ROYAL AIR FORCE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION www.rafregt.org.uk BIRMINGHAM BRANCH
IMPORTANT NOTICE My Retirement as Your Branch Secretary Page 2
GOODIES FOR OUR No One has Yet Come Forward Page 2 – INJURED BOYS Page 2 Branch Appeal Goodies for Our Injured Boys Page 2 Jim Davies of Middlewich, Cheshire Page 2 – ’ Help for Heroes A Calendar Page 2 CG S CO MMENDATION Page 3 Centurion Journal Production Page 2 Branch Birthdays Page 3 NEWS OF THE RAF New Members Page 3 REGIMENT Page 4 Robert McGowran and Stephen Rowlands Page 3 Death of Member Thomas Loach Page 3 ’ NATIONAL MEMORIAL Commandant General s Commendation Page 3 The Citation Page 3 ARBORETUM UPDATE ’ B ham County RBL Freedom of the City and a Surprise Page 4 Page 6 “ ” The Council Freedom of the City Resolution Page 4 – Council House Banqueting Suite a Picture Page 4 FROM THE RAF REG.T ’ The CG s Personal Commendations Page 4 SECRETARY Page 9 News of the RAF Regiment Page 4
15 Squadron RAF Regiment Page 4 ONLY THREE MORE Town Honours two Military Occasions Page 5 NEWSLETTERS, SO 2 Squadron and 70th Anniversary of B of Britain Page 5 RAF Reg.t Gunners Support Afghan Elections Page 6 TIME IS RUNNING RAF Reg.t Medic helps Change Training Page 6 OUT National Memorial Arboretum Update Page 6 Polish Pilots from Battle of Britain Page 6 Future Events at the NMA Page 7 RAF Regiment Books Page 7 Books about the RAF Regiment Page 7 Books Containing References to RAF Regiment Page 8 From the RAF Regiment Secretary Page 9 Death Notices Page 9 New Notices Page 9 Corps Diary Dates Page 11 Dates for Your Diary Page 12 Birmingham Branch Committee Page 12
The Best Fighters in the RAF ONLY THREE MORE NEWSLETTERS TO PUBLISH AS YOUR BRANCH SECRETARY AND Operate on the Ground ONLY FOUR MONTHS UNTIL I RETIRE AS The Royal Air Force Regiment. YOUR BRANCH SECRETARY Ground-based specialists, NEWSLETTER NO: 256 protecting RAF assets from enemy attack. OCTOBER 2010
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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 256 OCTOBER 2010
Dear Readers. If any of you would like to contribute My Retirement as Your Secretary items or cash directly for this appeal, you must No one has yet come forward to volunteer contact Major Ian Cheesman, Officer I/C Patient to stand as the Branch Secretary at the Branch Support Services, or post them to him at RCDM, AGM next February. Please would you all give it Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, some thought for after three attempts to retire as Birmingham, B29 6JD. If cash, please make your – your Secretary, this time I will be - so if the cheques out to RCDM Patient Welfare Fund. Branch is to continue to function, someone needs JIM DAVIES OF MIDDLEWICH, to volunteer their services. After this newsletter, I CHESHIRE will only be producing three more newsletters, On 14th September Branch member Jim November, December and January, after that no Davies and his wife visited Selly Oak Hospital more - so time is getting desperately short. We with yet more money. Jim and his family are have to remember that it is the newsletters that doing a magnificent job for the lads but their latest keep our Branch together. We do not get donation is amazing. Jim and family attend car members attending at our Branch meetings any boot sales and everything they raise goes to the ’s more and it is only by means of the newsletters lads. In addition, his sister Nell grandson has that we retain our membership. raised money by being sponsored for the If no one comes forward then we all have – Nijmegan Marches, last year and this year too. to ask ourselves what would be the point of On 2nd August 2009 Jim and family gave £110.00, on 17th Branch membership if members are getting very November 2009 they gave £315.00, on 26th £130.00 little for their money? If someone volunteers for June 2010 they gave and the job, I am quite prepared to help out until the th £309.00 “his feet under the on 14 September this year they gave new Branch Secretary gets £864.00 that Jim, ” but if no one comes forward – ’s it, making an astounding total of table then that his wife Sheila, his sister Nell and her grandson I shall be off into the sunset so please think about have given to the lads Welfare Fund. it. Not only that, Jim, Sheila and Nell are Goodies for our Injured Boys busy collecting goods for yet another car boot sale It is most important that we remember the and when they have enough goods, they will be dangers that our young men and women serving giving yet more money. What a family, you all on operations are all facing, so please remember deserve a round of applause Jim. the appeal your Branch Committee have set up. HELP FOR HEROES With your help, we can continue to Chris Yelverton has done a sterling job in £5.00 provide these small comforts and any other items producing a 2011 calendar costing plus “Calendar Girls” that members of the military staff ask us for. We P&P based on the well-known can never get enough goodies for the lads, so in and just like them, all the photographs are on “ladies of a certain age”. the mean time, your continued support is I understand that they appreciated for we need much more money. feature ladies discreetly attired in items of military It is very much appreciated for it is a huge equipment. If anyone would like one of these boost to the lads who are treated at Selly Oak to calendars please let me know. know that the general public offer the wounded CENTURION JOURNAL lads and lassies such wonderful financial and In recognition of the workload involved in moral support. It is difficult to work out just how producing the semi-annual Centurion Journal much money we have raised so far, for as a result against the pressures on peoples time, the of our Appeal, many of you send money directly Commandant General has directed that the to the lads but from what I have been told we are Journal will move to an annual edition from 2011. £5,000 well on our way to . It may be more, so As such the Spring Edition will not be produced. well done lads. The copy for 2011 will be produced in the autumn
3 and will cover the Corps life. Further details as to The funeral took place on Thursday 23rd submission will be published in due course. September at Witton Cemetery, Birmingham. However, contributors will need to factor this into He leaves a wife Doreen, a daughter and their programme, not least to capture the three sons to whom we send our sincere necessary detail in preparation for their condolences. ’ submissions. It is intended that the size and CG s COMMENDATION number of colour pages will be increased to I am pleased to be able to tell you that I “Year Book” approach. ’s reflect the have been awarded the Commandant General BRANCH BIRTHDAYS A very Happy Birthday to the following Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays are this month, may you all have many more.
2nd October Philip Ranford Walsall West Mids personal Commendation. The Citation is as 6th October Neal Barber Stoke on Trent Staffs follows:
9th Oct Frank Roberts Birmingham West Mids ’ 10th Oct Ernie Bucknall Nuneaton Warwickshire The Commandant General s Commendation 11th October James Setter Barnstaple Devon is awarded to 21st October Ken Lobley Todmorden Lancashire Malcolm Baldwin 23rd October Ray Hill Nuneaton Warwickshire For his dedicated, outstanding and inspirational 27th October Barry Howe Clacton on Sea Essex contribution and support, in his capacity as 28th October John Dolphin Birmingham W Mids Branch Secretary for over 23 years, to the 31st October Jeramy Hedges Broadway Worcs Birmingham Branch of the Royal air force Regiment Association and the wider Corps ethos. NEW MEMBERS Russell La Forte. Robert McGowran of Birmingham R LA FORTE We welcome Robert McGowran of Air Commodore – Birmingham. Robert enlisted in December 1980 Commandant General Royal Air Force Regiment and served with 15 Squadron until 1984 when he 17th September 2010 remustered to RAF MT and continued in that role until his discharge in January 2000. We welcome him and hope that he has a long and happy association with us. STEPHEN ROWLANDS of Tamworth, Staffs I had a choice of venues for the We welcome Stephen Rowlands of presentation and I opted for a presentation at a Tamworth, Staffordshire. Stephen enlisted in July Birmingham Branch meeting. In the meantime, 1971 and served with 48 Squadron at RAF Valerie and I had been invited by our Branch Catterick until his discharge in July 1974. We President and the Royal British Legion, welcome him and hope that he has a long and Birmingham County Chairman Dave Gooding, to happy association with us. attend as VIP guests of the Lord Mayor DEATH OF MEMBER Councillor Len Gregory at a Parade and I regret to inform you of the death of Ceremony to award the RBL Birmingham County Thomas Loach of Birmingham. Tom enlisted in the Freedom of the City of Birmingham and we November 1950 and after completing his Basic were of course delighted to accept. Training at RAF West Kirby and Regiment This was to be a very prestigious occasion training at RAF Catterick and RAF Watchet, was as never before has the freedom of a city been posted to 19 LAA Squadron at RAF Gutersloh, given to any other than units of HM Forces. West Germany. He served there until he was Freedom of the City is an ancient honour granted posted back to the UK to 15 LAA Squadron at to martial organisations, allowing them the RAF Innsworth. He served there and at RAF privilege to march into the city "with drums Ramsey until his discharge in 1955 (exact dates beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed". unknown). Indeed, the wording of the City Council Resolution had to be altered to remove the words
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“and bayonets fixed” to meet the special needs of beautiful Grade II listed building and the this important occasion. Banqueting Suite with its traditional Victorian Birmingham County Royal British elegance is a wonderful room to be entertained in – Legion Freedom of the City - and my and this room has received and welcomed Surprise Presentation members of the Royal family and world leaders. After the official speeches were concluded, the On Saturday 2nd October Birmingham Lord Mayor said that he had another very special County Royal British Legion exercised its new presentation to make. It was only when he began right to march through the City. The right to to read out the citation on the Commandant march through the City of Birmingham was ’s Commendation that I General realised that it granted by Birmingham City Council at a Council was to be a presentation to me. Meeting held on 13th April 2010 when ’s So you can imagine Valerie pleasure and Birmingham County RBL was given the Freedom my surprise when he called me forward in front of of the City. The Council Resolution read as all the assembled VIPs and dignitaries to receive follows: ’s Commendation that I “ the Commandant General That the Lord Mayor and Citizens of had been awarded. I was surprised but Valerie Birmingham being deeply conscious and ’t a wasn s she had known about it for some time appreciative of the loyal and distinguished and had never said a word. My thanks to service to the ex-service community of everyone involved in making my Presentation Birmingham and the United Kingdom and such a wonderful occasion that Valerie and I will having regard to the long and close association remember forever. existing between the City and the Royal British ’ The Commandant General s Personal Legion Birmingham County since 1921 are Commendations desirous of recognising, perpetuating and The Commandant General's fostering still further the bonds of friendship and Commendations were first awarded in 2009 when goodwill which has resulted therefrom by the Birmingham Branch was honoured with two Conferring by this resolution the Freedom of ’s Commendations, one to the Birmingham CG Entry into the City upon Birmingham County Branch and the other to the Birmingham Branch Royal British Legion and the right in perpetuity Chairman Ron Sharp. With my award, the on all occasions of honouring the City of Birmingham Branch has now been awarded three Birmingham by exercising the privilege of Commendations and although the awards have marching through the streets of the City with ” only been in being for two years, it must be Standards flying and drums beating . something of a record that I do not think will easily be beaten. We are honoured indeed. NEWS OF THE RAF REGIMENT 15 Squadron RAF Regiment Members of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment from Royal Air Force Mildenhall participated in Exercise Enduring Shield from 3rd September to 10th September at Stanford Training Area to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. With the countdown clock for an Afghanistan deployment nearing zero, members of 15th Squadron, RAF Regiment were determined to demonstrate their combat proficiencies to the RAF Regiment force commander, and the Airmen from the US 100th
Security Forces Squadron served in the place of The Council House Banqueting Suite the U.S. Marines who would serve with the After the parade the Lord Mayor invited regiment on the deployment. his guests to a reception to be held in the Council "We're doing the final prep for our tour to House Banqueting Suite. The Council House is a Afghanistan. We've been training real hard up to
5 this point, and this is where outside agencies look After chasing down a group of suspicious at what we do and give us criticism or appraises," individuals and engaging in a fire fight with said RAF Cpl. Andy Branston, from 34 Squadron. insurgents near the base, the joint patrol headed "Where we're going to be, we'll be working quite back for their camp. closely with U.S. Marines, so we thought we'd need to know what American forces are thinking so we can work accordingly." Town honours two military occasions The US Airmen put together a squad to By Jonathan Schofield in the East Anglian help train the RAF infantrymen and provide them Daily Times on Monday, 20 September, 2010 interaction with American forces before they get 2 Squadron and 70th Anniversary to Afghanistan, said Tech. Sgt. Tisha Bate, from Hundreds of people lined the streets of the 100th SFS. Bury St Edmunds yesterday to honour a combined "We responded to personnel digging an Battle of Britain and RAF Regiment Homecoming improvised explosive device with small-arms fire, parade. Crowds applauded the 120 gunners of 2 a mass casualty situation and a village where we Squadron RAF Honington as they marched from ’s Church for a encountered a suicide bomber," said Sergeant the Abbey Gardens to St Mary Bate, who organized U.S. ground operations. service to honour their six-month deployment in "We diffused each situation and loaded the Afghanistan and to mark the 70th anniversary of casualties onto an RAF Chinook. As we worked the Battle of Britain. with the British RAF Regiment, they could get a During the service, which was attended by feel for working with joint forces, but we also got members of the United States Air Force serving at some really good training ourselves," said Airman Lakenheath and Mildenhall, the Rev Malcolm Isaiah Mosley, of the 100th SFS. Rogers said it was an opportunity to honour and Spread throughout the World War II celebrate those serving today and members of the “Today is also training area, more than 20 Airmen embedded RAF from 70 years ago. He said: with British ground forces to accomplish their tinged with great sadness for colleagues and ’t be with us due to injury or missions. One of which was conducted in a 12.5- friends who can acre replica of an Afghan village. Complete with death, including Luke Southgate and Kinikki ” a market, mosque and homes, the village is Griffiths. He said their sacrifice would never be populated with numerous "Afghan civilians." forgotten. Senior Aircraftman Luke Southgate, of After a simulated IED was detonated, St Olaves Road, Bury, died when a roadside bomb "injuring" multiple inhabitants, the service exploded under his Land Rover in February, while “Griff” members, both American and British, began to Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths was treat the victims, each with some type of actual killed in a vehicle accident in July. amputation. After the casualties were triaged, Following the service, 90 gunners from 2 treated to the highest extent possible and prepared Squadron were presented with their Afghanistan for transport, a RAF Chinook was called in to Operational Medals on Angel Hill by Group provide medical evacuation for the patients. Once Captain Nick Bray, station commander at RAF “It’s a it departed, the scenario was finished by shouting, Honington. He said: ppropriate that on the "Stop, stop, stop," by exercise cadre members and 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain that we feedback was provided to everyone involved. also remember the RAF contribution to modern "I think the Americans have done brilliant operations in Afghanistan. These men carried out out here," Corporal Branston said. "They were all dangerous and demanding duties and we have over the casualties, and they did exactly as they seen great bravery and professionalism form every ” were trained and told." "The feedback from the one of them. cadre was really good," Sergeant Bate said. "This Squadron Leader Matt Carter, the officer is what we train for every day." commanding 2 Squadron, said he was honoured Later in the day, at a mock forward and proud to be granted the privilege of a parade operating base, Airmen joined yet another flight through Bury and thanked people for their “outstanding support”. “Every man on of infantrymen to assist in providing security for He added: the patrol base and respond to nearby incidents. the squadron received gift boxes from people in
6 the UK and this level of support provided us with The elections, which took place on 18 ” a significant boost to morale. September 2010, are the first parliamentary Applauding the gunners as they marched elections run by the Afghans since the fall of the ’s Church was Sam Palmer, 87, who to St Mary Taliban in 2001. Squadron Leader Thomas fought on the beaches of Normandy during the D- emphasised that: "These elections are Afghan-led “It’s very important that we show Day landings. and Afghan-run; our role has been to support, ” said Mr Palmer, who our support for theses lads, assist and partner the Afghan security forces who lives in Risbygate Street. are responsible for election security." “ I lost so many of my friends and saw so The elections were supervised by the many of my generation killed, so I really feel Afghan-staffed Independent Election Commission strongly that we should honour and remember all and security at the polling centres in Daman the young men who go to war and for the district was provided by the Afghan National ” sacrifices they make. Police. Election day in Daman district passed Following the medal ceremony a civic quietly with no calls to deploy the RAF Regiment ’s Corn Exchange. reception was held in the town Quick Reaction Force. RAF Gunners support Afghan elections RAF medic helps change training Gunners from RAF Lossiemouth-based Published in the Bury Free Press on Fri Sep 24 No 5 Force Protection Wing supported the Afghan An RAF Regiment medic has helped to National Security Forces as they ensured that the revolutionise training, following a harrowing 2010 parliamentary elections passed without incident while serving in Iraq. Sergeant Chris serious incident in Daman district. Perrio-Stone, of 15 Squadron RAF Regiment, The Gunners, from 51 Squadron Royal Air realised more realistic training was needed after a Force Regiment with additional personnel from junior medic he was with went into shock at the 2622 (Highland) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air scene of a road accident. Force Regiment, are serving at Kandahar Airfield A water truck had flipped over and and provide a Quick Reaction Force which was crushed a passing vehicle with four Iraqi men ready to be called upon to assist if the Afghan inside. Petrol was leaking from the car and diesel National Police (ANP) encountered any attempt to from the truck, so the two medics rushed to the disrupt voting in Daman district. car, finding two dead men in the back and an A mark of the progress that the ANP are injured passenger and driver in the front. But Sgt making is the fact that the Gunners were not Perrio-Stone had to treat the men alone because called on over the election period. The Force the junior medic had gone into shock. Protection Wing is responsible for the security of As a result of the experience, Sgt Perrio- Kandahar Airfield, which is the main air base for Stone knew training for infantry medics needed to the International Security Assistance Force in change. Now, the RAF Regiment uses volunteers southern Afghanistan. who have lost a limb in battle but who still want The RAF Regiment works closely with the to serve in the forces to give trainee medics Afghan National Security Forces and patrols in realistic human casualties to respond to. Also, vehicles and on foot in the villages, farmland and trainees now spend time in hospitals, where they desert surrounding the base. Pilot Officer Matt are exposed to blood and real-life smells. Sgt Talbot, visiting Mowmand, a village in Daman Perrio-Stone said. “In the madness of a roadside bomb or district, explained: "We do this to gauge the atmosphere by talking to the local people, asking even a traffic accident, if any one person on a ’ve about village news and showing them that we are team must remain focused, it is the medic. We here to help improve security." got to be able to react to whatever is in front of us Squadron Leader Chris Thomas, the and give our surgeons something to fix. If Officer Commanding 51 Squadron RAF anything ever happens to me, I want to be Regiment, attended a pre-election shura, or confident that the man next to me can save my ” meeting, with Daman District Governor, Haji life. The squadron is set to deploy to Seraj Ahmed, and District Police Chief Wadood Afghanistan in November. to discuss security arrangements. NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM (NMA) UPDATE
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Polish pilots from the Battle of Britain He said that he regretted how much the remembered Saturday, 11 September history of the Second World War was being By ozef Lopuszynski ignored: "The coverage of this event is obviously minimal, because people do prefer other topics Polish pilots who died in the Battle of and instead of learning about what happened Britain have been remembered at a special during the World War II which to some people is ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in history and no longer relevant. However, in our Staffordshire. Polish ex-combatants from across view, it is relevant today for the younger Britain were there for the first anniversary of the generation. unveiling of the Memorial's Polish Monument. That's why we've got monuments Clergymen led prayers for the Polish dead, surrounded by plaques which commemorate all and for those who perished in the Smolensk Air the units of Polish Armed Forces from the Crash earlier this year. The Memorial was beginning of the War to the end of the War. unveiled last year by HRH the Duke of Kent. Young people - of this country (the English, Battle of Britain British people) can come and read all about it Standard Bearer George Glebocki from instead of being in the classroom where Cannock attended. He said that the current sometimes to them it's a bit boring. But here in celebrations remembering the 70th anniversary of the lovely surroundings they can learn all about the Battle of Britain were timely: "Poland fought it." with the Allies from the very first day till the last Future Events at the NMA day of the War; and many, many Polish airmen, th Polish soldiers, Polish seamen, died. At this Sunday 24 October 2010 moment in time, we are also remembering the The Vulcan Crew Chiefs Register has anniversary of the Battle of Britain where we received a Big Lottery Fund grant and is installing remember all the British airmen that died - but a bench in the RAF section. At 11.00 a.m. MRAF also the very many Poles who fought gallantly in Lord Craig of Radley, their President and Patron the skies to defend this country. will unveil the memorial bench at a dedication It is recorded that Polish airmen had the service. There will also be a wreath laying greatest number of kills because they were very, ceremony. For further information Tony Regan very determined to fight the enemy. We want to on 01297 20280 or email
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” CBE. Published in 1960. Now out of print. No With British Snipers to the Reich by Captain ISBN. Clifford Shore, first published in 1997 by “ ” A Short History of the RAF Regiment from Greenhill Books, London and Stackpole Books, 1942 to 1970 with a brief account of the approach Pennsylvania, USA. ISBN 1-85367-292-0. As a to the problems of airfield defence in the RAF Flying Officer with 2834 AA Squadron, RAF from 1918 to 1942 by Kingsley M Oliver. Printed Regiment, after landing in Normandy on 7th June, by Thanet Printing Works in 1969. No ISBN Clifford Shore served through France and Number and now out of print. Germany during World War Two. “ – The Royal Air Force Regiment A Short "The RAF Regiment" History, Colours, ” th History . A 40 Anniversary edition. An uniforms and Equipment of the RAF Regiment. updated short history of the RAF Regiment from Edited by Stuart Asquith. Published in 2000 by 1942 to 1982 with a brief account of the approach Nexus Special Interests Ltd. Book Number to the problems of airfield defence in the Royal air 001772. Foreword by Air Commodore R C Force from 1918 until the formation of its own Moore, MBE, RAF, Commandant General, RAF defence Corps in 1942. By Group Captain Regiment. But now out of print. Kingsley Oliver and Wing Commander Keith "The RAF Regiment at War" 1942 - 1946 by Batt. Published in 1982 by Adlard and Son Ltd, Kingsley M Oliver. Published in 2002 by Pen and Bartholomew Press, Dorking, Surrey. No ISBN Sword Books Limited. ISBN 0-85052-852-6. Number and now out of print. "On the Road to Mandalay" featuring the life of “ ” No Tigers in our Jungle about life in the RAF the author Randle Manwaring focussing Regiment in South-East Asia Command 1943/45. particularly on his time with the RAF Regiment in By ex-Flight Lieutenant Harry Homer. Service the Burma Campaign. Published in 2006 by Pen number 127613. Published in 1982 ISBN 84 398 and Sword Books Limited. ISBN 1844154971. 8656 X. "Constant Vigilance" the RAF Regiment in the “ ” The Edges of War An RAF Regiment Story by Burma Campaign by Nigel W M Warwick. Tim Hillyar. About 2804 Armoured Car Published in 2007 by Pen and Sword Books Squadron, from landing in France at the end of Limited. ISBN: 9781844155002. “ ’ ” June 1944, through the fighting in Europe to the Gunner s Tales, Warts and All by Ron British Victory Parade in Berlin on 21st July 1945. Taylor. This is a collection of stories, myths and Privately published in 1992 by Tim Hillyar. In legends from the RAF Regiment. A cartoon book 1996, he lived at 36, Trefor Jones Court, similar to the Giles cartoon books only all Brookfield Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QP. Regiment cartoons. A Limited Edition book “ ” £10.00. The Blue and Khaki Hunters Privately privately published in 2009 at Copies can published in a Limited Edition of 500 copies in be obtained from Mr. R Taylor, 710A Hern Road, ’s, PE26 2TL. 1993 by D F Sampson through Newton Pondersbridge, Ramsay St Mary Publishers. ISBN 1-872308-34-1. Can be Ron can also be contacted on 01733 844817. obtained directly from Mr D F Sampson, 17 Books containing references to the RAF Shelley Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Christchurch, Regiment “ ” Dorset, BH23 4HW. Telephone number 01425 The Lost Lady all about the American Bomber 279206. "Lady Be Good". No publication date available. "Below the Bottom Rung" the RAF Regiment in By Mario Martinez. Published by Leo Cooper at £19.95 Palestine by Edward Grocott. Published in 1996 . Mentions 2926 Squadron RAF Regiment. “ ” by J and K H Publishing. ISBN 1 900511 57 6. Flugplatz Gutersloh . A Short History 1937/87 "Through Adversity" the History of the RAF with references to the RAF Regiment. Published Regiment 1942 - 1992 by Kingsley M Oliver. in 1987. By Gerry Lewis. Published 1987. “ ” Published in 1997 by Forces and Corporate The Battle of the Airfields 1st January 1945 “Operation Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0 9529597 0 4. by Norman L Franks. About ” "In Adversity" Exploits of Gallantry and Awards Bodenplatte when the Germans attempted to to the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces destroy the advanced Allied Airfields. First 1921 - 12995 by Nicholas G Tucker. Published published in 1982. ISBN 1 898697 15 9. in 1997 by Jade Publishing Limited. ISBN 1- Republished by Grub Street in 1994 in an updated 900734-08-7. version.
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“ ” Britain's Modern Royal Air Force which known. The funeral has taken place. He is contains a complete chapter on the RAF survived by his son, Steve Wharton, to whom the Regiment. Published in 1994. By Peter F Guiver. Corps extends its sincere condolences. ISBN 1 85260 4328. LOACH THOMAS. Former RAF Regt “ ” The Autobiography by Brian Clough. LAC Thomas Norman Loach, born 16 May 33, Mentions his service at RAF Watchet. Published died on 12 Sep 10 aged 77. He enlisted as a in 1995. ISBN 1 85225 198 0. national serviceman in 1950, serving on 19 Sqn “ ” The Royal Air Force an Illustrated History RAF Regt at RAF Guetersloh and 15 Sqn RAF by Michael Armitage. Published by Regt at RAF Innsworth, before being discharged Brockhampton Press in 1995. ISBN 1 86019 in 1955. The funeral was held on 23 Sep in 8511. Contains several references to the RAF Birmingham. He is survived by his wife, Doreen, Regiment. of 91 Brookvale Park Road, Erdington, “ ” Esprit de Corps by Walter Archibald Elliott. Birmingham B23 7TN, to whom the Corps A Scots Guards Officer on Active Service 1943 - extends its sincere condolences. ’s a 1945. Published in 1997. In Chapter 7 it bout YOUNG MAX. Former RAF Regt LAC the Transfer of RAF Regiment Personnel to the Max Young, born 1 Feb 32, died on 22 Sep 10 Scots Guards. ISBN 085955 220 9. aged 78. He enlisted as a National Serviceman in “ ” Sunset in the East by John Hudson published Jun 50 and served briefly at RAF Wundstorf and by Leo Cooper in 2002. ISBN 0 85052 846 1. It Luneburgh Heath in Germany until his premature briefly mentions The RAF Regiment on page 43. discharge in May 51. He was a member of the Its main interest is the fact that to maintain order Scottish Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. He is and to control the nationalist in Java, the author survived by his wife, Margaret, of 15 Ashton employed captured Japanese army personnel. It Court, 54 Albert Road, Gourock PA19 1LT, to also gives a lot of detail about the war in Burma. whom the Corps extends its sincere condolences. “ ” Joint Force Harrier by Commander Adrian ROBERTS ERIC. Former RAF Regt Cpl Orchard, with James Barrington. The true story Eric Roberts, born 24 Feb 29, died on 20 Sep 10 of a Royal Navy Fighter squadron at war. aged 81. joined the RAF Regt in Jul 47 and Published in 2008 by Penguin Books and Micael served in German and Amman, on 59(R), 16 and Joseph. ISBN 9780718153991. 21(LAA) Sqns RAF Regt. He was discharged in Apr 54. He was a member of the Norfolk Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Mildenhall, Suffolk, on Fri 8 Oct 10. He is survived by his son, Norman Roberts, of 53 Mulberry Close, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7LL, to whom the Corps extends its FROM THE RAF REGIMENT sincere condolences. SECRETARY NEW NOTICES: DEATH NOTICES: RAF REGT OFFRS' DINNER CLUB - SCOTT DENNIS. Former RAF Regt ANNUAL DINNER 2010 member Dennis J Scott, born 23 Jun 28, died on The Annual Dinner of the RAF Regt Offrs' 23 Aug 10 aged 82. He enlisted in 1946 and Dinner Club will take place at the RAF Club on served on 2798, 15 and 16 Sqns RAF Regt before the evening of Fri 29 Oct 10. The Guest Speaker being discharged in 1952. He was a member of will be ACAS, AVM Barry North. Members may the Norfolk Branch of the RAF Regt Assoc. The invite up to 3 guests. Details and the Calling funeral has taken place. He is survived by his Note, including application form are now wife, Roberta, of 94 Jardine Way, Dunstable, available from the Regtl Sec at Bedfordshire, LU5 4AX, to whom the Corps [email protected] . extends its sincere condolences. Members should note that the RAF Club is WHARTON DENNIS. Former RAF fully booked for that night, but late cancellations Regt LAC Dennis Wharton, born 24 Jan 33 died may be possible. Members are asked to apply - suddenly on 15 Aug 10, aged 77 years. He was a with payment - for places by 13 Oct 10. former National Service but no further details are
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REMEMBRANCE PARADE AT THE also other relevant groups, including CBRN, CENOTAPH - 14 NOV 10 NATO FP, NATO School etc, which should be of The RAF Regt will again parade at the interest to many Corps members. To view the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, 14 Nov 10. site, visit www.LinkedIn.com and register. Those wishing to parade are requested to register Once registered, search in the Groups for with the appropriate Representative NLT 10 Oct 'RAF Regiment Officers' or 'RAF Regiment 10 to enable formal application to be made to the (Networking Group)', apply to join and take it Royal British Legion, which controls attendance. from there. You can cancel and withdraw from Regtl attendance at the 2009 parade was LinkedIn at any time, and also restrict who you disappointingly low and RAF Regt Assoc and link up with and what is presented publicly. other Corps members are urged to support this All serving and past members of the Corps wholly rewarding event. To register, please are encouraged to become members and increase contact: RAF Regt Assoc and WOs and below: their contact and networking abilities. Those who Mr Tom Feeley at [email protected]. have already joined are asked to encourage their Offrs: Sqn Ldr Richard Avens at Regt friends and colleagues to join. [email protected]. CORPS FORMATION DINNER 2011 CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR DEPLOYED The Corps Operational Review and UNITS Formation Dinner 2011 (CFD11) will be held at As we approach the Christmas period, RAF Honington on Fri 4 Feb 11. All RAF FP thoughts are naturally being given as to how best Force RAF Regt Officers not operationally to send some Christmas cheer to the deployed deployed or on essential duty are to attend; all units in Afghanistan. Since the sending of parcels other serving RAF Regt officers are invited to to deployed locations over-burdens the BFPO and attend, as are up to 30 retired officers. Those in-Theatre transportation (at the expense of family planning to attend should note that Offrs' Mess mail), it is requested that any individuals - or RAF accommodation will be severely disrupted over Regt Assoc branches - who wish to contribute the period with extensive building work being should send cheques to the Regtl Sec - payable to undertaken and Mess accommodation is unlikely the RAF Regt Fund - and he will forward the to be available. This will particularly affect the money to the respective units for them to use as retired elements who will need to seek alternative appropriate. Given the likely UK postal surge at accommodation in the local area. Further details that time, all such cheques should be sent by end- will be issued towards the end-2010. Nov to ensure that the money can be distributed in CORPS BUTTONS AND CUFFLINKS good time. RAF Regt Assoc branches are asked High quality RAF Regt blazer button and to coordinate their contributions where possible to Cufflink sets are available from the Regtl Sec, ease the administrative task. For other means of with all profits going to the RAF Regt Museum to donation, please visit the MOD Website at aid its refurbishment programme. Made by H www.mod-uk Collins & Sons, the Crown Jewellers, The finish CORPS ON-LINE NETWORKING of the buttons is known as 'Dead Gilt & FACILITY - UPDATE Burnished', which means they are gilded in a matt The Corps is represented in the global finish and the highlights are then polished by hand professional networking website, LinkedIn. to give a bright polished finish; hence there are LinkedIn has some 63,000,000 members two differing and subtle contrasts on the button. worldwide and is growing rapidly. It has, among The cufflinks, made of hallmarked many others, Gunners' and RAF Regt Officers' Sterling Silver and hard gold-plated, feature a Groups, the latter of which is designed to provide, chain link and are engravable. A suitably high eventually, a comprehensive biographical archive quality case is also supplied with each set. Full of all Regt offrs - both serving and retired - and details and an order form may be obtained from also powerful networking, discussion and even the Regtl Sec. Dispatch by Special Delivery is job opportunities. usually within 24 hrs of receipt of order . Please The Gunners' Group (entitled the RAF use Email where possible. Regiment (Networking Group) is more focussed OPERATIONAL HONOURS LIST No 35 at providing contacts and job-finding. There are AWARD
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It was announced today that the following [email protected], tel (BT) RAF Regt Gunner was Mentioned in Despatches 01359 237957. (MiD) for acts carried out while on operations in CORPS FORMATION DINNER 2011 - Afghanistan: SAC J T Freeman - currently serving UPDATE on the SFSG, RAF St Athan. The Corps Operational Review and Formation COMMANDANT GENERAL'S Dinner 2011 (CFD11) will be held at RAF COMMENDATIONS - 2010 Honington on Fri 4 Feb 11. All RAF FP Force CG RAF Regt has awarded his personal RAF Regt Officers not operationally deployed or commendations to the following individual, for on essential duty are to attend; all other serving his outstanding support to the Corps in the Award RAF Regt officers are invited to attend, as are up Year 2010: to 30 retired officers. Those planning to attend Lt Col Michael CANCELLIER USMC - CO 3rd should note that Offrs' Mess accommodation will LAAD Bn, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in be severely disrupted over the period with Afghanistan. extensive building work being undertaken and COMMANDANT GENERAL'S Mess accommodation is unlikely to be available. COMMENDATIONS - 2010 This will particularly affect the retired elements CG RAF Regt has awarded his personal who will need to seek alternative accommodation commendations to the following, for their in the local area. Further details will be issued outstanding service to the Corps in the Award towards the end-2010 but suitable nearby hotel Year 2010: accommodation will include the Premier Inn, £29 per night room Mr Malcolm BALDWIN - Birmingham Branch, Thetford (which will operate a RAF Regt Assoc. rate if booked at least a month in advance) and Mr Robert COCKBURN - Felixstowe Branch, The Priory (Best Western) in Bury St Edmunds. RAF Regt Assoc. [CPeN 157] Mr Colin CLARKE - Norfolk Branch, RAF Regt CORPS DIARY DATES: Assoc. 21-22 Oct RAF Armd Car Assoc 2010 Autumn Mr Tom MONTEITH - Lincolnshire Branch, Reunion (Nr Derby). RAF Regt Assoc. 29 Oct RAF Regt Officers' Dinner Club Annual Mrs Linda TAYLOR - Hereford Branch, RAF Dinner (RAF Club, London). Regt Assoc. 5 Nov QCS 50th Anniversary Dinner RAF Mrs Sarah WILLIAMS - formerly RAF FP Northolt Centre, RAF Honington. 11 Nov Garden of Remembrance - Westminster The presentations of the framed Abbey. certificates will take place in due course. [ 14 Nov Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph, London, MAILING ADDRESSES FOR CENTURION and nationwide. JOURNAL AND THE RAF REGT FUND 2011 The autumn edition of Centurion Journal 22 Jan RAF Regt Assoc NEC Mtg (RAF (No 29) will should be mailed to subscribers Scampton). during the second week of Oct 10. If you have 1 Feb 69th Anniversary of the Formation of the moved from your registered mailing address in the RAF Regt. recent past, or haven't been receiving your 4 Feb RAF Regt Op Review and Corps Formation Centurion journals of late, please check with the Dinner (RAF Honington) RAF Regt Fund Membership Secretary to confirm 8 Apr RAF Regt Assoc Spring Social, your registered address. Any notified changes of Bodelwydden Castle Hotel, North Wales address are acknowledged. We routinely have 23 Apr II Sqn Reunion, Constitution Club, over 100 copies of each issue returned as Colerne. undelivered, because subscribers have not notified 8-20 May RAF Regt Small Arms Meet 2011 address changes. Please note that, if a change of (Pirbright/Bisley) address has not been notified and acknowledged, 14 May Annual RAF Regt Chapel Com Catterick. any subsequent re-mailing of the journal will be at 6 Jun RAF Regt Officers' Dinner Club Reception the subscriber's expense. The RAF Regt Fund (Belton House, Grantham) Membership Secretary is Flt Lt Paul Norry at 15 Jun Centurion 31 Article copy deadline.
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25 Jun RAF Regt Annual Memorial Commemoration (NMA Alrewas) 1 Sep CG Commendations Nominations due date. 30 Sep - 3 Oct RAF Regt Assoc AGM and Annual Reunion (Charlton Kings, Cheltenham) 2012 1 Feb 70th Anniversary of the Formation of the RAF Regt. 3 Feb RAF Regt Op Review and Corps Formation Dinner 2012 (venue tbc).
******************** ’s all for now, keep smiling if Well that you can and stay happy. Malcolm
12 Thursday 9th December 2010 Branch Night Thursday 13th January 2011 Branch Night DATES FOR th MAKE Thursday 10 February 2011 Branch AGM Night YOUR A A NEW BRANCH DIARIES DATE SECRETARY IS WANTED Thursday 21st October 2010 Battle of Trafalgar THE AGM THURSDAY 10th Sunday 7th November 2010 Midlands Fest of Rem Thursday 11th Nov 2010 Remembrance Day FEBRUARY IS WHEN I Thursday 11th November 10 Westminster Abbey th Thursday 11 Nov 2010 Branch Night RETIRE REMEMBER SO th ’ Saturday 13 Nov 2010 B ham Poppy Ball Sunday 14th November 2010 Remembrance Sunday TIME IS GETTING VERY th th ’ Sat 27 -Sun 28 Nov 2010 B ham Int Tattoo th ’ Tuesday 30 November 2010 St Andrew s Day SHORT
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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