Contact - Winter 2010

Page: 1 Contact W i n t e r , 2 0 1 0

W i n t e r , 2 0 1 0 Vol. 65, No. 2

RAAF ASSOCIATION VIC DIV, 24 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn 3123 Tel: (03) 9813 4600 Facsimile: (03) 9813 4966 Email: [email protected]

A

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

of the

AIR FORCE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE

ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATIONASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION

VICTORIAVICTORIAVICTORIAVICTORIA

ABN 96 091 342 304

Report to

Annual General

Meeting

Commemoration proved to be prominent among the highlights of the past 12 months. November 2009 saw the resolution of an issue that had concerned the Division for many years. With the support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the grave of Henri Hemene Tovell was refurbished and, in the presence of his adoptive sister and nieces, rededicated in a service arranged by the Division and attended by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Air Force representatives and veteran and serving members of 4 Squadron RAAF, attesting to the linkage between the squadron and its Australian Flying Corps predecessor, with whom Henri had been associated. In March, we celebrated the 89th Anniver-sary of the RAAF and dedicated a plaque commemorating the units and personnel who served the Air Force and the nation, in Vietnam. Early in May, we celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the first intake of Empire Air Training Scheme recruits to No. 1 Initial Training School at Somers. With the enthusiastic co-operation of the Education department staff at Somers a very successful commemorative service was conducted and a relationship established which promises to grow in the future. The possibility of progressing a project to develop a retirement and residential care precinct at Point Cook has taken a step forward in recent months with a developer expressing interest in partnering with the Division to see the project proceed. The Division’s President and the National President are to meet with a senior figure in Defence Support Group, in June, in an attempt to resolve issues of tenure, which are critical to the viability of the project. Membership continues to be a concern. The toll being wrought by advancing years is evident and new recruitment is yet to keep pace with losses through death and declining health and mobility.

Despite proposals to increase its exposure at RAAF bases in Victoria and to other sources of potential recruitment little result has yet been achieved. Extending offers of help and co-operation to other ex-RAAF groups, as a means of fostering relationships and building membership continues to be a priority. Some progress has been made but more remains to be done. Recognising the importance of the internet to communication with younger generations, the Division launched a new website during the year. The project was overseen by Vice President Nick LeRay-Meyer and the website developed and hosted by Tony Pahl OAM. Sincere thanks are extended to them for the excellent result that has been achieved. Interviews for the RAAFA Foundation leadership awards were conducted last month and we are waiting advice of a suitable occasion for the presentation. The Division firmly believes that potential members want an Association that is an active advocate for their causes and a provider of service relevant to their circumstances. With Service and veterans’ issues primarily a Federal Government responsibility it is imperative that RAAFA be active at the National level. The Division remains convinced that exposure to present and former members of the Air Force and activity by the Association are vital if RAAFA is to remain an active and effective advocate and provider for the Air Force family and attractive to prospective members. The Division continues to lend its support to the National Council in the development of its representational presence and a program of events to give effect to a strategic plan for the Association. Recent National initiatives include a website www.farigo4veterans.org.au to promote the case for a more equitable indexation of military superannuation pensions and reaching an agreement for a memorandum of understanding with the Naval Association and Defence Force Welfare Association to consult and co-operate in advocating veterans’ and

ex-service issues. A constitutional amendment will be put to the National annual General Meeting, in June, to give effect to a decision by the National council to recognize members after 25 years and 35 years of membership and at each tenth anniversary after 50 years. These recognitions will be in addition to the existing 50 year certificate. The form of the recognitions is yet to be determined. The Victorian Air Forces’ Centre, which celebrated its fourth anniversary, in March, continues to provide a first-class venue for meetings, social gatherings, or simply private time for members. A significant number of ex-service and commercial organizations regularly use the premises for meetings, training sessions and functions. Income from the sub-let portions of our asset provides sufficient revenue to offset falling subscriptions, enabling us to meet our operating costs and provide more services to members, while ensuring that reserves are accumulated to properly maintain the premises. I thank the members of the Division’s Board of Management for their contributions to the decision making process and for their representational roles on and to external bodies. The pace of the Division’s activities requires that these roles be shared and I am grateful to my colleagues for their assistance in sharing the load. I particularly thank Treasurer, Richard Orr, for stewardship of the Division’s finances and his involvement on National Council working parties pursuing the issues in regard to military superannuation and compensation. As always, Gordon and Barbara are thanked for the energy and enthusiasm they bring to their respective roles. There attentiveness to members needs and those of others who use our premises have earned them well deserved respect and commendation. Peter Colliver President 13 May 2010


RAAF ASSOCIATION VICTORIAN DIVISION PATRON

Wing Commander P. S. Isaacson AM DFC AFC DFM

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT P. W. (Peter) Colliver: State President/National Vice President

G. (Gordon) Caley: Executive Director/State Secretary J. (John) Mc Crystal: Vice-President; N. (Nick) Leray-Meyer AM: Vice-President

R. T. (Richard) Orr: State Treasurer Directors: T. A. (Tony) Pilli; R. E. (Rob) Pollock MID

M. J. (Moyna) Sands; R. (Bob) Stone P. (Peter) Finkelstein: Honorary Solicitor

P. W. (Peter) Colliver; G. (Gordon) Caley: Welfare W. J. (Bill) Belton AM: Chairman RAAFA Foundation

BRANCH SECRETARIES

Headquarters/Catalina Gordon Caley (9813 4600); Air Training Corps Hugh Tank (9877 3424); Ballarat Stan White (5339 2003) Bendigo Alan Baskett (54440892); Fighter Squadrons John Gauntlett (9878 1541); Geelong Jim Heyward (5278 1296)

Gippsland John Power (5174 3231); Melbourne WAAAF Gloria Welch (9727 3651); Motor Transport Margaret Stone (9842 1553); North Metropolitan Elayne Whatman (93021048); RAAF Vietnam & Associated Veterans Rick Holmes (9317 7304;

Sunderland Squadrons Ricky Hattam (5241 3431); Williams Mickey Vautier (9366 9669);

Bendigo Branch

Well what a hectic start we have had to 2010. In February we were represented at the P.O.W. Memorial service and also at the National Servicemen's Association rededication. This was followed by the visit by Bus to the RAAF Museum Air Display at the end of the month. A great day, sunny, excellent plane display, and of course thousands present. At our March meeting, Kym Yearwood, Deputy Principal of the Ballarat Special School was Guest Speaker and related to us her experiences during a six months' tour of duty in Mongolia. Naturally going from almost 40degee heat to a minus 35 was part of her every day life. Conditions were trying, but she survived. She believes that any Australian that complains of conditions should go to work in Mongolia. Also in March we had a small bus trip to Pt.Cook for the dedication and unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans plaque. Again a successful day. Then it was Easter, and our April meeting was on Easter Tuesday at our temporary home at the City Oval Bowling Club.. David Cranage a local historian who has spent time in Papua New Guinea spoke of his visits to many of the War Sites in that Country. His father had served with the RAAF during WW2 so he was anxious to see those places. His comments on his trip were very good. On the 22nd April we ran a Bus to Hamilton to renew our acquaintance with our former members, and other ex RAAF folk and have an Anzac service at the Memorial Gates that Hamilton RAAFA donated to the City. Lunch was then held at the George Hotel where Snr. Sgt Nick Finnegan, Officer in Charge of Hamilton Police spoke on the Police Force. We then had a guided tour of the Hamilton Art Centre before returning by bus to Ballarat.

Anzac Day was very busy, joining thousands at the dawn Service near the Cenotaph, participating in the Legacy Mass at St. Patrick's College, followed by the Wreath laying at the Cenotaph. Thanks to the fine weather we had a marvellous crowd to witness us march later in the morning. The C.O. of the HMAS Ballarat gave the address at the Cenotaph. Planning has commenced for a Special Meeting of the Branch on the 29th June to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of War on North Korea. We have AIRMSL J Newham coming from N.S.W. as our Guest Speaker, he served in Korea with 77 SQD. In addition, the RAAF Band will have a Group playing after he has spoken. Invitations to this Dinner have been sent to the Division and all Provincial Branches. A chance to catch up with History, suggest you try and come to Ballarat.

Ballarat Branch was instrumental in applying to the Veterans Affairs Department for a Grant of $10,000 to renovate the Ballarat Cenotaph. We had to allow the Grant to be placed through the City Council, as they are the only authority authorised to do any work in Sturt Street. This has been approved, but our Branch was not given any credit in the published acknowledgement.

Finally the good news, we move back to the renovated Saxon House in May after an absence of six months. We will be happy to be back home. Stan White

BALLARAT BRANCH

For those of you who are regular readers of Contact you probably thought that Bendigo Branch had flown off into the sunset. BUT NO! We are alive and flourishing. At our monthly meetings we average around 35 members who then have lunch and socialise before heading home. We have been very fortunate this year to have the use of the Bendigo District RSL 12 seater bus for short trips to Tatura and Murchison to visit German and Italian War Cemeteries and Dhurringile Prison. While we were in the area we called in at Rushworth Primary School where in the vestibule they have photos and medals of the local lads and ladies who served in all theatres of war. If you are in the area, give the school a ring because this is well worth seeing and you will be made most welcome. On 1st April, 2010, Bendigo celebrated the birthday of RAAF with a lovely luncheon with 40 members attending. There was the usual swindle with lots of prizes – this helps balance the books. Congratulations go to two of our members, Frank Holland and Lillian Nancarrow who were recently married. We wish them every happiness. So you see Bendigo Branch is still going strong. Until next time. Glenis Gordon.


AT LAST! RAAF VIETNAM SERVICE REMEMBERED A crowd of some 250 veterans, family and friends along with more than 30 members of the

Vietnamese Community (many of them also veterans) witnessed the unveiling of a plaque at RAAF Base Pt Cook on Sunday 28th March.

The plaque is dedicated to those RAAF personnel who lost their lives during the Vietnam conflict and also honours all the RAAF personnel and units who served there. For many of the veterans, having the plaque at Pt Cook (the spiritual

home of the Air Force) may be seen as acknowledgment (finally) by the RAAF of that service; albeit that the plaque was commissioned by the RAAF Association (Victorian Division). This was achieved following a request from the RAAF

Vietnam Veterans Association (Vic). For others, it completes the journey since we are all now home, thanks to the return of our two MIAs late last year.

The RAAFVVA is deeply grateful for the support and help of the RAAF Association Victoria

Peter Colliver and Patron of the RAAFVVA AVM Mac Weller AM unveil the Plaque

Tom Roberts pays his respects


On 1st May this year 40 plus members of the Association and members of the Odd Bods Association assembled at Lord Somers School camp for the 70th Anniversary of the first intake of Air Crew for the

Empire Air Training Scheme. AVM Peter Scully came up from Hobart to address those assembeled. AVM Scully officiated at the 50th Anniversary and was a fitting guest. AVM Scully’s addres follows and some

pictures of those who attended

(Address by AVM Peter Scully, AO, RAAF (rtd)) Lord Somers Camp – now just Somers – in use still today as a school camp, earlier a Migrant hostel, earlier still a private holiday resort but initially the RAAF’s No 1 Initial Training School. On this 70th Anniversary of the first intake of recruits to Somers and of the establishment of the Empire Air Training Scheme let’s step back in time…

At 5:30 am on 1st Sept 1939 Germany invaded Poland resulting two day’s later with the UK’s declaration of war on Germany, followed immediately by Australia’s. We were then part of the British Empire and together with Canada and New Zealand we were committed to assisting Britain’s efforts in opposing the tyrannical Nazi, Adolf Hitler, whose racial hatred and aim of global domination threatened civilized society everywhere. While we then recognized that Japan had a hostile expansionist intent, nevertheless, the arguments in 1939 to defeat fascism in Europe were compelling. So began the five terrible years of the second world war. Past concepts of armed conflict had been profoundly altered by the advent of the aeroplane and although aviation then was barely 30 years old this new dimension of warfare caused increasing concerns which became almost panic when it was revealed that in 1935 Germany had achieved parity with Britain in numbers of front line aircraft. The Luftwaffe’s earlier horrific terror bombing in Spain emphasised the magnitude of the dangers ahead Even the Australian Government finally woke up to this new reality of warfare with the Minister for Aviation Fairbairn stating that “victory in this war will depend on mastery of the air” and the Prime Minister Robert Menzies observing that “the mother country might be asking more insistently for help in the air than for help on land or the sea. But over the years we had devoted most of our defence vote to the Navy and this left the RAAF at the start of the war with a strength of just 310 officers, 3,200 airmen and 246 aircraft, all of them obsolete. While it was possible for the British aircraft industry to ramp up production to over 2200 aircraft per month, her flying training system was woefully inadequate - being able to train less than half the assessed requirement of 50,000 aircrew annually. The solution to this problem was the Empire Air Training Scheme. This Scheme was so enormous in its scope, that looking back now it seems incredible that such an endeavour was even suggested, let alone that it should achieve the success that it did. .In essence the three Dominions - Australia, Canada and New Zealand, agreed to train 28,000 aircrew annually to assist Britain fight the war in Europe. The formal agreements were signed in December 1939 - only three months after the declaration of war - and Australia’s contribution was set at 36% of the total. This translated into a requirement for us to graduate about 300 pilots, nearly 200 observers and 300 wireless operators/air gunners every four weeks - nearly 10,500 aircrew a year. This from an organisation that at the time was producing just 50 pilots a yearThis commitment to train 3,700 pilots a year required about 1000 flying instructors, yet the RAAF started with a meagre 16. Furthermore Australia had to provide all the necessary wherewithal for the scheme - airfields, fuel, aircraft, support staff, buildings and other facilities - although the British did contribute financially. The task was formidable to say the least. But one resource was not in short supply - recruits. Within six months 68,000 men had volunteered to join - 11,500 of whom as aircrew. The first EATS course was inducted in April 1940 and the first graduates arrived in England on Christmas Eve that year - a remarkably rapid response to this ambitious undertaking. The RAAF set up 6 Initial Training Schools, 10 Elementary Flying Training Schools, 5 Service Flying Training Schools, 2 Bombing & Gunnery Schools, 4 Observer Schools and 2 wireless Operator/Air Gunner Schools - and outstanding achievement. A good deal of the advanced flying training was conducted in Canada and some even in Rhodesia. The planning for all this was accomplished by the Director of Training at the time - Group Captain George Jones - who was rapidly elevated in 1942 to become Chief of the Air Staff. By the end of hostilities in 1945 Australia had produced 27,899 aircrew for service in the European Theatre and the RAAF training organisation had also provided another 9,138 for service in the Pacific Theatre.


But there was one tragic downside to all this - the RAAF members who fought in Europe were for all intents and purposes under the command and control of the RAF. Although there were 17 nominally RAAF squadrons formed, the majority of RAAF aircrew flew in 214 different RAF squadrons. Even the RAAF squadrons had significant numbers of RAF members and more often than not were commanded by RAF officers. This led the father of the RAAF Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams to observe that “the RAAF participants in the war in Europe did not realise that most of their achievements were not recorded in Australian history” Even today most Australians do not realise the enormous contribution the RAAF made to final victory in Europe, nor the associated great sacrifices made it the personnel involved. Kokoda, ElAlemain, the Coal Sea battles are well known, but the RAAF’s phenomenal contribution is not and still to this day is barely recognised by our media either thought ignorance or dare I say it ‘modern political correctness’ which seems to deny any legitimate relationship between Australia & the UK. Of all battle fatalities in all theatres of that war, in all three Services - 5036 - almost 30% were suffered by the RAAF in Europe alone - by the graduates of the EATS. And let’s not forget that training itself was dangerous and you can add a further 27% killed in accidents. The then Minister for Air Fairbairn reported to PM Menzies that ‘ the only activity that we have undertaken which could lead to the winning or losing of the war by our success or failure in carrying out our undertaking is the Empire Air Training Scheme.’ The RAAF must take great credit for the part it played in the success of the Scheme and Somers has an important heritage to protect. You who participated in that great endeavour have much to be proud of – we who look back on your deeds salute you.

AVM Scully viewing the original plaque he unveiled for the 50th Anniversary

Our Host Principle of Lord Somers School Camp Ms Denise Anthony

All 16 of those pictured entered through the gates of 1Intial Training School Somers


How good are you

Hello to everyone. Here we are again and it’s May already. They weren’t kidding when they tried to tell me years ago how time flies as you get older. The worrying thing to me is that I hear even the kids saying how time’s getting away. We reported in the previous issue that our Branch AGM was to be held at Point Cook on the 20th March, and once again, it resulted in all Committee positions being retained as it has for the past 6(?) years. Since we haven’t listed our positions for awhile or just to refresh memories, they are as follows:- President/Archives – Laurie Bell Vice President – Murray McBain Secretary/Welfare Officer – Hugh Tank Treasurer – Tony Synhur Delegate – John McDonald The Ceremony for the Dedication of the Plaque to the RAAF Vietnam Veterans held at Point Cook on 28th March was a moving experience and the excellent address which detailed many of the special operations carried out by the RAAF during this conflict was found to be most enlightening. Thanks also to the Association for the lunch which followed. The commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Air Crew Intake of E.A.T.S. in 1941 at Somers was a most enjoyable day with some of those originals who were at the Camp in attendance. A short guided tour of the area afterwards, seeing some of the original style buildings and children participating in various activities took place prior to lunch provided by the Camp. We also had the opportunity to look through a collection of memorabilia consisting of daily reports on training, photographs and articles written by former trainees detailing their service, and experiences during their time at the Camp. It was pleasing to see the way in which these records have been retained and cared for. Finally, the Box Hill R.S.L. has recently displayed a very interesting item, being a 2.7 metre (9 feet in the old scale) wingspan, scale model of Catalina A24-9, one of two Catalina aircraft which were shot down on the 21st January, 1942. Accompanied by a plaque which tells its story, the model is painted in its authentic colour scheme and is suspended, in a banked flying attitude, from the ceiling in the entrance to the al-fresco area of the R.S.L. The model was constructed by Mr Bruce Hearn (son of Bruce of the well known Hearn brothers). It was chiefly funded by Mr Paul Daley of Newlitho and partly by the Air Training Corps Branch of the RAAF Association (Vic. Div.) VALE It is with regret that we advise of the passing of our esteemed member, Charlie Lambeth at St. Vincent’s Hospital on the 4th May. The Executive and members of the Air Training Corps Branch extend their deepest sympathy to the family at this time of sadness. Regards to all, Laurie Bell.

ATC BRANCH

VALE

HQ Branch mourns the passing of

Elliott Douglas 23 Jan 2010 Fagan Collins 11 Mar 2010

Bendigo Branch mourns the passing of

Ollivette Dineen 23 Mar 2010 Norman Scott 12 May 2010

Ballarat Branch mourns the passing of

Con Wilson 3 Apr 2010

Melbourne WAAAF Branch mourns the

passing of

Betty Conway 17 Feb 2010

Contact Copy closing 2010

Spring Edition 7 Sep 2010

Summer Edition 1 Dec 2010

What allied aircraft started it operations prior to and through WWII with a standard "straight" leading edge and later was modi-fied to a "swept" wing? Answers to Vice President Nick LeRay-Meyer AM First correct answer receives a bottle of Port or a Box of chocolates (the winner to choose). Answers can be sent by Phone, email or letter. All entries to be in by 4 August 2010 First correct entry drawn at the Presidents night 5 August 2010 no correspondence will be entered into. Can you trick the members send in your questions for future issues of Contact.

EDWARD (TED) SALVATORE

LEWIS 1908—2010 Ted joined the RAAF in the late 1940’s and when the Motor Transport Branch was Formed in May 1972, Ted was a foundation member and re-mained an active member for just on 38 years. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY THE BRANCH


WILLIAM PERCY HARROP

BY Tom Roberts

He enlisted in the R.A.A.F. as a trainee pilot on 23/2/1948 (A33272). He was promoted to Pilot IV on 26/8/1949 and Pilot III on 26/2/1950. He commenced active service with 77 Squadron on 27/6/1950 and spent 69 days on active service.

77 Squadron had been prepared to leave the Occupation Forces in Japan, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The Squadron was immediately committed by the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies to supplement the Allied Forces.

Harrop flew Mustang aircraft in a fighter bomber role equipped with 60 lb. rockets to supplement

their 50 calibre machine guns.77 Squadron was based at Iwakuni in Japan, but staged at Taegu in Southern Korea for refuelling and rearming.

On 3/9/2007 he, flying Mustang A68-753 in 4 position, in company with F/O (Flt./Lt.) Kenneth Duncan McLeod D.F.C.(O 31479), Pilot II William Stapylton Michelson D.F.C.(A11412) and Pilot III Lyall Robert Klaffer (O 4218) he was detailed to provide escort for a group of B29 bombers attacking the north Korean capital, Pyongyang. Having completed that operation they came under the control of a U.S. “Mosquito” controller to attack targets of opportunity in the Pusan perimeter. McLeod was forced to return prematurely to Taegu with engine trouble.

Returning and short of Taegu, Harrop reported that he was short of fuel possibly due to leakage following small arms fire and with only 30 gallons remaining, he was forced to land on the bank of the Nak-tong River, in enemy occupied territory, but short of Taegu by estimates of 8 to 30 miles. He was seen to leave his aircraft, and make for a small hut in an orchard.

Michelson returned to Taegu to summon a helicopter, whilst Klaffer maintained patrol overhead.

Harrop was seen to seek refuge in the hut. Eventually Klaffer was forced to leave the scene because of fuel shortage, but U.S. fighter cover took over. The helicopter arrived within an hour and descended but did not land as there was no sign of Harrop. He was posted missing, and initially assumed to be possible P.O.W. This later lead to confusion, as his classification was unchanged by U.S. sources, even after the location of his remains. This caused considerable family distress. After enemy retreat in 1951, Sqd/Ldr Esmond New and Sgt Tom Henderson led a search party to determine the fate and if possible to return the remains of Harrop and Sqd/Ldr G. Strout. Searching near Waegwan in South-east Korea in a village close to Kim San they located the remains of a radio transmitter from a Mustang. They were directed to a hut in an orchard, compatible with the one from which Harrop had waved acknowledgement. They were able to locate a grave in some pines from which a body, was retrieved and was identified by a dental chart as being that of Harrop. The stripped remains were still wearing black socks. The body showed a gunshot wound of the right femur and also to the skull. The remains were later re-interred in the Pusan Cemetery on 26/1/1951.

In his time on active service he flew on 29 strikes and one other operation for a total of 87.15 operational hours. He was awarded the U.S. Air Medal posthumously on 22/6/1951.

That he was uninjured when he landed is without doubt. Ron Guthrie, who later became a prisoner, states that at intelligence briefings, aircrew were informed that it was common for captives to be executed with a gunshot to the head. (Personal communication). It is currently certain that both the Chinese and North Koreans utilize this method of execution.

New, questioned the village chief who said that the local population had evacuated the occupied area for two or three weeks. He also initially stated that the body was found in the hut, but later the story was amended to being found in a field. It seems logical to assume that the thigh wound was incapacitating and that it was received pre- death. It is also a reasonable presumption that having been captured alive, Harrop was later executed. Following review of the situation and circumstantial evidence by DVA and the RAAF in 2008 he was reclassified as a prisoner of war. (Tom Roberts is the President of Ballarat Branch)


COMING EVENTS

MOVIE NIGHT

1 July 2010 Defying The Impossible.

Living The Dream.

A look at the life of legendary

American pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared while flying

over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 in an attempt to make a flight

around the world

SCREENING COMMENCES

6PM

Evening now free

Ice Creams (Choc Tops) $2.50

Jaffa/Fantales Free

AN EVENING WITH JOHN–MICHAEL

HOWSON 2 SEP 2010

John-Michael Howson is a writer of hit stage musicals, an author, journalist and entertainment industry commentator who cov-ered the international and Holly-wood film scene for 25 years interviewing scores of top names, including those who rarely con-sent to interviews, and building a solid reputation as an incisive and informed interviewer. A multiple Logie winner (for his children's TV shows) Howson was awarded The Variety Club of Australia's Heart of Variety Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on The Australian Walk of Fame. In the United States he was awarded three "personality of the year" awards by The Hollywood Press Club

Evening Commences 6PM

No Charge

ROYAL AIR FORCE

COLTISHALL FIGHTER

STATION

will be the topic for Guest Speaker, WOFF Mick

Jennings MBE, RAF Retd, at our “President’s at Home”

5 August 2010

From the early days of WWII where individuals such as Bader, Stanford Tuck, ‘Cats Eyes’ Cunningham, Johnnie Johnston and the like flew from this famous Norfolk airfield; to the early jet age with Vampires, Meteors, Javelins and Lightning’s and finally the 20+ years of the Sepecat Jaguar, RAF Coltishall, the only Battle of Britain era airfield in the Royal Air Force to have remained in constant front line service as a fighter station until its closure in November 2006, was known to all that served there as the ‘best kept secret’ in the RAF. Mick’s affiliation with Coltishall covered the last years of the Stations history. On arrival as a newly promoted Warrant Officer in 1995, he soon realised that Coltishall was much more than ‘just another posting’. Having always been interested in RAF heritage, he was astounded to find that no official history had been written, and unlike many other Stations in the RAF, Coltishall did not have a dedicated museum. Within a year Mick had established a formal History Room/ Museum and was honoured when HRH The Duke of Kent formally opened the facility during a Royal visit

Evening Commences 6PM

No Charge

Documents

Contact - Winter 2010