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The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association
The Griff
Views expressed in The Griff are those of the Editor and individual contributors and do not necessarily represent RAFPA policy.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any person, at any time, by any method, without the express permission of the Editor or originator in writing.
Regular FeaturesLetters to the Editor Last PostWelcome to New Members Bygone Days & YearsWalk Down Memory Lane
This Issue!
p.6p.18p.20p.20p.22
Special ArticlesNetheravon Flight Pass out!Remembrance SundayRoyal Wootton BassettNostalgic Reminiscences pt. 2AGM Agenda
p.5p.11p.14p.16p.19
JJaannuuaarryy 22001122
R
Thank you Royal Wootton Bassett
2012Page 2
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Farewell...
Retiring PM John Whitmell rides off into the sunset!
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Hon. President Hon. Vice President Air Cdre Nick Bray, CBE, MA RAF ACOS FP AO RAF Police
Life Vice Presidents: Steve Cattell, E Mail: [email protected] Rusling, E Mail: [email protected] Wardell, E Mail: [email protected]
Elected Officers
Treasurer: Tony Lake 24 Trendlewood Park, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1TE Tel: 0117 965 2302E Mail: [email protected]
RAFPA Archivist: John Curtis Editor The Griff: Mitch O'Neill28 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, 11, Florentine Way, Waterlooville,Nottingham, NG4 3HJ Hampshire, PO7 8JYTel.No. 01159 612662 Tel. No. 02392 796703 E Mail: [email protected] E Mail: [email protected]
RAFPA E-groups Moderator: Steve Cattell RAFPA Web Master: Steve Cattell
Association Trustees:Steve Cattell: [email protected] Davies: [email protected] P Shaw: [email protected] Lamb: [email protected]
Who’s Who in theRAF Police Association - 2012
Membership Secretary: Dave Wardell40, South Western CrescentPoole, Dorset BH14 8RRTel/Fax: 01202 747176 E Mail: [email protected]
Hon. Vice PresidentGp Capt Mark Sexton MA PM (RAF).
TBC TBC
Secretary: Post VacantActing Secretary; Eric Harrison,Brambles,5, Orchard RoadHorsham, W.Sx, RH13 5NFTel.; 01403 256 013E mail; [email protected]
RAFPA Independent Accountants:Mabe Allen - Derby
RAFPA Web-site address:www.rafpa.com
Voluntary Posts
Chairman: Ted Hellewell6 Iona Close, HorsebridgeEast Sussex, BN27 3GATel: 01323 449 833E Mail: [email protected]
Vice Chairman: Bernard LambThornmead, The Hollies,Rainworth, Nottingham NG21 0FZTel/Fax: 01623 798856E Mail: [email protected]
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Shoreham AirshowOn the weekend of the 20th and 21st August 2011, the 22nd RAFA Shoreham Airshow tookplace. Amongstthe many displaysand exhibitors theR A F P A ( S o u t hDowns Branch)had a stand. A lotof preparatorywent into having a stand that represented theRAF PoliceAssociation in thebest way. TheAirshow was theusual success, as it is year upon year. The weather treated us very kindly and there was agood attendance. There was some disappointment at the non-appearance of the Vulcanand the Typhoon, both due to unforeseen circumstances. There were quite a number ofenquiries at our stand and a number of membership forms were handed out. We felt thatwe had put the association in the public eye, in an acceptable manner. Those who helpedwith the event were:- John Fox (who did all of the arranging and negotiating), Trevor Evans,Terry Bryant, Dave Kennard, Tony Harbour, Peter Barr, John Packham, Dave Hilton andCharlie Hilton.
Submitted by: Dave Hilton
The 2012 RAFP Association AGM will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawley, hosted by theSouth Downs Branch, on the 13th/14th April 2012. The prices are as follows:-Weekend package- Friday and Saturday. Double £255
Single £210This to include:-Friday…Dinner, standard double room and full English breakfast.Saturday… Gala Dinner, standard double room and full English breakfast.Thursday and Sunday rates, for Dinner, B & B. Double £110
Single £ 95Thursday and Sunday. Just B & B Double £ 90
Single £ 85Disabled rooms available.Free car parking. Easy access from M23. To Gatwick by air or rail- Hotel bus available (£3.20 pp).
Direct booking to Stephanie Drinkwater. Crowne Plaza Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01293 608604. or email- [email protected]. Booking reference.“RAFPA AGM”.
(if you have a ‘Priority Club Rewards’ card, this may be shown when you pay)
Any queries, please contact:- Dave Hilton on 01273 275582or [email protected] Tony Harbour on 01273 302860
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Netheravon Flight 11/001 – Pass out Parade October 2011On Friday 28th October 2011 DCPGSouthwick Park hosted theNetheravon Flight, graduation parade,a now familiar format adopted sometime ago. As usual the awards werepresented to individual recruits for their performance in various categories. The Provost Marshal’sBaton to Cpl Abernethy, PhysicalEducation Certificate to Cpl Gilhamand the General Police DutiesCertificate and Cup presented onbehalf of the RAFPA to Cpl
Williamson. The RAFPA is interested in all the awards, but does have a special interestin the GPD Certificate, which also has a magnificent cup to go with theaward. On this occasion Cpl Williamson was the winner of this prestigious honour and his name will be recorded in the RAFPIC rollof honour book, held in the RAFP Museum, that documents all winners. As the cup remains at Southwick Park, an engraved carriageclock was presented to Cpl Williamson by Bernard Lamb, NationalVice Chairman as a permanent keepsake of a very special day.The weather was again brilliant, allowing the parade to be held outdoors and this allowed some first class drill and marching of thehighest standards, not only should the recruits be self satisfied, butthe instructors and the whole training regimen be congratulated.
Gala Dinner 2012 - Additional Information
2012 RAFPA AGM is to be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7SXover the weekend of the 13th, 14th & 15th April. The Gala dinner will be held on Saturday14th April. Members who wish to attend on this evening only the cost is £40.00 per personwhich must be booked & paid for in full before the 17th March 2012, by telephone, No: 01293 608604. The hotel contact is Sirpa or others Mon to Fri 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs.Please ensure members booking leave their Branch details together with names of associate members & guests. All attending the 2012 AGM are reminded to make earlyreservations on transport to the venue, where substantial savings could be made.
Is open to all those who served in the ranks between 1939 – 1963. This includesWAAF/WRAF and Regular personnel. We have groups around the country and variousevents held both locally and nationally throughout the year. For more information, pleasecontact the Membership Secretary, Mr. John Kent, Dunelm, Denford Road, Longsdon,Stoke on Trent, Staffs ST9 9QG.
E- mail him at: [email protected] or visit our website at: www.nsrafa.org
The National Service (RAF) Association
See bottom of opposite page
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LLeetttteerrss ttoo tthheeEditor
Ken Glass writes that reading an article byPeter Markwick he was reminded of his firstposting to RAF Trimley Heath, with Peter. He’snot always sure of names as time is taking it’stoll!! It could have been Eindhoven and Peterwas terribly vain, took ages to get ready to goout on a night on the town, but always man-aged to catch the only available bus. But hecan’t remember the chaps name. Ah well it’sgood to look back on the good times.
Brian Drew writes to say he’s never seen Malta mentioned in The Griff. Dogs were first deployedat Luqa in 1956 and he was a handler. To prove it he has submitted a picture from 1957 when 3additional dogs were added to the original nine. The station police are in the back row, althoughI’m not sure about the hat!!! Ed
There is an electronic version of theProvost Parade available now. Type in Forces Publications, click on the following links, Corporate Publishing,RAF Publications, RAF Police and clickon View latest edition of the ProvostParade. If you choose to read yourProvost Parade this way, please informSteve Cattell or Dave Wardell, theAssociation will save almost a £1 per copyon postage.
There is an opportunity for the RAFPA tohave a page in the Provost Parade, if youhave an article or photograph you believewould be of particular interest to the readership, please send to Steve Cattell,NOT directly to the Provost Parade.Also you might like to keep an eye open for the RAF Review Book on sale in WH Smiths and similar newsagents. The RAF Police have their own chapterwith pictures! Ed.
Electronic Version of the Provost Parade
Lucie takes the Plunge
John Watch’s granddaughter LucieAuburn wanted to show there was noneed to join the RAF to fly, so whilespending a ‘work year’ in Australia, literally took the plunge.
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We were seconded from A.M.U. Ruislip to RAFTitchfield as a dock detachment in 1953. Ourmain job was to police the Southamptondockside and gangways when troopshipsarrived from Aden and the Far East. Betweentroopships we did town patrols and visitedlocal airfields one of which was RAF Beaulieu.As I remember it the Guardroom was more likea storeroom (I distinctly remember snookercues stacked against one wall ) and you certainly couldn’t swing a cat in there. Nobody
was on duty!. On one occasion we were invited to visit the cookhouse and as it was ratherlate at night we were given the key and told to help ourselves and then drop off the key atthe Guardroom on our way out! I often wonder if anyone ever bothered to lock theGuardroom after we had departed
Submitted by: John Vitler (Non member)
Maurice Griffin writes that he was reminded of a small Guardroom when reading an article in The Griff. Arriving at RAF Compton Bassett on his James Captain motor cycle wasamazed at how small the Guardroom was, a ‘stable door’ entrance, tiny desk, key cupboard and that was it. Big benefit it was never ‘bulled’ up, no room! After some familiarization of the camp in the company of Mick Gregory, before he got his ‘third’ andsome forty years before we met up again, I was given the Sunday Guardroom duties toease my way in. Sitting at the desk I watched this chap, battered old hat, donkey jacket,cords and ‘wellie boots’ approach, thinking he was a civvie cleaner, I said ‘Good morning,what keys are you after?’ ‘I’m Group Captain Corden, Station Commander’.With greatalacrity, one was ‘slung up’, but the Guardroom was small, no place to hide.
Hello Mike, Just a few lines to say thank you once again for your presentation of a wall shield from theRoyal Air Force Police Association to the people of Wootton Bassett. Thanks also for thephotos you e-mailed to us.It was a real pleasure to meet you and the others and I was sopleased to welcome you here. As I think I mentioned to you, we are very pleasantly amazedby the kindness shown to Wootton Bassett by people such as you and the Royal Air ForcePolice Association who go to great lengths to demonstrate the support felt for us and forour military servicemen and women. We will be very pleased and proud to display your wallshield.
Paul Heaphy - Mayor of Wootton Bassett
Smallest Guardroom?
Copy of Letter Submitted by Mike Archer
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A Letter for theEditor
Association DonationDear Mr Wallace,
From time to time I receive, in my capacity as National Treasurer of the RAFP Associationvarying sums of money, as donations for our funds. However as we are not a registeredcharity we like to pass the money onto deserving causes like Help for Heroes and St Dunstans. On this occasion members were consulted and it was decided we would liketo donate the enclosed sum of two hundred pounds to be used by yourselves for the benefit of Military Patients.
We appreciate the wonderful job you do in caring for our injured servicemen prior to them going to the rehabilitation centre and feel it would be right and proper that we acknowledge the work you do.
Best wishes to you and all the staff in the Military Wing and once again sincere thanks forthe care and attention you provide.
Yours sincerely
Mr A K Lake (Tony ) 21st August 2011.
Enc: Cheque No 001509 (NatWest) for Two Hundred Pounds
As you may be aware the Security Flight at RAF Northolt donated £163 to our Associationas a result of fund raising events. I asked members to propose a suitable charity to whichwe could donate this money.From our own current account this sum was rounded up totwo hundred pounds.Many suggestions were received but it was decided that the charity set up for the benefitof patients in the Military Wing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham was was themost deserving. Besides those killed in Afghanistan being repatriated many more of ourservice personnel are evacuated to the above hospital quite often on the same aircraft.
Thank you to all members who supported me in the above action.
Forthcoming event - Wednesday 7th March 2012 at the NMA
The 2012 National ‘Snowdrop Parade’.The arrangements are as follows.
10.30 - Arrival for coffee.11.30 - Parade to the RAFP/RAFPA memorial12.00 - Parade to the RMP memorial13.15 - RBL Alrewas for buffet meal. (£5 pp)
Any member wishing to attend please contact Bernard Lamb and if you require a buffetmeal at the Royal British Legion, payment is required before the event date.
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More LLeetttteerrss......
I was Barman at RAF Wildenrath Sgts Mess,and closed the Station Down as Foremanover a few civies and with the Remainingadmin Staff. Earlier I was Looking for a dog,and was given the opportunity to take onRebel a German Alsatian that the Handler could not take with him on retirement. Rebelstayed with us until he got very ill, we had to send him to his peace, and we had a verydown beat Christmas that year. I am not sure, but the dog in the photo looked like Rebel.The other picture you see was taken on a Police Open day with all the bits and pieces.When I left Wildenrath I went to JHQ, in those days the QMs was RAF run with an Armytouch. I was taken on by a RAF Flying Officer (Supply), as a POL Clerk, later the Army tookover, and when the contracts officer retired I got the job.
Submitted by: John Cole
Over the weekend of the 4th-5th November108 members and guests from a variety ofRAFPA branches met at the SouthviewPark Hotel on the outskirts of Skegness forwhat turned out to be a memorable gathering.I can confidently say that the majority enjoyedthe time spent swinging the lamp and evenmore swinging the legs to the Saturdayevening entertainer. The style of accommodation, the quality of thefood and the staff’s commitment to provide agood service came in for a lot of praise.In viewof overwhelming support from those present the venue has been booked again for the weekend 2nd-3rd. November 2012 at the same rate as this year, £200 per room for the weekend. Within hoursof this being announced 30 rooms were booked for the 3rd Reunion by those enjoying the second.That speaks for itself. If you want a good convivial weekend break book now for next year.
Submitted by: John Curtis.
Second Skegness Reunion - Royal Air Force Police Association
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Remembrance Day - Lincoln Cathedral
22 members from East Midlands Branch attended the Remembrance Day at Lincoln
Cathedral last Sunday it turned out to be a very memorial day with 2,000 people seated
inside,32 Standards including ours were on parade and we laid an Association wreath
along with 28 other service branches.The new Bishop of Lincoln conducted the ceremonies
along with the Cathedral choir it made for a wonderful day of remembrance. After the
service we all retired to the White Hart Hotel, next door to the Cathedral for a meal which
rounded off a wonderful and memorable occasion. The RAFPA EMB are now on the Deans
Chapter list for all forthcoming events, so next year we look forward to the Battle of Britain
and Remembrance Day Services. Submitted by: Bernard Lamb
Frank and Susan Ring at theRemembrance Service in Pinoso ,Alicante,Spain. The legend of the White Beretspreads!
John Limb writes that on Sunday 18thSeptember we received an invite fromRAFA Lincoln, to attend the Battle ofBritain celebrations in Lincoln Cathedral.After an excellent lunch we took our places in that most impressive structure, Lincoln Cathedral and enjoyed the whole experience. As a result of our visit theRAFPA has been placed on the Invitationslist of Associations for future events at the Cathedral. Also our thanks go to Brian Austin and David Marr for all their additional efforts.
On Wednesday November 9th,2011, members of the RAFPAgathered at the Sgts. Mess,RAF Henlow to honour pastchairman of the RAFPA, exWarrant Officer John Wood.Speeches by Bernard Lamb,Ron Davidson and Brian Flinneulogised the many attributes
of John who was remembered with fondness. After the speeches members of John’s family and guests retired to the garden at the rear of the Mess and joined together in a formal ceremony of placing a brass plaque in the ground.
The Griff
Page 11 2012
Remembrance Sunday
In the Association marching contingent were 3 serving RAF Police and some 70 retired. The roll
was officially called by a happy Stew McArdle which in reality meant that Mick Griffin did much of
the work!! In fact Stew was doing the rounds secretly receiving donations from members for a
subsequent presentation to Warrant Officer Bill Veazey. Our joint leaders were former Provost
Marshal and Association Vice President, retired Group Captain Ted Scaplehorn OBE and
Association Chairman Mr Ted Hellewell. Their "escorts" were retired Group Captains John Rose
OBE and David Stanley. This year as previously notified was a special year for our former QPDs.
Some 15 of them paraded with their service rope leads over their left shoulder. As a former
convinced station policeman (and therefore strictly neutral!!), I must say everyone of them was
extremely smart and a great credit to their fallen and injured colleagues. The Right Marker was Al
Youens and for the 9th successive year the Left Marker and TV target, was George Brookes. The
wreath carriers this year were Nigel Cox (recruiting Sergeant) and Mick Griffin. Just behind our
leaders, Dennis Cothay was pushed in his wheel chair by Flight Sergeant Max Tate. From the side
and rear, Corporal (soon to be Sergeant) John Cahill helped to keep us in order. In overall charge
for the 8th successive year, was the Association Honorary Warrant Office, WO Bill Veazey MBE.
He subsequently expressed his complete satisfaction with our performance!! In fact several
unbiased, independent observers (wives/partners/girlfriends) watched the marchpast from near
where HRH Prince Charles was taking the salute. These witnesses have testified just how great
we were on the "eyes right". We also say a big thank you to our 3 young (ish) ladies on duty on
Horse Guards Parade, taking photos etc, Bobbi, Maggie and Sue. After the parade, some 110
bodies gathered in the basement bar reserved for us for the 8th successive year in the Silver Cross
pub. There we enjoyed good food, drink and (above all) good company. Stew McArdle and Mel
Price presented Bill Veazey with a pot mug and a small clock respectively. Then our Leader Ted
Scaplehorn made the principal presentation to Bill of a "weather station" inscribed "To Bill from the
Cenotaph Marchers, 2004 - 2011" Ted praised Bill not only for his assistance to us on the parade,
but also in the wider context, for his outstanding presence in public as an RAF Policeman.
Association Chairman, Ted Hellewell presented Mrs Jacquie Veazey with an orchid and then Bill
made a short speech. He firstly expressed his grateful thanks to all of us for the gifts received.
Then he talked about "awkward squad, 2 left feet, ill discipline, poor appearance etc etc etc" He
was not lynched immediately, because he quickly said just how proud and privileged he felt to
guide us each year on the Cenotaph Parade. Once again, in addition to the Association
Contingent, several additional members were marching. These were, Archie Heath, Tony Harbour,
Sid Risk, Colin and Keris Denley. They were guiding and escorting members of St Dunstans
among who were Nick Barber and John Fulton .A further member on parade was Detective Chief
Superintendent David Clark (London Home counties Branch). David is a member of the City of
London Police and had the honour on Remembrance Sunday, to be in command of the Civil
Police Contingent at the Cenotaph. So on parade were some 80 serving and retired RAF Police,
taking part in another great national event.
Submitted by: John Walton
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Remembrance Sunday
On the march!
Before the Parade
Page 13
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Defence Police College,Southwick
Somerset
Oxford
Page 14 2012
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Wootton Bassett - The Final Chapter
On Sunday 16th October 2011, Wootton Bassett passed into history as it was officially androyally named Royal Wootton Bassett. Instead of the sombre and emotional moods of allthe previous visits when grieving relatives, friends and comrades in arms paid their tributesto the hearse's carrying fallen members of all the armed forces, killed in action, inAfghanistan, it was bedecked and festooned with red, white and blue bunting, a multitudeof flags and colourful floral tributes.
With the High Street lined with hundreds of Sea, Army and AirTraining Corps Cadets and entertainment by the Town Bandsupplemented by the ringing ofchurch bells, the huge crowds waited with an eager expectationthe arrival of the Royal Motorcadeand VIZ.Expectations heightened as theRoyal Motorcade halted alongsidethe canopied stage and as thePrincess Royal, Princess Annestepped out of the vehicle to be
welcomed by the Mayor, Paul Heaphy an earth shattering roar of a low flying C17Globemaster temporarily broke the spell.With the Letters Patent presented to the Mayor and the unveiling of the Scroll, Mr. PeterHeaphy unveiled the town’s new flag.A march past parade was led by the Royal Marines Band and each unit, of which therewere over 80,Service and civilian, marched 355 paces along the High Street, one step forevery member who had been killed in Afghanistan and repatriated via RAF Lyneham. Asthe parade came to a close a C130 Hercules formerly based at RAF Lyneham flew overthe High Street.With the day starting to wind down the Veteran Corps of Drums of the Guards Divisionentertained the crowds with a display of marching and all eyes turned skywards on hearing the unmistakable four massive Rolls Royce engines of Vulcan XH558 as it completed two circuits of the area.Thanks are freely given to those members who have, in some cases travelled great distances, given of their time a 100 times to show respect to the fallen, support to the families and friends and represented the high ideals of the RAFPA. Will these regulars stopgoing to Royal Wootton Bassett now. Possibly not, No. 2 Mess, coffee, a bacon butty andthe chance to swing the lead, or maybe just to sit in quiet contemplation and reflect. Of course although this chapter has ended, the story is still ongoing, the venue haschanged, Carterton, Oxfordshire. They will still attend and if you get an opportunity you willbe most welcome.
Edited from longer article by: Tony Lake
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Inside Right
RAF Auxiliary Police Training Camp, Ismailia, Egypt 1949/50
Is a mental health and wellbeing programme part-funded by the Football Foundation. It’saims are to use the appeal of professional football clubs and offer regular football and
social interactionto improve healthand wellbeingthrough access toon-going supportand services. Forex-servicemen andwomen who arevulnerable, isolated,on low income orunemployed, inparticular, the proj-ect is aimed at theyounger ex-servicepersonnel aged
between 20 to 50 years. Initially the three year pilot programme will be delivered by fivefootball clubs; Chelsea, Colchester United, Everton, Lincoln City and Portsmouth.If you would like to know more about this worthwhile scheme please contact:[email protected] or http://bit.ly/inside_right
Submitted by: WO Vaughan
The role of the unit was training recruits ofvarious middle-eastern nationalities tocarry out civilian security duties at RAFstations in the Canal Zone. F/Off Murraywas in command of training. RAF Policestationed on the unit were Cpls Hopton,Ford, Marney and Bushnell and SgtsRead and Robinson who joined later.Capt Sabry and Insp King believed to beEgyptian Police, plus Arab instructors,dealt with non-military details. During1950 the start of the Egyptian authoritiescampaign to reclaim the Suez Canal zone
from the British forces began and the majority of Arab staff left our employment by threator physical intimidation from Arabs. New recruits were recruited from East Africa.. Submitted by: David Bushnell
Sgt Will Barrow, Dog Inspectorate, RAF Waddington and Cpl Tracey Barrow, SIB, RAFCranwell with Buster, now retired, accompany Graham Taylor and players from LincolnCity FC
2012Page 16
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Nostalgic reminiscences! Part two
In the vast majority of cases I have been well received by Judges, Magistrates and Lawyers andall have valued what I have had to say. However, from time to time I have had to confront somevery difficult Magistrates and Lawyers, men and women who have obviously gone out of theirway to trip me up! Foreseeing this in the way t heir questions are put, if I don’t care for the questions I turn to the Judge or Magistrate and say, “With respect your Honour, I find that I cannotanswer this question in the way it has been put, otherwise my answer, one way or the other, maybe misconstrued by the court. Not wishing this to happen, your Honour, I respectfully requestthat the question be put to me in another form?” I have always found this to be very effective.With my requests being granted, lawyers are then asked to rephrase their questions to me;whereupon I carefully observe their body language. It is usually one of frustration! They haven’tbeen able to get away with it as they had hoped. As a professional dog trainer, in studying difficult dogs and their body language, I tend to study people in a similar way. Really, it’s all quiteamusing! In the early 60s I was training a guide dog, in Regent Street, Leamington Spa.Suddenly, a fight broke out between two young men, one white, one black. The latter provokedthe other three times. They crashed to the ground in front of us. The dog stopped immediately.Then I said to the white man, “That’s enough! You have dealt with him severely, now go homeboth of you.” They did so, and I thought that was the end of it. The next day two plain clothespolice stopped me in town and asked if I was the trainer who had witnessed the fight betweentwo men the day before. I told them everything. Then I learned from them that it was more serious than just a fight. It had been alleged that it was a robbery with violence—fifty poundsstolen! Had I seen this happen? There was no way that the white man could have stolen themoney. I was there and saw everything. Being Wednesday, early closing day, there were nopedestrians in sight. I was the only witness. I duly signed a written statement at the PoliceStation. The case went to court in Warwick, and I was called to give evidence. During the proceedings, the Judge intervened and asked me to listen very carefully to the statement, written bythe accused, he was about to read out. I could tell that everything written was true, but not givenin the same sequence as mine. The judge asked me to explain. I replied that my evidence wascorrect. “One of you is not telling the truth. I’ll read it out to the court again.” Once again, heasked me for an explanation. I paused for a while. The court waited in silence. Knowing that Iwould not be permitted to give evidence of opinion on that particular point in the case, I decidednever the less that it was worth having a try anyway. So, I answered, “With the greatest respectmy Lord, I believe that when two people are in a fight, things happen so fast in that extremelytense situation and those involved temporarily lose control of their thoughts and actions. Later,they attempt to recall everything in sequence to the best of their memories and write everythingdown. I was not in the fight. I observed it in every sequence, remained quite calm and later wrotemy statement. With respect my Lord, that is why I believe our statements differ.” I quite expected thejudge to say that I was not a psychiatrist and therefore not permitted to give evidence of opinion.We looked at each other for some time, and eventually he said, “Very well! Carry on!” The barrister continued questioning me and asked why I had come to the court. Was it because oneman was white and the other black? I simply replied that I was there because I was asked to bethere by the police and lawyers. The court case ended with the accused being fined 20 poundsfor assault.
Submitted by: Michael TuckerFinal Part next Issue
2012Page 17
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Pass Out Parade, D.P.C. Southwick, Dec 16th 2011
Four Provost Officers and fifteen RAFPolice graduates were presented withtheir warrant cards after the normalparade ceremony was affected by badweather and the Camp Churchbecame the venue. Addressed by thenew PM, Gp Capt Mark Sexton, he welcomed everyone to their ‘new family’and said he envied them the opportunities open to them.
Cpl Scott was the winner of thePhysical Education Certificate and Cpl Tyson the General Police DutiesTrophy. Although there wasn’t a PM’sbaton winner on this occasion anotheraward was made to Cpl Fenning, whowas passing out after three and a halfyears stationed at DPC. Over that periodof time he had suffered a series ofdebilitating injuries that had kept seeinghim back-flighted. It had been decidedthat he was deserving of an award andwas presented with an RAFPA travellingclock, considered appropriate as ‘time’had played an important part in his life.
Meanwhile over at Southwick Housein a separate presentation... Fg Off Siczowa was awarded with theDrissell Trophy.
Submitted by: Mitch ONeillPhotographs by kind permission ofAndy Sollars
General Police Duties Trophy presented byPM to Cpl Tyson.
PM inspects Parade outside of church.
Warrant Card presented to Cpl Fenning by PM.
2012Page 18
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Last Post..A chance to pause for a minutein quiet contemplation for ourfriends and colleagues whohave ‘passed away’.
Branch Standards will be most welcome at the forthcoming RAFP Association AGM onthe13th/14th April 20012, there will be a short parade prior to the AGM around the Hotel.Further information regarding the parade will be promulgated nearer the time.Trevor Evans, (South Downs Branch) 01273 833037.
Members attending The Royal BritishLegion service at the Beamish Museum, Co. Durham.Left to right: Rowley Coultas (Branch Chairman) Tom Padgett, Bill McGunness, Kneeling, Alan Weeks (Branch Secretary) Alex Flavell, Keith Wardle and Jon Alderson.
Grateful thanks are offered to everybody who has and does take time to send photographsand articles for inclusion in The Griff. A Special thank-you goes to Andy Sollars , TheProvost Parade, Mike Lester, John Curtis and Ted Hellewell. I would also like to request thatall members search their ‘minds’, attics and little’ hidey’ holes and cupboard spaces, forany photographs, newspaper clippings and diaries for those little gems and snippets ofinformation that could grace the pages of YOUR magazine, The Griff.Ed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
North East Branch
Mr. Stephen Nuttall – WANGMr. Mike Irving - SDBMr. Ian Clingan – SNIMr. Sidney Butcher – LHCMr James Nelson – SNIMr. Gordon Tottle – H.D.& IOWMr. Tom Scally –NWBMr Stan Fuller – WILTSMr. Ian Holt – NWBMr. Derrick Chapple – YOSMr. Bill Walker – SNIMr. Ian McLaggan - SNI
2012Page 19
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Royal Air Force Police Association
Annual General Meeting, 14th April 2012, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawley, Sussex
Agenda
N.B. The enclosed notes should be read together with this Agenda.
1. Chairman’s opening comments.
2. Apologies for absence.
3. Minutes of previous AGM.
4. Matters Arising.
5, Chairman’s Report.
6. Secretary and Membership Secretary’s Report.
7. Treasurer’s Report.
8. Election of Officers.
(a) Chairman. Ted Hellewell is willing to be re-elected. No other nominations.
(b) Vice Chairman. Bernard Lamb is willing to be re-elected. No other nominations
(c) Secretary. Dave Wardell is not seeking re-election. One nomination received.
(d) Membership Secretary. Dave Wardell is willing to be re-elected. No other nominations.
(e) Treasurer. Tony Lake is not seeking re-election. No nominations received.
9. Election of a Trustee.
Alan Shaw retires by rotation but is willing to be re-elected. No other nominations.
10. Appointments of Association Auditor & Banker.
The Treasurer recommends the existing Auditor & Banker be retained.
11. Other pre-notified business. (See notes attached)
(a) For new applicants, the option of “Life Membership” be discontinued.
(b) For new Serving Members, the subscription be modified.
(c) That John Walton, MBE, be appointed a Life Vice President of the Association
(d) That the Association undertakes to provide a Memorial Cross annually in the RAF plot in the Memorial Garden at Westminster Abbey., with individual Branches following suit.
12. Venue for 2013 AGM
After a comfort break there will be a short presentation by our President and Vice Presidenton the ongoing role of the RAF Police both at home and abroad. Wives and partners willbe welcome to attend.
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bygone days & years10 years …Following President Milosevic’sclimb-down to NATO, RAFP are deployedwith RMP to police Kosovo and assist UN Investigators in gathering evidence of genocide and human rights abuse.
20 years…RAFP selected to support theUK air force being assembled to force Iraqout of Kuwait and to provide the close protection of Senior Branch Officers.
30 years…Operation Ruddock – RAFPdeployed to enhance security at Rolleston &Frankland prisons during National PrisonOfficers strike.
40 years…The RAF withdrew from RAFSeletar in Singapore.
50 years …First 7 RAFP Auxiliaries aretrained as dog handlers on Cyprus.
60 years…King George V1 approvesthe Griffin badge and motto, ‘FiatJustitia’, designed by Wg Cdr Henniker-Heaton and Flt Lt McMahon, APM’s.
The Key dates produced for this feature are taken from a list supplied by Steve Davies. To fit intothe time scale shown, (eg. 10, 20, 30… years ago) some events may have a little latitude of afew months. Ed.
Welcome To New Members
EMBMr. George Walker - Lincs Mr. David Lewell - Notts
HD & IOWMr. David Bushnell – IOWRev Marie Attwood – IOWMr. Dennis Rossiter - Weymouth
NWBMr. S. (Ross) McGarry - Liverpool
Serving MembersMr.Kurt Murfin - Lincs
Membership as at December 31, 2011 - 1474
WILTSMr. Robert Steel - Wilts
MABMr. David Roberts - Shropshire Mr. K (Spike) Toms – Staffs.Mr. Gerald Easton – West Midlands
ESSMr. David Giddings – ColchesterMr. Nicholas Barber - Suffolk
SWABMr. Eric Bleasdale - Devon
YOSMr. Paul Waterhouse – N.Yorks
Aug/Nov 2011
Re miniature medals at next AGM dinner. In response to many requests to wear miniaturemedals, you are advised that they may be worn at the choice of each individual.
Submitted by: Ted Hellewell
2012
The Griff
RAFPA SALESSubscriptions 2012
Members Renewal £ 12.50
New Members Joining 20121st January to 30th June Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 12.501st July to 31st December Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 6.50
Life Membership (incl: Joining Fee)
.Aged 55 years and over £120.00
Serving Members Scheme .Membership for entire service One off payment £ 22.00(Does not include Provost Parade or
Members Directory)
NOTE: Joint membership mayapply to eligible spouses of existingmembers and to those joining asServing Members.One normal joining fee plus £ 1.00
Life Conversion £120.00
B1 White Beret £10.25Please send cap size with order
B4 RAFPA Lapel Badge £ 2.50
B5 Beret Badge (RAFPA Crest) £ 5.25
B6 RAFPA Blazer Badge £ 7.25
C1 RAFPA Cufflinks £ 5.50
T3 RAF Police TieNavy blue with repeatedGold Griffins £ 7.75
T4 RAF Police Bow Tie Black & Red Diagonal Stripes £ 7.75
T5 RAFPA Clip-on TieBlack/Red Diagonal Stripes with RAFPA crest £ 8.75
T6 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal Stripeswith RAFPA Crest £ 7.75
T7 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal StripesNO CREST £ 6.25
Please Note The plain Blue Tie with a single RAFPA Crest is no longer available
P1 RAFPA Wall Shields, screen printed, light coloured wood base, 150 x 175 mm (5" X 7") £30.25
All items inc. postage and packing and are available from the Treasurer.Mr. AK Lake, (Tony) 24 Trendlewood ParkStapleton Bristol BS16 1TE
Please make cheques payable to: RAFPA(to accompany your order) and write your name & address on the reverse of your order. Depending on stock availability orders will bedispatched with 5 working days of receipt of order.For those wishing to purchase items fromProvost Parade shop a list of merchandise can be found on the main RAFPA Site at,http://www.rafpa.com/ppms.htmA note for those purchasing berets, it is best not to shrinkthem, because they are not made with the same amountof material as the Service Blue issue beret. It is best tolightly spray with water, fit and shape to head and then letdry on an upturned basin, or similar.
STOP PRESS
Guide Deadline for May 2012 Editionof “The Griff” will be 31st March2012. ED. (It can change!)
The Treasurer, Tony Lake, wishes toremind all members that subscriptions aredue on the 1st January 2012. Pleaseensure your payments are made promptlyand the correct information is with theBanks if paying by direct debit, etc..Thank you in advance.
Subscriptions are due
STOP PRESS Subscriptions are due
2012Page 22
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WWaallkk DDoowwnnmemory lane
rem
em
be
r
remember
Pershore 1949Cpl. Instructor, Charles Penny wonders if there are any members from thebasic course still around. Charles is centre front row with hands on knees.
The Guardroom at RAF Sandwich,Kent in 1959. L to R. Bill Hill, BillLawrence, Mick Reeder andGinger Bloom.
Clowning around at RAF Wattisham,1960, from the top, Geordie, Murphy,Pat, Pete Watters and Jock. (Cannotremember the full names of them all).
2012Page 23
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Cenotaph - Dog Handlers Lead the Way!
On the left: Kevin ThomasFront row: Mel Price, Dennis Cothay, Chris Wilkinson, Bob Levens, Mick Griffin, George Robertson.Back Row: Gareth Johns, Stew McArdle, Tim Swift, Doug ?, Al Youens, Brian Sutton
Submitted by: Stewart McArdle
The Griff
JJaannuuaarryy 22001122 IIssssuuee
The New PM Mark Sexton takes up the reins!
