See Back Page Picture: Len Daniels RAF ASSOCIATION including HQ FEAF

August 2016 Issue No. 61 RAF Changi Association (Including HQ FEAF) Founded May 1996

The aim of the RAF Changi Association is to bring together all those who were stationed at RAF Changi (including HQ FEAF) Singapore, in order to renew old friendships and make new ones. www.rafchangi.com

Chairman/Archivist: John Dicks 4 Langley Crescent, Kings Langley, Herts. WD4 8EW. Tel: 01923 400221 • [email protected] Founder Member/Reunion Liaison Officer: Mike James 12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol BS49 4BY. Tel: 01934 833170 • [email protected] Secretary: Pat Holt 14 Burrowfields, Basingstoke, Hants RG22 4XJ. Tel: 01256 477253 • [email protected] Treasurer: Richard Collins 115 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex CM0 8HQ. Tel: 01621 785096 [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Les Davies 4 The Bryceway, Liverpool L12 3HJ. Tel: 0151 228 9874 • [email protected] Membership Secretary: Malcolm Flack 14 Highfield Close, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 6HG. Tel: 01494 728562 • [email protected] Publicity/Press Officer: Brian Lloyd 32 Redwood, Burnham, Bucks. SL1 8JN. Tel: 01628 661005 • [email protected] Webmaster: Tony Holt 14 Burrowfields, Basingstoke, Hants RG22 4XJ. Tel: 01256 477253 • [email protected] Regalia Officer: Dolores James 12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol BS49 4BY. Tel: 01934 833170 • [email protected] Almoner/Medal Adviser: David Haylock 37 Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. RG31 6RB. Tel: 01189 425753 [email protected] Liaison Officers Iberia: Brian Morgan Tel: 0034 952 196446 • [email protected] Australia: David A. Wood Tel: 0061 2 8338 9103 • [email protected] New Zealand: Brian Churcher Tel: 0064 7 549 4230 • [email protected]

© RAF Changi Association. No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the prior written or verbal consent of the chairman or secretary. Changi-ite Newsletter 2 August 2016 Editorial Chairman/Archivist’s Report AN account of the trip to Singapore Well here we are again and I hope that you are all making the best of and Penang is on the current, inclement, summer weather which, they assure us, will page five. I did eventually get better. Well let’s face it, it can hardly get any worse! manage to get So what has been happening so far this year? We started with the there myself and attended the trip back to Singapore and Penang, and a report on our wreath-laying at Kranji but, misdemeanours can be found in this copy of Changi-ite , written by Len Daniels. The following a bit of a ‘wobble’ on Annual Reunion and AGM, apart from a couple of incidents which I feel should be the fourth night in the hotel, I mentioned, was enjoyed by most who attended. First, at the Reunion Dinner on the was transferred to Raffles Hospital, where I stayed for the Saturday evening, when several people did not sit at the correct tables, as allocated. remainder of the holiday. This caused some delay to the start of the meal being served. I know that we all like to My thanks to Len Daniels sit with folk that we know, but this is not always possible, so I would request that we for keeping me informed. should be prepared to compromise and, if the need arises, not to sit tight and refuse While in hospital, I was to be moved. In the end the hotel staff introduced another table which to some extent surprised and delighted to solved the problem. Second, the AGM did not go as smoothly as I would have wished, receive totally unexpected mainly because very few Agendas were available, for which I take responsibility and visits from the entire RAFCA apologise. Any members who are interested in marching at the Cenotaph on party and from Lim Tow Soon Remembrance Sunday later this year, please contact me ASAP. Security has been and his lovely wife, from Jacob’s Cafe in Changi Village. tightened this year, after being almost non-existent last time. They now want to know Surprise turned to dis- our service number, rank and name, also our home address. All of this information belief two days later when my must be sent with a passport size photograph, with your name on the back. Most of niece and her husband walked this information and photograph will be printed on your pass, so you will need some into my room! They lived in form of back-up confirmation of your identity, like your passport or driving licence; I Worcester but were moving to understand that Bus Passes will not be accepted. We will all be marching with the Singapore in April and were “Units of the Far East Air Force” group, and I have requested around twelve places so there to view accommodation. be quick in making your decision. Don’t forget that there will be a couple of hours just The wonders of Facebook! standing around, and that it could be cold and wet! I would like to express my Nothing changes with the archives, they continue to keep growing, and I am now thanks to the cardiologist and nurses who tended me and up to Album No. 24, but please keep sending your memorabilia to me. I look forward publish my sole holiday to meeting some of you at the coming local mini-reunions, a full programme for which photograph below. can be found in this magazine. All the best for now and here’s hoping that the long, hot summer we were promised at the beginning of the year occurs. Kind regards to you all. John Dicks, Chairman Secretary’s Report

The 21st Annual Reunion was a success and a good time was had by all at the Gala Dinner and, it is with thanks to the kind and generous people there that the Raffle was a success. There was a With Dr Lee Yian Ping, cardiologist. profit of £264 from the sale of tickets and this was passed on to the Many thanks for your kind Treasurer. Pat Holt, Secretary thoughts and good wishes . Les Davies Treasurer’s Report Financial Year 2015 Contents The Association’s audited accounts for 2015 were presented at the Committee Reports ...... 3/4 Annual General Meeting on Sunday 8th May 2016. The Association Armed Forces Day ...... 4 Singapore and Penang ...... 5 continues to be in a sound financial state. Expenditure for the year Postcards from the Past...... 6 exceeded income by £1746, largely due to a fall in membership War or Emergency?...... 7 subscriptions because there were fewer new members joining during Reunion Report & Gallery...8/9 the year and the inevitable decrease in numbers through death and Searchline...... 10 resignations. Funds held in the bank at the end of 2015 were £9205 in the Current RAF Buddhist in Singapore...11 Account. The Association’s commitment to the future maintenance of the Far East Air Your Letters...... 12/13/14/15 An Under-whatter?...... 16/17 Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum remains and £6500 has been ring A Blast from the Past ...... 18 fenced for this purpose. A full summary of the accounts is available to members on New Members/Obituaries....19 request to the Treasurer. Forthcoming Events ...... 20 Richard Collins, Hon. Treasurer August 2016 3 Changi-ite Newsletter Membership Secretary’s Report Sadly, we have learnt of the passing of 15 members since the last newsletter went to press. In the meantime, this year so far I have been able to record 27 new names which I am pleased to say has brought in 15 new members leaving us still with a membership of 967 at the end of June 2016. One point I would like you to consider and that is about local mini reunions. They are still held where practicable, albeit where we are seeing only a small hard core of regular attendees. But, if for various reasons you have not been or not able to come along due to health, distance or transport as we are all an ageing community then why not consider meeting at your own local hostelry just for a lunch and a beer with other members who may live in your area even if you have never met or socialised with them before. The word ‘Changi’ will be the password as has often been proved in the past and has brought out some very interesting stories. So why not give it a try; it would only take a few members to make the effort to start it off. I will be only too pleased to put members in touch without delay so just give me a call or email with a few nearby postcodes and I will produce you a list of members. So, finally it only remains for me to say, do keep in touch, as an association we are always trying to keep the memory of ‘Changi’ alive. Best wishes to all our members, and (especially here in the UK) as it looks like ‘Summer’, is looking rather late; perhaps it may appear this year eventually and may still only slightly remind us of what we experienced at Changi a long time ago. Malcolm Flack, Membership Secretary Armed Forces Day

June 18-19 at Weymouth

Three of the Changi team at Weymouth (from left to right): Pat Mike Thomas (M1214), RAF Police at Changi from 1958-1960, Holt (M2047), Geoff Eatwell (M1762) and Ray Wilcox (M2065). discusses the day with Malcolm Flack (M119) and Pat Holt .

Y entry on the Events page of the website referred personnel and cadets. en followed a magnificent Mto “a good day out at the seaside”. I was there on procession of vintage British and American military the Sunday and it turned into a “typical day out at the vehicles, all superbly preserved and running under their seaside” as it rained all day! We all got soaked, packed up own power. at 3 o’clock and went home, as did most of the other Our pictures of troopships seemed to attract the most stall-holders. interest from passing visitors this year, predominantly e earlier activities followed the usual format, with ex-army and navy personnel. an impressive parade of military bands along the Sincere thanks to those stalwart members who turned promenade along with serving and retired military up to support us. Tony Holt

Changi-ite Newsletter 4 August 2016 Singapore and Penang

N February 21st, seven Len Daniels reports dictated. We did arrange a visit to the Omembers and their wives met at Orang Utan Island at Bukit Merah London Heathrow Airport to board Association Honorary Members. We Laketown Resort in Perak, mainly to the Singapore International Airlines met up with other members of the see if we could recognise any of our direct flight for Singapore at 0915hrs. Changi Village Merchants’ family members. At the same time one Changi Association and joined in with a On ursday, 10th March, we Association member would be flying reunion dinner of our two went into Georgetown and travelled from Manchester Airport, while associations, after which we were to the top of Penang Hill via the another couple would be joining us presented with a plate recording the funicular railway where we later in the week, although they event. experienced a “Steamboat” meal, would be staying in a different hotel. Unfortunately, one of our party cooked at your table, at the Bellevue e flight was uneventful and arrived was taken ill and had to be Hotel. Afterwards we managed to get in Singapore early on Monday hospitalised, where it was diagnosed our coach to drop us off at our morning. We were then transported that he had suffered a heart attack. He favourite watering hole in Batu to the Pan Pacific Hotel, overlooking stayed in hospital for thirteen days Ferringhi, the Boatman Restaurant, the Gardens on the Bay, where we and was then repatriated back to for a much-needed nightcap. e would be staying for eight days. England with a nurse in attendance. flight back to Heathrow takes over an e next morning, one of our We parted company with one hour longer than the outward flight, members, an early riser, went for a member on Monday, 29th February: due to the headwinds that are always walk before breakfast and had an he was flying back to England. experienced over India. Conditions accident; evidently he tripped over e rest of us flew up to Penang were made a bit more acceptable by when trying to climb a step that where we stayed in the Bay View us all travelling in premier economy. wasn’t there, making a perfect Beach Resort Hotel in Batu Ferringhi, On the whole the trip was a three-point landing. He arrived back for a restful fifteen days under the success, the majority being of the at the hotel with a bloody nose, at first palm trees, where the odd glass of opinion that they would be interested thought to be broken, and two grazed Tiger beer was consumed, as the need in repeating it in 2018. knees. Further examination of his proboscis identified that it was not Back to where they once belonged! broken but for the next few days he wore a rather large white adhesive plaster across the middle of his face, which looked great in all of our photographs. We went on Wednesday morning by pre-arranged coach, to Kranji War Cemetery where we held a small service of remembrance and laid a wreath. An English lady, off of a cruise ship, said that she had watched us and found it very moving. On leaving Kranji we went to the Changi Chapel Museum and our tour guide gave an in-depth commentary throughout the journey. A couple of days after arriving in Singapore for the biennial get-together, On Friday, 26th February, we were the party ventured out into the big city to ensure that bus and train cards wined and dined at the Changi were replenished. Pictured (from left to right): Ted Kinch, Keith Ruse, Alan Sailing Club, hosted by Lim Tow Dawson, Linda Dawson, Margaret Dicks, John Dicks, Les Davies, Marion Soon and (Steven) Lim Fung Meng, Daniels and Betty Moxey. Front: Len Daniels (firmly ensconced in the who are both RAF Changi communal scooter as though he owned it!) and Ced Moxey.

August 2016 5 Changi-ite Newsletter Postcards from the past Compiled by Mike James

Colyers Quay, Singapore (1950s) Courtesy of Peter Chubb (M1485)

Dragon Dancing, Singapore (1950s) Courtesy of Fred Irwin (M2007)

Changi-ite Newsletter 6 August 2016 The was a Malayan guerrilla war fought between Commonwealth armed forces and the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), the military arm of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), from 1948–60, but Albert Peters (M1216) recalls a tragic event from 60 years ago and poses the question: War or Emergency?

IXTY years ago, on the morning of 2nd March 1956, SI stood on the veranda of Far East Transport Wing HQ and watched as Valetta VW861 of 48 Squadron sped off down the runway en route for an ops supply drop near the Cameron Highlands. e crew were Flt. Lt. Tom McColl (Captain), Flg. Off. Colin Clisby (Navigator) and Sgt David Brodie (Air Signaller). Also on board were four Air Dispatchers of 55 Company Royal Army Service Corps, L/Cpl T. H. Randle, Driver A. A. Driver, Driver A. H. Hickman and Driver M. F. Boardman. On approaching the Drop Zone and with both engines throttled back, Flt.Lt. McColl took the aircraft in low and slow and made the first drop. en as he began a starboard turn to increase altitude and circuit round for the next drop, the port wing hit a tree causing the aircraft to spiral out of control into the ground with the loss of all lives on board. What makes this tragedy particularly poignant for me is that over my time at Changi, twenty-seven months by then, I had got to know Colin Clisby well. At 22 years there is a memorial to all service personnel who have lost of age he was just a year or so older than me. e previous their lives in post-WW2 conflicts. Eighteen months ago evening we had bumped into each other while browsing I visited the Arboretum and searched out the names of round the shops in Changi Village. Early next morning the crew of VW861 – D. Brodie, C. R. Clisby and T. J. I was on duty in Flight Planning, where I was NCO i/c, McColl; no ranks, just the names of three comrades when the crew of VW861 arrived for pre-flight briefing whose lives were so tragically snatched from them in the and to file their flight plan. Shortly after I watched as service of Queen and Country. they took off on that ill-fated mission. I became very emotional as I stared up at those names, At the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire the memory of that loss has remained vividly with me despite the passing of the years and there has always been a special place in my remembrance for Colin Clisby, like me, a young man with all his life ahead of him. e Malayan War is often referred to, when it does get a mention, as the forgotten war; people know about Korea, Cyprus and Kenya, and even Vietnam, despite British forces not being engaged in that conflict. ough termed an “emergency” rather than a “war” to protect the insurance policies of the rubber and tin industries, we who served in the Malayan conflict know full well that it was a war, and a war with casualties, as the foregoing demonstrates. Also those who, like me, travelled by train to Penang will remember having to be armed in the event The names of D. Brodie, C. R, Clisby and T. J. McColl of an attack by insurgents, such as is depicted in the film appear on the Memorial at the National Aboretum. e Virgin Soldiers . August 2016 7 Changi-ite Newsletter Royal Air Force Changi Association (including HQ FEAF) 20th Annual Reunion 2016 at Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford

NCE again we gathered at the the Association’s 20th Anniversary OTillington Hall Hotel for our By Tony Holt Reunion. He then nodded towards Annual Reunion and AGM from the bar area and the serving staff that 6th to 9th May 2016. had been looking after us during the is time we all stayed in the system has always worked well, but evening came trooping out carrying same hotel, avoiding any repeat of some guests didn’t seem to think it stacks of cardboard boxes. One was last year’s fiasco when we were applied to them, so management delivered to each of the guests in the booked into two hotels a coach ride had to hastily carry in another table room, and turned out to contain a apart down the M6. and set it up to fit everyone in. plate with the inscription round the ose who chose not to attend Dinner progressed smoothly, edge “Commemorating 20 years of last year for that reason were there in albeit rather slowly, and then we the RAF Changi Association 1996 – force this year, bringing the total were called to attention for the Loyal 2016” and a picture in the middle of number attending to 140, made up Toast to the Queen. All I had was an a Changi bus. ese were well of 89 members and 51 guests. empty wine glass, but I’m sure Her appreciated by all those present and e Saturday coach trip was to Majesty would have been proud of were, incidentally, provided by Mike the Severn Valley Railway, and from me for making the effort! e glasses at no cost to Association funds. what I was told everyone enjoyed a of port that are normally provided e last item was the raffle. Pat nostalgic day out riding on “real” for this purpose arrived shortly Holt had, as before, been buying up trains pulled by living, breathing afterwards. suitable prizes at favourable prices steam engines. John Dicks presented the throughout the year. She also had Because of traffic the two coaches Chairman’s Cup to Len Daniels for more than the usual number of were quite late arriving back at the the work he does for the bottles of wine, etc, donated by hotel, so it was a bit of a rush for Association, primarily arranging passing guests. everyone to get organised in time for local reunions. Dolores James, our Between us we sold the grand the Reunion dinner. Regalia Officer, presented a cheque total of 3125 tickets and Pat folded Our normal routine for the to the Treasurer representing the most of them herself, which was dinner is to have a large notice proceeds of her regalia sales over the quite an achievement with one arm listing the numbered tables with the last twelve months. in plaster following a fall the names of each guest agreed on the Founder Member Mike James previous week. She presented the Friday or Saturday so everyone can then stood up and made a short profits of £264 to the Treasurer at arrange to sit with their friends. is speech reminding us that this was the AGM on Sunday morning.

Changi-ite Newsletter 8 August 2016 August 2016 9 Changi-ite Newsletter Searchline Compiled by Brian Lloyd (Please respond directly to Brian) No. 61

1. Bowling, 1965 to 1970. Did you take part in this 4. Were you in the Photographic Club/Camera Club? If activity? Three new members did: Mr. Peter Gilbert, A so Ken Smith (M2394), AFF ’65/’68 would be pleased Tech, ’67/’70 (M2389) and his wife Kathy (M2390), to hear from you. Also Stella Tidmarsh (née Ratcliffe) formerly Bell, Safety and Equipment. Also George ’69/’71, 38 Squadron. Cook (M2391) Clerk/Sec, Joint Warfare Branch HQFEAF ’68/’70. George bowled at Jackie’s Bowl in 5. Labuan. Member Frank Worrall (M2397), GWM, Oct. Orchard Road, competing with personnel from Seletar ’55 to March ’57, spent time in Labuan on detachment, and Tengah. His team was called ‘The Sundowners’. Nov. ’56 to March ’57. Do you remember Frank? He would be pleased to hear from anyone. 2. Chief Tech Stanley Paul, electronics, ’68/’70, now 6. Fraser’s Hill. Adjoining picture provided by Doug deceased. Do you remember him? Son Keith, who Crouch (M815), Surface Worker Station Workshops, lives in New Zealand, enquiring. The adjoining picture ’56/’57. Doug (circled) is second from back. Do you of Changi Infants’ School group includes: second row recognise faces and know their current location? The from back, Keith Paul (first on right); and front row, dog in attendance, named Anjing Pudeh, was awarded second from right, infant Lloyd Wheeler. Teachers at the GSM. the time included Miss McHale, Mrs. Rich and Miss McKnight.

7. MT Section, Aug. ’57 to Jan. ’60. ‘Frank’ Franklin (M538) provided this picture (CH1394) of a cricket team (below). Frank is featured, third from left back row and the team captain is third from left front row. Do you recognise any faces or know of their location.

3. Tony Melton, MBE. Did you meet him at Changi in 1961? He ejected from a Javelin on way to Rangoon and landed in trees. His beacon was picked up and a Shackleton from Changi dropped a survival kit. He was picked up by a Civil Grumman Goose amphibious aircraft which skilfully landed on a river and he swam to it. After a celebration in Dacca, Melton was flown to Singapore and then repatriated to the UK. He never served at Changi. Full story in a January 2016 edition of RAF News .

Changi-ite Newsletter 10 August 2016 an RaF Buddhist in Singapore and beyond N 1958 I was posted to RAF hospital pathway of Buddhist teaching. I had came to realise that Buddhism had much IChangi as the Pathology Laboratory some niggling doubts about the RAF’s to contribute to our daily lives without Manager and head technician. Amongst reaction to my undertaking but my C.O. being overtly “religious”. other memorable incidents at work was said that as long as it did not interfere Topics in the second year included the orchestrating an exchange blood with my duties he could see no objection different traditions of Buddhism and the transfusion for a “blue baby” (reported but he advised me to have a chat with the importance of role models, people who in Changi-ite Newsletter Issue 40, summer C of E padre. He was neutral about it, had reached a high state of 2009). Locally, this made an item in the wished me luck and asked me to keep enlightenment. Every Buddhist has one Straits Times and shortly afterwards I him in touch with my progress. My wife or more of these bodhisattvas each of received a call from the Director of Maureen viewed the project with amused whom represents an aspect of Buddhist Pathology at the KK Maternity Hospital tolerance, and indulged me in what she culture. Ah Sah recommended Quan Yin in Singapore city. He asked if we could considered was a passing whim. Neither (guanyin, kwanyin) who is revered for her meet to discuss the feasibility of carrying of us thought it would last nearly two compassion and mercy. Ah Sah gave me out exchange transfusions at the KK. years. a tiny plaque on which Quan Yin’s image e KK was a very large Chinese My arrangement with the Abbot was is engraved. Meditation sessions became maternity unit, delivering up to 1,000 that I would meet my Teacher from 0630 longer and I came to realise how a babies a month: I met the senior to 0830 on Sunday mornings, which measure of control could be exerted on obstetrician, the Pathologist and the would clash once every 6 weeks when I unwanted activities of the mind, (bad Head Midwife. My first impression of the was on call: we agreed that we could live Kama). As my tour-ex date loomed hospital was one of calm and order: I was with that and would I start this coming nearer I told Ah Sah that I could attend shown a baby ward, 30 newborns in Sunday here, at Siong Lim. I arrived in only five more sessions. e question was identical cot-trolleys, all wrapped up with asked whether I had had enough teaching tiny bonnets on their heads and all silent. Peter Humphries (M340) for conversion to Buddhism and she e laboratory was similarly tranquil but thought I had not. Because of my duties busy. Quite a different atmosphere from good time and as I entered the Stupa I had not been able to spend time as a mine at Changi. courtyard I saw the Abbot at the far end shaven-headed novice and there were We met in the pathologist’s office and talking to a tall saffron robed, shaven some important issues we would not be my first question was “do you have any headed monk. ey saw me and as we covered. blue babies delivered?” ey looked at walked towards each other I realised that e Venerable Abbot agreed but each other and after a pause, the midwife the “monk” was a woman. thought that my experience would stand said “yes”. e obstetrician said “yes, but Her name was Ah Sah, she was me in good stead for the rest of my life. I not many”. Chinese and had been educated at said farewell to Ah Sah, who was going It emerged that they did not test for Cheltenham Ladies College. She then back to her home in Taiwan, and got Rhesus blood group status, assuming that read English at Clare College Cambridge, down to the business of ending my tour all Chinese are Rhesus positive. I passed leaving with an upper second degree. e and going home to UK. them the information on acquiring the Venerable Abbot had selected her because roughout our lives Maureen and I equipment, reagents and methodology she could speak English! During the have been influenced by the core for exchange transfusions and advised following year of 49 sessions, Ah Sah principles of Buddhism and we have a them to carry out Rhesus grouping as took me through the origins and history greater understanding of the meaning of part of their ante-natal procedure. As I of Buddhism, its core philosophy, our existence. was leaving I remarked on the peaceful morality and the atmosphere everywhere in the hospital importance of personal and my host, the pathologist, said that it spiritual development. At was due to the Buddhist culture which the end of each session prevailed. We had a conversation on the there was a period of doorstep, the outcome of which was a meditation, of increasing promise to contact the abbot at Siong length from 10 minutes Lim temple who would advise me to 30 minutes at the end further. of the year. e Abbot called me and invited me After each session Ah to meet him on Sunday afternoon, which Sah gave me a duplicated I did. It was a long interview at which my sheet covering that motivation was explored and ended with session’s topic and items. me making a commitment to follow a Maureen read these and August 2016 11 Changi-ite Newsletter A trip down with your letters and photos to Changi-ite

We welcome your letters, whether they express concern, offer advice, present constructive criticism, or just recall happy memories or events from Changi days. Please send your contributions to [email protected] and include your name and membership number.

I HAVE an immediate memory passengers did not have to abandon WITH reference to the “Blast trigger whenever I hear the word the vehicles - but not get under them! From The Past” article in Issue ‘goat’ or ‘kid’; I am immediately A few days later I was involved in No. 59, I am enclosing a transported back to Changi Village in a motor-cycle accident near the top of photograph of the famous dog, the 1950s. Why? I did a lot of the hill. e driver was a member of one Anjing Pudeh, taken on one business with the shop “Cheap Jack’s”. the Royal Australian Signals who were of the two trips I made to It was next to a shoe shop where shoes based there. e accident happened Fraser’s Hill back in 1958. ‘off the peg’ or ‘made-to-measure’ on a bend. Rigor (the Aussie) and I Whether it is the same dog as were the same price! were taken to the village doctor (there mentioned in the article I know One day, I was shopping around was not a Medical Officer on camp) not, but the one featured in my midday, having been on shift work, for treatment - in my case lots of photograph was certainy called when I said to Cheap Jack: “I’m off grazing to both legs and arms as Rigor (among other things) Pudeh. for lunch!” managed to stop the bike going over “No, no!” they said, “We have long the hill and dragged it back into the been wanting to treat you,”, so off we “cliff”. We were very well attended by went up the street to the nearest the doctor and, after initial treatment, restaurant, which had a large sign on had to return to his surgery daily for it “Out of bounds to H.M. Forces” - change of dressings, etc. which I had to ignore. After treatment we were invited by Once sat down inside I got a the owner of the cafe next door for a lecture on how silly we were to eat cup of tea, and one day while there an stale meat which has travelled all the English man (planter?) asked us to way from New Zealand. en they join him for a game of golf. Neither came out with a comment I can’t of us had played golf and he might forget. “is goat was walking around have done better to invite one of the this morning!”, referring, of course, to locals; but he insisted. the goat curry. Being excused duties and having Robin Cooper (M454) nothing urgent to do we went along The chap holding Pudeh was to the golf club: quite an experience an RAF Policeman who, if I MY trip to Fraser’s Hill (about 1954) as his clubs were for left-handed users remember correctly was at RAF turned out to be more more than just - and we were not! However, he had Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, a change of air or GST. our company. his name escapes me. While waiting to board vehicles at e doctor’s surgery was very If the photo, which is taken the bottom of the hill an Army officer interesting - shelves all round filled from a colour slide, is of any came over and asked me if any of the with various ‘pickled’ specimens. I use to you for publication, then WRAF could handle a rifle. I told used to look for anything on the walk feel free. him I coud, at which he ordered me from base to surgery, bugs, etc. When you consider the to go with him. I remember reading an article years original slide is now 58 years old and has been carted around e reason for this turned out to ago, I think in e Sunday Times the globe a time or two, and be that during the train journey one magazine, about Joanna Lumley, who been projected an untold of the soldiers had taken ill and, given had been to that doctor’s surgery as a number of times, its survival is the situation at that time on Fraser’s child and was frightened of all the quite remarkable. Hill, it was not safe to leave a rifle bottled items. Keep up the good work with unattended. I was given the same Because there was not an M.O. on the Changi-ite Newsletter, I instructions as the soldiers - rifle camp I was not allowed to take part really look forward to its arrival, loaded, one up the spout, safety catch in some of the GST – in particular the which brings back many happy on. We were not ambushed so tear gas – since nobody knew it was memories. All the best. although I carried the rifle “for real”, safe! Rod Rumsby (M1470) I did not have to use it. Also the Irene Davie (M2349) Changi-ite Newsletter 12 August 2016 THE account by Vera Chard (Issue almost the beginning of the a company still producing these 59) of her journey to the Cameron Communist war. e area has been a models. Highlands, which was delayed by rest camp for the terrorists as well as Look on the web for Professional there being no armed guard available the security forces. ere are villages Custom Models (PCM), a Hastings for the train, reminded me of a similar in which every inhabitant is a known TG511 is illustrated but I think you journey that I made to the same area, Communist supporter, and in which can order any aircraft you want. although not to a Leave Centre. My virtually every family has supplied a I hope this is of some help. destination was to Tana Rata. terrorist recruit. But nothing has been Incidentally, after my two-and-a-half done. roughout large parts of years at Changi I was posted to RAF South Parak the curfew is openly Brize Norton 10 Squadron and spent ignored. the next five years going from BZN to e most shocking feature was Changi and back at least once a that the terrorists should have been month. able to ransack the village for two Best wishes to all! hours without fear of molestation Gordon March (M2194) from the security forces at Tanah Rata”. A MODEL Hastings can be obtained On my arrival at Tana Rata, I was from Formaplane, Kingkit, Unit 8, obliged to hand over my weapon to Cedar Court, Halesfield, Telford TF7 the local armoury. During my stay In uniform and armed with a 4PF, phone no. 01952 586457. there I had strolled far afield and weapon and 50 rounds of Google Kingkit will get their ammunition, I arrived at Singapore website. My interest in the Hastings Railway Station and was pounced on is, as a member of the Far East by two Army policemen, who asked Parachute Rescue Team, I made many me where I was going. I was then descents from a Hastings. Jumping ordered to do guard duty on the train out of the starboard door was scary as and given a two-hour slot during the it was quite near the tailplane which night. is was to be on the veranda flashed by just above my head. Good at the end of the train. All was well luck with the model. until the train slowed down and Peter Humphries (M340) stopped in complete darkness, and in the middle of the jungle. Above me taken many photographs, including AS always, Issue No. 60 of the was an illuminated light-bulb. I was a in the jungle. e terrorist raid was Newsletter was full of interest. sitting duck! So I removed the bulb made within days of my stay in Tana However, please may I set the record and later handed it over to the relief Rata, but that was before I was straight about ‘Paddy’ Bandon? guard, for him to restore it to the “brought into the glare of publicity of He did not join the RAF “near the socket at dawn. the extraordinary situation” in the beginning of the war” but rather in My apprehension was somewhat area, to quote the Straits Times . So, February 1923 as one of the earliest justified. As reported in the Straits unarmed and ill-informed about true cadets at the RAF College, Cranwell. Times on Saturday November 21st extent of the danger, and not given While a cadet, he won sports ‘colours’ 1955: “About 100 terrorists occupied the ‘Rules of Engagement’, I had for athletics and rugby. Kea Farm new village, about 5 miles blithely explored a wide area known Finishing his career as an Air Chief from the Cameron Highlands to be a hotbed of violent terrorism. Marshal, his honours and awards township of Tana Rata, for at least I had been sent there, by my were: GBE, CB, CVO, DSO, two hours before dawn. ey chaplain at Changi, to attend a Moral Mention in Despatches (three times), murdered a Home Guard, shot dead Leadership Course, attended by DFC (USA) and Bronze Star Medal a constable, collected 35 guns and Group Captain Bailey. By fortune, I (USA). 612 rounds of ammunition in a survived. As if that was not enough, he was house-to-house search, then marched Dennis Hill (M1941) a qualified flying instructor and a in an orderly column back into the graduate of both the RAF Staff jungle”. College and the Imperial Defence In the paper on the 26th, it WITH reference to the letters page in college. Quite a man! commented that: “e terrorist raid Issue No. 60, Alan Bailey (M1933) With every good wish. brought into the glare of publicity the asked for information regarding the David Packman (M1752) extraordinary situation which has Hastings model. I am not sure where Apologies for the error and thanks for ruled the Cameron Highlands from I purchased mine, but have discovered putting me right. – Editor August 2016 13 Changi-ite Newsletter e motor racing on pages 8/9 of was! It took over four hours to Horlicks, Singapore Cold Storage, issue No. 60 inspired the following consume. e big circular table, set Bridgestone Malaysia and with many response on the topic of Formula 1: up under the stars in his vast garden local companies adding their names creaked with the weight of the many to the advertising hoardings. Several THE early morning sun struggled to dishes. Candles set in small glass hundred race officials had to be burn off the tropical haze in the domes flickered in the evening breeze. recruited including track marshals stifling air. Steam rose from overnight Generous drinks followed in the same and time keepers. at’s where I puddles as the temperature steadily vein and no glass was allowed to became involved. e Karting Club, increased. e quiet Sunday morning remain empty for too long. I was also being affiliated to the Singapore suddenly exploded into a raucous invited to a massive barbecue by Motor Club was asked to provide cacophony as, screaming like another Chinese friend. He was the volunteers to take on some of these banshees, one by one the two-stroke son of a wealthy property magnate, duties, and after a day’s training on chainsaw engines warmed up. ick generous helpings of steaks, chicken the workings and the use of a clouds of blue exhaust smoke hung in and sausages were served and as much stop-watch, I was all ready to go! the air like shrouds as I took up my Tiger Beer as required. His name was So I soon found myself sitting in position at the Race Director’s table. Yong Nam Kee and he stood well over the Time-Keeper’s stand high above Strategically placed tyres formed a six feet tall – and almost as wide, the finishing straight, my stop-watch race track on the disused runway of earning him the affectionate in my hand and with a rather the old , with hardly nickname of Fatso. He had come complicated lap chart to fill in. e a straight section amongst its twists roaring on to the runway at Kallang circuit was just over three miles long. and turns. Armed with a notebook in his new dream car, a white Jaguar Beginning at Nee Soon Road with a and pen, plus my Rollieflex E Type, keen to show us his new toy one-mile stretch of fast, straight track Twin-Lens Reflex Camera, I was he gave us a demonstration of its known as the omson Mile, then on ready to record the events of the day. prowess. His racing number 7 painted to Hills Circus and Originally set up by Loris Goring, on the bodywork. In this car on the round the Old Upper omson a school teacher attached to RAF 23rd April 1962, he won the Road. is had a bend halfway Tengah who became its chairman, Malaysian Grand Prix. Fatso tried to through which was called e Hump, and a few other interested civilian and repeat this success at the Johore then they had to negotiate a bend service personnel, the club was Grand Prix in September of the called e Hairpin at Sembawang steadily growing in numbers and following year. In practice he set the Circus. is was soon followed by the prestige. As were the support workers, fastest lap time, breaking the existing esses that led uphill towards Pierce such as flag marshals, track layers and record and earning him pole position Reservoir. e first section was of four the scrutineers whose job it was to on the starting grid for the race bends called e Snakes, the second make sure all karts complied with the proper. Sadly he never finished the named e Devils was followed by a rules as laid out by the RAC and the race, approaching a bend at 140mph right hander called the Long Loop. Singapore Motor Club. Engines sizes his brakes locked and losing control; Next came a sharp left hander known dictated in which class the the car hit a steel post and then as Peak Bend followed by a long competitors entered. Such was the bounced off a huge immovable tree. downhill to Range Hairpin, then configuration of the track that high His dream car broke in two; the front came the final hard right back on to speeds could not be sustained for long half sped over a roadside cliff and the omson Mile and the finishing periods. However, being seated so toppled on to the beach below. line. at’s when I hit the stop-watch close to the ground, it gave the drivers Tragically, frantic rescue attempts button as my designated driver an exhilarating feeling of super-fast failed and Fatso died at the scene. flashed past and I noted down his lap acceleration. e Singapore Grand Prix was time. A monthly magazine was jointly organised by the Singapore Within a couple of years, the inaugurated and I eventually became Motor Club and the Ministry of Grand Prix became a two-day event its editor, putting together my race Social Affairs. Annually a temporary and took place over the Easter notes and results plus any photos I’d track had to be set up as initially there weekend with scrutineering taking managed to take. Copy and articles was no permanent base for such an place on the preceding day. Races were also gleaned from American, event. It required the closure of roads, were held for a range of vehicles British and Australian karting the redirection of public bus services including motorcycles from 50 to magazines. I became particular as well as the implementation of road 350cc, production cars, vintage cars friendly with the head of a prestigious and fire safety measures. Corporate and sports cars. e highlights were bank in the city and was invited, sponsorship was also necessary and on the second day when the Grand along with other members, to his Rothmans of Pall Mall soon became a Prix for motorcycles and racing cars palatial mansion for a Chinese major force in that regard, plus took place. Riders came from all parts banquet. What an experience that Omega, Mobile Oil, Fraser & Neave, of the world to compete in these Changi-ite Newsletter 14 August 2016 events and British, Japanese and American machines found their way round this tortuous circuit. Some eminent racers, including Graeme Lawrence of New Zealand, a former champion, however, regarded this to be one of the most dangerous race tracks in the world. Being only 24 feet at its maximum width and running on cordoned off public roads, besides offering very little leeway with regard to safety for high speed racing, it had oil trails left by diesel fuelled buses, crater-like monsoon drains, bus stops and lamp posts throughout its length that led to many accidents. Riders and Road Marshals have been killed at the event. So after eleven years and seven deaths and with the difficulty of I READ the article by John Scott in THANK you for the latest issue of the implementing more adequate safety Issue No. 60, regarding the cars he is Changi-ite Newsletter. measures, plus concerns that it tracing from the Singapore era, in Something to add to the Memory promoted reckless driving, racing was particular a Lagonda and a Maserati. Lane letter from Frank R. Long finally banned in 1973. I belong to the Fressingfield Oily (M1555), where in the second In 2005, Minister Mentor Lee Rag Motor Sport Club one of whose column, half way down, he writes of Kwan Yew overturned this decision, members brought the Maserati back the wreckage of a Japanese combat acknowledging that Formula One to the UK. aircraft in the sea, off the runway at racing was a huge global event and I will be meeting up with him at Seletar. I have a picture of what I had high revenue potential. our next meeting in June, and will ask believe is that same aircraft, taken in Consequently, Singapore has now if he is willing to provide John with 1945 at Seletar and sent to me fairly become prominent on the Formula more details, or even exchange email recently. See picture above. One calendar. Every year a 5.67km addresses so they can contact each A match of the visible parts of the stretch of public road around Marina other directly. I believe it is still being aircraft would suggest it is a Bay is transformed for night time raced in Vintage Sportscar Club Mitsubishi GM4 ‘Betty’ bomber racing to take place, which brings in events. (Japaneses Navy). big names from around the world - Roger True David Croft and big money to the city’s coffers. (ex-Chief Tech Engine Fitter) (Butterworth & Penang Keith Armitage (M1845) 52 Sqdn Seletar Association) A Message from the Founder Dear Colleagues, liked the design of the plate. I might add May I take this opportunity to thank all that it was very hard to keep it a secret, of you who had the courtesy to send me especially from the Committee. No one, a "Thank you Card", or who thanked me but no one, apart from myself, Dolores personally on the night, for the RAF and Isle of Wight Tours knew of the Changi Association Commemorative project. Plate presentation on our 20th I would also like to thank Isle of Anniversary Reunion, (Saturday, 7th Wight Tours for their help in bringing May 2016). For me it was a pleasure to this to fruition. do this as my way of thanking such loyal comrades/members of the RAF Changi Mike James Association. All I hope is that you (Founder)

Please submit any items to be considered for inclusion in the Newsletter to [email protected] and please don’t forget to include your membership number

August 2016 15 Changi-ite Newsletter Issue No. 57 (April 2015) carried a brief review on page 5 of “An Under-whatter?, a collection of memories by Reg Higgins (M64). Reprinted here is that portion of the book covering Reg’s National Service.

Mr. Reginald Higgins Agent No. 2485326

NLY once before had I travelled than a hand appeared over the back of soon overcame discomfort and I Onorth of Watford. Aged 13, I had the street in front. The hand held a light managed to get what felt like two hours’ visited my father who, at the time,was a bulb and a disembodied voice said “Take sleep before being disturbed by what I gunnery instructor at Dartmouth Naval it!” Having already noted the size and hoped was a nightmare. The door burst College which, during the war, had been demeanor of my fellow travellers, I open and there at the foot of my bed moved to Eton Hall, the family seat of obeyed at once. Nervously I held the stood this frightening apparition dressed the Duke of Westminster. bulb over the back of my seat and, to my in R.A.F. uniform with two stripes on Situated just outside Chester, in intense relief, it was taken from my each arm. While banging the bottom of hundreds of acres of beautiful grasp. Unfortunately, another bulb my bed furiously with a stick, its mouth countryside, the Hall was the most immediately appeared in front of me. opened to let loose a volley of invective, impressive building that I had ever seen. This went on about ten times until I the gist of which was to suggest that we During my short stay I nearly met His finally plucked up courage to stand up might consider getting up. Grace; he was extremely shy and turned and look behind me. There, standing in This was our introduction to that on his heels when he saw us. But I did front of an open window, was an most feared of all aggressive creatures, meet Rita, the younger daughter of the enormous chap in a pair of filthy the R.A.F. drill corporal. It was just six landlord of the Grosvenor Arms where dungarees. Casually tossing a bulb onto o’clock, and we were given half an hour we stayed for the visit. I think that I must the track, he allowed a smirk to cross his to assemble outside. Panic stricken, we have been the first ‘townie’ that Rita had face. “I hope you ain’t afraid of the dark, charged to the washroom, resulting in met as she appeared fascinated by my you toffee-nosed git,” he sneered. I sat twenty-four bodies trying to use six ignorance of country life. She spent a lot down and actually looked forward to washbasins at the same time. Even in of time pointing out the various forms reaching Padgate. late August, mornings in Lancashire are of wildlife which abounded in the My memories of the next eight cold - and washing and shaving with no hedgerows and wasted a lot of time weeks are still vivid. During the hot water while dressed only in a pair of trying to get me astride a horse. Rita and intervening years hundreds of names underpants certainly got the day off in I were to meet again. have entered and then left my memory, Spartan style. After breakfast of burnt My second journey north was all so why do I still recall those of my fellow bacon and rubber-like fried egg, we were expenses paid, courtesy of the Ministry sufferers and those who made us kitted out and issued with a rifle. The of Defence, whose first communication suffer? It must have been that everything apparition reappeared and introduced had invited me to a medical. was such a shock to my system that it itself as Corporal Kelly, with a hatred of The medical was quite interesting as was like starting a new life. In this Scotsmen, Welshmen and little men the doctors involved had all retired from environment I was to encounter several (that settled my future). He was, of the NHS and had an average age of previously unknown features of life, course, Irish, which helped, as it meant about seventy (at the present time that such as bullying, stealing and violence. that at least half of his insults were does not seem old at all!). The old boy Expletives were to become part of my unintelligible. with the stethoscope, who kept vocabulary if only to ensure that I did not We were given five minutes to wheezing all the time, took an age appear “different” (it soon became change into our uniforms and then listening to my heart and then sought a evident that I was the only ex-grammar marched to the parade ground where we second opinion from an even older schoolboy in the intake). were met by another corporal, a colleague. They told me to relax and then My first meal was probably the worst ruddy-faced Yorkshireman called Kemp. listened again. Amid more wheezing and of my life, consisting of an undercooked He informed us of his intense dislike of much shaking they headed off and I bony kippper with two scoops of Pom long hair, toffee-nosed snobs, poofs and never saw them again until the final few (reconstituted powdered potato) and Southerners (two out of four; I will leave minutes when I was handed a card two pieces of stale bread barely covered you to work out which two!). With due stating that I was Grade 1 and fit to enter in margarine. I managed to force it down deference he introduced us to he who Her Majesty’s armed forces. I later found and then discovered that the only place was to be our lord and master for the out that the main reasons for failing the to clean my “irons” was a trough of dirty next eight weeks, the supreme medical were flat feet and perforated cold water with a layer of greasy scum commander of “9 Flight”, Sgt. Jones. eardrums and the thought at that time on the surface. Suffering from There followed eight weeks of was that no 18-year-old could have heart depression and hunger, I discovered the purgatory. I learned to endure an problems, but they had to go through the NAAFI and the sheer delight of a hot cup incessant stream of insults from NCOs. motions! of tea and a ham sandwich. I suffered because of my lack of inches, I was invited to visit an array of On returning to the billet I discovered others because of their physical Nissen huts, known as RAF Padgate, that in my absence my case had been characteristics or their accents. We all with a view to staying 18 months (later moved to the bed nearest the door. The suffered, but in some cases it was out extended to two years). The train had significance of this would become and out bullying. Two or three of our only just left Kings Cross station when I apparent later. There were no number were what would now be called received my introduction to my new mattresses, just three “biscuits”, which eductionally sub-normal; in 1950 no existence. Two coaches had been were canvas squares filled with I know such condition was recognised and they reserved for us new recruits and no not what. Whatever it was with was not were considered fair game not only by sooner had the train started to move designed to aid sleep, but tiredness the drill staff but by other recruits Changi-ite Newsletter 16 August 2016 including, to my shame, me. Stealing After four weeks we were allowed out the previous group and move on to the was commonplace and, if a piece of of Padgate for the first time and I next obstacle. The last was the most equipment went missing, we all knew decided to sample the delights of terrifying. It consisted of a pit about six that it would be replaced from the locker Warrington. My recollection is of feet deep and ten feet across, in the of one of the less able members of the cobbled streets and drizzle with a brass centre of which was a long rope Flight, who would then have to pay for band playing in the distance. Eventually, suspended from a metal frame. The idea the item out of his pay of 28 shillings a three of us decided to visit the local was to throw yourself at the rope with week. For some it was too much to bear. “flea-pit” and promptly fell asleep. Our enough force to carry you to the other I remember one poor chap, who had snoring disturbed the other patrons and side of the pit. The main problem was been a sheep-farmer in Anglesey and we made a strategic withdrawal. that in the bottom of the pit there was who had probably never left the island During the next week we paid our about three feet of extremely muddy before, desperately trying to “work his first visit to the firing range. After fully water. Most of the lads seemed to make ticket”. He was stopped at the main gate two minutes’ instruction, we fired five it across and this obviously spoilt the at midnight dressed in his pyjamas and, rounds from a 303 rifle from each of the fun for the sergeant. I found myself with eyes closed and arms stretched out prone, kneeling and standing positions. behind the sleepwalking Welshman and in front of him, he tried to persuade the We then marched to our targets and, as it was then that the sergeant decided to guard that he suffered from “chronic I neared mine, I had a nasty, sinking take a hand in the literal sense. Having sleep-walking”. Unfortunately, to reach feeling; I could not see a mark on it. The shouted “run hard”, he waited until the the main gate he had had to unlock a target next to mine was in tatters and I poor unfortunate was about a yard from door and make two left turns. That realised that all my shots had been the rope and then casually used his drill attempt earned him three days’ pumped into the wrong target. Expecting stick to knock the rope to one side. The “jankers”, a punishment which involved at least a court martial, I was relieved sight of “Taffy” lying face down in the reporting hourly to the guardroom in full when the sergeant merely tore me off a mud was enough to give me the kit of webbing and packs with brasses strip and allowed me a “re-shoot”. We strength to get across – and this time gleaming and boots shining. then moved on to the sten gun range the stick stayed still! My own problems were minor by where we were confronted with life-size That weekend we were given another comparison. Apart from being told daily targets of German soldiers. Because 36-hour pass and I decided to ring Rita that I was “orrible” (all little men are sten guns were mass produced (they at the Grosvenor Arms. To my surprise, ’orrible) and occasionally being referred cost just over £1 each) they had a she remembered me and she arranged to as a “la-di-da southerner”, I fared tendency to jam and we were instructed for her father to take us on a car journey better than most and I discovered that to raise the left hand if this happened. around North Wales. We visited the this was because the letters P.O.M. The range was only about ten yards and Horseshoe Pass and then went back to appeared after my name on the roll. hitting the target looked a formality. the Grosvenor Arms for tea. She was These letters had nothing to do with the However, there was another snag; friendly enough but she showed a aforementioned mashed potatoes but instead of firing straight, the shots strange interest in the ablution arrange- indicated that I was “Potential Officer veered up and to the right. Coupled with ments at the camp. When leaving, she Material”, presumably because of my the jamming problem, this did not bode pressed a small package into my hand grammar school education. We were well. We stepped up to the firing line in and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. always looking for ways to avoid the groups of six and I was in the middle of I was anxious to examine the token of monotony of the drill square and my the first group. The idea was to use the affection but decided to wait until I was “P.O.M.” provided me with a couple of left hand to aim the gun and then to back in the billet. Imagine my opportunities. A flight in an Anson from squeeze the trigger with the index finger embarrassment as I ripped open the a nearby airfield took up one afternoon. of the right hand. On the order “fire!” I wrapper to reveal – a bar of toilet soap! If this was an attempt to persuade me to did just that and was quite enjoying the Despite this unfortunate start, our enlist as aircrew it failed miserably as I experience when pandemonium broke friendship would be resumed, but this felt distinctly unwell after my first flight. out. I was aware of a lot of shouting and time without the risk of personal The next week I spent an afternoon with then saw a line of bullets heading back contact. Rita would later join my impres- other recruits being addressed on the from the targets in my direction. sive list of female correspondents. The idea of a career as an officer. The Fortunately, the trail of bullets stopped following week we were required to financial rewards were a temptation, but about a yard away from my feet and the complete a form to indicate what sort of it would have meant that I would have to order came to “cease fire and lay down work we wanted to do after completion forfeit my right to return to my job at your arms”. Apparently, the gun of the of our initial training. As a grammar Sun Insurance on completion of my chap on the end had jammed and, after school boy I assumed I would have a service, so I decided against it. taking his left hand away to signal that wide choice of jobs, but having If any reason to miss “square he had a problem, he had lost control discarded anything to do with manual bashing” presented itself it had to be and kept squeezing the trigger. (The work I was left with clerical trades. I was taken, so when the football team was to original one-armed bandit?) asked to indicate four choices, but only be selected, nearly everyone volun- Later that week we were introduced three could be clerical, so as fourth teered. To get into the squad I had to put to another of Padgate’s delights – the choice I opted for “Equipment”. On myself forward as a part-time assault course. The first major obstacle another form we were asked to indicate professional with Southend United. I was a 12ft wall, which we were meant to whether we were prepared to serve had a very uncomfortable time with the scale by operating in teams. Having overseas. Within a couple of days, I was real professionals before the PTI took decided that it was not for me, I waited informed that I would be joining the Far pity on my mud-spattered frame and until my group had got themselves East Air Force, not to add to their clerical pulled me off the field, suggesting that totally disorganised as to who was going resources, but as an Equipment his 90-year-old grandmother would run over and then walked round the end of Assistant (under training) . . . the world rings round me. He was probably right! the wall. I was able to attach myself to was my oyster! August 2016 17 Changi-ite Newsletter Blast from the past RAF PARACHUTES CATS INTO MALAYAN JUNGLE FORT A cri de coeur for cats from the obtained and accommodated at the case to keep the cats going during British commander of a rat-infested RAF Station overnight ready to be their forty-minute flight from Kuala jungle fort in Central Malaya was dropped by parachute with the rest of Lumpur to Fort Telanok, which is recently answered with despatch by a the supplies for the fort the following accessible only by air. Valetta aircraft of the Air Supply morning. e drop was made by Flight Force (Malaya), operating from Royal During the night, however, the Lieutenant K. J. Robinson, who Air Force Station, Kuala Lumpur. cats went “A.W.O.L.” and a commands the Air Supply Force e call, “Rats getting out of last-minute round-up had to be made (Malaya), and the cats parachuted control. Please send cats” was made by for replacements. slowy and safely into Fort Telanok. the commander of Fort Telanok, Fortunately, Captain J. E. ey were immediately released and Police Lieutenant L. Trott, of the Bosworth, Ground Liaison Officer in placed on operations. Federation of Malaya Police Field the RAF Operations Rooms, being Air Supply Force (Malaya) is the Force, one of two Britons serving with due soon for repatriation, had two new name for the Valetta detachment Malays and aborigines in this remote cats to spare. at Kuala Lumpur, which is made up outpost in a mountainous area of ese were carefully packed in a of crews of No. 48, 52 and 110 Pahang State. padded case drilled with air-holes, and Squadrons of the Far East Transport Two large Malayan cats were a tasty snack of fish included in the Wing.

Poppy Pins 1.75in x 1.5in approx. Queen’s or King’s Crown www.poppypins.co.uk RAF Changi Poppy Badges

Mike James has managed to negotiate a 10% discount for all Association members. The cost per badge is £10.00. Reunited Across the Pond This includes UK and BFPO postage, VAT Two Far East personnel with Changi connections met where applicable, and a donation to the up in the King’s Head English Pub in Santa Monica, Los Royal British Legion. Angeles earlier this year. Badges are £1.50 cheaper when ordering Tony Lowe (M648), Cpl Air Wireless Fitter, RSF and via the website (see above) and there is a DSS ’56/’58, met up with ‘Ruck’ Nicholls, who was detached from Changi ’58/’59 to Chia Keng as a Codes further 10% off RAF Changi badges, and Cypher teleprinter operator. e equipment at CK meaning another £1 off the purchase price. was a British-run operation controlled by GCHQ in the The coupon code will be “Changi” and it UK, which broke down codes. may be used as many times as you wish; e site, started by the Americans in 1948, was located in a bungalow near Paya Lebar, just off the Yio Chu Kang there is no restriction when purchasing Road on the way to Seletar. RAF Changi badges. It became a self-sufficient unit and was part of a world-wide network of listening and decoding stations. Please visit the website. CK has its own Association and an excellent website. B.W.L. Changi-ite Newsletter 18 August 2016 WELCOME ABOARD! Members who have recently joined the Association since Newsletter No. 60 We welcome the following 10 new members of the Association who have joined since 1 February 2016 up to 29 June 2016

Rank or Mem. No. First Name Surname Maiden Name Service No. Father’s Rank Trade Sqdn/Section/School Arrival Departure Block No. 2394 Kenneth Smith T0680231 Sgt Airframe Fitter Hastings & Shackleton ASF Dec. ’65 Jan. ’68 Katong Apartmnt 2395 John Mallon 4142054 J/Tech>Cpl Flight/Nav. Instrmnts April ’54 Jan. ’57 144 & 151 2396 Graham Hering C4262329 Cpl Airframe Fitter 1574 Target Towing Flt. Jan. ’64 June ’66 Off Camp 2397 Frank Worrall 2752582 LAC Grd Wireless Mech. Changi Sigs (VHF) Oct. ’55 March ’57 144 (Top) Det. Lab. Kinch (daughter 2398 Hazel Churchyard of George) 1187143 Sgt Grnd Equip Engineer Station Workshops Jan. ’49 Dec. ’50 25a Sealand Rd. 2399 Benjamin Livesey 2405024 LAC Fireman Fire Section April ’52 Sept. ’55 Old Sarum Rd. 2400 Keith Michael D08070334 Cpl RAF Police Police Dog Section June ’70 June ’71 116 2401 Anthony Johnson V4260626 Sgt AQM/ALM 48 Squadron Dec. ’67 April ’70 ? 2402 Keith Simpson X4285487 Cpl RAF Police RAF Police March ’70 Dec. ’71 121 (Mid) 2403 James Lambert 4023575 AC1 Flt Mech Engineer 48 Squadron June ’48 Sept. ’49 151 (Ground)

OBITUARIES It is with deep regret that we report the deaths of the following members. We offer our sincere condolences to their families and friends.

Mem. Rank at Squadron/Section/ Arrival Departure First Name Surname Service No. Trade Deceased No. Changi School Date Date

47 John Coles Cpl R4159259 MT Driver Air Movements June ’69 June ’72 June 2016 261 Avril Fedoryszyn AC1(W) 2804545 Nursing Orderly Changi Hospital Sept. ’48 Nov. ’49 April 2016 287 Robert Payne Sgt 1869006 Air Signaller 110 Squadron Nov. ’47 April ’49 April 2016 500 Anthony Poulton Cpl 4082120 Clerk Statistics HQ FEAF March ’53 Aug. ’54 Dec. 2015 803 David Ritchie Flt Lt 170378 Tech/Signals HQ ACSEA (Sigs. 1b) Jan. ’46 Aug. ’47 Jan. 2016 970 Stanley Crossley SAC 2438551 Grd Wireless Mech (T) HQ FEAF - SSC June ’49 June ’51 Mar. 2016 1136 David Hale SAC 2741238 Gen. Mech 52 Sqdn/MT Section March ’55 Oct. ’56 May 2016 1209 Robin Bonome Cpl 1927705 Electrical Fitter 205 Squadron June ’60 Sept. ’61 June 2016 1255 Jack Ord SAC G1940476 Clerk - Sec. 215 Squadron Aug. ’63 June ’65 Aug. 2015 Air Cdr’s Guardroom 1271 Paul Ramsey Cpl 4262636 RAF Police and Air House Jan. ’67 June ’69 Dec. 2015 1353 Alexander Manson Cpl A4139582 Telegraphist Comcen Singapore Nov. ’69 July ’71 April 2016 1621 Terence Challis LAC 4123803 Instrument Mech. A.S.F Feb. ’54 Oct. ’56 Dec. 2015 1632 Leslie Finch SAC 2546496 Clerk HQ FEAF Jan. ’52 Jan. ’54 May 2016

1646 Bernard Sullivan Cpl 4023846 Electrical Fitter 110 Sqdn MTRS & Labn. June ’48 June ’51 April 2016 2282 David Crookes Jnr/Tech>Cpl T3527839 Air Frame Fitter 48 Sqdn & FECS Sept. ’66 March ’69 Dec. 2015

Please submit any items to be considered for inclusion in the Newsletter to [email protected] and please remember to include your membership number!

August 2016 19 Changi-ite Newsletter Forthcoming Events for your diary September Friday 9th 11.30am HAMPSHIRE Informal Local Reunion Royal British Legion HQ, Love Lane, Romsey SO51 8DE Local Member: Anne Moore (Tel. 01794 322444) Members in adjacent counties will be notified. Other and potential members please phone for details. All are welcome. October Saturday 1st 11.30am HERTFORDSHIRE Informal Local Reunion Kings Langley Cricket Club, Vicarage Lane, Kings Langley WD4 9HS (Off M25,Junction 20) Local Member: John Dicks (Tel. 01923 400221) Members in adjacent counties will be notified. Other and potential members please phone for details. All are welcome. October Friday 28th 11.30am ESSEX Informal Local Reunion At the 2004 Ltd Club, 168 Station Lane, Hornchurch RM12 6LS (Off the A124 near to Junction 29 of the M25, next to Hornchurch Station (District Line). Local Member: Len Daniels (Tel. 01708 555077) Members in adjacent counties will be notified. Other and potential members please phone for details. All are welcome.

e excursion arranged for the Saturday afternoon of our was dedicated to him and he named the engine himself 20th Annual Reunion weekend was a return trip by on 19th September 1947 at Brighton Station. At the steam locomotive on the Severn Valley Railway from rededication ceremony, e Right Honourable Sir Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. On the return leg we were Lockward Smith, New Zealand High Commissioner, fortunate to ride behind the Sir Keith Park, a locomotive unveiled the nameplate. renovated after 20 years in a scrapyard and rededicated Also present were RAF veterans who fought in the to the Battle of Britain hero it was first named after in Battle of Britain, Oliver Bulleid, the grandson of the In Hull, prior to restoration. 1947. locomotive’s designer, and Terence Stevens-Prior, pic: Grahame Spencer Sir Keith Park commanded RAF squadrons that great-nephew of Sir Keith. A flypast by a Hurricane and defended London and the South East from Luftwaffe a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was attacks in 1940. Almost 66 years after the original also held at 14:00 BST over Bridgnorth in Shropshire, ceremony, the Sir Keith Park locomotive was rededicated where standards were on parade by the RAF Association. at Kidderminster railway station in Worcestershire. It Clare Gibbard, from Severn Valley Railway, said: became part of the the Severn Valley Railway last year “Locomotive Sir Keith Park has been one of the railway’s after the renovation. most popular engines since joining our fleet, and we To commemorate New Zealand-born Sir Keith’s thought that it would be a great idea to mark its return Renovated and re-dedicated in1947. pic: BBC achievements in the Battle of Britain, locomotive 34053 to service after 38 years.”

RAF Changi Association Changi-iteNewsletter RAF FEAF Tea Towel Regalia Catalogue 2016 e FEAF Tea Towel is a replica Back Issues of a wall hanging which depicts (View on website) conflicts between 1948 and 1966 All editions of the which involved the Far East Air Members are reminded that a Regalia Changi-ite Newsletter are Force (FEAF) branch of the available from Mike James Royal Air Force in the three areas Catalogue is now available and can be of conflict, namely e Malayan sent free of charge either by post or at 50p each, plus a Emergency (1948-1960), the donation for postage. e Brunei Rebellion of 1962 and the Indonesian email (pdf format). e Association is first few editions are printed direct from a Confrontation (1963-1966). e eight aircraft shown able to order items on an individual in silhouette around the FEAF crest are typical of those computer, but most are printed copies. All employed in the transportation of troops and supplies basis, such as clothing, for ladies and issues from No. 1 to the latest edition are to the various theatres, some of which were also used to available. To obtain back issues please state drop supplies, to broadcast voice messages and in the gentlemen, in several colours and sizes. distribution of leaflets over the jungles of Malaya and number(s) of edition(s) required. North Borneo. e aircraft, shown clockwise from the Cheques should be made payable to “RAF top, are: Handley Page Hastings, Bristol Freighter, Changi Association”. Bristol Britannia, Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, , To obtain a catalogue, please contact: Please contact: Blackburn Beverley and Douglas Dakota. e wall hanging, produced by Mrs Margaret Dicks, Mrs D. P. James (Regalia Officer) Mike James was presented to the Changi Museum by the Royal Air 12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, 12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, Force Changi Association on the 17th February 2012. Tea Towels are available at a cost of £4 from Bristol BS49 4BY Bristol BS49 4BY Mrs D. P. James (Regalia Officer), Telephone 01934 833170 or 12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol BS49 4BY Telephone 01934 833170 or Telephone 01934 833170 or email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected]

Changi-ite Newsletter 20 August 2016