ChangiDecember 2019 Issue No. 71
Season’s Greetings to all Changi-ites
and families
Chairman/Archivist: John Dicks 4 Langley Crescent, Kings Langley,
Herts. WD4 8EW. Tel: 01923 269060
john.dicks2@ntlworld.com Founding Member/Newsletter Distributor:
Mike James
12 Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol BS49 4BY. Tel: 01934 833170
[email protected]
Secretary/Regalia Officer: Pat Holt 14 Burrowfields, Basingstoke,
Hants RG22 4XJ. Tel: 01256 477253
[email protected] Treasurer: Richard Collins
115 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex CM0 8HQ. Tel: 01621
785096
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Les Davies 4 The Bryceway, Liverpool L12 3HJ.
Tel: 0151 228 9874
[email protected] Membership Secretary: Malcolm Flack
14 Highfield Close, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 6HG. Tel: 01494 728562
[email protected]
Publicity/Press Officer: Brian Lloyd Apartment 26, Hardy Lodge,
Coppice Street,, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8GY
Tel: 01747 850898 •
[email protected] Webmaster: Tony
Holt
14 Burrowfields, Basingstoke, Hants RG22 4XJ. Tel: 01256 477253
[email protected]
Reunion Liaison Officer: Peter Mersh 24 Asher Reeds, Langton Green,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0AN Tel: 01892 862643
[email protected] Overseas Liaison Officers
Iberia: Brian Morgan Tel: 0034 951 573547 •
[email protected] Australia:
David A. Wood Tel: 0402 195390 •
[email protected]
New Zealand: Brian Churcher Tel: 0064 7 549 4230 •
[email protected] Singapore: Lim Tow Soon Tel: 0065 9647 2953 •
[email protected]
RAF Changi Association (Including HQ FEAF)
Founded May 1996
The aim of the RAF Changi Association is to bring together all
those who were stationed at RAF Changi (including HQ FEAF)
Singapore,
in order to renew old friendships and make new ones.
www.rafchangi.com
© RAF Changi Association. No part of this Newsletter may be
reproduced in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, without the prior written or
verbal consent of the chairman or secretary.
December 2019 3 Changi-ite Newsletter
For the first time since she became RAFCA’s secretary, we do not
have a Secretary’s Report to include from Pat Holt.
Unfortunately, she has been unwell and recently underwent major
heart surgery. Happily, Pat is now back home and taking one day at
a time under the watchful eye of husband Tony, who has himself been
undergoing a long session of cancer treatment.
After years of sending “get well” cards to all and sundry it is now
the membership’s turn to offer Pat our good wishes for a speedy
recovery and assure her that she is in our prayers and
thoughts.
As each day passes you are one day closer to a complete recovery,
Pat. So, guys, take one step at a time, both of you, and be assured
that we are all thinking of you. God bless!
As I write my report in mid-October (a little earlier than usual),
a small influx of new members have suddenly been appearing which
has kept me quite busy (amongst other Changi items) for a few
weeks. The result of this sudden change in trend is that our
current membership now totals 807, which is very much in line with
my previous predictions.
As always, may I remind members that the accuracy of the
Association Database is dependent on the receipt of any changes in
membership details
- in particular, the demise of any member, in order that we may
action any changes to the membership.
Nevertheless, in any case, as I have mentioned before, keep us up
to date with your current contact details so that your Changi-ite
magazine does not go astray.
Malcolm Flack (Membership Secretary)
I can confirm now that I will not be organising another trip to
Singapore next year, due to the high price of health insurance
attributed to the age of Margaret and myself and my recent
hospitalisation. This does not mean that members and friends cannot
make their own arrangements. If you should require any assistance
please contact me, as I am sure that our contacts in Changi Village
and Penang would love to see you again.
Regarding the Changi Committee, we are still looking for volunteers
(yawn, yawn). One volunteer is worth ten pressed men any time. It
has been estimated that we have about another five years to go,
before the loss of members and the current committee members’ ages
make it impossible to continue. So please give it some serious
thought.
I will close in my usual way at this time of year by wishing you
all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New
Year; and I look foreword to meeting many of you in the next few
months. Kind regards to you all.
John Dicks (Chairman)
Chairman/Archivist’s Report
Secretary’s (Health) Report
IMMEDIATELY prior to submitting this issue for printing, Malcolm
Flack, our tireless and energetic Membership Secretary, suffered a
devastating family bereavement and I know you will join me in
offering our sincere condolences and assurance that he is in our
thoughts at this sad time.
On page 18 of Issue 70, I did a short review of the recently-
released book ‘200 Years of Singapore and the United United
Kingdom’. Shortly after, I received contact from some members who
had tried to purchase the book but been told that delivery to the
UK was not possible.
I contacted Straits Times Press relating our plight and they kindly
gave me a link and an offer of 20% discount to any of our members
wishing to purchase a copy (see page 13). Please remember to apply
Code “STP2019” to your order to enjoy the discount!
For the first time since my appointment as editor, we can happily
record that the number of ‘new members’ is greater than the number
of ‘obituaries’. Is this a future trend? (I wouldn’t hold your
breath!)
Don’t forget the annual reunion at Nottingham in May (all details
in this issue).
Finally, may your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter
and goodwill; and may the coming year bring contentment and
joy.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Les Davies
Membership Secretary’s Report
Changi-ite Newsletter 4 December 2019
AS I walked into Block 42 in 1958, the sound of Widor’s
Toccata on CBS stopped me dead in my tracks.
At the time, I did not dream that one day in the future, I would
find myself playing the Grande Orgue in Amiens Cathedral where I
believe Charles Marie Widor himself had played his mighty
work.
Amazingly, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris could fit twice inside
Notre Dame, Amiens. Having climbed the 80-plus steps to the organ
loft, I limited myself to playing a short improvisation on Cwm
Rhonda (Guide me, O ou great Jehovah), but felt honoured to have
played the same instrument where the composer of one of the world’s
two most famous Toccatas (the other one being J. S. Bach’s Toccata
and Fugue in D minor) had thrilled the congregation with his
piece.
Soon after I arrived at Changi, I managed to sign out an old piano
accordion which, I was told, had been used by the concert parties
during the Japanese occupation. It had part of its façade missing
but was more or less in tune and was just about playable.
You would not want to stand up and play it in front of an audience
but it was fine for Boat Parties and Barbecues.
I was invited to bring it to a barbecue (my very first) and being a
busker, was able to play most of the songs the lads wanted. Brian
Jennings and Brian Newman played a bit of Skiffle with me as I
recall.
At the very end, Flight Sergeant Berridge and Sergeant Moss asked
me to play Bless ’em All which was duly
roared out into the still, tropical night. To this day, I remember
thinking “you’ve landed on your feet here old son”. Sometimes,
however, I found myself accompanying bawdy but often very funny
songs on an evening and then accompanying Methodist hymns (never
bawdy) on the the O.D. Church Hammond organ on Sunday
mornings.
I wish that I had popped the accordion into my deep sea
chest,
brought it home and because of its provenance been able to donate
it to a Services Museum. But I was scared that I would be accused
of trying to ‘half inch’ it. However, when I handed it in, nobody
knew a thing about it!
Although I was a signaller and very much a ‘fringe player’ when it
came to music in the RAF, I felt a surge of pride when I heard the
Royal Air Force trumpeters (the best, as far as I am concerned)
play at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and thus
showing the world how it should be done. My pride came from having,
like those lads, worn that most famous of colours, Royal Air Force
blue.
Also, as a result of Durham County being twinned with the Somme
Department in Picardy, I was invited to take a group of singers to
France and give some concerts, one of which was at the St. Denis
Church in Poix de Picardie.
ree British and one Canadian aircrew lie in the graveyard which
surrounds the Church and as we were performing Requiem by Gabriele
Faure, I was able to dedicate this most beautiful of works to those
lads. I just hope we did it justice.
At the bottom of the previous column there is a photograph of the
pre-WW2 Fontini Piano Accordion referred to above.
When signed out out by me in 1957 it was still just about in tune
and just about usable for Boat Parties and Barbecues.
After a pint or two of Tiger Beer, the tuning seemed to sound spot
on, even to me.
In the December 2018 issue of Changi-ite, Neville Kirby (M734) gave
an account of his return visit to Singapore with his wife Margaret.
Since he is now 81, he realises it was probably his last visit to
Changi. Neville’s passion is music; and here he recalls a tuneful
tale which members may find interesting.
From Grande Orgue in Amiens to Fontini Piano Accordion
The Grande Orgue in Amiens Cathedral
John Neville (‘Rip’) Kirby (1957) plays the piano accor- dion used
by the concert parties formed by prisoners at RAF Changi during the
Japanese occupation in the Second World War . It made a sound about
good enough for Boat Parties and Barbecues.
December 2019 5 Changi-ite Newsletter
THE 19 Air Formation Signal Regiment was formed at
Huddersfield on 17th October 1943. During the following year
the
Regiment was mobilised and sailed to India for overseas service in
November 1944.
Its first operational task was to provide communications for HQ
Combat Cargo Task Force, an integrated RAF/USAF force air- dropping
supplies to the ground forces in Burma.
e Regiment was based at Comilla in Bengal, with Companies in the
Chittagong and Imphal areas.
As the Burma campaign progressed, the Regiment moved south with the
Air forces and eventually into Rangoon.
After the Japanese surrender,
detachments were then sent as far afield as Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong
Kong and Shanghai.
In fact, it was the boast of the Regiment that it had detachments
on every airfield in South East Asia.
In 1946, the Regiment moved to Singapore where it has been based
ever since.
In 1947 it had Squadrons in Ceylon and Hong Kong, and in this year
saw the start of a permanent affiliation with the Far East Air
Force.
In 1948 the Regiment establish- ment was changed to incorporate
Locally Enlisted Personnel (LEP).
e Ceylon Squadron was disbanded in 1959 and Gan Island Signal Troop
was formed, and in 1962 the Hong Kong Squadron was transferred from
the Regiment.
During Confrontation the Regi- ment had detachments in Brunei and
Labuan.
Today, the Regiment now covers the main airfields of Changi and
Tengah, the Microwave Stations throughout Singapore Island and in
Penang and Butterworth, and the Signal Troop at Gan.
Press & Publicity Officer Brian Lloyd has been in contact with
his new neighbour in Dorset, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Pat Soward, who is the
current Chairman of 19 AFS Association and also an Associate Member
of RAF Changi Association. On a recent visit to the Aboretum during
the 19 AFS Reunion in Stafford, Pat kindly provided Brian with
copies of a couple of pictures he had taken; these are reproduced
below. Pat assures us that the memorial is in good shape and all
eleven trees display their appropriate plaques.
A short history of the19 Air Formation Signal Regiment
This text is a shortened version of the history by John Hill, which
is included in the RAF Changi Association website. The 19 Air
Formation Signal
Regiment continued to serve the Far East Air Force until the
withdrawal from East of Suez. The Regiment disbanded in
November 1971.
cÉáàvtÜwá yÜÉÅ à{x Ñtáà Compiled by Mike James
View of Sago Lane, Singapore (1950s). Courtesy Malcolm Flack
(M119).
Capitol Cinema & Building (1950s). Courtesy of Dave Dalzell
(M24).
December 2019 7 Changi-ite Newsletter
Searchline
(Please respond directly to:
[email protected])
1. ACCOUNTS SECTION 1948/1949. Where are they now? In the picture
above, seventh from left, top row, is deceased member Donald
Thompson, known as ‘Ted’. Are you in the picture or do you remember
Ted?
Happy memories from those days. Did you travel on the HMT Dunera
around that time?
2. CPL. JOHN COUCH, circa 1969/1971 - 48 Squadron Hercules.
Member’s enquiry. 3. SGT. SHORT, Turbine Propulsion, 48/FECS,
A and B Flights, 1955 to 1957. 4. VICTOR JOHN MORGAN,
1955/1958,
known as John. Had a son about five years old out there on family
posting. Family enquiry.
WELCOME to new member Graham Turner (M2445),
Physician at Changi Hospital, who had two tours of duty, January
1959 to July 1961 and March 1970 to September 1972. For the latter
part of his second tour Graham was attached to ANZUK and after 34
years’ service
with the Royal Air Force, he retired with the rank of Air
Commodore. One memory of his service involved a Case-vac flight in
a helicopter when he was called to attend to a soldier suffering
from a head injury when the soldier was injured on patrol in the
jungle.
Graham travelled in a helicopter to a clearing (DZ) during the
early hours, coming down through the high trees. The helicopter was
accompanied by a fixed wing aeroplane to ensure the landing site
was found. When it was dark, it was common practice for magnesium
to be dropped to increase the area of light for the
helicopter
pilot get clear visibility, since conditions were not good for
dropping 200 feet through a small gap in the trees. The patient
survived the return journey and fully recovered in BMH
Singapore.
Graham’s principal recreation at Changi was sailing in a GP14,
later a Snipe - and finally a Lark. Graham and his wife competed in
the “Around-the-Island” race, finishing at 2100 hours, just ten
minutes before the cut off time.
He was the last winner of the historic Island Sailing Trophy, a cup
to be raced for annually to commemorate the reopening of the Nanas
Channel in 1959. The channel, which is on the far side of Pulau
Ubin, had been closed because of Communist activity in Johore, so
the reopening was a memorable event.
Names recalled by Graham from those sailing days are: Norman
Kilpatrick, Richard Dixon and Hank Henstridge. Do you have any
recall of these names? Or perhaps you crewed for a member of the
Yacht Club, which is now designated the Changi Sailing Club.
Changi-ite Newsletter 8 December 2019
IN mid-June 2019 ninety-one-year- old Eric Harvison, who had
served
at Changi in 1947-49 as a Signals Clerk at S.S.C., made contact
with the Changi Association (only a few days before his departure)
about his pending first ever visit back to Changi which his family
had arranged for him.
By chance, his home address was no too far from our Membership
Secretary, who was quickly off the mark and took the opportunity to
hear about Eric’s time in those very early years at Changi.
Eric and his wife, Kathleen, welcomed Malcolm’s visit and a very
pleasant day followed. ey soon made it known about their pending
70th Wedding Anniversary and the meeting was concluded with a
viewing of Kathleen’s wedding dress, still in excellent condition,
the material for which had been purchased from a shop in Changi
Village during Eric’s tour of duty.
Eric did not take long in deciding to become a member of the
Association and a few days later Malcolm made a visit to present
Eric with his new member’s pack, including a selection of material
from the Association’s archives; it was in mid-June and they were
ready to depart on the trip together with their daughter Marie and
her husband, who had made all the arrangements.
Eric wrote the following report of his trip after his return
home:
At the beginning of our trip we were in Heathrow departure lounge,
waiting to board the aircraft, when a lady (whom I now know as Lyn
Dido) – originally from Cheshire but now Australian) asked me if
this was my first
trip to Singapore, I told her it wasn’t and that I had first
visited Singapore 72 years ago as a National Serviceman and was now
returning, hoping to see some of the places I remembered from
1947-1949.
She must have been so intrigued by this because she told one of the
BA air stewardesses, as a result halfway through the flight the
stewardess came to me with a BA embossed card signed by the whole
crew together with a bottle of champagne wishing me a happy return
to Singapore. Towards the end of the flight the Captain, in his
farewell address to the passengers, mentioned my name and told
everyone that they had a 90-year-old veteran on board and hoped I
had a memorable return. is was followed by some applause from the
passengers and although it was rather embarrassing, it was nice
just the same. Lyn has since been in touch via Facebook hoping my
visit was successful.
anks to the help prior to the trip, I had contacted Lim Tow Soon in
Changi Village to tell him I was coming and after a couple of days
of landing I contacted him to arrange a time.
By chance he was in Singapore centre and came to our hotel to meet
us; we had a very pleasant hour chatting over coffee and he was
most interested in my old photographs of Changi and took some
copies of them, together with some receipts from local outlets at
that time, which he was going to display in his cafe.
A couple of days later we went to Changi village and had lunch with
him and his wife Joey at his cafe, after which he took us on a tour
of the ‘new’ village. e village I had known was no longer there -
something of a disappointment for me, because that was one of the
main
purposes of my trip, although I did see the memorial to the RAF
with the Comet mounted behind it but beyond that I didn’t see
anything that reminded me of my old haunts.
On another day we went to Palau Blakang Mati – now renamed Sentosa
to see the old British barracks and gun emplacements at
Siloso.
We also took a trip to Batam in Indonesia and visited all the usual
tourist spots in Singapore; however, I liked Chinatown the
best.
We went back to Changi village yet again a few days later and took
a ferry to Pulau Ubin and talked to many locals who were fascinated
by my age and the fact that I had returned.
A young man introduced himself and actually thanked me for my
service to Singapore which surprised me.
He was a pilot in the Singapore Air Force, flew fighter jets and
said he obtained his Master’s degree at Oxford and knew High
Wycombe (which is near to my home address). He requested a
photograph and all the locals nearby joined in too.
Changi Re-visited in June 2019 Our Membership Secretary, Malcolm
Flack (M119), tells Changi-ite the special story of Eric Harvison
(M2448), a nonagenarian, who joined the RAF Changi Association last
June, only a few days prior to his departure for Singapore on a
nostalgic first trip back
to Changi which his family had arranged for him.
Lim Tow Soon meets up with Eric and Kathleen at his
restaurant.
December 2019 9 Changi-ite Newsletter
Of course we visited Raffles Hotel where they made a bit of fuss
over us and I ended up having three Singapore slings and a damned
good evening.
I was initially very disappointed in the new Changi village, but I
was very impressed with Singapore and the people who were so
friendly and respectful of Britain; it was all quite emotional and
very, very memorable. – I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Eric, in his ‘thank you’ e-mail to Lim Tow Soon for the hospitality
shown during the visit, remarked that
as well as his visits to Changi, he went pretty much everywhere in
Singapore and saw all the wonderful attractions.
Singapore has certainly changed and the result is a very modern but
also impressive country; so it’s not surprising that Changi village
should have also changed. In fairness, I was warned, but I suppose
I just didn’t want to believe it.
Eric has now ‘linked up’ with a Buddie. Upon returning home, Eric
was contacted by Malcolm, the Membership Secretary, with the
news
that according to the records, lapsed member ex-Changi-ite buddie
David Alston (M2155) (see picture below), now of Bromley, Kent, had
been looking for Eric for many years without success.
As a result, David, who has a monthly column in his local newspaper
(e News Shopper) will, in agreement with the editor, run a
“Christmas in Changi” feature that would include a photo of himself
with Eric and two others taken outside a cinema in Singapore on
Christmas Eve 1948.
Malcolm says it is all part of the RAF Changi Association service;
and needless to say Eric and David are now in touch once
more.
On Pulau Ubin: Eric is in striped T-shirt and his daughter, Marie,
is on his right. His son-in-law is wearing a blue T-shirt and his
wife, Kathleen, is front (centre) in the wheelchair. The Singapore
Air Force pilot is wearing the white T-shirt and the remainder of
the group are locals and tourists.
Singapore Christmas Eve 1948 (left to right): Clive Preece,
Unknown, David Alston and Eric Harvison.
Far East Communications Squadron 1955-1957
A Flight and B Flight.
Pembroke Valletta Vampire and Devon
A Pressed Steel Plate (PSP) hard standing provided the aircraft
parking area, always hot and very noisy as aircraft moved around.
Any fluid spillage created a skating rink and during start ups on
early Vampires, wet starts were frequent, sometimes resulting in
burning kerosene running along the connecting channels, so fire
extinguishers were always ready! A busy area with first-line
maintenance, refuelling and ground testing being carried out in the
open; sunburn was unavoidable, no protective clothing, no ear
protection, no sun creams, but within a short period of time we
were like ‘locals’ with all new intakes being classed as ‘Moonies’
until they themselves ‘browned off’. John (Jet) Kenny (M2450)
A trip down with your letters and photos to Changi-ite
DURING the mid 1950s the RAF decided that code and cypher operating
should change from being done by telegraphists to being done by
Clerks G.D.
It had to be sergeants or above due to high security levels.
As I was Sergeant Clerk G.D. at that time and also on PWR
(preliminary warning roll for overseas service), I was one of the
first to be selected for training.
I was serving at RAF Dyce (now Aberdeen airport) and was detached
to RAF Compton Basset in Wiltshire for the course.
I cannot remember exactly how many of us were on the course but I
think it was probably around 20; all were sergeants and none of us
volunteers.
Some of them managed to get home over the weekend but as I was in
married quarters at Dyce that was just not possible for me.
One of our number was away each weekend and when I asked where he
had been he said he had been to London and had stayed at the Ritz
hotel!
at, of course, was just not possible on a sergeant’s pay, but when
I expressed my doubts he showed me ‘proof ’ in the form of a book
of matches from the Ritz.
Eventually the truth came out, and although he had indeed been to
the Ritz hotel in London, he had been working in the kitchens to
earn a bit of extra cash; you can judge the levels of RAF pay at
that time!
Having successfully completed the course I was then posted to the
Far East Air Force along with Ginger Burrows and Jack
Caldwell.
On arrival at Changi we were seen
by the Command Cypher Officer who told us that two of us were
needed at Singapore Signals Centre (Changi) and the other was to go
to AHQ Malaya at Kuala Lumpur.
As the fairest way to decide, there was the spin of a coin.
Ginger Burrows lost and went off to K.L. while Jack Caldwell and I
went to S.C.S., where we worked shifts covering 24 hours a day 365
days a year.
It was hard work with little time off, but happy days
nonetheless.
Leslie Kemp (M733)
SEARCHLINE 70, Item 4, MT Section 1963-64, brought back an amusing
memory.
e NAAFI at Changi in those days was the retreat of a select little
group of boozers.
It was a ‘men only’ domain and frequented often by a few MT Section
lads. I remember one in particular called Taff Davey.
On the day that some of his SAC colleagues were standing outside
the Section CO’s office waiting to be told in turn that they had
been promoted to Corporal, Taff joined them.
When they’d all been seen and Taff was the last man standing, the
CO came out of his office and saw him.
He asked what Taff was doing there.
“I’ve been told to stand here, sir. I was told you had something to
tell me.”
e CO grinned and wasted no time in telling him something very
sharply – “Get out!”
I remember that there were hoots of laughter in the NAAFI
that
evening. Keep up the good work – much appreciated, and
thanks.
Best wishes. Phil Mills (M504)
IN 1956, while stationed at Changi as a Ground Wireless Mechanic, I
was posted to the small island of Labuan, North Borneo, on
detachment to the civilian airport.
While there, I visited the large Commonwealth Cemetery and wrote in
the Visitors’ Book “F. E. Worrall, Bedford, England”, not my full
address, since I didn’t expect anyone to be interested.
e next person to visit the cemetery was a missionary from Sarawak,
down the coast on mainland Borneo.
He was from Bedford and he wrote to his mother in Bedford to see if
she could find out more about me.
She failed to get answers and contacted the Bedford Record
newspaper for help.
An article appeared (I still have a copy), headed “e Long Arm of
Coincidence”, which asked for information.
On receiving numerous replies, the missionary, Mr. William
Marshall, wrote to me from Kuching inviting me to visit.
Although this would have been quite possible normally, I shortly
after received a re-call to Changi to return to the UK by
Comet.
A couple of years later, Mr. Marshall’s father died and he returned
to Bedford.
He contacted me and we had much to talk about. He later returned to
Borneo.
Frank Worrall (M2397)
We welcome your letters, whether they express concern, offer
advice, present constructive criticism, or just recall happy
memories or events from Changi days. Please send your contributions
to the editor by post or via email to cha
[email protected] and
include your name and membership number.
Changi-ite Newsletter 10 December 2019
I WAS raking around the house and discovered a poem written by my
twin brother, Stewart, when he was passing through Singapore in
1973 on a Nimrod which was going around the world, from Cornwall,
U.S.A., Fiji, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and RAF Masirah
(where I was stationed and piped off his crew for a few jars in the
Turtle Club).
Stewart was a Photographic Processing Analyst (PPA), trade group
14, while I was a Telegraphist, trade group 11.
My brother writes a lot of poetry and he’s also a very good artist
(learning his craft at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art
when I was in Aden and Leuchars).
I had a load of copies of the Tengah Times which I brought back to
the UK, but while acting as a guide at the Scottish National Museum
of Flight (East Fortune, East Lothian), a Squadron Leader Nimmo,
who was the Tengah education officer (early 1960s), told me he was
writing a history of RAF Tengah.
Unfortunately, he died soon after and his son dumped all of the
magazines which covered mainly 1964 to 1971.
So much for having done a good deed!
Here is the poem (written at R.A.F. Tengah, Singapore in
1973).
I hope it can be published. Charles Carruthers (M1452)
Monsoon Rain A wall of water creeps ever near, Hot, humid air
appears unclear. From the jungle, it spreads itself around, rashing
trees and plants which
abound. My shirt is drenched in seconds flat, My hair is soaked -
even with a hat! Rivulets of water dripping down my
clothes, Over my lips, eyes and nose. en suddenly a flash of light
In a sky that looks the darkest night. under crashes like a roll of
guns
Overhead, all around, it drums and drums;
en the rain fires down on roof and planes,
It bounces off the runway drains, It roars down channels in
cascades, It races past the hangar sheds. It washes away the earth,
the waste, e rich, red ground is left a paste. en all at once, it
stops, the rain, e air smells sweet, refreshed again; Orchids,
lilies and all exude a scent, e cycle of nature is
well-meant.
Cpl. Stewart Carruthers RAF Kinloss
(Photographer & Portrait Artist, East Lothians Rabbie
Burns)
READING e Ghosts Return in the December Newsletter took me back to
early 1954 when I arrived at Changi to serve in the Old Control
Tower, and although I remember the Astra, I do not recall the
series to which Dave Hucklesby refers, but I do have a “Ghost
Story” that I can recall.
You will notice that I use the word ‘Tower’ advisedly as the
control tower at that time looked more like a seaside bungalow! It
was in use until September 1954 when the new air conditioned Tower
took over, which is the Tower that many of you may well
remember.
e Old Tower was located over the top of the WW2 Gun Battery. ere
had long been a story doing the rounds about the ghost of a
Japanese soldier who could be heard in the dead of night, (when
else would it be?) marching along his assigned route over what is
now the remains of the Battery.
You could hear him step by step, get to the end of his route,
pause, and then return. And yes, on a dark and stormy night you
could clearly hear him, or so we thought. So one night my mate
Steve Hutchison and I decided we would try to lay this ghost once
and for all!
e area of all this activity was by the old WW2 Gun Battery, the
guns of which were by then in a museum in Australia. So “one dark
and stormy night” we got ready at either end of the identified
route, Steve at one end and me at the other. We could clearly hear
the footsteps of our ghost, so at a given signal we fired off our
Very pistols and looked to see who or what was there causing all
the noise!
A long pause to light the area but what did we see?
NOTHING! Strange to say, however, just few
minutes later you could hear the “footsteps” quite clearly once
again!
So what was it that we could hear? I suppose that it may have been
dripping water somewhere in the space of the Gun Site, but why did
it stop and start again? Could it have really been the ghost of a
dead Japanese soldier?
Who knows what it really was, but it made for a good tale for the
next intake to man the tower on a dark and stormy night!
Albert Barnhurst (M1652)
I WOULD like to relate a little incident from my square bashing
days which I think might resonate with more than a few of our
members.
e year was 1958 and we rookie conscripts were a week or so into our
basic training at RAF Wilmslow in Cheshire. is day involved
training on the firing range and, in particular, being introduced
to the Bren gun. is involved lying flat on our front with the Bren
on a bipod.
e 30-round magazine was half filled with 15 rounds of 303mm shells
and the corporal in charge specified that these were to be
discharged in single and short bursts at the target when he gave
the order to us one at a time. Among us was a very nervous, to put
it mildly, 19- or 20-year-old lad who weighed about 7 stone,
sopping wet, and he was shaking from head to
December 2019 11 Changi-ite Newsletter
Changi-ite Newsletter 12 December 2019
foot at the prospect of using this weapon.
When it came to his turn things took a dramatic turn!
Quite unable to apply small random but controlled pressures to the
trigger, as instructed, the young lad jammed his finger on the
trigger in a total panic; this caused the Bren to leap into the air
discharging all 15 rounds in about three seconds and in a violent
arc – as though shooting those imaginary ducks flying up the wall
.
As the poor lad lay prone and shaking, the corporal went straight
to him and, banging the lad’s helmet with the butt of his heavy old
Lee Enfield .303 rifle he uttered the immortal words . . . “Who the
#### do you think you are, Audie bloody Murphy?”
is sarcastic, rhetorical question would have been lost on the lad
whose head must have been ringing from the nasty blow for the rest
of the day!
ere was a mixed outcome to this episode. It was probably witnessed
by a senior officer because the corporal in question was later
charged with undue aggression and demoted. e young lad had a
somewhat better ending as his overall physique and temperament were
subsequently deemed to render him to be unsuited to service life
and he was discharged, quite honourably I understand, a week
later.
Many of us will no doubt recall that Audie Murphy was the most
decorated soldier in the U.S. army in WW2, receiving some 33 medals
for bravery and conduct, all before his 21st birthday; and he went
on to star in around 50 films, mainly in the
1950s. Sadly, he died at the young age of just 45.
Don’t feel left out though; maybe we didn’t get to Buck House and
kneel in front of ‘Brenda’ (apologies to Ian Hislop and Private
Eye), but many of us can be proud of our OBE status, i.e. “over
bloody eighty”.
P.S.: Referring to Her Majesty as Brenda is not meant in the least
to be disrespectful to a wonderful person, the best monarch ever. I
have a sneaking feeling that even she would find it quite
amusing?
John Stevens (M2107)
I WAS interested to see a photo on page 9 of the August edition of
Football League winners 1947.
My father went to Changi in 1946 and we followed in January 1947
since my brother was a baby and we had to wait until he was three
months old.
My mother, God bless her, took a baby of three months, a toddler of
18 months and me, aged five-and-a-half years old out on a ship, six
weeks’ travelling. (It broke down in the Red Sea.)
We came back in 1949 and my dad was in the troops side.
My father was at headquarters, and used to have something to do
with a football team.
We used to go in a bus and go to away games for both football and
cricket. We would sing songs, like “I've got sixpence”, “Show me
the way to go home” and “You are my sunshine”.
Back to the picture. ere is a man in the front row
whose name was C. Doig
(committee). I’m fairly sure he was Scottish and he was also a very
good friend of my father, because when he married out there, my
father gave away the bride.
I had two photographs in my collection of many hundreds (possibly
thousands), but can I find these two in my smaller collection of
Singapore pictures? No! I am so cross as I can not imagine where
else they could be, unless they ended up in the hundreds of other
photographs by mistake.
I went to school in Changi. We travelled on an RAF open-top lorry
and were lifted up into the back of it by one of the drivers.
Open top, little kids sitting on bench-type seats!! ere was no
health and safety then.
How did we survive! We went to Christmas parties in
the different clubs. School was half-a- day, but I also went on
Saturday mornings, too.
Beach visits were also popular and the ‘Pineapple man’ would come
round selling slices of pineapple.
I played in monsoon drains (and boy, didn’t it rain!). However, it
was welcome relief for our prickly heat rashes!
Our amah was a lovely lady who brought her family to meet us, and
my mother also let me go to her house, in what I remember to be the
jungle.
It was in a wooden hut and was so interesting; they treated me like
a princess.
I remember her husband was a taxi driver.
So many happy memories. ank you for reminding me. Kind
regards.
Eileen Bates (M2304)
Please submit any items to be considered for inclusion in the
Newsletter to
[email protected] and please include your membership
number
December 2019 13 Changi-ite Newsletter
WHILE serving in the RAF at Changi our chance to get away for a
holiday was usually
to go to Penang. On one occasion while in Penang , after travelling
by rail, sitting between the carriages with a .303 rifle in case
the train was invaded, we had a wonderful time. We went with quite
a few friends and someone said we should hire a car and tour the
island. What a wonderful idea, the only person with a driving
licence was me!
So off to George Town we went and found someone who was willing to
let us hire a car – a big American job. ere were nine of us and
this seemed to be just the thing, we managed to get five in the
back and four in the front somehow and off we went.
Half-way round the island we stopped for a photo, and here it
is.
Left to right: John Cowling, Peter Bull, Berney ?, Jerry Mundy,
David Wood and Trevor ?; the last three I don’t remember. What a
day that was, we went right round Penang Island and then back to
Elysian for a few beers. e leave centre was a great place to
holiday in those days, no high rise, beach to ourselves, and no
hassle. I haven’t been back to Penang since but I believe it’s all
built up with high rise and tourism. We were so
lucky to have had the time there when we did. e world doesn’t stand
still and at the time we
didn’t realise what we were living in. What a pity that the young
can’t experience the same life that we did!
David Wood (M2196) writes from Australia recalling happy times at
the
RAF leave centre in Penang.
FOLLOWING the review of this book in Changi-ite (Issue No. 70)
several members contacted us to say their attempt to purchase a
copy had been unsuccessful due to distance of delivery. We
wrote
to the publishing company explaining the dilemma and Straits Times
Press responded positively. RAF Changi Association members can
purchase the book by pasting the following link in to your
browser:
https://stbooks.sg/products/200-years-of-singapore-and-the-united-kingdom
By applying the code STP2019 members can enjoy a 20% discount off
the purchase price.
200 years of Singapore and the United Kingdom
SEARCHLINE No. 70 (Item 6) asked whether anyone remembered the
Spitfire TP205 gate guard at Changi
and requested pictures of the aircraft. Margaret Moore (M2388), who
was an Ops Clerk at Changi from 1965-1967, sent us her photograph
(left).
e Spitfire F Mk. 24 was displayed at Kallang Airport, Singapore
(1954-1960); RAF Changi (1962- 1970); RAF Bicester (April 16,
1970-1972), arrived from RAF Belfast; RAF Kemble (June 30, 1972),
RAF Museum, Colerne (November, 1972-1975), RAF Shawbury (August 21,
1975), R. J. Mitchell Museum, Southampton, (February 7, 1976-1984,
and Southamp- ton Hall of Aviation, Southampton (May
1984-2002).
If any member can identify errors in this report we would be very
pleased to hear from you.
Changi-ite Newsletter 14 December 2019Changi-ite Newsletter 14
December 2019
MOBILGAS ECONOMY RUN IN SINGAPORE
Easter 1958 By Malcolm Flack (M119)
EARLY in 1958, during my National Service time at Changi
as an MT Driver, I became aware of a notice in the MT rest room for
volunteers to take part as ‘observers’ on the 1958 Malayan Mobilgas
Economy Run during the Easter holiday weekend.
e purpose of the economy run, organised by the then Mobilgas Oil
Company, was to demonstrate the fuel economy of which tuned, well-
maintained and carefully-driven modern production cars are capable
of when run over varied public roads using a premium grade of pump
fuel and a high quality lubricant.
As service personnel we had already learnt “never to volunteer” –
but the opportunity seemed attractive enough and expenses were
included for travel and accommodation.
So, being single and off duty that weekend, I put my name forward
along with others. Exactly who, I am unable to remember by name
after all these years, especially as I had not yet got to know too
many ‘buddies’ in the MT Section. In addition, there may have been
other sections whose personnel were also given the opportunity to
volunteer.
e event was billed as the “4th Malayan Mobilgas Economy Run” and
had attracted a record entry of 76 cars, comprising 29 different
makes and 52 different models which had
been lined up for scrutiny in Kuala Lumpur on Good Friday. At the
time it was thought to be a world record for the event.
On receipt of instructions, we were transported down to Singapore
main- line railway station on Good Friday morning and boarded the
train for Kuala Lumpur arriving late afternoon.
After transfer to our accom- modation at the Federal Hotel in the
city, I was allocated a twin room with a chap I had been paired
with for the two-day event.
Following an early breakfast on Saturday morning, we were shown the
way to a nearby public car park for the start. We checked in with
the organisers and after a short briefing we were taken to the huge
array of vehicles and as ‘observers’ were allocated a Fiat 600 for
the event.
After introduction to the Chinese/ Malay local driver and his
navigator, we eased ourselves into the rear seats with our knees
nearly touching our chins! We settled down, and were soon on our
way, at one minute intervals, for the journey north to Ipoh and
back which was a total of almost 150 miles.
We passed through some spectacular scenery, but the heat of the day
soon became evident and limited fluids and refreshments which had
been provided needed to be consumed with care and considera-
tion as the journey was not going to be against the clock but
completed each day within an eight-hour period.
e first day of the run over, we were back in KL by late afternoon
and returned to the hotel where a much- needed cool shower was
taken.
e evening saw an exploratory venture into the city, where a Tiger
or two and some food was found.
A memorable item seen in KL that evening, which has always stayed
with me, was a colourful, constructed display piece on the front of
the Cathay cinema building portraying an animated scene, together
with sound effects, promoting the film Bridge Over e River Kwai,
and included the spectacular “blowing up of the bridge”,
subsequently to be repeated about every half -hour; and, of course,
that now very famous theme tune.
On Sunday we returned to the same car park and located our car crew
before setting off for Singapore on the final day of the run. is
was a longer, single journey to the finish in Orchard Road. We
witnessed some spectacular sights and had some narrow escapes
through very rugged jungle roads.
It was an experience I would not have had but for my Changi posting
and one I look back on as an amazing opportunity and privilege
which few people had in those days.
In 1958, British Singapore was home to many motor sports
enthusiasts, expats and locals alike. The Singapore Motor Club,
formed in 1948 by Freddie Pope, organised motoring events of all
kinds, the
favourite of which being the Johore Grand Prix. Other popular
events included half-mile sprints, speed trials, hill climbs and
economy runs, organised by the Singapore Motor Club and many other
car
associations such as the Automobile Association (Singapore), the
Automobile Association (Malaya), the Malayan Motor Club, the Perak
Motor Club, the Penang and North Malaya Motor Club . . .
1958
December 2019 15 Changi-ite Newsletter
The Big Guns of Singapore
All that remains of the three gun site of the big 15-inch guns of
the Johore Battery is the underground bunker of the only gun in
Singapore in 1942 that could not turn around and fire landward. is
gun had a firing arc of 180 degrees, and thus could only point out
to sea. e other two big guns of the Johore Battery were on a
different naval turret type mounting which enabled them to turn
round and fire at the Japanese. If those guns were still around
today they would stretch across the runways of Changi airport. e
big guns were supported by smaller 6-inch gun batteries near Changi
Village and at Beting Kusah. All the guns were directed by Changi
Fire Command which was on top of Changi Hill.
Near the site of the big guns of Singapore stood the "Changi Tree".
is 46 metre tall tree, which was marked on maps at the time,
towered above the surrounding landscape. In 1942, the British blew
the top off the tree in order to remove a marker that could be
clearly seen by the Japanese.
Sook Ching Massacre Sites ere are two documented Sook
Ching massacre sites in the Changi Historic Area. On the evening of
20 February 1942, Japanese troops in their bloody purge of
‘anti-Japanese’ Chinese took 70 Chinese males out to Changi Beach
and shot them at the water’s edge. Four survived because
they were mistaken to be dead. ey fled after the Japanese left.
When POWs from Changi were ordered by the Japanese to dispose of
the bodies next day, they found another Chinese man alive and they
smuggled him out of the area.
At Tanah Merah Besar Beach, on which Changi Airport is now built
according to two massacre survivors, Chua Choon Guan and Cheng
Kwang Yu, between 400 to 600 Chinese were machine-gunned by the
Japanese at low tide on the evening of 22 February 1942. ey
testified at the 1947 war crimes trial into the Sook Ching Massacre
that they had miraculously survived because Japanese troops were
not able to check that every victim was dead by bayoneting them
all. e Japanese are rumoured to have returned every evening for the
next three days after the first massacre to machine gun more
Chinese at low tide so the sea would come in and take away
their
bodies. However, if there were any survivors of these massacres
they never told their stories.
Changi POW Historic Sites
e 50,000 Allied POWs were not, as popular myth has it, put into
Changi Prison. ey were placed in the former quarters of the troops
of the garrison protecting the Changi area.
e Australians were stationed in Selarang Barracks and the British
were in Roberts Barracks, which are now barracks for the Singapore
Armed Forces. Only in May 1944, would the POWs move into Changi
Prison, and even then they were also housed in huts outside the
prison walls.
e POW cemetery was created between Selarang Barracks and Roberts
Barracks. After the war it was moved to Kranji and now comprises
part of the Kranji War Memorial.
At Roberts Barracks, the British POW Stanley Warren painted the
Changi Murals depicting the images of the New Testament in an
indoor chapel at the hospital, later known as Block 151. ese murals
were restored after the war by Stanley Warren on his visits to
Singapore in 1963, 1982 and 1988.
ere were also outdoor chapels created by the POWs. ere is a replica
of one of these at the Changi Chapel and Museum. (# 1000 Upper
Changi Road North, Singapore 507707). is replica was created in
1988 outside Changi Prison, and moved to its present location in
2001.
Changi Historic Area 1942-2002
Changi-ite Newsletter 16 December 2019
Christmas in the 1960s was in many respects celebrated akin to any
other decade in the 21st century: family gatherings, laughter and
fun. But whereas today the celebrations are often centred around
the presents and multimedia, a 1960s Christmas was much more
homespun. The days of post-war rationing and austerity were still
recent memories so, especially in the early years of the decade,
festive fun still retained a feeling of frugality compared to
today. Mary McDonald (M2201), daughter of Wing Commander David J.
Penman, DSO, OBE, DFC (1919-2004), recalls fond memories of their
tour in Singapore from 1961 to 1964 . . .
DAYLIGHT pushes fingers of brilliant sunshine through the slats in
the wooden
shutters which cover the glass-less window in my bedroom.
A chit-chat darts up the wall on its sticky pads while the ceiling
fan whirrs overhead.
I fight my way out of the mosquito net and unfasten the
shutters.
Looking out over the garden, the purple bougainvillea nods on its
trellis to the yellow allamander. Orchids grow profusely in the
flower beds while wafts of exotic scent from the creamy frangipani
flowers float on the gentle tropical breeze.
It is already 28 deg. C and it’s only 7am. It will be around 32
deg. C by midday. No, this is not the result of global warming. It
is 1961 and this is the first of our three Christmases in
Singapore.
My father, Sqdn. Ldr. David Penman, DSO, DFC, had been told in
June, while Commanding Officer at RAF Amport, that our next posting
would be to RAF Changi. At the small village school I attended,
this news created quite a stir in class, as we scrabbled with the
pages of the atlas to find the tiny dot which was to become our new
home for the next two-and-a-half years.
Our bungalow on Abingdon Road, Lloyd Leas, was positioned almost at
the end of the runway at RAF Changi.
On most mornings, we would be woken by lumbering Argosies taking
off and landing, or shaken by Shackletons doing their ‘circuits and
bumps’.
is was Christmas Day and only the birds broke the peace of the
early morning. e mynah birds chattered ceaselessly to each other in
the trees while a flash of yellow signalled the oriole’s arrival as
it swooped low across the coarse grass of the lawn. A sparrow
chirped happily as it enjoyed a dust bath in the dry monsoon drain
which surrounded the house.
ere would be no hawker today, peddling her wares from woven rattan
baskets which swung from a bamboo pole across her bent shoulders.
She would shuffle along on her worn flip-flops, shaded by a coolie
hat and dressed in a black sam-foo. She spoke no English but the
wide, toothless smile in her wrinkled face made it impossible to
turn her away.
e Magnolia ice-cream man had a day off too! No tinkling bell today
as he cycled along with a small freezer unit attached to the front
of his tricycle. Only the mangy cat looking
for food and the slithering snake, which had taken a wrong turn
into the house, were unaware of the significance of this day.
Despite the occasion, we were still enduring drought conditions and
water was strictly rationed, with no supply to the house at all.
Instead, a bowser was stationed on the street, from which we filled
buckets to transport water back to the house. Water for drinking
and cleaning teeth had to be boiled and cooled first, before
storing in the fridge.
We were allocated enough water to quarter fill the bath twice a
week and would take it in turns to be first in the bath and thus
have the cleanest water. At the end of the day, some of the bath
water was used to flush the toilet.
We couldn’t have traditional crackers because of the high humidity;
and decorations in our bungalow were sparse because of the
downdraught from the ceiling fans.
However, we did put up a small tinsel Christmas tree in a sheltered
corner, which we decorated with locally-crafted, fabric Chinese
lanterns. I still have these to put on our own tree today, a
sparkle of tropical memories amid the traditional festive fayre and
British winter weather.
Christmas, Long Ago and Far Away
December 2019 17 Changi-ite Newsletter
Having attended numerous parties and concerts at school, the mess
and the Officers’ Club, it was fitting to gather as a family that
evening, on the veranda, to reflect on a very privileged and unique
setting for the festive period.
We thought of our wider family and friends in the UK as thin wasps
of smoke spiralled up from the
mosquito coils and the cicadas created their hypnotic symphony in
the trees as darkness suddenly descended.
Our last Christmas in Singapore in 1963 was the most nostalgic. All
our belongings had been packed into crates for their six-week
journey by sea to Britain. Anything else that was returning with
us, had to fit into two small suitcases for the long flight
back
to the UK in an RAF Britannia, stopping to refuel at Bombay and
Istanbul.
We flew home on 6th January 1964, descending through a grey curtain
of mist and wearing our tropical tans as we disembarked, shivering,
onto the snow-covered tarmac.
So many happy memories!
The first high-altitude ascent was made in 1804 by Gay-Lussac and
Biot in a hot-air balloon. They reached a height of 4.3
miles.
* * * The red kangaroo can produce two different types of milk from
adjacent teats at the same time.
* * * The female nine-banded armadillo regularly bears litters of
identical quads.
* * * Jericho is the oldest walled city on earth at 9,000 years
old.
* * * Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is 1,250 miles long.
* * * The first petrol-driven car took to the road in 1885.
The custom of carrying a flaming torch from Athens to the site of
the Olympic Games was started by Adolf Hitler in 1936.
* * * American inventor Thomas Edison patented almost 1,300
inventions in his lifetime.
* * * Mexico City is built on top of an underground
reservoir.
More than 8,000 varieties of rose have been developed for garden
cultivation.
* * * The dachshund dog was originally bred for hunting
badgers.
* * * Jupiter is 89,400 miles in diameter, whereas Earth is only
7,926 miles.
* * * Silbury Hill in Wiltshire is the largest man-made mound in
Europe, yet nobody knows why it was built 4,500 years ago.
* * * When George I married Caroline of Bruns- wick he’d been wed
for ten years to Maria Fitzherbert – and could not speak
English.
* * * The only place in the world with a nil birthrate is Vatican
City.
essential things you didn’t know you
didn’t know
SLEIGH BELLS (Gene Autry) BELL ROCK (Bobby Helms)
LITTLE SAINT NICK (The Beach Boys) FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (Patsy
Cline)
PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Dion) THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Bing
Crosby)
SANTA BABY (Eartha Kitt) STEP INTO CHRISTMAS (Elton John) WINTER
WONDERLAND (Dean Martin)
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (Carpenters) SILVER BELLS (Elvis
Presley)
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN (Beach Boys) SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
(Crystals)
RUN, RUN RUDOLPH (Chuck Berry) OH HOLY NIGHT (Nat King Cole)
MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY (Otis Redding) JINGLE BELL ROCK (Chubby
Checker & Bobby Rydell)
BLUE CHRISTMAS (Elvis Presley) THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
(Carpenters)
SLEIGH RIDE (Neil Diamond) MY FAVORITE THINGS (Supremes & Diana
Ross) RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSE REINDEER (Cadillacs)
ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (Brenda Lee)
WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Percy Faith) LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (Pete
Seegar) WHITE CHRISTMAS (The Drifters)
I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS (Fats Domino) FELIZ NAVIDAD (Jose
Feliciano)
SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS (John Lennon) BLUE CHRISTMAS (Fats
Domino)
Changi-ite Newsletter 18 December 2019
ANNE MOORE (M1901), the local co-ordinator, once again
greeted the regular members from along the south coast as they
arrived at the Royal British Legion Club in Romsey on Friday, 6th
September, for this year’s ‘catch-up’ on days gone by at
Changi.
ere was a good response and the popular, comfortable venue, as
ever, proved an ideal place for the 39 members and their
guests.
Attendance might well have been higher, but taking into account the
ever-increasing age of our member-
ship, it was no surprise that eleven apologies for absence were
received.
Our founder member, Mike James, was unable to attend and sent his
good wishes for a successful day. As did our Secretary, Pat Holt,
who runs the Regalia stall. Pat sent her apologises via husband
Tony, our webmaster, who was able to make it at the last minute.
Both Pat and Tony have had more than their share of health issues
this year and the Association sends them good wishes for a speedy
recovery.
As always, John Dicks was kept
busy with the display of photographs and memorabilia and no doubt
took away some ‘not-seen-before’ images to add to the present
collection. A good selection was on display for all to see.
A plentiful finger buffet was available (the chef had over catered)
and the bar opened throughout the afternoon. Once more, members old
and new went away with many recollections of bygone days and happy
memories of another successful local Changi Reunion.
Pictures courtesy of Tony Holt, the Association’s Webmaster.
Romsey Local Reunion 2019
OBITUARIES It is with deep regret that we report the deaths of the
following members.
We offer our sincere condolences to their families and
friends.
Mem. First Name Surname Rank at Service No. Trade Squadron/Section/
Arrival Departure Deceased No. Changi School Date Date
401 James Hodgson Cpl/Tech 4165232 Draughtsman HQ FEAF (Tech) April
’55 Dec. ’57 July 2019
438 John Carter SAC Y172338 Airframe Fitter Trans. Air Serv. Sect.
Jan. ’50 Sept. ’53 Sept. 2019
675 (LM) Norman Webb LAC 2741241 General Mechanic Tech Wing April
’55 Nov. ’56 July 2019
1204 Charles Lawrie Sgt. K4146391 Supplier/Mover HQ Far East
Tanglin May ’65 Nov. ’67 Sept. 2019
1940 William Thompson SAC 1933709 Armourer 205 Sqn & Armoury
July ’61 July ’62 June 2019
Mem. No. First Name Surname Maiden Name Service No. Trade
Sqdn/Section/School Arrival Departure Block No.
2449 Peter Grantham N/A X1946879 Cpl. A. Tech. P. 48 Sqdn. Hercules
Sept. ’69 April ’71 Hiring
2450 John Kenny N/A 3520106 SAC Engine Mech T/P F.E.C.S. June ’55
Nov. ’57 Block 141
2451 Brian Pickup N/A E4292171 Cpl. TG11 Telecomms. Admin. Jan. ’69
Dec. ’72 MQs Seletar
2452 John Crangle N/A 2322288 Jnr. Tech. Fitter 2A SASS Oct. ’49
March ’52 Block 151
2453 Derek Clayton N/A B2367451 Flt. Sgt. Supplier Air Movements
June ’65 June ’68
2454 Brian Thorne N/A 4088568 LAC Clerk Progress P.R. Sqdns &
FEAF May ’53 Dec. ’54
WELCOME ABOARD! We welcome the following six new members who have
joined between 27 June 2019 and 20 October 2019
Rank or Father’s Rank
AM=Associate Member AF=Affiliated Member LM=Lapsed Member
122G Tanah Merah Besar
Forthcoming Events in 2020 for your diary
May Friday 15th/ Midday 24th ANNUAL REUNION Saturday 16th at The
Novotel Hotel, Nottingham
Bostock Lane, Long Eaton NG10 4EP (Off M1 Junction 25) Full details
and booking form in this issue of Changi-ite
Sunday 17th 10.30am 18th Annual General Meeting followed by
departures
Monday 18th Departures
May T.B.C. 10.30am LONDON AREA Veterans’ Day at R.A.F. Museum,
Hendon at Grahame Park Way, Hendon (Sat. Nav. NW9 5QW) RAF Changi
Association will be in attendance.
Changi-ite Newsletter 20 December 2019
