Ldh417

Spring 2017

AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the latest edition of The Flyer. I have assumed the role of Editor in the hope that I can continue to produce a publication to come somewhere near to the standard set by Steve Lemon, Steve James and, of course, the original of Kaye and Jenny Borrows for whom I had the role of proof reader. As a change from the past this, and subsequent, editions will be incorporated into the website. I will continue to print a few hard copies for those who do not have access to a computer to be available at Branch meetings.

Please remember that in order to produce a quarterly Flyer it will be necessary for members to submit articles for publication.

Quote of the year

My granddaughter was in conversation with her German exchange student. The subject of WW2 came up, and that Germany was defeated. “It’s not always about the winning but the taking part.”

Len Hewitt

CONTENTS

Chairman’s ReportBurns NightAn Evening with ABBAGround Control Approach RadarA Tour of the Fallas20 questionsLife as a Boy EntrantAnswers to 20 questionsUpcoming Events and EntertainmentUseful Information

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Rather than produce two reports, my usual Flyer Report and one for our AGM, I felt that it would make for better reading if I combined the two – this will be long enough!

Firstly, can I welcome you all to our latest rendition of the Flyer and to our new Editor, Len Hewitt.  Len will be relying on us all to help him keep this publication going by supplying a regular stream of interesting articles – so please do your best to put pen to paper and also send in photos to enhance your writing.

The start of 2017 has been a very busy period for the Branch.  With all membership renewals due and the organisation of our trip to Benidorm for our AGM and visit to the Benidorm Palace.  I hope that those of you who joined us for that trip enjoyed their stay at the Mediterraneo Hotel and the evening at the Palace.  Although this arrangement seemed to work well, I feel that for 2018 we might consider an alternative venue – but we shall see.

I opened our AGM by thanking our Branch President, Gaby Ferenczy, for his support during the past year. Regrettably, due to a variety of reasons, Gaby had decided to stand-down as President although he did agree to remain in post until a suitable replacement could be found.  Gaby’s wealth of experience and understanding of RAF and RAFA ways had been of considerable support to the Branch during the many years he served as our President.

In terms of our committee, I was pleased to report that our members from 2016 had agreed to continue serving the Branch for a further year.  The only exception to this being that our Newsletter Editor, Steve James, had decided to stand-down from this post earlier in 2016.  We were, at the time of the AGM, keenly seeking a replacement – I was delighted when Len Hewitt subsequently volunteered.

I was also delighted that both Brian and Pauline Flowers agreed to remain on the committee as Secretary and Membership Secretary respectively – a tremendous weight off my shoulders.  However, this should not make us complacent regarding future committee membership and members who would like to participate in the management of the Branch should let me know – we are always looking for new people.

In terms of membership during 2016, the Branch increased its membership by approximately 9%.  However, the year saw several of our members pass on or return to the UK.  I still hope that we can achieve a membership of 150, but will this remain wishful thinking?  We must all try to attract new members to ensure that the Branch flourishes in the future.

Throughout 2016 Alan Gill and his helpers provided us with an excellent, varied and highly enjoyable program of social activities, once more organising something for everyone.  However, it must be accepted that we cannot please

everyone all the time, we can only try our best to satisfy the majority.  The attendances at most of our functions had proved once more that, in the main, we succeeded in this aim. The attendance at our 2016 Battle of Britain Anniversary was very good and participation at our annual celebration of Robert Burns continued to be well supported. Thank you, Alan, and Ann for all your hard work and everyone else who has contributed to making our social activities such a success.  Whilst attending the Area Conference in Malta, I was delighted to accept, on Alan’s behalf, the Dennis Emes Shield, awarded annually at the European Area Autumn Conference by the European Area Council to the Ordinary or Life Member who was judged to have displayed the best all-round performance during 2016. I subsequently presented the Shield to a very surprised, and delighted, Alan at our following Branch meeting; well done Alan, a thoroughly deserved award.

For a Branch of our size our Wings Appeal donation for 2016 was exceptional. Through the efforts of Sue McNae, our Wings Appeal Officer, and enthusiastic helpers we successfully donated to the Association’s Appeal the magnificent sum of ₤5,000, of which €1,000 was donated by the Masonic Home of Valencia Association.  A very good sum was also raised at our Battle of Britain dinner through a very good raffle and the auction of several aviation prints. Our monthly raffles at our Branch meetings continue to do well.  Well done to Sue for making this possible.     The workload of our Welfare Officer continued during 2016.  Maggie Dennis’

success in taking over the Welfare duties and managing often difficult and complicated cases has been exceptional – so much so that her efforts were recognised by the award of an Area President’s Certificate at our 2016 Area Autumn Conference in Malta. We are blessed with a very hard-working and conscientious Welfare Team and Maggie and all involved in hospital visits and the ‘tea-and-sympathy’ brigade, are congratulated for your magnificent efforts on behalf of the Branch.

I strongly recommend a visit to our Branch website which, under the management of Vice Chairman, Colin McNae, has been extremely well maintained and is being visited by an increasing number each year. The website is continually updated by our webmaster to reflect our activities and important changes in UK and Spanish legislation applicable to us expatriates living in Spain. There are many such roles performed behind the scenes which are nevertheless extremely important for improving communication within the Branch which helps to maintain morale and harmony.  Thank you, Colin.

Maggie Dennis continued to wrestle with the rather non-standard accounting system she inherited from Kevin Elders. However, under her skilful control our financial records have been well managed and, as reflected by our newly appointed auditor, accurate and well presented. Her conscientious efforts reflected a well-maintained set of accounts which have, as in previous years, been given a clean bill-of-health by our Auditor.  We had to find a new auditor during the year and I am very

grateful for the efforts of Mr Alan Murdoch for stepping-in at the last moment and agreeing to conduct our annual audit.

The activities of the Branch have always required considerable coordination and administration.  In this respect, I was grateful for the support given by Brian and Pauline Flowers who, as Honorary Secretary and Membership Secretary respectively, provide us with an outstanding service that goes well beyond the normal call of duty.  Their efforts are yet further examples of the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure our smooth and continued operation.  Well done and thank you Brian and Pauline.  There are so many members to whom I would wish to express my gratitude. However, just to mention a few, I would like to again thank David and Yvonne Keir for always being willing to offer their help in a variety of ways, particularly in support of the Wings Officer. A special word of thanks also goes to Margaret for running the book stall, collecting the money at the end of our monthly lunches and for being

tolerant when I must spend so much time working on the computer typing reports! I must also thank again Sue McNae for displaying, and selling, her home-made greetings cards – a donation to our Wings Appeal is made from the sale of every card – well done and thank you Sue.

Finally, I would like to thank Colin McNae, our Branch Vice Chairman, for all the support he has given me and the Branch over the past year.  It has been good to know he was always there willing to help in any way he could. Thank you, Colin.

One of the over-riding pleasantries of the North Costa Blanca Branch continues to be the way you, the membership, support Branch activities, in so many ways.  Our membership is a terrific group of people dedicated to enjoying themselves whilst providing the friendship and support for which our Association is renowned.  It has been a privilege to serve you as Chairman.

Bob HuntChairman

BURNS NIGHT

On Friday, 27 January, 72 members and guests met at the Los Leones restaurant in Moraira to celebrate Burns night. The evening was chaired by Bob Hunt who gave his well-practiced address to the haggis piped in by an excellent rendition on the bagpipes by Mr Alan Bleasedale.

The piper having a well-earned rest Bob Hunt cautiously addressing the Haggis

The Grace was given by Fr. Jim Booker and Colin McNae presented the life story of and the toast to the Immortal Bard. The soliloquy and the toast to the lassies was given by Canon Raymond Hodson and the response by Eileen Hodson. The raffle, organised by Sue McNae, raised over €600 for the Wings Appeal. After the whiskey and wine were consumed in abundance it was time for the taxis, the nominated drivers and the teetotallers to convey the revellers safely home.Len Hewitt

ABBA ELITE

On Saturday, 4 March, twenty members and two guests were entertained at the Cabaret night club in Benissa when they attended an evening of live music provided by the ABBA tribute group ABBA ELITE. The group proved to be very talented and provided the audience with a performance very close to that which would have been given by the originals. A light dinner was also provided and it appears that everybody there had a very enjoyable experience.

Alan Gill

Ground Control Approach RadarBrian Flowers

When RAF bombers returned to base from bombing raids during World War II, they sometimes had to land in bad weather with low visibility. This prompted the development of GCA radar as a joint British/American project. The prototype was built in the UK but the production version was built in the USA by Gilfillan in California.

As a National Serviceman, I was trained on ground radar in general and GCA radar in particular at RAF Locking from March to October 1958, when I qualified as a J/T with one stripe. This increased my weekly pay from 1 pound 3 shillings to 4 pounds 5 shillings - a big improvement!

I was then posted to RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall, to look after their GCA. Initially, this was an old Bendix GCA utilising big old-fashioned valves. However, after two months, the Bendix GCA was replaced by a brand new Gilfillan GCA utilising miniature valves.

GCA radar comprises two separate radar systems. The ‘search’ radar operates at 3 GHz giving a PPI (Planned Position Indicator) display out to 30 miles. The ‘precision’ radar operates at 10 GHz providing azimuth and elevation displays showing the aircraft’s location in relation to the 3 degree glide-path on final approach.

Using VHF radio, the talk-down officer guides the pilot to ensure that he/she follows the glide-path. When the aircraft is 500 yards from the runway, the talk-down officer tells the pilot to look ahead for the runway and land. The final approach at St Mawgan flew over several big mounds of china clay tailings, so it was essential to warn the pilot if he/she was below the glide-path.

The revolving ‘search’ radar dish was located at one corner of the GCA truck and the ‘precision’ vertical radar antenna projected above another corner of the GCA truck. The azimuth and elevation scanning was achieved by varying the width of the transmitter waveguides, which changed the wavelength of the standing wave, thereby swinging the transmitted signal left/right for azimuth scanning and up/down for elevation scanning.

There were two squadrons of Shackletons at RAF St Mawgan and they landed safely in the frequent spells of bad weather with poor visibility, thanks to the GCA radar facilities.

A TOUR OF THE FALLAS

On

Thursday, 19 March, 29 members and friends met in Gandia for a tour of the Fallas ably guided by Cameron and Corinne Gair with an excellent translation of the satirical plaques by their daughter, Hannah.

There then followed the more civilised adjournment to a restaurant where we were presented with an excellent meal in the Spanish style. All agreed that the experience should be repeated next year.

Len Hewitt

FLYER 20 QUESTIONS

1. What is the motto of the London Stock Exchange?

2. Which breed of dog is also known as a Russian wolfhound?

3. Which 60´s band had a ´one hit wonder´ with ´Bad Moon Rising´?

4. Which precious stone denotes 55 years of marriage?

5. Which ´ology´ is the art of bell ringing?

6. Which UK city is home to the Open University?

7. What name was given to the US operation that developed the atomic bomb?

8. The company called Victorinox is best known for producing what?

9. Which popular sit-com features a painting by Van Clomp?

10. Which car manufacturer makes the Qashqai?

11. Terpsichory refers to which art form?

12. In the novel ´Little Women´ what is the surname of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy?

13. What was constructed in 1968 at Billund in Denmark?

14. If your hobby was ikebana what would you be doing?

15. Who was the first cricketer to score a maximum six sixes in one over?

16. In which year did the half pence cease to be legal tender?

17. Which opera was commissioned for the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869?

18. What name is given to the scientific study of trees?

19. Which bird is the symbol of the RSPB?

20. What is the Greek equivalent of Spanish tapas?

Sue McNae

ANSWERS BELOW ……..

LIFE AS A BOY ENTRANT IN THE 1950’s at RAF COSFORD

This is a story about life at RAF Cosford in the 1950’s and very early years. There cannot be many survivors from the 15th Entry of Boy Entrants. There is almost nothing to be found on the internet of RAF Cosford or what happened to the Boys who missed the Second World War only to serve their country during the “Cold War” period. There is a lot of information available for the subsequent entries such as the 46 th entry who occupied the new Fulton blocks and not the freezing cold wooden huts.

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE BOY ENTRANT SCHEMEThe RAF Boy Entrant scheme was recommenced in about 1947 to encourage young lads whose education had been severely interrupted during World War II and had little or no qualifications but had a high degree of intellectual ability. They were to be trained in various trades as Airframe fitters, Engine fitters, Instrument and Instrument navigation technicians, Armament engineers and Radio/Radar technicians to replace the Aircraft maintenance teams after the war. The Boys were to receive training and education over an eighteen month course whereas the Apprentices took three years. The fortunate point for RAF Cosford was “It had its own railway station” with a short walk to the RAF base.

The boys had to be recommended, for example by the ATC to show they had the necessary basic requirements; they also needed the approval of their parents. Having passed the first stages the parents were given a date and all the necessary travelling documents for their Sons to arrive a RAF Cosford. In the 1950’s it was quite an experience and quite enjoyable to travel all that way by steam locomotive and no war in freezing cold compartments. You would sit quietly watching the clouds of steam pass by the carriage windows and think of what was to come at RAF Cosford. The boys were paid 17/6d per week with all food and accommodation provided free. Out of the 17/6d the RAF would retain 10/0d to pay for the boys’ train fare home for a holiday.

THE ARRIVAL AT RAF COSFORDOn arrival the Boys were gathered together and then spoken to, afterwards they were sorted into their relevant trades; Instruments, Armaments, Airframe, Engines and Radio /radar. Owing the high intake by 1952 a new wing was formed and the Armament and Instrument lads of which there were 75, formed D Squadron, 15th entry, Number 2 wing. Available is a long intake photograph of the Instrument/Navigation boys taken outside the original Fulton Block of the 15th intake. From there they were sent to their respective huts, given a bed and a locker.

The hot and cold water pipes A typical barrack but not the 15th entry

The Fulton Block taken much after 1952.

THE DAILY FOLDING OF THE BEDDINGThey were to attend the bedding store to collect 5 blankets and two sheets. Back to the barracks to be instructed as to how every day forward the bedding was to be set out; 3 biscuits of mattresses stacked on top of each other at the top of the bed frame, not as shown in the photograph. Next for anyone who did not recall the procedure they were shown how the blankets and sheets must be carefully folded to form a round edge facing the front being, blanket, sheet, blanket, sheet, blanket and finally the last one was wrapped around to form a pack and placed on top of the biscuits, not quite as shown in the photo with beds made. Now the boys were treated to their first meal in the Fulton block mess. Well this was something never to be forgotten. They queued up with their enamelled tin mug, and picked up a knife, fork and spoon called the irons and passed by the “Growler”, the square steel sink or tank of smelly water being heated by steam injection which made it growl. This is where after mess you were supposed to rinse your ‘irons’.

THE ACCOMMODATIONThe wooden huts, numbered 1 to 20 in blocks of ‘A’ to ‘D’ had freezing cold ablutions to the rear and hot water only if they were very quick. They did not spend much time at the ablutions; it was in, wash, and out. To arrive at Cosford in mid-winter, to be billeted in these 20 to a hut with just a small Baxi fire, with a knob of coal if lucky was a shock to anyone’s system.No doubt we’ve all seen Porridge; well those in porridge seem to be far better off than the Boy Entrants in 1950 and in the author’s time 1952. It has been said that by the 1960’s life at RAF Cosford had vastly changed where trainees were now billeted in the warm Fulton House.

The following day it was to the stores to be kitted out for the uniform, boots and everything including that all important “Housewife”. NO, not the female kind just a bag of clothing repairs items. For myself, the author, being the smallest lad ever to enter the BE at 3ft 11ins had to wait while a uniform was made, that took about a week. Each week there would be a kit inspection where the boys had to lay out their kit on the bed in a very particular method, mess this up and it would have to be done repeatedly until the whole barrack was in a 100% condition. This and the ‘Square bashing’ was the worst part of the discipline and training; did not see this in Porridge.

THE SQUARE BASHINGAll this was followed by a bit of ‘Square Bashing’ day after day. The boys fell in in three ranks with the shortest in the middle. Now the Corporal would get out his pacing stick and advise the front lads that this was the stride or pace which the Boys were to march to, very difficult when you are just 3ft 11ins and something never understood. Short legs cannot open to the same stride as the taller boys without bobbing up and down something that got the author into continuous trouble.

The boys were first taught in the hangar side rooms and for practical training there was on site a Lancaster bomber, a Mosquito and a few small craft such as the chipmunk. This gave the Boys a pleasant break from the class rooms. There was also education for most of the subjects that would, had it not been for the war and evacuation from London, have been taught at school. The lads were given rifle practice with the .303 rifle and some with side arms. They were also put through the gas chamber to experience various gases, it took about three minutes each time. Each week the boys were marched to the pay hangar to receive their 7/6d; to get paid the lads had to repeat their “service number –SIR”. Tea in the NAAFI was about 1 1/2d

In 1953 the BBC held a concert in the hangar and made a documentary. The author recalls this, which took place with, if recalled “The forces Sweetheart - Vera Lyn” just before the passing out parade when every boy was allocated an RAF Station to go to after some leave. The author’s first posting was RAF Hallavington then Little Risington then Thorney Island.

Life as a Boy Entrant in the 1950’s was very hard compared with the standards that followed in the 1960’s onwards. The lads of the early days viewed this hardship as luxury compared with what they may have experienced during their early life in the war living alongside Croydon airport and then being evacuated to the north.

THE BOY ENTRANT’s UNIFORMThe boys’ uniform was the red and yellow chequered hat bands much like the modern day traffic warden. On the arm was the propeller, yet another item to be polished using the “button stick”. Of course, we must not forget all the webbing that had to be blancoed and kept immaculate. After a short period we were sent to RAF Melksham to train for our JT’s chevron fitted point uppermost showing we were technical, then for the Corporal.

DEMOBFor those who chose to leave after their contracted duration of service being 12 years and 4 years reserve did so in the mid 1960’s. As a boy entrant of the 15 th Entry the author opted to leave in November 1964. He did so because any further increase in rank would not be for a further ten years. However he had to re-sign the “Top secrecy act” and for the following 5 years must not travel to any place close to the Iron curtain countries. He also had to apply for permission to travel overseas and report his location to a British consulate regularly. For the author this was the cause of being a Blue Steel Missile controller with armament knowledge. When he left he was given £80 which was used to set up as self-employed but no sooner had he got started when a tax officer called demanding why he had not paid the £80 tax upon leaving the RAF. The fact therefore was that those boys who chose to leave found themselves in Civvy-street penniless and no such additional pension for the long and vital service to their country during the “Cold War”.

The author hopes this article will be a reminder of how the Boy Entrants of the earlier years braved the rough hard conditions at RAF Cosford leaving to keep the aircraft flying and safe for our aircrews to defend our lands if the need arose. The Boys were ready to do their bit.

Bill Beaumont

Answers to Flyer 20 questions

1. My Word is my Bond 2. Borzoi 3. Credence Clearwater Revival

4. Emerald 5. Campanology 6. Milton Keynes 7. The Manhattan Project 8. Swiss Army Knives 9. Allo, ´Allo 10. Nissan 11. Dance 12. March 13. Legoland 14. Flower Arranging 15. Garfield Sobers 16. 1984 17. Aida 18. Dendrology. 19.Avocet 20. Meze

Upcoming Events & EntertainmentAlan Gill and the Social Events Team

Tuesday, 25 April

An evening out at Las Brisa restaurant, Teulada 19.00 for 19,30

Flying Day, Wednesday, 3 May 2017Flying day at Muchameil Airfield followed by lunch at the airfield restaurant. Flights €27.50 Lunch €12.50. Arrive at the airfield at 10.00.

Branch Monthly Meeting, second Monday in each month , excluding August.Monthly meeting at Los Arcos, Pedreguer. 1130 for 1200 followed by lunch at 1300.

A volunteer {preferably willing} is required to organise the annual Treasure Hunt.

All articles (ideally, electronically and not locked or copy protected!) and (good quality) photographs, which you own or have publishing rights, to the Editor:

Leonard D HewittEmail: rafancbbflyer@gmail.com Tel: 965 973 459

Next Deadline: Items no later than 1st September 2017 please

RAFA NCB Branch: rafa-ncb.org.uk

or scan our QR code below

Useful Information

Police & FireEmergencies 112

National Police 091 Fire Service 095 Electricity (Iberdrola)

901 202 02

HospitalsDénia Hospital (La Jara) 966 429 000 Help Desk Dénia Hospital 966 429 346Pedrera Hospital (Dénia) 965 579 700Alicante General 965 938 300Universitario Valencia 961 622 300

Help OrganisationsHelp of Dénia & Equipment 966 427 044 Hospital de Villajoyosa 966 859 800Dénia Emergency Equipment 966 427 044

Other Information

Help of Dénia Interpreters 966 427 044British Consulate 965 216 022 Help of Benidorm 607 387 040Help (Benidorm) Equipment

663 495 396Help of Campello & San Juan 965 638 259 Alicante Airport 966 919 000Valencia Airport 961 598 500

©RAFA North Costa Blanca Branch 2017– Branch No 1360