestoftMrs D Webb SaleMr D G Whalin North CornwallMr R Wheatman Morecambe &LancasterMr S J Wigg DunstableMr N Wilcock CHQMr N T Wilkinson Camberley & DistrictMr R Williams SaleMr R J A Willis-Dixon CranwellMr N Woodford Morecambe & LancasterMr A W K Woodman LincolnMr R P Woodman Brighton & HoveMr C G Woolven Horsham & StorringtonMrs J Woolven Horsham & StorringtonMrs A O Wright OrkneyMr A Young St HelensMr J M Young Hexham

Please note that obituaries must be notified to Branch and Area Headquarters for actionon the RAF Association database. See inside front cover for contact telephone numbers

2011 july-september AIR MAIL 63


Code Descrip�on PriceBag RAFA Eco Jute Bag 4.50B4F RAFA Brew for Few Mug 5.99B9 RAFA S�ck Pin 50 mm long 3.13B10 RAFA Mini S�ck Pin 40 mm long 3.13B11 RAFA Brooch Badge 20 mm long 3.13B12 RAFA Tie Tack 3.13B13 RAFA Assoc Member Badge 20 mm 3.26B14 RAFA Branch Assoc Member Badge 3.26B16 RAFA Silver/Marcasite Brooch 30 mm 44.42B17F RAFA Full Wording Blazer Badge 13.99B17m RAFA Cut Out Blazer Badge 13.05B18a RAFA Associate Blazer Badge 13.99B19 RAF Blazer Badge 13.99B20L RAFA Chrome Bu�on Lge 20 mm dia 4.10B20S RAFA Chrome Bu�on Sm 17 mm dia 4.05B21CS RAF Gilt Domed Cap Bu�on 14mm dia 4.05B21L RAF Chrome Bu�on Lge 23 mm dia 4.10B21S RAF Chrome Bu�on Sm 16 mm dia 4.05B21DL RAF Gilt Domed Bu�on Large 24mm dia 4.40B21DS RAF Gilt Domed Bu�on Small 18 mm dia 4.30B22 RAFA Car Badge 75 mm square 12.80B25m RAFA 25 Yr Member Badge 3.70B50m RAFA 50 Yr Member Badge 3.70B60m RAFA 60 Yr Member Badge 3.70B25 Bomber Command Blazer Badge 12.65B26 Coastal Command Blazer Badge 12.65B27 Fighter Command Blazer Badge 12.65B28 RAF Car Badge 75 mm square 12.80B31 RAF Ensign Lapel Badge boxed 5.14B32 RAF Mini Tie Tack ‘per ardua’ 2.94B98 RAF Baseball Cap - black 18.34B99 Sqn/Stn Blazer Badge - to order 15.44BLC Blades Autographed Team Cards (set 6) 6.13BLM Blades Mug (Wings Appeal logo on back) 8.16BLP Blades Signed A3 Poster 3.58BLT Blades T Shirt - Wings on sleeve - various sizes 9.18C5 RAFA Coin Holder £1 x 5 2.70C6 Coaster - Flying with the RAF 3.12C7 Coaster - Fry’s Cocoa 3.12C8 RAFA Corkscrew & Holder Silver Plated bxd 16.17CD3 RAFA President’s Band Magnificent CD 13.09CD4 RAFA President’s Band Liberators CD 13.09CS1A RAFA Window S�cker 2.27CS2 RAFA Cufflinks Oval Silver Ptd boxed 26.46CS3 RAF Cufflinks Oval Silver Ptd boxed 27.02CS5 RAF Cufflinks Oval Gold Ptd boxed 27.02CTS3 RAF Cufflinks/Tie Tack Oval Silver Ptd 30.35CTS3S As above but with Tie Slide 30.35CTS4 RAFA Cufflinks/Tie Tack Set boxed (as B9) 21.90CTS5 RAF Cufflinks/Tie Tack Oval Gold Ptd bxd 30.65F2 RAFA Fridge Magnet 2.28F5 Fridge Magnet - For Freedom 3.46F6 Fridge Magnet - Flying with RAF 3.46F7 Fridge Magnet - Fry’s Cocoa 3.46F8 Fridge Magnet - Churchill 3.46F9 Fridge Magnet - Let’s Go Wings 3.46F10 Fridge Magnet - WAAF 3.46H1 RAFA Flag 6’ x 3’ 46.42H2 Union Flag 6’ x 3’ 101.57H4 St George Flag 6’ x 3’ 68.81H5 RAFA Flag 6’ x 3’ Heavy Duty 54.56HM1 RAFA Handbag Mirror boxed 18.58J1 Jigsaw Biggin Hill Wing 500 pce 9.99J2 Jigsaw The Wai�ng Game 636 pce 10.50J3 Jigsaw Ba�le for the Skies 1000 pce 12.75

AIR MAIL64

RAFATRAD Ltd - Retail Price List

july-september 2011

Code Descrip�on PriceJ4 Jigsaw Their Finest Hour 1000 pce 12.75J5 Jigsaw September Sor�e 1000 pce 12.75K2 RAF Leather Keyfob 4.75K3 RAFA Leather Keyfob 4.75K4 RAF Key Clip for Trouser Belt (T2) 7.19L1 RAFA Le�er Opener plas�c 3.22L3 RAFA Lanyard without ID holder 4.59L3A RAFA Lanyard with ID holder 4.92L4 RAFA Le�er Opener - Silver Plated 13.17LB1 Bomber Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB2 Coastal Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB3 Fighter Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB4 Maintenance Cmd Lapel bxd 19 mm 4.45LB5 RAF Etched Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB5B RAF Etched Brass Bookmark 4.52LB5C RAF Etched Cufflinks boxed 11.55LB5TS RAF Etched Tie Slide boxed 7.11LB6 Strike Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB7 Support Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB8 Transport Cmd Lapel Badge bxd 19 mm 4.45LB9 Wings King Crown silver/blue boxed 6.30LB10 Wings King Crown gold/blue boxed 6.30LB11 Wings Queen Crown silver/blue boxed 6.30LB12 Wings Queen Crown gold/blue boxed 6.30LB13 Medical Branch Lapel Badge boxed 4.45LB14 RAF Police Lapel Badge boxed 4.45LB15 RAF Regiment Lapel Badge boxed 4.45LB16 Wings Queens gold bxd 32 mm long 6.30LR1 WRAF Lapel Badge boxed 4.45LR2 WAAF Lapel Badge boxed 4.45LR4 RAFA Leather Credit Card Case 13.17LR6 RAFA Leather Wallet with ID window 19.05M3 RAFA Table Flag 157x74 & pin 265 long 6.05M4 Union Table Flag “ 6.05M5 RAF Table Flag “ 6.05M7 Wooden Base (up to 3 Table Flags 6.64M8 Union Drape Rental 52.46M8 Union Drape Purchase 126.40M9P Manicure Set in Cylinder boxed 16.72M9RAFA RAFA Manicure Set (as above) 20.08M10 Medal Holder plas�c 6.57M11 Metal Sign “Join the RAF” 14.05M12 Metal Sign “Never was so much owed” 14.05M13 RAFA Drape (full size 152.64M14 RAF 90th Commemora�ve Coin boxed 4.99MR6 RAF Silk Tie 17.40MR9 RAFA Silk Tie Striped/Crested 19.76MR10 RAFA Silk Tie Striped 17.40MR29 RAF Silk Tie with RAFA Crests 19.76P1 Pennant - Squadron/Sta�on to order 25.62P2 RAFA Pennant 25.62P3 RAF Pennant 25.62P5 Pencil Print Harrier GR7 10.00P6 Pencil Print Harrier GR9 10.00P7 Pencil Print Lancaster ED685 10.00P8 Pencil Print Lightning F3 111 Sqn 10.00P9 Pencil Print Spi�ire 10.00P10 Pencil Print Tornado GR4 10.00P11 Pencil Print Typhoon T1 10.00P12 Pencil Print Vulcan 10.00P13 Pencil Print Harrier GR9 20 Sqn 10.00P14 Pencil Print 1 Sqn Montage 10.00P15 Pencil Print Buccaneer Limited Ed 20.00P16 Pencil Print Jaguar Limited Ed 20.00P17 Pencil Print 78 Squadron 10.00


2011 july-september

www.rafashop.com

Code Descrip�on PricePC1 Playing Cards Dawn of Flight Pioneers 5.48PC2 Playing Cards Ba�le of Britain and Blitz 5.48PC3 Playing Cards Warplanes 5.48 R3 RAF Silver/Marcasite Brooch boxed 69.52R4 RAF Ribbon - per metre 5.85R5 RAF 6” Plas�c Ruler with Mo�o 2.65R6 My Son Is Serving Lapel Badge boxed 18.12R7 My Daughter is Serving “ “ 18.12RBC RAFA Sky Blue Baseball Cap 9.05S4m RAFA Wall Shield bxd 175x150 32.91S5 RAF Woollen Scarf 1560x240 28.48S6 RAF Ladies Tartan Scarf 1500x 310 19.54S12 RAF Wall Shield xd 175x150 32.91S13 RAFA Forage Cap inc badge/bu�ons 57.41S13R RAF Forage Cap inc bu�on (exc badge) 57.41S14 RAF Brass Cap Badge for S13R 7.00S16 RAF Stable Belt 34-38, 38-42, 42-4 27.01S17 RAF Police Stable Belt 30-38 27.01S18 RAF Regiment Stable Belt 42-46 27.01T2 RAF Trouser Belt 34 14.00T2B RAF Trouser Belt 36 14.00T2C RAF Trouser Belt 38 14.00T2D RAF Trouser Belt 40 14.00T2E RAF Trouser Belt 42 14.00T2F RAF Trouser Belt 44 14.00T3 RAFA Pewter Tankard boxed 1 pint 28.69T3RAF RAF Pewter Tankard boxed 1 pint 28.69T4 RAF Silk Pocket Handkerchief 190 x 160 10.12T4L RAF Polyester Pkt Handkerchief 300x300 6.00T6m RAFA Tie Navy with Single Crest 10.18T7m RAFA Tie Maroon with Single Crest 10.18T9m RAFA Tie Striped/Crested 10.18T9CM RAF Tie Striped/Crested Clip On 12.36T10m RAFA Tie Striped 10.18T10CM RAFA Tie Striped - Clip On 12.36T10B RAFA Striped Bow Tie - ready �ed 10.18T10CR RAFA Striped Cravat 13.54T11 RAF Cummerbund 14.08T12 RAF Cummerbund/Bow Tie Set 20.90T13 RAF Bow Tie - ready �ed 10.18T14 RAFVR Tie 13.54T15 RAFA Associate Tie 11.10T17 Bomber Command Tie 13.54T18 Coastal Command Tie 13.54T19 Fighter Command Tie 13.54T20 RAF Tie 10.18T20CM RAF Tie - Clip On 12.36T21 RAFALO Tie 12.36T22 Coastal Command Tea Towel 5.46T23 Ba�le of Britain Tea Towel 5.46T24 Bomber Command Tea Towel 5.46T25 Salute to the Women Tea Towel 5.46T26 RAF Tartan Tie 17.99T27 RAF Tartan Bow Tie - ready �ed 30.14T29M RAF Tartan Cumm/Bow Tie Set 36” 42.60T29L RAF Tartan Cumm/Bow Tie Set 40” 42.60T29XL RAF Tartan Cumm/Bow Tie Set 44” 42.60T30 RAF Cravat 13.54T31 RAF Aircra� Tea Towel 5.46T32 Spi�ire/Hurricane Tea Towel 5.46T43 RAF Ensign Tea Towel 5.46TD1A RAFA Round Tax Disc Blue/Gold 2.66TD2A RAFA Shield Tax Disc White/Red/Blue 3.24TY25m RAFA Tie 25 Year Member Tie 13.54TY50m RAFA Tie 50 Year Member Tie 13.54

Code Descrip�on PriceTY60m RAFA Tie 60 Year Member Tie 13.54TYWO Tie Warrant Officer 10.18U1 RAFA Large Umbrella 28.67W1 RAF Watchstrap 252x18 8.67WGB Wings Appeal Ltd Edi�on Badge Set (boxed) 7.14WGWB Wings Appeal Wrist Band 3.05X3A RAFA Christmas Card pack 10 4.75X3P RAFA Plain Card pack 10 4.75XR6 RAFA 2011 Diary 3.73

Lancashire Crystal Glassware. 2/3 weeks dely. Silk lined boxesunless otherwise stated. State RAF or RAFA crest. UK only

G2 Wine Goblets Pair 51.58G5 Mini Whisky Set 4 x 5cl Shot (boxed) 57.80G6 Wine Goblets Six 126.64GC2 Champagne Flutes Pair 51.58GC6 Champagne Flutes Six 126.64GD3 Whisky Decanter 92.47GD4 Wine Decanter 92.47GPP Perfume Bo�le 43.36GPW Champhered Paperweight (carton) 51.37GT One Pint Tankard with handle 52.42GV Vase 61.72GW2 Whisky Tumblers Pair 51.58GW6 Whisky Tumblers Six 126.64

RAFA Poloshirts: 20.33Sky 38/40, 42/44, 46/48, 50/52Black 42/44, 46/48, 50/52Sky with Navy Sleeves/Collar 38/40, 42/44, 46/48, 50

RAFA Sweatshirts: 23.25Sky 38/40, 42/44, 46/48, 50/52

RAF V neck Sweater 36, 41, 43, 45 42.24

Standard Bearers Items (ordered via Branch only)B24 RAFA Cap Badge 14.20B35 Standard 1140 x 915 322.05B36 Pole and Finial 127.58B37 Red/Blue Cord and Tassel Set 35.52G1S Gauntlets Small 28.18G1M/L/XL Gauntlets Med, Large or XL state which 77.16S8 Leather Sling and Brass Bucket 90.89S9 Standard Cover with Sling Handle 33.60S10 Cap (sizes 6 7/8 to 7 3/4) 51.05S11 Card Holder 2.35S15S Raincape 34/38 50.40S15M Raincape 39-42 50.40S15L Raincape 43-46 50.40

Rafatrad Ltd, Unit 3, 5 Sybron Way,Millbrook Industrial Estate,

Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 3DZ

If paying by card, telephone order line: 01892 600191or send cheque payable to Rafatrad Ltd to above address.

No cash/stamps accepted. UK postage included in price.Overseas postage will be charged at cost and added to price

(payment by cards only for overseas orders).

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Royal Air Forces Associa�on, Registered Charity No: 226686 (England & Wales), SC037673 (Scotland) to whom profits are donated

AIR MAIL

Page 60-64 Classifieds draft:Layout 1 20/6/11 10:33 Page 65

RAFATRAD LtdDonating Profit to the RAF Association

Unit 3, 5 Sybron Way, Millbrook Ind Estate, Crowborough. TN6 3DZ UKOrder On-line or via our Telephone Order Line: UK 01892 600191

Website: www.rafashop.com

All Prices shown include UK packing and postage. Overseas postage will be charged at cost.

XB12 6 sheets Giftwrapwith 12 Matching Tags

Sheets: 500 x 700 19 1/2” x 131/2”£4.44 per pack or

1 Pack FREE if card order totals£20.00 or over

X69 Home for Christmas210 x 136 or 81/4” x 51/2”

£4.60

X64 Baubles86 x 228 mm or 31/2” x 81/2”

£4.65

X70 Winter at Shawbury210 x 136 or 81/4” x 51/2”

£4.60

X71 Regulars & Auxiliaries Together210 x 136 or 81/4” x 51/2”

£4.60

X77 Christmas Village159 x 159 mm or 61/4” x 61/4”

£4.90

X76 Robin on Postbox137 x 137 or 51/2” x 51/2”

£4.65

X75 Fir Tree Cottage171 x 121 mm or 63/4” x 43/4”

£4.65

XB11 RAF AssociationChristmas Variety Pack

30 cards (3 packs - pot luck) of different designs not all shown

£9.99

X73 Cross Country at Low Levelde Havilland Mosquito B. Mk 25

627 Squadron210 x 136 mm or 81/4” x 51/2”

£4.60

X72 Working in all WeathersTribute to Ground Crews

Avro Lancater Mk III210 x 136 mm or 81/4” x 51/2”

£4.60

X67 Three Kings137 x 137 mm or

51/2” x 51/2” £4.34

X65 Moonlit Bethlehem137 x 137 or 51/2” x 51/2”

£4.75

X3A RAF Association Christmas Card£4.75

X3PN RAF Association Greeting Card(left blank inside)

£4.75

XB13 RAF AssociationAircraft Christmas Variety Pack30 cards (3 packs - pot luck) of different designs not all shown

£9.99

RAF AssociationChristmas Selection

XR6 2012 Diary85 x 170 or 31/2” x 63/4”

£3.75

Page OBCa220611:OBC Master 21/6/11 15:40 Page 2

July-September 2011

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Transcript of July-September 2011