THE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION BRANCH NEWSLETTER NO.224 MARCH 2017 President: Squadron Leader Paul Bruning (Rtd) Chairman: Mr. Tony Leonard + Standard Bearer Vice Chairman: Mr. Paul Rainbird + Programme Secretary Secretary: David McEwen Treasurer: Gill McEwen

DEAR MEMBER(S), Alan Womack has a copy of the ‘Canal Zone’ Enclosed with this newsletter are the with many pictures of 27 Squadron if anyone Minutes of the 2017 Branch AGM, would like to look. Chairman’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Meeting Closed at 2.15pm. Reports, Branch Events Programme for the BRANCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2016 next 12 months and National Association and 1st December at Moment’s Restaurant, Branch Subscription Renewal Form 2017/18. Scratby, Gt Yarmouth. NEW MEMBER 34 members booked for the lunch, excellent We are pleased to welcome Mr. David Lang food, first class service by great staff - as from Kings Lynn. always a lovely warm atmosphere. David served in the RAF Regiment as a SAC On our table were Branch member Jacque from 1983 to 1998. His postings included: Blackmore and her guest Bob, both are 1983/84 - 48 Squadron RAF Lossiemouth. volunteers at the Broads Museum, which 1984/88 - 63 Squadron RAF Guttersloh. members visited earlier this year. During the 1988/97 - 48 Squadron RAF Lossiemouth. conversation it turned out that Bob was a 1997/98 - 814 Squadron RAF Marham. retired planning officer in the West We wish David a long and happy association Midlands and had known some of the police officers I worked with back in the 1980’s. with Norfolk Branch. From Birmingham some 27 plus years ago to NOVEMBER BRANCH MEETING 2016 Scratby, 1st December 2016. Small world There was a good attendance for Anita indeed. Morton’s cooking demonstration. Her recipes (with emphasis on seasonal confections) and There was a very good raffle with members tips will prove invaluable to the cake makers raising £149. And then Jacque Blackmore generously gave the Branch a £100 donation amongst us. in Memory of her late husband Bob, who was The tasting session was the highlight of her also a former Branch Chairman. Bob would presentation and mouths watered as mince have been 100 on the 9th December 2016. pies, bakewell tarts with apples and dates, Many thanks from Norfolk Branch for your pin-wheels with marmite and cheese, cheese kind donation Jacque. biscuits, fruit cake and gingerbread were Everyone enjoyed the day, which I think is passed around. best summed up by Jacque’s guest Bob. Who And Anita kindly donated an apple pie for said: ’Thanks for inviting me, I had an our raffle. excellent meal and I have enjoyed myself and BRANCH MINUTES what lovely people in your Branch’. Members are invited to an ANZAC Service That’s nice. That’s Norfolk! Sunday 30th April 2017-3pm at Wymondham Abbey. BRANCH CHRISTMAS SOCIAL 13th December 2016. Members were thanked for their support at Remembrance Day Parade and Service. 30 members enjoyed the get-together and tasty buffet at The Feathers Inn. No Peter Lawrence, Association National Branch business this time just exchange Chairman said “it was hoped that the 75th Christmas cards and a natter. Plus of course Anniversary Parade in 2017 would be a Royal the Raffle which thanks again to generous Event, but in view of hefty additional costs members raised £92. involved, this was not yet known”.

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Editor: With this being the 75th Anniversary previously been employed on aerodrome of the RAF Regiment, I thought you might be defence and was given a suitable organization interested in the following article which is and satisfactory arrangements were made from the Magazine ‘The Aeroplane’ issue No. for training and equipment supply. 1751 and dated December 15, 1944. When the tide of war had turned and the FUTURE OF THE RAF REGIMENT threat to aerodromes in Great Britain The bearing and general achievements of the diminished, shortage of manpower suggested Royal Air Force Regiment, especially in that RAF Regiment personnel could be put to and the Low countries, have better use. In the meantime, the demand for commanded universal respect. All ranks have detachments of the Regiment for overseas performed essential duties during the increased. The RAF Regiment played an im- invasion of Western Europe. Rumours that portant part in the North African campaign the Regiment may be disbanded caused and in the invasion of Sicily and Italy. dismay, which is not confined to its own When the Japanese infiltrated into the ranks. Imphal Plain, the Army was unable to protect Little attention was paid before the War to the forward landing strips and RAF the problem of protecting aerodromes in mechanics were kept so busy on defence Great Britain. The War Office had duties that they were unable to service the undertaken to assist the Air Ministry in this aircraft adequately. task, and on the out break of war, had If detachments of the RAF Regiment had formed companies of Local Defence not been available to take over aerodrome Volunteers, consisting for the most part, of and landing strip defence, supplies could not men with military experience but too old for have been flown to the forward Army forces the Field Army. in sufficient and regular quantities. Neither their numbers nor equipment were When the invasion of Normandy was planned, sufficient to provide adequate the establishment of Allied squadrons protection even during the times when oversea to support the Army and to secure aircraft were still in hangers or parked forward landing strips was considered nearby. Protection from air attack was essential. In spite of the shipping space provided by detachments from the they would absorb, room had to be found for Anti-Aircraft Command. RAF Regiment personnel. The German offensive in the spring of 1940, Three types of detachments were sent. The accompanied by heavy air attacks on Germans always made a speciality of low- Continental aerodromes, in which para-troops flying attacks on aerodromes , and so light were used, brought forward the problem of 40 - mm guns were needed. Field Squadrons aerodrome defence. The dispersal of were armed with a variety of weapons for aircraft around the perimeters of ground defence and without their protection aerodromes and in neighbouring prepared the Tactical Air Force must have suffered positions was introduced, thus increasing heavy losses from sabotage. considerably the areas requiring defence and making the original plans inadequate. Some of the men were also highly trained to deal with mines and booby traps. In addition, The War Office did its best to meet the a few mobile detachments equipped with changed situation but none of the expedients light armoured fighting vehicles were sent to proved satisfactory. Division of the Continent and proved of great value in responsibility between Army and Air Force clearing snipers from the vicinity of landing personnel provided one difficulty and the strips. Army found the detachment of units for aerodrome defence a serious handicap to Before the RAF Regiment was formed, the training. The War Office was reluctant to Air Ministry had already experienced some abandon a commitment it had undertaken but of the problems of aerodrome protection. the RAF obviously had to take over When the RAF took over responsibility for responsibility for the protection of its own the security of Iraq and the Aden aerodromes, and, early in 1942 the Royal Air Protectorate from the Army, native levies Force Regiment was formed. were raised with British officers, for aerodrome defence. It embraced RAF personnel who had

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After the War there will be no doubt an most island which formed part of the Addu increase in the number of air bases Attol, a group of seven islands. Additionally, maintained overseas and all will need the British had a further small island in the protection. The system of employing native North, opposite the capital island of Male, forces will combine efficiency with economy called Dunedu where the British representa- in some cases but British troops may be tive to the resides. This gentleman, necessary. In Europe for some years after a splendid relic of British India, was has been defeated strong air frequently to be seen touring his domain in a forces will be needed to assist the armies of plumed hat, sari and flip flops. occupation and the protection of their bases In 1963 the presence of the British base in will be an important problem the Addu Attol was causing the Maldivian The Dumbarton Oaks conference decided Government acute internal problems. The that the Powers which undertook the standard throughout the islands was preservation peace should keep detachments, primitive and Maldivian currency, there being so their air forces are available for no export trade, was virtually worthless immediate despatch to any area that seemed paper. Yet, in the Addu Attol, many of the likely to disturb the peace. No air native people had employment on the RAF detachment could be despatched unless base, were paid in pounds sterling and suitable arrangements could be made for its enjoyed the facilities of a special garrison protection on the ground and from the air. shop. There is no reason why units of the Army or The Maldivian government not unnaturally Royal Marines should be any more economical saw these incomes as a source of foreign for aerodrome defence than men from the currency by taxation and, on introducing RAF Regiment. The chances are that any taxation, widened the ever growing gap forces of the Army detailed for aerodrome between the Addu Attol and the rest of the defence would be suddenly shifted for other Maldives. and more important duties in an emergency. From this smouldering discontent leaped one We feel that the disbandment of the RAF Afif Didi, BA Ceylon (failed) an educated Regiment on short sighted grounds would be Adduian who, having established himself as a mistake and sooner or later the Regiment the political leader of the Addu Attol, would have to be reconstituted. promptly declared a UDI and took the Editor: Well here we are 75 years on and Adduians out of the Sultanate. still going strong - thanks to all who have, Now the British inherited the problem, for who do and will - wear the Flash with pride. whilst was in the Addu Attol, their The following is from Centurion 2014 and leasing agreement was with the Maldivian reproduced with permission of the editor. Government. On the one hand Afif Didi, on behalf of the Adduians, was demanding that The Maldivian Uprising: both the rent for Gan and workers wages by Captain W. R. Epps. should be paid to his newly independent state The Maldive Islands, a series of coral islands whilst, on the other, Sultan Nassa of the topping a sub surface mountain range, extend Maldivian regime was insisting that the from just West of Ceylon down through the original agreement be honoured and that the to a point forty miles North of British help to bring the Adduians to heel. the Equator. These islands are small, flat To give teeth to their demands Afif Didi and support very limited vegetation. Indeed, threatened the British with a total with- the sole products of these islands are drawal of the labour force, which he coconut, banana and fish. controlled, whilst the Maldivian government The Maldivian people, an Asian race of Indian made muttering noises about leasing the next origins, live in primitive conditions and major island to a certain East European because of their somewhat isolated habitat power. have proved very susceptible to disease In their customary way the British employed introduced by the European visitors of more a system of doubled diplomacy, on the one recent times. hand, courting Afif Didi with promises of In the 1960s British interest in the support whilst at the same time, inviting the Maldives, an Independent Sultanate, centred Maldivian government to establish official around the RAF base at Gan, the southern- representation on Gan. 3

Perhaps these efforts might have succeeded re-equipped his 38 men with batons and in eventually bringing the two parties shields and, in extended line, they stood together in the South but, in the North, the shoulder to shoulder to repel the screaming British representative was facing increased hordes. What followed is not completely hostility to the point he reasonably clear but as the first ranks of the Adduians considered his position becoming untenable. ran up the beach onto the Rockapes batons With true British grit he declined however, their courage seemed to wain and the to withdraw to the safety of Gan and his Regiment troops were able to exploit their demands for a military presence resulted in a hesitancy by carrying out a swift retaliatory Warship steaming from Singapore charge. to take up station between Dunedu and Male. Confusion reigned with those Adduians at the Needless to say, this took little or no steam front, still standing fighting to get back out of the situation and was resented by the whilst those behind were pushing forward. Maldivian Government. The arrival of yet In between hundreds of natives were being another warship in the Addu Attol lagoon crushed by the backward and forward also served to incite Afif Didi’s supporters movement of their own members resulting in to greater efforts. complete panic and the total routing of the The threat to RAF Gan was now considered invasion force. sufficiently serious to warrant the movement Within ten minutes of landing most of the of an RAF Regiment contingent from Adduians were paddling furiously out to sea Malaysia to Gan and the arrival of these leaving RAF medics to pick up the two or troops served to confirm Afif Didi’s fears three hundred groaning heaps left behind, that the British were about to force his and one Rockape with a minor flesh wound regime to submitting to Maldivian demands. claiming his entitlement to the ‘Purple Heart’. From this point the situation took on the Peace returned to the island until the appearance of a mid Victorian farce with a following day when a similar scene was re- native people rebelling against the might of enacted with aforementioned Cockney the Redcoats. Within a few weeks of their signaller. This time the ‘Rockapes’ were again arrival the RAF Regiment troops, the confronted by the sight of hundreds of ’Rockapes’, had found an island two miles by small boats but only three, each towing one mile wide a bit restricting and were another, came forward to land. reduced to occupying their time with hockey From these boats stepped the island ’elders’ matches and games of cricket hastily resplendent in feathered cloaks and bearing organised by their Flight Commander to keep white flags. A pow-pow followed and them out of everyone else’s hair. through the good offices of the Maldivian It was during one such match that the liaison officer it was established that the Rockape Flight Commander was approached Adduians wished to present the RAF by a red faced airman of the Signals Section Regiment with the contents of the three who announced in his best cockney ’They’re towed boats - dried fish, coconut and banana coming, Sir, fousands of em’. Further - for defeating them in battle. interrogation of the excited airman revealed Quick to react to their triumph the British that the Adduians were coming across the had a Rockape boat patrol ’lift’ Afif Didi and lagoon by the boatload totalling a figure from the next day he was paraded on the deck of several hundreds to seven thousand. HMS Loch Lomond in the uniform of a RAF The Rockapes quickly changed into JG Squadron Leader. combats and assembled on the area of hard- The small boats were out again and Adduians standing immediately behind the jetty being by the hundreds assembled round this the only point where reasonable boat landings warship to see what was happening to their could be made. The sight they confronted leader. Then to great cheering the Maldivian was one of hundred of small boats crammed liaison announced over the ship’s hailer with brown skinned gentlemen sporting system that Her Majesty had seen fit to spears and coconuts. recognise Afif Didi by making him a Squadron After checking with the base commander Leader in her Air Force and sending him on and being advised that the SLRs and GPMGs his first assignment to the Seychells. were just not on, the Flight Commander

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Over the next few weeks the ‘Rockapes’ Norfolk Editor: What a wonderful gesture visited the other islands, playing exhibition and it is great that the armed forces in football matches, handing out beads and Canada are so much appreciated. smarties and generally sowing the seeds of CULTURE CORNER goodwill. Peace had returned, the uprising Another ramble from an old chap. was over and Victorian gun boat diplomacy Well its bin a cold spring and I am well had triumphed again in 1963 - fortunately, behind in the garden, will have to get some the World Press were not watching or had plants from the garden centre this year. never heard of the Maldives. Rum old job ent it. Editor: From our RAF Regiment Association At the garden centre, a young gal says go colleagues in Canada an article in their down to the big green house and see ole Christmas 2016 Canadian Chapter Jusdew Wilson, he will fix you up. Oh dear Newsletter. A lovely story. rum ole do. ‘Chapter Editor’ writes; Each year we of the In the green house what a sight to behold Canadian Chapter along with this year’s seems like half an acre, a sea of blues, reds, Remembrance Day attendees numbering an golds, yellows, oranges, pinks, greens. No one estimated 2,900 attended the Service in the about! huge hanger at the Canadian Warplane Bit of a job this. So I shout ’Jusdew’ Heritage Museum here in Hamilton, Ontario. Over here boy what can I do for ye. So I say I want a load of plants for the garden, that’s A Wonderful Gesture. what I am here for. I will soon fix you up. I received the following note from Willie Rare ole job this. Wood not long after he had left our group after the Remembrance Service. After a bit I say your mother gave you an unusual name ‘Justdew’. After attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Canadian Warplane Heritage It aint that at all boy, it’s her at the house. Museum on November 11th, and having Jus ‘do’ the washing up. enjoyed lunch afterwards at 447 Wing, on my Jus‘do’ the dogs food. way home I decided to visit my local liquor Jus’do’ the shopping. store for a bottle of Scotch for myself and a Jus’do’ all the jobs in the yard. couple of bottles of wine for birthday gifts, Jus‘do’ all of yesterdays jobs. still wearing my RAF blazer with badge and Jus‘do’ any other jobs before I have to tell medals. you. Oh dear! Poor ole ‘Justdew’ Wilson. A young couple were ahead of me at the cashier, the woman paid for her beer Well boy here’s your plants, off you go purchases and as they walked away, the before you get red marks on your neck! young man put a $50.00 bill on the counter Is that something in the greenhouse? I ask. and said, ’That’s for you sir, thanks for what No boy its ’Hen pecks’. Since then I have you did for us’. I was taken aback and been looking about. Is it you with a ‘Red thanked him before he disappeared out of neck?. the store. The cashier then rang up the till Laurie. (Branch Member) and said that my bill came to $59.00, but then insisted that he would take care of the Editor: Thank you Laurie. I know some $9.00 difference. relations of ‘Jusdew’. There is ‘Fechme’ , ‘Getme’, ‘Gimme’, ‘It’s yourfault’, ‘Overere’, In fact, I was quite amazed at how many ‘ Wheryobin, ’ ‘Don’t blame me’ ’Wakeup’ ‘Get people, both young and old were smiling at me up’, ‘Hurryup’ ‘Just like your mother’’. AND as I walked past. (Willie subsequently wrote ‘Shut up’. to the “Hamilton Spectator” who published the above story, word for word!) As a foot- Q. What does a frog do if his car breaks note Willie added that the Canadian down? Warplane Heritage Museum was packed for A. He gets toad away. the Remembrance Service with an estimated DID YOU KNOW 2,900 people in attendance. The Nations Top 5 favourite numbers in order of preference are: 7. 3. 8. 4. 5.

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HISTORY OF A TOWN CRIER Undated Royal 20p - Value £100. Also known as bellmen, the first town criers In 2008, the Royal Mint launched a Royal were the runners from the ancient state of Shield Arms series of coins. Sparta and as the Roman Empire spread A different detail from the shield was across Europe the role became a position of printed on the reverse (tails) of 1p,2p, 5p, the court. 10p, 20p and 50p coins. Placed together The current uniform we see dates back to they reveal the complete shield. the 17th Century. At a time before But a mistake means that an unknown number newspapers, television and social media, they of the 136 million 20p coins printed between were the original newsmen. 2008 and 2009 do not have the date Historically, they were individuals of notable stamped on them. Normally a 20p coin will standing in the community and would read have the year it was minted stamped on proclamations preceded by the traditional either the heads or tails side of the coin. ’Oyez Oyez Oyez’, meaning ’listen’ in French, But if you find a 20p with no date, they are concluding with ’God Save the King/Queen’. heralded by experts as the ‘Holy Grail of Town Criers were protected by law and the change collecting’. Buyers are willing to pay saying ‘don’t shoot the messenger’ was a very more than a £100 for one, says Gerry Buddle real command. As anything committed of the London Numismatic Club. against a town crier was deemed to be done Silver 10p sized 2p - Value £1,400. to the King and therefore a treasonable These are created when a blank 10p coin offence. accidentally finds its way into the 2p mint. Proclamations would usually have been read Only two instances of this happening have at the door of an inn before the post was been recorded in recent years, with the nailed to a doorpost - a tradition that Royal Mint unable to confirm the likelihood resulted in the expression ‘posting a notice’ of one being found again. and the naming of newspapers as ‘The Post’. Their rarity means they are worth a great CHECK YOUR CHANGE AND CASH IN deal to collectors. In May a 2015 dated Why that 2p in your purse or pocket could be silver 2p coin was dropped into a Royal worth £1,400. British Legion tin in Wiltshire and later sold Next time you are given a handful of change at an auction for nearly £1,400. in a shop, stop and look before chucking it The coin had the dimensions of a regular 10p back in your purse or throwing it into a jar at and was silver, but had the 2p Royal Shield home. Last year a 2p coin sold for nearly of Arms stamped on it. £1,400 because it was silver instead of In 2014, a silver 2p coin dated 1988 sold for copper. more than £1,350. While you will need to very lucky indeed to New Pence 2p - Value £500. find a silver 2p piece, there are other more All 2p coins minted before 1982 should say common coins that could be worth more than ‘new pence’. Those minted after this date you think. should say ‘two pence’. Here’s a guide to some of the valuable coins But an error in 1983 means there are a small that can turn up in your change. number of 2p coins from that year which say Kew Gardens 50p - Value £30 - £50. ’ new pence ’. Royal Mint does not know how In 2009, around 210,000 coins were issued many exist but today they can fetch more with a picture of the iconic Kew Gardens than £500, though only if dated 1983. Pagoda. The Royal Mint offer a service where you can While this might sound a lot, usually when a get your coins checked by an expert for new 50p is printed more than five million are free. Call 01443 623 004 or go to struck. With a total of 950 million 50p coins royalmintmuseum.org.uk currently in circulation, Kew Pagoda coins Stanley Gibbons also offer a fee valuation can be incredibly hard to spot. service through its rare coin division, If you get your hands on one, numismatists - Baldwin’s. If the coin is particularly rare, or currency collectors, are typically willing to you may have to pay for extra research. Call pay around £30-£50 on online marketplace 02079 306 879. eBay. 6

RAF NEWS JANUARY 2017 He said: ’ I was massively surprised to win. ‘We feel like Millie-onaires’. There was some really stiff competition in Modest RAF heroes are surprised at my field and across the whole Millies. It was recognition. great to be recognised and take the Award A former RAF Regiment Corporal who lost back home to the team at Brize.’ both legs serving in Afghanistan said he was Lorraine Kelly said: ’It was such an uplifting ’overwhelmed and proud’ to win the evening, it really was truly inspirational. It’s Overcoming Adversity category at The Sun’s so good for us to get a chance to say thank Annual Military Awards Ceremony, the you, as we so often don’t get a chance to do Millies. that, and we really do appreciate everything Stuart Robinson, who suffered life- you (the Armed Forces) do for us.’ threatening injuries when his patrol vehicle Earlier that day Defence Secretary Sir hit an improvised explosive device in 2013, Michael Fallon, Armed Forces Minister Mike said: ’Receiving the Millie was out of the blue, Penning and Chief of the Defence Staff Air I didn’t think I had a chance of winning in Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach hosted the such a strong category. So when they called nominees at a special reception at 10 Downing my name out I was a little overwhelmed.’ Street. He added: ’To be nominated let alone win, is a Mr Fallon said: ’Over the past nine years, the proud achievement. I owe a lot to the people Millies have enabled the British public to who were kind enough to think I should be show their appreciation for the hard work put forward.’ and commitment of our Armed Forces.’ Stuart, 34, who started ‘Team Legless’ to ‘Our Servicemen and women are an raise funds for Service Charities, has taken inspiration, achieving remarkable things part in two Invictus Games, winning gold with across the world on a daily basis, and my the GB wheelchair rugby team at the first congratulations and gratitude extends games in 2014. beyond the winners to all those serving the The married father of two said: ’A number of UK with such bravery and dedication.’ Service Charities have helped me throughout —————————- mine and my family’s recovery (the RAF Sir James Paget (1814-1899). The English Association, RAF Benevolent Fund and surgeon gave his name to an abscess, several Blesma) so it feels the right thing to do to diseases and a hospital in Gorleston (his try to give something back, whether that be birthplace). Regarded as the father of raising awareness for others who may find British pathology, he was surgeon to Queen themselves in a situation like I was, or raising Victoria for 41 years and the first to vital funds to support those in need.’ describe carpal tunnel syndrome. He was presented with the award at a star Editor: Just a little info for you - as for studded ceremony at London’s historic many of our members James Paget Hospital Guildhall, hosted by TV presenter Lorraine at Gorleston, is their local hospital. Kelly and attended by Prime Minister Theresa May and celebrities including DID YOU KNOW Jeremy Clarkson, Carol Vorderman and Hit the snooze button when your other half rugby player James Haskell. gets up - if you are a woman, that is. Women need 20 minutes more sleep than men, Mrs. May presented the RAF with Hero researchers at Loughborough University have ‘Overseas Unit Award’ for his contribution found. They suggest women use more of to ‘Operation Shader’ against Daesh. their brain during the day than men (because In the 12 months since September 2015, the of their tendency to multi-task). RAF has flown 5,500 sorties over Iraq and Editor: Yes Dear. 20 minutes not an hour Syria, providing 40,000 hours of air and twenty. I’ll make the tea! surveillance and support and carrying out HAPPY BIRTHDAY & CONGRATULATIONS more than 1,000 strikes. To Dave Dawson 80 years young in January Ms Vorderman presented the ‘Hero at Home’ 2017. individual Award to Sergeant Adam Threlfall, Lionel Middleton 80 years young on 4th April from RAF Brize Norton, for providing vital 2017. first aid to 2 fellow parachutists when they became entangled in an uncontrolled Paul Rainbird 80 years young on 23rd April descent. 2017. 7

JANUARY BRANCH MEETING Editor: My thanks to Gordon Coe for the There was a change of programme, in place following report. A proud day for everyone. of the Quiz an excellent DVD filmed by Alan Thanksgiving Service for the 75th Womack of villages, churches and interest- Anniversary of the Royal Air Force ing buildings in Norfolk and Suffolk. Lots of Regiment - Wednesday 1st February 2017. history and little known facts, including why were Yew trees grown in churchyards. Here Quite a foggy drive to Tony our Chairman was able to help as which then turned to rain. The Cathedral was follows. full to capacity with standing at the back. As always the officers and men were That the Yew tree had mystical symbolism is extremely smart in best blues and with well documented over the ages. In ancient medals. Also at the Service was an officer Europe the trees were planted to guard of the Tank Regiment and members of the cemeteries, as it was widely believed that French and German Military. the Yew had powers to ward off evil spirits and help soles find the afterlife. It was a lovely Service during which a candle was lit to mark the Regiments 75th During the middle ages Yew wood was used to Anniversary. This is to be kept alight for craft bows and darts until the advent of the rest of the year and then will be kept in firearms. Archers formed an important the Heritage Centre. At the end of the part of every army and training in the use of Service the National Anthem was played and the bow was obligatory on the whole Beryl said as she looked at all the Regiment population. Gunners standing to attention she felt very Henry 111 in 1252 decreed that all citizens proud to be British. from 15 to 60 years should be armed. King On arrival at RAF Honington we were parked Edward 111 decreed in 1363 the Archery Law close to the Heritage Centre. Inside there that commanded the obligatory practice of was a table plan and Association members archery on Sundays and holidays. Which were mixed in with Regiment officers and forbade on pain of death, all sport that took men. As always, Association members were up time better spent on war training given a warm and friendly welcome. For us it especially archery practice. Henry 1V later gave a feeling of belonging. Plenty of time to proclaimed that an archer would be absolved swap stories. During all this time canapés of murder, if he killed a man during archery and soft drinks were served. practice. An impressive display of Regiments By 1568, there was not a single Yew tree left silverware was on display. Presentations of in Bavaria. When Elizabeth 1, decreed in silverware were awarded to winners of Corps 1595 to replace the wood which could have competitions. grown in churchyards with firearms, no tradeable yew wood was left in the whole of We members of the Association greatly Europe. appreciate the opportunity to visit Honington. Our thanks to Squadron Leader BRANCH MINUTES Cressy, Bill Espie and team, Frank Xavier and Secretary reported some sad news, the Peter Lawrence for making this possible. death of Bromley Branch member, Tom Renshaw. Tom had been a leading figure in Gordon Coe. the RAF Regiment Association and was well BRANCH WEEKEND AT GT YARMOUTH respected by everyone. 17th-20th February 2017 at the Carlton Members were reminded that booking forms Hotel. 17 members enjoyed the break. I for the Association Reunion and AGM are in think it is best summed up by Dave our The Flash. Some of our members have Secretary who said: ‘Good food, accommoda- already applied. tion and entertainment and great company. A bargain at £99. Even the weather was fine.’ Colin Clarke said that Peter Lawrence, National Association Chairman’s Christmas Paul Rainbird has sent a ’thank you’ to the Message in The Flash, was very sincere and hotel manager and especially the staff who well written. Members agreed. were first class. Another visit is on the cards for 2018. Paul Rainbird said that the coach to Keukenhof would be leaving Wymondham at Editor: Our thanks to Paul Rainbird for or- 6.45am on April 24th. Still seats available. ganising the weekend and Alan Barkes for suggesting the get together. Meeting closed at 2.10pm. 8 OBITUARY demob at Innsworth. A copy of the presen- It is with regret that I inform you of the tation has gone to the Heritage Museum. death of former Norfolk Branch member Editor: Colin also showed slides of Branch Cliff Cane, who lived in Attleborough. Cliff visits to places of interest over the past died on the 5th February 2017 aged 90 years. Thank you Colin a very good presenta- years. Cliff leaves a widow, Ivy. tion. On demob - In those days you had the Cliff’s funeral was held on Thursday 9th choice of suit/jacket and trousers or £4.10s. March 2017 at St. Faith’s Crematorium, Memories, memories. Norwich. Branch members attended and BRANCH MINUTES formed a Guard of Honour, the Branch Tony Leonard, Chairman, said the weekend in Standard was paraded. Great Yarmouth had been a great success, Cliff served in the RAF Regiment in the rank enjoyed by all and thanked Paul Rainbird for of Corporal from 1945 to 48. His postings organising it. included 58 Squadron at RAF Belton and Secretary David Mc Ewen agreed with Tony. Egypt, Palestine, Suez Canal and Jerusalem. He reported some members had attended In civilian life Cliff was a shop fitter and the Service at Bury St Edmunds. There worked for his father in London, who was a were over 1,000 in the congregation. builder. When Cliff moved to Norfolk he Members then went onto the reception at worked as a Press Operator. Cliff was a RAF Honington. gifted D.I.Y man and brilliant model maker of David wished Happy Birthday to Shirley buses, boats and everything else. Sutton and 80th Birthday to David Dawson. Cliff’s talents were greatly appreciated at On a sad note he informed members of the the RAF Regiment Museum at RAF Honington death of Cliff Cane. (now the Heritage Centre), where he worked as a volunteer for a number of years. Dates for Diary 2017. 02 April Annual Church Service to Cliff originally joined the Bury St Edmunds Commemorate the Formation of the Branch of the Association and then RAF and Reception - St Clement transferred to Norfolk Branch and for Danes. several years was Branch Chairman. 07 May Annual Commemoration for the Air He was a great supporter of Norfolk Branch Forces of the Commonwealth - and helped greatly in our early days of fund Runnymede, Surrey. raising, when along with Henry Linford they made the table tops for our market stall for 12 May Freedom Parade - Richmond. our displays of memorabilia. And of course 13 May Annual RAF Regiment Chapel helped out on the stall at our venues. Commemoration - Catterick. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ivy at 24 June Annual RAF Regiment Memorial this sad time. Commemoration - NMA Alrewas. WE WILL REMEMBER HIM (Armed Forces Day). FEBRUARY BRANCH MEETING 09 July Battle of Britain 76th Anniversary Our speaker was Branch member Colin Bale Memorial Day at Capel-le-Ferne, who gave a very interesting and entertaining Kent. (RAFA Org). presentation with slides on ‘My days in the 16 July RAF Regiment Association Annual RAF Regiment’. Tower of London Service - London. Colin joined in 1952 at RAF Cardington, did 18/21 July Association AGM and Reunion. his ‘square bashing’ at Padgate and then to Stoke Holy Cross for a month while he 17 Sept Annual Battle of Britain Service - waited for a place as an Air Frame Mechanic. Westminster Abbey, London. The course must have been full because he 09 Nov Field of Remembrance - was next off to Dumfries to become a Westminster Abbey, London. gunner. What a nice surprise! Then to 12 Nov National Remembrance Day - London Catterick for a signals/radio course. and Nationwide. His next posting was to Gutersloh, West (1) Laying of Wreath at St Clement Danes. Germany and a detachment to . Back (2) Whitehall Parade. to Gutersloh, then to Larbrooke and in 1955 Meeting closed at 2.10pm.

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CENTURION MAGAZINE Regiment ’ s Blue Army back where it belongs, December 1987/January 1988. on television and the centre of attention. Focus on Elite Blue Army So as you can see we have had a busy time Those feet were made for walking. down at RAF Uxbridge. The lads worked News from the Regiment Elite Blue Army long and hard selling the RAF and the RAF which has seen a busy ‘season’ with divisions Regiment. We are hoping in the near future away all over the country performing at all for Equity Cards but as yet we have seen no major tattoos and shows - at least that’s sight of them! what the public release says. You wouldn’t The next couple of months see out major believe what a hard life we’ve had; hotel ceremonial occasions, followed by what is accommodation, restaurant meals, civilian called our ’green season’ when we learn how ration packs. Some rooms didn’t even have to be real gunners! trouser presses! Editor: Did any of our Branch members take The Squadron marched most of its way part in this record drill marathon? around the UK and Germany with hardly a blister in sight and certainly no thought of AND FINALLY CEFO or CEMO, whatever that means. A mother and her five year old son are waiting for a bus to take them into town. The Squadron has in fact been hard at work The mother turns to her son and says : ‘You raising money for charity and getting our- know Bobby, that you are five years old. selves into the record books but, more ‘Yes, Mummy.’ says Bobby. importantly, on television. As a major ‘Well, when the bus driver comes, he will ask contribution to the RAF Uxbridge 70th you how old you are. Don’t tell you’re five; Anniversary Appeal the Squadron carried out tell him you’ve four years old or else mummy a charity drill record attempt. The idea will have to pay more fare. OK Bobby?’ ’OK, being to try and complete more that 2 million I’ll tell him I’m four.’ rifle drill movements in less that 24 hours. The bus driver comes along a short while The event was filmed by BBC TV with Roy later and stops the vehicle. Mother and son Castle, as Squadron Warrant Officer, get on and the driver looks down at the boy starting off the drill show. In a carnival like and says: ‘How nice to see a smiling face this atmosphere the Station turned out and morning, and how old might you be?’ ’I’m supported the event, some of the more four.’ says Bobby. ’And when will you be hardy souls for all the 24 hours. five?’ asks the driver. ’As soon as I get off As the daylight faded into night some of the the bus,’ says Bobby. less orthodox items of clothing appeared, That ’ s all for now folks! I look forward to including red suede shoes and assorted silly the pleasure of your company at the Branch hats. By the hour mark the Service AP boots meetings, all on the 3rd Tuesday of the had largely been abandoned in favour of month at 12.30pm at the Feathers Inn, designer training shoes. Wymondham. In the final totting up the totally impartial 18th April. When our speaker is Sue Pearce judges ably led by Flying Officer John Kitt, on ‘Admiral Lord Nelson’. had declared the following: 16th May. A Baking programme with Anita Total number of rifle drill movements Morton ‘Recipes and Ideas with Samples’. 2,001,384 (without a word of command). 20th June. Talk by Richard Mann ‘Up in the Total number of foot drill movements Air’. (Part I). 721,278 (without a word of command and concurrent with the above). 18th July. Talk by David Morton on ‘Windsor Castle’. Total number of drill movements made within 24 hours was 2,722,662. Best wishes, The equivalent of 2,144,52 miles was marched. Colin Clarke The equivalent of 91.17 tons was lifted. Editor. (01502) 585079. The whole event was recorded in October to appear later in the year, thereby putting the

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