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The Griff January 2010.Qxp The Griff The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association R “Lest we forget” JANUARY 2010 This Issue! Regular Features Special Articles Letters to the Editor p.6 One of our aircraft went missing! p.4 Welcome to New Members p.19 St. Clement Danes Celebrations p.10 Last Post p.22 NI Army Dog Memorial p.12 Bygone Days & Years p.24 Silk Stocking & Spitfires p.20 Walk Down Memory Lane p.26 A Perfect Partnership: final part p.21 Views expressed in The Griff are those of the Editor and individual contributors and do not necessarily represent RAFPA policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any person, at any time, by any method, without the express permission of the Editor or originator in writing. Page 2 2010 The Griff Page 3 2010 Who’s Who in the RAF Police Association - 2010 Hon. President Hon. Vice PresidPresidentent Air Cdre. Steven Abbott C.B.E Gp. Capt. JohnG. D. W.Horscroft Whitmell, M.Phil., BA, RAF, ACoS FP, AO RAF Police MA,MA Ed,MSc, BA, BSc, PM Provost(RAF). Marshal (RAF ) Life Vice Presidents: Steve Cattell, E Mail [email protected] Neil Rusling, E Mail [email protected] David Wardell, E Mail [email protected] Elected Officers Chairman: Brian G. Flinn Vice Chairman: Alan Millership (J.P) 11, Beverley Way 38 Pennine Road, Thorne, Doncaster, Cepen Park South, Chippenham South Yorkshire DN8 5RU Wilts., SN14 0XS Tel. No. 01405 818159 Tel. No. 01249 460318 Mob: 07849 468366 E.Mail: [email protected] E.Mail: [email protected] Treasurer: Tony Lake Secretary: David Wardell 24 Trendlewood Park, Stapleton, 40, South Western Crescent Bristol BS16 1TE Poole, Dorset, BH14 8RR Tel: 0117 965 2302 Tel/Fax 01202 747176 E Mail: [email protected] E Mail: [email protected] Voluntary Posts RAFPA Archivist: John Curtis Editor The Griff: Mitch O'Neill 28 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, 11, Florentine Way, Waterlooville, Nottingham, NG4 3HJ Hampshire, PO7 8JY Tel.No. 01159 612662 Tel. No. 02392 796703 Fax 02392 352756 E Mail [email protected] E Mail [email protected] RAFPA E-groups Moderator: Steve Cattell RAFPA Web Master: Steve Cattell Association Trustees: Steve Cattell E Mail; [email protected] Steve Davies [email protected] Alan P Shaw [email protected] Bernard Lamb [email protected] RAFPA Independent Accountants: Mabe Allen - Derby RAFPA Web-site address: www.rafpa.com The Griff Page 4 2010 One of our aircraft went missing? In October 1957 J/T John SEVILLE, 20 years of age, was an Electrical Fitter stationed at RAF Gutersloh working on Canberra aircraft. He was already under investigation by both RAF Police and German Polizei regarding wheels and tyres for his car which had been impounded. A week after, using the spare set of keys, he was able to remove the car from the Pound and drive to a local dance. Whilst absent from the vehicle the tyres of the car were deflated. On his return, finding a similar car nearby, he removed its wheels and used them on his vehicle placing his own in the boot. Sometime after, returning to camp in the vehicle, he ran out of petrol. A passing Polizei patrol took an interest in the vehicle which was recorded as having been impounded and subject of a report regarding stolen wheels. Not good news for SEVILLE so he decided to go AWOL. Having studied Pilot Notes for Canberra aircraft he decided to ‘take’ one, namely XH 204 from the apron line- up. His intention - to fly to RAF Dishforth, abandon the plane at the perimeter near the A1 road and then hitch a lift to his home in Manchester. Early on the morning of 15th October 1957 he put his plan in action. He started the engines with a key that he had but whilst taxing to the main runway ran onto the grass and became bogged down. He made off. It took some 2 hours to discover an aircraft was missing. When searched a small case of NEVILLE was found which gave a clue that he had been respon- sible. By this time he was making good his escape. As can be expected the investigation headed by F/Lt O’Neill and F/Sgt Clithero, SIB, became a Major Incident more so considering it was the era of the Cold War, the plane involved had nuclear carrying capability and the ease of its removal. SEVILLE managed to reach Düsseldorf and using his 1250 obtained a cheap flight to Heathrow and then onto Manchester. He had enjoyed his job and life in the RAF so, soon after with nerve, re applied to re join. Whilst waiting to be accepted and money running low he visited RAF Dishforth and Topcliffe and on production of his 1250 given temporary board and lodgings.He eventually reached Cardington where he explained he had knowledge of Electrics and Canberra aircraft. After a Trade Test at Melksham, absentee 4168649 J/T SEVILLE became 4235478 J/T NEVILLE and the possessor of two 1250’s which he taped together, the newer on top.Whilst square bashing at Wimslow, his conscience apparently got the better of him and wished atonement. On 6th November 1957, he again went AWOL intending to hand himself in at his original base unit. Claiming to have lost his return ticket to Gutersloh he obtained a warrant to Harwich where he was instructed to report to the RTO for further passage. Attempting the same story he was rumbled and arrested by RAF Police. When officially interviewed he made a frank admission in a statement of some 12 pages to Flt.Lt. O’Neill. The Griff Page 5 2010 One of our aircraft went missing? cont: In Close Arrest his old possessions were returned to him including his tool bag from which he was able to saw the bars from his cell, go out to the local NAAFI, where as a folk hero he was bought many a pint .Court-Martialled on 11th February 1958 he was sentenced to Military imprisonment. In May 1958 he was discharged from the RAF. Whilst in custody he responded to an newspaper advert for EX RAF Electricians to ‘out work’ on Canberras at UK RAF Stations. In September 1958, having reached the age of 21, he was accepted and started civilian employment at RAF Upwood. In the next three years he was so employed at various other stations and accommodated at Sergeants Messes and met many an airman that knew him. Were you there? Did you blush? I wasn’t but I am blushing… Submitted by: Gerry Sanderson 2nd Anniversary Parade – RAFP/RAFPA Memorial On Tuesday 23rd June 2009 the 2nd Anniversary Parade to commemorate the Dedication of the RAF Police/RAF Police Association Memorial took place at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. It was a glorious day and the memorial looked splendid, thanks in no small way to Brian Whitaker who had been there the week before to refurbish the red paintwork and generally tidy the surrounding area. The Association was extremely well represented with 39 members, including the National and three Branch Standards, on parade. It is believed that approximately another 20 members were present but did not take part in the march. Serving RAF Police personnel on parade numbered 46, this contingent comprised of “seasoned” SNCO’s and JNCO’s, 4 Dog Handlers who paraded with their dogs and acted as escorts to the Standards and a flight of RAF Police Trainees who were in Week 2 of their police training. The serving contingent was ably led by Flt Lt Avril Porter and our Parade Warrant Officer was WO Dave Copeland. The RAFPA was once again kept in step by WO Bill Veazey. Air Officer RAF Police, Air Commodore Abbott took the march past salute and later laid a wreath on behalf of the RAF Police Association whilst the Provost Marshal, Group Captain Whitmell, laid a wreath on behalf of the RAF Police. The Service was officiated by Michael MacLachlan and musical accompaniment and lead singing was provided by Mrs Kit MacLachlan. After the Parade and Service we departed the NMA for the Royal British Legion Club in Alrewas for a buffet lunch. Before departure, the Provost Marshal thanked all members of the RAF Police Association for the support given to the RAF Police serving around the world. Submitted by: Brian Flinn Annual Membership Subscriptions. Please note that annual membership subscriptions are due on the 1st January each year NOT on the anniversary of joining. Have you considered paying by Standing Order – no hassle and you do not have to worry about renewing every year. Forms available on our website or from the Treasurer. Expense Claims Please note that in future claims for expenses will only be paid if the claim is made on the authorised claims form, available from the Treasurer or on our website. This is to standardise the procedure and to eliminate any confusion especially for our auditors. The Griff Page 6 2010 Letters to the Editor In May 1953, thirty-one airmen reported to the RAF Police Depot at Netheravon and underwent basic police training. Ten subsequently went on through Driving School and Provost Conversion and in October 1953 they were posted in many different directions. Three of them, ex-Corporals Short, Smith and Sutton, now in their 70s and all members of the RAF Police Association, attended the Battle of Britain Service in Westminster Abbey on 20 September this year and met up for the first time since leaving Netheravon nearly fifty-six years ago.
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