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THE GOOD NEWS Page 2 The Good News My Retirement as Branch Sec Page 2 – The bad News Branch Subs Page 2 Our Thanks for all the Christmas Cards Page 2 ’ THE BAD NEWS Page 2 Kipling s Poetry Page 2 “ ” A Poem Prelude Page 2 – GOODIES FOR OUR Branch Appeal Goodies for Our Injured Boys Page 3 Branch Birthdays Page 3 – INJURED BOYS Page 3 New Member Ian Hart of Wolverhampton Page 3 News of the RAF Regiment Page 3 NEWS OF THE RAF Cheers as Squadron Returns Home in the EAT Page 3 And in the Bury Free Press Page 3 REGIMENT Page 3 And in the BBC News, Suffolk Page 4 Hero Who Defused Twelve Bombs in One Day Page 4 NATIONAL MEMORIAL National Memorial Arboretum Update Page 5 WAAF Memorial is Fitting Tribute Page 5 ARBORETUM UPDATE DLI Regimental Memorial Image Revealed Page 5 Page 5 Future Events at the NMA Page 6 RAF Regiment Books Page 6 FROM THE RAF REG.T Books about the RAF Regiment Page 6 Books Containing References to RAF Regiment Page 7 SECRETARY Page 8 From the RAF Regiment Secretary Page 8 Death Notices Page 8 Richard Evans Page 8 Maurice Daley Page 8 Peter Gray Page 8 Jerry Goulding Page 8 Keith Jackson Page 9 Randle Manwaring Page 9 Jack Moffat Page 9 John Simpson Page 9 William Stone Page 9 New Notices Page 10 ’ New Year s Honours List Page 10 Corps Diary Dates Page 11 The Best Fighters in the RAF Politicians Page 11 Dates for Your Diary Page 10 Operate on the Ground Birmingham Branch Committee Page 10

The Royal Air Force Regiment.

Ground-based specialists, NEWSLETTER NO: 259 protecting RAF assets from enemy attack. JANUAR Y 2011

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THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH NEWSLETTER NUMBER 259 JANUARY 2011

Dear Readers. a donation to Branch funds when you pay up your Committee would be extremely grateful. The Good News - My Retirement £5.00 for twelve newsletter Now s every as Your Secretary ’t you think? So This was going to be my penultimate year is quite a good bargain don ’s newsletter w if you can, please help to swell our Branch funds. newsletter as January as going to be – my last, but after founding the Birmingham And also please remember to pay for in order to Branch and then spending 23 years of my life reduce my workload, there will only be reminders dedicated to it, and when after going right down in the February, March and April newsletters, to the wire and when no one would take on all my after that non-payers will not be reminded again responsibilities as your Branch Secretary, I just and will be removed from the Branch Roll. could not let it all go down the pan. Our Thanks for all the Christmas Cards I was also influenced by all the letters and I say the same thing every year but it is telephone calls from branch members that I have sincerely meant. Valerie and I would like to received either asking me to continue in the job or thank all those members and friends who sent Christmas cards to us, wishing all our members thanking me for all the work that I have put in ’m over the years. I cannot mention all of them for and us well for Christmas and the New Year. I they would take up the greater part of this always amazed and touched with all the cards that newsletter but I give my particular thanks to the we have received. Not only from our relations and following. ‘civilian’ friends but also from members and The Past Chairman Steven Brereton our Martin and Birmingham Branch members Chris from good friends of the Birmingham Branch, Baxter, Keith Bryers, John Casley, Hughie sending good wishes to Valerie and I and to all Cooper, Bernard Harris, Terry Moyle, Cyril members of the Branch, not only for Christmas Richards and Colin Smith. Your letters and but for the New Year too, my thanks to all of you comments were particularly heart warming and and a very h’aspp Py Noeewt rYyea.r to all of you too. greatly influenced my decision to stay on. The Kipling others will know who I am referring to and I You all know that I am a great fan of ’s prose and verse for I have thank you all for your kind comments. Rudyard Kipling There was also the following factor that published his works many, many times and I was influenced me, for after discussing the situation going to include the following poem in my last with our Branch President Dave Gooding, he newsletter as I think it would have been most agreed that if I would continue to produce the appropriate. As I like it here it is for you. Branch newsletters, he would relieve me of part of “Prelude” my workload and would take on the job of circulating them. So after all the heart searching, I have eaten your bread and salt. I am going to continue as your Branch Secretary. I have drunk your water and wine. – In deaths ye died I have watched beside, The Bad News Branch Subs ’s time again for you to put your And the lives ye led were mine. Yes it hands in your pockets and to pay your Was there aught that I did not share subscriptions to the Branch and to the In vigil or toil or ease, -- Association, it remains the same again and that is One joy or woe that I did not know, £10.00 for Association and £5. 00 for your Branch Dear hearts across the seas? £15.00 in total Subscription . Branch funds really – need an injection of cash so if any of you as I have written the tale of our life – many of our members already do could include For a sheltered people's mirth, In jesting guise -- but ye are wise, And ye know what the jest is worth.

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NEWS OF THE RAF REGIMENT About 200 personnel from 6 Force Goodies for our Injured Boys Protection Wing HQ and 58 Squadron - the new In the same way, it is most important that RAF Regiment squadron based at RAF Leuchars we remember the dangers that our young men and in Fife - plus reservists from 603 (City of women serving on operations are all facing, so Edinburgh) Squadron RAuxAF will deploy in please remember the appeal your Branch April for a six-month period and will be Committee have set up so please send any responsible for the security of one of the main donations you may wish to make, to the Branch NATO air bases in Afghanistan. A MoD Treasurer Tom Magee and he will pass them on to spokeswoman said: the right place. With your help, we can continue "Scottish soldiers and Scots-based troops to provide these small comforts and any other are once again getting ready to make a vital items that members of the military staff ask us for. contribution to NATO operations in Afghanistan We can never get enough goodies for the next year. All the units are already busy training lads, so in the mean time, your continued support to ensure they are able to face the challenges is appreciated. If any of you would like to ahead. Our troops receive excellent support from contribute items or cash directly for this appeal, their families and local communities, for which you must contact Major Ian Cheesman, Officer they are most grateful. That encouragement boosts I/C Patient Support Services, or post them to him morale and gives them great strength when they at RCDM, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, are far from home." Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6JD. If cash, please – Cheers as squadron returns home make your cheques out to RCDM Patient By Jo Thewlis in the East Anglian Daily Times Welfare Fund. on Saturday, 15 January, 2011 BRANCH BIRTHDAYS Cheering crowds lined the streets to give A very Happy Birthday to the following gunners from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment a ’ welcome to their home town. Birmingham Branch members whose birthdays heroes Union flags are this month, may you all have many more. were waved high as the RAF Honington-based 3rd Jan Robert Shepherd Ballymena Cty Anrtim regiment took part in a homecoming parade in 4th January Robert Watkins Nuneaton Wwicks Bury St Edmunds today after a six-month tour of 5th January Samuel Hadley Dudley West Mids Afghanistan. Mary Jones, 76, joined hundreds of 6th Jan Godfrey Coates Birmingham West Mids supporters on Angel Hill to show her support for 9th January John Lawton Stoke on Trent Staffs the returning troop and said: th “The boys ha 14 January Chris Baxter Daventry Northants ve been out there working th ’s 14 January SamuelOwen Crewe Cheshire hard. It wonderful to think people turn out to 24th January James Bayliss Colehill West Mids welcome them home. I am sure it gives them a th ” 25 January Stephen Rowlands Tamworth Staffs boost to know people are supporting them. 28th Jan Thomas Swann Stanford Le Hope Essex The Central Band of the Royal Air Force NEW MEMBER marched ahead of the squadron as they paraded We welcome Ian Hart of Coven, through the newly-opened Abbey Gate. Group Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Ian enlisted on Captain Andy Hall, Station Commander at RAF 22nd June 1962 and after his Basic Training and Honington, took the salute from the Gunners on RAF Regiment Training, was posted to 1 Field Angel Hill with Ian Houlder, mayor of St Squadron at RAF Butterworth, Malaya. He Edmundsbury. Shoppers cheered as the troops served there until 1965 when he was posted to marched up Abbeygate Street and into the Arc RAF Catterick to join 51 Squadron. Ian served shopping development before enjoying a with 51 Squadron until 1966 when he was posted reception in the Apex. Squadron Leader Dave ’s Colour Squadron at RAF to the Queen Crook, Commanding Officer of 1 Squadron, said it had been wonderful to see so much support. Uxbridge. He completed his service with QCS “It is absolutely incredible,” he said. “The until he was discharged on 27th November 1967. support is quite amazing and emotional. It is We welcome him and hope that he has a ” long and happy association with us. quite humbling.

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And in the Bury Free Press on the same Afghanistan, Warrant Officer Class 2 Iain Martin day demonstrated that in no uncertain fashion, and Hundreds of people lined the streets to like all Ammunition Technical Officers cheer, applaud and pay their respects at a responsible for IED clearance, he does so every homecoming parade for troops who have served day. in war-torn Afghanistan. The crowds were out in We can only applaud their heroism and force in Bury St Edmunds town centre for the pray for their safe return to their loved ones. event on Saturday January 15th which featured Hero who defused 12 bombs in one about 170 members of 1 Squadron RAF day Regiment, from RAF Honington. The airmen By Paul Harris in the Online Mail on 15th returned home in November after a six month tour January 2011 at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. In the eerie silence of a dusty Afghan road Group Captain Andrew Hall, who is the a lone soldier puts his life on the line... again and new station commander at RAF Honington, said: “It was most reassuring to see the people of again. Even by the standards of Afghanistan, it's fair to say he had busy day at work. In a single, Suffolk and beyond standing shoulder to shoulder. continuous operation, bomb disposal expert Iain The day was most important in identifying the Martin defused a record 12 home-made devices achievements of 1 Squadron and their families as that would have killed or maimed anyone they have served exceptionally well on ” unfortunate enough to tread on one or drive over operations. it. And in the BBC News, Suffolk on the Time after time, the soldier put his life on same day the line to render the roadside bombs safe. One by Members of the RAF regiment based in one, the deadly explosives and hidden pressure Suffolk have been on parade in Bury St Edmunds plates were removed. By the time he had as a homecoming tribute after a six-month tour in finished, a 1,000ft stretch of road that would once Afghanistan. The Gunners remembered senior have led only to blood and carnage was open to aircraftmen Kinikki Griffiths and Scott Hughes traffic again. And another attempt by the Taliban who both died during the tour. The marchers left to take the lives of British troops had been foiled. the Abbey Gardens at 1100 GMT to parade The remarkable operation - the highest through the town to the Apex, a new community number of devices defused in one go - was carried venue. Commanding officer of 1 Squadron RAF out on the Bandi Barq road in the Gereshk area of Regiment, Squadron Leader Dave Crook, said the Helmand province. Eighteen months ago it had parade march boosted the troops. been the scene of a bloody battle between British "It's a big gap in the squadron when you forces and insurgents who were torturing captive lose guys but we're mature enough to understand Afghan police officers. Now it was a silent death the dangers of our jobs. We've just got to get on trap. with it. We're a family - very close, we talk to The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) each other and get through. This parade is part of were discovered by a Royal Engineers search the healing process. The big crowd will boost our team scouring the area with specialised equipment morale and help us refocus on the job in hand." (not forgetting the keen nose of a sniffer dog). ******************** Sometimes only the tiniest clue betrays what lies There are all kinds of courage, stupid beneath the dust and scrubland of a terrain that ’t know what he is courage when an idiot doesn looks no different from scores of other tracks and taking on, mad courage in the heat of rage, roads in the area. But every soldier knows the calculated courage when all the odds have been consequence of missing one. To miss 12 would calculated and found to be favourable and cool have spelled disaster. calm courage when the odds cannot even be For Warrant Officer Class 2 Martin, a calculated for the risks change all the time. Royal Logistic Corps ammunition technical The following article is about the last one, officer, it meant a day spent largely on his belly. cool calm courage when the odds cannot even be The 39-year-old soldier from Craigiehall, calculated for the risks change all the time. That Edinburgh, wore only his regular body armour as is real courage and on a particular day in

5 he edged towards the bombs in an operation that formerly done only by men. They also formed the senior officers classed as 'high risk'. bulk of essential workers who kept stations Donning the full armoured kit would too operating - working as cooks, clerks, batwomen, obviously have marked him out as a sniper's motor transport drivers and telephonists. target. The insurgents are keenly aware that if At its peak strength in 1943, WAAF they take out a bomb disposal officer, it increases numbers reached over 180,000, with more than the chance that their hidden bombs will claim a 2,000 women a week joining up. By this time the victim. Seeing his colleagues keeping a look-out WAAF formed 47 per cent of the entire personnel all around him as he works, and it is clear how of Balloon Command, with over 1,000 sites real the danger is. Taliban bomb-makers have staffed by all-women crews, responsible for become more sophisticated in making and keeping the barrage balloons afloat over the cities secreting their devices, which means there is no of England. Many other WAAF personnel were guarantee that two bombs will be the same. posted to Fighter Command Headquarters to Although the Bandi Barq dozen all had become plotters, proving themselves so adept at pressure-plate triggers, the explosive they this task that by 1940 all the plotters were women. contained ranged between 11 lb and 33 lb. Some Eve Smith, a member of the Birmingham of it was packed in jerry cans; some in plastic branch who is now in her eighties, was a WAAF water containers. Martin said there was a 'huge photographer whose job was reconnaissance variety' of devices and they represented 'a real photography and routine work on identity cards challenge for us'. and security passes. It also involved travelling Any of them could have blown a truck off around in a mostly male mobile photography unit, ’s notice. In 1943 she was the road had they detonated. Any slip by Martin's usually at a moment expert hands could have added another name to sent to Bulawayo, then Southern Rhodesia, flying the depressingly long list of casualties from by Dakota aircraft with just one stop in Africa en Afghanistan, more than 700 in the past year alone. route. Eve had no idea where she was going but And 3,500 miles away, another bereaved family that was normal procedure - everything was very ‘hush ’ and they were warned not to talk to would be mourning their loss. -hush NATIONAL MEMORIAL anyone on the camp, civilian or military. ARBORETUM (NMA) UPDATE "We were travelling around on secret WAAF Memorial is a fitting tribute to work. I was young and it was all very exciting. We didn't think about danger, we just got on with the thousands of women who served our job" Eve remembers. during World War II In 1949, WAAF became the Women's The Women's Auxiliary Air Force Royal Air Force and in 1994 they were fully Association is pleased to announce the completion integrated into the Royal Air Force. The ’s, mostly in their eighties of its Memorial to the thousands of women who surviving ex WAAF served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force now, can look back with pride in the knowledge (WAAF) during World War II. Designed by that they played a vital role when their country Susan McColl, the Memorial, which shows all the was under attack. They also laid the ground work trades in which the WAAF served, was put in that enables the young women in today's Royal place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Air Force to have equality and freedom of choice. Staffordshire in November and will be dedicated Iris Catlin, National Treasurer of the “The officially early in 2011. WAAF Association commented: The WAAF was formed in 1939 to enable Association members are thrilled with their women to help out in some of the trades within memorial, particularly the fact that their trades the three Services so that men could be released were mentioned. They are reminded of their for flying duties and overseas service. At first wartime lives, the danger and the comradeship so ”. only a limited number of trades were available but long ago very soon women joined as trained flight Regiment memorial image revealed mechanics, carpenters, acetylene welders, at campaign launch armourers, radar operators, wireless operators and ’s draughtswomen, in addition to many other jobs On Saturday 15th January 2011 an artist impression of a new national memorial to pay

6 tribute to the fallen soldiers of a regiment was friend. A mother. A father. A child. A unveiled. Details of the life-sized bronze statue of colleague. A neighbour. a Durham Light Infantry (DLI) bugler dressed in There are millions of stories we will never the combat uniform of the Korean War were know. But we can still honour the memory of revealed at the official launch of a drive to raise those affected by genocide by playing a part in £75,000 to fund it. these Untold Stories. We can listen and learn from them, we can tell others the stories we hear. The plans were instigated by two former Some stories are not easy to hear. They can speak DLI soldiers who visited the National Memorial of danger, pain and suffering. We must not shy – Arboretum, in Staffordshire, where they away from these stories it is vital to recognise discovered to their dismay that their regiment was the consequences of exclusion and persecution in not honoured among the others there. Former order for us to learn the lessons of the past. signaller Keith Straughier and former bugler We all have the power to play a part in the Richard Softley, who were at the DLI Museum lives and words that are remembered, it is our role and Art Gallery, in Durham City, last night to help to ensure that the Untold Stories from the past do £6,000 launch the appeal, have already raised not get lost. To this end, this significant day in towards the memorial. They secured the backing history will be acknowledged at the Arboretum as of the trustees of the DLI and the approval of the part of our daily act of remembrance with the trustees of the arboretum to place the memorial in reading of the Statement of Commitment and a prominent site. lighting of candles. They have also been given the stamp of 13th February 2011. Part 1 approval for the life-sized bronze on a slab of Walk for Women at War Durham granite and mounted on a 4ft plinth, as A themed onsite walk led by David illustrated by former DLI Captain Tony Lynn. Mr Millington of NMA Friends, taking in memorials Lynn said: commemorating the part played by women in “I was very proud to be asked to come up wartime. Assemble outside the Millennium ½ hours. with the illustration. We have worked on many Chapel at 1.30 p.m. and will take 1 £2.50 per designs and this is the sixth version, which has Cost: suggested minimum donation of ” now been approved by the arboretum. person. Visitor information: Suitable for Mr Straughier said the statue was wheelchair users unless very wet. Contact: 01283 symbolic because it was a platoon of 1 DLI 792 333 or email [email protected] for more buglers who sounded the ceasefire in Korea for information or to reserve places (limited the whole of the Commonwealth Division, from a availability) hilltop in the front line. 20 February 2011 Part 2 Future Events at the NMA Walk for Women at War 27th January 2011. Holocaust Memorial Day. In A themed onsite walk led by David the Millennium Chapel at 11.10 a.m. after the Act Millington of NMA Friends, taking in memorials of Remembrance. Admission is free, but commemorating the part played by women in wartime. Assemble outside the Millennium donations would be appreciated. For information: ½ hours. Chapel at 1.30 p.m. and will take 1 contact 01283 792 333 or [email protected] £2.50 per Each year, 27th January marks world Cost: suggested minimum donation of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). HMD has been person. Visitor information: Suitable for held on 27 January because it was on this date in wheelchair users unless very wet. Contact: 01283 1945 that the largest Nazi killing camp 792 333 or email [email protected] for more Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. information or to reserve places (limited ’s easy to talk about the numbers It availability). murdered and persecuted during the Holocaust ’s less easy to RAF Regiment Books and subsequent genocides. It I am often asked for information about appreciate what these figures mean. The millions ’t a books about the RAF Regiment. The following murdered under the Nazi regime of hatred aren ’s list is of the books that I know of that I am statistic. They were individuals. Somebody regularly adding to. If anyone knows of any other books about the RAF Regiment, please let me

7 know. All the books are listed by their date of "Through Adversity" the History of the RAF publication. Regiment 1942 - 1992 by Kingsley M Oliver. Books about the RAF Regiment Published in 1997 by Forces and Corporate "Khaki and Blue" the early ground defence of Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0 9529597 0 4. the RAF in WW2 by Colonel Ronald Sherbrooke- "In Adversity" Exploits of Gallantry and Awards Walker TD DL. Published in 1952 by The Saint to the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces Catherine Press Ltd. Now out of print. No ISBN. 1921 - 12995 by Nicholas G Tucker. Published “ A Brief History of the RAF Regiment 1942- in 1997 by Jade Publishing Limited. ISBN 1- ” 900734-08-7. 1960 by Air Vice Marshall J. H. Harris, C.B., ” CBE. Published in 1960. Now out of print. No With British Snipers to the Reich by Captain ISBN. Clifford Shore, first published in 1997 by “A Short History of the RAF Regiment” from Greenhill Books, London and Stackpole Books, 1942 to 1970 with a brief account of the approach Pennsylvania, USA. ISBN 1-85367-292-0. As a Flying Officer with 2834 AA Squadron, RAF to the problems of airfield defence in the RAF th from 1918 to 1942 by Kingsley M Oliver. Printed Regiment, after landing in Normandy on 7 June, by Thanet Printing Works in 1969. No ISBN Clifford Shore served through and Number and now out of print. during World War Two. “The Royal Air Force Regiment – A Short "The RAF Regiment" History, Colours, ” th History . A 40 Anniversary edition. An uniforms and Equipment of the RAF Regiment. updated short history of the RAF Regiment from Edited by Stuart Asquith. Published in 2000 by 1942 to 1982 with a brief account of the approach Nexus Special Interests Ltd. Book Number to the problems of airfield defence in the Royal air 001772. Foreword by Air Commodore R C Force from 1918 until the formation of its own Moore, MBE, RAF, Commandant General, RAF defence Corps in 1942. By Group Captain Regiment. But now out of print. Kingsley Oliver and Wing Commander Keith "The RAF Regiment at War" 1942 - 1946 by Batt. Published in 1982 by Adlard and Son Ltd, Kingsley M Oliver. Published in 2002 by Pen and Bartholomew Press, Dorking, Surrey. No ISBN Sword Books Limited. ISBN 0-85052-852-6. Number and now out of print. "On the Road to Mandalay" featuring the life of “ ” No Tigers in our Jungle about life in the RAF the author Randle Manwaring focussing Regiment in South-East Asia Command 1943/45. particularly on his time with the RAF Regiment in By ex-Flight Lieutenant Harry Homer. Service the Burma Campaign. Published in 2006 by Pen number 127613. Published in 1982 ISBN 84 398 and Sword Books Limited. ISBN 1844154971. 8656 X. "Constant Vigilance" the RAF Regiment in the “The Edges of War” An RAF Regiment Story by Burma Campaign by Nigel W M Warwick. Tim Hillyar. About 2804 Armoured Car Published in 2007 by Pen and Sword Books Limited. ISBN: 9781844155002. Squadron, from landing in France at the end of “Gunner’s Tales, Warts and All” June 1944, through the fighting in to the by Ron British Victory Parade in on 21st July 1945. Taylor. This is a collection of stories, myths and Privately published in 1992 by Tim Hillyar. In legends from the RAF Regiment. A cartoon book 1996, he lived at 36, Trefor Jones Court, similar to the Giles cartoon books only all Brookfield Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QP. Regiment cartoons. “The Blue and Khaki Hunters” A Limited Edition book privately Privately £10.00. published in a Limited Edition of 500 copies in published in 2009 at Copies can be obtained from Mr. R Taylor, 710A Hern Road, 1993 by D F Sampson through Newton ’s, PE26 2TL. Publishers. ISBN 1-872308-34-1. Can be Pondersbridge, Ramsay St Mary obtained directly from Mr D F Sampson, 17 Ron can also be contacted on 01733 844817. Shelley Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Christchurch, Books containing references to the RAF Dorset, BH23 4HW. Telephone number 01425 Regiment “The Lost Lady” 279206. all about the American Bomber "Below the Bottom Rung" the RAF Regiment in "Lady Be Good". No publication date available. Palestine by Edward Grocott. Published in 1996 By Mario Martinez. Published by Leo Cooper at £19.95 by J and K H Publishing. ISBN 1 900511 57 6. . Mentions 2926 Squadron RAF Regiment.

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“Flugplatz ” Gutersloh . A Short History 1937/87 the most successful fighter squadrons in the with references to the RAF Regiment. Published Second World War. in 1987. By Gerry Lewis. Published 1987. Group Captain Johnny Kent's skilful “The Battle of the Airfields 1st January ” 1945 leadership helped the famous 303 Squadron to “Operation by Norman L Franks. About play a decisive part in the Battle of Britain, and ” Bodenplatte when the Germans attempted to won him the highest Polish military award, the destroy the advanced Allied Airfields. First Virtuti Militari. published in 1982. ISBN 1 898697 15 9. This is Group Captain Kent's own story of Republished by Grub Street in 1994 in an updated his life in the RAF, from his struggles as a boy in version. the wilds of Canada to get into the air through his “Britain's Modern Royal Air Force” which experiences as a test pilot at Farnborough and his contains a complete chapter on the RAF constant efforts to fly wherever the action was. Regiment. Published in 1994. By Peter F Guiver. ISBN 1 85260 4328. “The Autobiography” by Brian Clough. Mentions his service at RAF Watchet. Published in 1995. ISBN 1 85225 198 0. “The Royal Air Force” an Illustrated History by Michael Armitage. Published by FROM THE RAF REGIMENT Brockhampton Press in 1995. ISBN 1 86019 SECRETARY 8511. Contains several references to the RAF DEATH NOTICES: Regiment. “Esprit de Corps” EVANS RICHARD. Former RAF Regt by Walter Archibald Elliott. LAC Richard Evans died on 26 Dec 10. He A Scots Guards Officer on Active Service 1943 - ’s a enlisted in 1941 as a Ground Gunner, was 1945. Published in 1997. In Chapter 7 it bout assimilated into the RAF Regt in 1942 and was the Transfer of RAF Regiment Personnel to the demobilised in 1946. No further Service or Scots Guards. ISBN 085955 220 9. “Sunset in the East” personal details are currently available. The by John Hudson published funeral was held in Preston on 5 Jan 11. He is by Leo Cooper in 2002. ISBN 0 85052 846 1. It survived by his daughter, Christine, of 6 briefly mentions The RAF Regiment on page 43. Earnshaw Drive, Preston, PR25 1QS, to whom the Its main interest is the fact that to maintain order Corps extends its sincere condolences. and to control the nationalist in Java, the author DALEY MAURICE. Former RAF Regt employed captured Japanese army personnel. Sgt Maurice (Mo) Daley, died on 10 Dec 10. He It also gives a lot of detail about the war in enlisted into the RAF Regt in 1955, serving in Burma. “Joint Force Harrier” 2ATAF, Cyprus, Singapore and in Australia. He by Commander Adrian was discharged in 1975. He was a member of the Orchard, with James Barrington. The true story RAF Regt WOs & SNCOs' Assoc. The funeral of a Royal Navy Fighter squadron at war. was held, it is believed, in Australia in Dec 10. Published in 2008 by Penguin Books and Micael No further details are known. He is survived by Joseph. ISBN 9780718153991. “One of the Few” his wife, Mrs Daley, who lives in Australia, to by Johnny Kent. Mentions the whom the Corps extends its sincere condolences. RAF Regiment on page 184. Published in June GRAY PETER. Retired RAF Regt Sqn 2008 by History Press, ISBN Number Ldr Paul Bertram GRAY, born 20 Feb 31, died on 0752446037. 30 Dec 10 aged 79. He was commissioned on 25 Johnny Kent became the youngest licensed Feb 64, was promoted to Sqn Ldr on 1 Jan 77. He pilot in Canada at the age of 17. He grabbed served in the RAF Regt, including Service in experience and flying hours wherever and Aden, until approximately 1974, when he retired whenever he could and was constantly on the to run a pub. lookout for a career in flying. He then rejoined the RAF two years later His chance came when he was offered a in the Admin (Catering) Branch from which he short service commission with the RAF in the retired finally and retired on 20 Feb 89. No 1930s. He went on to become the leader of one of further details are known at this time. The funeral

9 will be held at 10.15 on Fri 28 Jan 11 at St Barn, Newick, Nr Lewes, E Sussex, BN8 4LG, to Cadoc's Church, Llancarfan, approx 5 miles from whom the Corps extends its sincere condolences. Boverton. He is survived by his brother, John, MOFFAT JACK. Retired Lt Col Jack (contactable at [email protected]) and Laidlaw MOFFAT RMP (late RAF Regt), born daughter Miss Anne Gray of 2 Marylands, Aug 35, died in Jun 10, aged 74. He joined the Whitestone, Exeter EX4 2JS (and at RAF Regt on a Short-service Commission in 1954 [email protected]) to whom the Corps and was stationed at RAF for 3 years. extends its sincere condolences to whom the On retirement, he served in the Colonial Corps extends its sincere condolences. police Service as an Asst Superintendent of Police GOULDING GERRY. Former RAF in Tanganyika, before resigning in 1962 to join Regt WO Gerry Goulding died on 28 Dec 10. the Royal Military Police. He was OC 24 Bde Service details are not known at this time. The Provost Unit in Aden from 64-66. He was DAMP funeral was held at 14.00 on Fri 14 Jan 11 at the and OC SIB in Hong Kong from 72-74. All Souls RC Church in Geneva St, Peterborough, Promoted to lt col in 1975, he was CO 2 followed by the burial at Eastfield cemetery, RMP, whose role was to reintroduce the RUC into Eastfield Road, Peterborough. He is survived by Belfast during 'The Troubles' and the unit was his wife, Mary, and daughter Angela, who may be awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace in 1977 contacted via [email protected]. The for its efforts there. He finally retired from the Corps extends its sincere condolences to the Army in Mar 85. The funeral was held in Perth. family. He is survived by his wife, Norma, to JACKSON KEITH. Former RAF Regt whom the Corps extends its sincere condolences. LAC Keith Jackson died in Dec 10. He was SIMPSON JOHN. Retired RAF Regt conscripted into the RAF Regt in 1951, serving on Sqn Ldr John C ('JC') Simpson MBE MSc, born 1 Sqn RAF Regt (on 7 Wg RAF Regt) at RAF on 4 Apr 27, died on 26 Dec 10, aged 82. He had Wunstorf/Luneburg. He was a member of the intended to follow his father - a Wg Cdr - into the RAF Regt Assoc. He is survived by his wife, RAF Regt but was advised that the specialist Mavis, of 22 Draycombe Court, Morecombe, wartime Corps was likely to be disbanded at LE13 1NH, to whom the Corps extends its sincere WWII's end and so undertook an Army Short condolences. University Course at New College, Oxford, in MANWARING RANDLE. Retired RAF 1945. He was then detached on a RAC OCTU. Regt Wg Cdr Randle Manwaring, born 3 May 12, On completion, he was posted to 3 RTR in died on 31 Dec 10 aged 98. He enlisted in the BAOR for a year. He was commissioned into the RAF as an airman in 1940, becoming a Ground RAF Regt in Jul 49. He was a flt comdr on 2 Gunner before being assimilated- on (AC) Sqn RAF Regt and, towards the end of his commissioning - into the RAF Regt on its tour, the Dep Sqn Cdr. After a number of Regtl formation in 1942. He served in Burma 1944-45 appointments, he became OC Gnd Def Sqn at the and, as a sqn ldr, formed the first RAF Regt's para depot from 1968-69. In 1970, he moved to the sqn. He commanded 2743 Sqn RAF Regt when it NATO School at Oberammergau in Germany, transferred to Air Comd S-East Asia in Jan 45. where he set up and was the Director of the new Initially deployed to Argatala, he later NBC Division there moved to Ondauk, Ondaw and Calcutta before He then moved on to be a staff offr at HQ being promoted to wg cdr and posted to command Strike Comd and was then posted as OC NCOs' 1323 Wg RAF Regt in Rangoon, before it moved Courses at the Def NBC Centre, Winterbourne to Malaysia and Singapore. He published his Gunner, shortly before his retirement from there. highly-acclaimed autobiography 'On the Road To He retired on 1 Jul 76. The funeral was held at Mandalay', which covered his wartime exploits, in 11.15 on Thu 13 Jan 11 at St Edmunds Church, 2006. Crofton, Stubbington, Hampshire. He is survived The funeral was held at 13.00 on Thu 13 by his wife, Barbara, of 22 Knights Bank Road, Jan 11 at St Mary's Church, Newick, nr Lewes in Hill Head, Hampshire PO14 3HZ, to whom the East Sussex. Family flowers only were requested. Corps extends its sincere condolences. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Marbles STONE WILLIAM. Retired RAF Regt Flt Lt William STONE, born 1 Sep 20, died on 30

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Dec 10 aged 90. He enlisted in 1940 and retired NEW RAF FP FORCE WARRANT OFFICER in 1946. He was a life-long supporter of the WO Simon (Slap) Rowlands, formerly Corps and was on parade in his wheelchair, Sqn WO of II Sqn RAF Regt, assumed the pushed by his grandson, with the RAF Regt appointment of RAF FP Force WO on 10 Jan 11, Contingent at the Cenotaph on Remembrance vice WO Tim Staples, who is retiring from the Sunday in 2009. No Service details are available Service. The appointment also brings with it at this time. Chairmanship of the RAF Regt WOs & SNCOs The funeral will be held at 16.30 on Thu Assoc. The Force WO may be contacted on 20 Jan 11 at the Beckenham Crematorium, Elmers GPTN 95991 7236 (Fax 7440) / BT 10359 23 End Road, Beckenham, Kent. Family flowers 7236 (Fax 7440) and, for now, at Email only but donations may be made to the Help for [email protected] . A new Email Heroes Charity in his name. He is survived by his address will be published in due course. son, Christopher Stone, who may be contacted at LAYING UP OF 63 SQN RAF REGT – 'Hillcrest', 4 Holland Way, Hayes, Bromley, Kent STANDARD CHANGE BR2 7DN (and at [email protected]) to The laying up of the old 63 Sqn RAF whom the Corps extends its sincere condolences. Regt's Standard, scheduled for 27 Feb 11 at St NEW NOTICES: Andrews Church, RAF Uxbridge, has been NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST 2011 postponed because of RAF Ceremonial The following RAF Regt personnel and commitments. It will be re-scheduled in the Jun- Team are congratulated for their respective New Jul 11 timeframe and details will be announced in Years Honours and Awards for 2011: due course. Member of the Most excellent Order of the NEW BOOK - DAVID BAILEY'S 'HEROES' British Empire (MBE): Eminent British photographer, David - Sqn Ldr G Donovan Ops Spt (Regt) EU Trg Bailey flew to Afghanistan earlier this year to take Msn Somalia - ex RAF Brize Norton photographs for auction to raise money for Help AOCs Commendations: for Heroes, the charity that aims to help wounded - WO N E Dale Gnr RAF Lynham - SWO servicemen and women returning from combat. - WO G D Harfield Gnr RAF Northolt/Uxbridge - The result is his latest book of photographs Stn Comm & Spt Off - which features RAF Regt Gnrs on the front - FS D R Betts Gnr RAF Cranwell IOT cover - is a fitting celebration of Britain's fighting - FS I R M Galloway Gnr RAF Honington - heroes, showing life inside both inside Camp SWTF Bastion and also outside the perimeter, where real - FS V Rose Gnr RAF Leeming- 609(WR) Sqn danger is ever-present. RAuxAF Dylan Jones, editor of GQ, who - FS A E Stephens Gnr RAF Lossiemouth - 2622 accompanied Bailey on the trip, provides a well Sqn RAuxAF Regt informed and engaging foreword on life in the - A/FS R J Davies Gnr RAF Halton - SATT camp. All sales of this book will benefit Help for - Flt - Sgt G W Edwards Gnr RAF Honington- Heroes. Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd; ISBN: RTS(B) 9780500543962. The book 13in x 10.5in, 160 - Sgt M J Muir Gnr RAF Lossiemouth - 2622 Sqn pages with 140 glossy photographs and is RAuxAF Regt available from high street bookshops and from £29.95 - Cpl C S Poile Gnr RAF Halton - Regt Trg Sqn Amazon.co.uk. The cover price is RAF Honington Team Commendation: although it can be obtained via Amazaon.co.uk at £15 post - Trg Wg Signals School around -free. Recommended. RAF REGIMENT OFFICERS' DINNER LAST CALL TO ARMS - RAF REGT CLUB ANNUAL DINNER 2011 GUNNERY STAFF AIR DEFENCE The 2011 Annual Dinner will be held at REUNION the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in London on A Reunion Lunch is planned to take place the evening of Fri 4 Nov 11. Further details will at RAF Honington on Thu 17 Mar 11, at which be issued in mid-2011 but those intend to go are WOs Nigel Aubrey and Pete Akers will be encouraged to book any required overnight afforded their Top Table farewell as they retire accommodation sooner rather than later. from the Service. For those unable to attend the

11 lunch, there will be drinks in the WOs & Sgts' 14 May - Annual RAF Regt Chapel Mess from 1630 onwards. A group photo will be Commemoration (Catterick). taken at 1330 and dress will be jacket and tie. 4 Jun Naming Ceremony (for those killed in Those requiring more details or to reserve a place, 2010) at the National Armed Forces' Memorial please contact WO Geordie Paterson - FP Centre (NMA Alrewas) WO - on (BT) 01359 237559 or at 6 Jun RAF Regt Offrs' Dinner Club Annual [email protected]. Reception 2011 (Lunch at Belton House, SOUTH ATLANTIC MEDAL ASSOCIATION Grantham). REUNION DINNER 25 Jun UK Veterans' Day + RAF Regt Annual The Scottish Branch of the SAMA (for Memorial Commemoration (NMA Alrewas). those who participated in the Falklands Conflict in 1 Aug - Centurion Journal 2011 - Article 1982 and who are entitled to wear the South Deadline Atlantic Medal 1982) will be holding a Reunion 1 Sep CG Commendations Nominations due date. Dinner on Sat 11 Jun 11 in the King Malcolm 30 Sep- 3 Oct RAF Regt Assoc AGM and Annual Hotel in Dunfermline. Cost is expected to be in Reunion (Charlton Kings, Cheltenham) £35 region. the Details will be announced shortly 20-21 Oct RAF Armd Car Assoc Autumn but all those interested in attending are invited to Reunion (Morley Hayes, Derby) register their names with the Regtl Sec who will 4 Nov RAF Regt Offrs' Dinner Club Annual forward details once received. Dinner 2011 (Royal Automobile Club, London) THE QUEEN'S COLOUR SQUADRON 50TH 11 Nov Garden of Remembrance (Westminster ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE Abbey, London) DRILLSMAN PORT - UPDATED 13 Nov Remembrance Day (Nationwide) To mark The Queen's Colour Squadron's 2012 50th year, the Sqn is now stocking 50th 1 Feb 70th Anniversary of the Formation of the Anniversary Commemorative Drillsman Port. RAF Regt. Each bottle of Fine Regimental Tawny Port is 3 Feb RAF Regt Operational Review and Corps fully engraved on both sides. The cost for each Formation Dinner 2012. £25 and includes postage and packaging. bottle is 11-14 May - RAF Regt Assoc Spring Social If you are interested in purchasing a bottle from (Nidd Hall, Nr Harrogate) the Sqn, please contact Flt Lt Matt Bowerman via 12 May Annual RAF Regt Chapel email on(DII) QCS 63FP-OC B Flt Lt Bowerman, Commemoration (Catterick). Mathew Flt Lt ) or (Internet) QCS63FP- 30 Jun - UK Veterans' Day + RAF Regt [email protected] or by phone on (GPTN) 95233 Annual Memorial Commemoration NMA 1 Aug 6087 or (BT) 0208842 6087. Centurion Journal 2012 - Article Deadline CORPS DIARY DATES: 22 Jan RAF Regt Assoc NEC Mtg (RAF Politicians Scampton). You all know my opinion of politicians for 1 Feb 69th Anniversary of the Formation of the I have written about them many times. But I RAF Regt. cannot give a better description than that of the 4 Feb RAF Regt Operational Review and Corps following and now we are in the final stages of Formation Dinner 2011 (RAF Honington). the inquiry into the war in Iraq, do you think it 7-14 Feb Lord Wakefield Boxing Championships will change anything? I doubt it for politicians (RAFC Cranwell) have a way of wriggling out of their 8 Apr RAF Regt Assoc Spring Social - responsibilities. Bodelwydden Castle Hotel, N Wales). 1. Politicians are like nappies. They both 16 Apr II Sqn Reunion (Constitution Club, need changing regularly and for the same Colerne). - Updated/new date. reason. ~ Author Unknown 8-20 May RAF Regt Small Arms Meet 2011 2. Don't vote, it only encourages them. (Pirbright/Bisley) ~Author Unknown 12-13 May RAF Armd Car Assoc Spring Reunion 3. The reason there are so few female (Morley Hayes, Derby) - note new date politicians is that it is too much trouble to

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put makeup on two faces. ~ Maureen Murphy 4. The problem with political jokes is they get elected. ~ Henry Cate, VII 5. Politics is supposed to be the second- oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first. ~ Ronald Reagan 6. A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country. ~ Texas Guinan 7. I think it's about time we voted for senators with breasts. After all, we've been voting for boobs long enough. ~ Clarie Sargent, Arizona senatorial candidate ’s all for now, keep smiling if Well that you can and stay happy. Malcolm

12 Saturday 14th May 2011 Regt Chapel Comm.n Saturday 4th June 2011 Naming Ceremony NMA DATES FOR Thursday 9th June 2011 Branch Night th rd ’ MAKE Thursday 16 June 2011 23 Ann B ham Branch YOUR th A Saturday 25 June 2011 Regt Mem Comm NMA th DIARIES DATE Thursday 14 July 2011 Branch Night Thursday 11th August 2011 Branch Night Thursday 8th September 2011 Branch Night Sat 22nd January 2011 Ass.n NEC Meeting Thursday 13th October 2011 Branch Night st th th – rd ’ Tuesday 1 February 2011 69 Anniversary Regt Fri 30 Sept Mon 3 Oct 11 Ass AGM & Reunion Thursday 10th February 2011 Branch AGM Night Thurs 20th-Fri 21st Oct 2011 Arm Car Ass Reunion Thursday 10th March 2011 Branch Night Thursday 10th Nov 2011 Branch Night th th Fri 8 -Mon 11 April 2011 Spring Reunion W/end Friday 11 November 2011 Field of Rem London 13 Thursday 14th April 2011 Branch Night Sunday 13th November 2011 Remembrance Sunday Saturday 16th April 2011 11 Squadron Reunion Thursday 8th December 2011 Branch Night Thursday 12th May 2011 Branch Night Wednesday 1st Feb 2012 70th Ann of the RAF Regt. Thurs 12th-Fri 13th May 2011 Arm Car Ass Reunion

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER Ron Sharp Malcolm A Baldwin Tom Magee 46 Lightwood Road 61 Pear Tree Crescent 11 Pavilion Avenue Yoxall, Burton on Trent Solihull Lodge, Shirley Smethwick, Warley Staffordshire DE13 8QE Solihull, B90 1LE West Midlands, B67 6LA Tel No: 01543 472411 Tel: 0121 608 3791 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MINUTE SECRETARY BRANCH STANDARD BEARER Ken Bridgwood QUARTERMASTER Dave Gooding 29 Claverdon Drive Tom Magee 31 Queen Elizabeth Road Great Barr 11 Pavilion Avenue Rubery, Rednal Birmingham Smethwick, Warley Birmingham West Midlands, B45 5HR West Midlands, B67 6LA West Midlands B45 0NE Tel: 0121 357 4242 Tel: 0121 429 5635 e-mail Tel: 0121 604 4637 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT AND RBL RESEARCH CO-ORD/ Peter Swash LIAISON OFFICER LINK-UP DATA BASE ‘ ’ Mdina Rowney Green Lane Dave Gooding Hughie Cooper Rowney Green 31 Queen Elizabeth Road 11 Sandringham Close Redditch Rubery, Rednal Baswich Lane Worcestershire, B48 7QF Birmingham, B45 0NE Stafford, ST17 0AB Tel No: 01527 60870 Mob: 077597 36879 Tel: 01785 242269 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PUBLIC RELATIONS FINANCIAL AUDITOR FINANCIAL AUDITOR OFFICER/SOCIAL SEC Trevor Round Joan Round Michael Beard 7 Board School Gardens 7 Board School Gardens 21 Abingdon Road Dudley Dudley Bloxwich, Walsall West Midlands West Midlands West Midlands DY3 1XA DY3 1XA WS3 2SX Tel: 01902 672597 Tel: 01902 672597 Tel: 01922 491453

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