Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 1

Flying over : The Venom fighter bomber (see Page 4) RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION including HQ. FEAF Spring 2012 Issue No 48 Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 2

Page 2 The aim of the RAF Changi Association is to bring together all those who were stationed at RAF Changi (including HQ FEAF) Singapore, so they can renew old friendships and make new ones RRAFAF Changi Asssociasociattionion ((IncludingIncluding HQ.FEAF) Fooundedunded M ay 1999696 The aim of the RAF Changi Association is to bring together all those who were stationed at RAF Changi (including HQ FEAF) Singapore, so they can renew old friendships and make new ones

Our website: www.rafchangi.co.uk THE TEAM President -- To be appointed Chairman: Mike James 12, Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4BY. Tel. 01934 833170 Vice Chairman/Archivist/Webmaster John Dicks, 4 Langley Crescent, Kings Langley, Herts. WD4 8EW Tel. 01923 400221 Secretary: Pat Holt. 14, Burrowfields, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4XJ Tel..01256 477253 Treasurer Richard Collins, “Sandhurst Cottage” Corsley Heath, Warminster, Wilts. BA12 7PW Tel. 01373 832789 Newsletter Editor: Ken Dennis, 1 Warwick Close, St. Merryn, Cornwall. PL28 8LH Tel. 01841 521038 Membership Sec: Malcolm Flack, 14 Highfield Close, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 6HG Tel. 01494 728562 Publicity /PressOfficer Brian Lloyd 32, Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN Tel: 01628 661005

Other Members Almoner/Medal Adviser: David Haylock, 37, Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. RG31 6RB Tel..01189 425753

Regalia Officer and ‘History of Changi’ Sales: Dolores James, 12, Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4BY Tel: 01934 833170

The Team’s E-mail Addresses

Mike James (Chairman) [email protected] John Dicks (Vice Chairman/Archivist) [email protected] Past Holt. (Secretary) [email protected] Richard Collins (Treasurer) [email protected] Malcolm Flack (Membership Secretary) [email protected] Brian Lloyd Publicity Officer & Press [email protected] Ken Dennis (Newsletter Editor) [email protected] David Haylock (Almoner/Medal Advisor) [email protected] Dolores James (Regalia Officer) [email protected]

COPYRIGHT WARNING No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying without the prior permission of the Chairman, or secretary either by writing or telephone. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 3

3 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT EDITORIAL I am pleased to be able to welcome all new members to the Association. Thanks to a mailshot The response by sent out by our Publicity Officer (Brian Lloyd) last readers by Letters year and earlier this year our membership has and photos to my call increased. I hope they find some of their old for memories of Car comrades, and enjoy the comradeship of the RAF Nicobar was greater Mike James Changi Association. I am looking forward to meeting than I had hoped. It Ken Dennis our new members as well as the old ones at the next was magnificent. Thank you. Annual Reunion between Friday 4th May and Monday 7th May 2012 at Bearing in mind that it is a small, re- the Royal Court Hotel, Coventry. mote island in the Indian Ocean off the Before I go on, I must thank all members who sent Greetings Cards to North coast of Sumatra, which had a myself, and the Committee during the Christmas season. There were so many relatively small number of RAF per- that it was impossible to reply to all. The Committee has ask me to thank you for sonnel stationed there, it was quite a their cards as well. It was most appreciated. pleasant surprise. It is now April, and our main event for the year - the Annual Reunion - is Now I wonder if there are many almost upon us. It’s still not too late to book, especially for those new members RAFCA members with memories and who have joined since our last Newsletter. The Booking Form was inserted in photos of RAF Labuan. If so, please the middle pages of the Christmas edition. If you are interested in attending this let me have them with a view to publi- wonderful week-end, please contact me, and I will send you ,either by E-Mail or cation in a future editon of Changi-ite. by Royal Mail, the necessary application form (plus all necessary information). For the benefit of new members (55 But please apply soon, as time is now against you. in the past year alone) our Chairman, I mentioned in the last edition about the change in policy regarding items Mike James, has recalled (on page 5) of Regalia not being advertised in the Newsletter anymore. However, this does how the Association came to be not mean that Regalia items are no longer available. Please look on the back formed, and we have repeated an ar- page of this Newsletter for further details. ticle written by R. Still (now deceased) Look after yourselves. first published in 2007 on page 8. MIKE JAMES which looks back to Changi in 1953.

PAGE CONTENTS PRESS & PUBLICITY REPORT We continue to be very active on the Publicity front, Pg. 1 Cover picture: using our well tried ideas and the experience which we Pg. 2 RAFCA Team contacts have built up since we formed in 1996. Any lead about a potential new member (PNM) from an existing Pg. 3 Team reports member is welcome, as this is good and often reliable. Brian W.Lloyd Pg. 4 RAF Halton. Book review We thank those members who have given us leads, many of which have Pg. 6 Bircham Newton materialized to become a Full, Associate or Affiliate member. Pg. 6 Changi colours & Queen’s Without spending large sums of money in magazines etc our name is well known but we can always improve. Diamond Jubilee Family enquiries are popular from Siblings who were on a married family Pg. 7 Changi Golf Club’s 40th posting, also from Widows whose partner served at Changi. We help Siblings Pg. 8 Looking back to early 50’s with their family tree, where the Parent has passed away and they are searching Pg. 9 RAF Changi weddings for information. All are very appreciative of this service and often they become Associate or Affiliate members Pg. 10/11 Searchline We continue to have good links with like minded Associations; and contact names of Changi people are passed to us and we do the same for them. Pg. 12/15 Your Letters and pics During December 2011, January/February 2012 we made contact with seventy Pg. 16 AGM Agenda plus local/regional newspapers asking them to publish an appeal in their Letters Column. This has produced encouraging results but we still have two thousand Pg. 17 Forthcoming events + other papers in the UK to contact. We know some will not be published Pg. 18 /19 Mem Secs. Reports because they want a fee, and many local papers also have their newspaper on a Pg. 20 Regalia. web site. In the latter case we send a message to the Web Master. BWL. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 4

4 90th Anniversary of Book Review RAF Halton Intakes. A LONG WAY FROM HOME RAFCA Member, Nigel Springthorpe (M677) has just HIS year it will be the 90th Anniversary of the had a book published entitled “A Long Way from T Halton Apprentice Intakes otherwise known as Home.” It is about an 18 year old called up for National the Trenchard Brats. As some RAF Changi Associa- Service and posted to RAF Changi. Soon afterwards tion members were Halton Apprentices, it is thought he finds himself on detachment to a staging post on a that some of them will be among those attending the remote island in the South China Sea, close to mainland celebrations taking place at the National Memorial Borneo Arboretum. His nine month tour of duty there is filled with a Halton is one of the largest RAF Stations in the succession of bizarre United Kingdom, and is located near the village of experiences. The story goes Halton, near Wendover, Buckinghamshire. HRH The Duch- on to describe his return to ess of Cornwall is its Honorary Air Commodore. Changi and his readjustment to civilian life In fact the first recorded military aviation at Halton after completing his two goes back nearly a century ago, to 1913 when the owner of years Service. the Halton estate, Alfred de Rothschild, invited 3 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps to conduct manoevres on his A Long Way from Home land. is a work of fiction inspired by the author’s personal ex- Following a gentleman’s agreement between periences. Rothschild and Lord Kitchener, the estate was used by It paints a wickedly humorous and perceptive picture the British Army throughout the first World War. Then, in from an era when National Service was accepted almost 1916 the Royal Flying Corps moved its air mechanics school without question. It also provides food for thought on the from Farnborough. Hampshire, to Halton. current debate about the desirability of re-introducing some SCHOOL ESTABLISHED form of military service. In 1919 Lord Trenchard established the No.1 School A Long Way from Home published on 1April 2012 of Technical Training at RAF Halton for RAF aircraft is priced £7.99 (£4.99 eBook) by Troubador Publish- apprentices - hence the ‘Trenchard Brats ‘ description for ing Ltd. of 9 Priory Business Park, Kibworth, Le- the trainees. The School remained at the station until it moved icester. LE8 0RX to RAF Cosford in the early 1990s.

Also in 1919, Halton House - a French style man- sion built for Lionel de Rothschild - was re-opened as Front Page Picture the Station’s Officers’ Mess and continues to be so used A de Havilland Venom fighter bomber to this day. This aircraft seen flying over Changi saw service In July 1952, the uncrowned Queen Elizabeth II in the RAF during the which performed one of her first duties as Sovereign, by pre- took place between 1948 and 1960, although they senting a colour to No.1 School of Technical Training - did not begin operations until the mid-1950s with the first ever to be awarded to an apprentices school, RAF Squadrons Nos. 45 and 60. and the first ever to be presented to an ‘other rank’ While there, the Venom supported operations when Sergeant Apprentice Hines, of the 63rd Entry against Communist guerrillas as part of Opera- reeived the colour from Her Majesty. tion Firedog, the codename for RAF operations in Malaya. Today RAF Halton is the RAF’s centre for recruit training Venoms were lent to the Royal New Zealand and airmen’s development training, and also hosts over a Air Force for use in the same conflict. Picture is dozen other independent units. The camp also includes a by courtesy of Dave Croft, of No.14 Squadron grass airfield, used mainly by gliders, light aircraft, microlights RNZAF which operated the aircraft at the time. and the RAF hot air balloon. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 5

5 How RAF Changi Association was formed Many members have asked how, and when the RAF Changi Association came into being. The story appeared in one the first editions of the “Changi-ite Newsletter” but since W then many new members have joined the Association so our Chairman, MIKE JAMES retells the story, with a little more information than before. In 1992, my wife (Dolores), and I had a chance to BIRTH OF THE IDEA visit my sister in Perth, Australia. I stated that this was a golden opportunity for us to visit my old RAF base at Changi, It was at this point that the idea was born. Singapore. So it was arranged that we spend 7 days in I mentioned to Dolores that it would be nice if a Singapore, en-route to Perth. I would then be able to show Club, or an Association could be formed, to help other her all the things and places I had spoken to her about over ex-Changi-ites get back to see their old haunts. I the past years had been very fortunate, to return to Changi, but a lot of Changi-ites would not be able to afford it on a We arrived in Singapore, and after acclimatising/ state pension etc. settling into our Hotel, I started to show her places in Singapore Town. The day came when we took a bus to On my return from Australia, I set about Changi Village, which was a bit of a culture shock for me, as advertising in the RAFA Magazine “Airmail” for assistance the village had now become a dual carriageway, with traffic to form an RAF Changi Association or Club. I received a lights on the corner of Telok Paku Road, Upper Changi letter from the late Jim Hart ,who said he was willing to Road and the village. help. He had a friend Brian Lloyd who also came onto VILLAGE HAD CHANGED the Steering Committee, and this is how RAF Changi Association (including HQFEAF), was founded. Changi Village had changed so much, it no During the period that RAF Changi Association longer had the old rustic shops that I had remembered was being formed I advertised in the RAFA “Airmail” from 35 years before. It had become a modern shopping for anyone interested in a trip back to Singapore to visit area, with flats built above the shops. So after getting the old RAF Changi. The interest was sufficient for me my bearings - I took Dolores to the old Concrete to organise a trip in 1996 for a party of 20 personnel. It bridge, which was fortunately still in being and crossed was from then on Parties were organised on alternate over the river to one of my favourite haunts, that of years from 1998 to 2008 for members to visit their old Changi Point, where I spent many a happy hour haunts. watching the shipping sail past. After spending some time in the village, I then took Dolores around the old camp. There was not so much security in those days. I explained to the RSAF Guardroom Part of Changi’s history that was my old Camp, and asked if I might go around the old billets (Blocks). This was granted, shown on television but I did have to have a young airman escort me around More of Changi’s history came to light on prime the base. He didn’t appear old enough to be in the Military time television on Sunday 19 February. A contribu- but then I suppose neither did I when I was there as a young tor to the BBC Antiques Road Show brought along airman. some memorabilia left by his grandparents who were We walked around the old Blocks: some had been both prisoners in Changi Gaol during the War. boarded up, and others fenced off. I showed Dolores Blocks Surprisingly items which survived confiscation by 117, Malcolm Club, Block 151, (where the Murals are), the Japanese included diary pieces describing what life and more. I then came to my old Block, - 144. in the gaol was like. It recalled that the gaol was built before the war to hold 500 prisoners but during Japa- It was at this point, I became very emotional, and nese occupation it held 5,000. couldn’t help shed a tear or two. Because I didn’t think that The overcrowded and dirty conditions in the gaol I would ever see my old block again from the day I left it in were demonstrated by paintings by the grandmother, November 1962 to fly back to Blighty to be demobbed. showing how drapes were used between the beds to provide some privacy. One of the show’s antique experts spoke of their high historic value. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 6

6 RAF Heritage Room at Bircham Newton The 2011 season of public open days at Bircham Newton’s RAF Heritage Room ended on the 25th of September. This was the finale to a very successful season when the Heritage Room was opened to the public on ten separate occasions, and lots of new information was discovered about Bircham Newton’s past. In addition, the Heritage Room was opened to accommodate former RAF apprentices, who returned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their training at this former RAF station, for the Radio Norfolk Treasure Quest team (Becky Betts and Ian Forster) who visited as part of one of their Sunday morning radio shows, and for casual visitors who were unable to attend one of the scheduled openings. In mid November, children from a local primary school spent a morning in the Heritage Room looking at the exhibits and filling in questionnaires about the displays. The Heritage Room, which was first opened in 2005, contains an archive of material associated with this former RAF station and its WW2 satellite airfield at Docking. Many unique photographs, airfield plans, models, drawings and other items of memorabilia are on display and can be viewed free of charge. In addition, personal recollections and stories have been captured from visiting veterans or from the families of airmen who served here in the past. Two permanent stone memorials have also been erected nearby to remember those who served at Bircham ROYAL AIR FORCE BIRCHAM NEWTON Newton and Docking. Several improvements were made to HERITAGE ROOM the Heritage Room during 2011 and many new exhibits and and Memorial to those who served here from photographs are now on display. These include new aircraft 1918-1962 models donated by members of the West Norfolk IPMS (Scale Model Club). A new reading room has also been created to OPEN DAYS 2012 allow visitors to study books and other documents in a quiet Sunday 8th April th environment. Monday 9 April Sunday 6th May Planning is now underway for the 2012 season, th including a special 50th anniversary event to mark the Monday 7 May Sunday 27th May closure of the RAF station at the end of 1962 and to th Sunday 24 June . celebrate its service history from 1918. Sunday 29th July The Heritage Room first openings will be during the Easter Sunday 26th August th th holidays on Sunday 8 April and Monday 9 April followed Monday 27th August by the final Sunday of each month - 27th May, 24th June, Sunday 30th September 29th July, 26th August and 30th September. In addition, it (Combined with a 50th Anniversary Celebration) will be open on the following public holidays: Sunday 6th May; Monday 7th May; and Monday 27th August. Opening Open 11 am to 5 pm times will be from 11am until 5pm and entrance will be free. Venue:- It is planned to hold the 50th anniversary celebrations The National Construction College Bircham Newton NW Norfolk during the final open day in September. Further details, Signposted off the A148 and B1454 including the complete schedule, will be advertised in local Come and discover the fascinating history of this former newspapers, on local radio, and on the project website: Royal Air Force station www.rafbnmp.org.uk and its satellite airfields. Points of contact are Mr. David Jacklin (Tel: 01379 741884) Admission FREE!!!!!!! [email protected] or Mrs. Avril MacArthur (Tel: 01485 For more information visit the website 578588) [email protected] www.rafbnmp.org.uk FEAF and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee UST over one year before the Queen came to the throne the Queen’s Colour, Jwas presented to the Far East Air Force at RAF Changi on Friday 13th January, 1951 Now, Her Majesty is preparing to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. She came to the throne on 6th February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2nd June 1953.

Given the close proximity in time of the colour presentation and the Queen’s Coronation members of the RAF Changi Association may feel there is an even deeper significance in the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations taking place this year. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 7

7 Changi Golf Club’s 40th year By Newsletter Editor, KEN DENNIS HE Changi Golf Club has just published a 16 page commemorative magazine marking its 40th Tbirthday. Its front cover has a picture printed in The Straits Times on 2 November 1971 depicting the handover of the golf course by a senior officer of the RAF. Itwas just a year before the RAF’s departure from Singapore. The pictures and articles together make a wonderful addition to RAF Changi memorabilia. In a foreword by Dr. Lee Boon Yang, a Club patron, states: “Changi Golf Club is today the smallest golf NOW THERE ARE BUGGIES club in Singapore. Despite its size, Changi has a long

and indeed colourful history which dates baack to the “I remember being soaked in sweat by the second colonial days when Royal Air Force servicemen lived hole and reaching exhaustion scaling the tee box of in this part of our island and creatively converted the 7th hole. Today with new cart paths added and stretches of the less useful hilly terrain into a golf course.” buggies to shuttle golfers around the course, playing And well do I remember the opening of the present 18-hole here has become less of mountaineering and course in 1948.. I was there when it was ceremoniously more of golf.” opened by the then C-in-C Air Command Far East. Air Dr. Gordon S.K. Tay. the Club’s President, adds to Marshal Sir Hugh P. Lloyd, with the Air Officer the picture of the course in its early RAF days as he Commanding the Far East Air Force, Air Vice Marshal explains: “Our origins were simple and humble. The A.C. Sanderson. golf course was carved out of virgin forest at Changi as I feel sure that at the time it was an 18-hole course, the playground for the Royal Air Force personnel. There but time does have its affect on the memory. What I do were no grand designs, and none were planned for the remember vividly is AVM Sanderson swinging his Club future either. The early members of Changi Golf Club for the first shot. I took a snapshot (not the one in the enjoyed golf in its most natural and original state, with magazine) recording it for the RAF Malaya Magazine. no frills - they walked and carried their own golf bags.” Unfortunately, AVM Sanderson missed the ball, and the picture showed him Club in the air at the end of his swing RAFCA CONTRIBUTION but the ball was still sitting on the tee. He hit the ball The Commemorative magazine carries a contribu- successfully with his hasty second shot, but it happened tion from RAFCA Chairman, Mike James, and its too fast for me to get a snap of that one. Publicity Officer Brian Lloyd. They have recorded how “The Air Force pesonnel de- MISSED SHOT cided to create a golf section and they laid out a few “Never mind, “ said the Malaya Magazine Editor, holes on the sports field without any bunkers in the area Malcolm Usher, “We can cut the bottom of the picture of the Tangmere Road and in front of the Corporals Club. to eliminate the ball still sitting on tee!” This was shared by golfers and other sport participants. I kept the picture and magazine for years, but alas There was a 19th hole in the Officers’ Mess in Tangmere they got lost in the mist of time. Road. The Golf was then moved, in 1948, to the area near The good thing is that the commemorative publication Changi Creek and the Japanese helped with the construc- records “that the club has survived and progressed over tion.” the past forty years...” Certainly when the course was opened back in the 1948/ Finally, my lasting memory of playing golf on the 49 era I was one of the many who joined the Club even Changi course: at one point the course crossed a sec- though I had never played golf. But there were experienced tion of the WAAF quarters. To prevent male golfers golfers among the early members and - irrespective of rank walking through this area a bridge was constructed so - were very happy to give us lessons. showing us how to golfers would climb some steps, cross the bridge, and hold the club, and telling us what the various shaped clubs go down the other side. were for. Along with my golf partner, another airman, we had just reached the other side when the heavens opened It is good to read Dr.. Lee Boon Yang’s comment: “Thanks to all the members who have served the club with a monsoon downpour. Fortunately we found a over the years, the course and club facilities continue to little hut to take shelter. Then, to our surprise, a WAAF improve.” appeared. Her light blue uniform dress was soaked, so He goes on to recall: “Nearly 20 years ago when I was she removed it and walked on in just her knickers and first invited to Changi, it was a physical labour to trudge up bra, which was also soaked through and seemed almost the hills and down the vales to complete a round transparent. WOW! Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 8

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This article by R. Still, (now deceased), first published 2007

Continued on next page Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 9

9 Do you recognise anyone pictured here? These wedding pictures were taken at two separate weddings at Changi in 1956/ 7. At the time Wing. Cdr “Bob” Carr (then Sgt. Carr) was asked by both brides to act as their Dad and give them away. He has lost contact and has asked if any RAFCA Member can recognise any- one in the pictures and per- haps put him in touch. See Searchline item 12. page 11.

(Continued from previous page}

Top picture “Bob” Carr is second from left with wedding couple Jennie and Stuart Rose. Below No.2 wedding pictures. Recognise anyone? Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 10

10 SEARCHLINE Number 48 Spring 2012 Compiled by B. Lloyd

4 JOHN “Jacky” MELVILLE, M2195, 1. Pictured above is the MT SECTION, Telegraphist, played football, lived in block 124. Does December 1971 at time of closure. It was submitted anyone remember John? He is searching for Frank by member STANLEY WALKER, Sgt, M2208 who is McDonald an electrician. John’s wife is the daughter sitting fifth from right in front row. Do you recognize of the late F/Lt Colin Nixon from 205. Any memories? any faces? Stanley was a football referee at all standards. John’s wife was a student at CGS 66/9 in case any Also he coached the youth football team and we have Changi family members remember her at CGS . two pictures of the boys. The names in the pictures are John Monaghan, Peter Jackson, Vincent Cuff, P. Bruce, 5 SQUADRON LEADER RAYMOND H.G. Ian Jordan, K.Ascott, Lindsey Smith, Tom McGhee, COOMBS. Does anyone recognize this name? Steven Gain, R. Couzer, Craig Mash. If your son is in Suggested by family that he was in Changi in 1947. The the picture please contact us and we can put you in S.Ldr has passed away but his Son is seeking touch with Stan Walker. information about his Father’s RAF service.

6 VALETTA VW185. Crashed in sea just off nd 2 MARINA DORE, nee Randall, M2192 Changi 2 January, 1952. Did anyone witness this Telephonist, 56/7, member of St Georges Choir would accident? There was no loss of life. Did you assist in the like to hear from anyone who remembers her and sang recovery of the wreck? in the choir. 7 NEWLETTER No.11 Christmas 1999. Some 3 BOY ENTRANTS. If you were with the 47th items published. Changi Variety Players 1958, FEAF entry Boy Entrants, Air Wireless Mechanics, and would Hockey team 1954, Kallang Signals unit 1945/6, Rifle enjoy contact, please contact Jerry Newman on 91747 Club 1958,RAF Changi Exhibition 1960, VIP Flight 70/ 840839 for further information.71, Station HQ Soccer team 55/6. Some of these items [email protected] mentioned names. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 11

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8. ERIC LUTENER, (deceased) 1949/50, Wireless Telegraphist at Chia Keng. Does anyone recognize the name. He is featured in the photograph above ( corner of back row) of SSC Chia Keng Workshop personnel at their Christmas Party 1949 held at Changi Yacht Club.

9. SHOOTING and ANGLING October 1970 to December 1971. Did you take part in either of these two activities? If so Member M2207, Dave HEMPSALL, Police, would like to hear from you and perhaps you knew him?

10. LOWERING of the FLAG. December 1971 The picture on the right was taken at time of closure of Changi provided by Police member, M2207, Dave Hempsall, who Wiing returned to UK a couple of days before the end. Did you witness this event and do you recognize anyone in the picture. Dave still has the bugle being used. Dave is looking for Police, Corporal Lofty Simpson.

11 “Berdy” STONE and Patrick BREENE. Do you recognize these names and do you know the whereabouts of “Berdy” Stone?

12 TWO WEDDINGS We have received a request from Wing Cdr W.R (Bob) Carr (M1639) to find two ladies who were brides at Changi (Circa 56/7) Bob says that at the time he was a Sergeant in the Supply Section. As both brides worked for him there, they asked if he would play the part of their dad by giving them away. One couple were Jennie & Stuart Rose. Unfortunately he has lost the names of the second couple but has sent in the photographs of both weddings hoping that some of our members might recognise themselves in the photographs and may perhaps be able to put him in touch. Due to pressure of space on this page please turn to Page 9 to view the photos. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 12

12 A trip down Memory Lane with...... Your Letters and photos GUARD DUTY FUN Brian Cobb’s recall (issue 47) on RAF Guard duty in Singapore in THE BUTTERWORTH 1956 jogged my memory of slave labour there in 1948/9. It was hilari- EXPLOSION ous, at least to those with a cynical sense of humour. The whole rigmarole of arrangement was riddled with the kind of mili- tary incompetence that lost us Singapore to the Japanese. I can add more on the We too were supplied with five 1946 Butterworth Explo- rounds of ammunition before we sion mentioned on page 16 went on patrol around the bomb si- RAF TRADE ALLOCATIONS of Christmas issue of los, but we were allowed - unlike Brian’s day - to load them in the It was always interesting to learn of Changi-ite. 50-year-old Lee Enfields that the ways in which the RAF gave I was a passenger in the proved so useless at Dunkirk and consideration to allocating your trade: Dakota. The pilot was asked contrary or otherwise! Malaya. (I say the latter because the to divert to Alor Sead but Yanks brought out their M1 semi- In my case my boyhood ambition was automatic rifle in 1936, an assault to be a wireless operator in the Merchant opted for Kuala Lumpur. We weapon that might have changed Navy so at West Kirby in 1955 I asked landed at KL very short of the war for us in the early days had for this trade but as Aircrew. I went fuel but OK. any of our military blimps thought through all the necessary tests and passed of providing them). I was on a posting from so I was looking forward to my sergeant’s Now here’s the reason - I think at least Burma to Singapore. There stripes and brass eagle aircrew badge. - why later battalions of erks over there were 23 passengers and kit on had to carry five rounds in their pock- “Yes” came the answer you can do this ets: A swaggering Wing Co had – IF you sign on for 15 years at least. the journey from Mingladon boasted - this was at Seletar - that he “Thanks but no thanks” I replied – so to Kallang in this aircraft. could and would disarm any erk guard they said I could be ground based W/op on duty as he pleased. The enpurpled I still never discovered why SWO almost swallowed his handlebar but I refused. the Dakota carried the code ‘tache’ warning us he would see any lad Glad I did for when I arrived at Changi AW or which squadron it be- court martialled who allowed this to the W/ops were housed in a dingy longed to. happen to him. concrete corridor type room with no Well, the silly Wing Co tried it and windows and sitting on a chair in front TOM STRAUGHAN (M115) got shot for his pains. We mourned when we found he had only been of their W.T. sets – dismal. Air Traffic slightly wounded. In fact he lost none Control was definitely the better option! CORRECTION of his bounce when he joined us on the I learnt my trade at RAF Shawbury – Thank you for the latest issue of the troopship homeward. still the school for the trade. I used to Changi-ite Newsletter. An interesting I never heard of this incident being hitchhike home to Reading and had little read as always. publicised and very likely the RAF While I do appreciate how much work brass airbrushed it from the records. trouble – being in uniform and also my goes into producing such a good magazine, When being relieved off guard duty and companion was a WRAF. I would be grateful if my surname was spelt marched with others back to the We got lifts from lorry drivers accurately and consistently. The correct guardrooom behind the senior NCO especially without a problem! I often spelling is PACKMAN, as per my letter on i/c. with musket slung over the right wondered what happend to Pauline. She page 12 (how did the word ‘apology’ creep shoulder I would disengage the loaded in?!), and not PACKHAM as stated in the magazine with as much noise as pos- enlisted for a different experience being FEAF Disbandment article on page 13. By sible with my right hand. The NCO in one of the Forte family – so she certainly the same token, I worked in the Joint front would jump like a shot donkey had good connections WARFARE Branch at HQ FEAF and not and scream in fear that a wayward bul- The catering industry. did not interest the Joint WELFARE Branch as has been let might just puncture his posterior. me then – Bit short sighted perhaps? published in the past. This was welcome entertainment. With kind regards, FRANK LONG (M1555) DAVE HAYLOCK (M921) DAVID PACKMAN (M1752) Sorry David - Ed. Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 13

13 Your Letters and photos continued MY CRUISE TO SINGAPORE ABOARD HMV DUNERA IN 1948 From BASIL FROST (M357) After an eight-month W/Op course at Compton Bassett, Wilts, then embarkation leave in February 1948 I went to Burtonwood and finally boarded the Dunera on March 27. Departure from the Railway Station was memorable. One of the official RAF bands was starting a tour of RAF Stations in the Middle East and were travelling on our boat. The band was on the station platform and gave an impromptu concert, the main tune being “Now is the hour for me to say goodbye, soon I’ll be sailing far across the sea.” The platform was crowded with wives and girlfriends seeing us off on our “adventure”. (I did not have one of either), and there was hardly a dry eye on the platform (and that was just the blokes!) We felt as if we were heroes off to the wars... Thank God we weren’t! We travelled overnight to Southampton and boarded the boat on the 27th. Pretty soon we found ourselves crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay which has a reputation for being rough at the best of times and as luck would have it there was a huge storm blowing I was sea sick for four days and nights, laying on the hard deck as I could not bear to go below to the mess deck. I lost the will to live about the first day and the only cheeerful sight I saw during those four dreadful days was seeing a member of the ships crew being violently HMV Dunera sea-sick over the side of the ship. It was poor consolation though. Our first port of call was Port Said (where Memories of 1946 Posting to Singapore our band left us) and I can still recall the By RAY MIDDLETON (M2174) thrill of seeing in the far distance the build- While serving at 105 Staging Post with RAF Transport Command in Brus- ings and docks gradually appearing as we sels, I volunteered for Service in South East Asia. I eventually ended up in sailed over motionless sunlit sea. Marvel- lous! We went through the Suez Canal pass- BPO Anderhi, outside Bombay. ing Port Tewfick at the southern end of the After a few months I was posted to Singapore along with others whose demob canal. At this point my memory is a bit group was 60 or over.There I started work at the BPO unit doing the same work, vague but I am fairly sure that we did not posting people all over the East. call at Aden (we did on the way back on the We were billeted at Changi Barracks. Orduna so I had one day ashore there... it JAPANESE PRISONERS was awful and one day was more than I continued in the role of a clerk until I accept the fact. One was caught breaking enough. got cheesed off with it and applied for into the cookhouse. The next port of call was at Colombo (then a posting to 22 MTRUA Radar Unit at There were quite a few Japanese around called Ceylon) and I was originally posted Paya Lebar. the Pacific Islands right up until 1978. For to the signals station there but a few days The area was then semi jungle with just a example in 1951 nineteen Japanese in the out from the place the names of the bods to small Malayan Village. There were lots of Marianas Islands who surrendered only disembark there was read out and my name snakes and mossies. when the US Navy bombarded them with was not among them so I had to stay on until Many a time we would be playing a game leaflets. Their spokesman replied: “We are we reached Singapore for which I am grate- of football and would have to clear the pitch sorry. We did not know.” ful - otherwise I would not be a Changi-ite. because of a snake or two. We had some In 1978 the Japanese Government launched Arrival in Singapore was memorable and concerning times doing night guard duty: “Operation Cherry Blossom” to try to flush the first and lasting impression was the hu- one would hear a snake slithering near or out any remaining castaways and convince midity and the different shades of green that over one’s boots. them that the war was really over. were deeper and more varied than I was used One of the duties was at a stores building About the middle of October or Novem- to back in blighty. We disembarked from at the end of a water way which snaked up ber 1946 I was among many who were sud- the Dunera on April 24 1948 after a 28 day from the sea. I remember standing with my denly collected, bundled into trucks and trip which was interesting. What more could back hard up against a building keeping a sent over the causeway into Malaya and a young airman want? I soon grew to love wary eye out for any kind of movement. placed in a small transit camp in the middle my posting there and with the wisdom of It was during a period when an airman on of a rubber plantation. hindsight I should have signed on! guard duty was killed at the beginning of We were there for a few weeks and the Communist insurgency. thought we had been abandoned and for- Editor’s note: I was on the very same There were Japanese prisoners who gotten. Eventually we were collected and draft to Singapore in 1948. That was marched in every morning and did work put aboard ship which ended up in Madras. a Force 10 gale in the Bay of Biscay. around the camp with much bowing and I was there a couple of weeks then posted to I escaped sea sickness but found I scraping. There were still a few Japs who Poona. was one of the few fit to do chores! didn’t think the war was over, or did not Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 14

14 Your Letters and photos continued OPERATION PHOTO FROM Victor Taylor (M905) From Loris Goring A while ago the Changi-ite Journal I defy anyone to pack more into a fortnight than we had managed at mentioned the Singapore riots in Oc- Christmas 1955, and New Year’s Day 1956. We had married, had a honey- tober 1956. I was a member of the moon, celebrated Christmas and my 24th birthday on December 29th, in anti-riot squadron that was stationed India and here we were celebrating New Year’s Day and a whole new life in reserve at Fort Canning. I seem to at RAF Changi, Singapore. recall that we were on 15 minute It is hardly believable today to realise that of bliss I was transferred to RAF Tengah but stand-by for about three days, though our Airwork Ltd Hermes had taken four and not before I had joined the Singapore Mo- this recall may be influenced by time a half days to do the journey. Yet just three tor Club and enjoyed the thrill of motor sport lapse memory syndrome, i.e. inaccu- for the first time. years later we were whisked back by Bristol rate. Britania in 24 hours plus the time difference I remember that when we left when flying west. My job was first to teach the servicemen’s Changi - not sure what and where we children at the Changi Secondary School in were going - we sang or rather an old barrack block. As we were greeted shouted out the words of the rock Mr. Tulley, the Headmaster, a serviceman song “Rock Around the Clock,” at the drove past us in a Triumph TR2 sports car. same time keeping rhythm by bang- My eyes lit up with envy and disbelief that ing rifle buts on the floor of the anyone could own such an exotic vehicle. gharry. Within a month I had bought one but had to What I didn’t know until fairly re- take one of the officers residing with us at cently was that we were deployed as the Cameron Guest House on Changi Road My TR2 with L plates part of Operation PHOTO. It was a to pick it up. The school was somewhat of a disap- play on the initials FOTO which pointment as teaching art with some well stood for Failure Of Talks Operation. used and often half empty Reeves tin paint These were talks about the future in- boxes was limiting to say the least. It was dependence of Singapore which were also complicated by the fact that I was to taking place in the UK. teach three days at Changi and the other three Plans had been made to counter at RAF Seletar. any violent reaction should the talks Fine, but I could only be transported half fail and which could have been ex- way to the Pasir Ris Hotel by car from ploited by the CTs. In the event the Changi and the Seletar Transport Officer had talks did fail and the forecast violence to arrange the other half. It did not work and I was often left looking out over the broke out but not to the extent that Straits of Johore sipping first coffee and then And it’s me on the right when had been forecast. a glass or two of Tiger Beer. After six months I was thin! I guess we were fortunate that the CTs did not smuggle arms to the riot- From BRIAN FOX (M35) hour, on the hour, from 8 am until 9 pm (if I ers as then we could have been faced remember correctly). The problem with that with something much more serious Further to the Changi football team photo was that it took several minutes to walk from on page 11 of Issue 47. I wasn’t up to that than people shouting slogans and Block 34 to the guardroom – twenty minutes throwing stones. In the event about standard but did play for HQ(u)FEAF and there, twenty minutes back and that gave stayed in Block 34 with two of the players you less than 20 minutes for a shower and a 14 people were killed by Singapore shown – Ron Twiss and Ken Cartmel. I cup of coffee and off again. You certainly police and none of them by British was in fact at Ron’s wedding. A wonderful slept pretty well that night! troops. day! Not such a wonderful day was when Going back to Issue 45 I also knew one The army was thin on the ground Ken heard that his girl friend had died back of the WRAF Netball Team shown on page when the riots erupted and we were in Conway, North Wales. I came in from 6. Second from the left standing is Cpl Sue deployed in reserve. The RAF did work late one Friday afternoon to find Ken Crocker who was in charge of the Air Staff however play a significant part in distraught. Compassionate leave was out General Office in which I worked from quelling the riots. Soldiers stationed of the question as they were not engaged. I February, 1957 until May, 1958. It was during basically sat up with him most of the night on roof tops acted as spotters and di- this period that Ron Twiss got married. In rected helicopters to drop tear gas on and rather than leave him on the Saturday May, 1958 I was on a Movements morning I didn’t go into work – which led Detachment to No.224 Group at Kuala to mobs of rioters. to fourteen days ‘jankers’. It took Ken a Lumpur returning in April, 1959 and on A full report of these events was long, long time to get over his loss. returning to Block 34 I had a bed opposite compiled by a Singapore historianToh Jankers were a bit of a bind but it was really Ken Cartmel. Boon Ho in 1999 updated in 2006. the Sundays that were the hardest. You Happy Days – can even smile at the This can be read on the internet at didn’t do fatigues on Sunday; instead you Sundays on Jankers now although it wasn’t http://www.minef.gov.sg/safti/pointer/ had to report to the Main Guardroom in full much fun at the time! backk/journals//2000/Vol26 2/8.htm. KD uniform (No.6 dress wasn’t it?) every Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 15

15 It turned out to be Bass Export. Your Letters and photos continued After more than a year of Tiger CHRISTMAS 1949 AT CHANGI From - Gerhard Heilig (M2158) Club, still getting stronger every day, Sad to learn of Changi Hospital Wireless Op. 45/7 this one bottle was enough to leave in a state of disrepair (Letters page 12 August issue 46). I had my ap- I have just received the new mem- pendix out there on my 21st birth- bers’ package and must say I am day in May 1951. This year I cel- impressed by both the extent and ebrated my 80th birthday. So did the quality of it all. Joyce Elton - Ops Signals (not a I’m particularly intrigued by the Ti- member). ger Beer bottle top - what a super idea! I well remember Christmas 1949, Which reminds me of a story: when I the menu and the enebriated officers arrived in Singapore in December serving us! I think the most memorable 1945 to join 215 Squadron then based thing was how many weevils one could at , we were rationed pick out of a slice of bread. The bread to one bottle of beer per week, the rea- was always slightly yellow as were the son being lack of cargo space for im- spuds. “Imported from Australia, so ports. what can you expect,” was the cook’s After a while the local brewery, reply. There was always a dish of salt none other than Tiger started up but, tablets which we were urged to take. I presume due to shortage of supplies, At that time the Ozzies were pinch- the product Tiger Cub, was a very ing the WRAF - indeed many girls mar- weak drink. ried them. But the brewery was trying hard and Yes, I danced my way through proclaimed this on their posters which Singapore and Malaya. Also, on the sly showed a tiger cub standing on its hind us completely blotto. Neither of us (and I was paid!). I danced with Buzz legs, feeling its biceps and proclaiming could remember much about getting Porter (what happened to him?) at the “Tiger Cub, getting stronger every day.” back to the ship, but when we woke Cathay Blue Room, and in Raffles. I But it took a long time growing up. up in the morning we found a small did many shows with Dennis Price (pia- I left Changi in March 1947 on a parrot sitting on the end of Ernie’s nist and band player at Uxbridge - RAF troopship, the SS Otranto, for demob. hammock. I then recalled that in his Band) in Seletar.. We put into Bombay on the way and fuddled state he had insisted on buying Peter Jiggens was also one of my we were allowed ashore for the day. it but now, with all regard to our feath- pianists at Changi. Together with a pal of mine we ex- ered friends, we had to shoo it out of Changi was the greatest posting of plored the town and towards evening the nearest port hole for there was a all time. There aren’t many of my era found ourselves at a bar called the Al- total ban on livestock on board, even left - those that came after me didn’t lied forces Club. down to the most innocent of tiny pets. see the Jap aftermath - the Bertha • Just the place to quench a well Hertogh riots and the guerilla atrocities. founded thirst so we went in and Nor were they shot at on the train go- ordered a beer each. ing to the Cameron Highlands on R&R after my appendix operation. For all that THE LATE IAN COMBE: SON’S APPRECIATION it was still great. I ended up in Rhode- I would like to thank you for the double farewell to dad in the Christmas sia in the Bush as a Radio Policewoman edition of the Changi-ite Newsletter. Dad had a special interest in during the war there - the same type of Obituaries for some strange reason, and would have definitely approved war as Malaya experienced. of his own in this issue especially as he held you all - and the Association General Walls, our head of warfare, - in such high regard. He liked being a part of your organisation. If you was also in Malaya as a Lieutenant in think I can help at all with the Association, let me know. I visited the Bush when I was there. Singapore and the old Changi camp briefly in December and January. Yam Seng to you all. Dad took me around there a few times in the past, to the Changi museum, JILL CLARK (nee PEARCE) George Photo, Charlies Corner and of course Jacob’s Cafe. Great to (M1539) meet you at dad’s funeral,.... if only it could have been in different circumstances. Kind regards, GRAHAM COMBE (M850) PS - Graham has taken over his Dads membership Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 16

16 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF THE 10th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

(including HQ FEAF) To be held at 10.30 hours on Sunday 6th May 2012 at the Royal Court Hotel, Tamworth Road, Keresley, Coventry in order to conduct the following business:

1. Welcome and introduction by the Chairman . 2. Apologies received for absence.

3. Approval of the minutes of the Ninth AGM held on 8th May 2011 (Copies will be available at the Meeting)

4. Matters arising from the ninth AGM on 8th May 2011

5.Chairman’s report.

6. Vice-Chairman’s, Archivist & Web-master’s report.

7. Secretary’s report.

8. Treasurer’s report.

9. Membership Secretary’s report.

10. Events & Publicity Officer’s report.

11. Informal discussion.

Members are requested to note, that in accordance with the constitution, any new items for discussion, must be sent in writing to the Secretary, not later than ten clear days before the meeting, in order to give the Committee sufficient time for any necessary research.

By order of The Committee. Honorary Secretary, 1st March 2012 Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 17

17 2012 FORTHCOMING EVENTS for your Diary Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 18

18 Membership Secretary’s Report.

In my last report I mentioned that we had not had much success in recruiting new members during the second half of last year. However, as the result of the Local Newspaper campaign that Brian Lloyd has been carrying out around the whole of the UK there was a slight surge of responses Malcolm Flack towards the end of the year and I have been quite busy enrolling some interesting new members. During all this, the annual subs renewals were arriving daily which has helped to maintain the membership figure which at the time writing this report (mid February) stands at 1158. In the meantime, for some time now we recognise that as we lose a few members so we gain new ones, but last year the gains were not as great as in the past. So to get down to reality I anticipate that by early April 2012 when you read this a membership figure of 1110 will be more realistic. The only other thing I would like to mention this time is that I am sure some of our earlier members may not have had an updated “Buddie List” for some time and in the light of further members joining, perhaps it would be worthwhile sending me a request (by e-mail, phone or post) for a new one. Obituary I can also send them by e-mail in return which saves on postage. Finally, many thanks for all the Christmas Cards received during the festive R.F. Hall (M457) season.So, yet another year is now with us, I look forward to catching up My father, Raymond Frederick once again with members at some of our various events we have got Hall, died suddenly on 9 October scheduled. 2011 after a short illness. He was The PJM Medal. I am sure most of you will know that in November last proud to be a member of the RAF it was announced that the medal is now officially recognised. Those who Changi Association and very much have claimed and are still waiting for the issue – please be patient, the enjoyed the magazines, which NMBVA will individually make contact with you in due course , usually by brought to mind many memories. phone to inform you. He spoke fondly of the friendships made during his time in Singapsore, May I also extend a welcome to the 27 new members of the association listed and I will miss the evenings that we on page 19 who have joined since 9 October 2011 up until 14 February 2012 spent talking about those times. My best wishes to you and all the Membership Secretary members of the Association. MALCOLM FLACK (M 119) Yours sincerely JEFF HALL OBITUARIES

† It is deep regret and sadness that we have to report the deaths of the following members. † “We offer our Condolences to their relatives.” Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 19

19 WELCOME ABOARD Changi ite newsletter 48_Changi ite newsletter 43 01/03/2012 16:17 Page 20

20 Regalia Catalogue

Members may be aware that a Regalia Cata- logue is now available and can be sent for- mat free of charge either by Post or by E- Mail (PDF format), since the Association has been able to order items on an individual basis. A number of items (such as clothing) have been possible. This has allowed items to be ordered both for ladies and gentlemen in several colours, sizes etc.

To obtain a RAF Changi Catalogue please RAF Changi Association contact: Regalia Catalogue Mrs. D. P. James (Regalia Officer) 2011 12, Shiners Elms, (Ver.3) Yatton BRISTOL BS49 4BY

Tel. No. 01934 833170 E-Mail - [email protected] Greeetingsetings Caarrddss Changi-ite Newsletter I’m pleased to inform members that the Back Issues RAF Changi Association has its own All editions of the Changi-ite Newsletter are avail- Greeting/Note Cards (A5) for sale which able from the RAFCA Chairman Mike James @ has been kindly designed & donated by 50p each, plus a donation for postage. member Mike Barnard (M718). The inside of the Card is blank. The first few editions are printed direct from a com- These cards are available to all members at puter, but most are copies from the original print- £1.35 each, and can be obtained from the ers. All issues from No.1 through to the latest editon Regalia Officer, Dolores James are available.

To obtain back issues of the Changi-ite Newsletter please state which numbered edition(s) are required.

Cheques to be made out to RAF Changi Association and contact:

Mr. M. James (Chairman) 12, Shiners Elms Yatton, Bristol. BS49 4BY

Tel. No. 01934 833170 E-Mai l - [email protected]