SEPTEMBER 2011 No 51 THE MAGAZINE OF THE RAF ASSOCIATION. INCORPORATING RAF STATIONS CHERHILL, , TOWNSEND AND YATESBURY

The Seven Standards on Parade at our Remembrance Service See page 4 Photo by Gordon Chivers RAF YATESBURY ASSOCIATION

Patron Air Marshal Sir Alec Morris KBE, CB.

COMMITTEE

Chairman & Rev. B.L. Morris, Canterbury Bells, Ansford Hill, Castle Cary, Honorary Chaplain Somerset. BA7 7JL. Tel: 01963 351154 email: [email protected]

Vice-Chairman Ron Stempfer,24 Hazlemere Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey, & Standard Bearer KT4 8AH Tel: 0208 3375401 email: [email protected]

Honorary Secretary Mrs. Rosie Watt, 5 Heather Way, , , SN11 0QR & Treasurer Tel: 01249 814754

Minutes Secretary Alan Trinder, 7 Manor Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 8DP Tel: 01235 763940

Membership Phil Tomaselli, 146 Stockwood Lane, Bristol, BS14 8TA Secretary Tel: 01275 836795

Public Relations Tony Gernon, 35 Bransby Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 & Standard Bearer 2JZ Tel: 0208 2874610

SPARKS Editor Clive Simpson, 113 Daubeney Road, London, E5 0EG Tel: 02032 225322 email: [email protected]

Cenotaph Co-ordinator David Clark, 35 Lampern Crescent, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0FE Tel: 01277 625448

Webmaster Bill Hauxwell, 18 Hollyhock Close, Kempshott, Basingstoke, & Archivist Hants, RG22 5RF Tel: 01256 472035

Member without Portfolio Albert Mundy, 33 Priory Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3LS Tel: 01444 413448

LOCAL BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE

Eastern Branch David Clark (See above for contact details)

2 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com FROM THE U/T EDITOR The U/T tag was to be removed but before it is I must confess that our Membership Secretary was contacted by a member who told him my number was unobtainable. I got my own phone number wrong!! I have corrected it in this Issue. Apologies to anyone who has tried to phone me. I am still appealing for any articles you may have for inclusion in SPARKS. Remember it is your magazine, all I do is collate the material I receive. Without your contributions I am redundant. My thanks to those members who brought articles to the AGM, they are most welcome and I will use them in forthcoming issues. The AGM, my first, was a lively and entertaining affair and following lengthy constitutional discussions Lyn Morris was voted Chairman and Ron Stempfer Vice-Chairman. After the Sunday service I had a chat with our Patron and discovered that while we mere O/R’s had to rely on a Morris Oxford for our weekend transport he used an Airspeed Oxford. The benefit of rank. I will say no more about this for the moment but beware Sir Alec, I have witnesses to your confession!!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS Since our last edition we have 11 new members. Welcome, we hope to meet you all soon. Yatesbury Compton Bassett R. J. Batt Rackheath, Norfolk 1954 M. E. Poutney Tadley, Hants 1958 W. Glander Calne 1964 L .M .T. Munckton Sherborne 1957 K. Curlewis Kings Langley 1956 Neither W .G. Joyce Swindon 1958 Mrs. B. Glander Calne J. Aitken Norwich 1954 G. Luck Barwell Dr.W.H. Young Weymouth 1950 Mrs. G. Abbott-Darbyshire (nee Breach) Cirencester.

CONTENTS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...... Rosie Watt 4 SILENT KEYS BRIAN SAUNDERS...... 5 A NOSTALGIC LOOK BACK...... 5068035 SAC Neville Fawcett 6 A SHIP BY ANOTHER NAME...... Michael Taylor 8 SMILE AWHILE...... 8 MARCHING ON ICE...... 2713933 J/T Roy Perry 9 CUSHY POSTING...... Jack Walton 12 THE GHOST OF RF 398...... Doug Bennison 13 27 GROUP REMEMBERED...... 15 CARTOON BY KANE...... 15 INFORMATION NEEDED...... 16 THE LAST HERCULES LEAVE LYNEHAM...... Clive Simpson 16 LETTERS TO PHIL TOMASELLI...... 18 REMINISCENCES OF MY RAF DAYS...... Richard (Dick) Myers 19 IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW...... George Cady 21 THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM...... Phil Tomaselli 22 MORE SILENT KEYS...... 22

3 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com REPORT ON THE 2011 AGM Rosie Watt

The Annual General Meeting took place on the 20th August at Compton Bassett and was well attended by 43 members. A minute’s silence took place before the meeting when we remembered our dear friend Brian Saunders (Association Chairman) who died in July. Our Vice Chairman Rev. Lyn Morris took on the role of Acting Chairman for the following meeting.

The Saturday evening started earlier than normal with the “after dinner speaker” speaking before the dinner! David Court lives locally and is an ex-RAF Police officer. When he arrived I asked him how long he was going to talk for (so that our caterer would know when she could start serving) and he said very precisely “42 minutes” and that is what we got!

I found him to be an eloquent and charismatic speaker and I hope everyone enjoyed his talk on “The Battle of Britain”. Being one of the younger members of the Association I was fascinated with all the facts and figures. I think it will be hard to find a better speaker for next year – any suggestions?

The evening meal was most enjoyable, and the suggestion was made to me that our caterer Liz should be made our “Honorary Caterer” as she has now completed the kitchen tasks for 12 years!

Sunday morning saw seven standard bearers and a group of young ATC members at our church service. There were two of our own Standards paraded, together with two British Legion, one Observer Corp, one RAFA and one ATC. Our Chaplin Rev. Lyn Morris took the service, the lessons were read by Publicity Officer Tony Gernon and our Patron Air Marshall Sir Alec Morris. Rev. Morris reminisced about his time in the RAF and his eventual calling to the ministry. His sermon encouraged us to “use the gifts that God has given us”. The church was full and the standards were paraded outside, the last post was sounded, which is always a very poignant moment in the proceedings. The war graves have been cleaned this year, and new flowerbeds and grass planted around them,

Our AGM this year was a pleasure to attend, and I would like to encourage more members to join with us on the 18th and 19th of August next year.

Thank you to everyone for their input, however small or large your contribution, it made for a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for the report, Rosie. On behalf of all those who attended I would like to say thanks for the enormous amount of time and effort that you put in to ensure the AGM was a success. Maybe next year you will be able to persuade your grandson to part with some of his parent’s hard earned money and become a member so that he can join in the fun. We need younger members to ensure survival of the Association. Ed.

4 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com SILENT KEYS

BRIAN SAUNDERS YATESBURY 1954

It is with great regret and sadness that we have to report the death of Brian on 14 July 2011. He succeeded Albert Mundy as Association Chairman in 2010. Prior to this he had been our Treasurer from 2004 to 2009.

His funeral took place on Friday 22 July at Worting Road Cemetery in Basingstoke and was attended by a large number of family and friends. Several members of the Committee were also there, and Tony Gernon paraded the Association Standard at the graveside.

Brian’s widow, Pat, sent the following message via Doug Bennison : Brian joined in 1954 and after basic training at Padgate he went to Yatesbury as a Storeman. He was billeted in Hut 54 and left the RAF in 1957. He enjoyed his time in the Service and was also very proud to be part of the Yatesbury Association

Doug Bennison, who was Permanent Staff at C.B. From 1952 - 1955 and a close friend of Brian’s ,writes: I join in the family tribute to Brian, our late Treasurer and Chairman. Now another gap in the earthly, Ex RAF ranks. My local pal, Brian, sadly missed and now reunited with my relation, Bryan Pryor who was a medic in SSQ from ‘55 to ‘57. RIP Brian.

I received this letter via Phil Tomaselli: Dear Mr. Tomaselli It is with regret that I write to inform you of the death of my father, George Prescott. at the age of 94 as the result of a stroke. He was sent on a Wireless Operator's Course to RAF Yatesbury Radio School in 1940. He joined the association a few years ago and very much looked forward to receiving his copies of 'Sparks.' I accompanied my parents to the reunion weekend on several occasions, until he got too frail to attend, and he greatly enjoyed meeting fellow ex-servicemen and catching up on 'old times.' A photo from the last AGM he and Mum attended in 2009 is enclosed, together with copies of a few sketches my father made in 1941 during his time in the Middle East. I wish the Association well George & his wife can be seen at Yours Sincerely the end of the table on the right. Pat Prescott-Jones I will include some of the sketches The Association extends its condolences to Pat in future issues. Ed. and the rest of the family on their sad loss. Ed.

5 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT COMPTON BASSETT 5068035 SAC Neville Fawcett

In April 1959, at the age of 21 years & 4 months, having been deferred to enable me to complete my studies, I was called up to serve my National Service in the RAF (National Service was cancelled a month later in May) and reported to RAF Cardington. After square bashing at RAF Wilmslow, I was posted to Yatesbury in June 1959 to begin training to be an Air Wireless Fitter, but due to no course being available for some time, we were eventually transferred to Compton Bassett in August that same year on a Ground Wireless Fitter course.

Whilst at Yatesbury waiting for our AWF course to begin, each morning we were assigned duties around the camp, one such duty was at the cook house and a few of us went by lorry to the goods depot at Chippenham railway station to collect Iron rations, so called because they were contained in tin cans to be distributed to the troops in the field of conflict during a war. The tins were in cardboard boxes design to feed one man for 30 days or 30 men for one day. After the boxes had been in storage for two years they were taken from the stores and sent to military camps to be used in the cook houses. Each box had its own tin opener. Some of the items in the various tins consisted of:-

Toilet paper Salt Bars of milk chocolate Wine gums Corned beef Peaches Hardtack biscuits Vegetables Powdered:- milk, eggs & potatoes Etc etc Neville , 2nd from the right, in party mood at the CFN Xmas “bash” At Compton Bassett, each billet had a Tannoy speaker and between the hours of 1800 hrs to 2200 hrs, an entertainment programme was broadcast by the Compton Forces Network (CFN) mainly consisting of music from CFN’s vast record library.

I was recruited to CFN as their chief librarian, responsible for keeping the records (78, 45 and 33 rpm) in numerical order, each record being tagged with its own number and listed in the index catalogue. My other job was to read the “Melody Maker” to find out which new tunes had entered the Top Twenty and then go into Chippenham to purchase them from the local music shop.

Because some of the RAF personnel on camp, including some CFN staff, were able to get home at weekends, no programmes were broadcast but following some moaning from those who could not get home, I came up with a compromise and on a Sunday morning, 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs we broadcast “Sunday Non-stop” i.e., one record after another with no dialogue in between. CFN staff were paid a wage of 30 /- per month, and this enabled some staff to get home after

6 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com payday by coach from the camp, 30/- return to Manchester for me.

Pam, who is featured in some of my photos, presented a weekly programme entitled “Letters from Home” whereby families could send in requests for music to be played with a personal message being read out over the air, I received such a message from a girl who was my pen-friend, we have been married now for 48 years. Pam’s signature tune was “String of Pearls” by Glen Miller

Another very popular programme went out on the Wednesday night, before airmen and WRAF were posted to their new camps having completed their courses. This gave sweethearts the chance to request songs to say goodbye, resulting in one particular record being the most requested song of all time, Ella Fitzgerald’s “Every time we say goodbye.” “Story Time” was always very well listened to, going out as the last programme of the night on whatever night it was broadcast. The listeners were encouraged to turn the lights then the Thriller was read in a deep voice with other members of CFN providing blood curling sound effects. Scarey.

One of the most popular presenters was a guy called Ridd Goddard who was a brilliant script writer and on his last night on camp he called his programme “Getting Ridd of Goddard” in which he paid tribute to individual members of CFN staff by playing a record which he considered best summed them up. Blowing my own trumpet (and being big headed) he paid me what I consider to be the best compliment ever given me by, in his own words, saving my song until next to last, (the last being for the NCO I/C), and playing “Personality”.

Our NCO I/C lived in London, owned a car and offered to take four of the staff to the Motor Show at Earls Court, we drove there after work, visited the show then drove back to camp afterwards. That was quite a journey because there were no motorways in 1959.

Christmas in the CFN Studio was typical RAF madness, all the decorations being WEIRD, a Christmas tree hanging from the ceiling, a huge spider’s web, a ghost and a hangman’s noose.

As members of CFN we were excused any duties or parades but once a month, when there was a camp parade, we set up a tape-recorder on the edge of the parade ground to provide the RAF March Past. Happy days.

My days at Compton Bassett were marred by the death of my father who died, at the young age of 50, from a brain tumour. The last time I saw him, a fortnight before his death, he was a vegetable just like a baby. This image of him in his hospital bed haunted me and I failed my Fitters course leaving me as a Ground Wireless Mechanic. I was posted near home in 1960 to RAF Norton near Sheffield, a wireless maintenance depot, where I applied my skills as a wireless fitter, without the rank or pay. Life’s a bitch.

On 1st April 1961, April Fools Day, I was demobbed and returned to civilian life.

Take a look at the great set of photos that Neville has posted on the website. Ed.

7 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com A SHIP BY ANOTHER NAME Michael Taylor Member No. 784

I thoroughly enjoyed the December issue of “ SPARKS” (No. 48), but would point out an error on page 22, the ship in question is not the “ Dunera”.

The real Dunera was launched in 1937 for the British India Steam Navigation Co. and was used as a troopship. In 1944 it was the Headquarters of the 7th Army for the invasion of Southern France. When the war ended she spent many years as a troopship in various parts SS Dunera of the world. In 1961 she was converted to a school- ship and was broken up in 1967.

I have a suspicion that the ship in the photograph could be a Bibby Line Ltd vessel as that company was also concerned with troop shipping at this time.

Michael formerly worked in the PR Dept. of P&O and BISNC was a subsidiary. Thanks for the correction Michael. I think our previous Editor would say that this was a “deliberate mistake.” in his final issue!! In an attempt to prove my ability I have located a photo of what I hope is the correct vessel. Ed.

SMILE AWHILE

Phil Tomaselli sent me a selection of conversations between Air Traffic Control and Pilots, I hope you find them as funny as I did. More will follow in future issues. Ed.

O’Hare Approach Control to a 747:” United 329 heavy. Your traffic is a Fokker, one o’clock, three miles, Eastbound”. United 329: “Approach, I’ve always wanted to say this...... I’ve got the little Fokker in sight.”

Miami Centre to TWA 2341, “For noise abatement turn right 45 degrees” TWA 2341 “Centre we are at 35,000 feet how much noise can we make up here?” Miami Centre “Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?”

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Any member who would like to attend the annual service at the Cenotaph, on Sunday November 13th, is asked to contact David Clark as soon as possible so that tickets can be allocated.

David’s contact details can be found on Page 2.

8 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com MARCHING ON ICE 2713933 J/T Roy Perry

In early January 1954 I said goodbye to Parents and puppy dog and travelled, by bus and train, to Hitchin Station in Bedfordshire. This was one of the pick-up points for the January entry. We travelled over frosty roads to RAF Cardington, home of the British Airship. Well, the huge hangars on the site used to house the famous R 34, R 100 and R 101 dirigibles before the war. This facility was to be reborn in the 1980’s as the base for Airship Industries ‘Blimps’ but all that was to be found in the lofty buildings when I was there was a selection of Barrage Balloons used for parachute training. Civvies were exchanged for battledress and Best Blue. Caps, mugs and irons, clothing and kitbags were issued. I had also acquired a number and a different first name. As 2713933 I was known by my middle name of Stan in the billet of 24 beds. This was because there was another Roy in the hut. It turned out that he was always in trouble and I got the blame! We set about the important tasks of rapid ageing, not ourselves, but clothes. It was very important not to look like the ‘sprog's we were so cap badges were smoothed berets shaved, steamed and moulded to fit he head and work started on boots. Getting the required mirror finish on these took several months. First the pimples and defects were shaved off, and then hot polish was liberally applied. This was smoothed with spit on the back of a spoon which had been heated in the coke fire. This process was necessary before every inspection of kit during my service. We also made specially shaped pieces of card for use as the backing for all brass badges, buttons and buckles. Another template was needed for protection when applying thick grey ‘Blanco’ to webbing belts, small and large packs and their belts. The packs themselves were boxed off internally with stiff card. There was a big trade in making copies of the ‘1250’ ID card in case the original was lost. (Losing your 1250 was almost a court martial offence). We were interrogated about religion, political beliefs, fitness to fight and health.

After two weeks of tests, kitting out and some sleep we had photos taken in groups and were then assigned to our next camp. This was for six weeks basic training otherwise know as ‘square-bashing.’ Here we were to meet the most hated NCO’s in the Air Force, Drill Instructors (D.I.’s)! We formed up and marched down the hill to platforms where a long train had been drawn up in the station adjacent to the camp and it soon set off on a tortuous cross country journey. Stops were made at Bedford (for Cranwell) where the Officer material recruits de-trained, Wolverhampton (for Hednesford), Wilmslow (near Warrington) for half the rest of us, and finally Bridgnorth. As our RAF bus climbed out of the deep gorge of the River Severn into a howling blizzard we were filled with trepidation. At the camp gates we fell out as a rabble. We were lined up in column of threes, told to ‘right dress’ and marched off to our billets. We were halted a dozen times by no less than three D.I. corporals and finally drew up at the hut. It was still snowing heavily. After being told where the ablutions and cook-house were we dismissed and set about choosing the best bed space. There was to be a kit inspection at 07.30 next day so we soon tumbled into hastily made beds. Two small groups huddled around the stoves, one casually playing cards; the other spooning their boots. I was in neither group.

9 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com After our kit had been inspected it was time for our bodies. We filed into a hall, disrobed completely in a temperature well below zero and stood in turn in front of the Medical Officer. You would not have thought his hands could be colder but most of us jumped when being grasped by the balls and told to cough. Cook-house lunch came as a relief, if you like scrambled egg floating in water, burnt toast and mugs of tea like ditchwater (dishwater was better!). Then, for the first time, we attended pay parade, if we failed to reply with our number, Sir!, , we had to wait for 27/6 d. The only place to spend it was the NAAFI as we were all confined for 90 days.

Drill training started the next day, after another kit inspection. Forewarned I had kept the previous lot under the bed and had slept in my greatcoat only to find that ‘persons unknown’ had nicked the lot and distributed it around the hut members. Name tapes were sewn in to everything after that. Drill was split into two elements, hurried instructions followed by inept performance. All this on a skating rink called a Parade Ground. Actually I rather liked the discipline of the Drill and soon learned the moves – two –three. Drill was followed by PE in a hangar-like hall. Vaulting, rope climbing and wall bar scaling were the order of the day. I was no good at any of these. Surprisingly there was more compassion from the PT Instructors compared to the DI’s. Life went on and on and on. There were three flights in training at one time, identified by coloured plastic discs behind cap badges. Ours were red, so we were called redcaps. Confusion reigned when a squad of Army Police was temporarily housed due to their camp having frozen solid. They were real Redcaps. We also hosted trainees from snow-bound RAF Hednesford during this freezing period.

We soon became used to the rigour and routine but there was worse to come. Route marches cross country and the dreaded assault course. I wonder how many 21st century 18 year olds would be able to cope with the conditions yet alone grow in strength and stature because of them. In hindsight, I would have been happier to have undergone just this Basic Training because the other 18 months of my National Service were a waste of both my time and the Air Force’s . For the route march we assembled on the parade ground in battledress, greatcoats, both small and large packs, webbing belt with ammunition pouches ready for the off. That garb was fine at the start but after a mile of icy roads we were sweating. At the command “Halt” we actually collapsed like dominoes because of the treacherous surface. You had to laugh; but inwardly! After 5 miles we were all in, except for the DI’s Pets. Even they were on their knees after ten miles, and we had to get back! We were enormously relieved when we came across a couple of RAF buses ready to take us back to camp. The weather was not much better for the assault course. Going hand over hand on a rope wearing packs and slinging a rifle across a river in spate is not my idea of fun but somehow I managed. I pitied those who fell and were told to do it again. The worst part for me was the mud slide. We had to slide down a hill of mud with all the gear on and remain on both feet. I bit the dirt three times before being hauled to my feet by an irate DI. The scramble nets were OK but the high wall almost beat me until I took a good run at it, launching myself upwards from a log at the base. I made it to the top but lost hold of my rifle on the way so had to do it again. We learned to clean and fire the Lee Enfield 303 Rifle that had been standard issue since World War I, but were only given one chance to fire it. At the range I managed a fair grouping

10 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com although only 4 out of five shots were to be seen on the target. The instructor said one had gone wide whereas I maintained it had gone through and existing hole in the card target. His reply to this assertion is unprintable here! We carried out bayonet practice against several stuffed Hessian sacks mounted on a frame. On being told to yell while running up to ‘scare the shit’ out of the ‘enemy’, I cried ‘Tally Ho’ and managed to get the bayonet stuck in the wooden frame. Next time was better. Drill with rifles was quite exciting, being able to slap the strap against the barrel at the ‘Present Arms’ sounded good. You can’t do that with modern equipment. We had to polish the inside of the barrel to a high gloss. At the command ‘Port Arms’ with the bolt withdrawn, a thumbnail was pressed into the breech so the inspecting officer could peer in at the dangerous end and pronounce it clean.

After the rifle came grenades. We had the chance to toss a couple of dummies although one lad tried it S.A.S. style, nearly swallowed the pin and had us all diving for cover. We took an interesting look at mortars, anti-personnel weapons and the sort of missile that could be used against us, including German grenades, Mills bombs etc. After weapons training came the ‘chicken run.’ To imitate battlefield conditions we donned fatigues and had to run across a field dodging mock bullets and real thunderflashes. Here we sustained ‘serious’ injuries. One recruit had a twisted ankle, another a lost tooth and a third collided with a ‘tree’ that moved! Inside this obstacle was a D.I. who was using it as a hide. Talk about Dads Army! This was followed by a series of lectures about personal hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases etc. At last I was taught how to treat the opposite sex and prevent any nasty problems.

In the next issue we will join Roy at Yatesbury. Ed.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Clive

I graduated from Yatesbury, (Course AWM 91A , 2 Wing, Cpl. “No Neck” Morrell i/c), in February 1952 and was invited to travel to RAF Chivenor where they were desperately in need of my assistance. (Sgt. Baker i/c). Shortly after promotion to LAC, in about May 1952, another invitation. This time I was to make my way to RAF Locking to attend a course, known as SAC 1, which was to last about 8 weeks. We were told that this was an experimental SAC course which, if successful, would continue at Locking. Members were drawn mainly from Yatesbury course 91A and we all passed out with our 3 bladed prop. Does anyone know of, or remember if these courses continued?

I don’t remember learning much more than we did at Yatesbury, where we were taught the big 4 channel VHF (?1430), whereas at Chivenor we operated the small 10 channel 1934 set which was filled with the miniature CV 138’s and 140’s Happy days Yours W. Brian Marsh

Thanks Brian. I’m sure if anyone remembers these courses they will be in touch. Ed.

11 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com CUSHY POSTING!! Jack Walton

I received the following letter from Jack. I hope he is right about the floodgates opening. Contributions on any subjects are always very welcome. Ed.

You may have opened the floodgates by inviting members to nominate their favourite posting, but it can only auger well for contribution volume to our Sparks magazine. Happy sorting !!!

Perhaps I could be so bold as to suggest that a posting that I was lucky enough to achieve, purely by chance, might qualify in the upper order of things.

Those members who might have read my earlier article (in Newsletter 28) about my posting to the Air Attache's Office in the British Embassy , Warsaw) may recall that I only obtained that posting because I, being one of three W/Op's at Bassingbourn had more National service time to serve than the other two bods. The vacancy occurred because the incumbent had been very ill and was being shipped back home as soon as a replacement could be found.

I travelled out to Warsaw from Northolt in a DC 3 accompanied by the King's Messenger, a retired army Major as I recall. The journey took two days with overnight stops at Buckenburg and Gatow...... amazing , it takes about 3 hours nowadays.

My arrival in Warsaw was celebrated by a night on the town' when I was introduced to the potent alcoholic effects of Polish vodka. Not being used to strong drink I suffered the inevitable consequences, and I threw up most of the night. Next morning I had to report to the Air Attache, Group Captain Claude Henry Turner. I can only imagine what his thoughts were when he saw this white faced, sickly individual presenting himself as his new wireless operator,

But the desirability of the posting soon became apparent. Two corporals, another AC and myself occupied a furnished flat near Ockencie airport. The apartment was looked after by a maid who did our laundry. Another corporal, driver and motor mechanic had another apartment. Being attached to the Foreign Office we were entitled to Foreign Service allowance which was 10 guineas a week (not bad when as an AC2 I was on 9/- a day ). But we did have to pay for our own messing. At that time (1948/9) Warsaw had not begun to recover from the tremendous destruction imposed by the retreating Germans and the advancing Russians; but there were still a few good restaurants around and food was cheap and plentiful

Once a month we were allowed to submit a list of items not available locally, such as English etc. The cigarette, allowance was 1000 and you could get three bottles of booze (whisky, gin etc). I smoked at the time, but 500 was all I needed. And this is where another 'perk' came into play. The Polish doorkeeper at the rear entrance of the Embassy had black market contacts and in fact paid more for 500 fags than the cost of the monthly bill for all the items. The cigarettes would end up at cafes, bars etc at about four times the price that we paid; so everybody was happy.

12 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com We also had access to the American Embassy PX . Socially it was usually nights out with the other lads, or attendance at official functions at other embassies (in best blue), or parties at other staff quarters. During my time in Warsaw I was studying a correspondence course in telecommunications and was allowed leave to go back to U.K. to sit City &Guild exams. My plan was to return to Warsaw, but the RAF thought otherwise as I only had another three months to serve, so my return was cancelled and I was ordered to report to RAF Manston. This was upsetting as I had formed a relationship with a young Embassy typist and, had I returned, that might have flourished.

So I ended my service at Manston on HF DF. After the comparative high life style of Warsaw Manston was a great come down, and was one of the deciding factors in my returning to Civvy Street. But I thank the RAF for giving me a taste of the ex-patriate life which I went on to enjoy for thirty years.

THE GHOST OF RF 398 Doug Bennison

This aircraft was parked on a remote hardstand of an RAF airfield and virtually abandoned for thirty years. The big four-engined bomber deteriorated slowly in the weather extremes of heat and cold, and from the worst destroyer of all, neglect. Then history began to be a buzzword, and a clamour rose to “save old machines for posterity.” The RAF decided to place the Lincoln in the museum hanger at RAF Cosford, Shropshire. This particular aircraft, RF 398, had never itself shown a record of combat but was considered worthwhile to represent the developing line of British bomber development.

In the huge hanger with other planes, the Lincoln, during its restoration period of some eleven years, was kept safely behind locked doors. Each night the power was cut, and the old plane waited in darkness for the next day. It was supposed to wait in silence. It didn't. Guards passing outside the museum doors stopped to listen to strange sounds from the other side of the locked doors. They heard men shouting to one another, engines surging in power, propellers changing from fine to coarse pitch, staccato blips of Morse code signals, cockpit voice call-outs as switches and levers snapped and banged, and even the hanger doors rolling open and closed. A guard opened an entry door and peered in. no question: the uproar was coming from Lincoln RF 398. No one was in the airplane. No one was in the museum. The guard heard the faint sounds of machine gun and cannon fire. He blinked, he knew 398 had never been in war service. He slammed the door shut, locked it, and called the museum authorities.

The story spread swiftly. It appeared that for nearly eleven years this aircraft had been a centre of haunting's, voices, thundering combat action, and other sounds. No one, outside the small group affected had ever talked about it. Now, with higher authority on the scene, they not only related what they had heard, but admitted that many of the workers had refused to go near the aircraft day or night. An official investigation pressed for details, they became ever more startling, and each detail was sworn to not by one man, but every worker in the museum at RAF Cosford.

Men who were still willing to work on the aircraft would, on the day of' a violent winter storm, enter the freezing hanger, icicles hanging perilously from the roof.

13 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com When the workers entered the Lincoln, they found the aircraft interior comfortably warm and in the seventies! The other aircraft were freezing cold. On other days, when the hanger doors had been opened and the blustery winds of Shropshire swirled dust through the hanger, something had happened during the night when the shop was closed down. The workers entering the hanger in the morning stared in disbelief at the RF 398 in the Hangar at RAF Cosford Museum. aircraft. They were covered from nose to tail, from wingtip to wingtip, with dust. Not RF 398, shining a glossy and lustrous black, without a speck of dust, as though she had just been polished.

Ivan Spenceley, an investigative reporter from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, found the stories too inviting to ignore. He received permission to go through RF 398, and he did, from one end to the other. He found nothing unusual during his visit. but when he left the Lincoln, he hid his battery powered tape recorder inside the aircraft, concealed within the cockpit. Then he stayed with the museum staff as they locked all the hatches to the bomber and padlocked all entrances to the hanger itself. Next morning he was at the hanger doors as they were unlocked and, standing by the aircraft as they unlocked the hatches, he was first into the cockpit to retrieve his tape recorder. Terry Treadwell, my fellow researcher in England, confirmed this series of events.

In Ivan Spenceley's own words: "When I played back the recording, I shuddered. It was as if the old girl had suddenly taken to the skies. Human voices are clearly audible, but it is impossible to make out what they're saying. It's eerie."

The administrator of the museum, John Francis said, "I can confirm the hanger was empty when the recording was made because I locked the doors behind Mr. Spenceley. The noises are a mystery. I've got an open mind about it all, but the ghostly stories come from level-headed people who stick by what they have seen and heard."

Subsequently a group of workers refused ever again to enter the Cosford museum. They had watched a ghostly airman, in full flight gear and battle jacket, walking through the hanger. That wasn’t so bad, but they could see the aircraft through the unknown airman from the past.

This extract of Avro Lincoln RF 398, was taken from: "Ghosts of the Air," true stories of aerial haunting's by author Martin Caidin. Published by Galde Press Inc. PO box 65611, St .Paul. Minnesota 55165. USA. ISBN 1 -880090-1 0-U.

14 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com 27 GROUP REMEMBERED After the Church Service on Sunday, Ron Stempfer presented two framed plaques to the local Yatesbury historian, Gordon Chivers. They tell the story of HQ 27 Group Cherhill, and the Squadrons based at Yatesbury. Ron designed and prepared the plaques and, as a tribute to his lifelong friend and Association member Barry Davis who died in July 2010, he felt that a fitting place to display them was the Yatesbury Village Hall. Barry and Ron both served at RAF Cherhill. A note on the plaques reads: Donated by ex. RAF Cherhill airmen. SAC Barry Davis.(Group Teleprinter Operator) SAC Ron Stempfer (Group Drawing Office Draughtsman).

Also on display will be the recently re-discovered Silver Ron Stempfer presenting the 27 Trophies which were given to a local school by Gp. Group plaques to Gordon Chivers Capt. Pugh when Yatesbury closed in 1965. CARTOON BY KANE I inherited several cartoons by Kane, depicting life in the Far East Flying Boat Wing, from David Clark. I will reproduce them when space permits.

As the proud wearer of the ‘S’ brevet this one has particular significance for me ,even though some of my time was spent on Shackletons not Sunderlands. Ed.

15 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com INFORMATION NEEDED

The following is an edited extract from a message posted on the website by Kev Lloyd -Jones. If anyone who does not have access to the website can help, then contact either Bill Hauxwell or myself and we will pass on any info. Ed.

I am asking if any members have personal experiences or images they could give me, to help in putting together a website detailing the “ROTOR” defence project that was in existence in the 1950’s. My interest in the subject stems from 30 years in the RAF as a Radar Operator. Most of my time in the Service was spent underground in former ROTOR bunkers. If given permission by individuals the images and personal accounts I use will contain the details of the source. The website is not a commercial venture. It was conceived as a dedication to all the personnel who were involved in the ROTOR project, and I hope it will be a testament to the sacrifice those personnel made during the dark days of the cold war. WERE YOU THERE ?

Recently Bill Hauxwell received a request from the Scout Master of the Calne group. They, along with other local volunteers, have been re-chalking the White Horse and this has attracted some interest from the BBC Countryfile programme.

Apparently a group of Boy Entrants from Yatesbury or Compton Bassett did a ‘paint job’ on the horse sometime in the 1950’s and the details of this seem to have dimmed with the passing years.

Do any of you remember having seen the transformation? and if so, what colours were used?

As an ex Boy Entrant I often wonder why we always get the blame for this sort of incident. We were a very diligent, educated, responsible crowd of boys!! Ed.

THE LAST HERCULES LEAVE LYNEHAM Clive Simpson

Four Hercules aircraft, such a familiar sight and sound in the skies above Compton Bassett and Yatesbury, were the last planes to leave RAF Lyneham at 1030 BST on 1st July 2011

Lyneham has been the home of the planes, which have earned the nickname ‘Fat Albert’, since 1967. Due to restructuring and cost saving from the government cut backs it was decided that the base should close completely in 2012 and transfer operations to Brize Norton. During the ceremony the Station Commander, Gp. Capt. John Gladstone said, “It will be a very sad day for everyone at Lyneham but it’s just a new chapter in the history of the Hercules.” He then boarded the last aircraft to leave.

I am sure the good people of Royal Wootton Bassett will have mixed feelings about the closure of Lyneham. They have been so steadfast in support of the families and friends of our fallen service men and women. I am equally convinced that Brize Norton and Carterton will become focal points for those who wish to pay their respects as the corteges leave Brize Norton. Long may the tradition continue until the day when war is no more.

16 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com LETTERS TO PHIL TOMASELLI

Following Phil's request in Issue 50, for information about Fit. Lt. Breach he received several letters. Unfortunately no one remembers the Officer in question but here are some of the responses. Ed.

John Summers, 2598615 Cpl (Acting, paid) writes:

Dear Phil I was at Yatesbury in class AWM/AWF 12 starting in September 1953. Some of the lads in the billet were running the Theatre and one week, during the winter, there were three shows televised live from the Theatre by the BBC. I attended one show given by a stage hypnotist (Bristol based Henry Blythe or Boot?), who was later sued by a woman he "influenced" because every time she heard a certain piece of music she burst into tears. The second show was a Panel programme and the third a Variety show. One of the performers was Winifred Atwell playing her usual piano rags. I'm sure there was a well known female singer but cannot recall the name. One lad from the billet gave a hand to film the end titles, which at the time was wound from one roller to another by hand.

The font of all knowledge about Yatesbury, Phil Tomaselli, replies: John it must have been in Feb. 1954. The singer was probably Carole Carr. Also in the cast was Nicholas Parsons and Dick Emery. The other two were first a Sporting Panel where people were invited to ask questions, followed by a Boxing contest RAF Home v RAF Germany

Rob Lawrence says

Hello Phil, I was at Yatesbury 1954 to 56 and was on Front of House staff at the Theatre. Flt. Lt. Green was O i/c at this time. I guess that Flt. Lt. Breach was there much earlier.

Finally John Woodnutt sent this:

Dear Phil, I don't remember Flt.Lt. Breach but do have a Flt.Lt. Rimmer back in the old 'buzz box.' There were, as I recall, several Officers involved with the Theatre. Usually, I suspect, detailed by the CO to inspect the mess we were creating!!

I was 'volunteered' to assist with the production of St. Joan, and stayed to help with “I’ve Been Here Before” by J.B. Priestley,”Men in Shadow” by Mary Hayley Bell and “Tons of Money” by Will Evans. Bristol Rep used to visit occasionally, when we were running short of ideas or material.

There were two groups of players at the Theatre, alternating every two weeks, together with a variety band show with its excellent resident pianist Freddie Gordon.

We also had a “Crazy Gang” part of the show, originally with 5 members, but postings reduced this to 3 in the last show that I was associated with, They were known as the “D' Rheumatics” and appear in one of the enclosed photos. My apologies for the quality of the photos but I have

17 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com ‘tweaked’ the machine as much as possible. Maybe some of the other members will be able to help with clearer copies. Very best wishes John. (Woodnutt)

Thanks for the photos John. I have tried a bit more “tweaking” to get some of them to a printable standard and the one I have succeeded with so far is reproduced below. I will work on the others and publish them when they are done. I hope I have the names correct. Ed.

Yatesbury Players present “Men in Shadow” by Mary Hayley Bell

Back Row Tony Goodlam, “Alleyluya”Jackson,?, Brian Quilter, ?, Richard ”Polly” Marks ,? . Front Row ?, Chris Hodgson, ?, ?. Jackson, Hodgson and Quilter were the “D' Rheumatics”

A MESSAGE FROM CANADA

Bill Hauxwell received this email via the website. Anyone remember Alan? Ed. I am not a member of your Association but a friend from Wiltshire sent me the Gazette & Herald with a notice of your AGM. I was at RAF Yatesbury in the fifties where I trained as an Air Wireless Fitter before being posted to RAF Feltwell in Norfolk on National Service. I now live in Canada so I shall not be able to attend your meeting, but please convey my greetings to all present and especially anyone from hut X58 in 1953 (or perhaps it was 1954) Alan Waller, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

18 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com REMINISCENCES OF MY RAF DAYS - 1950 Richard (Dick) Myers (2469567) I reached 18 on January 7th 1950 and became liable for National Service or Conscription as it was better known. Shortly after my birthday I received my call-up papers and was summoned for a medical examination and some sort of IQ test. I obviously passed both because I was drafted into what ,at that time, was His Majesty's . In April 1950 I was sent a railway warrant to Warrington in Lancashire and then went on to RAF Padgate situated just outside Warrington and I spent 6 weeks there doing what they called basic training (square bashing). The prime object of such training seemed to be to submit you to as much physical and mental torture as they could devise. We were equipped with a uniform and a pair of boots that were quite unlike anything that my poor feet had previously experienced. We also got a Lee-Enfield .303 rifle to be used primarily for drill practice. We were taught how to march and swing that rifle which initially seemed to weigh a ton but ultimately became as light as a feather. Our muscles protested violently and we used all manner of lotions to soothe them. I remember that Sloan's Liniment was a favourite. I learned how to swear properly, what girls were really for, how to smoke and drink and all those good things. We also got extremely fit. They put saltpetre in our tea to subdue our sexual urges. We didn't realise this until and old lag who was married tipped us off and told us to avoid the tea if we were planning any sexual exploits in the foreseeable future.

We learned how to fire a rifle and were each given 50 rounds of ammunition to fire at various targets on the firing range. I handed one of my targets back to the Sergeant in charge without a blemish on it. He was not amused. We learned how to fire a Bren gun and a Sten gun. We were subjected to a GVK test. This stood for General Vocational Knowledge. It took most of the day and involved a series of intelligence tests and interviews. I did quite well on the tests scoring around 94% overall. We were given a long list of possible trades for which the Air Force would train us and were asked to select 5 trades in order of preference. I chose five that were associated with electronics since this was a hobby of mine. During the interview that followed , the officer in charge asked me why I had chosen such a list when in "Civvy" street I was a Timber Agent. I pointed out to him that if I had to be in this mob for 18 months (it was later extended to 2 years) I was going to try to get something out of it. He thought that was an excellent attitude and at the same time asked if I would be willing to go abroad. Naturally I gave the same answer and was eventually sent to Egypt.

In due course the basic training was over and we got 1 or 2 weeks leave. During the leave we got our postings in the mail and I was posted to No 3 S. of R. T. (School of Radio Training) at Compton Bassett near Calne in Wiltshire. Here I was to be trained as a GWMIC. (Ground Wireless Mechanic, Inter Command) This grandiose title meant that I was to be given the equivalent of a 3 year City & Guilds course in telecommunications, however it was to be "crammed" into a period of just 6 months.

I spent the rest of 1950 stationed here. Compton Bassett was a tiny village just outside Calne in Wiltshire. Calne's claim to fame was that it was the home of the then popular Harris sausages and pork pies. I have no idea if they still exist. The closest town of any size was Chippenham. You got from Calne to Chippenham via a single railway line with a "Push Pull" train. This was a great novelty to me since they were becoming an increasing rarity even in 1950. The only other such train I had encountered was the "Stanmore Rattler" that ran between Harrow and

19 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com Wealdstone station and Stanmore via Belmont. Compton Bassett, was a large sprawling camp that housed around 500 persons. A large part of the camp was devoted to classrooms and laboratories. They had working examples of the then current hi tech communications devices. Receivers and transmitters were available for training. We were taught all about inter-command communications which at that time used radio transmitted signals that drove teleprinters. The system was extremely sophisticated and considered to be "state of the art." The course included basic electronics and all the principles of M.C.V.F. (Multi Channel Voice Frequency) and F.S (Frequency Shift) transmissions . Naturally I've forgotten a large amount of the technical aspects but I still recall the general principals. The teleprinters were, again bang up to date, and I recall that they were Creed 7B models. These were in use right up into the mid 70's but have been almost totally replaced by facsimile machines.

Thanks very much for the article Dick and for the one about John Bloom. I will do some editing on it and include it in the December issue.

YATESBURY MEDICS

This photo of the Medical Staff , taken in the Summer of 1951, was sent by Anthony Lewis. He is sitting in the front row, third from the right.

Anthony says it was taken outside the Staff Entrance of SSQ which I presume to be the back door, as opposed to the Main Entrance where we all had to go to be tortured by the people with blunt hypodermic needles and cold hands!! Ed.

20 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW George Cady (1080)

I finally joined the RAF on 17 June 1942, having initially passed a Medical in October 1941. Final exams at Oxford College delayed the procedure and consequently I had to undergo a second Medical and Interview before appearing before a Selection Board. Initial training at Padgate and Blackpool was followed by a posting to Yatesbury.

No.2 Wing of No.2 Radio School was commanded by Flt. Lt. Woolland and after a few weeks I was called to his office. I tried hard to think what I had been caught doing as I was marched in but to my surprise the C.O. said, “I saw your name on the intake and I know your Father very well. Whilst you are here there is no reason, providing you are not on duty, that you shouldn't have a weekend pass if you want one. Collect it from this office on Friday's, be outside the Officer's Mess at 1630 and I will give you a lift as far as Marlborough. You will have to find your own way back for 2359 on Sundays though.”

Life was strict. Polish the brass hinges and catches on the windows, polish the brown lino flooring, last two out of the hut walking backwards on paper polishing as they leave. A mark on the bath showing how little water we were allowed to use and every so often Guard duty, in full kit, up from the pumping station by the White Horse to guard the water tanks.

Various classes on the theory of Radio followed by weekly exams. If the required % was not reached then an extra hour each evening in the particular subject or subjects. Any miscreant who still failed to achieve the mark would be 'CT'd' and posted elsewhere. Litter picking and kerb painting were the punishments for anyone who was confined to camp for any reason.

Once a week, at least, a run down to Beckhampton and back up the hill via the assault course which consisted of ropes strung between the Beech trees. The Cpl. PTI always kept pace with us.....on his bicycle!!

An outbreak of Scabies meant that we were all sent into isolation for a few days and everything, and everyone was thoroughly de-fumigated by an outdated steam process.

On successful completion of the Course we had to assemble in a room prior to interview and the awarding of our Sparks badge. Above the door, painted in bold letters, were the words “Sgt. John Hannah V.C. sat in this room” From Yatesbury I was posted to Madeley and after further training passed out as a Sgt.

How did the C.O. know my Father? They were both into Shooting and Gun dogs. My Father won the All England Field Dog Championship 3 times and he also won the South of England Open Clay Pigeon Shooting “The Golden Pheasant.”

COVENTRY CATHEDRAL On the 17th September at 1900 hours, a service will be held in Coventry Cathedral to mark the 70th anniversary of the blitz. Among those performing will be the Band of the Royal Air Force, Coventry Choristers and the Worcester Male Voice Choir.

21 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Phil Tomaselli

In April this year I visited the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, north of Birmingham, with my daughter and son-in law. This was set up ten years ago on the site of an old quarry, covers 150 acres and contains over 160 Memorials, mostly to military organisations. The main Memorial is to all the servicemen who have died, for whatever reason, since the end of World War Two. There are over 16,000 names and, what is worrying, room for a lot more. Phil and the Association tree with the main wall of the National Memorial in the background. One of my interests was to see the tree for our Association, and the two pictures show the tree and a close up of the plaque. You will see it is close to the main memorial, but when I asked at the entrance desk where it was, they could not find it as I had asked for Yatesbury while, as you can see from the plaque, it is No. 2 and No.3 R.S. There is a memorial to the Boy Entrants not far from the tree and around it are the names of all the camps that trained them including Compton Bassett and Yatesbury.

It is well worth a visit, but you will need all day, we were there over five hours and did not see all of it.

I agree completely Phil. I have been there each of the last four years for the annual Boy Entrants Memorial Service. It is a very emotional place. Ed. TAILPIECE Anon When square bashing at Wilmslow in 1959 there was a ditty based on Green grow the Rushes but substituting RAF terms, the only three I can recall are : Five are the parts of the LMG Two two- the lily white boys clothed all in Blanco One is just an AC2 and ever more shall be so. Any memories being stirred? If anyone can remember the missing lines let me know and I will put the full version in the bumper Xmas issue . Ed.

MORE SILENT KEYS

No. 958 R. Wheatman of Milnethorpe who was at Yatesbury in 1943. Died April 2011. No. 235 J.T. Jones of Weston-sub-Edge who was at Yatesbury in 1951. Died March 2011 No. 282 M.F. Plant of Guildford who was at Yatesbury in 1943. Died October 2010.

22 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com A close up of the Association plaque on our tree at The National Memorial Arboretum

Photo by Phil Tomaselli

23 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com RAF YATESBURY ASSOCIATION MERCHANDISE ASSOCIATION TIES ASSOCIATION BLAZER BADGES The Association’s distinctive tie, Association blazer badges bearing either No. designed by David Clark, features the 2 or No. 3 Radio School crests are available ‘fist and flashes’ telecom’s motif and No. at £7.50 including P&P. Both include the 2 Radio School crest. UK price is £11.00 words RAF YATESBURY ASSOCIATION including P&P. Overseas price on beneath the badge. application to Phil Tomaselli.

Please make cheques payable to RAF Please make cheques payable to RAF Yatesbury Association Yatesbury Association No. 2 RADIO SCHOOL LAPEL RAF YATESBURY - THE HISTORY BADGES By Phil Tomaselli The lapel badge is available direct from Phil’s excellent definitive history of RAF Bill Hauxwell, 18 Hollyhock Close, Yatesbury from the Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 5RF. Cretaceous period The cost is £3.00 until the gates were UK P&P £0.50 closed for the last Overseas P&P £1.80 time in 1965. Cheques payable UK price £18.00 inc to W. Hauxwell. P&P. If you have a PayPal Europe £8.50 P&P. account you can use Rest of the World this and order by Surface £8.50 P&P. email. Airmail £17.00 P&P Cheques payable to P. Tomaselli ASSOCIATION SWEATSHIRTS AND POLO SHIRTS Sweatshirts and Polo shirts are available with either the Yatesbury or Compton Bassett crest under which, in either case, are the words: RAF YATESBURY ASSOCIATION. They are available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Outsize and five colours: Light Blue, Royal Blue, Navy Blue, Grey and Black. Price is £19.95 including P&P. Cheques payable to RAF Yatesbury Association

All orders and enquiries to P. Tomaselli 146 Stockwood Lane Bristol BS14 8TA

24 www.rafyatesbury.webs.com