ROYAL AIR FORCE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
www.rafregt.org.uk BIRMINGHAM BRANCH
Death of SAC Luke Southgate KIA RIP Page 2 Death of SAC Paul Mahoney RIP Page 2 Wrexham Gunner back from Afghanistan Page 2
DEATH O F LUKE Branch Subscriptions Page 3 Newsletter Subscriptions Page 3 SOUTHG ATE KIA Page 2 – Branch Appeal Goodies for Our Injured Boys Page 3 Branch Birthdays Page 3 DEATH OF SAC PAUL “ ” w/o Stoney Wanbon at Peterbrook Flower Club Page 4 MAHONEY Page 2 Death Notices Page 4
Derek Bucklow of Derby Page 4 BRANCH SUBS Page 3 Remembrance Sunday London Page 3
A Plea from Remembrance Day Parade Marshal Page 4 GOODIES FOR OUR Cosford Air Show 2010 Page 5 INJURED BOYS Page 3 News From Afghanistan Page 6 27 Squadron Parades Through Bury St Edmunds Page 6 NEWS FROM Outside the Wire with 1 Force Protection Wing Page 6 AFGHANISTAN Page 4 More Gunners fly to Afghanistan Page 7 Autumn Reunion and 2010 AGM Page 8 NATIONAL MEMORIAL Repatriation of British Military Personnel KIA Page 8 National Memorial Arboretum Update Page 9 ARBORETUM UPDATE Service to Mark Basrah Memorial Wall at NMA Page 9 Page 9 Future Events at the NMA Page 9
RAF Regiment Books Page 10 FROM THE RAF REG.T Books about the RAF Regiment Page 10 SECRETARY Page 12 Books Containing References to RAF Regiment Page 11 From the RAF Regiment Secretary Page 12 Death Notices Page 12 General Notices Page 13 New Commandant General RAF Regt. Page 13 ’ Special Award of CG s Commendation Page 13 ’ Australian State Award Former Reg t Off Page 13 Centurion No 28 Spring Edition Page 14 New Regiment Ass. Membership Sec Page 14 Corps Diary Dates Page 14 Brian Thornally of Loughborough Page 15 Can You Help? Page 15 John Casley of Plymouth, Devon Page 15 The Best Fighters in the RAF Airman Information Required Page 15 Joke time Page 15 Operate on the Ground Dates for Your Diary Page 16
The Royal Air Force Regiment. Birmingham Branch Committee Page 16
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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 249 MARCH 2010
Dear Readers. Kandahar Airfield Force Protection Wing, was It is with sadness that I must tell you that killed this evening as a result of an explosion.
Gunner Luke Southgate serving with II Squadron He was on a mobile patrol in an area about Royal Air Force Regiment, part of the Kandahar four kilometres north of Kandahar Airfield when Airfield Force Protection Wing, was killed in the explosion happened. He died doing his duty action Afghanistan on the early evening of th and among his fellow airmen; his sacrifice will Wednesday 24 February 2010. He was part of a not be forgotten." vehicle mounted patrol protecting the crucial Kandahar Airport - the hub for allied troops and ******************** fast jets in southern Afghanistan and died from Sadly we have had another loss this time wounds received as a result of an explosion which not from enemy action but from adventurous occurred in an area north of Kandahar Airfield in training that is so important in keeping the lads fit. Kandahar province. SAC Paul Mahoney died during an avalanche as Luke joined the RAF Regiment in 2008 he took part in a training exercise. and was awarded the Frank Sylvester Trophy as Death of SAC Paul Mahoney Top Student when he graduated from his Trainee Senior Aircraftman Paul Mahoney, from Gunner Course. Unmarried, he is survived by his 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment, died following an th parents, Mr & Mrs Keith Southgate of Bury St avalanche in Oberstdorf, Bavaria on 4 February Edmunds to whom we send our sincere 2010. Paul was taking part in Exercise Snow condolences. Eagle 2010, an adventurous training exercise. On Thursday 4th March his flag-draped Senior Aircraftman Paul Mahoney's family said: coffin arrived at RAF Lyneham with three other "We wish to convey how proud we were Afghanistan heroes for a private ceremony in the of him and we knew how proud he was about ’s chapel base before being driven through the being in the RAF Regiment. He was 'one of the town of Wootton Bassett, where hundreds stood lads' who was always there for his mates." His in silent tribute. friends in 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment said: In attendance were airmen from RAF 'Mo' will be sadly missed by all of his Honington who saluted as the Union flag-draped colleagues and friends on 15 Squadron RAF coffins passed by. The Association Standard was Regiment. As one of the last British servicemen also paraded by the Association Standard Bearer to leave Iraq in 2009 we will remember him as a John Smart, who was supported by the Standards brave and determined RAF Regiment Gunner who and members of Sussex, Berkshire, South and kept us safe as he steered his Bulldog Armoured Vehicle through the outskirts of Basrah. West Wales and Bromley Branches. “ About twenty Association members were He lived life to the full and has been in attendance headed by the Association chairman taken from us unexpectedly and far too early. Our Group Captain Steven Brereton Martin, and the thoughts are with his family and close friends at Vice Chairman Tom Renshaw as a single bell this difficult time. He will not be forgotten and his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of tolled in the crisp clear air for it was a cold and ” sunny day but the mood was very sombre. Before 15 Squadron RAF Regiment . the cortege passed through the town, a Welsh ******************** male voice choir sang at the war memorial in On 15th February, the following article by tribute to the servicemen. Garth Thomas appeared in a local Wrexham “The Leader” and I reproduce it as it The Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, newspaper Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said: "It is refers to the sad death of SAC Paul Mahoney. my sad duty to inform you that an airman from II Wrexham Gunner back home after tour Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, part of the on Afghanistan frontline
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’ve £5.00 A Wrexham serviceman is back home we also held the Branch subscription at £15.00. after a tour of duty in Afghanistan which included so the total subscription is battling through gun fights and thwarting When you consider that the cost of a attempted bomb strikes. Twenty-five-year-old second class postage stamp is now 30p which is ’s High £3.60 for twelve issues of the Branch newsletter, Steven Lloyd, a former pupil at St David School, spoke to the Leader about his time serving your branch subscription is an absolute bargain. ’s most dangerous places. st in one of the world A Subscriptions were due on 1 February so if you ’t already paid, p senior Aircraftsman in the RAF Regiment, he haven lease pay up promptly and went out to Afghanistan in July and, in a cruel send your cheques to the Branch Treasurer Tom twist of fate, on the day he returned to Britain Magee and not to me. Steven was told that one of his best friends had Newsletter Subscriptions been killed in an avalanche in Germany while on I have a list of members of other branches an adventure training skiing exercise. Speaking “There have been and others, who have asked to receive the about his time at war, he said: Birmingham Branch newsletters. The £7.00 per year. So one or two close calls. There have been a few gun subscription for this service is fights and we found improvised explosive devices would those other branch members and others nearly every day. It can be very hot in the day who have asked to be put onto the Circulation List and freezing at night. The patrols are long and for Birmingham Branch newsletters and wish to last for days on end. In terms of sleep you get continue receiving the newsletters, please send a £7.00 as above, about four or five hours each day. But you would cheque for IMMEDIATELY to be surprised how your body adjusts to it all. I THE BRANCH TREASURER Tom Magee and joined the RAF Regiment two years ago and I ’m doing the job that I trained to do.” NOT to me. Would all members and newsletter love it. I subscribers please pay your Subscriptions One of the reasons that Steven enjoys immediately as having to chase up late payers is a service life so much is the great comradeship he time consuming job and adds to my workload and shares with all his friends. It was a huge blow to to the workload of the Branch Treasurer. Please ’ham Branch, him when he returned to Britain to discover that make your cheques out to The B one of his best friends, Paul Mahoney, of RAF Regt Ass. Warrington, had been killed in an avalanche in My sincere thanks to those members who Germany. Steven said: “I first met Paul in basic training. have already paid up. He ’t in Afg Goodies for our Injured Boys wasn hanistan at the same time as me It is most important that we remember the because by then we were in different squadrons, dangers that our young men and women serving but he was due to go there shortly. It was ’t want anyone to on operations are all facing, so please remember devastating news, but he wouldn the appeal your Branch Committee have set up. mope. Paul was very outgoing, a great laugh, and ” With your help, we can continue to provide these someone everyone could totally trust. small comforts and any other items that members Steven, a Wrexham FC supporter, is of the military staff ask us for. We can never get enjoying being back in his home town and said enough goodies for the lads, so in the mean time, that he was looking forward to cheering the Reds “I had been planning to go to the your continued support is appreciated for we need on in a game. ’m much more money. Chester match but that has been called off. I The main field hospital in Afghanistan at here for a while yet so there will be more Camp Bastion is coping with casualty levels, but opportunities. I will be returning to the RAF in a operating close to capacity. 158 armed forces few weeks and we will be involved in other ” personnel were seriously wounded in Afghanistan duties. Steven added that he would like to thank last year and 1,229 were treated by field hospitals, members of the public who send parcels to the more than 700 as a result of diseased or non-battle British forces serving abroad. injuries. More than 520 military personnel were Branch Subscriptions seriously injured on operations between October In spite of rising costs, the Association £10.00 and again, 2001 and October 2009, and 6,900 have been subscription has been held at evacuated back to the UK since 2003.
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So great is the increasing number of A very Happy Birthday to the following military casualties from Afghanistan that it has Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays caused a crisis at Selly Oak hospital which has are this month, may you all have many more. been forced to transfer at least 200 local patients And as it is my birthday too on the 14th of this ’clock on that evening, I’ll drink a to other health units. The hospital which treats all month, at nine o ’clock toast to you all. servicemen and women injured in action has had nine o to remove local sick people so that medics can 2nd March Bill Bennett West Bromwich W Mids care for the war wounded. 3rd March Colin Taylor Newport Shropshire It is believed some of the transferred 5th March Ron Ryland Kidderminster Worcs patients have been moved out of the city to health 6th March Stan Cowburn Oldham Lancashire units around the country. So you can see how 20th March Brian Wakefield Birmingham W Mid great is our need for more money. And the 25th March Arthur Bryant Northampton National Audit Office has warned that more sick 25th March Michael Silver Carterton Oxfordshire local people will be turned away from Selly Oak 29th March Brian Thornalley Longborough Leic and sent further afield as the conflict continues. A total of 522 personnel had been seriously injured Death Notices on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan between I regret to inform you of the death of October 2001 and the end of October 2009 and Derek Bucklow of Derby who passed away on most of these were treated at Selly Oak before 11th January 2010. Derek enlisted on 12th March moving to a rehabilitation facility at Headley 1947 and after his Basic Regiment Training at ’s Court in Surrey. If any of you would like to RAF Wombleton, attended a Gunner/Armourer contribute items or cash directly for this appeal, Course at RAF Kirkham. He was then posted to “Stoney” ( you must contact Warrant Officer Alan) 58 Rifle Squadron and served with that Squadron Wanbon RAF, NCO I/C Patient Support Services, in Egypt and Aden until in 1950 he was posted to or post them to him at RCDM, Selly Oak Number 1 Armoured Car Squadron. He served Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, that Squadron at RAF Luneburg and RAF “Stoney” Birmingham, B29 6JD. can also be Wunsdorf until 1952 when he was posted to RAF contacted on 07795 801276. If cash, please make Catterick where he completed his service as an your cheques out to RCDM - PSS. Instructor of Officer Training, until his discharge “ ” st W/O Stoney Wanbon at Peterbrook on 21 December 1952. No funeral details or Flower Club Next of Kin details are known. We will On Wednesday evening 24th February, I remember him. had the pleasure of introducing Warrant Officer Remembrance Sunday London “Stoney” Wanbon to the ladies of Peterbrook Birmingham Branch members who are Flower Club. He was there to give them a talk on long-standing members of the Branch, will his duties with our wounded servicemen and remember with some nostalgia no doubt, when I women and very good he was too. used to organise two coaches every year to take The ladies were all very interested and our members down to London on Remembrance when he finished his talk, before I could ask for Sunday for the Remembrance Day Service and them to show their appreciation they themselves Parade. Alas, with the increasing age of our “Stoney” applauded him with enthusiasm. After members, numbers fell off until I was organising had left, several of them came up to me to express one coach only and the last one that I organised their thanks and to tell me how much they had had only four members of the Branch on board, appreciated this insight into his work. with the rest of the seats being filled by other ex- After eighteen months as NCO I/C Patient servicemen. That was when I called it a day. “Stoney” is being Support Services at Selly Oak, However, I have now received the following plea posted to Germany in the near future to work as a from our Remembrance Day Parade Marshal. CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiation & If anyone would like to make their own Nuclear) Advisor and we wish him well in his way to London on Remembrance Sunday and new appointment. would like tickets, please contact Tom Feeley for BRANCH BIRTHDAYS them. You will of course have to make your own travel arrangements and accommodation if
5 required. For tickets, Tom Feeley can be endless. I urge you, I beg of you that if you can contacted as follows. Mr T Feeley, 9 Laburnam attend, then please do. Grove, Audenshaw, Manchester, M34 5SS. It is truly a memorable occasion, a great Telephone number 0161 301 1711. way of catching up with pals and once again swap A Plea from the Remembrance Day Parade those many war stories that we keep repeating Marshal over and over again. My other point is just as Dear Friends. Now that the mayhem of important. Our good lady wives are just as much Christmas and the New Year is nothing more then a part of our great RAF Regiment Family as we a fading memory for another year, I thought it are. While we were away enjoying ourselves in timely to get in touch with all of you. the Far East, Cyprus or Germany, who was left Now, some of you may know me and behind holding the family together, paying the others may not, so first of all, may I introduce bills, etc. myself. My name is Alan Parkes and like all of Therefore, I would like to see our Ladies you out there, I to served in our wonderful Corps. on parade enjoying the occasion as much as us. I served 37 years and 8 months, finally being "Let You will of course need tickets to gain entry to Out" for good behaviour in June 2006. I am well Horse Guards Parade, no ticket, no entry. You aware, that probably most of you attended the can obtain your ticket/tickets from Tom Feeley. recent NEC meeting and that what you are about Write to him enclosing a stamped addressed to read was discussed in depth. If it was envelope. Finally, my details should you wish to discussed, then I would just like to try and re- contact me are as follows. enforce what was said. Mr A Parkes, 10 Vicarage Road During my time in the RAF Regt. on three Catterick Garrison, Richmond, North Yorkshire, separate occasions I served with the Queens DL9 4TA. Telephone number 01748 834392. Colour Squadron at RAF Uxbridge. I can recall Cosford Air Show 2010 on many occasions that on a cold November Cosford Air Show is one of the country's morning, I would find myself standing on top aviation events attracting thousands of people parade in Whitehall paying my respects to our of all ages to a day of wonder, excitement and Glorious Dead. At the end of the parade, the "Old entertainment every year with the proceeds of the and Bold" contingents would march off before us event going to RAF and local charities. The and past our ranks. I would often comment to world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team - myself as they marched past, that one day I will The Red Arrows - is always one of the most do that and friends, I have, the first being in popular performances at the event as well as the November 2006 and I have not missed a parade Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and spectacular yet. displays by aircraft old and new. Some of the ’s best pilots will be putting their aircraft Last year, I took over the rein of world responsibility from my very good friend Ron through their paces at the Midlands premier air Barnbrook and I now have the pleasure of show. The world-famous Red Arrows will be forming up our contingent on Horse Guards there, as will the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Parade and at the appropriate time, marching them consisting of a Lancaster Bomber, a Spitfire into Whitehall. On all 4 parades, I have noticed Fighter and a Hurricane fighter. Also on show that our numbers are not what they could be, will be current RAF combat aircraft and many especially when you look around and see the size international aircraft too. of other contingents and one of those contingents There is non-stop entertainment on the next to us are the RAF Police. I think by now, you ground with hundreds of exhibits, colourful stalls can see where I am going with this email. and trade stands, military demonstrations and This is a plea to all of you out there and road-shows, plus food, a craft fair, bands, ’s entertainment and much more. It all your members, to support this parade. I am well children aware that some of us are getting on in years, that makes the Air Show a great day out for all ages the great distance to travel is another factor to and interests, from aviation enthusiasts to consider. Coupled with this is the cost of getting families. The RAF Museum Cosford, has seventy to London, the cost of accommodation, the list is historic aircraft on display in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War
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Exhibition. A unique feature of this exhibition is and waving union flags by those who turned out ’s three V Britain -Bombers, the Vulcan, the Victor on the bright but misty morning for the event. and the Valiant. A number of aircraft are Following the parade, the squadron returned to the suspended in flying attitudes with interactive Abbey Gardens, where they stood in formation kiosks and audio-visual hotspots telling the story before cheering, waving their hats and finally in an innovative way. getting a chance to greet properly all those who Admission charges on the day are Adult had come to see them. £20.00, children aged 5 to 15 £10.00 – under 5 go – Outside the wire with 1 FP Wing free Family Tickets, 2 adults and up to three £50.00. In advance are Adult £15.00, By Squadron Leader Bruno Wood children £6.00 – – Force Protection of Bastion Airfield and children aged 5 to 15 under 5 go free the Ground Defence Area (GDA) around it is Family Tickets, 2 adults and up to three children £36.00. currently the responsibility of No 1 RAF FP Wing Twenty-four hour Credit Card booking and No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, the resident line 0871 230 1083 all calls charged at national Regiment Field Squadron. The Wing have been rate. Internet booking at
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The MERT are frequently called to hostile defending an airfield and the aircraft operating locations in order to recover casualties back to the from it, but we have the experience and expertise ” base. The third Flight are detached to Kabul, the for this role. capital of Afghanistan, where they conduct Talking about the Gunners and how they armoured escort duties in the city and Force enjoy the demanding roles they fulfil, he said “The guys obviously enjoy some jobs more than Protection for RAF aircraft operating from the Airport. B Flight was out on the ground on the others but everybody gets a real feeling of day of the Shura, commanded by Flight achievement when they are working on the Lieutenant Anton Flexer. Talking about the MERT. Although they see some pretty traumatic Shura, he said; things, they really feel they are making a “It is unusua l for the women to get to take difference to help the wounded get the best part in this sort of thing, but they seem to be possible treatment by providing Force Protection ” responding to it well in the village. Our primary to the aircraft, crew and medical team. “It’s been role today, is to provide an outer cordon to give About his Tour so far, he said them some protection from insurgents who might really good and getting in amongst the locals has ’m looking forward to want to disrupt this sort of activity. We work very been really interesting. I closely with the US, who have overall control of the challenges of the rest of the Tour, particularly the GDA but our Squadron Operations Officer is when we are re-tasked, where the job will be ” embedded in the Control Centre and is involved in different again. “Olly” all the planning and tasking. We also have a joint Corporal Watson was a member of Patrol Base which we share with the Americans the Team providing security for the Shura and is a and this gives us a footprint which pushes back Section Commander on B Flight. He was recently potential Insurgent activity further from the involved in a contact with suspected insurgents a “I was a vehicle airfield. We have found that there is a really good few days earlier and said exchange of information between us and the Commander on the Patrol and we observed an Americans and we can learn from each other. It is individual watching us through binoculars. He particularly useful having the Afghan National was joined by two other individuals with long Army operating with us as the locals respond barrelled weapons who then aimed them at the really well to seeing their own people providing Patrol. As this clearly presented us with a serious ” security in the area. threat, in self defence we opened fire on the About his tour so far Flt Lt Flexer said, gunmen. We searched the compounds but the “It’s been good, a bit different to what I expected, individuals had fled. That was a good reminder “Green Zone” you see reported in the not like the that although this is a pretty quiet area, the news. We have had some incidents with IEDs insurgents are still out there and are willing to ” and contact with insurgents and we are getting to have a go at us if we drop our guard. do some reconnaissance work at the edges of the Squadron Leader Andy Jones, Officer GDA in coordination with the British Army. Commanding 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, said ’ve also done a couple of patrols with the “En I gagement with the local population is Afghan Army, which has been a really great absolutely essential for success in countering the experience and they seem really enthusiastic about insurgent influence. Most of the time, the taking responsibility for security of their own engagement is with the males. However, this country. The locals are really keen to have them Operation was focused on the females and I am here and are always asking when they are coming confident that the positive results from this Shura ” out next. will help to improve the trust and cooperation we ” Bastion is going to be the hub for a are striving for in the area around Camp Bastion. massive influx of personnel and equipment over More Gunners to fly Afghanistan the next few months, and Flt Lt Flexer was On Tuesday 19th January, more than 100 optimistic about how 3 Squadron would deal with “Bastion is a busy place Gunners from RAF Honington yesterday flew into this. He said, now and ’s going to get busier. ’re ready for it, a war-torn Afghanistan to begin a gruelling six- it But we ’ve got good kit and the guys are always month tour. The 140 members of 2 Squadron we RAF Regiment gathered at the Suffolk base on looking for a challenge. It is a very specialist task Monday after a long weekend of goodbyes to
8 family and friends and flew to Brize Norton in package for you to enjoy including sumptuous Oxfordshire which left in the early hours of the food (as much as you can eat) excellent morning. The men, and one woman, will be accommodation and a variety of day time sport or stationed at Kandahar Airbase in south east leisure activities to suit most tastes. After dinner Afghanistan where they will form part of the force in the evenings you can choose to do your own protection team which patrols outside the wire. thing, or sit back and enjoy the lively They will prevent Taliban and Al Qaida missiles entertainment that will be on offer. The AGM attacking outgoing coalition aircraft - a dangerous will be on the Saturday morning and will be and hands-on job. Sharon Hornsby, 40, an orderly followed by a Parade and March Past with the room clerk from Mildenhall, is the only woman in various Standards. the regiment and will carry out HR duties in The ladies may choose to watch the March Afghanistan. This will be her fourth time at the Past or may wish to take advantage of one of the Kandahar airbase and she said: coach tours that the hotel will arrange. On the “It is reassuring in a way because you Saturday evening you will be able to put on your know the layout of the camp but it's still new and 'glad rags' and enjoy the Gala Dinner which will it's quite scary because people are dying out there. be served in the splendid opulence of the oak I'm married to an RAF guy so I know quite a lot panelled Bremner - Scott dinning room. Our of them and so I don't notice much difference traditional Raffle will be held on the Sunday being the only woman. In the big scheme of evening and tickets will be on sale during the things you're wearing the same uniform but they weekend, donated prizes will be most welcome. will look after you and take care of you. I think Bookings may be made by phone to really we just all want to get out there. You're at Warner's on 0800 072 0772 and quoting Group the stage where you just want to go and get on Code RAF 03, or by post if you download the ” with the job. booking form from the Association website. The Gunners will be led by Squadron Either way, when you get the Booking Leader Matt Carter, who was awarded the Form, please use the tear off strip to advise Jim Military Cross following an operation against Scott, as to what your seating requirements are for Taliban forces in Helmand in 2006. Second in meals. Seating can be arranged for small groups – command will be deputy squadron commander of 2 - 4 6 or possibly 8.
Flight Lieutenant Mike Dewar who previously ******************** served in Iraq, Africa and Kuwait. The next article is from our Chairman Speaking of leaving behind his wife and “It's pretty Group Captain Steven Brereton Martin RAF two sons, aged nine and six, he said: (Rtd). difficult. In the past when I've gone out before my Repatriations of British Military boys have been younger but now they understand. I try to explain it the best I can, that we've got Personnel Killed in Action good equipment, and I'll send lots of letters and e- The National Executive Committee (NEC) ” ’s presence at the mails home. has discussed the Association The departure of 2 Squadron took place repatriations, centred on the town of Wootton just a week before 27 Squadron RAF Regiment Bassett, of the bodies of servicemen and women returned home to Honington, near Bury St who have been killed in action or died of wounds. Edmunds, following its six month tour. With the intensity of operations in which British forces are currently engaged, it seems sadly Autumn Reunion and 2010 AGM inevitable that there will be more to come. Arrangements have now been finalised for ’s It was agreed that the Association the Autumn Reunion & AGM, to be held at the National Standard should always be on parade for magnificent Warner's Holme Lacy House near a RAF Regiment repatriation. However, it was Hereford on the weekend Friday 1st to Monday £224.00 per also agreed that it was desirable that the 4th October 2010 at prices from Association should be represented, at least at person. Holme Lacey House is a lovely Grade 1 Branch level, at all repatriations, regardless of the listed Mansion built in about 1674, and is situated Service(s) of the individual(s) being repatriated. in 20 acres of wonderfully restored formal It is worth noting that a number of other gardens and parkland. As always, there is a full Service and ex-Service organisations attend all
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“The Basra Memorial Wall is hugely repatriations, and the NEC agreed that it would raise the profile of the Association if we were to significant for the families of those who fell be on parade as well. Regardless of whether it is during operations in Iraq, and for those who to be a RAF Regiment repatriation, or that of served alongside them. I hope the memorial will another service, we should always try to parade as provide a place for people to come together and a single body to maximise our impact on parade. pay tribute to those remarkable men and women Clearly this requires some coordination and Tich who gave their lives setting Iraq on the path to ” Taylor, of the Hereford Branch, has kindly agreed stability and prosperity. to act as Repatriations Coordinator. Brigadier John Palmer, whose son Branches and individual members of the Lieutenant Richard Palmer of the Royal Scots Association are therefore encouraged to contact Dragoon Guards was killed by a roadside bomb in “ Tich Taylor (contact details below) to register Iraq in 2006, said: All our family is their interest in attending repatriations. He will tremendously proud of our son, Richard, and what then be able to advise interested Branches and he was achieving in Iraq. Whilst nothing can individual members when a repatriation is due to make his tragic loss any easier, we, and the other take place and of the RV and other arrangements. families, will have a new focal point for our Please understand that registering an remembrance. We were honoured to interest does not mean that we expect a Branch or attend the dedication service and hope that as well a member to commit to attend all repatriations. as being a uniquely personal memorial for us, it “pool” of those interested, the But the greater the will become a national memorial so that people greater the chances of the Association having a will not forget the sacrifices made by people like ” good number of Branches (including their Richard. Standards) and members on parade. If, as an Chief Executive of the National Memorial “Many of Association, we are seen publicly to pay our Arboretum, Charlie Bagot-Jewitt, said: respects to those who have made the supreme our memorials provide a way for the Nation to sacrifice, then it should be done in a way, and in acknowledge its fallen men and women. The sufficient numbers, that does credit to the Basra Memorial Wall is different as it was ’s contact Association and the Corps. Tich Taylor conceived, built and maintained by the colleagues details are as follows: Mr. L J Taylor, 49 Laura of those that died. As a result, it has assumed an Street, Barry, South Glamorgan, CF63 2NU. even greater poignancy. The Arboretum will be a ” Telephone number 01446 730894. Or by e-mail fitting home for the wall. at
10 to commemorate their fallen comrades. The RAF Regiment will hold its annual Attendance at the service was by invitation only RAF Regiment Memorial Service of and the majority of the congregation consisted of Commemoration at the NMA. The event will the families and friends of those who lost their commence at 11.00 a.m. with a Service in the lives and are commemorated on the wall. Millennium Chapel and will then be followed Future Events at the NMA immediately afterwards with a Service of Saturday 13th March 2010 Commemoration and Wreath Laying in the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden. Details will be At 11.30 a.m. The Shropshire Yeomanry issued in due course. will hold a service in the Millennium Chapel and nd later on-site for the dedication of a plinth. For Friday 2 July 2010 further information contact Capt Nick Trevor on The Northern Rhodesia Police Association 01952 632939 or by e-mail at < rmly-rhq- will dedicate the Colonial Police Memorial on- [email protected]>. site. For further information contact John Coates th on 0116 2872869. Saturday 27 March 2010 rd At 2.00 p.m. the Arracan Veterans Saturday 3 July 2010 Association will hold a gathering of members and At 12.00 noon the Royal Artillery a short Act of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Association will hold its annual Service of Memorial. For more information contact Tony Remembrance in the Pavilion marquee and onsite Matthews on 07711 880342. at the Royal Artillery Garden. For further information contact Allan Solly (RAA Saturday 24th April Membership Secretary) on 01980 845362. Loch Class Frigates Association Service of th Remembrance at 2.00 p.m. in the Millennium Monday 26 July 2010 Chapel and onsite. For further details contact Mr. At 2.00 p.m. the HMS Belfast Association Dennis Cracknell (Chairman, LCFA) on 01621 will hold a Korean War Remembrance Service in 743419. the Millennium Chapel followed by wreath laying Sunday 9th May 2010 at the Armed Forces Memorial. For further information contact Cliff Le Quelenec At 12.00 noon the Firefighters Memorial (Membership Secretary) on 01923 776330 or by Trust will hold a Service of Thanksgiving at the email at
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All the money raised by sales of this book Publishers. ISBN 1-872308-34-1. Can be “Help for will be split between the charity, obtained directly from Mr D F Sampson, 17 ” and squadron funds for all the squadrons Heroes Shelley Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Christchurch, currently in the RAF Regiment. It is titled Dorset, BH23 4HW. Telephone number 01425 “Gunner’s Tales, Warts and All” and is priced at 279206. £10.00 and until the online shop is up and running "Below the Bottom Rung" the RAF Regiment in it can be obtained from the RAF Regiment Shop Palestine by Edward Grocott. Published in 1996 at RAF Honington. If you would like a copy, give by J and K H Publishing. ISBN 1 900511 57 6. the Shop Manageress Liz Ramsay a call after 1.30 "Through Adversity" the History of the RAF p.m. on 01359 237521. Regiment 1942 - 1992 by Kingsley M Oliver. Books about the RAF Regiment Published in 1997 by Forces and Corporate "Khaki and Blue" the early ground defence of Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0 9529597 0 4. the RAF in WW2 by Colonel Ronald Sherbrooke- "In Adversity" Exploits of Gallantry and Awards Walker TD DL. Published in 1952 by The Saint to the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces Catherine Press Ltd. Now out of print. No ISBN. 1921 - 12995 by Nicholas G Tucker. Published “ A Brief History of the RAF Regiment 1942- in 1997 by Jade Publishing Limited. ISBN 1- ” 1960 by Air Vice Marshall J. H. Harris, C.B., 900734-08-7. CBE. Published in 1960. Now out of print. No "The RAF Regiment" History, Colours, ISBN. uniforms and Equipment of the RAF Regiment. “A Short History of the RAF Regiment” from Edited by Stuart Asquith. Published in 2000 by 1942 to 1970 with a brief account of the approach Nexus Special Interests Ltd. Book Number to the problems of airfield defence in the RAF 001772. Foreword by Air Commodore R C from 1918 to 1942 by Kingsley M Oliver. Printed Moore, MBE, RAF, Commandant General, RAF by Thanet Printing Works in 1969. No ISBN Regiment. But now out of print. Number and now out of print. "The RAF Regiment at War" 1942 - 1946 by “The Royal Air Force Regiment – A Short Kingsley M Oliver. Published in 2002 by Pen and ” th History . A 40 Anniversary edition. An Sword Books Limited. ISBN 0-85052-852-6. updated short history of the RAF Regiment from "On the Road to Mandalay" featuring the life of 1942 to 1982 with a brief account of the approach the author Randle Manwaring focussing to the problems of airfield defence in the Royal air particularly on his time with the RAF Regiment in Force from 1918 until the formation of its own the Burma Campaign. Published in 2006 by Pen defence Corps in 1942. By Group Captain and Sword Books Limited. ISBN 1844154971. Kingsley Oliver and Wing Commander Keith "Constant Vigilance" the RAF Regiment in the Batt. Published in 1982 by Adlard and Son Ltd, Burma Campaign by Nigel W M Warwick. Bartholomew Press, Dorking, Surrey. No ISBN Published in 2007 by Pen and Sword Books Number and now out of print. Limited. ISBN: 9781844155002. “ ” “Gunner’s Tales, Warts and All” No Tigers in our Jungle about life in the RAF by Ron Regiment in South-East Asia Command 1943/45. Taylor. This is a collection of stories, myths and By ex-Flight Lieutenant Harry Homer. Service legends from the RAF Regiment. A cartoon book number 127613. Published in 1982 ISBN 84 398 similar to the Giles cartoon books only all 8656 X. Regiment cartoons. A Limited Edition book “The Edges of War” £10.00. An RAF Regiment Story by privately published in 2009 at Copies can be obtained from Mr. R Taylor, 710A Hern Road, Tim Hillyar. About 2804 Armoured Car ’s, PE26 2TL. Squadron, from landing in France at the end of Pondersbridge, Ramsay St Mary June 1944, through the fighting in Europe to the Ron can also be contacted on 01733 844817. British Victory Parade in Berlin on 21st July 1945. Books containing references to the RAF Privately published in 1992 by Tim Hillyar. In Regiment “The Lost Lady” 1996, he lived at 36, Trefor Jones Court, all about the American Bomber Brookfield Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QP. "Lady Be Good". No publication date available. “The Blue and ” Khaki Hunters Privately By Mario Martinez. Published by Leo Cooper at £19.95 published in a Limited Edition of 500 copies in . Mentions 2926 Squadron RAF Regiment. 1993 by D F Sampson through Newton
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“Flugplatz Gutersloh” . A Short History 1937/87 in Afghanistan, on the early evening of 24 Feb 10. with references to the RAF Regiment. Published He joined the RAF Regt in 2008 and was awarded in 1987. By Gerry Lewis. Published 1987. the Frank Sylvester Trophy as Top Student when “The Battle of the Airfields 1st January ” 1945 he graduated from his Trainee Gunner Course. “Operation by Norman L Franks. About Unmarried, he is survived by his parents, ” Bodenplatte when the Germans attempted to Mr & Mrs Keith Southgate of Bury St Edmunds. destroy the advanced Allied Airfields. First Letters of condolence to Mr & Mrs Southgate published in 1982. ISBN 1 898697 15 9. may be addressed c/o II Sqn RAF Regt, RAF Republished by Grub Street in 1994 in an updated Honington, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1EE version. (please mark the envelope clearly with “Britain's Modern Royal Air Force” which 'Condolences' to speed its transmission.) contains a complete chapter on the RAF The Corps extends its sincere condolences Regiment. Published in 1994. By Peter F Guiver. to the family. The Repatriation and funeral ISBN 1 85260 4328. arrangements will be notified through this and “The ” Autobiography by Brian Clough. other means when known. Mentions his service at RAF Watchet. Published MAHONEY PAUL. Serving RAF Regt in 1995. ISBN 1 85225 198 0. SAC Paul Mahoney, born 20 Oct 83, was killed “The Royal Air Force” an Illustrated History tragically on 4 Feb 10 while participating as a by Michael Armitage. Published by member of 15 Sqn RAF Regt in the Adventure Brockhampton Press in 1995. ISBN 1 86019 Training Exercise SNOW EAGLE, in 8511. Contains several references to the RAF Riedbergehorn, Germany. Known to his friends Regiment. as Mo, SAC Mahoney was 26 years old and “Esprit de Corps” by Walter Archibald Elliott. single. Enlisting on 10 Feb 08, he graduated from A Scots Guards Officer on Active Service 1943 - his Trainee Gunner Course in 2008 prior to ’s a 1945. Published in 1997. In Chapter 7 it bout joining 15 Sqn RAF Regt and deploying to Iraq as the Transfer of RAF Regiment Personnel to the a BULLDOG AFV driver; he was among the last Scots Guards. ISBN 085955 220 9. operational British Servicemen to leave Iraq in “Sunset in the East” by John Hudson published mid-2009. by Leo Cooper in 2002. ISBN 0 85052 846 1. It There was a Military Funeral took place at briefly mentions The RAF Regiment on page 43. St Elphin's, Warrington Parish Church, Church Its main interest is the fact that to maintain order Street, Warrington, WA1 2TL on Thu 25 Feb10 at and to control the nationalist in Java, the author 14.00 followed by a cremation attended by family employed captured Japanese army personnel. It and close friends at Walton Lea Crematorium, also gives a lot of detail about the war in Burma. Chester Road, Walton, Warrington WA4 6TB at “Joint Force Harrier” by Commander Adrian 1530. Orchard, with James Barrington. The true story Family flowers only were requested but of a Royal Navy Fighter squadron at war. donations may be sent for the benefit of Help for Published in 2008 by Penguin Books and Micael Heroes and a Memorial Stone for the Garden of Joseph. ISBN 9780718153991. Remembrance at RAF Honington, via the Co-op Funeral Directors of Bewsey Road Warrington WA2 7LW, tel 01925 445555. Letters of condolence should be to addressed to his parents, Mr & Mrs Dennis & Ann Mahoney, via the Visiting Officer, Flt Lt Alex Watson, OC SW Flt 15 Sqn RAF Regt, RAF FROM THE RAF REGIMENT Honington, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1EE. SECRETARY The Corps extends its sincere condolences to the DEATH NOTICES: family. SOUTHGATE - KILLED IN ACTION CUTHBERTSON GEORGE. Former Serving SAC Gnr Luke Southgate, born 10 Mar RAF Regt Sgt George Alfred Cuthbertson, born 3 89, was Killed in Action while serving with II Sqn Oct 30, died on 6 Feb 10 aged 79. He enlisted in RAF Regt, 4Kms north of the Kandahar Airbase 1951 and served in Germany, Cyprus, Singapore
13 and, in his final four years of Service, at RAF Elizabeth Matthews of 82 Eastfield Lane, Wattisham. He retired in 1973. The funeral was Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 1UR, and to whom held at 13.00 on Wed 17 Feb 10 at the Newcastle the Corps extends its sincere condolences. Crematorium. Family flowers only were JONES RONALD. Former RAF Regt requested. He is survived by his son and Sgt Ronald N Jones, died on 21 Feb 10. He daughter, Mr Kevin Cuthbertson and Miss Brenda served in the Far East and in Germany, and was a Cuthbertson. member of both 1 and 26 Sqns RAF Regt at RAF Letters of condolence may be sent to Miss Laarbruch in the period 1979-81. He was Cuthbertson at 9 Thirston Way, Kenton Bar discharged in 1984. The funeral took place in Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3EQ, or to Mr Aberdare on 3 Mar 10. No further details are Cuthbertson at his e-mail address at < known. The Corps extends its sincere [email protected]>. condolences to any surviving family. PALETHORPE DOUGLAS. Former THANKSGIVING SERVICE - THE LATE RAF Regt Cpl Douglas A Pelthorpe, born 22 Dec SQN LDR J A K EDWARDS 33, died on 7 Feb 10 aged 76. He was a National A Thanksgiving Service for the life of the Serviceman from 1952-55, serving at RAF West late Sqn Ldr 'Jake' Edwards, who died on 8 Jan Kirby as a Regt Instructor and a member of the 10, will be held at Far Oakridge, near Stroud in Norfolk Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. Gloucestershire, at 14.00 on the 9 May 10, on The funeral was held at Gorleston what would have been his 79th birthday. Further Crematorium, Norfolk, at 16.00 on Mon 22 Feb details may be obtained from his nephew, Mr 10. Family flowers only were requested, but Robert Edwards, of Bridge Cottage, Bridge End, donations may be made to the RAFBF via the Radwell, Bedfordshire MK43 7HU, or by e-mail Funeral Directors, Co-op Funeral Services, 144 to
14 colleagues to achieve and maintain the conceptual The Constitutional objective of the high ground, gaining the support of the Association is to maintain and promote esprit de uncommitted and convincing the doubters. corps and comradeship amongst all RAF Such was the level of his achievement Regiment personnel, both past and present, in that, by the end of 2009, FP operations around order to promote the good name, reputation and Bastion-Leatherneck involved regularly the forces traditions of the Corps. All who wore the 'Flash' of four Allied nations, together with the Afghan are entitled to join as Full Members, and non- National Security Forces. In proving himself to Regiment personnel who served with Regt Units be fully representative of the finest traditions of can also join as Associate Members. both Corps, Lt Col Naler was awarded the The Assoc is particularly looking to Commendation of the Commandant General recruit members who are currently serving. Cost £10, or for 3 year Royal Air Force Regiment. Lt Col Naler becomes of annual membership is £25. the first foreign national recipient of these membership For more information and an Commendations and the Corps extends its application form, contact the Assoc Membership congratulations to him. Sec, Mrs Linda Taylor at 49 Laura Street, Barry, AUSTRALIAN STATE AWARD FOR South Glamorgan, CF63 2NU. Tel No 01446 FORMER RAF REGT OFFICER 730894 or via e-mail at: < Former RAF Regt officer, Lt Col Shane [email protected]>. Gabriel has been awarded the Distinguished CORPS DIARY DATES: Service Cross in the Australia Day Honours List, 15-16 Apr 10 RAF AC Ass Spring Reunion for his efforts commanding a Battle Group in 16 -19 Apr 10 RAF Regt Assoc Spring Reunion Oruzgan. He rejoined the Australian Army 24 Apr 10 II Sqn RAF Regt Reunion (infantry) when he returned to Australia. No 8 May 10 RAF Regt Chapel Commemoration further details are known at this time. The Corps 18-21 May 10 Regt-USAF Exchange Offrs extends its congratulations to Lt Col Gabriel. 'British Invasion III (Washington DC) CENTURION NO 28 SPRING 2010 EDITION 5 Jun 10 Naming Ceremony at the Armed Forces' The Spring Edition No 28 of Centurion is Memorial (NMA Alrewas) in the final stages of preparation and should be 11 Jun 10 RAF Regt Officers' Dinner Club Rec published and distributed in early Mar 10. 15 Jun 10 Centurion 29 Article copy deadline However, if you have changed from your RAF 26 Jun 10 Regt Annual Mem Commemoration Regt Fund-registered address recently and not 27 Jun 10 National Armed Forces Day NMA advised the change, it will be delivered to your 11 Jul 10 Suffolk Branch RAF Memorial Day £1.40 in mailing old address and waste some 24 Jul 10 Assoc NEC meeting ( RAF Scampton) costs. Please advise any change to the Fund's 14-15 Aug 10 RAF Living History Event - RAF Membership Secretary, Flt Lt Paul Norry, at Regt at Belton Park (Grantham) [email protected] without 1-4 Oct 10 Assoc AGM and Annual Reunion delay. Any re-mailing of the journal under such 29 Oct 10 Officers' Dinner Club Annual Dinner circumstances will be at the recipient's cost. 15 Dec 10 Centurion 30 Article copy deadline Please do not mail the Regtl Sec for this purpose. 4 Feb 11RAF Regt Op Review and Corps NEW RAF REGT FUND MEMBERSHIP Formation Dinner (RAF Honington) SECRETARY RAF Regt Golf Society 2010 Calendar The new RAF Regt Fund Membership Sec 31 Mar RAF Regt GS AGM - Thetford GC. is Flt Lt Norry of RTS(C) at Trg Wg, RAF 28 Apr Regt GS v Jt CBRN Regt. Thetford GC. Honington. He may be contacted at (RTS(C) Trg 19 May Regt GS v RAF Police - Newark GC. Wg, RAF Honington, tel 01359 237957 or Email at [email protected] . RAF REGT ASSOC MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY The new RAF Regt Assoc Membership Secretary is Mrs Linda Taylor on Tel: 01446 730894 or Email [email protected]. JOIN THE RAF REGT ASSOC
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16 Jun Regt GS v Royal Artillery Mentmore GC. So we are now seeking from members 6 and 7 Jul Regt GS Championships Mentmore your help in finding a new home for this table 29 Jul Regt GS v Royal Marines - China Fleet (WM1947) as the Trust does not have the means 8 Sep Regt GS v Royal Signals - Thetford GC. to keep it. The table is a wooden one measuring 29 Sep RAF Regt GS 4-Way match & AGM - 166cm/65in length, 77cm/30in in width and Greetham Valley GC. stands at a height of 92 cm/36 in. The table can
be separated from the base frame. It maybe that The RAF Regiment Secretary has sent to some research undertaken locally, will help to me the above photograph of the new brick paving identify more information and could undercover in the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden and I whether it was in fact dedicated as a war “This must say it looks great as it also includes a memorial. The table carries the dedication revamped area at the base of the Memorial with a table served as a portable alter during the whole of suitable are for the placing of the small wooden ’t think you can see too much of the the British Campaign through Italy in World War crosses. I don Two, transported and used by Rev. Eric M detail in this small picture but believe me, it is a Johnson, a chaplain to the Royal Air Force and ’s, Sunbury on Thames 1949 great improvement on the rather drab paving slabs Vicar of St Mary - ” that we originally had laid and follows the format 1956 It is from this church in Surrey that War of most of the paved areas at the NMA. Memorials Trust acquired the table when My next article is a rather unusual one and redevelopment meant they felt unable to retain it. it has been brought to my attention by one of our Nothing is known of how and when it was placed members Brian Thornally of Loughborough, in the Church. If anyone has any suggestions for Leicestershire who sent me the following letter. a new location for the table, please advise the Brian Thornally of Loughborough Conservation Team who can be contacted on < Dear Malcolm. War Memorials Trust. I [email protected]> or by calling enclose a copy of an item from the February ’s magazine “Bulletin” 020 7233 7356. Please note the Trust will not be edition of the Trust able to keep this piece indefinitely; so if you do appealing for help in finding a place of safety for have any suggestions please let us know as soon a table. The table is a relic of the Italian as possible as we will have to make a decision on Campaign in World War Two that was used as a its future by the end of the year. portable altar by a chaplain of the RAF. ******************** I am not aware of any approach by the My next article is also an unusual one, this Trust to various military museums but it seems time from another of our members John Casley of unlikely that they would not have though to do Plymouth Devon. In addition to making enquiries that. I thought that you might like to publicise the ’s plight in the next edition of the new about a World War Two Wellington Bomber Trust sletter. survivor, John also wishes to draw the attention of The War Memorials Trust can be contacted at our members to the possibility of holidaying in 41A Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W the Plymouth area in the last week in June when 0RE, or by telephone at 020 7834 0200, by fax at the Annual Service at the Allied Air Forces 020 7834 0202 or by e-mail at < Memorial on Plymouth Hoe takes place on th ’t know the person [email protected]>. Their website is < Sunday 27 June. John doesn www.warmemorials.org>. Yours. Brian. enquiring but it was printed in his local newspaper
and he thought that we may be able to help. Well ******************** ’ve done it before so let’s see what we The enclosed article has the following we can information. come up with this time. CAN YOU HELP? Airman Information Required In 2004, War Memorial Trust rescued Can any of your readers help me please in what it was advised was a war memorial, my search for information about Airman L threatened with destruction. However it Rickard? His Wellington R1757 DX? was shot transpired that the item was not a war memorial; down on 12th October 1941, just north of my rather it was an artefact. Since then the Trust has home town in Holland and Mr Rickard was the been seeking to find a new home for it, contacting sole survivor. The other five crew members were all the obvious places but with no luck. killed and are buried in Kuinre and Emmeloord.
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Tail Gunner L Rickard bailed out but was captured in Blokzijl and was interned in prisoner- of-war camps. According to records, his home address at the time was in Durban road, Peverell. I can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected]. Teunis Schuurman, Weg van Rollecate 38, 8325CR Vollenhove, The Netherlands. Joke time Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement home were sitting on a bench under a tree, when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?' Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.' 'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?' Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'
******************** ’s all for now, keep smiling if Well that you can and stay happy. Malcolm
16 Thursday 13th May 2010 Branch Night Thursday 10th June 2010 Branch Night DATES FOR Sunday 13th June 2010 Cosford Air Show MAKE Wednesday 16th June 2010 22nd Ann of Branch YOUR th A Saturday 26 June 2010 Reg.t Comm NMA th DIARIES DATE Sunday 27 June 2010 National Service Day Sunday 27th June 2010 Air Forces Mem Plymouth Thursday 8th July 2010 Branch Night th ’ Wednesday 17 March 2010 St Patrick s Day Sunday 11th July 2010 Tower of London Parade 15th - 30th March 2010 65th Ann of Meiktila Thursday 12th August 2010 Branch Night Monday 5th April 2010 9th Ann Ded of Mem.l Thursday 9th Sept 2010 Branch Night Thursday 8th April 2010 Branch Night Sunday 3rd October 2010 Merchant Navy Day Fri 16th-Mon 19th Apr 2010 Ass.n Spring Reunion Thursday 14th October 2010 Branch Night rd ’ Friday 23 April 2010 St George s Day Thursday 21st October 2010 Battle of Trafalgar Sunday 25th April 2010 ANZAC Day Sunday 7th November 2010 Midlands Festival of Rem Sunday 9th May 2010 Runneymede Mem Ser Thursday 11th Nov 2010 Branch Night Saturday 8th May 2010 Regt Chapel Comm Sunday 14th November 2010 Remembrance sunday Service CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER Ron Sharp Malcolm A Baldwin Tom Magee 46 Lightwood Road 61 Pear Tree Crescent 11 Pavilion Avenue Yoxall, Burton on Trent Solihull Lodge, Shirley Smethwick, Warley Staffordshire DE13 8QE Solihull, B90 1LE West Midlands, B67 6LA Tel No: 01543 472411 Tel: 0121 608 3791 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
MINUTE SECRETARY BRANCH STANDARD BEARER Ken Bridgwood QUARTERMASTER Dave Gooding 29 Claverdon Drive Tom Magee 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Great Barr 11 Pavilion Avenue Rubery, Rednal Birmingham Smethwick, Warley Birmingham West Midlands, B45 5HR West Midlands, B67 6LA West Midlands B45 0NE Tel: 0121 357 4242 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail Tel: 0121 604 4637 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT AND RBL RESEARCH CO-ORD/ Peter Swash LIAISON OFFICER LINK-UP DATA BASE ‘ ’ Mdina Rowney Green Lane Dave Gooding Hughie Cooper Rowney Green 31 Queen Elizabeth Road 11 Sandringham Close Redditch Rubery, Rednal Baswich Lane Worcestershire, B48 7QF Birmingham, B45 0NE Stafford, ST17 0AB Tel No: 01527 60870 Mob: 077597 36879 Tel: 01785 242269 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
PUBLIC RELATIONS FINANCIAL AUDITOR FINANCIAL AUDITOR OFFICER/SOCIAL SEC Trevor Round Joan Round Michael Beard 7 Board School Gardens 7 Board School Gardens 21 Abingdon Road Dudley Dudley Bloxwich, Walsall West Midlands West Midlands West Midlands DY3 1XA DY3 1XA WS3 2SX Tel: 01902 672597 Tel: 01902 672597 Tel: 01922 491453
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