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Home , Battle of Britain, RAF Church Fenton, RAF Finningley, RAF Harrogate, RAF Leconfield

The Aldwark Chronicle Newsletter of the Royal Air Forces Association - York Branch

Branch Headquarters 3-5 Aldwark, York YO1 2BX Tel:01904 652796 [email protected]

Issue No. 62

Dec 2017

RAFA RAF Linton-on-Ouse Visit Photo: RAF Copyright

Club opening hours: Thurs - 7:30pm to 10:30 pm; Sat - 11:30am to 3pm

Our Website is at: www.rafayork.org

Membership: 473 York Branch & Club Official Appointments for 2017 - 2018

President: Mr J J Mawson

President Emeritus: Air Commodore W G Gambold DL FCMI RAF (Ret)

Life Vice President: Mr H R Kidd OBE Vice Presidents: Mr R M Mathieson Mr J Allison BEM Ms S Richmond,

Chairman: Mr B R Mennell [email protected]

Vice Chairman: Mr Richard Gray [email protected]

Hon Sec & N Area Delegate: Mrs M Barter [email protected]

Hon Treasurer: Mr D Pollard Dep Treasurer Mr A Ramsbottom [email protected]

Welfare Officer: Mrs C Hanson [email protected]

Dep Welfare Officer: Mrs G Woodhall

Wings Organisers: Mrs M Smith & Mr I Smith [email protected]

Branch Standard Bearer: Mr G Murden Dep Standard Bearer: Mr I Smith

Bar Officer: Mr R Gray Ass’t Bar Officer: Mr G Murden

Social/Fundraising: Mrs G McCarthy. Public Relations/Press Officer: Mr A Bryne

Buildings Officer: Mr J Forrester Membership Secretary: Mrs K Allison Newsletter Editor Mr D Taylor [email protected]

Please address all general enquiries to the Hon Secretary CHAIRMAN’S RAMBLINGS As Christmas approaches it is well worth looking back on our last RAFA Year - and what a year it has been. Thanks to the organisational skills of Maureen and Ian Smith and the support of members collecting on the street and in stores the branch has raised £10,840. 68 for this year’s Wings Appeal. An excellent result, of which not only Maureen and Ian can be extremely proud, but so can all our branch members as we once again achieve the £10,000 Merit Certificate. Not just that, our membership has been on the march and we can now boast some 473 members making us the largest branch in the Northern Area. Not just new members joining though; many new members have wanted to get involved in all aspects of the branch, and have got straight on with it. The current committee are excellent - one and all. Using common sense and a good degree of business acumen we have developed an excellent working relationship in how the branch is managed. Success breeds success and we have been extremely lucky to receive three fantastic bequests to the branch over the last couple of years - from our sadly departed members Joan Robinson, Irvin Machin, and Robert Wharton. These legacies have allowed us to update our fund raising marquee and move directly into updating our ancient HQ. We have already installed full electric central heating, special ventilation and an update to the audio visual system in the bar. The kitchen is in the process of an update complete with new sinks, worktops, two new cookers and a dish washer allowing our Dining in Nights and Saturday feeding frenzies to continue apace. Further, we have installed a controlled water heater on the top floor which will feed hot water on demand to the toilet sinks, the bar and kitchen sinks meaning we can remove all the single water heaters. Finally we will insulate the loft for the first time in its history. Unfortunately we uncovered a couple of problems in the roof void which we are having investigated with a view to sorting them out. That has started recently with a new access door in the roof. At this time it is important to pick out one person who has worked tirelessly on the building for the last two or three years, Dick Gray; but of late his work levels have been awesome saving us vast amounts of money we would have spent on contracted labour. Many “Thank You”’s indeed Dick. Others who have worked exceptionally hard this year are Catherine on welfare - nothing misses her gaze, and Gillian on social activities. John Forrester has also put on some good film and quiz shows with the new audio-visual equipment. Kath has worked on the membership, and newly co-opted to the committee Andy Bryne is working hard on furthering our media output. Lots of work has gone into the bar with manager Dick Gray, ably supported by Gordon Murdon, organising new better value stock and fiscal controls. Last but by no means least our stalwarts, Secretary, Maureen, Treasurer, David, and President, John Mawson have worked tirelessly and fully supported me in every way throughout the year with much appreciated help, advice, and guidance. There are still many things we need to do. I hope this committee will continue for some time. I have enjoyed leading the team and I hope to do so again at the next AGM. In the meantime Dorothy and I wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year and indeed may 2018 be an even better year for the Branch. ** JOAN AND PAUL ROBINSON Joan and Paul Robinson both served the Second World War, Paul in the RAF as a Wop/Air Gunner in Costal Command, Joan in the WAAF. Paul’s aircraft was attacked and exploded over the . The crew found themselves in the water, but their dingy was close by, and soon occupied. Voices were heard, but turned out to be those of a German boat. Taken prisoner, Paul served some three and a half years in prison camp, to be repatriated at war’s end. Paul was demobilised as a Warrant Officer in 1945. In his new civilian life, Paul become a representative for the company of Procter and Gamble. Joan, maiden name Almond, served in the WAAF secretarial Branch, and after the war, became a medical secretary. Both joined the York Branch RAFA, who first met in rooms above public houses. They assisted in the formation of the Flying Services Club, in Coney Street, and when that lease terminated, helped in the search for the Branch’s permanent home. Joan and Paul, members of the Entertainment Committee, sought a venue for holding a Saturday evening dance. Paul booked the York Assembly Rooms for a date from the City Council. The booking included provision of bar facilities, and a suitable band was engaged. The evening was a 'sell out', so Paul booked each Saturday evening for the rest of the year. It was these bookings that provided some of the funding that was to allow the Branch to establish their own building, in Aldwark. Unfortunately, other organisations soon 'cottoned on' to the idea, and future bookings were allocated to the many. Paul was Chairman of the York Branch in 1957. Joan and Paul met at York Branch, and married. They had two children, Michael, unfortunately an invalid, and Judith, who became a district nurse. Paul, unfortunately suffered from kidney failure, and later, cancer. He passed away in 1990. Joan remained a member of the Branch, but suffered from failing eyesight. She became an active member of the organisation for the Partly Sighted. Joan passed away in October, 2017. Older members of the Branch may remember both of these respected members. Their lasting devotion and loyalty towards York Branch RAFA will be seen over the next few months, a result of their kind legacy, left in order that we may continue to maintain our Branch in the future years. John Mawson

Joan & Paul Robinson WINGS REVIEW FOR 2015 TO 2017 At The May 2015 RAFA York Committee Meeting, Maureen was appointed as Wings Appeal Organiser (WAO). Three months later Ian was appointed as her assistant. Having had very little experience of Fund Raising, apart from “manning” Poppy Stalls at Remembrance Time, it was a steep learning curve. Grateful thanks are due to the Chairman at the time, Dick Gray; his help and advice was invaluable. The total raised in 2015 was £9,888.46, having just failed to reach the Magic £10K. 2016 saw us get off to a flying start, and with increased “In Store” collection and the placing of Collecting Tins in various premises saw us raise an amazing £10,749.06. So on to this year, 2017. Having built up a pool of regular volunteers and learnt from our experiences, at the time of writing we have once again exceeded £10K. The figure reported was £10,840.68p. A breakdown shows that: In Store Collections raised £6,209. Collection Tins raised £2,513. City Centre raised £1,630. Donations/Raffle raised £400. We would like to thank everyone who has helped, and would ask that anyone who would like to give us an hour or two of their time, please contact: Maureen or Ian Smith on 01904 424972 (A short piece that says a lot. Thank you Maureen and Ian. Ed) York Branch RAFA Linton-on-Ouse Visit Ten members gathered at RAF Linton-on-Ouse guardroom at 10:00hrs on August 10th for a guided tour of the camp and facilities, and what a day it turned out to be, from an overcast start the weather forecast was spot on, for very soon warm sunshine was

4 what greeted us, along with a warm welcome. Our first port of call was for a brief briefing by John Allison in the Maple Leaf Café. From here it was on to Air Traffic Control, and with the tower located at the far end of the airfield, a minibus had thoughtfully been laid on. A very interesting hour or so was spent in the tower, then it was off to the Officers’ Mess for lunch. We had the place to ourselves, for in today’s RAF all ranks seem to congregate in the Maple Leaf around midday. Still, we were well looked after by the Mess staff, and you can’t beat a good lunch for £3 and a few pence! After coffee in the Mess anti-room the bus was back to transport us oldish people to No.4 hangar to look over aircraft in various states of dress - or maybe undress! To me this was of much interest, being ex ground-crew myself. But it didn’t take long for me to wonder if the RAF have some kind of a contract with Wimbledon - re a use for old tennis balls. Here they serve - excuse the pun - a useful second life: protection from, and for, possibly dangerous extensions, with the advantage of their being plainly visible. After a few of us had struggled into and out of the cockpit, we came to the conclusion that as far as the exit went, it would have been far quicker to remove the seat pins and pull the handle! Perhaps not. We were then shown the Tucano which carries 72(R) Squadron’s 100 year commemorative finish: painted in the colours of a World War II Spitfire as operated by 72 Squadron during the of Britain. Its registration reads RN-S ‘Enniskillen’ to indicate that funds to build the original Spitfire were raised by The Belfast Telegraph newspaper. Two former 72 Squadron personnel names are displayed on the cockpit side; Sqn Ldr D Sheen DFC and LAC J Barton. Sheen served with 72 during the , later to command the Squadron when flying Vampires. Leading Aircraftman Barton was an engine fitter. Although the two never served with each other in the RAF, they are connected by their respective service on 72 Squadron. Jim Barton founded the 72 Squadron Association, Des Sheen becoming the Association’s first president. Next came the Flight Simulators, where some were fortunate enough to be allowed to “Fly”. In fact, Trudie, after a rather anxious few minutes watching Andy Bryne perform, got on extremely well, actually flying beneath the Humber Bridge without crashing or being arrested! The tour came to a close with a visit to the Station’s Memorial room, dedicated to those flying from here during WWII, with particular emphasis on the Canadian Squadrons.

Our thanks to Captain Keith Taylor and his staff for allowing this visit.

5 RAF – HISTORY & MEMORIES RAF Church Fenton, located about 4 miles south of Tadcaster, opened as a fighter station in April 1937, and closed as a satellite RAF airfield in December 2013. Plans for the airfield were put forward in 1935 and there were many local protests, not least because of the valuable farming land which was lost and the proximity of another airfield at Sherburn in Elmet, a mere 2 miles distant. However, construction proceeded regardless, mirrored in many other locations in the UK as part of the RAF airfield expansion scheme at the time. I was posted to Church Fenton in March 1988, served as Station Education & Training Officer until posted in July 1990. My duties at Church Fenton also included parenting responsibilities for education and resettlement for MOD and RAF Linton on Ouse, so travel to these locations was frequent. It was my second RAF tour (the first being RAF ) and one of the most interesting in both Service and off-duty respects. One of downsides to the post was a secondary duty as Station Magazine Editor – there seemed few willing contributors to provide material for much of the time! The resettlement task was quite large as the station was undergoing contractorization of engineering and logistics posts during my tour. I often found that the airman or airwoman I’d seen the previous week was a member of a contract team the following week! During my time at the station, the venerable Jet Provost training aircraft were gradually replaced by the new turbo-prop Shorts Tucano (still in RAF service). This new, tandem-seat trainer was much quieter than the Jet Provost - in the air, not on the ground! Always intended as a fighter airfield to protect the conurbations of and from enemy bombing raids, the following RAF squadrons were based at Church Fenton at various periods during its life: 19, 23, 41, 71, 72, 85, 112, 129, 141, 242, 257, 263, 264 and 306 Sqns. 306 was the 3rd Polish fighter squadron in the RAF, formed at Church Fenton on 28 . The station was part of 13 Group until August 1940 when it became part of 12 Group. The first RAF squadrons to arrive, in 1937, were 72 and 213, flying Gloster Gauntlets and Gladiators; both biplanes, but front-line machines at the time.

DH Hornet in service at Church Fenton 1947

Another significant occupant of the station was 54 Operational Training Unit (OTU).

6 This was formed at Church Fenton on 25 November 1940 to train crews for Fighter Command. It was allocated Blenheims, and Defiants. The OTU was transferred to 81 Group on 31 December 1940. In June 1941, the Defiants were transferred to 60 OTU, who, along with 54 OTU, concentrated on twin engine training with Blenheims and, later, Beaufighter. RAF Church Fenton’s links with twin-engined continued post-war, with the introduction of the DH Hornet, arguably one of the most beautiful piston-engined aircraft ever built, but soon to be eclipsed by the jet age. The Hornet was a day fighter originally designed for operations against Japan. It built on the success of the Mosquito (however the engines were handed - turned in opposite direcrions - which made take off less fraught). The prototype flew in July 1944, but did not enter service until 1946. In 1947, 19 Sqn’s Hornets arrived at Church Fenton, 41 and 65 Sqns also being so equipped. All these had been withdrawn by mid-1956 as jets became the norm. 19 Sqn re-equipped with Meteors, then Hunters, remaining at Church Fenton until June 1959, relocating to RAF .

Meteor NF11s, 85 Sqn, RAF Church Fenton in 1957 By 1951, the F8 was the RAF’s fighter backbone, Church Fenton being no exception. In 1951, the station’s aircraft took part in OP PINNACLE, a major exercise designed to test UK air defences against enemy attack; the largest exercise held since the end of the War. Meteor night fighters - NF11s and NF14s - took over from the earlier variants and were the last twin jet aircraft to operate from Church Fenton. Another “thoroughbred” to be based there was the Hunter, equipping 19 Sqn in the late 1950s. As the decade of the 1960s dawned, the role of Church Fenton changed. Larger, heavier fighter jets could not use its runways easily, so it became a training base, remaining in this role until it closed. The station was home to 7 Flying Training School (FTS) from 1952 to 1966, equipped with Jet Provosts, and was then largely mothballed until 1979 when it was reactivated and 7FTS reformed with Jet Provost Mk3s and 5s, resulting from a pilot shortage due to the introduction of the Tornado F3. This additional aircrew requirement continued because of the 1982 Falklands conflict, and it was not until 1992 that 7FTS again disbanded at Church Fenton. For many years, RAF Church Fenton was the venue for an annual air show; SSAFA provided the organisation and participants, the station provided airfield facilities and backup personnel. The last SSAFA Air Show was held on Sunday 17 July 1994, by which time RAF Church Fenton was virtually closed down, only the airfield being maintained. By the end of 2013, the only unit at Church Fenton with

7 RAF affiliation was, and still is, No 2434 (Church Fenton) Sqn Air Cadets. It seemed that, by the end of the 1st decade of the 21st Century, Church Fenton’s link with aviation would end. Fortunately, all was not lost when the RAF finally left Church Fenton airfield (the only part in use by then) as the airfield was purchased by a fruit farmer and entrepreneur from the Leeds area, Mr Chris Makin. His intention was to develop Church Fenton as a civilian airfield, including a flying school, and the site is now known as Leeds Airport East. Much filming work is also undertaken at Church Fenton with use of the ex-RAF hangars; one example being the recent period TV drama, “Victoria”, with many indoor scenes filmed in the hangars. On Sunday 4 January 2015, the new owners of Church Fenton Airfield organised a fly-in at the former RAF airfield to mark it's passing from an RAF airfield to a civilian owned and operated airfield. Over 200 aircraft attended, among them a good smattering of historic types. Commercial passenger flights were always part of Mr Makin’s plans but remain an aspiration however, as the UK Civil Aviation Authority has granted a licencing application but planning permissions are still required. Like most RAF airfields, Church Fenton is accessible only via winding country roads, although Church Fenton village has good rail links at Church Fenton Junction. On 26 2015, Leeds Airport East held its 1st post closure air display. It managed to include the superb sight of Vulcan XH558 on one of its last flights before retirement, accompanied by two civilian owned Folland Gnats from North Weald. The air show was a success but there were some organisational problems and many people were stuck in traffic. However, it seems that the old Church Fenton air displays might once again take place in some form. The SSAFA displays were certainly popular (although our weekends were written off!) and, of course, many other people who served at RAF Church Fenton will have their own memories on which to linger. In my case, serving there led to a new direction in my life which led, ultimately, to eventual retirement in nearby York in 2016. Andy Bryne

Commemerative Tucano today 1st Tucano to be delivered, May 1989

(colour images by author, monochrome from open internet sites.)

An interesting story with a Church Fenton connection VERNON CHARLES KEOGH

The diminutive Pilot Officer Vernon Charles “Shorty” Keogh may have been the smallest pilot of the entire Royal , but he had the heart and courage of a giant. At 4’-10”, Shorty had to use two seat cushions when flying his Spitfire with

8 609 Squadron. Born in Elizabeth, New , he was an airshow pilot and had an astonishing 500 demonstration parachute jumps to his credit.

He first travelled to to join the Finns in their fight against Russia, but by the time he got there, that fight was over. He then attempted to join the French Air Force during the , but was shunted about without ever getting into a squadron or flying an . With the fall of France, he managed to get to aboard the last boat leaving, was accepted in the RAF and joined 609 Squadron at the height of . Following the end of that great aerial battle, he joined two American friends from 609 Squadron (the burly Andy Mamedoff and Eugene “Red” Tobin, both of whom who had been with him in France) and joined the newly-formed 71 Squadron, one of the famous all-American in which heroic Americans fought for the RAF long before America was pushed into the war. Here we see the three men (Tobin on the left) together at RAF Church Fenton where the squadron was forming. Mamedoff (right) is pinning an Eagle Squadron badge on Shorty’s sleeve. During the Battle of Britain, Keogh participated in the shooting down of the ’s only flame-throwing - a - on September 15, 1940, the day we celebrate as . He was killed on operations with 71 Squadron the following year. His body was never recovered. ** ONE DARK NIGHT In the dark of the night on 2 August 1943, RAF pilot, Flight Sergeant John Alwyn “Pee Wee” Phillips, DFM, turned to his Flight Engineer, Sergeant Herbert C McLean, nodding that he was ready. McLean, in his folding jump seat, pushed the throttles of HR871, LQ-B, to full takeoff power. The four powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engines responded immediately and the aircraft surged forward, quickly gathering speed. The tail came up and Pee Wee, who was short in stature, sitting on a custom-made seat cushion, could now see the runway. McLean and Pee Wee looked down the dark stretch of tarmac, just catching a ghostly glimpse of another 405 Squadron “Halibag” lifting off into the

9 black of the night. Moments later, his hurtling down the runway, Phillips pulled back smoothly on the yoke and the black machine of retribution parted from the sweet earth of RAF Gransden Lodge. As the Halifax lifted into the sky, McLean applied the brakes and selected gear up. The massive tires, on their cast magnesium carriages began their labourious hydraulically-assisted travel into the wheel wells. Across the field in the control tower, airmen could just make out their departure and into the 405 Squadron operational record book, the adjutant marked the time - 2308 hrs. Climbing into the night, Phillips and crew worked their way through take-off checks. McLean was a Canadian, hailing from the tiny farming town of Star City, Saskatchewan. Though Pee Wee was from Swansea, , 405 was a Canadian unit, most of the lads on his crew were Canucks. Ahead, and below their feet, in an extremely claustrophobic and dark space, sat Wireless Operator Sergeant Ron Andrews, from . Ahead of Andrews on the starboard side, was navigator, Sergeant Graham Mainprize, also from Saskatchewan. Even further forward, in the glazed nose, sat Bomb Aimer, Sergeant Vernon Alfred Knight, from Wales. McLean would spend much of the flight in the space aft of Pee Wee Phillips, whilst behind him, aft of the wing spar, was Mid-Upper Gunner Wilfred Herbert “Joe” King, another Canadian boy, from Gravenhurst, Ontario, with the most commanding view in all Bomber Command. Far behind them, in the loneliest and, some say, the most dangerous position, was Rear Gunner Sergeant Lloyd D. Kohnke, from Dunblade, Saskatchewan. They were a tight knit crew, most having been together since 22 OTU, RAF Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, where they flew battered, war-worn Wellingtons. Only Mainprize was relatively new, joining the crew after they lost their first navigator, Huey Huston, from Vancouver, when he was “borrowed” by the Group Commander for a single combat , and was shot down. Into that dark and fateful night, Pee Wee Phillips held the yoke steady as more than 50,000 pounds of aluminum and steel, high octane fuel, and explosives, clawed resolutely for altitude. Destination - . It would be the “Night of the Great Storm”. Pee Wee and his experienced crew had been briefed; there may be bad weather en route, no idea how bad. Halifax HR871, LQ-B, was one of 740 , 669 of which were four-engined heavies (Halifax, Lancaster, Stirling) and this was to be the last raid in a ten-day long and destructive series of day and night raids on Hamburg. Called Operation Gomorrah, the raids were conducted by the “Mighty Eighth” of the US Air Army Air Force by day, RAF Bomber Command at night. Phillips headed east into the blackest of nights, crossing the North Sea south of Amsterdam, turning northeast to follow the Dutch coast, up around the Frisian Islands - with their flak concentrations. Heavy turbulence was making things extremely uncomfortable. Flying close to and Bremerhaven they could see a gargantuan electrical storm ahead; flashes of lightning, bruised-looking cumulonimbus clouds - seen in the lightning flashes - towered way up above them. The malevolent weather, too wide and high to skirt, sat astride their bombing run. There was nothing for it but to enter this meteorological hell. As they approached the target the Halifax was lit by blue-green flashes of lightning, and tossed about like a light aircraft. Ice began to accumulate on the wings, and the controls became increasingly sluggish. St. Elmo’s fire could be seen building on propeller and wing tips. One can only imagine the stress as these brave

10 young men continued in these conditions. Close to the target, they were hammered by lightning, a deafening and explosive clap of thunder, and a searing flash of blinding light struck everyone senseless. As Phillips recalled in an interview with the many years later: “It was just one hell of an explosion, bits of aircraft flying all over the place. We were all blinded. Couldn’t see a thing.” They lost power to the two inboard engines as the surge instantly fried the electrical system, as well as the radio. Pee Wee lost all his instruments except for the critical airspeed indicator, the blinding flash caused Phillips to lose control temporarily. With only two engines, no instruments, the aircraft lost altitude - 19,000 to 8,000 feet in a matter of minutes - before control was regained. There was no way they could continue on to drop Target Indicators. Likely, there would be few bombers that could get through this mess anyway. While it might be possible to fly on just two engines, the risks of doing so over the icy North Sea were too high to contemplate. Gathering his wits, he had Vern Knight jettisoned the TIs, and asked Mainprize to work out a course to Sweden. His hope was to find an airfield at which to land, or to bail out over neutral territory. Flying north over , they made Faxe Bay and waters of Baltic Sea between the Danish and Swedish coasts. At an altitude of just 4,000 feet, they were able to identify Falsterbo lighthouse, the southernmost tip of Sweden. Continuing northeasterly, Phillips flew on through the night. Turning 180 degrees over the lakes at Ringsjön and Vombsjön, setting a new course southwesterly, he pointed the damaged bomber back towards the Baltic Sea and ordered the crew to bail out. Holding steady, trimming for level flight, Phillips waited for his crew to leave. Lloyd Kohnke and Joe King opened the floor hatch in the aft fuselage and dropped out into the night sky. Kohnke could have bailed out from his turret, but it was likely he joined King in the fuselage, there being no need to watch for enemy fighters over Sweden. Vernon Knight, Graham Mainprize and Ron Andrews followed in the forward compartment, jumping out through the escape hatch below Mainprize’s nav station. McLean dropped down to the lower crew compartment and followed the others out. Phillips, now alone, carefully released the yoke, slid to his right, and followed McLean, dropping into the dark, cool, night. Above him, “his” Halifax powered on through the dark, heading towards the western Baltic Sea. With only two engines she would lose altitude, gradually. All seven members of the crew landed in relative safety. There were some cuts and lacerations, and Pee Wee broke a wrist, but the only real casualty was a cow that was killed when Pee Wee Phillips landed on it. Minutes after the crew left, LQ-B crossed the coast between Trelleborg and Falsterbo, at Kämpinge Bay, on a course that would take her back to Hamburg. She continued for several miles out over the black waters of the Baltic. Sometime in the early hours of 3 August 1943, the dark and shadowy form, running on two engines, slammed into the sea, unseen. We can never know how she hit the surface, but she did not entirely disintegrate. She settled on the seabed, just 50 feet below. When the sun came up on 3 August 1943, only fuel stains and minor debris marked her death, and they were already miles away from where she had come to rest. With her crew safe, no one cared for LQ-B, so she lay alone and undiscovered on the seabed. There is a doctor near Hull, England by the name of Jeoren Pinto. Dutch by birth, “Jay”, as he is known to his friends, is “afflicted” by the same passion that

11 motivates many of his fellow Dutchmen - an all-consuming interest in the history of WWII, combined with a deep-set desire to honour those who participated in the liberation of his homeland. In particular, Jay Pinto is fascinated by stories of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Such was his passion that all his friends and many of his patients knew this. In 2011, one such patient, Gordon Dore, told Jay about a neighbour in Hull who had been a Halifax pilot with 405 “Vancouver” Squadron. It wasn’t long before Jay met Pee Wee Phillips and began recording some chats with him. Jay was particularly inspired by Phillips’ story of the crew of LQ-B bailing out over Sweden. After their first meeting, Jay’s curiosity had him typing in “Halifax”, “Sweden”, and “crash” into Google. He was instantly directed to an article entitled “Divers find WWII bomber off Swedish Coast”. The divers - part of a Lund University-funded series of expeditions - were conducting this dive because the Swedish Coast Guard had registered something interesting on sonar scans during routine training. The divers, expecting to find rock outcroppings came across the remains of a long lost aircraft. The story mentioned the possibility of it being Halifax HR871, damaged in 1943, and abandoned by its crew over Sweden. Jay was able to connect the scientists with the actual pilot, John Alwyn “Pee Wee” Phillips. Halifax 57 Rescue, , has, for the past decade, been sourcing and acquiring components needed to build a Halifax, able to be started and taxied, a legacy to a generation of young Canadian men who served and died on the type. ** A lone sniper was just about to assassinate Donald Trump. Just at the last moment, one of the President's bodyguards spotted him. He immediately shouted "Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse!" A shot rang out and Trump fell dead. As his aides gathered round the body, one of them asked the bodyguard why he had shouted, "Mickey Mouse" 'I'm sorry" he said, "I meant to shout "Donald, duck!" * Puns for Educated Minds 1. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. 2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, 'Dam!' 3. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab centre said: 'Keep off the Grass'. 4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says, 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive'. 5. A vulture carrying two dead raccoons boards an airplane. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger'. ** OUR SURVEY ON RECEIVING THE CHRONICLE In the last issue we sent out a survey advising members that due to the ever increasing cost of Royal Mail postage the committee decided we should try and establish which members currently receiving the Chronicle by snail mail also had an email address so we could send it out basically free. We did offer the option of using a friend’s email if they would help, and appreciated that some of our members are without an email address, not well, were housebound or invalided, and would treat them as exceptions,

12 still send the Chronicle via Royal Mail. From this issue on (except February, when we required to send it with the AGM paperwork) the Chronicle will not be sent out by Royal Mail (except for the exceptions detailed above). We have sent out a final census form and would ask those who have not already submitted one on the first census to please fill it in and send it back to us. This is very important. Just by way of understanding our aims, I give below the breakdown on the last census. Forms returned 39. No to receiving further Chronicles 12 (Including gone-aways and deceased) Already receiving by email 9 Wish to change to email 11 Will collect at Branch 3 Exceptional cases, to still get by post 4 Believe it or not, just this small sample saves some £52 a year on postage. Brian Mennell Chairman, RAFA York I became confused when I heard the word 'service' used with these agencies: Banking 'Service' Postal 'Service' Telephone 'Service' Pay TV 'Service' Government 'Service' Customer 'Service' Bureaucratic 'Service' This is not what I thought 'Service' meant. Then I visited my uncle, he's a farmer, and he hired a bull to "Service' his cows. Suddenly - It all became clear - Now I understand what all those agencies are doing to us! ** There are only two ways to live your life: one is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle." (Albert Einstein) As we grow older and wiser we realize that a £300 or £30 watch - both tell the same time. Whether we carry a £300 or £30 wallet/handbag - the amount of money inside is the same. Whether we drink a bottle of £300 or £30 or £3 wine - the hangover is the same. Whether the house we live in is 300, 3,000 or 30,000 sq. ft. - the loneliness is the same. And we realize our true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether we fly first or economy class, as long as the plane reaches its destination everyone arrives at the same time. Therefore, we should realize that when we have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, with whom we can chat, laugh, talk, sing, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth - that is true happiness! **

13 WE WILL NOT FORGET In the darkest days of World War two when everything seemed lost, as an infant I was shielded from the dreadful human cost. But I remember Granddad frowning as I tried to sing a song, and then his gruff, but loving voice, “Shh child, the News is on!”

On a sunny bright Spring morning I could hear the cuckoo cry, but I did not know that Spitfires too were flying up on high. For I was only three just then (though very nearly four) so in the little cottage I laughed and played some more.

I remember Grannie’s table where she made her apple pies, though rationing made every day a challenge and surprise. In the summer I picked daisies and in the winter played in snow, whilst waiting for my Daddy – a man I did not know.

When each long day was over and the stars replaced the sun, we said our prayers for loved ones and we hoped the War was won. I kissed the photo of my Dad and said a last “Goodnight”, “He will be safe” my Mother said as she put out the light.

Then Grannie did the washing up and sang her tuneful song, and Granddad turned the wireless up, “Shh dear! The News is on!” Then in his Home Guard uniform whilst I lay in my bed, he biked off to the village. “To do his bit” he said.

Little did I know it then as I said my last “God bless” that the War would end that very day. (I was too young to guess). But next month was my birthday, and there was a special treat and my present was my Father, home, my life was then complete.

That generation has moved on – and us young ones now are old, but our loved ones are immortalised by every tale that’s told. Those that fought in World War One, then ‘did their bit’ some more, they watched their sons go off again to fight another War.

We remember those, forever young, immortalised by time, who never will be old and grey and stay locked in their prime. Those of us, just infants then, with knowledge yet to form, will one day pass the baton on to those yet to be born.

In this changing world its hard to grasp just what we really owe, to men who fought so bravely in that time so long ago. With the Internet and shrinking Globe and, of course, the mobile phone, It’s easy to forget, at times, how once we stood alone.

How once so many children kissed their photographs goodnight, not knowing that their Mothers prayed as they put out the light.

14 How once the church bells rang again and relief and joy combined, mixed up with grief and gratitude to the soldiers left behind.

The children born in World War two are growing older yet – Like those before and after, they too will not forget. From the Granddad injured on The Somme but glad he was alive, to the Father back from Hitler’s bombs, just grateful to survive.

We are the generation which grew up safe from harm, too young to know or understand the meaning of alarm. But now we see by satellite and watch with bated breath – reports from yet more and yet another death.

Once notices on Town Hall doors – then ‘wireless’ BBC, But now it’s instant access on Satellite TV. We see it as it happens and I stop my cheerful song, and I hear myself, like Granddad, say “Shh dear, the News is on!” Joan Blackburn **

15 EVENTS for RAFA (York) Branch 2017 Known dates for diary for 2017 (will be up-dated on a regular basis on website and Club noticeboard)

*Please note in would be appreciated out of courtesy if you intend/would like to attend any of the events listed to inform the chairman so that we know numbers to seat/cater for*

Thursday Dec 7th Dining-In (Christmas with a twist) 19:00

Wednesday Dec 20th Film Show at the Club 12:30

Thursday Jan 4th Page Turning, York Minster 12:00

Saturday Jan 20th Auction at the club 12:00

Saturday Jan 27th Burns Night 19:00

Saturday Mar 3rd AGM at the Club 11:00

Please note that in relation to all the above Wings/Fund raising events, a list for volunteers will appear on the Branch/Club notice board in due course nearer to the event date (as times/confirmation details on many are yet to be ratified)

PS. Please note that the ‘Themed dining-in dates’ may be subject of change/cancellation in order to avoid clashing with other more pressing branch activities/matters. For the latest events list please check our website - www.rafayork.org

Aldwark Chronicle is the in-house newsletter of York Branch RAFA. Any views expressed or implied are those of the editor or contributors. Articles, cartoons, news items, comments & letters are welcome. Editor - David Taylor, 7 Deerstone Way, Dunnington, York YO19 5RB Tel:01904 593259, e-mail: [email protected]

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