INSIDE THIS 24 PAGE ISSUE

PROPOSED MUSEUM AND VEHICLES PURCHASE NY FIRE DEPARTMENT VISIT RAF WADDINGTON/TATTERSHALL WEEKEND RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATION BASRAH TANKER CONVOY FIRE IRAQ FIREFIGHTER’S WEDDING REMEMBRANCE PARADE REVIEW PROPOSED GOLF SOCIETY STOKE AGM/REUNION REPORT ASSOCIATION SHOP

December 2004 www.fireservicesassociation.net £1.00 (Free to members) Who To Contact Member’s Second Honour

President Dave Kenyon member 239 Keith Penfold member 9 47 Grange Avenue Special Report on TREMENDOUS 80 Pitts Field Thornbury HONOUR FOR RETIRED ‘HUNNY’ BOBBY!’ Cricklade Bradford BD3 7BE Wiltshire tel/fax 01274 666 043 26 AUGUST 2004 SN6 6AW e-mail: [email protected] retired Hunstanton bobby could be the first Norfolk person tel 01793 751 536 to pick up a special civic award usually reserved for people AREA CO-ORDINATORS A Vice-President living in an East London Borough. Dennis McCann member 7 Devon & Cornwall Lulworth, John Savage (member 180) served as a policeman in Newham, Wilf Longmire member 83 London, for 21 years – for which he has already been awarded Clacton Road 28 Cormorant Drive Weeley Heath St Austell the MBE – but retired in February on his 60th birthday. He Clacton on Sea Cornwall moved with his wife, Jeanie, to Mercedes Avenue, Hunstanton, Essex PL25 3BA two years ago. CO16 9ED tel 01726 642 74 tel/fax 01255 830 546 Speaking of his special civic award, he said; “I’m absolutely Norfolk chuffed, and it was quite emotional receiving it. I think I’m Chairman Steve Doran member 41 the first person, who does not live in the borough, to receive Roger Brooks member 16 Ronal this award. I am genuinely grateful to receive this tremendous 18 Farm Close 22 Gunn Street Seaford Foulsham honour.” Sussex Norfolk BN25 3RZ Presenting it to Mr. Savage, Newham NR20 5RJ Councillor, Patrick Holland said: tel 01323 899 562 e-mail-suero- tel 01362 683 795 [email protected] “The decision to give John an award RAF was an easy one – it was for all the Vice-Chairman Steve Bowden member 413 extra help he has given to the police Jim Paterson member 405 Station Fire Officer forum, and especially the civic office. 18 Plover Court RAF St Athan John has organised quizzes acted as Rossington Barry Nr. Doncaster Glamorgan unpaid Toastmaster, and helped with South Yorkshire CF62 4WA many projects on a voluntary basis.” DN11 0HU tel 01446 798 393 tel 01302 864 742 Superintendent Roger Smalley added Scotland – “This award recognises John’s exceptional contribution to the Secretary Rab Dawson member 527 forum, and its predecessor, the consultative group. It reflects George Edwards BEM mem. 238 24 Malvern Court well on John and on all police officers serving in the borough.” 8 East Close Gallowgate Ecclestone Park Glasgow Mr. Savage was given the award last week at Newham Town Prescot G31 1TW Hall, East Ham. He began his service in the borough in 1982 Merseyside tel 0141 554 7794 L34 2RA as a home beat officer in West Ham, before transferring to the youth and community section. Last year, Mr. Savage received tel 01514 26 5 093 Wales email - george.edwards46@ Ian King member 242 the MBE for his services to the police. virgin.net Warren Bungalow Note - This article was extracted from the Lynn News, King’s John’s Lane Hirwaun Lynn, Norfolk. Treasurer Mid Glamorgan Congratulations John, you and your family must be very proud Geoff Varley member 221 Wales 3 Fairway CF44 9TB of the award – Ed. Girton tel 01685 811 131 Cambridge John Savage (third left) receives a special award from a London CB3 0QF SouthYorkshire & Derbyshire 01223 276 772 John Arnold member 394 22 Crookes Broom Lane Membership Secretary Hatfield Bob Feather member 218 Doncaster Bank House DN7 6JN Station Road tel 0132 351 196 Bolton Percy York YO23 7AP tel/fax 01904 744 903 e-mail:[email protected] Borough for his service to the local community. With him, from the left, are Supt Roger Smalley, Patrick Holland, civic ambassador, Patricia Holland, and last year’s civic ambassador, Joy L. Editor Flashpoint

© The copyright of this journal is vested in the Royal Air Force and Defence Fire Services Association. No part may be copied, or stored, in any type of retrieval system, electronic or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Editor.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 2 www.fireservicesassociation.net Flashpoint Editorial

would like to thank and becomes part of our I everyone who tele- history for posterity. CONTENTS phoned, wrote and Long after we are gone, 2 Who to Contact, and member 180, emailed his or her our memories,stories, John Savage’s Civic Award. congratulations on my anecdotes and ‘Tales first issue of Flashpoint of Yester-year’, will 3 Editorial & front cover photo in August. I was a live on in those copies. 4 A Note from the Chairman & Stoke little worried as to the P l e a s e k e e p y o u r museum October Reunion response of members articles, anecdotes in April 2005, when when I drafted it, but my and photos coming. it will become known 5 Membership & Remembrance fears proved unfounded. We need your input. If as the John Arthur Report & Christmas Message Members appear to like you want your items Memorial Museum. 6 Personal Profiles of Treasurer & the format and presenta- back, please ensure you If more details are Newly Elected Secretary tion. include an SAE for their available before going 7-9 Members Letters & Appreciation safe return, otherwise to press, I will let you After the AGM, I was it falls to Association all know. 10 Memory Lane - RAF Changi overwhelmed with the funds to subsidise the 11 Tattershall/Waddington Weekend support I received, cost. Thank you. R e g a r d s a n d b e s t and was inundated wishes, 12-13 ‘Our Man in New Zealand’ with ideas, items, and Additionally, if the photos for Flashpoint. proposal to form a Dave Kenyon 239 14 RAFDFSA Enterprises - “Shop!” I also heard quite a few museum in memory Editor December 2004 15 Ground Zero/NY Fire Dept. Visit stories from members, of our late founding and encour-aged them president, John Arthur, 16 Brief History of the Association to put them on paper mentioned in this issue, 17 In Memoriam & Requiem Poem and get them to me. gets off the ground, Even if it’s only a it makes for exciting 18 News - Views - Updates - Diary & small item, a memory, times ahead! It’s hoped Deadline Dates or a brief anecdote, it that members of John 19 Firefighters Wedding - Next Issue still needs to be told. Arthur’s family will - Tattershall/RAF Coningsby 2005 Once it’s published in dedicate and open the 20 Photographic Memories Updates Flashpoint, it’s archived 21 End Of Year Report - Vehicles Acknowledgement of the original front Purchase & Proposed Museum cover photograph showing a “Practice Dedicated to John Arthur Crash” exercise by ‘A’ Crew RAF Marham 22 RAF & Defence Fire Services - April 1968 for USA Air Force firefighters. Making a ‘Splash’ in Basrah! The photo shows, on the left, a Dual 23 Brief Histories of the Royal Air Purpose Tender MK2 (DP2) and right, an Alvis Pyrene MK6 Crash Truck producing Force and Defence Fire Services foam with firefighters in full crash gear and bone-dome helmets. 24 Your Stories - Firefighters Battle Photograph courtesy of Bob Feather Membership Secretary member Basrah Fuel Blaze! 218.

Address for all letters etc:- EDITORIAL NOTES Flashpoint - 47 Grange Avenue, Thornbury, We welcome your comments and enquiries about Flashpoint, or the Bradford. BD3 7BE Association in general. tel/fax 01274 666 043 e-mail [email protected] l Letters should be kept brief. Please include your name, address, telephone & l The Editor reserves the right to edit, or shorten, any letter or correspondence membership number and why not a photo and brief in order to fit available space. service details for publication with your letter or l Anonymous, or unsigned letters will not be published, nor anything of an article. offensive or abusive nature. l Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed by the Note:- Ensure you enclose an SAE for any items Editor or the Officers and Committee of the Association. you wish returned to you. Thankyou. l The Editor’s decision is final. Dave Kenyon member 239 www.fireservicesassociation.net 3 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 A Note from the Chairman CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS AGM & REUNION STOKE- ON - TRENT - 22nd to the 24th October 2004 elcome to you all at our 2004 AGM. The Committee has been working hard To close, I would WIt’s been quite an eventful year for the Association and has moved our l i k e t o e x t e n d again. Unfortunately a few of our members meetings to the ATC Headquarters in a personal thank have passed on including our Founding Cambridge. A big thank you goes to Geoff y o u t o a l l t h e President, John Arthur. Our thoughts go Varley, our Treasurer, for arranging this, C o m m i t t e e f o r out to their families. and to his wife Hazel, for the food she puts their continued hard on at lunchtime. My wife, Sue enjoyed her work and support Looking on the bright side, we have new visit to Cambridge when we had our last and to you, our members who have joined our Association meeting, especially when her eyes nearly members, without and it continues to grow from strength to popped out of her head when she spotted whose backing, the strength. A special welcome to any of you a naked cyclist. Apparently he had the best Association would not exist. who have not been to one of our reunions sun tan she has ever seen! before, I hope that you enjoy the weekend Roger Brooks Chairman and meeting old (and not so old) comrades. In order to further publicise the Association Member 16 the Committee made the decision to As you may be aware Alan Alsop has send out a poster and supply of leaflets/ . retired, as Editor of Flashpoint, and I membership forms to relevant museums would like to extend a big thank you to across the country. We have set up a coding him for all his hard work over the last system so it will be interesting to see what few years. Dave Kenyon has taken over response, if any, we get and from where? MARCH STOKE AGM this job and the Flashpoint you will have AGENDA recently received was his first issue. Well- This year, as the shop has been doing so done Dave. well, we have put it on a more professional footing. You may not be aware that 1. CHAIRMAN’S OPENING This year the Association attended the Bob Feather had been paying for the ADDRESS Waddington Air Show. It went reasonably merchandise out of his own pocket and 2. INTRODUCTION OF well but the weather was not kind, high then claiming it back, so we decided to COMMITTEE winds and rain, and most people packed turn it into a small business generating 3. APOLOGIES up early. However, we did get a few income for the Association and being an new members signed up and made some instrument for recruitment at the air shows. 4. REVISED CONSTITUTION sales from the shop. Thank you to our 5. MINUTES OF LAST A.G.M. volunteers, and others who supported It is called RAFDFSA Enterprises, and has them, for sticking it out. (See brief report it’s own bank account and three signatories 6. MATTERS ARISING and photos on page 9 of this issue). As for the cheques book. I would like to pay 7. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT some of you are aware, we were going special thanks to Bob feather and Geoff 8. TREASURER’S REPORT to be in attendance at the RIAT, (Royal Varley for setting this up and, of course, International Air Tattoo), at Fairford in to the boss, my wife Sue. I would like to 9. ELECTION OF SECRETARY July) however, this unfortunately fell thank Bob and Geoff for their work in & EDITOR (See new through. RIAT were expecting us to pay setting this up and, of course, to the boss, Secretary’s profile on page 6 of a daily ground rent charge for the shop Sue. this issue) marquee as well as physically provide 10. FLASHPOINT EDITOR’S airshow volunteers manpower (and woman power) with the REPORT setting up and running of the show as well wanted 11. MEMBERSHIP as vehicles for display. The Committee felt In looking forward to next year, 2005 is the SECRETARY’S REPORT that this was unacceptable and withdrew 10th anniversary of our Association, so the from the show. Committee will be attempting to arrange 12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS something special. We will be attending The project that we are funding at the RAF air shows at Waddington, RIAT and the Museum at Hendon is going ahead and Eastbourne 999 weekend at least. If any John Savage was due to attend to update of you can help please give your name the meeting but, work commitments to Wilf Longmire for RIAT, Jim Paterson Word of Mouth! prevented him from doing so. Basically, for Waddington or myself for Eastbourne. RAF Hendon are applying for funding gain, I urge all members to (Details on page 2 – Who To Contact). for the Information ‘Pods’ (An interactive Apass on the word about our Association to all their friends who served with us. Not electronic information device, to be We do have vacancies for Coordinators only RAF, but you lads who are serving or programmed with the history and details in some areas, it is not too arduous, just have served in the Defence Fire Services. of the Association) and, for the time being, keeping in touch and promoting the Recruiting must carry on. That is why we the project is in abeyance. Association when able. If you can help, need YOUR help! please contact a member of the Committee.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 4 www.fireservicesassociation.net Membership News

ince my last report it is my S g r e a t p l e a s u r e , o n Publicity / Membership Leaflets behalf of the Association, The Association now has a stock of leaflets. They serve that I welcome the latest two main purposes:- new members to our great 1 By helping publicise us. Association. Listed below are their names and membership 2They also act as an application form. numbers:- would like to get these into as many places as possible e.g :- Museums, Post Offices, Libraries or 729 John Charlesworth I 741 Dave Starkings anywhere the public may go, even corner shops. 730 Mike Maker 742 Sam Fox The more we put into the public domain the better 731 John Stanway 743 Frank Cassidy chance of finding new members. 732 Gordon Ayles 744 Andy Barnes MBE 733 Stan Hopkins 745 Michael Caffrey If you can help please contact me and I will send you 734 Richard Duncan 746 Steve Briggs some leaflets. 735 Bernie Carter 747 Ronald Settle Bob Feather Mem Sec. 736 Ian Langley 748 Peter Hencher 737 John Armson 749 David Hails 738 David Edwards 750 Janette Carter 739 Thomas McCrorie Bob Feather 740 Martin Trafford Member 218

Remembrance Parade Report The Saturday and Sunday of Remembrance weekend turned out to be just about the best you could wish for with clear blue sky, bright sunshine and not too cold. Sixteen tickets were applied for and I sent fifteen out to members. Unfortunately, two were unable to make it due to circumstances beyond their control. Bob Dickinson usually flies down to London on the Sunday morning, but he was taken ill on the Saturday and into hospital for observation. I phoned Bob when I got home because I knew it had to be something serious to stop him getting there. Bob was all right, but a bit shaken by the experience and pig-sick about missing the parade! Another regular on parade but unable to make it this time, was Gabriel Costello and I also phoned him for the same reason. In Gabriel’s case, it was the vagaries of public transport that had him hopping mad and, believe me, he was hopping mad when I spoke to him. I reckon he would have liked to get hold of whoever was responsible, and demonstrated surgery without anaesthetic on some tender part of their anatomy! Before the parade moved off from Horse Guards Parade, we had all agreed that, this year, we would make this the best yet in every way, always in step, always in line, heads up, shoulders back and arms swinging; and we did! Not only was this for our satisfaction and pride; it was also for the very reason we were there in the first place with the main motivation being in memory of two founder members, John Knight, founding treasurer, who passed away almost a year to the day, and founding president, John Arthur, who passed away earlier in the year and all those members recently passed away. My wife had no idea of what was said, or agreed to, on Horse Guards parade, but she saw us quite clearly marching along Whitehall, and told me later that she was proud of us all. We looked so smart, all in step and in perfect formation. So it will continue, we have set our standard and will keep it; the day demands no less and we will continue to keep alive the memory of our departed members. Alan Alsop member 49

P lease - Make yourself known at The President, Vice Peterborough March 05 Reunion - President, Officers, Committee and Coordi- The March reunion is coming and if you intend going, nators of the Association you will need to book (if you have not already done wish to extend to the so). I will be there as usual, and hope to see some of the members, their families, friends both old and new at the meeting. If it is your and serving firefighters first reunion do please make yourself known to me. everywhere, Good Health, Ask someone; we are a friendly lot! a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2005, our 10th Anniversary Celebration Year.

www.fireservicesassociation.net 5 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 Personal Profiles

Your Treasurer - Geoff Varley member 221 Geoff joined the Royal Air Force RAF North Weald, Essex. at the time) was expecting Fire & Rescue Service in 1956 Although very exciting to watch delivery of the station’s Mk 6, and trained at the Fire School 111 Squadron’s flying displays; and Geoff was one of only three at RAF Sutton on Hull near there were not many “shouts trained Driver/Operators on the Kingston-upon-Hull, and then (call outs).” section. the Driving School at RAF In May 1958 Geoff went For anyone who has served Weeton near Blackpool, passing back to the Fire School (still under WO Taff Williams, (one out as an Aerodrome Fireman/ at Sutton), for training as an of Willies boys), will know Driver in October 1956. in 1995., but still keeps contact Mk 6. Driver/Operator. On his that he was very active in Fire with the Corps, as Treasurer His first posting was to return to Luffenham, he was to competitions, and Geoff was for the Beds & Cambs Wing, RAF Acklington (F/13) discover he, and all the rest of the a member of his team (Mk 6 and Deputy Chairman of the in Northumberland, then an section, had been posted to RAF Driver/op), when it won the Civilian Committee of his old A Armament Practice Camp. Wattisham (F/ll) in Suffolk. Fighter Command Crash Fire TC Squadron. Whilst there he attended a Drill competition in 1959. At Wattisham, things really got number of “shouts” involving In 1985 Geoff was appointed hectic, (too many “shouts” to Geoff left the service in 1960 Meteor NF 11’s and Vampires, Quality and Health & Safety remember), with 111 Squadron intending to join the Civilian and also the “station hack”, Manager for the Marshall Motor Hunter F6s, 41 Squadron Javelin Fire Service but was invited to a twin-engined Avro Anson Group, and later to the post of FAW4’s & 5’s, 29 Squadron join the Transport Department aircraft. Group Safety Advisor, a position Javelin FAW6’s and 56 Squadron at Marshall of Cambridge, later he still holds in his retirement. In May 1957, he was posted Hunter F5 & 6’s. to become a manager within its to RAF North Luffenham Motor Spares Division. It was whilst at Wattisham, (F/81) in Rutland. The station that Geoff was sent on a short In 1973 Geoff joined the Air N.B. F 11, 13 and 81 refer to was then an OCU, (Operational detachment to RAF Leeming Training Corps as a Squadron Station identity numbers within Conversion Unit), with Brigand in Yorkshire, for a very strange Warrant Officer, later to be Fighter Command. T5’s, Balliol T2’s, Valettas, exercise, (see Flashpoint Vol. promoted to a Flight Lieutenant Meteor’s, NF14s and Vampires 1 - Issue No 5). This was much in the RAFVR (T). and NF10’s. to the displeasure of the WO commanded the local 104 (City Later, in February 1958, 111 I/C the Fire Section at the time, of Cambridge) Squadron until Squadron (The Black Arrows), Warrant Officer Williams, who his retirement from the service with Hunter F6s, arrived from Your Newly Elected Secretary George Edwards BEM - member 238 s your new association post of association secretary; Those I have most admired and secretary I would like thirty years ago he nominated me respected are members of our A to say that it did come for the post of entertainment’s association. My first crew chief as a complete surprise to hear secre-tary at Llarbruch NAAFI. Bob Burns, my WO at Llarbruch my name being put forward for Dan McCann the dashing and Since leaving the RAF I have the post at the Stoke reunion; I debonair Steve Davey (that’s been involved in a number of had no idea that Ron was retiring another pint you owe me Steve) “secondary duties”. Up until and certainly no idea I was being and the indomitable Bernard two years ago I was the Officer nominated. I would like to say (Spud) Murphy. Commanding 7F(1st City of straight away, thanks to Ron for Liverpool) Air Cadets. I was My hobbies these days are the work he did, as secretary, and working committee and I will do also Chair of the Liverpool relatively sedentary mainly I know I can always rely on Ron my best in my role as secretary. Duke of Edinburgh’s award spending time with my five for advice and assistance. I would ask if any members, scheme for ten years and a Duke grandchildren although I still particularly those unable to I served as an RAF Fireman of Edinburgh’s award scheme participate in the occasional attend the reunions, have any (with a tour on recruiting duties expedition assessor. mountain walk and game of five comments or suggestions about thrown in) from 1965-1987. On a side football. I do enjoy writing I was also a voluntary caseworker the association to please contact leaving the RAF I qualified as (it takes my mind away from the for SSAFA for many years. me and I will raise those issues a Probation Officer and for the bad mad and sad people I meet My voluntary and professional on your behalf at the next last sixteen years I have been in my job) and I am coming to activities brought me in to committee meeting. employed as Probation Officer the end of my own book all about contact with many organisations in my native Liverpool. Whilst my time in the RAF, which I Best wishes, George and individuals, never the less, in the RAF I, along with many hope to have published in the Member 238 none of the people I have met other association members, New Year. come anywhere near those stout participated in secondary duties fellows I met during my RAF I look forward to my stint as and it was ironic hearing Dan service. secretary, as I know that the McCann nominating me for the association has a dedicated hard www.fireservicesassociation.net 6 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 Letters to the Editor

FIRST WEEK IN THE AIR FORCE Proposed Association ‘The Mob’ - 1953! Golf Society! an you remember your first week in Burned Your Boats! the Air Force, in future known as ‘The t is proposed to start a golf society C It was no good writing home to Mum, to Mob!’ I can; it was at RAF Cardington in within the RAF & DFS Fire Service sell the pig and buy me out, as she would I Bedfordshire on the 27th. March 1953. It Association. The main objective have said, ‘Pig gone, stick it out! Rest of wasn’t a training camp, but one for kitting would be to provide a database the week was taken up in I.Q. tests and a out and introduction to ‘The Mob!’ whereby fellow golfers can contact lecture on the history of the RAF. each other and meet up for a game I was one of many, and we were all in the ‘Sizing Up’ The Uniform Issue? of golf. same boat, all strangers together. We were from the North, South, East and West and Then a day in the stores for all that kit! Provided there is enough interest, we all there for one thing – to get into ‘The All the lads in one long queue for one best would also be able to have regional Mob!’ Cardington was a large station and blue and one working blue. The store bod and possibly national meetings and had a great big hangar built for an Airship said, ‘Chest size?’ and everyone looking at play friendly competitions. and also trained Airborne Troops there. the lad next to him, as if he knows! Then the store bod said three words, ‘Large, To assess the feasibility of this But, we were there for a different reason, Medium or Small?’ Next the cap and beret proposal, would any golfers interested, me being an 18 year old lad from a little pit and that same word, ‘size?’ and that same please contact the undersigned with village, 5 mile outside of Doncaster. After look! This time, its not ‘large, medium the following information: we had all stopped walking about with or small?’ its feet and inches! No, just • Your name and membership No mouths hanging wide open, we got down kidding! Its only inches – 7 ½ big! The to the business of joining ‘The Mob!’ By unattached collar is inches too. • Tel No the way, we were all regulars, no National • Email address Servicemen in sight! Real ‘Lambing Gown’ Quality! • Home Club and location Home from Home! That over with we collate the rest of • Handicap the gear. Greatcoat, with all them brass • Whether or not you would be The first thing is a place to sleep, and that buttons; it was a real ‘lambing gown’, three is a wooden hut, (barrack room). It had two willing to assist in organising vests and pants, three shirts, two black Society outings/meetings? rows of iron beds and one black stove in ties, PT vests and shorts, two cap badges, the middle of the hut and no coal to burn one pair of boots and shoes, and no end of Providing there is a good response it is in it! Just pick a bed and they all had one brushes, one button stick and a housewife, hoped to publish a list of members in a pillow and one mattress. It was then off (sewing kit), and one kitbag to put it all in. future edition of Flashpoint and efforts to the bedding stores for pillowcase, two Then, back to the billet to try it all on. Did will be made to organise meetings sheets and four blankets. There were about we have some fun? The collar and collar next year. 30 of us in the hut, and we had the rest of stud caused some right facial expressions the day off to settle down in. to be pulled that day! Dave Kirk Member 414 Medical Tests Parcel Up Your ‘Civvies’ 1 Fyling Road, Whitby, The first test we had was the medical and Then its, “parcel up all your civilian North Yorkshire YO21 3NA that was a full days job. Boy, was it a laugh, clothing to be sent home.” Tel: 01947 604613 if you can walk to the first table, you have [email protected] passed the first test! Then a bloke in a white All Important Number! Me enjoying my favourite hole – the 19th coat is sticking something in your ear and The best part was getting your all-important then in your mouth. (Sounds disgusting number. You will never forget it for the rest and doesn’t bear thinking about Ron! – of your life! It was, number, rank and name Ed.). If you can then stand up and not fall for the rest of your service. flat on your face, then you haven’t got flat feet, (as if you could have round ones!). Off To Square Bashing! There were good parts and not so good.It was something to talk about at night in the After a week of all that, it was off to NAAFI or on your pit, (bed to non-service Bridgenorth for ‘Square Bashing’, but that members), in the hut. is a different story! We were the best; we were invincible at 18 years old! Taking The Oath Regards, ‘Ronnie from Donny’ Day two was a big day as all the lads that Ron Gaunt had passed the medical, had to line up in Member 696 a room and take the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and her successors. Once it was On behalf of all our readers I just have over with, we were in, for good or bad. to ask- What is a ‘lambing gown?’ – Ed. www.fireservicesassociation.net 7 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 Letters to the Editor

WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Congratulations From One Old eorge Edwards member 238 is seeking an old mate, Friend To Another Gnamely RAF Fireman Gerry Schofield, who was a Cpl Fireman at Gutersloh and last heard of as a Recruiting Sergeant Dear Editor, at the Inverness RAF Careers Information Office in 1982. May I through Flashpoint, and the Association, congratulate Ken and Pauline Leverett, on their Anyone who may know of Gerry’s current whereabouts please 50th. Wedding Anniversary, which was celebrated in contact George at :- November 2004. Ken and I first met on a posting to 8 East Close, Eccleston Park, Prescot, Merseyside. L34 2RA Malta. We met several or times on and off duty. email - [email protected] One such time while he was courting Pauline. He asked me to be his best 1966 World Cup - RAF Gutersloh man at their forthcoming A tale told by Roy Hammett wedding. “Delighted”, I told them. On their return Dear Dave, to the UK, in 1955, I lost On the day of the 66 World Cup, I was on duty at RAF Gutersloh, contact with them for Germany. Half of the crew were German firefighters! Luckily, Farewell to Ken and Pauline returning to the UK - Luqa 1955 almost 40 years. there was little flying that day or, if there was, we never noticed it. L/R - Phil, Pauline, Ken My dear friend, and mate, The crew room was a madhouse, as you can imagine, especially Terry Wright, started enquiring, and finding, a few old when the disputed goal came up, the place was then in complete mates from Fire Sections 1953 to 56. Advertising in local uproar! free papers and RAF magazines, he found 21. Many of As the crew commander that day, I could see my career rapidly these are now members of the Association. One advert going down the tubes , if we’d had a shout! was for the whereabouts of Ken Leverett and Dennis McCann (member 7 and founding secretary) replied, I wonder if we have any members who were there at the time. I who knew where to contact him and Terry passed it on must admit, it was an experience I will never forget. to me. Answering the phone one day, to my surprise, I can’t think of a better place to have been on duty that day. it was my old friend Ken with plenty to talk about. We finally came face to face again at our first reunion at Congratulations on the recent edition of Flashpoint. I think it was Stafford in 1995. Many more reunions followed. an excellent effort and most enjoyable content.

Sincerely. Roy Hammett Member 80

What disputed goal Roy? Does anyone else remember one? The goals I saw were all clearly well in!

Anyway, we won 4 - 2, didn’t we - Ed?

So, on behalf of your old mates, 1953 to 56, with whom you have regular contact, and the many more friends you’ve made throughout your distinguished career in the RAF.

Best wishes and congratulations from your old friend Phil. member 71

God bless and hope you don’t mind the photos?

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 8 www.fireservicesassociation.net Letters of Appreciation to the Membership

From the family of the late John Arthur - Founding President of the Association e would like to thank everyone in the Association who sent messages of condolence and cards when Wour Dad finally gave up his fight to live. Thanks go to Bill Lawrence for providing such a fitting escort on Dad’s last journey, to Roger Brooks for doing such a splendid job in bearing the Standard, to Dennis McCann for giving us an insight into Dad’s RAF life & memories, to John Savage for the moving poem. Also our thanks to the Guard of Honour for their part and to everyone who journeyed far and wide to be with us, it was a very moving tribute and helped us all to give Dad the kind of send off he deserved. A total of £280 in donations was collected on behalf of The Diabetes Association, thanks again for your contributions.

A special thanks goes to Keith Penfold and Bill Lawrence for their continued support to the family and their help in sorting out all the memorabilia Dad left behind. How proud we all are that “The John Arthur Memorial Museum” is to be opened next March, it’s wonderful to know Dad’s memory will continue to live on in this way. It might even be a bit like home-from-home for us all, Dad was a true “Scot” and therefore quite a hoarder, his house was full of RAF “treasures and mementos” - as many of you may know only too well, so it’s great to think these will be put to good use and may be of benefit too!

The Royal Air Force and Defence Fire Services Association was very much part of Dad’s life and it gave him tremendous pleasure seeing it develop to what it is today, long may it continue to prosper and grow.

Regards Christine

On behalf of Susan, Christine, Irene and David Left to Right in photograph

Letter of Appreciation from Overseas member 276 to Association friends and colleagues

—— Original Message —— From: thea ellicock To: bob feather Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 9:58 AM Subject: Hello from Australia,

Hi Bob, We are safely back in Australia after the long and tedious journey but it makes up that when you get home you can sit outside and talk about the trip and also the excellent weekend in Stoke and would like to have an inclusion made to the Flashpoint’s next edition to thank everyone for the lovely reception we received. I would like this to go in as follows please,

Dear members, I would like to thank the committee and all the members who made our weekend at Stoke-on-Trent such a memorable occasion. Seeing so many old friends and acquaintances and reminisce of old times will stay with me for a long time. As this was my first reunion, which happily coincided, with my visit from Australia, I don’t think it could ever be repeated and the memories and friendships will last forever. This visit has given me something to talk about for years to come. Many thanks to all who made us both so welcome. Yours Colin and Thea Ellicock. As requested, this email of appreciation is reproduced on behalf of Colin and Thea. It’s obvious that they really enjoyed their visit and the company at Stoke and returned home with many happy memories - Ed.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 9 www.fireservicesassociation.net Memory Lane raf changi association

Including HQFEAF - Founded May 1996

President - H A Probert - MBE MA RAF (retd) Archivist - Mr. J Dicks, 4 Langley Crescent, Kings Langley, Herts. WD4 8EW Tel 01923 400 221 email - [email protected]

Complete Fire Section Personnel, circa 1959 after author returned to England. Back Row - L/R - Cliff Avis, Fred Kington, Bill Sullivan, ‘Tex’ Barnes, Derek Dunn, ‘Swannee’ Rivers, Dave Hutchinson, George Russell, ‘Taff’ Jones, ‘Bearer’ Ray Cammidge, Jock McDougal, Ken Burt, Jock Glencross, ‘Yama’ Moscrop Hussein, Nev. Jolley, Jack Graveson Middle Row - L/R - Alan 41 names listed of Fire Section Personnel RAF Changi circa 1959 Brandon, ‘Taffy’ Shelley, Bob Hamilton, Ken Bugler, Bill Murray, Pete Broadley, W/O HughesBEM, Flt/Lt Fell, Geo. Roy Whitfield, Billy Selkirk, ‘Brum’ Greenwood, Pete Bransfoot, Chris Goddard. Trev. Southgate

have just finished reading Derek Moscrop. I think that I the latest edition of they have now allowed their “Flashpoint”, (April 04 - Ed.) membership to lapse, the first and found it a most interesting due to pressure of work, whilst experience, as it seems to get the other two are not in the best better each time. I thought the of health. I am enclosing a disc pictures of the fire appliances with some photographs on, were great and I wondered if which may be of use to you in it was possible to get copies, future magazines. and if you’ d considered putting the collection on to compact All the best for now, let me disc, and offering it for sale know what you think of the as part of the regalia. Or are Fire Tender disc. there copyright problems? Kindest regards, If there are no problems I RAF Changi Crash Rescue Bays, John Dicks circa 1958. would be willing to produce a Member 495 RAF&DFSA small quantity to see how the membership responded, just Thanks very much for this item for the cost of the discs, say John. I’m sure your article will about ten. spark off many memories for those members who were at The names of the Firemen Changi and maybe served with included three whom I believe some of those personnel during SAC John Dicks and Corporal used to be members of the RAF Lovett, in front of a Mk5a Foam their own service life - Ed. Tender, circa 1958. and Defence Fire Services Association, namely Terry Barnes, Dave Hutchinson and www.fireservicesassociation.net 10 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 Tattershall Weekend and RAF Coningsby Visit Coningsby Crash Crew on Standby for Shackleton Arriving Priority One his is not about an aircraft at all but a think it’s only right that a special thank mats, pens etc; all Tspecial tribute to Joe Shackleton our you should be given to Joe’s daughters and depicting the RAF member 22 and past chairman. For the past family who prepare and serve the nosh. of course. A good six years Joe has been the prime mover in “Well done Girls!” day was had by all organizing the annual get-together now and the evening held at Tattershall Country Park near RAF On the Sunday Joe had arranged a visit to was rounded off Coningsby, Lincolnshire. RAF Coningsby to be hosted by the duty with still more crash crew. We arrived at approx. 10.00hrs booze and food. We have just had such a weekend 25th 26th and, after the usual security clearance, 27th June 2004 This once again turned were escorted by one of the Major Foam It only remains for out to be a popular event with members Vehicles (MFV) to the crash bays; and me to say a big and partners from across the country it there met by Sgt Monoghan who then gave thank you to Joe and I trust he will continue turned out to be an excellent weekend. us the usual Health & Safety Briefing. with this annual get-together for many a Bad weather made Waddington a nono! year to come. However, we did get buzzed early in the We then enjoyed an excellent instruction morning by Spitfires, and later, a fly past period involving the modern MFV and its Ernest A Fisher PRO by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. equipment; this also included a practical Member 385 Saturday night is the usual get together demo of water production. time when we are all invited over to Joe’s Perhaps the biggest highlight was when Cabin for the feast and drinking session, we were allowed to drive an MFV around which goes on until the early hours, eating, the dispersal pans. As you can imagine, drinking and reminiscing. At this stage, I this brought back many memories of the past and certainly was a step up from the 1945 Monitor* etc. Interesting though the Carmichael MFV was, it has a very clunky auto gearbox but still nice to drive!

The visit was rounded off with tea & ‘bikkies’ in the crew room, then the gang

*1945 Monitor ‘On Parade’ with our late founding were invited to help themselves to the RAF Coningsby on-duty crew President; John Arthur, a very remarkable man. vast array of handouts, posters, CD’s table OI/C Sgt. Terry Monaghan Sunday 27th June 2004

RAF Waddington Airshow Shop - Saturday 26 & Sunday 27th June 2004

Volunteer Shop Staff - L/R - Sue & David Hughes - Bob Feather - Peter &Anne Tatler - Brenda & Jim Paterson - Dave Kenyon

Clockwise from bottom left - Overall view of site at rear of old Control Tower - Bob Feather setting up the goods for sale - Volunteer Shop Staff - TACR1 and Association Banner - Dave & Sue Hughes sorting out their TACR1 display

Text and photos - Dave Kenyon

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 11 www.fireservicesassociation.net “Our man in New Zealand”- How did you get there? to Christchurch, and RNZAF that my name had come up in RNZAF Fire Service, There the Singapore Armed Forces. Wigram, which was the Trade connection with a Commission, were quite a few ex-RAF people I was living in hyde Park Gate Training establishment, then to and as we were in Singapore, the there, then, and they were, with at Seletar initially, then in one join a recruit course which had RAF had been asked to do a pre- one exception, very pleased to of those huge ex-Royal Navy been running for three weeks selection with the results to be see me. So With a full head of houses in Woodlands, near the without us. Needless to say, sent back to NZ. Well, you could steam. I set about re-equipping Naval Base. Life was beaut the people in London had told have knocked me over with a the vehicle fleet. First to gowas mate! I never did get to like gin all 15 of us that we would not Tiger Tops! I had some serious the Landrover, it was virtually slings though! The two years be Confrontation, we were on thinking to do, and it must have identical o that of the RAF passed quickly however, marked permanent detach-ment to RAF showed, because both Pete Lee Fire Service, and every bit as by two annual balls run by the Tengah, alongside the various and Joe Dennison collared me overweight and slow. I replaced resident British Battalion, the it with a Dodge, permanent 1st Gordon Highianders, and four wheel Drive, 5.5 litre V8, boy could those guys organise a Automatic, lightly laden with a pissup! They have being doing AFF/Powder Fireboss unit, with it for a while of course, like 600 real lights, not the Toc H lamps years or so! of old. During this time, I also We all returned to NZ in 1976, managed to pass my promotion with me attending the RNZAF exams from Fg. Off to Flt. Lt., Staff College, to qualify for and got married, and bought a further promotion. I remained house. Then, in 1973 I was sent undiscovered long enough to to Singapore to look at what pass, and gain promotion to was left of the UK Defence Fire Sqn. Ldr. I was now the Boss, Service, in the Australia, New and could get stuck in to another Zea-land, United Kingdom, vehicle replacement, the major (ANZUK) organisation. After Crash/Foam vehicle. I had to three weeks. I reported back write a specification, get it to NZ, and my boss, an Air approved by the money-lenders Commodore, told me I was in Treasury, then monitor the going back again for two years, Victor line-up Cottesmore contract once it was let. That did as the post of Fire Officer was not happen at the same speed as available, and the RAF were it takes to read this, let me tell RAF squadrons located there. over a beer. I don’t really know unable to fill it. “Did I want to you. Those vehicles were built While at Tengah of course what the RAF said, but when go?” He waited politely for me on a Unipower chassis, powered we were part of the RAF Fire I eventually returned to NZ, to stop cartwheeling around by a 450 Hp turbo diesel by Service, and when I arrived having beaten the Indonesians his office! So, off I went with Detroit, with permanent four there, I duly went to meet the into submission, I was sent on a my wife and two little girls to wheel drive, and the ability to W/O i/c (Wally Hammond) and proper pre-selection, (attending Singapore for two years. produce foam on the move. They one of the first people I met was a fatal crash on the way) with Anzuk was a tri-nation have now been in service almost my old mate Joe Dennison from two other firemen, both Cpls. organisation, with staff from twenty years, so I think I got Kenya days. There was a Fire I was an LAC, there being no the UK, Australia, and of course, most of it right. A young fireman Section booze up taking place SAC rating in the RNZAF, NZ. The Fire Service was, in I met driving one at an airshow that night in the McGregor Club, having been put through all the my humble opinion, a relic of recently told me (and he didn’t and he took me along. I was psychological hoops, as they bought a pint by the Fire Officer, do, I returned to my unit, and so he must have been pleased. awaited the pleasure of their Tengah was a great posting. Lots Airships. They would have to of action on the airfield, and just get a move on though, because as much off it! The late Pete Lee I only had six months left, and was a staunch friend, and one the Charm School (OTC) course of the best operators I have ever was six months long, if I went on met. He sadly died before I got it! Well, I went on the Course, to meet him again. Loved a pint and was shown how not to eat did our Pete, and his slow verbal peas off my knife, (that’s not delivery belied a very quick wit! true, but people expect to hear Victor V Bombers taxying Cottesmore It was at Tengah however that it!) and duly passed out in March I received the biggest surprise, 1968, almost five years to the the British Army which, given know me from Adam) that it was which started in a relief coming day from leaving the RAF. I the fact that most of the real the Bentley of crash trucks. Well, up the Crash Bay so that I could had gone from LAC to Pilot estate had by then been handed I never wanted it to be a Rolls, go and visit the Fire Officer. Officer, and was now a Fire over to Singapore, was of little too unreliable. Now technically, my boss was Officer. In that year, I attended use. I had an RNZAF WO with the 14 Sqn CO. RNZAF, and both a Station Officers, and Once all of that was in place, I me, and 50 locally employed, not the Fire Officer, RAF, but Senior Station Officers Course sort of lost interest, and at the firemen, some of whom had being an obliging chap, and at the NZ Fire Service Training grand old age of 41, with nearly been working for the Brits for curious, I turned up. My CO School. Boy was I busy! 25 years in. I decided I wasn’t many’ years. Tengah, Seletar, was there, and I was advised getting the laughs I used to and There was much to do in the and Changi were by then run by

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 12 www.fireservicesassociation.net Continued with more of the same!

Dear Ed, that particular piece of idiocy. The title “How Did You Get The Fire Officer (Ford?) at There?” comes to mind as a Cottesmore at the time I left result of my attendance at two was Regiment, and a really nice reunions, two years apart at guy who I think understood my Worthing and Eastbourne, and reluctance to sign on. However, the many interesting people I before we go to that discussion, met and conversed with over the I was wondering what to do two weekends. At the last one, when I spotted an ad. in the in March 2001 at Eastbourne, I paper which said the RNZAF Victor taxying Cottesmore arrived at the hotel directly from were looking for RAF firemen. land short of our destination at left. I was a Bursar at one of the Heathrow at about five o’clock Well, I thought, I’ve never been another USAF Base outside Las top four schools in the country and barely got through reception to New Zealand, so I’ll give it a Vegas. A quick refuel however, for 14 years, then eventually before I had a glass in one hand! go. So I had my interview with and off we went. Those same got sick of that. I first heard As I said in a letter to Flashpoint, Mr. Ford and told him I would headwinds however, proved to about the RAF and Defence Fire these are excellent occasions, not he signing-on, and was off be a nuisance as they effectively Service Association through Joe and I’m a little disappointed that to New Zealand. He stood up, prevented the next leg which was Dennison, (mem. 129) and a not more people attend, though shook my hand, and said he was from San Francisco to Hickham letter to Dennis McCann (mem. that might strain the organizing envious of my oppor-tunity. I in Hawaii. That meant we had 7) followed. The rest, they say, committee and the resources of think he meant it. to stay at Travis for what turned is history. I’ll be back in 2004. the hotel. I never seem to stop I left the RAF in November out to be ten days! We were Hopefully! talking to interested people, 1962, and was a member of the accommodated in the USAF and the most common question RNZAF in December, though version of Transit, and I can tell Colin Hall relates to how I came to leave acting, unpaid, until I arrived you that transit in any air force is Member 271 the RAF Fire Service and end in NZ. All of the team that the pits. Still, being an ex-RAF up running that of the RNZAF [email protected] processed me in London were Fireman, I knew how to make for fourteen years? ex-RAF! In January 1963. I went do with what I had. We had been Another great tale well told It’s not such a difficult question back to London, then we were paid in US dollars before we Colin. I may have to ration you to answer really, though some bussed to RAF Mildenhall to left, but not allowing for a ten from now on and let others get might find it a little simplistic. I Join an RNZAF DC6 for New day stopover. I was nevertheless a word in edgeways! So, come loved my time in the RAF Fire Zealand. There were some very amazed one morning to find a on out there, let’s be having your Service; every minute. I found noticeable differences between FIt Lt from our crew turn up I was adaptable, responded RAF/RNZAF procedures! The in Transit with a fistful of US conscientiously to responsibility, man who helped me locate my Dollars to cover our expenses and got to work with some good bag into an overhead locker I during the delay. It would be people, some of whom I now see later learned was the Captain! fair to say we were enjoying after thirty years, and we still This particular aircraft had been San Francisco, and Travis Air get on! All I really wanted to inherited from Air New Zealand Force Base amenities, but they be was a good fireman, not let when the airline bought Electras, cost money. Travis itself was anyone down, and to always do so was not a military type. It had huge, with row upon row of my job. A first posting to Kenya real seats, not at all like those in B52’s and other aircraft. The was really the icing on the cake. a Hastings or even the Britannia. fire section was equally huge, But all good things come to an It was however, short on legs with an establishment of 120 end, and I eventually came to which meant relatively short firemen, about half of whom stories for your magazine - Ed. Cottesmore and Victors from trips and a long way round to were SSgt’s! After ten days, sunny Kenya. I enjoyed that NZ. We left Mildenhall for our we eventually got a tail wind experience too, because we had first overnight stop which was and left for Hawaii, where we lots of brake fires, two, serious the USAF Base on the Azores. were to overnight.. Waikiki prangs, and an excellent village It was obvious the next day that Beach proved irresistible, even pub within staggering distance some had been tempted by the in the dark, but we couldn’t of the main gate. You could even cheap Port, (four pence a glass!) compete with the Yanks, of avoid the Snowdrops on the way and they managed to sleep right which there were thousands. The home by walking through the through the next leg which was next day, we left for Fiji, where Married patch. Times they were to another USAF Base in South we were given a huge welcome. a-changing though, and towards Carolina. We had a day and a The RNZAF had a Sunderland the end of my mine, I was night in Charleston before we Base there at the time, and the having to give serious thought set off again, across the US, to big white bird had proved the “ERK’S”PRAYER Does to what I was going to do, if, Oklahoma and a refuel at another salvation to many an islander. anyone have a copy of the I left the RAF. I would have to USAF Base, then on to San We eventually arrived at an above? Not the Fireman’s say that the Regiment influence Francisco, It was on this leg that RNZAF Station in Auckland, Prayer! was beginning to creep in, and, the first indications of lack of and were greeted by the Station like many, I was unhappy at the range of the DC6 began to show. Ken Hird, member 491, Commander. He told us we thought of becoming a Gunner/ We were heading for Travis Air had a copy which has were on an overnight train to Fireman. I think the trade lost Force Base, near San Francisco, been misplaced. Reply to Wellington, 400 miles away, that a lot of good men because of but due to headwinds, had to night, then an overnight ferry Flashpoint Editor. www.fireservicesassociation.net 13 Flashpoint Magazine - Decembert 2004 Shop RAF & Defence Fire Services Association RAFDFSA ENTERPRISES - Our “Shop”

hose of you who have been able to attend the reunions will be aware that Twe have a range of promotional RAFDFSA goods for sale, all profits of which go to Association funds. Goods are also available by mail order via Bob Feather (Membership Secretary) or Sue Brooks (Chairman’s wife - (see Who To Contact on page 2 for full address details). Goods are also available via the Association website shown at the bottom of each page. As requested by members, we have several new items this year including mugs and self cling car stickers, as well as new fire engine thimbles and keyrings. Looking forward to seeing you at Stoke-on-Trent, regards and best wishes, Bob Feather and Sue Brooks.

Below is an updated stock and price list for your information.

Cheques and Postal Orders payable to RAF&DFSA Enterprises

Note:- For Mail Order Postage & Packing please add 17% to prices quoted. Minimum Postage charge £1.00 Stock and Price List 2004 RAF FIREFIGHTING & RESCUE STICKERS x 2 (RAF Fire Service)...... £0.50 CAP BADGE (RAF Crash Fire Service)...... £10.00...... EMBROIDERED PATCH BADGE...... £3.50 ACRT CORGI MODEL...... £10.00

RAF & DEFENCE FIRE SERVICES ASSOCIATION CAR STICKER...... £1.20 KEYRING...... £2.00 MUG...... £4.75 ASSOCIATION PEN...... £0.50 THIMBLES...... £1.50 Set of 4...... £5.00 POCKET CALCULATOR...... £3 .99 WALL PLAQUE...... £26.00 OLD SUTTON-ON-HULL MAGAZINE...... £1.00 BLAZER BADGE (Gold Wired)...... £10.00 LAPEL BADGE...... £3.00 TIES (Blue, Grey, Burgundy, Green)...... £6.00 SWEATSHIRT (Navy, Grey, Green, White) (Sm. Med. Lg. XL. XXL).£16.99 POLO SHIRT – Navy (Sm. Med. Lg. XL. XXL)...... £10.00 T SHIRT (Red, Black, Navy, White) (Sm. Med. Lg. XL XXL)...... £6.50 FLEECE (Navy – to order only) (Sm. Med. Lg. XL, XXL)...... £35 .00 BASEBALL CAP (Navy, Black, Green, Natural)...... £6.00

MISCELLANEOUS FIRE ENGINE PRINT...... £6.00 FIRE EXTINGUISHER LIGHTER...... £2.50 CHRISTMAS CARDS – REDUCED TO CLEAR Pack of 10...... £1.50 Special Offer – 4 packs...... £4.00

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 14 www.fireservicesassociation.net Ground Zero & New York Fire Department 10 House and can be seen on photograph No 3 below 10 House because of its close proximity to ‘Ground Zero.’ It was a very moving day in that Great City of New York where our Association is now easily recognised. It is interesting to note, that the Fire Department in New York, is the only one in the USA which has Fire Department shown before the City or Town i.e.: - FDNY. New York firemen are very proud of this distinction.

A visit I will never forget and, as I’ve found the FDNY logo. on many occasions, firemen are ‘close families all over the world.’ Visitors are On arrival at Ten House, with my family, the area to the front and inside the House was swamped with tourists.

After finding a fireman in the crowd, I introduced myself and was ushered, with my family, past the fire vehicle bays to the Rest Room/Canteen to the rear of 10 House. To our astonishment it went very “We can never know the extent quiet, and we realised that the House had of damage caused on the day been closed and the tourists had dispersed. terror struck America.” We were then shown hospitality, which was quite over-whelming. We were looked “The dust did not clear for always made welcome; a tradition taken after with coffee, cold drinks, cookies and days, nor did the smoke, to the limit in New York! If you are ever donuts etc. and, apart from myself, they leaving thousands of residents in New York, pay a visit to 10 House New extended their welcome to my wife and displaced.” Anon York Fire Department. family. Ken Leverett Knowing I was making the pilgrimage lthough it is nearly three years since 1 Member 90. Athe destruction of the Twin Towers to Ground Zero and the New York Fire Trade Centre in New York, I still found my Department,1 our Chairman, Roger Brooks, Congratulations Ken for a great article and visit to the site rather daunting knowing the donated an Association plaque to present representing the Association - Ed. thousands that died, included many firemen, to the NYFD on behalf of all the members. having been to the top of the North Tower I gave a short talk on the history of the Ken’s photos & picture details:- on a previous visit. The pictures we all Association and presented the plaque to 1. Memorial to those from 10 House saw on television that day, will always be commemorate the many firemen who 2. Ken (2nd from right) & family imprinted on our minds. died on that tragic day, and gave our 3. Association plaque presentation condolences to all. The Royal Air Force & 4. Picture from 10 House Fire Dept. My visit to New York with my wife, and Defence Fire Services Association plaque library showing:- relatives from close by Staten Island and is now prominently displayed at 10 House Top - Wrecked fire vehicle and New Jersey was combined with a planned and can be clearly seen by all who enter. devastation at Ground Zero visit to the Fire Department, New York, Bottom - Scattered debris at adjacent having made prior arrangements with Lt Cemetery on Broadway O’Malley of 10 House, (Fire Station No 10). Footnote: - The January Issue of Flashpoint WA 2002, page 12, reported the handing over of 10 House, a two-appliance unit, is the proceeds of an auction held at the Gala located close to ‘Ground Zero,’ (World Reunion Dinner, Saturday 28th October Trade Centre), on Liberty Street, just off 2001, at the Shap Wells Hotel, Cumbria, to Broadway. Ten House was damaged during raise funds for the New York Firefighter’s the collapse of the Twin Towers, which Disaster Fund Appeal. On Monday 10th gives you an idea of just how close! During December 2001, Bob Feather (Mem. Sec.) the collapse of the Towers, no one was in the 3 handed over a cheque for £315 to fire- House as they were the first attendance unit Ten House firemen were all very pleased fighter, Bob Elliffe, of York Fire Station, to the incident. Six firemen lost their lives with the plaque and a fax was sent to to be processed through their local appeal in the incident, and appliances were partly all other New York Houses to mark the fund and on to the New York Firefighter’s buried and severely damaged by debris. The occasion and, before we left, an appliance Disaster Fund. On that day, the York Appeal new fire vehicles they have now have been from another House arrived to view it dedicated to those who died. Their names closely. As you can imagine, there are are shown on the sides of each appliance, many Houses in New York, but I chose

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 15 www.fireservicesassociation.net Brief History Of The Association

Plea from Formation of the Association Steve Doran - he formation of the Royal Air Force & Defence The Intervening Years 1947/48 Fire Services Association took place at T Many changes have taken place since then as the RAF Germany Shoreham Airport in East Sussex, on the13th. Fassburg and Association established itself over the intervening May 1995, when 23 ex-service personnel got Gutersloh years and, with its formation, colleagues, past and together to settle the question of why there wasn’t present, now have a better chance of finding each Hi Dave, an organisation relating to the trade of firefighter other again, renewing old friendships and making Ever since I joined when most other trades had formed one of their own new ones. the Association, I’ve many years ago? never met anyone The Association publishes Flashpoint magazine 3 with whom I served. Inaugural Committee Formed times per year, ‘Flashpoint’ with information, news, I have lost the only contact I had from On that day, when those founder members turned up updates, articles, anecdotes, photos. and stories. Fassburg, and that from all over the country, they went on to form the The Association membership is made up of ex and was the late John inaugural committee of the Association and elected Arthur (Association serving firefighters and includes those personnel the following Officers and Committee :- Founding President). Member who made up the Air Force, Army and Royal We never met there, President John Arthur 11 Navy Fire Service Departments, which became the but he took over Vice President Ken Rimmel 20 Defence Fire Services. about 2 weeks after Chairman Keith Penfold 9 I left for Gutersloh. Together we are the Royal Air Force and Defence Vice Chairman Mick Clark 2 As I was at both places Fire Services Association. Secretary Dennis McCann 7 in 1947/48, they must Treasurer John Knight 21 Associate Membership is open to ex and serving have changed an awful lot since then. Editor * Alan Alsop 49 personnel having a minimum of three months In my time we had at service with the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) *The position of Editor was first introduced in 1995, Fassburg a WOT1, Licenced Aerodrome Fire Services. 1945 Monitor, 1944 when Alan Alsop took post as founding editor, but WOT1 conversion after the formation of the Association in May of with ladder and a that year. 1940 Crossley. Area Co-ordinators Elected Gutersloh had a 1945 Monitor, Austin Gas Area Co-ordinators were subsequently elected to Truck and a Bedford cover the U.K. as follows:- Water Bowser.

It would be nice if I Member could contact all those Devon & Cornwall Wilf. Longmire 83 who were at Fassburg Lincolnshire Roger Smith 32 and Gutersloh and Midlands Graham Kennedy 10 Photo of inauguration of the Royal Air Force and ex-change photos and Norfolk G S Bridges 18 Defence Fire Services Association on the 13th. stories about both May 1995 at Shoreham Airport, East Sussex. Only North Joe Shackleton 22 Sections, and bring 21 members were recorded on the photograph, my memories up to Northern Ireland John Hanley 69 and included:- date! RAF Gordon Smith 64 Scotland Jim Souter 106 Basil Cotton, Barry Poulton, Bob Good, Roger Best of luck with the Scotland Richard Callanan 52 Brooks, John Knight, Joe Shackleton, Len editing, it must take a lot of spare time. South Barry Poulton 14 Nightingale, John Arthur, ‘Nobby’ Clarke, Bob Hodgeson, Dennis McCann, Graham Kennedy, Wales Reg Silcock 24 Steve Doran Keith Penfold. (Only 13 names on photo - who Member 41* N.B. See page 2 for details of those in post now. are the rest?) *Steve is co-ordinator for Norfolk. See page Invitation to all members 2 for full details of his address etc. Good Let’s have your personal stories, anecdotes and photographs for publication. Remember, it’s your luck with your quest Association, and Flashpoint is produced for your enjoyment. That’s why we need to tell of all those Steve - Ed. many experiences out there. If your article requires a photo. remember to enclose it along with your article and send to the Editor at the above address . Please enclose an SAE for the return of photos.

www.fireservicesassociation.net 16 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 In Memoriam - A sincere tribute to Association members recently passed away

RON ADAMS 1939 –2004 REQUIEM

Weep not for me, I have travelled on.

Shed no tears in sorrow, but in your hearts, my memory keep long beyond tomorrow.

I am on life’s last journey, removed from hurt and pain.

One day too, you’ll take this road, perhaps we’ll meet again.

Have but sweet thoughts Photograph shows L/R – Ron, Pete (Scouse) Carter, Harry Dore and Taff Plant at his last Church Parade at St. James’s Church, of me now. Sutton-on-Hull in October 2003 when attending the dedication of the Association Standard. Recall me at my best.

t is with great sadness that we report and extras’ were posted and never saw the Don’t think of me as having Ithe passing of Ron Adams member finished film. gone. Just in peace. At rest. 92, who died in August. The funeral took place on Wednesday 18th. August However, there are some stills available © John Bracken 18th January 1991 at Deal Crematorium, Kent. Harry Dore courtesy of Pete, as per the front cover of member 60, and Pete Carter member 77, this August’s issue of Flashpoint, which This Requiem was read by John represented the Association. is from that “Practice Crash” in 1961 at Oakington, and shows Pete Carter on Savage, member 180, on the 2 April 2004 at the funeral of John Ron commenced his career in 1957 and, top of the burning Swift aircraft, handing Arthur, Founding President of our during his 12 years service; was stationed down the ‘dummy’ to Ron as part of the Association. When preparing the at RAF Oakington, Cambridgeshire and rescue scenario. article for my first edition, I couldn’t Gutersloh, Germany. remember exactly what happened on In 1969, Ron started a new career with the day, and, regrettably, the Poem According to Pete Carter, whilst stationed Kent Fire Brigade, completing 25 years was missed out of the August edition at Oakington, they set up a “Practice service before an injury forced his early of Flashpoint. My sincere apologies Crash” with the permission of the ‘Chiefy,’ retirement. Ron leaves a wife, Rosemary, to John Savage, and the family, for Flt/Sgt Dakers, and arranged to film and and three children. that omission. See also the letter of photograph the event. The guy who was appreciation in this issue. responsible for the filming was a Bernie Colleagues from Kent Fire Brigade Dave Kenyon Wright but, before it was ready, the ‘actors provided Pall Bearers and a Guard of Editor Honour.

ALAN COOP - 1951 - 2004

Alan joined up 18 March 1968 and was demobbed 10 January 1981 He served at RAF Marham 1968 - 1971 RAF Akrotiri 1971 - 1974 RAF Fairford/Brize Norton 1974 - 1977 RAF Machrihanish 1977 - 1978 RAF Scampton 1978 - 1981 Alan lived at Mansfield, Notts. and joined the Association around two years ago. To date, I’ve been unable to contact the family for more details - Ed. www.fireservicesassociation.net 17 Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 News - Views - Updates

Secretary Ron Brown Calls It A Day!

Edwards is my successor, and I’m sure that he will be an asset to y the time you read this, I will the committee. I hope you give him the same support that you all Bno longer be Secretary of the gave me during my term in office. Association. I decided to resign from the post at the recent October AGM at Stoke. This is On the personal side, I retired from the RAF in 1980 after for personal reasons and not, as some think, completing 22 years service, in such exotic places as Tengah because of any problems in the committee. (Singapore), Gibraltar, Gan, Bruggen and Gutersloh, as well as I’ve been your Secretary for three years and feel that it is now various U.K. Stations. time for someone else to take over and join the committee. I

have enjoyed the last three years, and like to think I’ve made a Starting in 1983, I then worked for a total of four years in Saudi contribution to the continued success of the Association. I will Arabia, firstly at Jeddah International Airport with Northrop still be an active member of the association and continue to run Support Services; then as Fire and Safety Officer for Hamard the website. SA Ltd. at Al-Ju’Aymah, which is about 40 miles from Dhahran. I first joined the association in 1997, and took over as coordinator I ended up doing a two-year contract with Lear Siegler Inc. as an for the South in 1998, and then, at the AGM at Shap Wells, Cumbria Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the King Fahad Air Base (Saudi Air in 2001, I was elected as Secretary. I am now going to sit back Force), finishing in 1988. I then worked in the security industry for and let my successor take over the secretarial duties, whilst I sink 14 years. I now work part-time for Swindon Police, as a mobile into the background as an ordinary member, just enjoying a drink, CCTV operator, (not speed cameras!). Thank you all. and a chat, with old friends and colleagues at reunions. George

Airfield Services (ASSP) Project Dropped ! Editorial Apology lans to use a private As first reported in RAF News fire services and develop an There were a number company to provide in April 2001, the MOD was optimum organisation in P of ‘printing errors’ in airfield support - including considering bids from civilian line with the wider Strategic the August issue, all of fire, crash rescue and other consortia to provide fire/ Defence Review. which I’ve since tried to key services – on RAF bases crash rescue, cargo handling, rectify. One concerned “Staff at HQ Strike Command worldwide have been dropped. refuelling operations and the the Gutersloh item on potential outsourcing of the will be fully engaged in the page 9. By tilting the Armed Forces Minister Adam Defence Fire Service to create implementation, so as to ensure calendar of events, it Ingram has announced that a single integrated fire service. any changes are consistent with slightly obscured some the Airfield Support Services RAF policy, the outcome of of the names. Here are Project - ASSP - competition As previously reported, three the Defence Airfield Review those names again - has been cancelled. consortia bid for the contract and the need to maintain ‘Lofty’ Bower, and since 2002, the MOD has operational fire service support ‘Spud’ Murphy, Instead, ‘in-house’ options will been evaluating these bids including support to deployed be used for airfield support that Bill Bailey, against an inhouse solution. operations.” Ron Brown, aims to offer value-for money ‘Dinger’ Bell, while maintaining operational A spokesman said: “This has These moves are likely to result ‘Geordy’ Donaldson, capability and safety. been a complex task and taken in a small overall reduction in Henreik Bunte, and longer than originally expected military and civilian posts, Alvis Teale. At the same time, replacement and, in light of recent changes, but no redundancies are My sincere apologies to of the ageing airfield vehicle the decision has been made to anticipated. all concerned - Ed. fleet will proceed, while competition. changes to Defence Fire Note - The original plans Services will be introduced “The Fire Study 2000 review for ASSP were reported in through the Fire Study 2000 was conducted separately from Flashpoint October 2002 by initiative. the ASSP to review the MOD’s Dave Kirk, member 414, and replied to in the February 2003 MARCH REUNION 2005 issue by Archie Carter, civilian DEADLINE sub contractor and ex-RAF FOR ENTRIES WHEN? - Fri/Sat/Sun 18th - 20th March 2005 Fire Service with 24 years FOR NEXT WHERE? - Peterborough service - Ed. ISSUE OF Full details are available from the Membership Secretary. FLASHPOINT Members should have received their own personal copy 1 March 2005 by now

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 1618 www.fireservicesassociation.net Fire Fighters Wed - 11th. September 2004

rom now on our family will could open anything to rescue the Fremember this date for the trapped and injured at work but he wedding of RAF&DFSA member could not open the cufflink box on 359 Michael Goupillot to Susan Hinds, the morning of the wedding!!” both of Luton & Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Hopefully it will Michael again followed in his take away some of the pain of 9-11 father’s footsteps, this time to the 2001 in New York. Member 358 John Maldive Islands, not to RAF Gan, Goupillot, father of the groom, with but on honeymoon to an island near his wife Vera are in the middle of the Male, the capital. picture. (See right). Also in the frame We all wish them a long and happy is member 180 John Savage MBE who marriage. kindly agreed to be Toastmaster at the Left to Right - Michael, Sue, Vera, John & John Savage MBE - wedding reception. Toastmaster and member 180 John Goupillot - proud father-in- Falklands and Northern Ireland. Michael law, father and member 358 Sue has been a Fire Controller with the has been with Bedfordshire’s Fire Services Brigade for 25 years and Michael a Fire Footnote - Can anyone else lay claim for 18 years. He is now the Brigade Rescue Fighter for 28. to ‘keeping it in the family’ with such a Specialist and designed the Specialist fire fighters wedding? Maybe it’s unique Rescue Unit (SRU). He was responsible For her work in Brigade Control, Sue has occasion and one for the record books; for setting up the training schedule for been awarded numerous commendations unless someone out there knows better? all operational brigade personnel on the and letters of appreciation. In particular for Congratulations to Sue and Michael and SRU. He also co-ordinates joint training her caring influence over anxious members much happiness for your future – Ed. of the public, and for using her initiative with the medical profession, teaching when controlling fire vehicle response and accident site safety to Ambulance Crews providing technical information to the fire and Hospital Accident Response Teams. ground. In March 2000, Sue was awarded He recently initiated a working group to the Fire Service Long Service Medal. instigate advanced trauma care training for Fire Service personnel and he has attended Michael served for 10 years in the RAF a number of paramedic courses. Fire Service; this included 2 years as an instructor at RAF Catterick, 2 years with Fellow fire fighter and best man Tony, The Queen’s Flight and he also served in the said of Michael at the wedding, “That he tattershall w/e and raf coningsby visit June 2005

STOP PRESS o you fancy a nice relaxing Since the last issue in August, I’ve Next Issue Dweekend in good company in received details of two coordinators the Lincolnshire countryside, the last not mentioned at the time. l Peterborough Reunion 2005 weekend in June 2005 the 25 26 & They are:- 27th? With options for visiting the South RAF Waddington Airshow on the John Hurl member 564 2 1 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y Saturday, followed by a barbeque, 34 Copt Elm Close, Celebrations Charlton Kings, beer and chat amongst friends and Cheltenham, 3 April 2005 Dedication colleagues on site that same evening. Gloucestershire, GL53 8AE All finished off with a ‘not to be Tel - 01242 522 503 of New Museum to missed’ visit to RAF Coningsby on the Memory of our Sunday morning as guests of the Fire Suffolk/Essex Founding President, Section. Pat Clarke member 587 108 Morland Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. John Arthur Interested - then contact Joe P3 0LZ Shackleton on 01642 285 098 for Tel - 01473 711 916 4 RIAT Fairford further details. email - [email protected] 5 Waddington Don’t hesitate - Welcome gentlemen. I will ensure book early to avoid your full details are available to 6 Eastbourne 999 disappointment. members on the WHO TO CONTACT See report on this page in the next issue. My apologies 7 Tattershall/Waddington year’s sucessful to both, but didn’t have the information weekend meeting on page until very recently - Ed. 11 of this issue.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 19 Photographic Memories - Flashpoint August 2004!

ice-Chairman, 16 ’Cos’ Costello Flashpoint Update VJames (Jim) Paterson’s photo on Middle row left/right page 18 of Flashpoint 2 John Hanley August 04 jogged 4 ‘Chick’ Bebb member 540 George 5 John O’Connor Harley’s memory into 6 Harry Halford gear and he came up 7 Brian Higgens with 27 names:- 8 Bill McKay 10 Alan Quayle Back row left/right 11 Jan Metters 1 Roy Bennett 12 Fred Wood 2 ‘Brummie’ Yates 13 MickTraynor 3 Dave Jowett 14 Tony Maggs 4 Henry Gordon 9 Tony Doan Footnote-Many thanks George for making the effort 10 Eddie Ward and sending in the names.Not a bad total out of the 7 Jim Paterson Front row left/right 37 on the photo. 8 Colin Ellicock 1 Brian Baldwin 9 Dick Williams 2 Bob Plumb Jim said he could only name 21, so he should be 13 Garth Furmage 3 Ken Leverett pleased. It goes to show that asking for help can 14 Ron Dickson 8 Steve Davey work at times - Ed

Flashpoint August 2004 - Page 8 - AKROTIRI 1966 UPDATE

en Newell’s following email - Kphoto prompted t w o r e s p o n s e s , Good day Dave, one from Gordon Thanks a million for Wallace, member 619 sending the latest and one from Dave Flashpoint. I have to Read in Tasmanania, say it is really good. Australia. You have done a great job. Congrat- Gordon, who was at Akrotiri same time as ulations! And thanks to Bob Feather also. Ray Wood, sends the following names - Of particular interest to me is the photo on Front row - mainly page 8, of the group O.K. except that the in front of the Crash Warrant Officer was Bays at Akrotiri. For Stan Burrows, not the life of me I cannot Burr. recall the name of Middle row - left the *Flt. Lt. I tell you Cookie Wells, Sgt Although the name name was Wood! to right - not 100% this though he was Johnnie Johnson. of the Boss still sure here - ‘Hoppy’ one of the best Fire eludes me, I should Hopkins Tug Wilson Officers that I ever A lot of those guys r e m e m b e r h i m Thanks very much to Roger Wooldridge served under. A real in the photo lived in because I bogged Gordon and Dave for ‘Jock’ was ‘Spud’ Gentleman! Ferguson, Limassol in married the DP2 in the Salt their input and Dave’s Murphy. Brocklehurst, Lofty accommodation so I Lake one afternoon recent update with and I were all on can’t remember all of Gordon isn’t sure of and I was the object the name of the Flt the same crew for them myself. the chap on the end, a while. Some of the of his wrath!!! Lt - Ed. nor any of the RAF The other native other guys there at However it may come Officers, and only F i r e m a n o n t h e the same time were: to me sometime. recognises ‘Lofty’ Cpl.Gerry(Stinky) Section was Ahmet. Dunklin on the back Bush, Steve So as you can tell, *Stop Press - Dave row. Nicholas, Cpl.Dave the magazine has Read emailed again brought back great when he’d remem- Dave Read sent the Johnson, Jimmy T h u n d e r c l i f f e , many memories. bered the Flt Lt’s www.fireservicesassociation.net 20 Flashpoint Magazine -December 2004 Treasurer’s End of Year Report - as loose leaf insert

But, on the positive side, there are a Mandates on record. number of “one off’ type payments, e.g. the College of Arms* for registration of our I hope to be contacting all of these Association Crest, and the Merchandising members, within the next few weeks on Account** start-up Payments. the new requirements.

With all these factors taken into In closing my report, I would like to consideration, you will see a significant thank all the members who have made a increase in the current account holdings. donation to our association’s funds, but particularly to Mrs. Evelyn Souter for her Obviously, the poor interest rates being most generous donation in memory of her As your new Treasurer, I have great paid out by the Banks has affected our late husband Jim. (Co-ordinator Scotland pleasure in presenting, for your approval, Business Reserve Account, but this will be and member ). my first end of Financial Year Statement an issue I am intending to try and address of Accounts, for our Association. during this Financial Year. Geoff Varley, Treasurer Member 221 Although the final figures show a marginal If any member has a question regarding increase between the opening and closing these accounts, please do not hesitate to * College of Arms one-off payment amounts, a number of factors should be contact me. Who to Contact details are on for the registration of our noted. page 2 of Flashpoint. Association Crest.

Firstly on the negative side, during As for the start of this FY... I am pleased ** Merchandising – see Chairman’s our outstanding subscription recovery to report that to date, 8th October 2004, report on page 3 and SHOP page exercise carried out in May, a number 80% of our members have renewed their for further information. of our members also made advance subs subscriptions for 2004/O5 many of them *** Standing Order Payments payments (listed as Future payments). using our Standing Order payment system. Members wishing to use this This, with the refund received back from It should be noted that members that hold method of payment, should contact the Hotel, regarding the poor service some the Treasurer for a form. Using of us received at our Peterborough General a Standing Order Mandate*** under the Association’s old Account Number, this method, means not having to Meeting (listed under General Refund), remember to pay both these items must be considered as will have to complete a new Mandate carry over amounts into the new Financial before September 2005, as the Bank Year (FY). will not continue to honour any old Surprise Announcements

AGM Stoke - AOB and surprise announcements on the Geoff Varley, set up a list and circulated it amongst members, purchase of a MK 7 and MK 8 ex-RAF fire vehicles and and has already received some pledges; and intends to write proposed museum to be dedicated to our late founding to all members on the list. So, come on fellas,’ dig deep, if we president, John Arthur at an ex-RAF airfield at Halfpenny don’t, how can we expect others to save our heritage? It was Green near Stourbridge, Worcestershire. announced at the Saturday Gala Dinner at Stoke, that the profit from the raffle was to be donated to the vehicle purchase fund. Vehicle Purchase Proposed museum Wilf Longmire (member 83), and Bill Lawrence (member 494), gave reports to the assembled members on the Dedicated to our late founding president john Arthur - It’s negotiations to purchase both the vehicles from somewhere in hoped that the museum will be ready for dedication in April Northumberland, and the setting up of the proposed museum. 2005 by members of John Arthurs family. (See the Letter of Dave Hughes member 683, who has our MK6, is also closely Appreciation from the family elsewhere in this issue). It is involved with both projects. hoped to have a progress report at the Peterborough reunion in March 2005 and a report and photographs of the dedication Dennis McCann member in Flashpoint due out in April 2005. This may delay it’s 7, immediately declared publication slightly but will that he would purchase ensure that all the membership the MK 7, which left will have an update since the the prospect of raising a announcement made at Stoke in further sum for the MK October 2004 - Ed. 8. Members offered to pledge sums toward the target. The Treasurer, MK 7

www.fireservicesassociation.net 21 Flashpoint Magazine -December 2004 Making a ‘Splash’ in Basrah

Fire Service Effort Means RAF Can Keep Its Cool! RAF Personnel in Basrah can keep their cool now – thanks to the efforts of the Fire Service Earlier this year, the Theatre Welfare Fund provided a splash pool for the RAF accommodation area. But it needed time, and a great deal of effort, to turn the pool, boxed up in a series of crates, into a valuable leisure facility to cool people down in the hot Iraqi sun. Step forward the 15 determined members of A Crew, who set about dealing with the permissions, health and safety legislation, pool supervision requirements, water hygiene and treatment regulations, with gusto! Meeting all official requirements took some time, but they succeeded before finding a suitable site and transforming it from a corner of a dusty parking area, into an Photo above -RAF fire-fighter, Toni Bloomfelt (in uniform) ‘rescues medic SAC Natasha Verrall of High Wycombe in the recently completed plunge pool oasis of tranquillity. This involved a local at Basrah International Airport. The group includes some of the fire-fighters contractor and a lot of manual labour by A involved in the project, along with Cpl Lori Illston (left) and Man in charge of Crew them selves. Building work and the Flt Lt Nicola Hodgeson (right). the Basrah Fire final fit were all paid for from bar profits. Section, WO Andy Pittock, who also WO Andy Pittock, Officer-in-charge Fire Section Basrah said, “ This was a challenging project due to security helped deal with and legal issues, but the guys here do get some free time in their shift pattern, and the Fire Service is always keen the tanker inci- to try to use that time fro the common good.” dent reported on At the pools grand opening, detachment Commander, Gp Capt John mass said, “ This is self-help at its best. A the back cover of tremendous effort by Mister Pittock and his team that will benefit everybody here at the APOD now, and in the this issue future. It wasn’t long before that benefit was being fully appreciated under Basrah’s midday sun!

Marham’s fire fighters make off with the Mayor’s Moose! Kings Lynn Mayor, Paul Brandon, looked on in shock as two athletic kidnappers ‘moosehandled’ newly appointed staff member, Macmillan – a big cuddly moose – onto a Green Goddess during a break in the Mayor’s Charity bike ride at Marham. Witnesses to the well-planned incident later described the culprits as RAF fire fighters, as calm, cool and determined to get Macmillan at all costs. Eyewitness, Flt Lt Jodie Hatch, said: “Out of nowhere, these two huge blokes jumped off a Green Goddess, snatched a stunned and defenceless Macmillan, then sped off in to the distance at lightning speed.” Acting Station Commander, Wg Cdr Jack Calder, said: “We are deeply distressed at what has occurred here at Marham and will spare no Photographic evidence of the alleged kidnappers as expense in bringing the ‘moosenappers’ to justice!” Personnel at Marham are waiting they made their getaway with for a ransom demand, after which, it is understood, a suitable amount may be found Macmillan the Moose on a to donate to charity. ‘speedy Green Goddess!’ - Ed.

FUN AT NORTHOLT

All text and Northolt’s Fire Section hosted a special joint photographs supplied visit with the Dog Section for the Pinner courtesy of the RAF Cub Scouts. The visit was extra special for eight year old Lisa Kaufman who became a NEWS cub for the first time during an investiture ceremony held at the Station. There can’t be many girls who join the cub scouts on an RAF Station! Left - Some of the cubs having fun at the Fire Section.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 22 www.fireservicesassociation.net Brief History of the Royal Air Force Fire Service

he Trade of Fireman was it’s not! Today’s Establishment (CTE) They are carrying on the same Tfirst introduced in 1943 personnel are doing which still continues traditions, skills, expertise, within Trade Group 9, to exactly what those to this day. enthusiasm and dedication, to train personnel in Aircraft early pioneers which we can all relate from Crash Rescue and Firefighting did then, whilst When you see the way our own personal experiences, techniques. Prior to this, still maintaining uniform, equipment, via whatever branch of the Fire personnel on general and necessary high t e c h - n o l o g y a n d Services we did our time. aircraft handling duties were s t a n d a r d s o f a p p l i a n c e s h a v e used to carry out fire fighting training, expertise d e v e l o p e d s i n c e Today, the service is very responsibilities; with vehicles and efficiency. then, it seems a very much depleted from those days being driven by M.T. drivers. different job today. But following the War years plus, It was mainly a case of turning when the Cold War eventually up for duty and being detailed came to an end, many Overseas on the day. and Home Stations closed, with the choice of postings No insult intended, but it was being reduced and numbers down to the “Odds & Sods” of personnel and equipment to do the best they could in being gradually cut back to the the circumstances. This they service levels of today. certainly did, if listening to some of our “Elder Statesmen” Like the Defence Fire Services, is anything to go by! A School (DFS), reviews are ongoing and of Firefighting and Rescue was the future role of the RAF Fire then established on an RAF Service is unsure. Hopefully it Balloon Unit, north of the City will remain a viable force in the long term. - Ed of Hull, as RAF Sutton-on- RAF Coningsby fireground demo using Training Module and Hull, until its closure in 1959, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) on a simulated aircraft crash when the School moved to RAF rescue exercise using light water foam via the monitor on the Catterick, North Yorkshire Alvis Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) - Sunday 25 June 2000. and, later, to RAF Manston in Kent as the Central Training Photo courtesy of Dave Kenyon member 239 Brief History of the Defence Fire Services (DFS) n the late 1950’s, the RAF Fire Service rumours of privatisation of both the RAF and DFS (see ASSP Iwas amalgamated with the RAF report on page 18). Whatever the outcome, the job will still tend to Regiment for several years until being attract those personnel with similar characteristics, personalities, reinstated as an independent Trade in it’s and vocation, as all those who have gone before. own right. Long may it remain so! - Ed The early 1960’s also saw the gradual civilianisation of certain Stations starting with Flying Training Command. Many personnel recruited were ex RAF, Navy and Army, and formed an experienced nucleus for the change over. Some recruits hadn’t experienced service camaraderie before; although it developed by nature of the job itself. This is no reflection on those individuals whatsoever, nor on their abilities as firefighters; it was just a complete change in the way things were done when previously manned by Regular Volunteers and National Service personnel.

Some of those early recruits went on to become Senior Officers, Training School Commandants at Manston, and Command Fire Officers throughout the RAF and DFS, both home and abroad. Another change was that many recruits were now older, married RAF Linton-on-Ouse Defence Fire Services (DFS) Alvis Rapid and lived off camp, so the days of the young, single, living on Intervention Vehicle (RIV) and Victor Wheel Brake incident at camp serviceman sadly, in my opinion, came to an untimely end! Elvington Airshow 26 August 2001

Today, the service is in a state of uncertainty as to its future with Photo courtesy of Dave Kenyon member 239 www.fireservicesassociation.net 23 Flashpoint Magazine - December2004 Your Stories - Firefighters Battle Basrah Fuel Blaze

he incident was Tinitially attended by civilian personnel from the Defence Fire Service (Army). However, due to having insufficient water and foam to deal effectively with the main area of fire, they immediately r e q u e s t e d t h e assistance of the RAF Fire Service.

On the arrival of the RAF fire-fighters under the command of WO Andy Pittock, a concerted effort using their combi- ned resources, en- abled the main fire to irefighters in Iraq were involved in a massive combined operation to bring an inferno under be extinguished. control following a multiple petrol tanker crash. The drama began when a convoy of 18 tankers F O n c e t h i s w a s was making it’s way north to Iraq from Kuwait. Fifty kilometres south of Basrah, the lead tanker achieved, the RAF crashed in thick fog on the Rout Tampa road, causing the other 17 tankers to slam into each other, or Firefighters left the slide off the road. Within seconds, the leaking fuel ignited and a massive fireball engulfed the road scene and the DFS with some tankers exploding. Text and photographs by kind permission of the RAF NEWS.Special (Army) remained thanks to Chief sub-editor, Terry Palin, for his help with the pictures. Below & Top:- Firefighters for a further 24 bringing the blaze under control. Pictures by Cpl. Rhos Edwards - Ed. hours extinguishing isolated fires and damping down the area to prevent re- ignition.

There is no doubt that the fire could not have been extin- guished as quickly and effectively as it was, without the combined efforts of the Army and RAF fire services work- ing together. This is proof of the co- operation that gen- erally exists amongst the various elements of the MOD fire services. - Editor

Footnote:- Since the incident, a close relationship has developed between WO Pittock’s team and the Basrah Fire Brigade - Ed.

Flashpoint Magazine - December 2004 24 www.fireservicesassociation.net