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1940 Battle Of Britain

2020 Welcome Contents

YOUR ASSOCIATION Got a question? Want to update your 7-17 NEWS membership or change the address All the latest from the Association and the RAF family, including: the 30 that Air Mail comes to? Ready to Association’s response to COVID-19; support for dementia carers; volunteer? Need support? Want to National Presidential Certificate winners; an update on membership fees; RAFA Rides goes virtual; an appeal from RAF College Cranwell; buy Association merchandise? We’re Welcomehen we planned this issue of Air Mail 12 months ago, we were thinking here for you... and a new member of The Few. of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the proud tradition of Whow our RAF protects our nation endures today. 0800 018 2361 Since early spring this year, the UK and world media have drawn many comparisons between those days and nights in late 1940 and our fight against Features 0900 to 1800 GMT/BST every weekday. COVID-19. A battle we have faced as a nation and as the whole of humanity. Closed for English bank holidays and A complete change to our daily lives. Moments of great hardship and loss. Op CONNECT Christmas holidays. Community spirit that has strengthened and deepened. Moments of boredom 8 and frustration. Individual and collective acts of heroism, kindness, innovation and The Association’s swift reaction to the COVID-19 lockdown ensured [email protected] that thousands of vulnerable members of the RAF community Contents ingenuity to help us all keep calm and carry on. received vital welfare support. I hope we have managed to reflect some of this in our pages – from the exploits rafa.org.uk/portal of the Royal Air Force in 1940 to the defence and humanitarian action of the RAF 32 for 24/7 access to your today and, of course, the work of the Association this year to support everyone in 20 Hoodwinking the enemy Members’ Portal the RAF community. COVER STORY Meet No. 1 Group’s Typhoon and Lightning Forces, defending our nation 80 years on from the Battle of Britain. My thanks go to everyone involved in the production of this magazine and its @RAFAssociation sister publication, Talking Air Mail. Your adaptability, stoicism, and sheer grit means there is another edition to inform and entertain members – and keep spirits up. 24 Defying the myths From our makeshift office sheds, our dining room tables and our socially distanced We speak to journalist and author Robert Verkaik about his new book, @RAFAssociation Defiant: the untold story of the Battle of Britain, and publish an workplaces, we are proud to have brought this to you. We hope you enjoy the read. abridged extract. @raf.association 28 The Life of a Battle of RAFAssociation Britain Mechanic Jeff Brereton, a former engine mechanic with 605 Squadron, talks to Air Mail about repairing Hurricanes Headquarters, 28 Annie O'Brian in the hectic world of an RAF station during the Battle RAF Association, Editor of Britain. Atlas House, Wembley Road, AIR MAIL MAGAZINE Cover image: Battle of Britain Views expressed in Air Mail Leicester, LE3 1UT. Contact, comment, connect. 80th anniversary, 1940-2020. are those of the contributors Designed by BOA and ©RAF alone and do not represent 30 The Life of a 2020 Typhoon To contact the Air Mail team Association. Incorporating policy of the RAF Association To contact your Wings Break hotels: Regulars about editorial, notices or image of F-35 Lightning during except where stated. Written Engineer advertising or to submit Operational Testing on HMS permission of the editor is Senior Aircraftman Technician Dave Southern, part of the engineering Rothbury House, Northumberland: articles and letters: Queen Elizabeth II by LPhot needed to reproduce any part team responsible for making sure 12 Squadron’s Typhoons are ready 4 Dear Air Mail [email protected] or 01669 620 235 [email protected] Kyle Heller @ MOD/Crown 2019. of this magazine. to go when the alert sounds, discusses his role in today’s RAF. Or write to us at the address While every effort is made to Flowerdown House, Weston-super-Mare: above left. Deadline for ensure information is accurate 44 Branch news [email protected]. or 01934 621 664 Editor/Publications Manager: Oct-December issue: at the time of going to print, no Annie O’Brian 14 August 2020 responsibility can be accepted “The sky was full of Publications Assistant: for loss or damage caused 32 49 Culture vultures Joe Hall Average distribution by inaccuracies. dogfighting aircraft” Thank you to: all (posted) in last 12 months: The editor regrets that it is Association members who were children during the Battle of Britain contributors and supporters 53,103 impossible to respond 56 News from the RAF TALKING AIR MAIL from across the membership personally to all submissions. and the Blitz share their experiences of watching dogfights, collecting and secretariat of the ISSN 0002-2446 Submission of unsolicited souvenirs and dodging enemy bombs. An audio version Association. information does not guarantee 59 Crossword of this magazine Please recycle the inclusion or return. Published on behalf of the packaging 38 Daring Diana, part 1 is available for RAF Association by Key of this magazine. © The RAF Association. Matt Poole relates part one of the fascinating detective story which 60 Recipe – calzone pizza Publishing Ltd. visually impaired members. revealed the fate of Sergeant George Plank, lost over Burma in 1944. 61 Notices Call 0800 018 2361 and ask about receiving Talking Air 50 Misserfolg Ad Astra Chris Goss retells the events of 15 September 1940 through the eyes 62 Mail. It’s free. of German and British Battle of Britain pilots. 65 Remembering

2 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 3 Dear Air Mail... Photographic … your letters and emails intelligence [RE last issue’s article on RAF Medmenham]. In 1955 I was posted to RAF Episkopi in Cyprus as a Tracer PI, working initially on the EOKA emergency then on the Suez campaign. The photographs in your article reminded me of certain aspects of this work, particularly the use of stereoscopes, the plotting of runs, and the use of maps; of which JARIC had a good collection – some dating back a while! ROGER E BARRETT

I joined the RAF in 1956 and was sent to RAF Nuneham Park for training as Tracer PI. After various postings, including a six-month stint at RAF Medmenham, I went to RAF Episkopi in Cyprus. Here I spent two-and-a-half wonderful years, despite the EOKA Terrorist emergency. Most of the photographs we worked with were taken over Yemen and Oman, tracking potential Russian infiltration. Plotting photos of endless miles of desert and ever-changing dunes and wadis was a challenge; and the stereoscope certainly proved its worth in identifying obscure geographical features. JOHN GRIFFITHS ©Medmenham Association

©Crown In and out Jim Auton MBE I joined the RAF in September 1948, and received the King’s Shilling in [RE the passing of Jim Auton MBE]. While College Chaplain at RAF While on attachment aboard HMS Pembroke we participated in a Number 1 Block RAF Locking. While my career took me to Iraq, Hong Cranwell, it was my privilege to join Jim at the annual Newark Unusual incidents NATO exercise where my task was to decode incoming signals. During Kong, Australia, the UAE and Malaysia, my last role with the RAF, in memorial service for the 1944 Warsaw Airlift. These occasions were In summer 1971, our Nimrod’s windscreens became obscured by the early hours of the morning, and due to what I can only assume 1975, was as Course Designer and Course Supervisor in Electronic inspirational, not least for the Cranwell cadets, who were able to meet thunderbugs while flying off the south coast. Though the wipers and was tiredness, I decoded a signal of the position of one of our ships Engineering. This was based at – you guessed it – Number 1 Tech Jim and members of the Polish Secret Army of the Interior and learn of spray cleared them, soon no water remained, and both windscreens which, when plotted, showed it to be boldly sailing across Dartmoor! Block RAF Locking. You can imagine my surprise when I was told their exceptional courage. While the attrition rate during the Warsaw became an impenetrable mess. “Washer bottle’s run out, Eng,” my Needless to say I was hauled up in front of the Wing Commander the that the Station Commander wanted to see me, as it had never been Air Bridge was high, it was nonetheless ‘a debt of honour’, as Churchill skipper intoned. “No,” came the reply, “there’s plenty of water left. The next day, who read me my fortune! CHARLES LOVE known for someone to leave the RAF from exactly the same spot as said. This timeless principle, and the sacrifices involved, have helped float’s only halfway down.” Unable to see, we set off for nearby RAF St they had joined. Of course, his first words to me were: “where have to cement the strong bonds of friendship between our two nations. Mawgan. While preparing for landing with zero forward visibility the In the early hours of 31 August 1967, I was on guard duty at RAF you been hiding all this time!?” GORDON FOWLER JONATHAN CHAFFEY engineer came back on the intercom: “Sorry pilots, my mistake. The Khormaksar when I saw a rotation of red and green lights in the reservoir is empty – there was a dirty mark on the sight glass!” A top- sky. After 3-4 minutes they disappeared. When the coach arrived up with water and washing up liquid was – thankfully – followed by at end of my shift I was asked by the Chief Technician why I had an uneventful landing. COLIN POMEROY a loaded rifle. I replied that I had seen a UFO, whereupon there Virtual bakers were shouts from the coach of “charge him, Chief!” and “drunk on duty!” A few years later I was on a train to London when the same Musical memories I just wanted to say what fun we had making the traditional Chief Technician (now a Flight Sergeant) got on and spotted me. cherry cake (p.58 of January’s issue). In these unprecedented “You’re the lad who that saw the UFO in Aden, aren’t you?” he said. In the mid-1960s I was stationed at RAF Khormaksar when an times of being stuck indoors, we decided to share the recipe with In 1973 I was posted to Germany where the Flight Sergeant (now a Argosy aircraft of 105 Squadron was carrying out asymmetric our 15-year-old granddaughter over Skype. We simultaneously Warrant Officer) spotted me again. “You’re the lad who saw the UFO landing and take-off. One attempt, however, resulted in the followed the recipe and the results were brilliant. It kept us aren’t you?” I was, and still am, ‘the lad who saw the UFO’. GEORGE aircraft ending up in the water at the runway’s end. occupied for a few hours – baking. Keep up the brilliant work you MUNDAY All escaped unharmed, but BFBS were running their do for us all. JOHN C BILLINGS MBE ‘Wireless for the Blind’ event at the time, and for a donation a record would be played. Needless to say, another squadron soon had “Gone Fishing” on the radio! DAVID SULLY

Famous faces ©Heidi Burton While stationed at RAF El Adem, HRH Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived en-route to their tour of the ©Stuart Powell Commonwealth. I was chosen to present the princess with a To comment in or contribute to Air Mail, please email bouquet of flowers and was very nervous. I had to approach [email protected]. Alternatively, write to Annie O’Brian, In 1967-8 I was posted to RAF Gan when the carrier HMS Ark Royal was the princess, salute, say “Your Royal Highness, on behalf of the on exercise nearby. Its aircraft would often use Gan’s runway, which ran Editor, Air Mail, RAF Association, Atlas House, Wembley Road, the length of the island. One day, a Sea Vixen landed and dropped its men of RAF El Adem,” then give her the flowers. The next day I Leicester, LE1 3UT. Your correspondence should be clearly tailhook, which was odd as Gan had no wire to catch the hook and slow was in trouble with the Commanding Officer. The princess had marked FOR PUBLICATION. The editor’s decision on inclusion the aircraft. Everybody waited for a roar of the engine and take-off once apparently offered her hand and I hadn’t shaken it. I saw no is final, and longer letters may be abridged due to limited the pilot realised his error. As can be seen by the photo, this realisation hand! Mind you, it was a large bouquet. JOHN ANDERSON space. Only submissions made by email will be acknowledged came too late. The result was one pilot with wet feet being rescued from before publication. his aircraft. STUART POWELL

4 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 5 From the President Awards

am exceptionally proud of the Association’s employees across the Association. Every single one of response to the COVID-19 crisis and I wish to convey you has rolled up your sleeves and made our response my sincere and grateful thanks to everyone who has work, in the shortest time possible and to the greatest played a part in this work. What you have done in effect. I am humbled by your selfless commitment to RAFA to the core the UK, and across the world, during this worrying help those in need. Two National Presidential Certificates awarded in June. Iand uniquely testing time is unprecedented. Across all our welfare services we are seeing an I am acutely conscious that many of our RAF family increasing level of demand for support. Consequently, Ali Gibson: for services to the Association and the excellent have been, and still are, vulnerable. In March, we have launched an emergency COVID-19 fundraising support of Harrow Branch and Club, and Aylesbury and the Association set up a new telephone appeal to ensure that we are able to continue Halton Branch. outreach service to contact more than to satisfy this need while so many normal For more than 20 years Ali (Alison) Gibson has worked tirelessly and 30,000 high-risk category members fundraising avenues are closed to us. enthusiastically, delivering welfare support, fundraising, recruiting of our community. We have As well as requiring us to cancel our new members and supporting Area Conferences. An Honorary Welfare spoken to many people who are own Annual and Area conferences, Officer at the Harrow and District Branch for the last six years, she has experiencing extreme loneliness “I am sadly, the measures that we worked closely with the partners of station executives at RAF Northolt or running out of food. are living through this year to visit and support elderly veterans in need; and enabled the station Predictably, RAFA delivered exceptionally have prevented us from fully RAFALOs to then continue her outstanding support work. She visits immediate assistance to them proud of the commemorating and celebrating many other veterans, particularly in the Abbeyfields Care Home through Operation CONNECT. many anniversaries. The national in Aylesbury. This Operation provides four Association’s VE Day 75th anniversary was At the monthly Aylesbury and Halton Branch Veterans’ Lunches new projects: a service to deliver more muted than planned, she plans and prepares “a plethora of desserts”, hosts veterans and bag drops of essential food, response” while the forthcoming VJ Day encourages serving personnel to share their stories of today’s RAF with toiletries etc; a daily entertainment 75th and Battle of Britain 80th retired personnel. programme; a friendship telephone anniversary commemorations will be Ali’s “effervescent drive and determination to help support the whole helpline; and a regular telephone different. However, we will mark these RAF family” helped her provide four years of specialist expertise to befriending service. These projects were anniversaries personally, corporately and with maintain the gardens of RAF Halton’s two contact houses, allowing RAF launched so that we could make a difference: gratitude; similarly we will overtly record our thanks families to enjoy much-valued, private outside space. She has also run and we have! Some of the responses we have had from to everyone who has stepped up to see us through the the Association’s refreshment and recruitment stands for three years grateful beneficiaries are printed later in this magazine. COVID-19 crisis. at RAF Halton’s Families’ Day and at the last two RAF Air Cadet Inter My specific thanks go to: our existing and new Stay safe, stay well and, most importantly, stay at home Squadron Competitions at the station. volunteers; the serving personnel who have stepped for as long as your government requests. Please ask for Her support to South East and Eastern Area Conferences has been up to the plate; the branches that have reached out to our help whenever you need it: 0800 018 2361. unstinting. “She just gets on with it, without any fuss,” says Area Divisional every one of their vulnerable members; the members Thank you most sincerely. Manager, Ailsa Gough. Ali has also supported London fundraising who have called in to see how they can help; and our collections for the last two years, helping branch members, RAF collectors and assisting with the area team count. She also supports the Abbots and Kings Langley Branch bi-annual Wings Appeal collections.

Pat and Trevor Hayes: for dedication to veterans’ welfare and fundraising for the Abbots and Kings Langley RAFA Branch and surrounding communities. Pat and Trevor Hayes display "unstinting commitment and leadership and Air Marshal Sir Baz North are exceptionally professional in all they do." They work tirelessly throughout President the year and continuously put the needs of others before their own. Since 2010 they have raised more than £70,000. For more than 15 years they have planned and executed the annual Battle of Britain parade and service in Hemel Hemptstead. Working with the local authorities, they ensure both go off without a hitch. Several local RAF Air Cadet squadrons, veteran and other youth groups take part and are always led by a band, something the Hayes always manage to arrange - even though bands are getting fewer and further between. Pat and Trevor also play an active part in the planning and execution of the Hemel Hempstead Remembrance Day service and parade. During the year they arrange visits to museums, an annual garden party, fish and chips lunches and other branch activities to give members the chance to stay in contact. Pat Hayes is a very active Honorary Welfare Officer in Watford and Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area, and many veterans and their families benefit from her diligence. Their nomination said: “They are a very caring and active couple, at the centre of their community and branch and are RAFA to the core. Undoubtedly, without them the Abbots and Kings Langley Branch ©Phil Greig would cease to exist, and many veterans and beneficiaries currently, and in the future, would suffer”.

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NEWS COVID-19 The Association “ The Association NEWS COVID-19 One couple in their eighties had health conditions that made it too “ dangerous for them to go out for provisions. Ken Topaz, a former It is acts of kindness like the gift received air electronics officer left the RAF on medical grounds in 1973 after today from RAFA that restores one’s faith in the Op CONNECT: the Association’s being the sole survivor of a crash landing. His wife, Shirley, had just greater good, and serves as a reminder that we come out of hospital when the government lockdown started. Shirley said: “We decided to stay put because we didn’t want to are indeed a part of an unwavering common emergency response to COVID-19 take any chances with our health. Unfortunately, after a fortnight we bond. We are Air Force. We are family. ran out of food and other essentials.” Within days of the lockdown being implemented in the UK, the Association With family and friends too far away or unable to leave their own homes to provide help, the couple sent out a plea to the RAF Employees were redeployed alongside revolutionised its services to meet the needs of the RAF community. Association. Ken said: “We couldn’t believe how quickly [they] volunteers to get essentials to those who arrived. We don’t normally ask for charity help, but we had no other needed them most. © RAF Association choice, given the circumstances. We’re very grateful.”

After COVID-19 – the future The Association has established a working group to examine how COVID-19 will have an impact on our future operations. We are

adopting an ambitious and positive approach to the challenges “ahead, recognising that important decisions are needed to ensure that the Association continues to meet the changing welfare needs

of our RAF community. Reporting to Council, the working group comprises the President, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Council, the Chairs of the

“ Urgent Appeal

Normal fundraising, events and collections have stopped due

Really impressed with the befriending to COVID-19 and the Association faces a forecasted £10million service. The befriender my father has impact on its finances as a result. We have launched an emergency fundraising appeal to ensure the increasing levels of demand can “ couldn’t be nicer. He’s so joyful when he’s continue to be met. Information and donations at rafa.org.uk/

One of the had communication with him, it’s a weight get-involved/emergency-covid19-appeal. Make cheques out to hundreds of happy recipients off our shoulders knowing that there’s Royal Air Forces Association and post to Finance Dept, Atlas House, of a bag drop someone else who cares about him. Wembley Road, Leicester, LE3 1UT. (Write Op Connect on the back). © RAF Association “

Our immense gratitude goes to the generous supporters who have already helped the emergency appeal grow to more than £500,000. Donations When face-to-face contact - the essence of our support for have come in from individuals, trusts and corporate partners, as well as many branches. Branches which had donated to the appeal by the time this “the RAF community - was suddenly no longer possible, we When I called, Mrs M had had a fall; issue of Air Mail went to print are: immediately implemented plans which allowed us to continue the majority of our normal welfare operations.," said Nick Bunting, the ambulance crew were with her. They 1066 £1,687 Exmouth £100 Northampton and District £5,400 Secretary General of the RAF Association. advised no major concerns, but she asked me Abbots & Kings Langley £6,950 Falmouth £100 North Weald and Ongar £7,000 "But we knew this wouldn’t be enough; we needed to do more to to phone her again later to check that her Alresford and District £928 Formby £5,000 Plymouth £1,500 support those who would be most affected by lockdown. We launched symptoms had not changed or worsened. Aylesbury and Halton £5,000 Fleet £5,000 Poole £1,000 Operation CONNECT and, very soon, we found some truly desperate Banbury £1,500 Fareham £2,300 RAF St Mawgan £4,000 levels of need,” said Nick Bunting, Secretary General of the Association. Barrow-In-Furness £1,000 Glasgow £33,000 Rugby £250 Operation CONNECT is using the combined forces of our branches, Project ENTERTAIN is a RAF-themed daily entertainment programme employees, and existing and new volunteers on four large-scale broadcast over the internet, which is brightening the days of people Barry £500 Gloucester £50 Sale/Wythenshawe £30,000 projects addressing the issues which members of our RAF community stuck at home during lockdown. There have been more than 700,000 Bedford £650 Grimsby and Cleethorpes £2,000 Scarborough £2,500 have been facing. views of the 100 sessions which have taken place so far. These have Blackhall £2,500 Halifax £3,050 Shrewsbury £1,000 Project OUTREACH is a telephone outreach service, contacting more included low-impact fitness, tap dancing lessons and a host of live Bognor Regis £13,000 Harrogate and District £13,200 Stevenage £3,000 than 30,000 people who are in higher risk groups and have therefore concerts and sing-alongs that have kept viewers active and entertained. Boston £200 Hartlepool £5,000 Stowmarket £5,000 been self-isolating or shielding. The service is checking on their Talks on history and life in the RAF have included a huge variety of guest Cannock Chase £250 High Wycombe £50,000 Switzerland £1,000 welfare, alerting them to the support services in place and offering speakers, such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the RAF’s Huyton with Roby and Liverpool £10,000 Thetford £2,500 them ongoing telephone friendship from a regular volunteer. More Deputy Commander Operations (Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew), the Red Carlisle Branch £1,000 than 270 branches and 260 volunteers (including employees Arrows’ first female pilot (Kirsty Murphy) and Gulf War prisoner of Carterton and Brize £1,300 Isle of Man £11,000 Thurrock £5,000 from ICAP and Raytheon) have been making welfare war, John Peters. Past and live sessions can be viewed at: Cheltenham £15,000 Jersey £30,000 Truro £100 check calls. At the time of going to print they are also bit.ly/Proj ENTERTAIN. “The Chingford £5,894 Kettering £2,500 Wantage £5,000 supporting more than 1,000 individuals with weekly Project BAG DROP is delivering emergency provisions City of Bristol £6,000 Keyworth £1,000 Whitley Bay £500 telephone befriending calls. to the doorsteps of vulnerable members of our RAF Association Cockermouth £2,400 Leuchars £1,000 Wimborne £3,500 Project HELPLINE is a friendship helpline (0800 018 community who are running out of food and other made sure we Littlehampton £1,000 Witham and Rivenhall £5,000 2361) that anyone in the RAF community can call if essential supplies. Every request for support is assessed Dudley £8,000 they are feeling isolated or lonely and want a friendly would not starve. and the bags contain enough for people to get by until Dunstable £3,000 Llanidloes £200 Wolverhampton £550 chat with someone who understands. Thank you.” we help them to find alternative solutions. So far, this Eastbourne £500 Llangollen £350 WRAF £2,000 service has dealt with more than 300 cases. Edinburgh £6,000 Mid-Somerset £500 York Branch £5,000

8 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 9 NEWS COVID 19 - Branch focus COVID 19 - Royal Air Force NEWS

©James Humphreys. “It’s not been an RAF battles COVID-19 easy few months” Branches have played a vital role in supporting the welfare of their more for the nation vulnerable members during the COVID-19 outbreak – telephoning, supporting housands of British troops, including many from the Royal and caring. But members of one branch, Caduceus (medical services), have been Air Force, have been supporting the NHS in the battle a critical part of the response for the general public. against COVID-19. RAF transport aircraft and helicopters have been moving critically ill patients and vital medical

©Jan Mennie. ©Steve Kilbey. equipment around the UK and the world, while RAF Jan Mennie Air Commodore Steve Kilbey Tpersonnel have been driving ambulances and helping to test a NHS Jan was an RAF Medical Assistant (Caduceus Branch President) smartphone app that could help prevent the spread of the virus. from 1998-2010 and trained as a Steve served as a Medical Officer with the Two military helicopter `hubs` were established to meet requests paramedic in 2007. She is now a rapid RAF between 1990 and 2019, doing his final for assistance from the NHS. Three RAF Pumas were moved to Kinloss response community paramedic tour as Head of RAF Medical Services. Barracks in Scotland, supported by an RAF Chinook and an Army attending end of life patients for “I am a member of the Executive Wildcat operating out of RAF Leeming in Yorkshire. Early in the crisis, an RAFX has a record of testing apps pain relief, wound care, diabetic Committee of the Faculty of Conflict and RAF Atlas evacuated a critically ill patient from the Shetland Islands to and is at the forefront of driving new medication and more. “My role Catastrophe Medicine; most recently lecturing at the United Nations Aberdeen hospital. One of the Pumas transferred another patient from processes across the force. includes attending patients with Training School Ireland on the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief the Isle of Arran to a hospital in Kilmarnock. RAF personnel have been involved COVID-19. We ask carers and family Course. By the mid-March, I was working as an emergency medical The Puma detachment commander, Squadron Leader Johnny in the fight against the virus by to help with simple dressings where planner to help turn Ireland’s influenza pandemic plan into a COVID-19 Longland, said: “Just over three hours after the crew received the call, staffing civilian ambulances. Teams possible so that we protect the patients by limiting the amount of pandemic plan. In April I was helping a local network of local GPs plan the patient had travelled 162 nautical miles and was in the Intensive at Honington and Marham were people going to their homes and we wear masks or visors along with their response and set up COVID-19 clinics, home visiting services and Care Unit. The training that we conducted with the emergency medical among those who took delivery of aprons and gloves. People still need seeing.” personal protective equipment (PPE). teams across Scotland ensured that, when the time came, we were all emergency vehicles to help the East ©James Ackroyd-Smith. of England Ambulance Service with the surge in virus-related calls. The ©Andy Ormston. ready for a quick and smooth transfer of a patient.” Andy Ormston James Ackroyd-Smith The second helicopter hub covering the Midlands and Southern volunteers from various RAF trades undertook some intensive clinical Andy was a RAF Medical Assistant James is an ambulance service England was established at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire and drew on RAF, training to improve their skills before reporting for duty. and RAF Medical Administrator paramedic, in the process of joining Army and Royal Navy assets. The task was to support medical transports More than 300 RAF nurses have been working alongside NHS teams from 1985 to 1996, and trained as 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Squadron and move equipment and personnel as required. An RAF Atlas was used across the country. For example, 30 medics from the Princess Mary’s a nurse after leaving. He is now an Royal Auxilliary Air Force. to airlift a load of personal protection equipment from Turkey. Royal Air Force Nursing Service have been helping on the front line at Advanced Paramedic Prescriber in a “It’s not been an easy few months. The RAF has been at the forefront of testing a NHS contact-tracing the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. GP surgery. The day used to consist Daily call volumes reached the highest they have ever been. Many smartphone app. Personnel at RAF Leeming were involved in trialling the RAF Odiham`s Chinook Support Centre has been supporting the of running face-to-face consultations, colleagues have had to take time off work to recover from the virus. software, led by the station’s innovative digital unit, RAF eXperimental NHS by manufacturing and distributing supportive clips to NHS doing home visits and some Some have sadly died, and we keep these staff in our thoughts, always. (RAFX), who have been working closely with NHSX and partners. More workers to ease discomfort caused by the protective face masks. telephone appointments. “Members of the armed forces, fire fighters and volunteers have than 300 personnel and their families at Leeming carried the app on their The joint RAF and Boeing team quickly identified a request from the "The way of working changed been invaluable in this fight. Ambulance staff pride themselves on phones as ‘beta testers’. The NHS chose the base to host the trial because 3-D National Printing Society, supported by Government direction, overnight. Now my day starts with a clinic list of telephone and their support for patients and families through traumatic experiences. to manufacture supportive clips to adapt the elasticated straps on video consultations.” However, trying to show empathy and care through a visor, surgical protective face masks that were causing pain and discomfort during Andy also works at the Hot Covid Clinics doing face-to-face mask and gown has been quite the challenge.” prolonged periods of use. assessments of patients who have suspected COVID-19. ©Maxime Owen. ©Maxime by Mike Curtis “This pandemic has changed the way of work for many and for us Robert Morris has really proved the benefits of remote consultations rather than Robert left the RAF in 2019 after more than 25 years’ service as a every patient having to come to us.” Mental Health Nurse. He is now at HMP Oakwood, the largest prison in Top: Puma Helicopter force training over the Western Hebrides before later evacuating a COVID-19 patient from Shetland to Aberdeen the UK, with more than 2,000 prisoners. Hospital. Three aircraft have been deployed at Kinloss Barracks to Maxime Owen “On a normal day work is very similar to that in the RAF. It starts support MACA (Military Aid to Civilian Authorities). Above right: RAF Maxime was a nurse with the RAF with a morning meeting to review the previous day’s assessments Leeming is at the forefront of testing an NHS smartphone app to try from 1969 to 1977 with the Princess then individual sessions and admin. Since the start of lockdown all to stop the spread of COVID-19. Above left: As part of the Aviation Task Force Covid Support Force, a Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Morris. ©Rob routine individual therapy with contact has was deployed in support of the NHS assurance of Harrogate, Bristol Service and has retired. “I continue to been restricted to essential only. There is now and Sunderland Nightingale Hospitals. Bottom left: The UK Armed Forces contribute to supporting my nursing allocated telephone time and an increased have delivered essential equipment to the Falkland Islands to enable colleagues by making scrubs at home use of self-help literature. I make an effort to the construction of an oxygen generation plant to increase the supply for use in our local hospital: there is of oxygen to King Edward Memorial Hospital. A Royal Air Force C-17 write regularly to everyone on my caseload. But Globemaster delivered the equipment to British Forces South Atlantic more than one way veteran medical personnel are contributing to the team morale couldn’t be better, helped by our Islands as part of the UK Government’s support to the Overseas fight against COVID-19.” regular doses of cake and chocolate.” Territories during the coronavirus pandemic. All images © MOD/Crown 2020.

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Membership Type 2021 – 2022 2019 - 2020 Membership fees Fee (£) Fee (£)

Association membership subscriptions are reviewed every two years Ordinary 24.50* 23.00 and fees effective from 2021 onwards have now been set by Council. The Retail Price Index for the period December 2017 to December 2019 was used as the basis for calculations and a 6.9% increase approved. Details of the new subscription rates, which will come into Ordinary 4 year 92.00 86.00 effect for joining or renewing members from 1 January 2021, are in the table to the right. Announcing the change, Del Rowlands, Director of Membership, Associate 1 Year 17.00 16.00 Helping carers to ‘fly said: “Being part of our Association has never been more important. with Air Mail As we go to print, we are proactively contacting over 30,000 people in the RAF community who we know are in high-risk categories for Associate 4 Years 66.00 61.50 through the fog’ COVID-19, and we are finding heart-wrenching levels of need. The with Air Mail ability of the Association to respond in such dire circumstances is New website goes live to help dementia carers Above: An estimated 70,000 people with critical, and the response of branches and members has been superb. Associate 1 Year 13.00 12.00 dementia have an RAF background Each of our more than 70,000 members plays a crucial role in helping serving in the Royal Air Force. © Alzheimer’s Society us to step up our support for those who desperately need us.” “Even in ‘normal life’, our support is essential for thousands of The RAF Association has teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society and RAF community as need this help,” he continued. individuals too,” he continued. “And the camaraderie and RAF Associate 4 Years 52.00 48.00 CGI to launch the first phase of its new ‘Navigating Dementia’ project. The online hub has been created with generous pro-bono support connection that comes with membership is extremely important. A bespoke online hub, dementia.rafa.org.uk, has been created from CGI, a leading defence and security software and IT services I am so proud that we are the largest single Service membership specifically for people in the serving RAF community who are caring supplier. “We are very grateful to CGI for developing this important association. We are growing, and we are focusing on innovation and for family members with dementia. It links them with other carers and new resource with us,” said Rachel Huxford, Director of Fundraising, engagement for all our members. I am delighted you are with us.” families affected by dementia, provides a vital knowledge hub and Marketing and Trading at the Association. “Their expertise will benefit See the Membership Subscription FAQs on the website for more steers them towards further resources and support. dementia carers very directly, and is testament to CGI’s impressive information: rafa.org.uk/membershipFAQ. Research by Alzheimer’s Society has estimated that 70,000 commitment to supporting the UK’s military community.” Part of each subscription for members of a branch will be returned people with an RAF background have dementia. The Neil Timms, Senior Vice-President Space, Defence and to the home branch and further details of this rebate will be RAF Association’s 2018 Characteristics Study, which Intelligence at CGI in the UK said: “Sadly dementia communicated to Branch officials later in the year. sought to understand the social, geographical and affects many families, so we were delighted, as biological characteristics of the RAF community part of our commitment to Corporate Social *Monthly fees collected through RAF pay from serving personnel under also identified that 9% of serving RAF personnel "Before, there Responsibility, to support RAFA in creating the the Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme will be £2.55 from January 2021. This have unpaid caring responsibilities for an older Navigating Dementia platform. It is vital that we includes a defined addition for tax relief. adult. was no tailor-made exploit digital channels to enable communities Rory O’Connor, Director of Welfare and Policy support for people in to access the information and support they at the Association, says: “There is a wealth of need wherever they are. In these challenging Left: Membership brings camaraderie and support: serving and veteran published evidence that suggests serving RAF the RAF affected by times I am very proud of the joint RAFA and CGI RAF personnel swapping stories at the Aylesbury and Halton Branch personnel and their families face more barriers dementia" team that have made this happen so rapidly.” lunch club. Katie Rutherford © MOD/Crown 2018 in such situations than their civilian counterparts, £70,000 has also been awarded to the project by such as frequent relocation and deployment. the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. This will enable Caring for a parent with dementia when not living the Association to broaden the reach of the online close to them is an additional challenge that many RAF hub to the wider RAF community, supporting veterans as families face.” well as serving families. New name added to The Few “We knew from our research and pilot projects that members of the Phase two of the project will begin later this year with the launch serving RAF community wanted to be able to find relevant information of face-to-face training courses for serving RAF personnel and 80 years after the end of the Battle of Britain, another Spitfire pilot has in one place and to link with other people in similar circumstances. So their managers. This element of the Navigating Dementia project been added to the ranks of The Few. we are providing a forum to discuss topics, ‘ask the expert’ webinars, an is being generously supported by the RAF Association’s High Sergeant James Eric William Ballard of No 610 (County of Chester) events calendar and opportunities to plan self-supporting groups and Wycombe Branch. Squadron (pictured, right) has been posthumously added to the list, meet-ups. There are also links to resources and information, regional “Before the Navigating Dementia hub there was no tailor-made after his logbook was discovered. It shows an operational sortie flown breakdowns of dementia support, space for people to share their stories support for people in the serving RAF family affected by dementia,” on 8 October 1940, a flight that was confirmed by the signatures of his and answers to frequently asked questions.” added Mr O’Connor. “Dementia remains a national health priority, and commanding officer and flight commander. “We aim to strengthen connections to other RAF families with we are responding to the needs of the population the Association As the Battle of Britain is considered to have taken place between 10 similar experiences, enhance resilience, and improve understanding serves, and to the national health and social care agenda.” of how to support someone affected by dementia for as many of the July and 31 October 1940, the RAF Air Historical Branch has concluded that Sergeant Ballard meets the criteria to be awarded the Battle of Left: Squadron Leader Richard Lewis (far Britain Clasp to the 1939-45 Star. left) and Flight Lieutenant Rosie Brooks Group Captain Patrick Tootal, OBE, Secretary of the Battle of Britain (far right); both have personal experience Memorial Trust, said: "It is rare to be able to add a new name to the of caring for someone with dementia, and list of those who took part, especially a Spitfire pilot. Such was the played a central role in the development desperate need then for fighter pilots that Sergeant Ballard had only of the project. Dr Prema Nirgude (front nine hours of flying time before joining his squadron." left) and James Kew-Moss (centre More from the Battle of Britain Memorial: bit.ly/TheFew_new back) led the research and piloted the support projects for the RAF Association, partnering with Natasha Howard from Alzheimer’s Society. All pictured at the RAF Association’s first research symposium in October 2019. © Phil Greig. © BBMT

12 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 13 NEWS NEWS “Magic” VE Day events RAF Anniversaries Refreshing relationship Necessity is the mother of invention and the Rare Tea Company has renewed its relationship with the RAF Association’s VE Day events were magnificently 25 yrs ago (1995) Association and pledged to continue raising funds and awareness. ingenious. The commitment is part of an update of the organisation’s whole While some members across the world Aug 1: In Operation Deliberate Force, Harriers based in Italy attack range, unveiled in June. The company linked up with the Association quietly used their permitted, socially-distanced Serbian targets in Bosnia. in 2010 when ‘tea lady’ Henrietta Lovell met Battle of Britain navigator daily exercise to pay their respects at local war Terry Clark and created a special Breakfast Tea for Heroes in his memorials and others decorated their homes, 75 yrs ago (1945) honour. Since then it has donated 50p for every tin sold. Association standard bearers, joined in a virtual “I saw the relationship Terry still had with the RAF at Linton-on-Ouse commemoration. More than 45 had paraded Jul 21: The RAF began a nine-day offensive against the Japanese (where he had served), and how much it gave to him to be part of that their standards in their gardens, and the photos 14th Army, flying 3,045 sorties. The end of this battle signified the family still. It’s family and community that I care about, and I found were released on VE Day in a special Association end of the war in Burma. that with the RAF and the Association’s sense of belonging, and of video, with Squadron Leader (Padre) Stuart Jul 31: The longest combat operation by a land plane during WWII supporting one another. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?” Shaw of RAF Wittering reading the dedication. was flown by a Liberator: it spent 24 hours 10 minutes airborne. Talking about the history of tea drinking she added: “Before the This was shared with more than 13,400 people through a special VE Day war people spent more on tea as a percentage of their income than Aug 6: First atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. email from the Association, and on social media. on alcohol. They used to buy the flavours they liked loose from the a little more in cash, but it supports rather than exploits – and doesn’t A newly composed poem comparing the battles of WWII with today’s Aug 14: Japan formally accepted surrender terms. grocer. It was just seen as choice, not ‘posh’. There is no reason that cost the environment.” battles for our health and the health of our nations was recorded by Aug 20: Mosquitos carried out the RAF’s last bombing operation of WWII, today our tea can’t be drunk in the same way that people will drink Find out more and order tea from bit.ly/RAFATRADfoodanddrink a diverse range of people from across our RAF community, including attacking Japanese troops in Burma. Coincidentally, the same squadron everyday table wines but then buy a bottle of champagne for a veterans, serving members and air cadets. Familiar faces included Chief of (110) had also carried out the first bombing operation of the war on special occasion. Terry Clark died on 7 May at the age of 101. His obituary is on page 65. the Air Staff, Association President and Carol Vorderman. 4 September 1939 when it attacked the German ship the Admiral Scheer. “Our tea costs a bit more because we pay a fair amount direct Former Flight Lieutenant Douglas Newham LVO DFC, a Bomber Aug 29: Operation Birdcage: after Japan’s surrender, Liberators to the tea growers and we invest in their communities so their life Above: A new “Spitfire paint job” has graced tins of Breakfast Tea for Command veteran, shared his full memories of VE Day and his role in the began dropping 150 tons of leaflets over known prisoner-of-war expectancy can rise above the appallingly common 40’s. It might cost Heroes since June. © Rare Tea Co. Second World War. These included: “The overwhelming sense of relief camps. These were followed by food and medical supplies. and gratitude spread across the whole country. We had ‘made it’, we had Aug 30: RAF teams parachuted into Singapore Island to negotiate survived, we had emerged into the sunshine. In the villages, towns and the safe release of prisoners of war. Over the following days other cities across the land the streets suddenly blossomed with flags and teams reached camps in Burma, Siam, and Malaya. bunting. The church bells – silenced in 1940 and to be used only as a sign of invasion – rang out in gratitude, there was dancing in the streets, neighbour Sept 2: The Second World War formally ended with the Fundraising news hugged neighbour.” Now 98 years old, he is currently volunteering for the unconditional surrender of Japan. Replacement ride raises thousands Association’s Op CONNECT telephone befriending service. Sept 3:Squadron Leader Frank McKenna of the RAF’s Special Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall and a newly-formed ‘Quaranteam’ And finally, a day-long celebration in song saw four different vocal Investigation Branch arrived in Germany to investigate the threw down the gauntlet this June in RAFA Rides:Virtual 2020. artists have more than 100,000 views through live broadcasts from their execution of 50 RAF personnel after the Great Escape. This led to Disappointed by the postponement of the RAFARides:2020 cycle homes and gardens. This VE Day special from the Project ENTERTAIN team a trial in 1947 at which 13 people were sentenced to hang, two because of COVID-19, and keen to raise funds for the Association’s was particularly popular. Comments from people watching live included: received life sentences, and two more received 10-year sentences. “It was my grandad’s funeral this morning and although he was too emergency appeal, the team of ten decided to don their lycra and Sept 6: An RAF Mosquito broke the east-west transatlantic record by use static bikes and peleton software to ride 100 miles ‘together’ young to fight in WW2, he joined up with the RAF straight after it ended. flying from RAF St Mawgan to Torbay, Newfoundland in seven hours. I could not attend the funeral but I am listening today as my way of from their own homes. 225 people in 32 teams swiftly accepted the remembering him. Thanks for the lovely show”, “We are so v appreciative challenge, including Team RAF Cycling Association, CGI, RAF Valley - this is magic”, and “All my favourites. What a lovely afternoon listening... 100 yrs ago (1920) Cycling Club, Team Northolt, Team Virtual Leeming, The Roaming Thank you so much to you and the RAF Association”. Cheetahs, Cranwell College HQ, and Boeing and, as Air Mail went to Jul 3: First RAF Tournament (later known as the RAF Pageant Catch up with all the videos, poems, singing and memories on press, more than £31,000 had been pledged in sponsorship. Find out then the RAF Display) took place at Hendon. It attracted the Association’s VE Day web page: bit.ly/RAFA_VE75 the latest totals at: bit.ly/RAFARidesVirtual 60,000 spectators. Read Doug Newham’s full story at: bit.ly/D_Newham RAFARides:2020 has been rescheduled for 3 October 2020. Sign up and more info: bit.ly/RAFARides2020 Correction: The January RAF Anniversaries should have read: Hugh Trenchard was reappointed Chief of Air Staff on 15 February 1919 (not 31 March 1920). Above: Standard bearers were not allowed to parade in Hornsea Memorial Gardens, so Mel Watson paraded the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District The Quaranteam issued the challenge to cycle 100 miles at home in Branch standard and observed the two minutes silence outside his house. RAFARides:Virtual ©RAF Association Below left: ”We decked our house out, flew the RAF ensign and put on WWII RAF uniform to celebrate VE Day and paid our respects at 1100hrs”, said 100 years of Cranwell Doug Pearce, ex Royal Auxillary Air Force and member of Corsham and Typhoon Display’s huge generosity Chippenham Branch. Below right: Unable to attend any organised public More than £5,000 was raised by RAF Coningsby’s Typhoon Display gatherings to celebrate VE Day, Hartlepool Branch members Bill and memories needed team during their 2019 season, which has been donated towards the Brenda Bird celebrated at home with RAFA windmills and wearing their work of the RAF Association. Association t-shirts. © Images all courtesy of contributors RAF College Cranwell is appealing for your memories to help Acting Senior RAF Association Liaison Officer at the station, celebrate its 100th year. Acting Corporal John Bryce said: ”The entire RAFA team here were The recollections will be collated in a special written and oral history – completely blown away by their generosity, and we would like to from former cadets, staff and others with connections. Submissions can take this opportunity to pass on our greatest thanks for their hard be made throughout the centenary year, until early 2021. work and dedication.” Download and complete Sergeant Michael Maw, the display team PR Manager said: “It has a simple,interactive form to been my honour and privilege to have raised £5,290.50 for such a share your memories, your postings since key charity as RAFA. It is thanks to my dedicated team of volunteers RAF Typhoon Display pilot Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson handed over graduating, and your achievements: deployed to air shows across the UK during the season, coupled the cheque to Corporal Dave Holmes of RAF Coningsby’s RAFALO team rafa.org.uk/rafcollegevoices with the huge generosity of the general public, that such an amount and the Typhoon Display team, watched by key representatives from was raised.” both organisations. ©MOD/Crown 2019

14 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 15 NEWS NEWS 100th birthdays RAF Charities' news John Cruickshank VC John Cruickshank VC, the RAF’s last living recipient of the Victoria Cross and President of the Association’s Aberdeen News from the RAF Branch, celebrated his 100th birthday on 20 May. The day John won his VC – 17 July 1944 – he was flying with 210 Squadron as a Flight Lieutenant, having Benevolent Fund already completed 24 operational sorties plus many non-operational flights. That day, John’s Catalina flying Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Chris Elliot joined the RAF Benevolent Fund boat took off to provide anti-submarine cover for ships as Controller/Chief Executive in April. She said: “It’s an honour to be involved in Operation Mascot; an attempt by carrier- taking on this role. While I have no doubt that the year ahead will be based aircraft to destroy the German battleship Tirpitz a tough one, in these challenging times we are adapting to support moored near Norway’s North Cape. those that need us most. I look forward to driving the Fund forward so John Cruickshank When a U-boat was sighted on the surface, John © AJK we can continue supporting the RAF Family at this uncertain time”. attacked, in the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire. His depth charges failed to release. He turned for another attack Support through COVID-19 and managed to sink the U-boat, but not before his navigator/bomb stage of training on The Fund has introduced a weekly check and chat service and aimer had been killed, three other crew members injured, and John wireless equipment, but was instead sent out to India, where there expanded its telephone friendship groups service and its access himself struck in seventy-two places; including two serious wounds in was a shortage of wireless operators. to grants for individuals. It has made £2,500 available for each RAF the lungs. His aircraft was badly damaged, but he refused morphine After landing in Bombay, John took a 1,000 mile train journey to station to provide an activity and wellbeing pack for RAF children, and and ensured it was under control before allowing his wounds to Central Wireless Station (CWS) just outside Ambala, in the Punjab. He staff at Princess Marina House, the Fund’s care and respite centre, have be tended. John then continued to monitor the Catalina’s progress was promoted to sergeant and wrote frequently to his father back been contacting regular guests to ensure they are okay and identify during the five-and-a-half hour flight back to base, at the end of home in Yorkshire, who kept any further needs. So far, across all types of calls, the Fund estimates which he refused to allow the aircraft to be brought down until the the letters and made copies of that it has reached out and connected with more than 1,300 people. conditions of light and sea made this possible without undue risk. his replies. These letters offered Aberdeen Branch has been involved with others in organising a a snapshot of everyday life on All Stations podcast small private celebration for John, which has been postponed until the subcontinent during the The second series of the Fund’s All Stations podcast will be launched lockdown is lifted in Scotland. war. [See ‘Letters from India’, Air in July to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Fund Mail July-Sept 2019.] says the series “will come as a fitting opportunity to commit to the In 2013 John moved to airwaves the heroes who fought for our freedoms all those years ago”. Gordon Engel Tywyn in Wales, where Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, who started her job as Controller of the RAF Listen here: rafbf.org/news-blogs/all-stations-podcast Gordon Engel celebrated local Association members Benevolent Fund in April. his 100th birthday in March. encouraged him to join. He has been an Association Although forced to spend member for more than half a his birthday in hospital, John overseas is a complex one to navigate for RAF personnel and their century. nonetheless celebrated the families. The findings of the 2019 Families Continuous Attitude Volunteering for the RAF day with members of the Better prepared Survey (FamCAS) highlight that only 27% of spouses who had moved in 1938, aged 18, Gordon Association’s Towyn and overseas said that they had been able to access service-provided trained as a wireless operator John Hazzlewood © John Hazzlewood Aberdovey Branch. information without difficulty. and air gunner and joined for life overseas Prompted by this finding, the RAF Families Federation and RAF 77 Squadron flying Mark Community Support conducted their own surveys to further explore 5 Whitleys. May Topple According to recent research, Service-provided information has the experiences of RAF personnel serving overseas. These highlighted Gordon’s aircraft was May Topple celebrated her 100th birthday on 23 March. May grew up not always prepared RAF families for life overseas. The RAF Families the gaps in the information, most notably on welfare support, damaged during his first in Suffolk and joined the WRAF in 1942. She trained as a cook before Federation has set out to bridge that information gap with a project to childcare provision and accompanying partner’s career. mission and crash-landed on transferring to RAF Cosford then RAF Stradishall, where she served for enhance their website. The Families Federation is now starting a project to develop the overseas its return, badly injuring him. the rest of the war. Leading Aircraftwoman Topple was demobbed in The cultural and travel experiences that come with an overseas section of its website, with RAF Community Support as a key stakeholder, After months of recovery, on 1945 and returned to Felixstowe, having married in 1944. post are appealing for many. However, often the process of moving and a range of other RAF and Ministry of Defence stakeholders. The aim only his third mission, there Brian Engel © Brian Engel As well as being is to provide a single community information portal where personnel was a mysterious explosion a member of the and their families can go for guidance on preparing for life overseas as below the rear turret. Returning to base, the aircraft also crash-landed; RAF Association’s well as accurate and relevant location information. If relevant websites or killing all aboard except Gordon, who was again badly injured. Woodbridge Branch, information exist already, links will be clearly incorporated. While recovering, Gordon acted as a temporary military policeman May has also been a The project is a significant undertaking, and to ensure successful before being transferred to radio ops duty at RAF Hawkinge. He was member and active delivery the Families Federation has taken on a new web content officer. promoted to sergeant and later served in North Africa as part of supporter of the WAAF Jade Coe joined the team in April to evolve the website and develop the Operation Torch, becoming unofficially attached to a US regiment Association for many overseas content. Jade comments: “I come to the Families Federation of combat engineers building Ras el Ma aerodrome. Having had no years. She continues with 12 years digital marketing experience. Phase one will be pulling contact with the RAF – who had reported him as missing – Gordon to live independently, together a step-by-step guide for personnel and their families, combining stayed with the Americans until Ras el Ma was handed over by the and is looking forward formal processes and personal ones. Additionally, a test location will RAF after El Alamein. He left the Service in 1946. to celebrating her be selected in the USA and I’ll begin compiling information to build a milestone 100th central repository for ‘on arrival’ information. The number and diversity of John Hazzlewood year with her family locations make this project challenging and exciting for me.” In February, John Hazzlewood celebrated his 100th birthday. John once the COVID-19 To take a look at the overseas information from the RAF Families restrictions have joined the RAF five days after Britain declared war on Germany. He Jade Coe: “Can’t wait to move things forward” for RAF personnel about to Federation visit raf-ff.org.uk/overseas. If you have any questions was initially selected as a night fighter pilot, after completing the first been eased. embark on a life overseas. © RAF Families Federation about the project, direct them to: [email protected]

May Topple ©May Topple 16 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 17 Caring for We’re here to someone with help you navigate dementia… the way. Thousands in the RAF community care for someone with dementia. Our new Navigating Dementia service can feel like fl ying can help you nd the advice and support you need. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be bewildering and challenging. Sometimes, it’s hard to know where or who to through fog. turnturn toto forfor help.help. Often,Often, itit cancan feelfeel likelike you’reyou’re lost.lost. Now, the RAF Association can guide you through the fog. We’ve teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society toto createcreate aa newnew serviceservice calledcalled NavigatingNavigating Dementia.Dementia. This bespoke online hub connects you to other carers and families a ected by dementia, and steers you towardstowards furtherfurther resourcesresources andand support.support. IfIf youyou carecare forfor someonesomeone withwith dementia,dementia, oror youyou know someone in the RAF community who does, visit rafa.org.uk/dementiarafa.org.uk/dementia nownow toto ndnd outout more.more. For 90 years, we’ve supported the RAF community throughthrough allall kindskinds ofof adversity.adversity. Now,Now, throughthrough Navigating Dementia, we can help you faceface oneone ofof youryour greatestgreatest everever challenges.challenges.

Supported by

Untitled-2 1 15/06/2020 11:16:16 Untitled-3 1 15/06/2020 11:17:30 In 2014 the order to scramble Typhoons was given 21 times - to check up on unidentified aircraft, uncommunicative Russian bombers and more. © MOD/Crown 2019

Below: The F35-Lightnings will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk and on the UK’s two new aircraft carriers: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. © MOD/Crown 2020

“I only need to know where the enemy is; not point at it.” Hoodwinking the enemy

n the film Jurassic Park, ‘the ranger’ allows the pilot to quickly observe, orientate, then radar advances. Once missiles could be Since June 2007, this critical response has been 80 years after the Battle of Britain, we look at goes out to hunt down the matriarch decide and act – all without being seen on countered, it became all about agility - so fulfilled by the RAF’s Typhoon FGR4s. No. 1 Group’s modern-day air defences; the Typhoon “Ivelociraptor. He finally sees her, through radar, and while working in perfect harmony aircraft had to be able to dog fight in the 1970s The primary responsibility of No. 1 Group, the trees, looking straight back at him. And, with other UK and allied F-35 Lightnings, and and 80s. Now we do all of those things in the QRA is supported by hundreds of highly- Force on permanent alert to defend one million while the hunter is concentrating on her, he 4th generation aircraft. age of true electronic and cyber warfare; it’s as trained specialists on duty across the nation square miles of our air space, and the Lightning Force fails to see the other two velociraptors either Mox’s grandfather-in-law was a WWII much about ‘hoodwinking’ the enemy.” every second of every year. The National preparing for the future defence of the realm. side of him, who deliver the kill. This is a simple gunner; a wireless operator with an electrical Air and Space Operations Centre at RAF Air but effective example of how the RAF’s 4th engineering background. When he was alive, Typhoon Force Command in High Wycombe is the tactical generation and 5th generation stealth assets both used to talk about differences between As in the Battle of Britain, the key role of the command. Its eyes and ears, collating work together to be lethal.“ the aircraft of their times: “He would have been RAF has always been to protect the skies of information from radar sites across the Wing Commander Scott ‘Mox’ Williams, absolutely blown away by the computational Britain and its territories. While we haven’t UK, from intelligence and from civilian air Officer Commanding 207 Squadron based aspects of the F-35 and its systems now. faced a sustained mass onslaught of bombers traffic control to identify possible threats at RAF Marham, is describing some of the But it is all relative. The Second World War’s and fighters since the 1940s, our safety does are the Control and Reporting Centres at Combat Air capability of the RAF and Fleet Air cutting-edge scientific developments in depend on our Quick Reaction Alert force. RAF Boulmer and RAF Scampton. More than Arm in 2020 and beyond. He explains further: flight, observer posts, radar and radio have News of recent incidents can be found on 6,000 civilian and military flights a day are “The Typhoon FGR4 is that matriarch – it’s taught us lessons that have entirely shaped the RAF’s website, but the last official figures monitored in normal circumstances, looking an amazingly powerful aircraft with a large the development of military aviation through available show that in 2014 the order to for uncommunicative or off track aircraft, and arsenal of weapons and its way of operating the ages. First it was all about going faster - scramble was given 21 times to check up on unusual behaviour patterns. If there is a need is not inherently stealthy. The F-35B Lightning the jet age was about speed. Then it was all unidentified aircraft, uncommunicative Russian to scramble a response, he decision is made may have fewer weapons, but its fusion of about missiles – the bigger your missile, the bombers, or to watch over hostile nations’ by the National Representative, and passed information from multiple trusted sources more chances you had of success in a fight; naval assets passing close by our island home. through Control and Reporting Centres which

20 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 21 The Typhoon carries a 609 Squadron variety of ordnance.” NO. 1 GROUP © MOD/Crown 2016 'Fly with the Quick Reaction Alert Crews' on are arriving this year, six more in 2021 and Youtube: another eight in 2022. The intention is to base bit.ly/No1GpQRA them in Norfolk and on the UK’s two new aircraft carriers; HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Very successful RAF and Royal Navy sea trials took place in the US in 2019 and in UK waters early in 2020. The force is 45% Navy and 55% RAF but, Jim continues: “I am a member of the Lightning Force. It is so seamless that we struggle to tell who is Navy and who is RAF at Marham.” Mox, who trains the new Lightning pilots at RAF Marham, as well as still flying the aircraft says: “In the Battle of Britain, Dowding’s have direct contact with Typhoon pilots and Flight Lieutenant Dawe says: “The feeling you plotters and bunkers brought together engineers on permanent readiness at RAF get during performance take-offs with full information from the Chain Home RADAR, the Lossiemouth. Pilots have to be in the cockpit reheat is something you can never forget – it’s Observer Corps, radio and intelligence, and and ready for the ‘go’ order, or in the air, within mind-wateringly fast! The Typhoon has an even from the general public. And information Almost 50% of the next stage of their training minutes of the initial decision being made. abundance of power – I can fly both very high, was sent back out by radio to the pilots. That is in an extraordinarily high fidelity simulator Above: "When we are scrambled we may not know the nature of the incident”. Typhoons on Meanwhile, at the UK’s second QRA station, and very fast. Thanks to the delta wing design information all now goes into the cockpit of “and we throw them some curve balls, so the quick reaction alert. © MOD/Crown 2018 RAF Coningsby, crews are ordered to stand and its massive engines, it can carry a variety the Lightning in real time. The information is experience is intuitive when they fly for real,” by and at RAF Brize Norton, Voyagers with air- of ordnance without any loss of performance. amazing, but crucially isn’t overwhelming for says Mox. “On their first sorties in the aircraft ”An extremely powerful and capable system”. An F35-B Lightning hovers over the deck of HMS to-air refuelling capability are also readied for the pilot to quickly interpret. The Lightning we fly alongside them – it’s like having a Queen Elizabeth. MOD/Crown 2019 takeoff. Air-to-air refuelling allows the aircraft pilot, whether on the ground or in the air, can supportive hand on their shoulder. And when to operate for longer, over a larger distance. know the position, speed, altitude, fuel levels we ask ‘how did it go?’ they all say ‘it’s just like Four squadrons of Typhoons are based at and weapons status and situational awareness the simulator, but the view’s much better’.” RAF Lossiemouth: No. 1 (Fighter); No. II (Army of any other F-35 in its group, even if they are With the aircraft coming in at £92million each Cooperation); No. 6 and No. IX (Bomber) miles away. (a Spitfire in today’s money would have cost Squadrons. At RAF Coningsby we find: No. 3 “I expect the “So it’s about information dominance and around £280,000) that world class level of (Fighter); No. XI (Fighter); No. 12; No. 29 (the Lightning to still be hoodwinking the enemy. If you can do that training is critical. Operational Conversion Unit, or OCU) and in the airborne environment and if you can Six students are currently going through the No. 41 Squadrons. New squadrons are still in service when my control that information - but you know deep course, and some of them will quickly become being formed. The latest at RAF Lossiemouth grandchildren are down the truth - then you have an advantage,” instructors as the Lightning Force grows in is IX(B) Squadron, which re-rolled from Mox continues. “This is where we are today. mass. Support personnel also get trained in Tornado at RAF Marham to Typhoon in early grown up” The F-35 is an extremely powerful and the simulator in RAF Marham’s Integrated 2019. It is now a dedicated fourth-generation capable system, and the potential to mature Training Centre: highly skilled engineers, aggressor squadron, simulating the tactics these capabilities (and add more) across its ground crew, mission support such as avionics, and procedures of our adversaries to provide anticipated life of service to the UK is truly and armourers. They are drawn from the RAF the best training to our front-line pilots. 12 immense. As such, it’s going to be a steep and the Navy, plus civilian workforce, industry Squadron re-rolled from Tornado at RAF challenge for an adversary to know exactly contributors and reservist members of the Marham to Typhoon at RAF Coningsby as a It’s been fantastic to see the Typhoon evolve what the aircraft can and cannot do. Stealth team. Mox says: “There is no doubt the pilots Joint British-Qatari Typhoon Squadron. and transition from solely an air-to-air is a very important aspect, but is only one of are standing on the shoulders of the giants Typhoon pilot Flight Lieutenant Dawe of platform, into a multi-role aircraft that is many advantages F-35 brings, and it’s very that are the mission support team – it’s a II(AC) Squadron says: “The nature of the threats capable of missions such as ground attack and difficult for an opponent to counter them all.” whole force approach.” we face in the modern age are vastly different; close air support." Whereas some pilots in the Battle of Britain The Lightning is unusual in allied defence. when we are scrambled we may not know the are known to have got little more than The Typhoon has many British components nature of the incident but it is important that Lightning Force nine hours flying training before going into and the Eurofighter project as a whole is a we get to it as quickly as possible to ensure “The Typhoon is ideal for QRA and its combat, new Lightning pilots are already British, German, Italian, and Spanish that the situation does not escalate. considerable other duties around the world, fast jet graduates from RAF Valley and RAF collaboration. With the F35, the American’s “When we are in the air, we talk to working at its marauding best. The F-35B Leeming. They then complete seven weeks at have focused on one aircraft and Britain was Battlespace Managers and Air Traffic Lighting does things differently. It is more ground school before joining 207 Squadron. a ‘tier one partner’. 25% of its research and Controllers who guide us towards targets, penetrative,” says Group Captain Jim Beck, development and design team is in the UK, similar to what would have happened during Station Commander at RAF Marham. He and 15% of it is built here. For every one the Battle of Britain. describes himself as a ‘wannabe airline pilot pound we spend on it, three pounds goes “The differences are in the technology. The who enjoyed the RAF too much’. He became a back into our economy and between 17,000 Typhoon has its own radar which can detect Tornado pilot and weapons instructor before and 25,000 UK jobs depend on it. and identify threats miles away. It’s capable he moved on to lead the Lightning Force. He’s Jim Beck rounds the story up: “This aircraft’s of travelling faster than the speed of sound, been with the project since he flew with the journey is just beginning. The days of old which is key to getting to a target as quickly Lightning test team in 2013. He continues: school formation flying are over: it’s now as possible. Rather than being solely reliant “This jet is so different. You merely ask it to about a neural network. The potency of these on looking out of the canopy and listening to do something and it does it. It will always aircraft grows exponentially; they do fly in controllers on the ground, our radar and speed keep you safe, it will always take you there. formations, but they are 50 miles apart. I mean that we are much better equipped The jet does the dogfight, it sends the missile fly with two iPads on my legs and a helmet to quickly deal with any situation that may equipped with data. The challenge is to screen. Now I only need to know where the identify the enemy before they identify you.” present itself.” enemy is; not point at it.” AM Describing the experience of flying the jet, RAF Marham now has 15 F-35Bs. Three more

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Why do you think the Battle the site of ‘the slaughter of the by the concentrated fire from front page newspaper articles of Britain still has such an innocent.’ Like everybody else the four Browning .303 machine which proclaimed the success important place in the public’s I accepted the myth that the guns when they dived on them of the Defiant at Dunkirk. But imagination today? Boulton Paul Defiant was a from behind. But an examination the most rewarding part of my “It is Britain at its best: the plucky flawed concept and the tragedy of RAF pilots’ combat reports research was tracking down the Defying the underdog fighting alone against of July 19th was unavoidable. showed that in the right hands families of the two squadron the tyranny of the Nazis who Years later when I was going the Defiants could work together leaders who commanded Defiant threatened to turn back the clock through my great uncle’s First in a protective circle to defend squadrons in the battle. They and of humanity. And right now many World War memoirs I read about themselves against the German the other families of the aircrews people have made comparisons how he flew a twin-seater, single fighters. Over Dunkirk they were thought the Defiant’s record had with the threat of COVID-19 engine fighter (Fe2b) also built so successful at shooting down been unfairly blemished and was and the dark days of 1940. The by Boulton Paul. I spent the both bombers and fighters that in need of rehabilitation. What I stories of heroism and courage 80 next two years joining up the 264 Squadron secured the record discovered was that the Defiant years ago over skies of southern dots which finally led to some for destroying more enemy aircraft pilots and gunners fought just myths England have found a resonance startling conclusions.” in one day than any other unit. A as bravely as the Hurricane and in the countless examples of self- record which still stands today.” Spitfire crews helping to defend sacrifice made by those fighting When did you first realise there forward fighter bases during the on the NHS frontline of today.” really was more to the Defiant’s After you were first inspired by climax of the Battle of Britain. “ story than the received wisdom your uncle’s diary, how did you Why did you choose to focus on that it was just a flawed concept? set about researching the book? Were there any new or recently military history, and the Boulton “For a long time I had dismissed “Once my interest was piqued declassified pieces of evidence Paul Defiant in particular? the Defiant as a joke aircraft I marched off to the National you were able to use in the “It’s a long story! I grew up that got lucky when the Bf 109s Archives in Kew to try to establish book that haven’t been seen close to Hawkinge airfield near momentarily mistook it for a the evolution of the Defiant and elsewhere? Folkestone in Kent which was Hurricane and were picked off its later combat role in Dunkirk “Because the role of the turret and the Battle of Britain. Then I fighter has been largely ignored spent days in the Imperial War by historians there was a lot of Museum (IWM) which holds the new material in the archives and last audio and written the IWM which has not testimonies of some seen the light of day, of the Defiant some only recently aircrews who “There opened to public spoke so is also a inspection. positively secret memo The most about their interesting, in experience Park wrote to my opinion, with the Dowding in is four years ‘Daffy’. The of heated British Library June 1940” correspondence held the original between Hugh

Top left: Squadron Leader Hunter, commanding officer of 264 Squadron, addressing his Defiant crews after successful action in 1940. © IWM/Air Historical Branch CH196 The crucial role played by the Spitfire and the Hurricane Bottom left: The aircraft that led to the book – the Boulton Paul Fe2d. in the Battle of Britain has been exhaustively recorded, The observer had to stand up to operate the rear machine gun. but very little has been written about the third British He also had a forward-firing fighter which took part. Robert Verkaik, journalist and machine gun. © Author’s collection. Above: Defiant N1650, seen here author has turned his forensic gaze on the Boulton during a test flight, was delivered to the RAF on 5 August 1940, just Paul Defiant - writing from the unique perspective of as the Battle of Britain got going. The Defiant was affectionately the pilots and their air-gunners and uncovering new referred to as ‘Daffy’ by the aircrews. © RAF in Combat correspondence between Hugh Dowding and the Air Right: 264 Squadron was recalled Staff. To mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, we provide to the front line of the Battle of Britain in August 1940. © RAF in an extract from his book, Defiant: the untold story of the Battle of Britain, Combat published in June, and an exclusive question and answer session with the author.

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In this edited extract, we join test his entire fighter defence exercise proved Britain was well the book in Chapter Five, in system against a dummy attack of prepared for a German air assault, the fraught run up to the war, invading bombers. But the head proclaiming: ‘I confidently believe before the Defiant, Spitfire and of Bomber Command, Ludlow- that a serious air ‘attack on these Hurricane had been able to Hewitt, had demonstrated islands would be brought to a prove themselves in battle. a marked reluctance to fully standstill in a short period of cooperate with exercises run by time.’ In a confidential report War now seemed unavoidable. Fighter Command… of the operation, Dowding Dowding, watching on with Dowding’s official complaints reaffirmed this confidence, interest from his headquarters at about Ludlow-Hewitt, aided and informing the Air Ministry, Bentley Priory, continued to focus abetted by Keith Park, eventually ‘While I am far from implying his attention on building a fighter forced Bomber Command that the present system is Contact Robert Verkaik via: [email protected] defence system which could to engage in meaningful perfect, I feel that a very great or write to him c/o Air Mail at the address in the front of repel a large German air attack. cooperation. In August 1939, advance has been made

“264 the magazine. Robert is the former security editor of Correspondence between the Air five hundred bombers were during the past year in the Brown Little © Squadron the Mail on Sunday who now writes for the Guardian, Ministry and Fighter Command flown against Dowding’s fighter mechanism of intercepting Independent, i, Tortoise, Observer, Times, Sunday showed the air marshals remained defences, covering a third of raids in the daylight.’ secured the record Telegraph and Sunday Times. His reporting has fixated by the threat of the bomber the country, in the biggest air Dowding’s confidence was for destroying been long-listed for both the Orwell Prize and and the means to neutralize it. exercise since the end of the First predicated on the meaningful [most] enemy the Paul Foot Awards. He was runner-up in the The job of neutralizing and World War. It ran for four days number and performance of the on 18 May 1939, incorporated a specialist journalist category at the 2013 National testing modern bomber destroyer and nights, although complete Hurricane and the critical arrival of number of key design changes. aircraft in one Press Awards. He is also the author of Jihadi John: tactics was given to Professor blackouts were impossible. a few Spitfires, with the promise The chief improvement was Dowding and the Air Ministry. After reading day” The Making of a Terrorist, and Posh Boys: How English Bennet Melvill Jones… The initial Dowding learned valuable of more to come. As to his third the introduction of the more The Air Staff wanted a twin- Defiant, what Public Schools Ruin Britain. results convinced [him] that the lessons from the operation fighter, Dowding remained at powerful Merlin II engine, and seater bomber destroyer to be would be the one German bomber formations could enabling him to test and then best ambivalent. The Air Ministry later the Merlin III, which helped the cutting edge of the defence thing you’d like readers be best defeated using free-gun tighten his defences. His filtering had also been forced to rethink its to compensate for the weight of the realm in the run up to to remember? Top left: Defiants race to engage fighter aircraft. [He] had been system, based at Bentley Priory, position. In June 1939 Stevenson and drag of the turret so that the the war – Dowding and Park “The courage and quality of the enemy bombers. © RAF in Combat experimenting with overtaking was tweaked so that Observer had quietly informed Dowding that aircraft’s performance was now had reservations and prioritised aircrews and their commanding Above: In the Battle of Britain, Robert manoeuvres that would allow Corps reports could be fully the Air Ministry was scaling down more in line with pre-turret tests. Spitfires and Hurricanes. There is officers who fought bravely Verkaik’s great uncle George Defiants to use the ‘windage’ coordinated with radar tracking, its turret fighter requirements so The first production Defiant finally also a secret memo Park wrote to against overwhelming odds yet Heseltine (second from left) was to help bring overwhelming which were directly fed into that Fighter Command was to have flew on 30 July, but by the start of serving with RAF intelligence. Dowding in June 1940 after the never questioned the fighting firepower to bear on the enemy radio communications with six, not nine, Defiant squadrons. September only one Defiant had Author’s collection Left: Author Robert Defiants had won plaudits for qualities of the aircraft they flew. Verkaik during his research for from the flanks. the squadrons and on to the This merely reflected the reality been delivered to the RAF. their success over Dunkirk. The The question that is left hanging the book. Author’s collection. Below: Suddenly, Dowding, who hitherto individual fighters in the air. of the retarded development of The Air Ministry, disappointed vitriolic tone of Park’s criticism of is what would have happened if Newspaper headlines celebrating had done all in his power to rid It was a system that Dowding the Defiant [with production line by the slow progress of its secret the Defiant is quite astonishing.” the Air Staff had got its way and the Defiant’s (still unbroken) his fighter force of the Defiant, spent almost six problems]. But as soon fighter, was determined Dowding a third of RAF fighter squadrons record for the most enemy aircraft became very interested in this years perfecting. as Boluton Paul was should make full use of the small What was the most unexpected in the Battle of Britain had been destroyed in one day. © Daily idea and wrote to the Air Ministry Throughout able to restore number of Defiants which were thing you discovered during equipped with Defiants?” Telegraph with tentative enthusiasm…. He all these its production with the RAF. And once the LITTLE, BROWN 153 × 234 SPINE: 0 FLAPS: 0 yourBOOK research, GROUP or the evidence or followed this up with a memo exercises and “Families targets these production hold-up was eased, fact that you were most pleased Do any other aspects of the RAF to Augustus Orlebar, Director of preparations squadron ministers fully expected Fighter BINDING of the aircrews to find? – past or present – interest you? If Flying Training at the Air Fighting it was figures Command to begin filling its ROYAL Endpaper “I think the Air Ministry reports of so, what and why? Development Establishment at RAF accepted thought the were to squadrons with the Defiant. 234 x 153mm Squadron Leader Philip Hunter’s “I think the air defence of Malta in Northolt… “Will you make some without Defiant’s record be upgraded. On 10 August 1939 Harold OTHERtrials / SPECIAL of INSTRUCTIONS: a Defiant in simulated 1942 is fascinating. It was a mini trials with the Defiant and let me question had been unfairly The Defiant Balfour, the Under Secretary of dogfights with a Spitfire and a rerun of the Battle of Britain and know how they work out?” that the remained State for Air, wrote to Dowding Bf 109. In both tests the Defiant once again proved the tactical The reason for Dowding’s bombers blemished” stuck, its test asking him for a progress report came out on top.” leadership skills of Keith Park, apparent change in attitude would be flying phase and its on the Defiant fighter. Balfour, perhaps the unsung hero of 1940.” towards the Defiant is not from bases in early promise a First World War ace who had Some of your other books give obvious. Perhaps he had finally Germany and would limited to the results of flown Sopwith Camels… could evidence that knocks British Is there anything else you’d like to accepted the thinking behind the be unprotected by fighters. its trials before its turret had see the merits of a bomber establishment systems. Do add for our readers, who are all concept of the turret fighter, or Given the known range of fighters been fitted. The introduction of destroyer, and was seriously you think your readers will serving or veteran RAF personnel, perhaps he was worried that the at this time, that was a reasonable the heavy turret with the gunner concerned that not enough effort be surprised by your obvious or their supporters? Nazi bombers would be too well assumption. However, it meant and ammunition left a serious was being made to bring the passion for the Battle of Britain “Dowding’s memoirs reveal that armoured against his fixed-gun that the Air Ministry need only question mark hanging over the Defiant to operational readiness. in Defiant? something happened during rear attacks. Whatever the reason focus on tactics for sending up new fighter’s performance. But Dowding would not be “I think the values we were the Battle of Britain which he Dowding, who placed his trust fighters to shoot down bombers A second Defiant prototype had rushed into equipping his fighting for in 1940 are the same never talked about but which in scientific experiment, was at and not draw up contingency been designed to meet the weight squadrons with a third fighter that values I have spoken up for in my he believed was an example of last able to subject the Defiant plans for tackling escorts. Nor had and drag issues which Boulton had not been fully combat tested. previous books. The right to be ‘divine intervention’. Whatever to rigorous trials, the results of Fighter Command done enough to Paul knew must be addressed He waited almost a month before given a fair hearing or a fair start happened it proved to Dowding £5 off - reader offer: which the Air Ministry would have prepare for German night raids… before the Air Ministry and, more he replied to Balfour’s letter, by To buy a copy of ‘Defiant: the untold story of the Battle of Britain’ for in life underpin a British sense of beyond any doubt that God was to be bound by. After the August dress rehearsal importantly, Dowding would be which time Britain was at war. £15 (RRP £20) call Little Brown’s customer service team on justice or our belief in fair play. If on the side of the RAF. To this Of course Defiant was only a Dowding was sufficiently satisfied able to declare it fit for combat (The book’s considerable number 01235 759 555 during office hours and quote: RAFADefiant. the British establishment fails to day I don’t know to what event small part of Dowding’s overall to make his first public broadcast, operations. This second prototype, of references have not been With apologies, this offer is only available to Air Mail readers in Great protect these values then it needs he was referring. Do any of your concern. He urgently needed to reassuring the nation that the which had flown for the first time included in the extract). Britain and Northern Ireland. Offer ends 31 December 2020. to be called out.” readers?”

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DEFIANT-ROYAL-ENDPAPER-LBBG.indd 1

14/04/2020 16:23 Interview Interview

What kind of repairs and maintenance did the aircraft require? Aircraft were often returning with their airframe covered in bullet holes – as they were made of wood and covered with canvas. The ground crew The life of a had the job of cutting a piece of canvas to cover the damage and had two tins of quick drying synthetic camouflage paint, which was used to attach the canvas to the aircraft. There was only one petrol tanker and oil bowser, so it was quite a rush to get the aircraft serviced in time for the next take off. Often the aircraft took off while the paint was still drying, and it was also common to see an airman stretched out across the tail plane helping to keep the rear wheel down on the ground. Battle of As all our Hurricanes were new we didn’t have to do routine servicing, and major work was done at our parent aerodrome at Kenley. Of the twelve Hurricanes that started at the beginning of September 1940 only one survived, R4118 UP-W, though it was badly damaged. I worked on UP-W until the end of October 1940, when it left for major servicing. Britain Flight What were the people you served with like? All personnel were first class to work with. On arrival I was told that there How much training did you get? were no formalities, we all had a job to do and that was to work together Training was a crash course at RAF St Athan Technical Training College to defeat the enemy. Going by the results our pilots were having, we all in South Wales. It lasted 13 weeks and was all theoretical for engine believed we could achieve that. The auxiliaries were well trained and were mechanics and practical for riggers. Experience was to be gained on very proud of their squadron, and had a special dispensation that they squadrons. Those I was with were all conscripted between the ages of 20 were allowed to wear the county badge of a bear and a ragged staff in Mechanic and 40 and I was a 19-year-old volunteer. the lapel of their uniforms. Both pilots and ground crew were constantly changing, so from one day to the next you had no idea who you would be th What was it like when you arrived at 605 Squadron? working with. This also allowed us to share learning and experiences. Jeff Brereton volunteered for the RAF in January 1940, following his 19 birthday. I was posted to No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Of the pilots, I especially remember Flight Lieutenant Christopher He was called up that spring, sent on an aero engineering course and qualified Fighter Squadron at the end of September, 1940, which was based ‘Bunny’ Currant, Pilot Officer Robert ‘Bob’ Foster, Sergeant Eric Wright, at London Airport in Croydon. The airport had suffered severely Flight Lieutenant Alec Ingle, Pilot Officer Peter Thompson and Flying as a Flight Mechanic – Engine. He joined 605 Squadron at RAF Croydon and was from recent bombings. As such, we were housed in bungalows in Officer Derek Forde. St Matthew’s Drive, Wallington, from which the residents had been UP-W is the Hurricane I remember most, and Thompson, Forde and soon repairing Hurricanes in the hectic world of an RAF station during the Battle evacuated. The aircraft were based in a field behind the bungalows. Foster all flew it. Forde was the last one to fly it, as I remember he came of Britain. Jeff talks to Air Mail about his experiences. The squadron was there on its own and didn’t have the backup which back with part of a wing missing! would normally be available at an RAF aerodrome. It had 12 Hurricanes Our relationship with the pilots during the Battle of Britain was different and 12 pilots. There were two tents in the field, one where pilots to at other times. Because of the urgency and losses we often didn’t know gathered waiting for the order to scramble, and one for ground crew. It who would be flying our aircraft until he was running towards us. He was here we’d sign forms to verify the servicing work we’d carried out. might be a Pilot Officer the first time, a Flight Lieutenant the next, then get The squadron was heavily engaged in the Battle of Britain and was promoted and moved to another squadron and be replaced by a recruit flying five sorties a day. The squadron was very successful and at least direct from training. It was normal for the next senior to move up a rank, one pilot was an ace before I arrived, as he had shot down five aircraft. so in practice we had little chance to meet up until the battle was over. That said, we were losing pilots and aircraft, and often had to fly under- manned until replacements came in. How did you relax? To help raise the morale of residents at night time, we were encouraged to What was an average day, for you? go into the town of Wallington and join them in the air raid shelters. Each day was very much the same. Up at dawn checking over the aircraft On my first visit with a colleague we came across two schoolgirls – just and helping the pilots to get airborne, from then on it was receiving the as we heard aircraft approaching. We all sheltered behind a brick wall and aircraft as they returned in ones and twos; a rush to get them repaired, fortunately the bombs dropped a little distance away. refuelled, rearmed and back in the air. We worked in two shifts, mornings My friend escorted one of the girls back to her home, and I escorted the and afternoons, dawn to dusk. other. Her mother was so pleased that her daughter was safe she invited me There was a ground crew of two people with each aircraft, a Flight in for tea. I stayed with them that evening in their Anderson shelter, leaving Mechanic–Engine and a Flight Mechanic–Airframe, whom the pilot in time to be back for the dawn patrol. This became a regular fixture until relied upon a great deal, particularly in helping him to taxi down the the end of October when the air raids lessened and we abandoned the rough ground of the field and through a gap in the fence onto the main shelter for the house. airport for take-off. There were different states of readiness: ‘immediate’, We were soon joined by family members and neighbours, and would play where the pilot would sit in the aircraft with the engine running; ‘stand party games. As I was the only airman, I received a lot of attention. It was down’, where pilots sat around the tent awaiting a telephone call to my first time away from home and I enjoyed their company. They were all scramble – during which time I would be sitting in cockpit keeping the exceptionally friendly and I think that, having finally gained some freedom engine warm; and ‘timed stand down’, usually of half an hour. after living so long in shelters, they were making the most of it. I kept in touch with them and visited after the war. When it was time for the squadron to leave, the local residents were very upset. They felt safer having us there during all the bombing, and used to Above: Croydon airfield, from the Air Ministry’s ‘The Air Pilot’ publication This image: Jeff worked on Hurricane UP-W during the Battle of Britain. (3rd ed). Key: 1 pilots’ tent; 2 ground staff tent; 3 gap in the hedge; 4 count the aircraft taking off and returning – hoping for the pilots’ safety. Restored in 2003, it is the only Hurricane from the Battle of Britain still country club, also the officers’ and senior NCOs' mess; 5 (whole block) The squadron put on a going-away party in the airport’s country club and airworthy today. © Darren Harbar Photography. other ranks and NCOs' quarters; 6 cook house; 7 (whole block) officers’ invited the locals. So much emotion was expressed that day, one would have Above: AC2 under training Jeff Brereton, August 1940. ©Jeff Brereton and senior NCOs' quarters and offices. © Crown thought that the war had finished. ●

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Above: In December 2019, 12 Squadron took part in Exercise Epic Skies III which the RAF and the Qatar Emiri Air Force concluded with a flypast over Doha to celebrate Qatar National Day. Here Qatar EAF Rafale aircraft release flares to celebrate. Right: Engineers and Typhoon their ground equipment on the flight line for a Typhoon sortie. © MOD/Crown 2019

2020 How much training did you get? What kind of people trained to the UK and nations that repeatedly test our responses we all know alongside you? that when you are participating in QRA it's all for a good reason and you Engineer I joined the RAF at 23 for the skills, discipline and qualifications that I don’t mind, too much that you are working away from your family. would gain through their apprenticeship programme. I attended RAF Halton for my basic training for nine weeks and then moved on to the What kinds of repairs and maintenance does the Typhoon need? Senior Aircraftman Technician Dave Southern is an engineer at Defence College for Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford for my I was once part of a team whose job it was to assess the damage to a mechanical technician trade training. There was a six-month course on Typhoon after it had been struck by lightning. 70% of the exterior of RAF Coningsby. After training on jets, helicopters and large transport aircraft the basic principles of aircraft design, ground handling, repair and most the Typhoon is made up of composite materials which, while they make he worked on C-17 Globemasters. Now with the newly-formed 12 Squadron, importantly how the RAF engineers operated their various fighter jets, the aircraft very light, don't respond well to high voltage lightning helicopters and large transport aircraft. strikes. Luckily there is lightning protection built into the whole aircraft he’s responsible for making sure the Typhoons are safe and ready to fly, After graduation I was lucky enough to get my first choice of posting. which passes the energy safely away from key areas and out to the completes Quick Reaction Alert duties and, as part of the first RAF squadron I was posted to 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire which nearest safe place. In this instance it had struck the nose cone, travelled operates the C-17 Globemaster III. I stayed there for just short of two years, through the transparent canopy, along the spine and then exited out of formed with another nation since the Battle of Britain, is expecting to start all the while working alongside technicians to complete my aeronautical the rudder and the fin. Walking along the top of the aircraft you could working alongside Qatari colleagues this year. engineering apprenticeship and gaining valuable engineering experience. follow the path it had taken. Luckily, we were able to replace all affected During my time at 99 Squadron I flew with the aircraft, as part of the crew, components, test and return the aircraft to service. to Afghanistan, Turkey, Qatar, UAE, Canada and the USA. The closest parallel I have with the engineers repairing battle damage I returned to RAF Cosford for my final phase of training, lasting one year. during the Battle of Britain was being part of a small team who were Thankfully I could call upon the extremely valuable engineering experience sent to repair an aircraft that had suffered undercarriage problems in that I had gained at 99 Squadron to assist me in completing my training Bermuda while on its way to the west coast of America. We had brought the necessary replacement parts and tools but encountered issues What was it like when you arrived at 12 Squadron? removing the faulty component. Luckily, we were able to utilise the After I had left RAF Cosford for the second time, I was posted to the Depth tools and facilities of the local airport to get the aircraft serviceable just Engineering hangar at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Here I worked in time for the arrival of a RAF Voyager aircraft. This Airbus A330 aircraft alongside BAE Systems engineers to strip down and complete major and then refuelled the Typhoon while on its way to Nellis Air Force Base in minor maintenance of the Typhoon. Nevada for Exercise Red Flag. When 12 Squadron stood-up they only required a small workforce of experienced technicians to ensure the first six months of flying ran safely How does it feel to be part of 12 Squadron? and smoothly. To begin with we worked alongside 29 Squadron. Once We are all working with the most up-to-date version of the Typhoon we had been allocated our first few Typhoons, we were able to start and operating in a purpose-built squadron building. Most engineers on operating independently. 12 Squadron have never been part of a newly formed flying squadron before, but we are all enjoying the new challenges it brings. What is an average day for you? The first group of our Qatari colleagues will be arriving in the next few The average day starts early. We service the aircraft in the hangar, tow weeks and we're looking forward to it. We have already met some of them and their ground equipment out to the flight line and finally check them during our recent exercise to Qatar, Exercise Epic Skies III, where that they are safe and ready to fly on the morning sortie. We then assist our pilots took part in their flying exercises and participated in their the pilot with their start up and departure routine, all the while fixing national day flypast celebrations. any faults that may arise. Only when they have taken off can we finally put the kettle on. But not How do you relax after a tough shift? for long. We have to be ready for their recovery, marshal them back in, We are looked after well on exercises and operations. Communication fuel and service them once more in preparation for their second sortie. home, sports, good food, day trips away from work and good camaraderie We see them off, see them in and service them once more before fixing are important to everyone while they are away on exercises, and the latter any faults and towing them and their equipment back into the hangar is something the people on 12 Squadron have in abundance. for the night. Ready for the repeat the next day. At Coningsby, well, I am lucky enough to have my wife and daughter close by. After a tough shift it's good to come home to them and the dog, How do engineers contribute to Quick Reaction Alert? and a pint. The QRA duty is carried out from a purpose-built facility at Coningsby. Engineers from all of Coningsby’s Typhoon squadrons take it in turns What do you hope to do in future? to work in week long shifts where we live and work close to the aircraft I hope to have a long career with the RAF and when that has finished and each other. Any engineer who has taken part in QRA completes a start a new one in civilian engineering, perhaps within the aviation

Above: “The average day starts early” . Top right: Red tag items. Working through the safety critical specific training package and should already have a good deal of normal sector. But in the meantime, I intend to take advantage of the extensive checklist of ‘remove before flight’ components to prepare a Typhoon for take off. Bottom right: flight-line experience with the Typhoon aircraft. When the bell goes range of what's on offer to someone in the RAF. ● Completing major and minor maintenance of the Typhoon.© MOD/Crown 2020. you fall back on your training and work together to get the job done as quickly and safely as possible. Given the numerous possible threats

30 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 31 Through children’s eyes Through children’s eyes “The sky was full of dogf ighting aircraft” The Battle of Britain through children’s eyes To mark the 80th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, we asked RAF Association members to send in their memories of that momentous summer. From dogfights in the sky, to sheltering from the raining bombs, this is the battle as seen through the eyes of those readers who were children at the time.

hildren out playing in course replaced train drivers as “Granddad was standing the summer of 1940 the objects of hero worship.” by a large water butt in the Cunderstandably found In Elham, Kent, a low-flying garden, watching the sky” John it difficult to appreciate the Messerschmitt Bf 109 appeared remembers. “A spent bullet dangers of the months ahead. above five-year-old John Palmer rattled down the roof tiles, hit “Apart from the disruption one October morning, hotly his tin hat and plopped into the caused by evacuees – which was pursued by an RAF fighter. water butt. He looked up, shook all good fun – the end of 1939 “Suddenly, right above my his fist, told my brother and I to and beginning of 1940 went by head there was an enormous get to the Anderson shelter and without us really knowing the explosion” recalls John. “Pieces shouted to the sky: ‘You’ll have war was on”, remembers Ray of aircraft fell all around. The to do better than that to knock Duley, then aged 11. The ‘lucky’ enamel RAF brooch Ian engine came down on the cricket me off!’” The idea that aircraft would Mein discovered in his garden in ground and the fuselage landed As the battle progressed, many soon be fighting deadly battles the summer of 1940. ©Ian Mein about 400 yards from where I youngsters began looking to overhead was too abstract, Right: The burned-out German was standing”. John remembers the ground as much as the sky, and the thought that bombs incendiary bomb collected by his father rushing to the scene hoping to be the first to salvage could intrude upon the small William White, and still in his before returning, “filled with a spent bullet casing or piece worlds of their childhood was possession today. ©William White sadness”. The young pilot, of German aircraft. “As so alien a concept as to be Oberleutnant Ludwig a boy of that age I did almost meaningless. For the everyone cheered”. Lenz had still been alive what all boys seemed to children who lived through that Joan Farmer, an Air Raid Warden in the wreckage, but died do”, says William White. summer, the first feeling when at only 17, was impressed very shortly afterwards. “I set aside a substantial they saw aircraft crowding the with the speed at which the “Underneath his tattered box marked ‘Relics’, skies above was often one of sky could fill with aircraft. flying suit he’d been which was quickly filled youthful excitement. One day in Deptford, the siren wearing tennis clothes with shrapnel, used Eight-year-old Eric Parrish suddenly rang out: “Within and shoes” John recalls, and unused bullets and remembers spending day after minutes the sky above was full “obviously hoping for a cartridge cases, a bottle day in his garden in Ilford, east of dogfighting aircraft”, she says. game when he returned of aviation fuel siphoned London, with eyes upturned: “Our Spitfires were unbelievable to base.” from a Me 110 together “The aircraft vapour trails, the as they swooped around the Close to the Thames with a machine gun puffs of bursting anti-aircraft German planes. It was an Estuary in Essex, John bullet tray, and a half shells, and the sight and sound unforgettable sight.” Snoxall was watching burnt incendiary bomb; of Spitfires and Hurricanes going William White, 12, was similarly the dogfights with much-prized for its swap Hop pickers’ children from London shelter in a slit trench while watching into the German aircraft was impressed: “Spitfires and his grandfather and value.” a dog fight overhead. Summer 1940. exhilarating”, he says. “Every Hurricanes always attracted our brother late one summer Not all ‘relics’ took ©TopFoto, colourised by ‘Piece of Jake’. time we saw a parachute open attention, and fighter pilots of afternoon. the form of shrapnel

32 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 33 Through children’s eyes Through children’s eyes

The wreckage of Messerschmitt Bf 109, piloted by Ludwig Lenz, which the all-clear we found a crater 12 granddad, who was standing sleeping”, recalls Derek, and “the floated over my head, across the John Palmer saw shot down over Elham on 15 October 1940. feet deep in front of our shop”. between the entrance and the kitchen at the back of the flat road, over the roof to my left and Public domain The cigarette machine had been blast wall – when a bomb landed where my father was – having exploded in the gardens behind”. blown clear across the street and in the allotments. Granddad just returned from Fire Brigade On the same day that Derek parade opposite, only coming to ducked just in time to avoid a duty”. This was indeed a lucky Smith’s home was bombed, rest after hitting another building. very large cabbage that landed escape, though not for the whole 10-year-old Ron McGill from The windows had also been alongside him.” Naturally, John family: “Sadly my grandmother Vauxhall, London, experienced blown out, and stayed that way ventured onto the allotments was killed in another bedroom”, what he would later describe as until 1945. with a wheelbarrow the next continues Derek, “where my “the most vivid moment of my Naturally, some children day to collect items for his box brother and I would normally young life.” Late that morning, still found sheltering from the of relics. have been sleeping.” while visiting relatives near bombs a great game. Geoffrey Joan Farmer, the young Air Raid Kennington Park, sirens began to Moth remembers the feeling of No longer a game Warden also enjoyed more than sound. Ron picks up the story as entering his Anderson shelter: “It The indiscriminate nature of aerial one lucky escape. While in charge he and his mother were running seemed to be a great adventure bombardment could impose of a shelter in the gardens of home amid the drone of aircraft to go into the shelter on hearing radical changes on everyday Peckham Library, an unexploded engines and bursts of anti-aircraft the air raid sirens” he says. “The life in a single moment. On 15 bomb landed so close it fire: fact that we were just below September, the block of flats showered her with dirt. Another “Suddenly, to our astonishment, ground level muffled the sound in which four-year-old Derek escape came when she was on we realised a German parachute of bombs exploding, although we Smith lived in London received patrol. “Through the darkness I was coming down on us. The learnt to gauge the size and place a direct hit from a 500lb bomb. heard a swooshing noise”, she parachutist skimmed The Oval of nearby explosions as time “It destroyed our flat except for remembers. “Looking up I saw cricket ground wall and landed went on.” Geoffrey had plenty of the front room bedroom in which a parachute mine appear over by the doorway of a community time to hone these skills. Living in my mother, brother and I were the roof of a house to my right. It centre. This centre was packed south-east London, he spent 57 nights in the shelter during the early part of the Blitz. Not every child warmed to life “Our Spitfires in the Anderson shelter however. Bill Hatherley, then a five-year- and bullet casings. Ian Mein, out to the shelters” says were unbelievable was an ARP Warden and old watching German bombers then aged 11, discovered an Brian Foster, a schoolboy as they swooped my mother ran the shop” stream overhead on their way enamel brooch in the shape of in Sussex at the time. “If explains Ian. “There just to the nearby dockyards, says: “I a horseshoe laying in his garden nothing happened the around the German wasn’t time for them to keep couldn’t cope with being closed in Crowborough in the South teachers might wander planes” tabs on my brother and I up in the shelter, so I used to Downs. Presumably it came off, and those of us nearest every minute of the day.” stand in the sand-bagged area from the cockpit, or pilot, of an the entrance would creep out outside watching the bombers RAF aircraft. In the centre of the to see what was going on. We From spectators to participants fly towards the city [as they were] brooch is a painted RAF crest, often saw small planes weaving For those living close to targets caught in searchlights from the surrounded by a horseshoe about - presumably engaged in marked on the maps of German defences nearby.” adorned with four-leaf clovers; dog fights.” bomb aimers, the dangers soon John Snoxall also remembers evidently a good luck charm. In Welwyn, Hertfordshire, kitchen table playing with their became very real. “Our mother, the times spent in an Anderson The increasing dangers of battle Ray Duley was kept busy by toys during an air raid, but Trevor in panic, grabbed us and hurried shelter made by his grandfather. could be made more bearable by his deputy headmaster when always had one eye on the clock. us into the shelter” says Brian “It had a stout brick wall and focusing on these small, everyday aircraft would appear overhead. “If the all-clear sounded before Vousden, then aged seven, of earth bank protecting the pursuits. After enduring a night of “Knowing I was a keen aircraft midnight, we had to go to school one bombing raid. “We waited entrance which faced into “the most frightening noise” from spotter”, recalls Ray, “Mr Wesley at the normal time the following anxiously as the bombs fell allotments at the bottom of the a nearby battery of anti-aircraft would ask me to go with him morning”, he recalls. “And if the closer until mother, sobbing, garden”, he says. “Once, we were guns, nine-year-old Geoffrey onto the school’s roof. Only if we all-clear sounded after 1am we pulled us down and I heard a all inside the shelter – except Moth remembers being consoled recognised German aircraft would started school at 10am. However, whistle followed by a very loud by the thought of all the shrapnel he send the pupils to the shelter.” if the all-clear sounded after 3am explosion. Everything seemed he could collect next morning on The nightly raids saw regular we had the following morning off! to shake.” While the bombs his way to school. patterns of sleep become a thing I am afraid that as a young boy, had narrowly missed his own Above: Keith Carley and classmates of the past. When six-year-old this seemed more important to house, one belonging to a police catch up on sleep at Marlborough Infants School, Isleworth, during A change in routine Keith Carley arrived at school in me at the time.” sergeant further down the road the battle. ©Keith Carley School was another part of life Isleworth, he and his class would Children were quick to was obliterated. affected since the beginning often be put back to bed – on acclimatise to the ever-changing Back in Hornchurch, Ian Waller The remains of Robert Zehbe’s of the battle, more so when mattresses out in the fresh air – to situation. Five-year-old Ian Waller remembers their Anderson Dornier plummets towards the Luftwaffe changed tactics. catch up on their missing sleep. remembers playing in bombed- shelter being permanently Victoria Station. ©Chris Goss Initially it had fought to gain air What time children were out houses, and lighting fires to flooded, forcing the family to superiority against the RAF, but expected at school the next bake potatoes in a crater behind take refuge under the stairs of this focus shifted to targeting morning could depend upon his house in Hornchurch. The his parents’ tobacconist and airfields and infrastructure, before what time the ‘all-clear’ had combination of working or absent confectioner shop. “During one the bombing of cities themselves. sounded the previous night. parents and a lack of schooling in air raid there was an almighty “When the sirens sounded, Five-year-old Trevor Todd and areas under attack also resulted bang and the house rocked for we left the classroom and filed his sister would sit under a solid in reduced supervision. “My dad a second or two” recalls Ian. “At

34 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 35 Through children’s eyes

with survivors of the previous Saturday’s bombing, and a crowd rushed out with as many COMMEMORATIVE WATCH weapons as they could grab. ‘We “I am so want nothing to do with this!’ delighted that said my mother as she dragged I was able to live me away.” The German airman, Robert through those Zehbe, later died of his wounds. times” Whether these were received when his aircraft was shot down or were inflicted by the crowd, is unknown. A similar scene almost unfolded in front of 10-year-old Dennis Sydney Smith remembers being Evans, who would later capture so impressed “that brave young the moment the crowd arrived men were risking their lives for at the crash site in his poem 'Low my future that at that young age Flying Aircraft': I determined to do something for the Royal Air Force.” Sydney would Breathless, we survey the later do just that – serving four enemy aircraft: years with Princess Mary’s Royal iron-black, swastikad. Air Force Nursing Service. Indeed, Blood lust the majority of those quoted in Poised… this article would go on to join Police Constable Ridge faces the RAF. the crowd, While the rest of the war was cycle-clipped trousers on wide still ahead of them, the dangers apart legs. of 1940 had at least been Flushed from the chase, he roars endured. William White would out his sanity. later be caught beneath two Saves fearful man disintegrating RAF aircraft after a from pitchforks. mid-air collision, and Derek Smith would again be bombed-out of Looking back his home when a V1 rocket blew Despite the dangers and out his windows in July 1944. hardship, many children who Fittingly, the scenes of experienced the Battle of devastation in 1940 would Above: Bomb damage to Derek Smith’s flats. Derek was carried out of Britain and the subsequent Blitz also play a part in scenes of the first-floor window over the shoulder of a fireman. ©Derek Smith remember it as a time of genuine celebration five years later. “After London’s dock area during the 7 September 1940 air raid on London. excitement. “I am so delighted repairs to our new flat, we finally Tower Bridge stands out against a background of smoke and flames. that I was able to live through returned home,” Derek recalls, ©US Information Agency those times; they are still a vivid “and enjoyed celebrating both VE memory” says Eric Parrish. and VJ days with massive bonfires on our old bombsites.” AM

Thank you to everyone who sent in their memories, all of which we enjoyed reading. Our apologies to those who were not featured: this was solely due to restrictions of space. For 113 days the world held its breath as Britain fought off constant air attacks. Heroic RAF pilots finally dealt Germany a decisive and early WWII defeat. Battle of Britain 1940 is Col &MacArthur’s limited edition homage to those pilots’ courage and sacrifice. With a timepiece inspired by Spitfire cockpit dials, the watch conjures up immediate connections to what Churchill called “Britain’s finest hour”.

BofB1940.COM

36 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020

Untitled-4 1 23/06/2020 13:55:10 Daring Diana Daring Diana

n late 1940, my mother Jessie Despite the wartime restrictions, The search stepped off a Liverpool bus the pair set a wedding date: 17 As a boy raised in the USA, I to the shrieking of an air raid July 1943. When George learned was aware of the scant details siren. Taking refuge in a nearby the night before that all leave had provided to my mother by the Ishelter, she was joined by two been cancelled, Jessie’s father authorities: George's aircraft, young Liverpool lads also seeking made a hasty call to Harwell. An a B-24 Liberator from 159 safety, one of whom was George exception was finally made, and Squadron, went down over Plank. It was a fortuitous encounter. George arrived in Liverpool at the target with no parachutes Jessie and George soon began 2am, only nine hours before the spotted. He was missing, with dating — often meeting at the air wedding. After the ceremony particulars unknown. raid shelter before heading to the and reception, the newlyweds Compelled to learn more, movies. In December 1941 George stayed overnight in Liverpool, but and with my parents’ blessing, entered the RAF, where he trained George had to return to Harwell in 1990 I began to investigate as a wireless operator/air gunner, early the next morning. this mysterious man from my and was eventually posted to Before departing abroad for mother’s past, and the wartime Daring RAF Harwell. India just over six weeks later – he tragedy which, twelve years was not permitted to tell Jessie his before my birth, changed the destination – George promised course of her life. Strike photo taken from a 159 Squadron Liberator on 5 - 6 February 1944. Bombs can be seen exploding across the runway of Burma’s Heho her that he would come home I began with an enquiry to Aerodrome below the centre of the image. George Plank also flew on this from the war. However, on the the Air Historical Branch (AHB). sortie. night of 29 February 1944, with his Little did I know that their bomber held fast in searchlights response would propel me into calls (all pre-internet, for me, until been on the scene that fateful over Rangoon, George found that years of dogged investigation. 1997) and ran into my share of night. If Pegasus had been shot this was the one promise he could brick walls, but I approached each down by a fighter, had the same Part 1 not keep. correspondence as if it could be a fate befallen Daring Diana? With no remains located, after potential gold mine. Another veteran I managed the war George’s name was One helpful contact the AHB to contact through the 159 Dianath To mark the 75 anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August, engraved on the memorial to the had provided was the 159 Squadron Association, Bill missing at Kranji War Cemetery Squadron Association. Its Kirkness DFM, also suggested aviation historian and co-author of RAF Liberators over in Singapore. In 1949, more members were invaluable that fighters had been present. than five years after George’s "How can mere words tell in linking me to men who Although he’d flown on the Burma, Matt Poole, relates the fascinating detective disappearance, Jessie of Death’s closeness, were on the squadron when same mission, he was too busy remarried and settled in the of the fragile thread, George was, and even some to see either Pegasus or Daring story which revealed the fate of his mother’s first USA with her new husband between a voice – and silence?" who flew on George’s last Diana. However, in a letter husband, Sergeant George Plank, whose Liberator – my father, an American. mission – such as ex-PoW to me Bill said: “We had just Poem found at the bedside of Don Lomas, then the last- begun our homeward leg when Pilot Officer Michael Davis, 159 Squadron. was lost over Rangoon, Burma in 1944. Killed aboard Daring Diana, aged 19. surviving Pegasus airman. I Fred, in the tail, announced visited Don in the UK on three quietly, ‘Rear gunner to crew. occasions, and from him I gained Someone’s bought it. I can see an invaluable eyewitness account an aircraft going down in flames, of what happened that night: to starboard.’ Few words were “The searchlight caught us on the spoken in reply, but all hoped it run into the target, and continued was one of the enemy fighters.” George’s Liberator, named to hold us after the bombs were ‘Daring Diana’, and a second released… There was… a jerk soon 159 Squadron bomber named after bombing. Looking out of the ‘Pegasus’ had been lost while window I remember something attacking Mahlwagon Rail flashing past, and thought, ‘What Yards in Rangoon, Burma on 29 the devil's that? Christ, that's February 1944. In addition to all tracer, from the fighter!’… it must nine men aboard Daring Diana, have caught [the pilot] Stanley… three airmen from Pegasus were Straightaway we started going also reported missing, while down, on fire. Just so quick. the six other Pegasus crewmen Seconds.” were captured by the Japanese. Don remembered that after The AHB had also supplied me managing to bale out, he with the names of all eighteen looked back at his aircraft as airmen involved. he descended beneath the While this correspondence parachute’s canopy: “It was greatly added to the bare facts I’d really on fire then,” he said, “this been working from, I longed to ball of fire disappearing way know what else I might be able to down there somewhere, and uncover about what happened to it was our plane. P for Pegasus George on that tragic night and going down.” Don’s account had afterwards. I pursued a variety of also provided the first definitive George and Jessie Plank BZ980 ‘Goofy’. This B-24 Liberator of 159 Squadron was identical to Daring leads via letters and telephone proof that enemy fighters had on their wedding day. Diana. All images © Matt Poole unless otherwise stated.

38 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 39 Award RAF Watch - Booking reference 16165 - Air Mail_Award RAF Watch - Booking reference 16165 - Air Mail 18/06/2020 13:27 Page 1

Daring Diana The Personalised Military Watch Breakthrough The war in the Far East One thing I learned during my In December 1941, Japan attacked British territories in Hong Kong, Malaya (now Specially commissioned for all those who research was that breakthroughs Malaysia), Singapore and Burma (now Myanmar). From then until August served Crown and Country this stylish watch often come out of the blue. While 1945, British Commonwealth troops and their allies fought a bitter war is personalised with the Royal Air Force visiting a friend who collected against the Japanese in Asia. World War Two memorabilia, I The air war in the Far East was unique in the history of the RAF. It emblem and engraved with your initials was asked if I’d be interested in occurred much further away from home than any other major campaign and years of service making a practical and purchasing any old books prior to it had ever been involved in. Much of it also took place over mountain his move to Florida. “Do you have and jungle terrain, and in often extreme weather. Few of the aids to handsome timepiece in recognition of anything on the air war over Burma navigation used in Europe were available, maps were unreliable and the your Service. – from the Japanese perspective?” I distances involved were enormous by the standards of the day. asked. “Yes, I think I have,” came his The RAF’s 159 Squadron, flying B-24 Liberators, began operations Hand-crafted in gold and silver unexpected reply. He then located against Japanese targets from India in November 1942. From then on, the The Royal Air Force emblem has been exquisitely a partial English translation of squadron flew bombing, anti-shipping, mine-laying, flare dropping, photo Nihon Rikugun Sentokitai – a study reconnaissance, air-sea rescue, enemy radar investigation and supply missions over Burma, Siam, Malaya, decorated with 24 carat gold to highlight the of Japanese Army Air Force fighter French Indo-China, Cambodia and Northern Sumatra. superb design and milled to the precise thickness aces from World War Two, printed of a fine watch dial. This exclusive 28mm die-struck only in Japan. dial, available in two-toned gold and silver or matt That night, awake with insomnia, the names of the Japanese pilots Mr Yamaguchi, the man who has been suffering for a long silver finish is fitted within a classic 40mm steel alloy I perused the typewritten pages. themselves. The book said that had sealed George’s fate and time. Be sure to show her this While reading the biography of Takiguchi had died in the war, but widowed my mother. In all letter, which may not be worth case with a matching two toned or silver stainless Warrant Officer Bunichi Yamaguchi, was Yamaguchi still alive? If so, my correspondences I shared anything, but perhaps it will be steel bracelet or anti-allergenic leather strap. a key date struck me: could I somehow find him? information freely, feeling this of some consolation. Please tell The high precision Swiss parts Quartz movement “Fought over Burma with the Using my growing list of increased my chances of receiving her that I would like to feel that guarantees accuracy within seconds per month and 204th Sentai… Shared two B-24s contacts, I was eventually pointed meaningful material in return. she will be able to spend the destroyed… on Feb 29/30 /1944 in the direction of General Now came a key test of that rest of her days on earth in a is backed by a 3 Year, International Renewable with Lt. H. Takiguchi…” Yuzuru Kochiyama, a wartime philosophy. I crossed my fingers happier manner.” Warranty for the life of your watch. I quickly turned the pages to pilot turned Japanese aviation and waited patiently through These few words meant the find the entry for Lieutenant. H. historian. I quickly composed the long holiday season when world to my mother. Unlike Your Exclusive Military Watch Made in Britain Takiguchi: a letter to General Kochiyama, the international mail would be some of her generation, she features: Your exclusive Military Watch is brought “Fought over Burma… shared hoping that he could help find slow. Finally, on 24 January 1992, I harboured no bitterness against to you by Award Productions Ltd, l with WO Yamaguchi two B-24s Bunichi Yamaguchi, or at least received a reply. the Japanese, or against Mr Die-struck watch face with Royal Air Force internationally renowned medalist. destroyed on Feb 29/30 /1944”. news of his death. Yamaguchi; “He was only emblem in two tone gold and silver or Each watch features a dial, die-struck in This discovery was no remedy In October 1991, I received his Contact performing his duty,” she said. matt silver finish. England to the same exacting standards for insomnia. My prior research reply. Not only did he provide Not unexpectedly, it was in Yet unknown to me, she had l Swiss parts High Precision Quartz as AWARD’s medals. The watch arrives in had shown that Daring Diana Mr Yamaguchi’s address, but Japanese. Fortunately, a noted been suffering nightmares and Movement and Pegasus were the only RAF he also wrote, in imperfect but Japanese language expert grieving George’s death, really a distinctive presentation box and makes B-24s lost over Burma between understandable English, that whom I’d seen on TV lived for the first time in her life, due l Classic 40mm Steel Alloy Case and a unique and timely gift for all occasions. 25 February and 2 March. Now I’d he would soon meet with Mr nearby. When I phoned and to my tenacious snooping. After Stainless Steel Bracelet or Anti-allergenic stumbled across evidence that Yamaguchi to discuss my research. explained my situation, he reading Mr Yamaguchi’s eloquent Leather strap both bombers had been downed With an address in my hands, wholeheartedly wanted in, asking words, however, the nightmares l 3 ATM/30 metre water resistant by fighters. What’s more, I had I penned a detailed letter to for nothing except a coffee ended. From that moment, and while he translated the letter. for the rest of her life, she beamed l 3 -Year, International, Renewable Guarantee The correspondence was a richly with pride for George, despite his detailed response in which Mr sacrifice. My mother Jessie passed FREE Engraving Left: Bunichi Yamaguchi How to order Yamaguchi recounted the aerial away, at peace with her past, in poses in front of a As a unique and lasting reminder Order Online - www.awardmedals.com combat of 29 February 1944. June 2015. ● fighter, date unknown. of your Service the reverse of your More poignantly, however, it also Order by Phone - Call us between 9am to 5pm on 01952 510053 © H. Sakaida exclusive timepiece can be engraved Below: Bunichi included a heartfelt apology to Matt Poole continues the story with up to 4 initials and your years Alternatively, please complete the order form enclosing a cheque/ Yamaguchi's letter to my mother: in October’s issue of Air Mail, postal order or completing the credit card details and send to:

Matt Poole. of service. Please clearly state

“I realize your mother’s where his efforts to find out what Award Productions Ltd, PO Box 300, Shrewsbury, SY5 6WP, UK husband lost his life by virtue happened to George and his engraving required. " of our bullets. From the bottom crew uncover more remarkable of my heart I offer my humble eyewitness accounts, and lead Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ...... apologies and condolences for to an unexpected discovery in ORDER FORM Address ...... his death in action… Your mother Rangoon itself. AWARD Productions Ltd, PO Box 300, Shrewsbury, SY5 6WP, UK ...... Yes, please send me the following watch(es): ...... Postcode ...... Code Description Price Qty Total £ Author Bio: Matt Poole is an aviation historian with a particular Daytime Tel. No...... RWBB Two tone Emblem & Bracelet £149.95 interest in 159 Squadron. His research into the fates of George Plank I enclose my cheque/postal order for £ ...... made payable to Award Productions RWBL Two tone Emblem & Brown Leather Strap £119.95 and his comrades aboard Daring Diana and Pegasus resulted in a or please debit my card account no: (Switch only) service of remembrance at St Clement Danes in 1998, attended by RWSB Silver Emblem & Bracelet £139.95 120 kin, friends and comrades of the fallen. His mother Jessie was RWSL Silver Emblem & Black Leather Strap £109.95 one guest of honour, and another was Don Lomas, the last surviving Security Code: Cards accepted: Switch Issue No. Postage/Packing/Insurance £6.50 Last 3 digits on Total £ airman of the two crews shot down on 29 February 1944. Security Cod e signature strip Engraving required (PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS) Expiry date: Valid from: Initials: ...... Years of service: ...... Signature ...... Delivery Subject to availability. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. 40 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 If cardholder’s name, address and signature are different from the one shown, please include these details. Award Productions Ltd, Registered in England No. 2001900, Shrewsbury SY5 6BT A M 2 0

Untitled-1 1 18/06/2020 15:09:57 Branch Newsin focus Branch Branch in Newsfocus

“We also discovered five members who hadn’t given us any phone numbers. So we got out our pens and paper and wrote letters to them instead. One phoned us back within 45 minutes of his post arriving. The start-stop revival of Nottingham Branch Another texted us; that keeping in touch is so important. Adapt “We have enough funds to tide us through the coronavirus restrictions,” Marion says. “But the training is on hold, supermarket and city centre fundraising is stopped, and meetings are out of the question. But we will adapt and overcome. And then we will crack on with what we need to do.” And Mary Bell? She is involved again, as a newly created Life Vice and overcome President, in recognition of her phenomenal contribution. AM

t was a chance meeting at a football club that set the ball rolling. “It’s what I can give back.” Four former WRAFs were at a Nottingham Forest FC community day Linda Philpot, Vice Chair: in summer 2019 when they were spotted by Association Station Officer Geoff Burton. He was looking for likely folk to help revitalise “I served from 1976 until 1996. I was a INottingham Branch and managed to sign up Linda Philpot and her supplier by trade and reached the rank friends for the job. They were later joined by Marion Wells, who arrived of sergeant. My final posting was the after five years at Erewash Branch in Derbyshire. Royal Air Force Schools Presentation Nottingham Branch has a proud history. Set up in 1937, it had survived and Team operating out of RAF Bracknell. thrived for more than seven decades. But as members had aged and passed “After leaving the RAF I married a on it began to decline. Eventually its only vital sign was the indomitable civilian and had two boys, who are ‘seventy something’ year-old Mary Bell who continued fundraising now wonderful young men. I started and organising Battle of Britain parades using her powerful to regain my ‘wraffieness’ after joining mind, her telephone and her letter writing skills. In 2017/18 an “ex WRAF” Facebook page. After the branch became dormant. my marriage ended I couldn’t afford It took the new group from summer 2019 to “We will the branch. With modern charity, finance, governance to replace a broken rear door which February 2020 to gather all the branch records, assess adapt and and legal requirements you need the right skills, left me vulnerable – and one of the WRAF’s suggested I contact the fundraising stock, check membership records and time and energy to create an effective committee. Association. RAFA were an absolute gem for me. find a place to meet – currently the back room of the overcome. And Our trustees are ready to take this branch forward “After I realised that the membership fees were only £23 a year Vat and Fiddle pub, close to Nottingham’s railway then we will positively, having fun and raising more money for (not a month!), I became a member, and I have felt part of the station. Before, and at the AGM in February 2020, there crack on.” the Association.” RAF family again. I have now got an extended network of friends, were frank discussions about the skills needed to run “We had never considered being a virtual branch”, locally and further afield. I have helped re-open Nottingham the branch and how much time people could commit. says Marion. “Nothing beats rocking up, having a pint Branch. I feel there is a real need for charities like RAFA to support Marion Wells, the new chairman, says, “It’s important and shooting the breeze. For me it’s got to be about people who served their country. We are a proud bunch and not that everyone can contribute and has an appropriate job at getting us out of our houses, and meeting people – you known for asking for help, but having an approachable friendly can pick up on the nuances that you don’t get over email or even organisation beside us is a massive help. the phone. “In my case it’s not what the Association can give me, it’s what I can “In Nottingham we’d love to have a venue for RAF (or tri-service) give back. The Association was there for me without me having to do support; a one-stop-shop for veterans or even parents of serving people. anything. The least I can do is give my time to help others. Selfishly, I We’d provide a friendly ear, a game of draughts and help with any also get to meet some great people, across all ages, who all have one problems they talk about. It all depends on the funding available. thing in common: they want to belong to this amazing Association.” “We arranged a trip to RAF Scampton last October and were moving on with the committee structure and places to meet,” Marion says. “By Above: Linda Philpot as a new recruit in the late 1970s. © Linda Philpot this year, our honorary welfare officer was in place and about to be Left: One of just 38 copies of The Battle of Britain In Lace, a 4.57m x 1.65m trained. We were just beginning to get feelers out, and be known for creation made by the world-renowned lace makers of Nottingham to doing something. But then the COVID-19 restrictions came into force commemorate the Battle of Britain. The panels took two years to design and and everything had to stop. create and the Jaquard pattern was destroyed after the limited edition was “We joined the Association’s Op CONNECT, of course, and have been completed. One copy was given to Nottingham Branch and is now cared for phoning round our members and doing the bag drops. When we by textiles specialists at Nottingham City Council. This identical panel (left) is call, everyone is really grateful that someone has been in touch and on permanent display at Bentley Priory Museum where all visitors will be able checked on them. This has created new contacts and brought people to see its exquisite details as soon as government restrictions allow. Another copy of the 'priceless artefact' is on display at the Association's Dowding back into the RAF family. House independent living complex in Scotland. © Bentley Priory Museum

Top: The revitalised branch’s first trip to RAF Scampton in late 2019. © Marion Wells. What we’ve learned: Above: ‘The original four’, shortly after they were approached by Geoff • Find the right jobs for the right people in your branch and it will work well. Burton at Nottingham Forest FC, (L-R: Linda Philpot, Jillian Vamplew, • Try a few venues out. It’s hard to find one with the right car parking, public transport, and that’s not too noisy. Maggie Cassidy, Jan Olding). “We then approached the other WRAFs • Meeting places don’t always come cheap. Supermarkets have free community rooms that we could use in the day, but we choose to meet in for support and they helped us to get started.” © Linda Philpot Right: Marion Wells, current chairman, helping out the evenings. So expect to need time to find the right place. at a fundraising stall. © Marion Wells • Not everyone has internet or email access – so we need to accommodate that. Far right: The original committee members meeting at the Vat and • Organise some training for your committee of trustees – it’s too hard for people with no experience to suddenly try to lead and govern a charity or be Fiddle. L-R Sam Hately, Linda Philpot, Madeline Tysoe, Jan Olding, a treasurer. Allow them to shadow more experienced trustees. Once trained they will gain skills and experience that they can also take into the rest of Maggie Cassidy, Mandy Foster-Wright andJillian Vamplew. (Jeanette their lives and jobs. Newton, not pictured, was also on the committee). © Linda Philpot • Consider going to the banking ombudsman if you are struggling to get dormant funds from your banks.

42 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 43 Branch News Branch News

Anglesey Branch Cranwell Branch Glasgow Branch In February, RAF Association Liaison Officers Flying Officer James Since the lockdown, committee members have been monitoring more On 11 March, prior to the government’s social distancing regulations Davis and Warrant Officer Kev Beattie invited the branch to visit RAF than 100 mature members of the branch, many sending daily ‘humour coming into force, the branch met for lunch at Café India in the Valley where they were hosted by Nos. IV (AC) and XXV(F) Squadrons. contributions’ and quizzes. Before then, January and February branch Merchant City area of Glasgow. With the closure of the Wings Café in Squadron Leader Tom Bould talked about the RAF’s modern aviation meetings were held in the mornings, each followed by lunch in the 2019, it was felt that there remains a need to maintain the camaraderie training, which is a far cry from that used when our members served Warrant Officers and Sergeants' Mess on station. One of the speakers, that exists among the patrons of the café after almost three years of during their time in the RAF. Several members of the group had Air Vice-Marshal Gavin MacKay, rejoined the Association as a Cranwell meeting together. While welfare is at the absolute heart of what the served at RAF Valley and were all fascinated with the developments in Branch member. The AGM went well with the chairman highlighting the Association stands for and does, social activities remain the backbone of technology since their time in service. The visit was rounded off with legal standards required by the Charity Commission - which surprised maintaining a healthy branch. lunch in the Sergeants’ Mess. some of the many members attending. The planned visit to Rothbury and Flowerdown House Hotels had to be postponed. Formby Branch At the AGM held at RAF Woodvale in March, Fred Jones retired after 30 years as Branch Secretary. During that time Fred was noted for his excellent administrative and engineering skills. With the help of his wife, Fred raised funds for the branch and for the Wings Appeal. Branch Support Officer Marc Boyle presented Fred with a model spitfire mounted on a clock base in appreciation of all his hard work. In addition, branch members Bob Gilchrist – who joined Formby Branch in 1970 – and Olive Woods, retired due to failing health. Bob and Olive were noted for presenting the weekly dances at the Formby Branch Headquarters. Market Harborough Branch The branch raised £88 for the Wings Appeal by selling RAF Association Lightning lapel badges at the Fast Taxi, Reheat demonstration by Lightning Aircraft at Bruntingthorpe Airfield in February. Leek Branch Mid Sussex Branch In late February, Leek Branch members and friends enjoyed a great day Peter Stenning, committee member at the Mid Sussex Branch celebrated Belgian Branch out at the Airbus factory at Broughton near Chester. VE Day with a display in his windows and garden. The former RAF medic, 98-year old RAF veteran George Sutherland paid homage to defence who served with 107MU in Egypt, was also featured in the Mid Sussex personnel past and present on VE Day at Liussenthoek Military Cemetery Times after vocally supporting the NHS nurses and carers. and, inspired by Colonel Sir Tom Moore, undertook a 2 km sponsored walk. Group Captain Justin Fowler, President of RAFA Belgian Branch and the British Defence Attaché to Belgium and Luxembourg, was invited to meet him on the day. Keeping a safe distance, George explained how much he had enjoyed his time in the RAF. Justin Fowler said ‘It was delightful to meet George, he Fraserburgh Branch is such a fit and enthusiastic Burns Night was celebrated at the branch on 25 January. The haggis was veteran who continues to offer addressed by Branch President Stanley Green MBE who also gave the service to others and he is an grace. The evening was reported in traditional dialect as follows: “Broch inspiration to us all’. in tae the skirl o’ the pipes by our excellent piper, ye find him ay a dainty Leigh Branch chiel, and foo o’ glee, playing, ‘Ye Scots wha wish Auld Scotland well’. I The branch is asking all its members to check their contact details are up trust ye’re are my RAFA honest freens, as ye anither Gude Night and joy to date so the new chairman can keep in touch. Members can see their be with ye a. Auld Lang Syne.” details on the Members’ Portal or call 0800 018 2361. The chairman can City of Bristol Branch be contacted by email at [email protected] or on the branch’s Despite the lockdown new Facebook page. During the COVID-19 crisis, the branch has focused restrictions, Anthony Peters, on its more vulnerable members. Next there will be a fresh approach to Moray Branch branch chairman, took part face-to-face gatherings, involving liaising with local veterans’ services March’s AGM saw Chairman Marty Latham-Scott and his wife Pam, in a virtual standard bearers’ and air cadets. It’s an exciting time to be a member of Leigh Branch, so Secretary, stand down; we thank them most heartedly for their sterling ceremony to mark ANZAC day. please get in touch. work over the past many years, the branch would not have lasted without them. Treasurer David Greatorex, a RAFA member for nearly Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea Branch 60 years, steps down after being treasurer for more than 30 years at At the branch’s AGM, President Sheila Sawyer presented a certificate Lossiemouth/Moray. We cannot thank him enough for loyally keeping us from the Association to Annamae Marman. This was in recognition of financially straight for so long. He remains as deputy treasurer and Tony the care and support she provides for her father, Phil, who was disabled Broadhurst takes over as treasurer. New member, Veron Young, becomes some years ago in an accident, and formerly provided to her late mother secretary. Bill Stuart takes on the challenging Wings Co-ordinator – both branch members. Annamae (pictured very top, right, with Shiela post. We wish all branches good wishes and stay safe during these Sawyer and her father Phil) regularly attends branch meetings. difficult times.

44 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 45 Branch News Branch News

Newcastle and Gateshead Branch Rutland Branch Towyn and Aberdovey Branch Standard Bearer Dave Gilbert and other branch members formed an The Zoom video conferencing app helped Rutland Branch link up In February, the branch helped their oldest member celebrate his honour guard at the funeral in Amble of former WAAF Edith Hunter, who in early May for their scheduled monthly meeting. The software’s 100th birthday and presented him with a certificate from Association died in March at the age of 98. Edith served as a plotter during World compatibility with personal computer and mobile devices enabled HQ. John Hazzlewood joined the RAF five days after Britain declared War Two and, in later life, was an enthusiastic member of the WAAF members to see and hear Richard Foster’s presentation “Around the war on Germany, and spent much of the war in India. The photograph Association. [The funeral took place before lockdown]. World in 35 years 229 days”. Future branch meetings will be by this shows John while on leave, having trekked on horseback to the 13,000ft media until further notice. For dates of meetings and information Rhotang Pass in the Himalayan Mountains. His many letters home contact the branch secretary. were the subject of an article in Air Mail’s July 2019 issue. On 1 March the branch also continued its long-standing tradition of celebrating St David's day, this year with a luncheon at The Victorian Slipway in Tywyn.

Sud-Ouest Branch The branch was very fortunate to be able to hold the 2020 AGM on 7 March, before the confinement procedures were enacted. The lure of a good Grand Cru Classé vineyard at the Chateau du Pressac played its part and 47 members and guests attended. In France now, self-certified attestation is needed to leave the house and without it police can exact a €365 on-the-spot fine. The branch normally supports 33 local ©Alan Proudlock RAF ceremonies each year, which are now being cancelled, but we are finding new ways to commemorate where we can (see photo). Ryedale Branch Potter Heigham Branch Three new Vice-Presidents (VPs) were elected at the branch’s AGM in On 16 March, the last day before we went into lockdown, a group of early March. This honorary title is awarded to members who have given Wittering and District members visited the Remote Radar Head at Trimingham during a exemplary service to the branch over a number of years. Standing: Branch maintenance period. Thanks to SAC Peter Van Houten and the on-shift Chairman Andy Sollitt, MBE with new VP Mo Taylor. Seated: L-R new VP In addition to helping deliver workers for showing us round the ‘Golf ball’. On Friday 8 May, Mick De’Ath, Eric Rowsby, President Cyril Shreeve, Vice-President Norman Appleton, vital bag drops through the Branch Standard Bearer, held a ‘mini VE 75 parade’ in his front garden new VP Trevor Schofield. The meeting was held during the first week of Association’s Op CONNECT, the for members who lived within walking distance, family members and March, just before the COVID-19 lockdown commenced and meetings branch also marked the 75th neighbours. Social distancing rules were adhered to by the 35 attendees. were suspended until further notice. anniversary of VE-Day in May by providing its more vulnerable members with commemorative gift bags. These included supplies and VE-Day themed memorabilia. Torquay Branch Before lockdown, Torquay Branch had been raising money in a local hotel for the Wings Appeal. The hotel holds an annual "We'll Meet Again" period, York Branch where every three days new guests arrive, and branch members provide a Numbers at the AGM in mid-March were down on previous years (27 short talk about the RAF Association, followed by a bucket collection. Over attended) due to the ongoing COVID-19 threat, but the president £10,000 has been raised since 2009 in the hotel. In the photo are: Steve was still pleased to present Annual Branch Award certificates to Kath Colhoun, Branch Chairman; Claire Boustead, Branch Wings Fundraising Allison (retiring as Membership Secretary), Ron Ford, Catherine Hanson Co-ordinator and Treasurer; and Sophie Coldicott, Branch Secretary. (retiring as Deputy Welfare Officer) and Gill Gray. When the pandemic situation worsened, the Club was closed until further notice. All the events and social gatherings planned for spring have been cancelled but our Welfare Officer has been very busy, assisted by branch volunteers, contacting our older members in the vulnerable category to ensure they are keeping safe and well.

We welcome all submissions for Branch News, preferably by email to [email protected]. Your word count should be no more than 100 Romsey Branch words and have accompanying photographs. If sent via email, please attach True to the spirit of the RAF family, branch members have rallied round as a separate image file and at a size of at least 1MB (and ideally 300dpi). after lockdown, stepping up to be part of Op CONNECT and supporting Sheffield Branch Submissions can also be sent by post to the address on the inside front cover. each other. A Romsey Branch member living in north England contacted The photograph (top of next column) shows the annual commemoration Unfortunately photographs submitted by post cannot be returned. Photos of High Wycombe branch to arrange support for someone in Maidenhead, service for the crew of the American B17 Flying Fortress ‘Mi Amigo’, who insufficient quality may not be published. Due to space limitations, submission and Romsey Branch arranged for a member of the local voluntary fire all were killed on 22 February 1944 at this location in Endcliffe Park, does not guarantee inclusion and where there are too many reports for an issue, service to visit and replace a time-expired smoke detector for someone Sheffield. In attendance were, among others, Branch Secretary Squadron the editor reserves the right to select the broadest range of news and photos to else. Finally, even with the ongoing COVID-19-enforced social distancing, Leader Barry Darwin (Rtd.), Reverend Claire Dawson, trumpeter Norman reflect the geography, people and different activities of the Association. Only we commemorated VE Day; individually and by attending televised and Cawkwell, and USAF and USN Personnel from RAF Menwith Hill and RAF submissions made by email will be acknowledged before publication. The streamed events and church services, including one conducted by our Digby. Barry Darwin was aged just four when the aircraft crashed a mile deadline for inclusion in the next Branch News is 14 August 2020. Branch Chaplain. away from him.

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(Publication date of 9 July www.bricktanks.co.uk correct at time of going to print). JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 49

048_AirMail_JUL20_ad.indd 1 19/06/2020 15:22:37 15 September 1940 15 September 1940

fter individual skirmishes in the One of the most spectacular and well-known An explosion followed and early morning, the first full German losses was a Dornier 17 flown by Oberleutnant I found myself hanging on attack came at 1150hrs when 21 Robert Zehbe. Attacked by swarms of RAF a parachute…” Messerschmitt 109 fighter-bombers fighters, it was claimed ‘shot down’ by at least six The next attack was Sunday 15 September 1940 saw the climax of Aheaded for the capital. Bombs were dropped British pilots. One of them, Sergeant Ray Holmes against the Royal Victoria, at Lambeth, Streatham, Dulwich and Penge, of 504 Squadron, rammed the bomber, causing West India and Surrey the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe launched a but caused little damage and few casualties. it to break up. Ray's combat report reads: Commercial docks in east series of massive attacks against London and Twenty minutes later, 27 Dornier 17s "I attacked the right flank machine from London. The assailants appeared over London’s suburbs. Their quarter to astern. Pieces flew from the wings this time were Dornier 17s other British cities, trying to finally defeat the RAF. mission had got off to a bad start: they had and a flame appeared in the port wing but and Heinkel 111s - 114 flown into a layer of cloud over the French went out again. After breaking away I climbed bombers flying in three But for them, the day was a failure. Chris Goss coast, forcing them to break formation and up to a single Dornier and made two quarter parallel columns three recounts the story as seen through the German adding ten minutes while they re-formed. attacks. Pieces flew off. My windshield was now miles apart. Then a headwind delayed them and limited splashed with black oil. I attacked a third time Again, the RAF fighters and British pilots’ eyes. the endurance of their Messerschmitt 109 and [a] member of the crew baled out. On my threw themselves at the bombers and their escorts. Their objective was either the docks fourth attack from the port beam, a jar shook escorts with dogfights occurring over much of or the railway junction at Latchmere End but, my starboard wing as I passed over the enemy Kent, London, East Sussex and Essex. London due to the massive number of Spitfires and aircraft and I went into an uncontrollable spin. was then spared serious bomb damage as the Hurricanes sent to intercept them, damage to I think enemy aircraft must have exploded Germans’ targets were obscured by cloud when the targets was slight and, as they turned for beneath me. I baled out and as I landed I saw they got there. home, German casualties began to rise. the Dornier hit the ground by Victoria Station German losses were again high. Bomber pilot about half a mile away." Leutnant Josef Steudel remembers the day well: Six bombers were lost in this attack, with "The approach was too long - we were tired Misserfolg: another two badly damaged. 12 aircrew were before the attack. At the coast we had to circle killed, 10 captured and three wounded. The as the fighters were late. On top of that our the German view of Battle of Britain Day escorts also fared badly as Messerschmitt 109 formation was in disarray. Our fighters had once pilot Feldwebel Herbert Tzschoppe recalls: again allowed themselves to get entangled in “We were flying at about 3,500m... with our dogfights and we were unprotected. Suddenly Top: Luftwaffe fighter pilots re-enact their flaps down so that we could stay close to a tight formation of fighters appeared close to combat; the pilot on the right flew on Battle of the slower bombers. During a turn, we were us. At first we thought they were our own but Britain day but was killed later in the war. attacked by Spitfires which came out of the we were mistaken. A formation of Spitfires was sun... My plane was hit in both wings. flying directly at us, firing all guns. They Above: Dornier 17s seen in the skies over England; I... tried to hide in the clouds. avoided a collision only by veering this unit was active on 15 September 1940. However, when I came out I off last moment, some above Left: The remains of Robert Zehbe's Dornier 17 at was hit by a second burst so us, some below. Several even Victoria Station. I threw off the cabin roof had the nerve to fly right and undid my seat belt. “Several through our formation. A third burst hit home even had the "This frontal attack could hunt and shoot us down individually. The - from the instrument nerve to fly right by the Tommies was two planes to my right veered off below me as I panel there came flames a completely new was pursued by a whole pack of Spitfires.” like an oxyacetylene through our tactic that split up our Steudel's Dornier 17 suffered slight damage, but torch and my hands and formation” formation. After that they he got back. Messerschmitt 109 pilot Unteroffizier face were severely burned. had an easy game as they Hermann Streibing was not so lucky: "North of London...I was hit in my starboard wing - a result of which I lost a significant percentage of manoeuvrability. The situation dictated that I had to disengage from the dogfight. I veered off direction back to Calais but on my way back I was attacked by two British fighters who literally chewed up my plane with machine gun fire. I received several hits. My only chance in eluding them lay ahead when I dived as fast as possible into a big cloud.” He lost his pursuers but was also losing coolant: “A short time later my engine began to seize which, together with my limited manoeuvrability, made it difficult to steer the plane. Everything went so fast the last few moments and I was forced to bale out. I remember trying to steer my crippled plane so as to avoid houses." He did manage to avoid houses, but his fighter crashed in the graveyard at Hartlip near Sittingbourne in Kent. He was lucky to survive. Having baled out so low his partly open A Heinkel 111 over the parachute snagged on a chimney from where Thames, September 1940. he had to be cut down.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 51 15 September 1940

Two of the last German bombers to crash on land on 15 September 1940 were believed to be Dornier 17s brought down by colliding court with Hurricanes. The first crashed at Marden in Kent after brushing with Flying Officer Paddy Stephenson of 607 Squadron. The second was eventually brought down when it collided with a Hurricane of 605 Squadron as the or squadron records show: Swing? “Pilot Officer Cooper Slipper... baled out near Marden. He returned... apparently unshaken, with two German Mae Wests and a Our specialist team here at Empire Medals take every complete rubber dinghy given to detail of the cleaning, polishing & mounting very him by Maidstone police." seriously. We work extremely hard to deliver the very As German aircraft retreated highest standards in an efficient and timely manner. from London, 26 Heinkel 111s attacked Portland “My plane in Dorset. They were was hit in both be demolished. they lost 20 Dornier 17s, 18 Messerschmitt So whether it’s Swing Mounting, Court Mounting or intercepted by 152 That night 181 109s, eight Heinkel 111s, three Messerschmitt even if you’re just not sure - we are here to help you Squadron who claimed wings. I tried Luftwaffe aircraft 110s and three Junkers 88s. But they claimed one Heinkel destroyed and to hide in the attacked London, 51 Spitfires, 26 Hurricanes and a Bristol every step of the way. another damaged. clouds” dropping 224 tons Blenheim in return. Today, we can say that the The final daylight attack of bombs plus 279 Luftwaffe lost 56 bombers and fighters for the Simply call FREEPHONE 0800 133 7646 was by a specialist fighter- incendiary containers. RAF's 28 fighters. London had been bombed bomber unit which launched They also attacked Worthing, but rail traffic was only disrupted for three Email us: [email protected] 10 Messerschmitt 110s and Bournemouth, Portsmouth, days and the docks, this time, were unscathed. Visit our website www.empiremedals.com three Messerschmitt 109s against Liverpool, Avonmouth, Southampton, The day showed that RAF Fighter Command the Supermarine Works at Woolston just Cardiff and Gloucester. was not on its knees. Germany now began outside Southampton, the factory making Luftwaffe reports say 148 bombers had to switch to attacks by night and, on 19 Spitfires. They hit houses and shops killing attacked London between 1250 and 1600hrs September 1940, Adolf Hitler postponed the www.empiremedals.com nine civilians, badly injuring 19 and slightly that day, dropping 1,288 bombs (132,000 kg proposed invasion of Great Britain. injuring 23. 34 buildings were destroyed and total) - and 108 incendiary containers. They The final world goes to a German officer 81 more were so badly damaged they had to admitted defences were very strong and that who had been captured that Sunday afternoon. After being taken into London for interrogation, he wrote in his diary: "My first sensation when I saw the damage caused by our bombing was one of complete amazement. I had pictured an altogether greater degree of destruction but only very few houses were destroyed and the traffic in the streets carried on as normal. In Hyde Park, people were sitting peacefully on chairs and benches as if nothing had happened and bus, tram and underground services proceeded with astonishing frequency. A bomb crater was an exception in this peaceful picture." ●

Translation: Misserfolg = 'failure'.

RAF Drinks Bottle Above: This Messerschmitt 109 crashed landed near Uckfield in Sussex at 1230 hrs on Battle of Britain £19 Day and was later displayed around the UK. 500ml capacity high grade Top left: This Do 17Z managed to get as far as stainless steel ‘Bottle for Life’ eight kilometres north of Poix on 15 September 1940. With one engine stopped due to a fighter Double walled insulation, easy attack, the pilot successfully crash landed. The to clean, completely tasteless observer was the only crew member wounded. and odourless

Bottom far left: Fighter pilot Unteroffizier Hans Can be engraved with ANY Schersand was reported missing on Battle of regimental badge, crest and or Britain Day. text of your choice. You can even personalise with your online: www.empiremedals.com Bottom left: Heinkel 111 gunner on return to service details! France; the cartridge cases show the battle he must have had. All images © Chris Goss phone: 0800 133 7646 52 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020

Untitled-2Airmail 09-19.indd 1 1 23/06/202003/09/2019 10:34:19 15:44 Under the Radar Kite Balloon Winch

To mark 80 years since the Battle of Britain, the RAF Museum’s Andrew Renwick EMERGENCY looks at an unsung hero of Britain’s wartime air defence. COVID-19 he role of the Second World War’s Fighter APPEAL Command is well known, but the role ofT Balloon Command is often overlooked – despite the fact that both were responsible for the UK’s air defence. During the Second World War, barrage balloons were used to protect urban centres and other important locations, such as ports and factories. In the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, they offered a vital means of defence against the Luftwaffe as their trailing metal Vulnerable members of our cables would severely damage or destroy any aircraft which touched them. Attackers attempting to RAF community are struggling shoot down a balloon could be caught in an explosion of the hydrogen used to get them and we cannot stand by airborne. German bombers also had to fly above the balloons, Force. Women were also recruited, by cables to concrete blocks, reducing their bombing accuracy. employed as fabric workers and as which were set in a circle in the Balloon Command was formed winch operators who brought the ground. The Mk IV winch, shown Please make a donation today to support our emergency response to the on 1 November 1938 with its balloons back to the ground. here, was installed just behind headquarters at RAF Stanmore Balloons could be flown from the cab, and offered protection COVID-19 pandemic and help address the desperate levels of isolation, Park. Its squadrons were unusual ships or barges at sea, from fixed for the operator. The area at the loneliness and need amongst RAF veterans. in that they were made up of sites on land, or from mobile rear was used to transport the volunteers of the Auxiliary Air sites. They were usually tethered deflated balloon. In April 1941 the Defence (Women’s Forces) Regulations came into effect, and WAAF personnel became members of the Armed Give Give Give Give Forces of the Crown. Successful Above: The RAF Museum’s Fordson experiments in 1941 proved that Thames Sussex 917T, with Mk IV winch. Fordson was a brand of women were capable of handling £18.73 £30 £50 £100 the Ford Motor Company used for barrage balloons, despite initial tractors and commercial vehicles, to fund a bag drop of to fund outreach calls to to fund ten regular and help combat feelings of isolation doubts, and in 1942 approval was vital provisions to the 20 vulnerable individuals, friendship calls – offering by supporting our weekly programme with the Thames Sussex being a given for 1,246 sites to be staffed by commercial 3-tonne, 6 x 4 chassis. doorstep of an RAF checking on their welfare and much-needed conversation of entertainment, with accessible WAAF crews, and 853 by RAF crews. © RAF Museum veteran who is shielding connecting them with other at a time when so many feel activities that provide routine, The number of WAAF crews was support services lonelier than ever companionship and boost mood soon increased to 1,376. Left: Liverpool, 1939. A partly- Barrage balloons were used inflated balloon floats above the winch-mounted lorry. To the left is throughout the war. Balloon the lorry’s trailer, which carried the Command was disbanded in balloon’s hydrogen tanks. © RAF February 1945 after long distance Museum attacks by V-1 rockets were To donate, please visit stopped by the capture of their www.rafa.org.uk/c19appeal launch sites in northern France. or call 0800 018 2361 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 55

RAFA249Untitled-1 Emergency 1 Covid-19 Appeal A4 Display advert V4.indd 1 15/06/202009/06/2020 09:55:19 15:04 NEWS Give your garden the perfect OTHER NEWS FROM THE RAF makeover with ColourFence!

617 Squadron taking part in Exercise RED FLAG at Nellis Air Force Base Policing to full warfighting – and Rupert Joel said: “We learnt lessons SAC Amy Lupton © MOD/Crown 2019 involved eight Typhoons. from recent runway re-surfacing HM The Queen has approved at Northolt and Waddington to the award of Battle Honours to ensure success.” a number of RAF squadrons. It has been announced that These are given to commemorate the Red Arrows will move to RAF notable battles, actions, or Waddington when RAF Scampton engagements in which squadron closes in 2022. However, they will aircrew or RAF Regiment still use the Scampton air space for personnel played a memorable practicing their routines. The team part. The honours have been also staged a flypast over London Cream awarded to 32 operational to mark the 75th anniversary of flying squadrons and nine RAF VE Day – and Typhoons flew over multi-million-dollar, Nellis Air Force base near Las Regiment squadrons for their Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast. multi-national military Vegas where they took part in the service during operations in A flypast by a Spitfire and a Blue data centre has opened huge air combat exercises over Afghanistan between 2001 Hurricane from the Battle of Britain in Florida, designed to the Nevada ranges. Typhoons and 2014. Six operational flying Memorial Flight was organised MAINTENANCE, PAINTING Agive each country’s F-35 Lightning from 41 (Test and Evaluation) squadrons and nine RAF Regiment to celebrate the 100th birthday Brown aircraft an operational advantage Squadron and a Voyager aircraft squadrons have been awarded the of Captain (now Colonel) Sir OR REPAIRS FOR 25 YEARS! in combat missions. More than were also involved in the highest honour of ‘Battle Honour Tom Moore and his fundraising NO ten years in the making, the exercises. with Emblazonment’. achievements for the NHS. centre has achieved its Initial RAF Typhoons have returned to A flight deck simulator which News of the RAF’s contribution to Now that we’re spending more time at home, it’s Guaranteed† not to warp, To see our Operating Capability. It will enable Lithuania this summer to augment provides pilots with state-of-the- the nation’s fight against COVID-19 a good time to take stock and improve the beauty crack, shrink, rot or peel Lightning pilots to fly into hostile the NATO Baltic Air Policing art training has been unveiled at can be seen on page 11. AM of our garden space. And few things detract more wide choice of air space, confident that their mission, Operation Azotize. The RAF Waddington. The RAF is the By Mike Curtis from a lovingly created landscape than a tired Professionally installed aircraft’s computer systems will deployment was formed around sizes, colours and and broken fence. With ColourFence however, to withstand wind gusts help them to safely complete 6 Squadron based at Lossiemouth designs – contact even the most dangerous and and operated out of Siauliai Air these problems quickly disappear - its inherent of up to 130mph demanding missions. Base. Meanwhile other Typhoons good looks will continue to last for years and us today! Behind the virtually windowless, have been back in action flying years. ColourFence is the fence you won’t have to No painting or repairs thick concrete walls of the armed reconnaissance missions paint or repair. It’s guaranteed not to warp, crack, for 25 years Australian, Canadian and United over Iraq and eastern Syria as part shrink, rot or peel for the next 25 years†. 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The evaluation The simulator will now be used aircraft from 617 Squadron at tested the RAF’s ability to cope by both RAF and US Air Force Marham spent three weeks at with a range of threats from Air personnel to train to fly the RC- 135 Rivet Joint, of which the RAF Despite many coats of preservative, has three. Royal Air Force personnel taking CALL part in the Op COLD IGLOO the structure of the wooden fence The runway at RAF Mount training phase, RAF Leeming, 21 in our front garden rotted and a NOW!

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24 25

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Across Down

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58 AIR MAIL JULY SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 59

Classi.indd 1 22/06/2020 11:57:26 Recipe Notices

Calzone Pizza Serves 4 Notices Calzone Pizza Ingredients for the dough 125g plain flour 1tsp baking powder REUNIONS the army. However, not even the MOD seems to know how many other Large pinch of salt 29/30/31st Entry Boy Entrant Telegraphists Annual Reunion. squadrons, if any, were due to go. Any information on this, or on potential 1 large egg, beaten V chef, RAF Association supporter This annual reunion will take place on 9 and 10 Oct 2020 at Barnsdale airfield destinations, would be most welcome. Contact Godfrey Dann on: 1tbsp sunflower oil and former University Air Hall Hotel, Oakham. It is open to all ex Boy Entrant Telegraphists. If [email protected] 2-3tbsp water T Cadet Matt Tebbutt interested, please contact Eddie Owen on 01572 755383 or email: presents Daily Kitchen Live on [email protected] Information sought about my Ingredients for the calzone filling

BBC 1 every weekday, and has father, 575086 Master Pilot 50g mozzarella, grated or torn Richardson ©Ray been offering advice on how Vulcan Crew Chief Register (VCCR). The 2020 reunion will be held on George Henry Richardson 1 tin of chopped tomatoes, reduced by to make healthy meals with 9 and 10 October at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa. For details (right). He was in Coastal, half in a pan limited ingredients during please see www.vulcancrewchief.org or contact: [email protected] Transport and Bomber 4 sticks of sprouting broccoli the COVID-19 lockdown. He Command, stationed at Topcliffe, ½ onion, peeled and sliced is particularly fond of this 50g cheddar cheese, grated - or any OLD COLLEAGUES St Mawgan, St Eval, Ballykelly calzone pizza recipe which other cheese and more. He served with 203, he shared specially with the 2 rashers of bacon, cooked The RAF Locking Apprentices Association welcomes contact from 204 and 240 squadrons among Association as part of Project 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped apprentices who trained at RAF Locking or RAF Cranwell and wish to others. He left the RAF in 1958 ENTERTAIN: “There are no 2tbsp fresh herbs, or 1tsp dried herbs renew comradeship. Visit: www.raflaa.org.uk or call 01933 317357. after Grapple Y, flying alongside specialist ingredients, you don’t Wing Commander WD need strong flour or yeast – which Any news of or contacts for Tom Cumberland or Ron Bayne? They Hodgkinson and responsible for are things everyone has been Method are the last two members of 78 Entry RAFC Cranwell 1958-60 not yet photography over Christmas struggling to get hold of – and you • Place all the ingredients into a large traced. Contact Gus Ross on: [email protected] or 07944 877806 Island. Contact Ray at: can make a batch and freeze the calzone glass bowl and mix together to form a with information. [email protected] so you can have pizza any time.” dough. Or place in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and mix until Is there was anyone out there lucky enough, like me, to have been If any former RAF Postal Clerk has any knowledge of the trade’s history, a dough is formed. part of the route lining for the Queen’s coronation in 1953? We were or attended the Clerk Secretarial conversion course at RAF Kirton Lindsey in Above: These calzones could be frozen whole once made, after they have been cooked. Below: Matt • On a floured work surface, roll out the positioned in Oxford Street. It would be interesting to swap yarns of the 1964, I (Alan ‘Taff’ Thomas) would be pleased to hear from them at: datsat@ Tebbutt supported the RAF Association at the ICAP Charity Day in December 2019, helping to raise the dough into 4 circles. occasion. If there is, and you would like to, please contact Jim Dennett sky.com. I myself served as an RAF postie at RAF Oakington and RAF at: [email protected] or on 01942 724477. Cardington between 1961 and 1965. funds needed to deliver our new ‘Finding it Tough?’ mental wellbeing training courses. © Matt Tebbutt • Pre-heat the oven to 200C. Place the baking tray or pizza stone in the oven Seeking information on 103 Squadron’s Johnny Dewing from Seeking pictures of former RAF Sharjah (closed 1971) and RAF Masirah to heat up Yorkshire, mid-upper gunner on William ‘Duke’ Baker’s Lancaster crew (closed 1977). If you can help, please contact Colin Pomeroy at: CPomeroy@ • Place all the ingredients on one side from Oct 1944 – Mar 1945. The families of his former crew mates would aol.com of each circle and fold the dough over like to connect with him or his descendants to find out how he settled to create pasty shapes. Seal using your post-war. Contact Pat Stone (Dud’s wife) at: [email protected] Looking to locate a copy of the Composite Flight Servicing Schedule fingers or a fork. AP for either Jet Provost Mk 3 / Mk 5 (preferable) or Gnat T1 aircraft types. • Place on the lined baking tray or pizza RAF Boy entrants 15th Entry, January 1952. Bill Beaumont (ex As a retired tech author and former ‘Liney’ who worked on these aircraft in stone - carefully, as it will be hot. Cook Boy, 1952) would like to hear from anyone of any trade who was a boy the 1970s, I’m hoping to write a novel based on my experiences, and these for 15-20 minutes. entrant at RAF Cosford. You may have photos or other details of your schedules will help me recall some details. I may even name one of the time. Please contact: [email protected] characters after you if you can help - possibly even one of the nice ones! Contact Ed Harrod on: [email protected] Cecil ‘Bob’ Milton would like to contact any 16th Entry Boy Entrants Substitutes and nuggets (1952) from RAF Yatesbury’s No 2 Radio School. Ginge Homer, Maxwell Membership of the Medmenham Association is open to serving and • Tomato purée or sun-dried tomatoes Boag or John McVitte in particular. Email: [email protected] retired personnel of all branches of the Armed Services, Voluntary Reserve blended can be used instead of and Civil Service, who gained a recognised qualification as an Imagery tinned tomatoes. OTHER Analyst or Photographic Interpreter, and are/were employed in MOD, • Any left-over vegetables can be used. Service or similar Allied establishments. Association membership is also Or you can use frozen or tinned. In 1945, while flying with 7 Squadron, we were scheduled to go available to applicants who have worked in a supporting role or have close • Any meat, or left-over cooked meats to the Far East. This was not to be part of Tiger Force, but to support working association with the PI/IA profession.

can be used. Email: [email protected]

• Frozen onion and garlic can be used. Cruel. 23 Strait; 20 Errand; 19 Exigeant; 17 Abdicate; 16 Submit your notices – free for all members

• The dough can be made the day Inception; 15 polish; French 11 Estate; 8 Icicle; 7 Preferential; Next deadline: 14 August 2020. Notices: a free member benefit

before and left in the fridge overnight. 1 Take pity; 2 Easy prey; 4 Outdo; 5 Blackpool; 6 6 Blackpool; 5 Outdo; 4 prey; Easy 2 pity; Take 1 Down: Down: to help you keep connected with people and places from your time

• Don’t freeze them raw. 22 Packaging; 24 Avaricious; 25 RAFA; 26 Dutch uncle; 27 Left. 27 uncle; Dutch 26 RAFA; 25 Avaricious; 24 Packaging; 22 in the RAF or the RAF Association, or to announce news of births,

• You can use frozen broccoli from this marriages, christenings, engagements, and more. A service for

recipe. But make sure you defrost it Ratio; 21 box; Chocolate 18 Antipodes; The 14 Eclat; 13 members only. To place a notice in the October–December 2020 issue:

1 Tres; 3 Booby prize; 9 Kiss; 10 Strategist; 12 Paperwork; Paperwork; 12 Strategist; 10 Kiss; 9 prize; Booby 3 Tres; 1

first before putting in the calzone, or Across: email your text to [email protected], post it to the address on the it will release too much water and 2020 CROSSWORD SUMMER SOLUTION: inside front cover or call 0800 018 2361. make the dough soggy.

60 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 61 “In friendship and in service one to another, we are pledged to keep alive the memory of those of all nations who died in the Royal Air Force AD ASTRA and in the Air Forces of the Commonwealth. In We record with sadness the passing of the their name we give ourselves to this noble cause. Proudly and thankfully we will remember them.” following members of the RAF Association Greig © Phil Greig © Phil

Mr G Abbott Faversham Mr G Cater BEM MBE Kings Lynn and District Mr G Gibson MBE Birstall (Leics) Mr J King Sudbury Mr E D Abrahams Jamaica Mr R Chalk Chesham and Amersham Mr M Gibson Coningsby and District Mr R T Kingham Thurrock Wing Commander M Adams Overseas Area HQ Mr C Chandler Alton Mr H J Giddings Neath Mr B Lacy Uxbridge Mrs N Addis Solihull Mr J Chapman Stockton and Thornaby Mr J Gillen Headquarters Branch Mr J Laidler Headquarters Branch Mr C Albrow Hythe and Romney Marsh Mr R F Chapman Torquay Mr D Glasser Roe Valley Mr B Lambert Exmouth Mr E R Allaway Abbots and Kings Langley Mrs V Chard Southampton and Eastleigh Mrs E Glover Worcester and District Mr P S Lancashire Keyworth Mr T Allen Corby and District Mr R Charters Faversham Mr A Goldsack Morecambe and Lancaster Mr D Lee Headquarters Branch Mr J M Allen Norwich Mrs F Clark South East & Eastern Area HQ Mr L R Greenfield Worthing Mr J Levick Romford Mr D Andrews Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mr M Colby Apollo (Cyprus) Mr E E Habgood Poole Mr D Lincoln South East & Eastern Area HQ Mr B Armstrong Whitley Bay Mr B Cook Burtonwood and Warrington Mr D Hall City of Bristol Mr A Lindsey-Halls Great Yarmouth and District Mr G Arnold Cambridge Squadron Leader C Cooper Dartford Mr L J Hallsworth Bedford Mr A Lloyd Jersey Mr R Athol Moffat and Lockerbie RMG Mr L Cooper Stockton and Thornaby Mr M Hamlin North Costa Blanca Mr W Longhurst Thurrock Mr F Atkinson Northern Area HQ Mr E Costar Torquay Mr R W Hare Camberley and District Mrs E S Longstaff Fleet Mr A Attrill Bodmin Mr W C Crews Swindon and District Mr M Harrington Lincoln Mr B R Luckett Dursley and South Gloucestershire Mrs L M Bailey Swindon and District Mrs E Cross St Neots Mr W Harrison Jersey Mr D Maker North Walsham Mr J D Baker Llandaff and Ely Mr A Crossley Morecambe and Lancaster Mr D Hawkins DFC Melksham Mr W Mallen Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Air Commodore A Balfour Aylesbury and Halton Mrs M Crudgington Southampton and Eastleigh Mrs B Hawkins Christchurch Mr W J Matthews Overseas Area HQ Mr J Balmer Norwich Mr J Cummings Oldham Mr R Hawkins Horsham and Storrington Mr I R Mattick South East & Eastern Area HQ Mr D Bambridge Melton Mowbray Mr S David Littlehampton Mr S Haywood Castleford Mr F Mayes Aylesbury and Halton Mr F Barrett Thetford Mr A Davis Camborne, Redruth and Illogan Mr G B Heaps Cranwell Mr J McGinty Largs RMG Mr R V Base Gloucester Mr J Davis Thurrock Mr G Heathman North Cornwall Mr R S McIntyre Boston Mr R Basson Irchester and District Mr G V Davis Whitley Bay Mrs S Heptonstall Swiss Mr C McKeegan Roe Valley Mr W N Bays Lincoln Mr P Dawson Hull Mr R Heseltine Oldham Mr R J McMorris Roe Valley Mr J Beake Dover and District Mr D Deeley South East & Eastern Area HQ Mr A Hewitt Preston Mr R McWatt Lincoln Squadron Leader S Bennett Thetford Mr J T Dickens Wokingham and Woodley Mr D Hicks Oxford and District Mr J Mepham Wokingham and Woodley Mr B Bentley Camborne, Redruth and Illogan Mr R O W S Douglas Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Mr P Holmes Solihull Mr H Mercer Whitley Bay Mr E Bickerdike-Hibbs Solihull Mr J Drage Rushden Mr A Horrocks Headquarters Branch Mr J Mills Calne and District Mr J Bird Leicester Mrs E Drew Wales, Midland and SW Area HQ Mrs L Horton Downham Market Mr G Mohammed Overseas Area HQ Mr D Blanch Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mr P J Earland Dunkeswell (AC) and Honiton RMG Mr J Howard Wokingham and Woodley Mrs J Murphy Romsey Mr J Body Penzance Mrs J Easter Solihull Mr P Howarth Johannesburg Mr A Musselwhite East Grinstead Mrs M Boon-Roos Amsterdam Mr R Eden Christchurch Mr R Howes Wymondham Mrs D New Northern Area HQ Mr R Boreham Norwich Mr N Edmondson Swindon and District Squadron Leader D Humberstone Chelmsford Mr B New Thurrock Mr D Bottrill Whitley Bay Mr R Edwards Orpington RMG Mrs N Ingram Christchurch Mr G Norwood Melton Mowbray Mr D Boyden Clacton-on-Sea Mr P Edwards Wales, Midland and South Western Miss A Irwin Basingstoke Mr S Ottey Jamaica Mr G Bradley Armagh Area HQ Mrs F G Isted Germany Mr D Pack Solihull Mr M Brampton-Bristow Windsor and Eton Mr F Elliott Thurrock Mr A Jackson Bognor Regis Mr L Page Chesham and Amersham Mr J Brear Kings Lynn and District Mr J Elworthy Walton, Weybridge and District Mr R G Jenkin Penzance Mr S Pain Littlehampton Mr M Briggs Huntingdon and District Mrs R Evans Kenley and Caterham Group Captain R M Jenkins AFC* Maidstone Mrs M Palmer Harrow District Mr R Bright Knighton and District Mr D R Evans Porthcawl and Kenfig Mr E Jenner Ramsgate and Broadstairs Mr C R Pearce Birmingham Moseley Squadron Leader D F Broadley Northern Area HQ Mr D Evans Wales, Midland and Southwestern Mr P Johnson Basingstoke Mrs P Peers Braunstone Mr A H Brown Wales, Midland and South Area HQ Mr P H Jones Coningsby and District Mr A Pell Scunthorpe Western Area HQ Mr A Farquhar Moffat and Lockerbie RMG Mr M B Jones Huntingdon and District Mr E Pendlebury Leigh Mrs J Bryan Northern Area HQ Mr J Ferguson East Kilbride Mr L E A Jones Lincoln Mr R Perkins Dunstable Mr G Bryant Wisbech Mr R Fleming Downham Market Mr T Jones Wales, Midland and South Western Mr K Pike Burnham (Bucks) RMG Mr B Bull Oxted and Limpsfield Mr V Ford North Weald and Ongar Area HQ Mr A Pinn Christchurch Mr P Burrowes Haywards Heath Mr J Fowler Bletchley (M K) Mrs C A Keep Cheltenham Mr P J Pitt City and Central London Mrs L Callender Thurrock Mr F Fowler Hailsham Mr H J Kennard City and Central London Mr D Pointon Solihull Mr N Callon Northern Area HQ Mr R Fry South East & Eastern Area HQ Mr B Kennedy North Cornwall Mr A S Powell Birmingham and Sheldon Mr L G Calvert MC Horsham and Storrington Doctor T T Fulton OBE Armagh Mrs P Kershaw Harrow District Mr S Powell Skipton Mrs I Campbell Jersey Mr K R Futter North Walsham Mr R H Kerswell High Wycombe Mr R Powers Ramsgate and Broadstairs Mr J Cardew Wales, Midland and SW Area HQ Mr M Gardner Witham and Rivenhall Mrs C King Bury St Edmunds Mr K Preece City and Central London Mr D Carlin Rutland Mr D Garrick Cranwell Mr P S King Northampton and District Mr G Proctor Armagh

62 AIR MAIL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 AIR MAIL 63 They fought back © Heidi Burton Mr M Snowball Grantham Mr P Standing Worthing Mr J Standley Armourers Mr P Stephenson Batley and Birstall Honouring those Mr R H Stratton Witham and Rivenhall Squadron Leader C R Strawson Kings Lynn and District Mrs J Stubbington Poole Mrs B W Sturman Kenley and Caterham Mr J M Surridge South East & Eastern Area HQ who have departed Squadron Leader G Sutherland Airdrie and Coatbridge Mr E Taylor Woking Mr B Thackery South East & Eastern Area HQ Terry Clark Mr V A Thomas Eastbourne Terry Clark, one of the last of the Few who Mr B Thompson Orpington RMG fought against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Squadron Leader H Thompson Waddington Britain, passed away on the eve of the 75th Mrs J Tibbott Rutland anniversary of VE Day. Terry trained as an air Mr H Trafford Peterborough gunner and joined 219 Squadron at Catterick Wing Commander J Tucker Kings Lynn and District in July of 1940. He was awarded five medals, Mr J N Tyler Hull including the Distinguished Flying Medal for Mr J Van Leer Trowbridge and West Wiltshire defending the city of York and its surrounding Mrs C F Varnell South East & Eastern Area HQ airfields. As a member of the Few, he also Mr J Vickers Dunstable received the Battle of Britain clasp to the Mr F G Vines Solihull 1939/45 Star. (More details of his links with the Mr D Vose Romford Association on page 15). Mr J P T Walkden Wythenshawe Squadron Leader D Walker Harrogate and District Frank Elliott Mr G Walker Chingford D-Day veteran and a holder of the French Mr D Walters Aylesbury and Halton Légion d'honneur, Frank Elliott flew with Mrs N Warley Sturminster Newton and Gillingham Bomber Command in the Second World War Mr L Warrell Kenley and Caterham on special operations. He flew many missions Terry Clark ©Crown/MOD Mr P Watson Sturminster Newton and Gillingham and was highly decorated. Thurrock MP Jackie Mr J C W Weavers Beccles and Southwold Doyle-Price said: “We remember the courage Mr T Weaving Overseas Area HQ and service of men like Frank… At times like Short Sterlings. He flew around 20 missions, squadron, Steve flew 30 missions against Mr J Welch North Weald and Ongar these we should take inspiration from those crash landing in the UK on one occasion and targets in Germany and Italy. At that time, only Mrs C M Whitehead Aldeburgh and District RMG who went through so much.” Frank died aged being wounded by flack on another. At the one in five of the squadron’s aircraft completed Mrs M Whitelaw Ayr and Prestwick 95, on 16 April. age of 19 Henry was given the day off from a tour of operations. “The world we did our Mr D Whiteman Mansfield and District service to marry his fiancée, and was escorted bit to bring about is, for all its problems, an Mr B Read Skipton Mr C Whiting Littlehampton Ron Green by armed guards to his wedding ceremony to infinitely better place than the world subjected Mr W Rees Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Mrs P Widduson Melton Mowbray Ron Green joined the RAF in 1941, trained as a ensure that he returned to duty straight after. to Nazi tyranny” he said in 2018. “That is Mr J Regan DFM Melton Mowbray Mr R Wilkins Chesham and Amersham Lancaster pilot and served with 550 Squadron Bomber Command’s legacy to the young men Mr D Rice City of Bristol Mr P Williams Wokingham and Woodley based at RAF North Killingholme during the John Quine and women of today”. Mr R Riddle Melton Mowbray Mrs M Wishart Headquarters Branch Second World War. It is understood that after Bomber Command veteran John Quine was Mr R Rix Woodbridge Mr D Witherspoon City and Central London the war, Ron was involved in transporting born in Wales and raised in Bromsgrove where John Valentine Mr J M Roberts Angus Mr D M Wood Sturminster Newton and Gillingham people from the UK to attend the Nuremburg he spent most of his life. He joined the RAF John Valentine joined the RAF in 1941 and flew in Mr I H Roberts Melton Mowbray Mr R W Woodhead 1066 Trials, and also flew missions dropping food in 1939, aged just 16, and piloted Lancasters Lancasters and Wellingtons. After the war ended, Mr S Roberts RAF St Mawgan Mr J Woods Hinckley and District parcels into Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. Ron during the Second World War. He flew a total he was posted to RAF Castel Bonito in Libya. On Mr W Robson Rothbury Mrs A Worth Aylesbury and Halton was an active member of the RAF Association, of 22 missions, including Operation Manna, leaving the RAF, John worked as an accountant Mr R Ross-Mowat Torquay Mr W Worthington Sale and was a former Chairman of Windsor Branch. where the RAF dropped food to starving Dutch for British Leyland until his retirement in 1989. He Mr R Sadler Ramsgate and Broadstairs Mrs M Wright Aldeburgh and District RMG He died on 24 March at the age of 98. civilians during the last days of the war. John continued to fly aircraft from Blackpool Airport Mr P Saggers North Weald and Ongar Mr M Younger Rothbury was 96 when he died. during his retirement, and was a member of the Mr A Sales Tunbridge Wells Joseph Henry Nolan Blackpool Aircrew Association. John passed away Mr H Scott Wimborne Henry Nolan passed away at the age of 96 on Sydney Stevens on 22 February, aged 96. Mrs H Searson 1066 We specially remember those members who had reached 4 April. Known as ‘Ginge’ by his aircrew due to Sydney ‘Steve’ Stevens DFC AE* died in April, Mr F Sharley Mansfield and District or passed their 100th birthday his red hair, Henry was a mid-upper gunner on aged 98. A veteran Lancaster pilot with 57 Leslie Warrell Mr J E Sheppard Lincoln Mrs B Clark Leslie Albert Warrell passed away on 10 April, Mr B Shorrock Leyland and District South East & Eastern Area HQ just short of his 100th birthday. He joined the Mrs B Shreeve Ryedale RAF in 1938, trained as an electrician and Squadron Leader W G Green DFC Mr A Sim Fraserburgh Wythenshawe joined 226 Squadron at RAF Harwell in 1939. Mr F Small Republic of Ireland Les then served with the squadron in France Mr A F Smart Dunstable Mrs M Weavil before it was forced to retreat to England in Mr E Smith Morecambe and Lancaster Cockermouth 1940. After postings at various UK stations, Mr T Smith Northern Area HQ 100 Les went overseas again in 1943, joining 160 Squadron in Ceylon. He volunteered to join the Royal Indian Air Force in November 1943 and Please note: Air Mail cannot accept any obituary notifications direct. They must be notified to the member’s branch or Area office. served in Burma and the North West frontier. Alternatively, call our contact team on 0800 018 2361. Henry Nolan Steve Stevens Courtesy of Suzanne Jones Courtesy of Jonny Cracknell Leslie Warrell ©Alan Warrell

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