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The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association
The Griff
Views expressed in The Griff are those of the Editor and individual contributors and do not necessarily represent RAFPA policy.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any person, at any time, by any method, without the express permission of the Editor or originator in writing.
Regular FeaturesLetters to the Editor Last PostWelcome to New Members Bygone Days & YearsWalk Down Memory Lane
This Issue!
p.6p.18p.20p.20p.22
Special ArticlesSnowdrop Parade at AlrewasSkegness Reunion Nov 2010AGM & ReunionSilk Stocking & Spitfires pt.3 Welcome to New Air Commodore
p.4p.10p.12p.16p.23
MMAAYY 22001100
WO Chris Bragen RAFP at RAF Acklington Memorial Service
R
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Hon. President Hon. Vice President Air Cdre.Russell W. La Forte C.B.E.MA, BA, RAF, ACoS FP, AO RAF Police
Life Vice Presidents: Steve Cattell, E Mail: webmaster@rafpa.comNeil Rusling, E Mail: neil@neilrusling.comDavid Wardell, E Mail: membershipsec@rafpa.com
Elected Officers
Treasurer: Tony Lake Secretary: Lynne Williamson24 Trendlewood Park, Stapleton, 68 Laburnum DriveBristol BS16 1TE Armthorpe, Doncaster DN3 3HETel: 0117 965 2302 Tel: 01302 831205E Mail: lake_a@sky.com E Mail: secretary@rafpa.com
Voluntary Posts RAFPA Archivist: John Curtis Editor The Griff: Mitch O'Neill28 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, 11, Florentine Way, Waterlooville,Nottingham, NG4 3HJ Hampshire, PO7 8JYTel.No. 01159 612662 Tel. No. 02392 796703 Fax 02392 352756E Mail: 276curtis@tiscali.co.uk E Mail: michael.oneill67@ntlworld.com
RAFPA E-groups Moderator: Steve Cattell RAFPA Web Master: Steve Cattell
Association Trustees:Steve Cattell: steve.cattell@btinternet.comSteve Davies: steveguida@hotmail.comAlan P Shaw: apshaw5@btinternet.comBernard Lamb: firemead@ntlworld.com
Who’s Who in theRAF Police Association - 2010
Chairman: Brian G. Flinn11, Beverley WayCepen Park South, ChippenhamWilts., SN14 0XSTel. No. 01249 460318E.Mail: brianandjoyflinn@tiscali.co.uk
Membership Secretary: Dave Wardell40, South Western CresentPoole, Dorset BH14 8RRTel/Fax: 0202 747176 E Mail: membershipsec@rafpa.com
Hon. Vice PresidentGp. Capt. John W. Whitmell, MA Ed, BA, PM (RAF).
RAFPA Independent Accountants:Mabe Allen - Derby
RAFPA Web-site address:www.rafpa.com
Vice Chairman: Alan Millership (J.P)38 Pennine Road, Thorne, Doncaster,South Yorkshire DN8 5RUTel. No. 01405 818159Mob: 07849 468366E.Mail: alan@annandalan.fsnet.co.uk
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RAFPA Memorial “Snowdrop” Parade at Alrewas
On 3 March 2010RAF and MilitaryPolice Associationmembers gathered atAlrewas for their 3rd.annual “Snowdrop”Parade and the dedication of theRAFPA NW BranchStandard. There wasa chapel service and a gathering at the RAFPand MP Memorials tolay wreaths. Afterwards severalRAFP Association
members gathered at the RAF Regiment Memorial garden to honour Cpl Marcin Wojtak(killed on 1 Oct 09) and SAC Luke Southgate (killed on 24 Feb 10). The RAFPA National Chairman Brian Flinn then laid the wreath and the new RAFPA BranchStandard Bearer lowered his Standard.
Submitted by: John Curtis
Enroute to Memorial.
Brian Flinn Lays wreath at RMP Memorial.
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Brian Flinn leading the tribute at RAF Regiment Memorial.
Bernard Lamb at RAFPA Memorial.
NW Branch Standard Bearer Brian Bell lowers
Standard.
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LLeetttteerrss ttoo tthheeEEddiittoorr
Mick Chidgey writes that while on holiday in Kyrennia, North Cyprus recently he attendeda Service of Remembrance at theBritish Cemetery and watched theunveiling of the British CyprusMemorial. This Memorial records thenames of the 274 soldiers, 69 airmen and 25 naval personnel whodied during the Cyprus Emergency.This fitting memorial consists ofeight slabs of granite etched withthe names of all personnel killedbetween 1955 – 1959 by EOKA gunmen.The RAF wreath was layed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon and the RAFAssociation wreath by Squadron Leader Brian Hopkins, in all 33 wreaths were layed.
Arthur Fowler writes that although memorycells are starting to become a little dodgy,he believes he can identify three lads inphoto on bottom left page 22 Sept 2009 edition. Front row kneeling down, centre isArthur, on his left is Nigel Steel and standingon left is Ken Wood. RAF NetheravonJanuary 1956.
Gary Murray writes, he is seeking to contact anyone who was posted to RAFWestonzoyland in or around 1957. My phone number is 01344 844342. Can you assist me, it is very important?
Please contact Gary direct. Ed.
Fred Westwood is interested inobtaining photographs of Guardroomsat the following RAF Stations, Manby,Skendleby, Innsworth, Staverton andHednesford. He will reinburse anyexpenses incurred in sending them tohim. His telephone no. is 01572737443. For nostalgia freaks he has enclosed a photo of the Troopship, HMTS Devonshire
John Brookes writes on Sunday 6th December 2009 at St Marys,St Giles and All SaintsChurch, Canwell, a service was held to Dedicate the Standard of The Midland AreaBranch.The service was taken by our own Rev’d Michael MacLachan assisted by his wife Kitwho played the organ.The Branch Chairman (Trevor Willis) welcomed all present whichincluded the RMPA with there Standard, he also read the lesson.The Standard Bearer wasTrevor Marklew his escorts were Alan Hawksworth and Tony Lenton. After the service everybody assembled at the Bassetts Pole for refreshments.
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Members of NWAB meet Secretary of State for DefenceAs a result of NW member Paul Carruthers writing to his local MP about the welfare of injuredservice personnel he was invited to a Veterans event in Warrington on Friday 17th July. Alsoat the event was Secretary of State for Defence Rt. Hon. Bob Ainsworth MP. Paul wasallowed to take along a guest, so he took another NW member, Paul Miller, who is disabledas a result of an injury he sustained whilst serving in Iraq 2½ years ago. Paul Miller met MrAinsworth and highlighted some of the problems he experienced particularly when dealingwith bureaucracy. It was also pointed out how many members of the NW Area Branch hadgiven assistance to him, despite having little experience in these matters.Later during an open forum Mr Ainsworth invited questions from the audience. Paul Millertook the opportunity and asked the majority of the questions which ranged from service inBosnia to welfare issues. At the end of the meeting the local MP thanked both Paul’s fortheir ‘thought provoking contribution’.
Our own membership is much the same ageas yours as the Palestine Police was orderedto Stand down in 1948 when Palestine was partitioned. Some of our members transferred to the PP from the Forces so it ispossible that someone in the RAF transferredto the PP. Also an armoured car patrol wasoperated in Jerusalem by the PP. It wasknown as Jerusalem Operational Patrol, JOPfor short, and was sometimes reinforced bysimilar armoured cars from the RAF, possiblythe RAF Regiment. We often met up with thecrews of the RAF cars. I've attached a photograph of the type of armoured car used by boththe PP and the RAF. I live at 8, Camperdown Lane, Hereford, HR4 0LL Graham Jenkins.
NEWSPAPER REPORT – HYENAS AT RAF EASTLEIGH- 1962Cpl. Derek Jenkins (right) and Cpl. RonaldBateman are two Royal Air Force policemenstationed at R.A.F. Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya,who were recently responsible for driving off apack of hyenas which were prowling on the airfield. The animals were first spotted tenyards from the Officers Mess veranda where agroup of officers were sitting. Corporal Jenkins,who was carrying out a mobile security patrolon his own, returned to the guardroom andthen returned to the domestic area withCorporal Bateman. Armed only with pick-axe
handles, they succeeded in herding the animals into a deep drainage ditch and made themrun along it until clear of the airfield boundaries.
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The Editor thanks all members who havetaken time to contribute articles and anecdotal memories. Special thanks to,Steve Cattell, John Curtis and Mike Lester fortheir photographic and editorial imput.
ENTEBBE Airport, UGANDA.October 1962.Photograph shows the 4 RAFPolice Cpls sent on Detachmentto Uganda from their base at 22P&SS Detachment, RAFEastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya.The Cpls travelled by road the700 miles from Nairobi toEntebbe in an RAF PoliceLandrover which was normallyused for Anti-Vice Town Patrols inNairobi from the ProvostDetachment of RAF Eastleigh.The reason for their trip was toguard and oversee Security of Entebbe Airport and the 2 Valiant Bombers sent there fromUK for the INDEPENDENCE of UGANDA from the UK. This event took place on 9th.October 1962. The NCOs were billeted in a room within the Air Traffic Control Tower withminimal facilities. All other RAF Personnel were accomodated in the luxury of the LakeVictoria Hotel, Kampala. NCOs are:- Cpls BUTLER, WALKER, WISE and SYMES.Hope this may be used, as it shows, I think, the only ever presence of the RAF Police inUGANDA up to this date.
Submitted by: Dave Wise
David Bunkle writes that it was a pleasantsurprise to have read the article on TomStansbury and AD Lucky. He was with themat Kuala Lumpur 1955/56 and thinks that hewas called ‘Stan’ !!! He remembers thatLucky was a ‘handful’ and quite difficult tofeed and clean out his kennel when Tomwas on leave. (Nothing new there then. Ed.)Since joining the RAFPA he has made contact with several old comrades, the latest being John Hull. Finally he poses aquestion, On page 8 of the January 2009issue of The Griff, there is a photo of SgtJordan, Instructor at Netheravon, just priorto the move to Debden. Sgt Jordan was hisInstructor on his Basic Police course in1954, did postings ever last that long?
Taken from 1978 Police ReviewFlt. Lt. Alick Whyte, in charge of the RAFPolice at Wyton, Cambridgeshire, fed upwith Service bureaucracy has decreedrestricted hours for different departmentson the base, ‘announced’ in a tongue-incheek article in the base newspaper. Hismen will only investigate on Mondays toFridays and in accordance with a strictschedule. Murders 8.30 to 9.15am, thefts1.30 to 2.15 pm, and non-sexual assaultsbetween 10.and 10.30 am.
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Annual Ceremonial Church Parade - Tower of London
The London and HomeCounties Branch of the RAFPAwere once again invited by theRMP Association to join themat the Tower of London fortheir annual CeremonialChurch Parade. Thirty eightmembers were present withfourteen marching. The Marchwas led by the Green HacklePipe and Drum Band, Nationaland Branch Standards of theRMPA and RAFPA wereparaded, Members of theRMPA, RAFPA, a Major fromthe US Military Police, Yeomanof the Guard marched and wewere escorted by members ofthe RMP. The service was heldin the Church of St. Peters de Vincula. After the service the Parade was reformed to marchagain through the Tower grounds. Ex.W.O. Michael Stevens, Chairman of the RMPAssociation took the Parade and the RAFPA contingent was led by the Chairman of theRAFP Association. Submitted by: Mike Lester
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Skegness week-end Reunion/Get togetherNovember 2010
Traditionally over the past ten years the Royal Air Force Police Association have had anannual weekend reunion in November. First we had Blackpool and more recentlyScarborough. Thanks go to Brain Burrows (NYB) for his organising of the Scarboroughgatherings over the past five years but he says, “Enough is enough”. He has handed overthe baton and the East Midland Branch has picked it up and found a superb venue for the2010 reunion.
The venue for the 2010 Reunion for the weekend Friday 19th Saturday 20th November2010 will be the Southview Park Hotel, Burgh Road, Skegness, PE25 2LA.
The hotel is described as Lincolnshire’s Premier hotel. This is a relatively new purposebuilt hotel where all rooms are equipped to four-star standard. (www.southviewparkho-tel.co.uk).
All 62 rooms in the hotel have been reserved for the Royal Air Force Police Association andtheir guests. The accommodation based on two nights Bed/breakfast and Carvery eveningmeal (Fri) and Formal dinner (Sat) with entertainment on both nights is priced at £190 perroom. Based on two people sharing. (Yes, less than £50 per night per person)Superior rooms carry a £20 supplementSingle occupancy will be £150. Any member who only wants to attend the formal dinner on Saturday the cost will be £15per person.
Rooms3 Penthouse suites) Four-poster bed, balcony, spa bath and walk-in shower.4 x Superior double – 2 x Superior twin.(These rooms have a supplement of £20 per room for the two days).
The other rooms include… 2 x Disabled twin – 24 x Standard double 10 x Standard twin –– 10 x King size. All are at the stated rate of £190. Rooms are available on a first come first served basis.
Extra nights are available for 2 Adults bed and breakfast (per night) prices as follows:Standard; £55.00 Superior; £77.00 King-size; £70.00 Deluxe Suite; £105.00.
The hotel is on a large site with 200 acre landscaped parkland, a separate leisure complexwith large pool, sauna and gym, snooker room bar and restaurant.There is also a fishing lake and a nine-hole golf course, which has a £5 one off fee.There is unlimited parking. A regular bus service into Skegness or five minutes by car.Bookings to be made direst with the hotel (quote RAFPA Week-end) and a deposit of £30per room is required at time of booking Tel: 01754 896060. Any questions to the hoteldirect or the East Midland Branch Entertainment members John Curtis 01159612662 orJohn Limb 01623 649562.
The Griff
Page 11 2010
For most the AGM finished on Sunday April 11 after lunch, but the Hosts, Norfolk Branchhad arranged for any member who would like, to visit USAF Lakenheath on Monday April12 and several members readily availed themselves of the opportunity.As always the Americans were gracious hosts and had laid on a full programme to keep allof us entertained.After being fed in the JNCO’s canteen we ‘shot off’ to the Armoury and viewed some pretty awesome weaponry and chatted to the instructors. From there a trip to their dog kennels where we were treated to a short criminal display, back on the bus and off to theelectronic shooting range. Several videos with a variety of scenarios were played and several members tried their hand at shooting, probably best to say there were no AnnieOakleys amongst us. Another bus ride saw us arrive at their Defence University to witnesspractical demonstrations on SWAT techniques and tactics. Once more a bus ride to a static aeroplane display which rounded off a most enjoyable visit, thank you Norfolk Branch,thank you USAF
USAF Lakenheath Visit
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The RAF Police Association Reunion, AGM, Dinner and Prize Draw took place at the PottersLeisure Resort, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk over the weekend 9-11 April 2010. There were147members, associates and guests present, with many taking full advantage of the vast rangeof activities available to them.
Prior to the Annual General Meeting, theAssociation Executive Council held theirmeeting and discussed a number of various RAFPA topics. The Minutes, ofwhich appear on pages 14 & 15 in thisissue of The Griff.
The AGM commenced at 1508 with 73members present. The Chairman read outthe names of the 30 members who hadpassed away since the 2009 AGM. Afterwhich a few moments of silent reflectionwere taken in order to also remember those members who could not be present due to illhealth. At the same time, our thoughts were with the Serving RAF Police men and womenand the RAF Regiment personnel wherever they were serving.
The Chairman welcomed our new President, Air Cdre Russell La Forte and thanked him foraccepting our invitation to become our President. He also welcomed our Vice President,Gp Capt John Whitmell, one of our Life Vice Presidents, David Wardell and two AssociationTrustees who were present, Bernard Lamb and Alan Shaw.
A vote of thanks was also recorded to Air Cdre Steven Abbott for his support to theAssociation during his three years as our President.
The business of the meeting washeld in a very relaxed and pleasantatmosphere with all matters beingattended to.
The President made a short introductory speech and formallythanked the RAF Police Associationfor the support shown when the most recent RAF Regiment personnel were repatriated throughWootton Bassett and the JohnRadcliffe Hospital. He also thanked
the RAFPA for the wreath laying ceremony on the RAF Regiment Memorial at the NationalMemorial Arboretum, Alrewas recently.
RAF Police Association Reunion and AGM Weekend 2010
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The Provost Marshal gave a short brief on the role of the RAF Police in today’s RAF.
The AGM was closed at 1705 with the announcement that the next AGM will take place onSaturday 16th April 2011 at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel, Nottingham and will be hosted bythe East Midlands Branch.
The evening entertainmentcommenced with pre-dinnerdrinks at 1800, at 1830grace was said by StuartLacey, President NorfolkBranch. Throughout themeal we were entertainedby the RAF Central BandSaxaphone Quartet. Afterthe playing of the NationalAnthem, the Loyal Toastwas made by Stuart Lacey,the Chairman toastedAbsent Friends and the RAFPolice and Air Cdre La Fortetoasted the RAF Police Association. Short speeches were made by the National Chairmanand the President.
On behalf of Neil Rusling, David Wardell presented the Alan Rusling Memorial Award for2010 to Tony Lake. Peter Fowler, Chairman North West Area Branch, then presented thefirst North West Area Branch Presidents Award to Alan Shaw.
Steve Lamacraft then presented a cheque, on behalf of the RAF Police Poppy Fund, for£250.00 to Mrs Delphine Proctor to go to SSAFA (Waveney Division).
The Chairman stated that much had been achieved during the Associations 25thAnniversary year, due to the tremendous amount of work put into the many and varied projects by Branches and individuals. For all these efforts he thanked everyone on behalfof the RAF Police Association.
Thanks also went to the Officer’s and members of the Norfolk Branch for hosting this year’sevent in such a splendid location.
Submitted by: Brian Flinn
See you all at Nottingham 2011
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at Potters Leisure Resort Saturday 10 April 2010
Meeting Opened 15.08 hrs.
National Officers in attendance; Brian Flinn, Chairman, Alan Millership, Vice Chairman, DaveWardell Secretary, Tony Lake, Treasurer, Hon. President, Air Cdre. Russell La Forte, VicePresident Gp Capt John Whitmell
Brian Flinn called for a vote of thanks for Air Cdre Steven Abbott the retiring Hon.President.Unaminous
Apologies for absence; Due to the large numbers of apologies received individual nameshave not been shown..
Minutes of 2009 AGM Minutes. Taken as read. Proposed Steve Lamacraft SecondedStewart McArdle. Carried
Matters Arising. None Proposed Steve Lamacraft Seconded Stewart McCardle Carried.
Chairmans Report. It had been a successful year and all events, occasions and functionshad been well attended. The Arboretum, NMA, Westminster Abbey and St. Clement Danes.The National and Branch Standards had been paraded at various locations throughout theyear including Remembrance Day Parades, Wootton Bassett, Cenotaph and SouthwickPark. The gift boxes were well received and still being sent. There was one new Branchformed, Wiltshire, which was still establishing itself. The upcoming Armed Forces Dayevents, the expectation was for individual Branches to ‘do their own thing’!. A special thankyou was offered to John Walton for all his organising and hard work , Alan Shaw for his‘Trade Mark’ application efforts and to all those who regularly attend Wootton Bassett andJohn Radliffe Hospital. All in all a truly great year.
Secretarys Report. He stated he had been in post for 12 years and had decided to stepdown. However he was prepared to continue as Membership Secretary.
Treasurers Report. It was a fairly expensive year for the Association, with the additionalexpense of the Trade Mark Application, stands for the Standards, wreaths, travel and theinternet. There was a deficit of £903, a loan, to a member. The Vice Chairman Alan Millershipenquired as to when the Association might expect this loan to be repaid. At this junctureSteve Lamacraft, offered up a cheque for the full amount, plus a cheque to be presentedlater to a representative of SSAFA.A proposal to accept the Treasurers report was called for. Brain Whitaker Proposer,Seconded Trevor Willis Carried
Election of Officers. The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer all indicated they wereprepared to serve another year. Proposed by John Howard Seconded Trevor Willis Carried
The Vacant Secretarys post. Lynne Williamson had been put forward earlier and waselected Unapposed
Minutes of RAFPA AGM
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Trustee Post. Steve Davies stated he was prepared to stand for another term ProposedBill Watts, Seconded Sam Sillett Carried
Auditors. Bank and Independent Accountants to be retained. Mabe Allen-Derby, NationalWestminster and Rachel Cox. Proposed John Howard, Seconded Sam Sillett
Membership Secretary Post. Proposed John Bunbury Seconded Steve LamacraftCarried
Membership Secretary, Dave Wardell, Proposed Keith Adams, Seconded GrahamParmenter Carried
New Association Tie Proposed Ted Goddard, Seconded Bernard Lamb. CarriedBrian Whitaker requested that on all official events the Standard Bearer and escorts all bedressed the same, ie blazer, badge and tie, to ensure uniformity.
Bill Watts, Southdowns Branch proposed that the RAFPA had an award for a recruit on thebasic RAFP course at Southwick Park. Seconded Ted Hellewell.. Carried
Bill Watts; Proposed that the RAFPA present an essential piece of equipment to St.Dunstans. The item had not yet been decided but would include a plate to show it had beenpurchased and donated by the RAFPA .There is a proviso that any item has to be approvedby the Executive Committee before any further action. Seconded Tony Harbour Carried
John Walton proposed a thank you to all members who regularly attend the repatriations atWootton Basset and John Radcliffe Hospital. Spontaneous applause
The Provost Marshal gave a short address on the state of the RAFP, emphasing thatmorale was very high. The gift boxes were greatly appreciated. A short explanation on thestructure of the RAF Police, three wings, No.1, P &SS, No. 2, Provo (Stations)No.3 Support Squadron (Deployed Ops)
Air Cdre Russell La Forte stated he was extremely honoured to be invited to be the Hon.President of the Association. He said there was going to be a Strategic Defence Reviewtowards the end of October 2010 and he was reasonably confident that the review would befavourable. Because of his RAF Regiment ties he was extremely grateful to the RAFPA fortheir sympathetic response when members of the ‘Regiment’ had been repatriated backthrough Wootton Bassett.
Meeting ended 17.05
Minutes taken by Mitch O’Neill
Next AGM. Hosts EMB. Venue, Nottingham 15/16/17 April 2011
Minutes of RAFPA AGM Cont:
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Silk stocking and Spitfires Part 3
By GLENYS ROBERTS. Rich, beautiful and oh-so daring... the girls who flew dangerous wartime missions seemed to lead charmed lives. But a fascinating new bookreveals a darker reality.
In 1939 Amy Johnson was routinely flying across the Solent acting as target for searchlightbatteries and anti-aircraft gunners to draw attention away from the combat pilots. She was killed in January 1941, when her plane ran out of fuel in thick fog and she baledout over the Thames estuary. She landed safely, but got lost in the water and drowned. But there were many other dangers. Scandalously, one woman's aircraft was even thoughtto have been sabotaged by male rivals, threatened by the sight of attractive, young andphysically slight women emerging from the cockpits of huge heavy bombers. "Women are not doing this job for the sake of doing something for their country," declaredone outraged male authority figure. "Women who want to serve their country should take on work more befitting their sexinstead of encroaching on a man's occupation. Men have made aviation reach its presentperfection." Sometimes danger came from the sheer unfamiliarity with the planes they were flying -there were 143 different types and often the pilots had a mere half-hour with the handbookbefore taking off.
More usually it came in theguise of the weather. Forthe most part, these pio-neer women were flying inopen cockpits withoutinstruments and withoutradar and when, likeJohnson, they wereengulfed with cloud, theyhad little hope of findingtheir way to land safely. There were some terriblenear misses. One Januarymorning in 1943, DianaBarnato Walker was flyingover the Cotswolds whenthe clear blue sky suddenly
filled with cloud more than 6,000 ft thick. As her plane started losing height, Barnato, then 25, desperately peered through theclouds trying to find a place to land. She finally broke through at treetop height and banked sharply to avoid a patch of wood-land. Improbably she recovered to make a perfect landing in heavy rain on a grass airstripat RAF Windrush.
The dark reality of the girls who flew dangerous wartime missions
Part 4 next Issue
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Dawlish Air show, small seaside town with a free show, last two items on the programmewas the Reds followed by the Vulcan, both did great displays but the Vulcan arrived escorted by the Reds, first time in 17 years. Submitted by: Stewart Mcardle
If you're not familiar with the work of Steven Wright, he's the famous erudite scientist whoonce said....
"I woke up one morning, and all o f my stuff had been stolen and replaced by exact duplicates".
1 - I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize. 2 - Borrow money from pessimists -- they don't expect it back. 3 - Half the people you know are below average. 4 - 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name. 5 - 82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
VulcanAIR DISPLAY
A specially designed RAFPA 2011 calendar is available for purchase NOW. The cost is£2.50 plus £1.00 pp. Outside of Europe, postage is £3.88 , within Europe £2.50 Youmay also purchase that special date, anniversary, birthday or memorial for an additional £1.00. There can only be one name per day, so first come, first served. deadlines for the special reserved day is mid August and any photographs you would likeconsidered for the calendar is the same date.Cheques should be made payable to RAFPA (H.D. & IOW Branch) and with the cheque,details of address to be mailed and ‘special date’ if applicable to be sent to Mitch O’Neill,11, Florentine Way, Waterlooville, Hants., PO7 8JY.Calendars will be sent out early to mid November 2010. If you have any queries pleasedon’t hesitate to contact Mitch, electronically, ‘snail mail’ or telephone.Suggested “Special dates” you might like to consider and purchase.Anniversary, Birthday, Memorial, Engagement, Wedding Date & Retirement etc.
2011 RAFPA CalendarHurry, Hurry Hurry!!
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Last Post..A chance to pause for a minutein quiet contemplation for ourfriends and colleagues whohave ‘passed away’.
Mr. Bernard Purbrick - ESS
Mr. John Osborne - NOR
Mr. Charles Sutton - LHC
Mr. Bill Waller - YON
Mr. Anthony Stephens - SWAB
Mr. Maurice Cole - H.D & IOW
Mr. Colin Holland - WANG
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army CaptainRobert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The ConfederateArmy was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombeheard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it wasa Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, theCaptain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. Whenthe Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and wentnumb with shock. In thedim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studyingmusic in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in theConfederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of hissuperiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was onlypartially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band membersplay a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect forthe father, they did say they could give him only one musician.The Captain chose a bugler.He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper inthe pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, wenow know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.
The Last Postan explanation!
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RAF Waddington DogSection 1972At that time there was aWaddo-Scampton Demo teamfor a local carnival. JimWitham and Ian Scoggie cameover from Scampton and theteam was led by Wally Muir.Submitted by Taff Evans
RAFPA North West Branch – Standard DedicationOn the 3rd March 2010 the North West Branch held a Service of Dedication for their Standardat the National Memorial Arboretum Chapel. The Dedication coincided with the annualSnowdrop Parade so we were very well supported by other RAFPA Branches as well as col-leagues from the Royal Military Police Association Branches.The Chapel was therefore full andthe Service of Dedication, led by the Reverend Michael MacLachlan, was first-class.The Standard Bearer, Geoff Durston, with Escorts John Evans and Brian Bell received praisefrom many for their professionalism, in fact, even the RSM seemed pleased with them when,later that morning, the North West Branch Standard took a prominent role in the SnowdropParade. Our friends in the Cheshire and North Wales Branch of the RMP Association also tookthe opportunity to present our Branch with an RMP Corps Shield that had been engraved witha message commemorating the Dedication of our Standard. The thanks of the North WestBranch goes to all attending.
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bygone days & years10 years… RAFP Volunteer DogDemo Teams appeared on daytime TV tohelp various charities.
20 years… UK Governmentannounced their ‘Options for Change’plans to reduce the establishment of theUK Armed Forces in line with reducedthreat from the Eastern Bloc. RAF estab-lishment to drop from 89,000 to 75,00 in 2years.
30 years… French Foreign Legion andRoyal Marines deploy to Vanuatu to restorelaw and order – RAFP deployed to provideATSy on Fiji and Vanuatu in South Pacific.
40 years… RAFP Dogs trained for thefirst time to detect Cannabis.
50 years… National ServiceConscription for British Forces ends –A/Cpl John Stewart from Greenock inScotland became the last national service-man to join the ranks of the RAF Police.
60 years… RAFP and RMP assist incontrolling serious riots in Singapore following sectarian problems.
Deadlines for September 2010 Edition of “The Griff” will be 31th August 2010 ED.
Welcome To New MembersEMBMr. Peter Woods - DerbyshireWILTSMr. Brian Wilton – BathMr. Kim Burgess – WS MareMr. Cliff Bassett – CalneMr. Gareth Warren – CorshamMr. Michael Glover – SalisburyMr. Dussell Cox - MelkshamLHCMr. Peter Plumridge – Bucks.H.D. & IOWMr. Mark Witchelo – DorsetMr. David Walsh – DorsetMr. Michael Prince – New MiltonMr. Mike Ansell - HorndeanMABMr. Donald Harrison – W.MidlandsMr. Peter Cook – W.Midlands
LHCMr. Antony Peters – DidcotMr. Harry Evans – WantageMr. Roy Wells - AylesburyMr. Lawrence (Bill) Sykes - BanburyWILTSMr. Michael Glover – SalisburyMr. Russell Cox- MelkshamYOSMr. Bill Dickson - ScunthorpeSNIMr. John Duke – FifeMr. Colin Broadfoot - RenfrewSDBMr. Clive Morris - BrightonOSMMr. Malcolm Maggs – GermanyMr. Chris Stretton - Holland
Membership as at 31st March 2010 1463
Jan/March 2010
Chuck Agar writes he is a little sceptical about the recent article submitted by GerrySanderson concerning the ‘Stolen Canberra’. (January 2010 pages 4/5). He believesthat the first squadron of Canberras to be in service was Cyprus in 1960. He wonders ifGerry is perpetrating a joke or can he prove it happened!!! or, maybe anoth-er Association member can substantiate the story. Chuck has been known to be wrongbefore. Ed.
2010Page 21
The Griff
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Enjoyed rummaging through the currentedition as always but you may wish to consider publishing correction in the nextissue - Page 24 - the bottom article; Thechurch is St Thomas the Martyr (not Marty)and can be found in the Haymarket (notHay Market). But what a picture of splendifferness wepresent !!
Submitted by: Roy Knox
2010Page 22
The Griff
WWaallkk DDoowwnn mmeemmoorryy llaannee
rreemm
eemm
bbeerr
remember
Refers to Letter, Page 8January 2010 Issue ofThe Griff
Does this bring
back memories
for anyone?
Three photographs showing Alec Pearce at the first BAFO PoliceSchool, Bad Meinburg, Nr Detmold Germany in early 1946. Alec isto the right of the PM Air Commodore O. de Putron with his whitewebbing belt (I am in the background with the rest of the 'erks' ).The larger group photograph shows the whole school studentswith Alec directly behind the PM. The school was divided into fourclasses and the smaller group photo shows my class ( C class)with our instructor Sgt. Dicks.The officer in charge of the schoolwas Flight Lieutenant Meade. F/Sgt (later W/O) Alec Pearce is onthe left of Flight Lieutenant Meade. 'Where are they now comes tomind' when I look at these photos. I was 19 years old in 1946 butafter 64 years I still have happy memories of my time in the RAFPolice.
Submitted by: John Watkins.
2010Page 23
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AIR COMMODORE R W LA FORTE CBE MA BA RAFAir Officer Royal Air Force Police
Air Commodore Russell (Russ) La Forte joinedthe RAF as a gunner in 1978, serving in Germanywith 1 Squadron RAF Regiment before beingcommissioned in 1982. Flight commander toursfollowed with 15 Squadron RAF Regiment and the303rd Tactical Missile Wing USAF, as well as anoperations officer tour in Northern Ireland. After astaff tour at HQ 1 Group, La Forte was promotedto squadron leader in 1990 and posted to the RAFRegiment and Security Directorate in the Ministryof Defence.In 1993/94, La Forte served for 6 months inNorthern Iraq, he was awarded subsequently theMBE for distinguished operational service. LaForte assumed command of 1 Squadron RAFRegiment in 1994, with whom he deployed onoperations to Croatia/Bosnia in 1995, and twice toNorthern Ireland. Following this, he deployed in1997 for 6 months with the UN Observer Mission in Georgia. Thereafter, he served in the PlansDivision of the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), dealing with the Balkans, until moving toHeadquarters Strike Command (HQSTC) in 1998 upon promotion to wing commander. Aftercompletion of the Advanced Command and Staff Course in 2000, La Forte returned to the PJHQ,this time in the Operations Division, part of which he served as the Afghanistan Operations TeamLeader, and from where he also deployed on operations to Sierra Leone. Assuming commandof No 2 RAF Tactical Survive to Operate HQ in January 2002, he deployed immediately toAfghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force. Between January and April 2003,he deployed on a nomadic Op TELIC tour, initially to Qatar, and thence to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,and finally Basra. Upon his return from Iraq, La Forte was promoted to group captain and postedfor a third tour at the PJHQ, this time as the Head of Media Operations. In July 2005, La Forterejoined HQSTC as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff responsible for operational planning.Between 2007 and 2008, he commanded RAF Honington and the RAF FP Force, as well as beingappointed an Honorary ADC to HM The Queen. His command appointment was recognised bybeing appointed a CBE in 2009. La Forte is a graduate of the Higher Command and Staff Course2009 and the Royal College of Defence Studies 2009. He assumed his current appointment inFebruary 2010He graduated with a First Class Honours history degree with the Open University in 1994, and aM.A. in Defence Studies from King’s College London in 2001. Married to Gillian and with 4 children,his other interests include running, most sports, history, shooting and mountaineering. He isChairman of the RAF Small Arms Association and a member of the RAF MountaineeringAssociation; he has climbed in both the Himalayas and the Andes, and was decorated by theRoyal Humane Society in 2002 for leading the night-time rescue of 3 civilian climbers from the23000-feet summit of Aconcagua in Argentina.
The Griff
In July 2009 Richard Smith paraded the Branch Standard at ‘A Brew for the Few’, held in St.Clement Danes a fund raising project for the RAFA. The day was well attended and for a dona-tion tea, coffee and cake could be enjoyed.
Norfolk Branch arranged visit to RAF Lackenheath. See page 11
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