The€Griff - St Michael's Branchst-mike.com/griff/2014_Sept.pdf · 2015. 2. 19. · September 2014 The Last Five Years - 30 years on! The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association

September 2014The Last Five Years - 30 years on!

The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association

The Griff

issue 3

30th Anniversary

30th Anniversary Parade at RAF Halton - see page 18Photographs courtesy of Mike Lester, Ian Appleton & Jim Spiers

C

30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3

The Griff2014 Page 2



Hon. President Hon. Vice President

Air Cdre Andrew Jonathan Hall MBEMA RAF

Life Vice Presidents: Steve Cattell E Mail: [email protected] Rusling E Mail: [email protected] Wardell E Mail: [email protected] Walton E Mail: [email protected]

Elected Officers

Treasurer: Mike Thornton 20, Thomas Mead, Pewsham,Chippenham, Wilts., SN15 3YSTel: 01249 464787E 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: 01159 612662 Tel: 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] Flinn: [email protected] P Shaw: [email protected] Lamb: [email protected]

who’s who in theRAF Police Association - 2014

Membership Secretary: Dave Wardell40, South Western CrescentPoole, Dorset BH14 8RRTel/Fax: 01202 747176 E Mail: [email protected]

Gp Capt Kevin Roy BaileyBA(Hons) RAF PM(RAF)/Cdr RAFP

Secretary: Alan Weeks26 Glen Road, Wadebridge,Cornwall, PL26 7PE.Tel: 01208 813873E mail: [email protected]

RAFPA Independent Accountants:Pearson May

RAFPA Web-site address:www.rafpa.com

Voluntary Posts

Co-opted Chairman: Brian Flinn9 Cleveland Gardens, Trowbridge,Wiltshire, BA14 7LX.Tel: 01225 287501E mail: [email protected]

Co-opted Vice Chairman: Tony Lake24 Trendlewood Park, Stapleton,Bristol, BS16 1TE.Tel: 01179 392755E mail: [email protected]



The RAFP WF solely relies on income from donations, such as fundraising or sponsoredevents or from tip jars at RAFP Clubs. Any donations towards the RAFP WF are always appreciated; remember you could be benefitting from this fund in the future. If you are considering partaking in an event for a charity, why not donate a proportion of the moneyraised to your own fund?

If you would like to request funds from the RAFP WF please contact Sqn Ldr Dean Davieson Mil: 95237 6077 or Civ: 01296 656077. If you wish to make a donation please contactSgt Claire Nash on Mil: 95381 68954 or Civ: 01462 851515 ext 6894. To purchase one ofthe Afghanistan prints contact Cpl Stacey Stewart-Denyer on Mil: 95381 7094 or Civ: 01462851515 ext 7094.

The RAFP WF has previously purchased items for use at Camp BASTION, such as bicyclesand has also been used to purchase RAFP Rugby and Football strips, help fund personneltake part in other sports and expeditions, as well as subsidising the cost of Dining in Nightsfor JNCOs. The RAFP WF has also recently donated money to the Cpl Brent McCarthyMemorial Garden at RAF Brize Norton. Due to inclement weather the previous fountain wasdamaged and the RAFP WF purchased a replacement. If you have yet to purchase the previously advertised prints showing the RAFP in Afghanistan then now is the time to buy asthe remaining prints are now half price; £12.50 for a 70cm long print and £17.50 for a 100cmlong print. With the 100 year anniversary of the RAFP fast approaching the RAFP WF are currently working on ideas to commemorate the occasion. Early thoughts are to commission acommemorative coin for all serving members of the RAFP; however, if you have any brightideas or simply want to get involved in this project then please contact a member of theCommittee (see the RAFP WF TAB on the RAFP MOSS portal).

The RAF Police Welfare Fund (RAFP WF) exists to provide financial assistance to all currentand former members of the RAFP and the immediate families of such individuals. Loans,grants and donations can be obtained from the fund for things such as:

Improving RAFP welfare amenities

The purchase of articles/equipment for RAFP Clubs

Providing assistance in times of bereavement, illness, disability or financial hardship

The RAF Police Welfare Fund – What is that?



Chuck Agar liked the photos submitted by Ray Foster of the Police Flight at RAF Habbaniya

c. 1954. I served there as a dog handler and don't remember that many 'bods' on the Flight. I

would like to add the following; Habbaniya opened for business in 1937 having made a 50 miles

'trek' from RAF Hinaidi. A mounted RAF Police Section consisting of 6 horses existed at that time

with Flight Commander Sqd Ldr Stan Morehen and his second in command Flt Lt Arthur Cotterill.

Tony Batchelor writes, once again,

Bomber Command, Bill Cameron,

got together with Transport

Command, David Warner, his wife

Beryl and granddaughter Carly,

and Tony Batchelor and his wife

Valerie, for a little reunion dinner at

the Rusty Cutter Beefeater in

Portsmouth on Tuesday 27th May

2014. A great time was had by all

as is always the case, these

mini reunions do help keep

ex colleagues in contact with one

another. Any one out there that

can remember any of us then do drop us a line, as you can see we are alive and well and would

love to hear from you.

I wonder if you/your members can help. I am

trying to contact Richard (Dick) Ingram. We

met while serving at 33 SU RAF Ayios

Nickolias (1980-1983) in Cyprus. He was in

the RAFP, I was TG11. After Cyprus he went to

RAF Cottesmore, and from there I lost touch.

[email protected]

Submitted by: Glenn Foulds

...But says he does not want to prolong the

discussion about LAC's (page 7, May Griff),

but there were LAC's at RAF Ballykelly,

(Station and Doghandlers) in 1968 and RAF

Laarbruch in 1969, something to do with a

quirk in the Trade Test!

A quirk?... Ed.

editorto theletters

Request from Neil Rusling... Taff Evans was cogitating...

On a fairly regular basis I receive enquires about non delivery of The Griff and Provost Parade. Of

course sometimes it is a genuine error, sometimes it might be the Royal Mail but more often than

not it is because our records show that members elected to receive their copies electronically,

saving the Association postage. To find out what our records show on individual members, please

contact Mike Thornton or Dave Wardell and lets get our records right up to date. Ed.



editorto thelettersmore

‘Snowdrops’ Pay Their Respects

At Menin Gate Memorial

During a recent visit to the WW1 battlefields in France

and Belgium, four members of the Wiltshire Branch

attended the “Last Post” ceremony at the Menin Gate

Memorial and laid a wreath on behalf of the RAF

Police Association. The RAFPA wreath was laid in

memory of the 54,896 named British and

Commonwealth soldiers who had fallen in the area

around Ypres during WW1, but have no known

graves. Pictured left to right are Ivan Carey, Tony

Lake, Ken Ivie and Jack Sharp.

Submitted by: Ken Ivie

Michael Tucker writes he was interested to read and see the two photographs of ANZAC Day

submitted by Alex Oliver in the May issue of The Griff. As there was no year mentioned, I

assume it must have been last year, as there would not have been enough time to get them in for

this latest issue. Before I say more, I must say how extremely pleased I am with everything you

do as Editor of The Griff. I thoroughly enjoy reading it from cover to cover and the photographs

displayed are excellent.

As you may know, I have marched in the ANZAC Day Parade for decades in Melbourne. A few

months ago I purchased from Tony Lake a white beret and RAFPA badge which I wore with pride

on ANZAC Day, as I carried the Australian Flag. I have enclosed a shot taken of us with the

Australian Training Corps Cadets who kindly carry our Banner. My fellow flag bearer, Michael

Adams, is seen holding the Union Flag. For your information, the Union Flag is paraded on the

left of the RAFA Standard and the Australian Flag is paraded on the right.



Some of you may recall my article in an earlier

edition of The Griff of my quest, at the

request of a WWII Wireless Operator Jack

Bosomworth, to trace his Pilot, who brought his

crew during WWII, through a full tour of OPS

unscathed. After various enquiries I managed to

find that he had died in a crop spraying accident

in South Africa in 1953. At the time of his death

his daughter was only 11 weeks old, who I also

made contact with in Australia and who obviously

had little knowledge of her father. I was able to

put the pair of them together and I was present at a reunion of the two when she visited UK in

2011. In February 2013 HMG announced, after much public pressure, to reward the efforts of

Bomber Command in the award. Submitted by: Gerry Sanderson

Quest for a medal

Bill and Ali White took their Goldwing to Gloucester Docks Armed Forces Day for the SSAFA

Stand on Saturday the 21st June 2014. It was a brilliant day. The bike was used to ‘crowd pull ‘for

the charity and was advertised as "The RAF have the Red Arrows but SSAFA Gloucestershire

have the Star Trek UK Enterprise, Helping all three Services and their families."Both Ali and I are

Caseworkers for SSAFA in Gloucestershire and are on the ground at the coal face helping our

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and their families directly. Its a rewarding job giving something

back and having regular contact with the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Army Benevolent Fund and

the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust who are all very generous and considerate.

(The Bike has its own page on Facebook NCC1701UK or at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/NCC-1701-UK/577014002352341?ref_type=bookmark

Armed Forces Day - Gloucester



The Debden entry paying a visit to BlindVeterans UK at Saltdean as part of the RAFwithin the community project. See page 11.

RAFP students showing RAF involvement within the community.

Presentation of cheque for £350.00 from the National AGM to Blind Veterans.

This year the Tower will play a

unique role in commemo-

rative events across the

UK marking the outbreak

of the First World War

when they mount one of

the most stunning artistic

commemorations of the

centenary. On 5 August, The Tower’s moat will

be turned entirely red through the installation of

over 800,000 ceramic poppies, each one

beautifully handmade in the studio of artist Paul

Cummins. I have volunteered for this event,

representing the RAFPA.

I will shortly be embarking on a limited recruiting

campaign in Southern Africa as it is difficult to

believe that Nick Burton and I are the only 2

ex-RAFP living in the region. I have compiled a

limited circulation list of English speaking

newspapers in South Africa and the two former

Rhodesia's (Zam & Zim) and Brian Flinn has

had sight of the draft letter that I will be sending.

Nick will translate the letter into Afrikaans so

that “The Boerers” are not excluded. I will

also be contacting the 4 major ex-service

organisations in South Africa (RAFA, SAAFA,

SA Legion & The MOTHS). The exercise will be

done totally electronically at nil expense to the

Association.

Submitted by: Brian Burgess

Submitted by: Neil Rusling

Overseas Recruitment

The Hants. Dorset & IOW Branch hope that

you will support their efforts in organising the

2015 AGM by entering into the spirit

and purchase a book of raffle tickets to help

offset the not inconsiderable cost of arranging

and organising the event. If those costs are

met and there is a surplus they will make a

donation to the RAFP Welfare Fund. Ed.



In bright sunshine on Monday

23rd June 2014, over 100

members of the RAFP and

RAFPA and their guests met at

the NMA, Alrewas,

Staffordshire, to celebrate the

7th Anniversary of the

Dedication of the RAFP/RAFPA

Memorial. Marching in this

parade for today’s event were

18 serving RAFP personnel and

19 RAFPA members with the

National Standard and six

Association Branch Standards.

The column formed up in line to

march past the dais where Group Captain Kevin Bailey, Provost Marshal (RAF)/Cdr RAFP took the

salute. As the RAFPA contingent approached the dais, they were instructed by Bill Veazey,

Parade Marshal, to “Mind the crack”. These strange words of command were issued to warn the

marchers that the road surface was deteriorating and

breaking up. The Rev’d Jez Safford, RAFPA member, officiated at

the Memorial Service, followed by a second smaller

Service, at the ADU (NI) Memorial. This was his first

Anniversary Parade on behalf of the RAFPA but

hopefully it will not be the last occasion. The tuneful

Bill Veazey led the gathered congregation in the

hymn singing!! Wreaths were laid at the

RAFP/RAFPA Memorial

by the PM (RAF) and

the RAFPA National Chairman and at the ADU (NI) Memorial by

Garry Hinchliffe on behalf of the North West Branch. In addition to

the marching contingent of the RAFP, we were joined at the Service

by 2 Wg Cdr’s, 1 Sqn Ldr, 2 Fg Off’s, 4 WO’s and a number of

SNCO’s, an excellent and very welcome turn out which added to

this special occasion. Following the parade, many of those attending

gathered at the RBL Club, Alrewas for a buffet lunch. Prior to lunch,

the Provost Marshal gave a short speech, after which the National

Chairman presented a RAFPA wall shield to Mr Ian Green, RBL Club

VC, Bob Green. Bill Veazey also made a presentation to him of a

pennant on behalf of the London Home Counties Branch. It was

good to see so many of the serving personnel attending the informal

gathering and joining in the conversations with the much older

RAFPA members present. Submitted by: John Curtis

7th Anniversary Parade at the NMA



My grandson AJ, had recently expressed an interest in joining the

RAF Police as a career option. So on an chilly, uninviting morning in

May 2014, I took him to observe the Netheravon Flight, pass out

Parade at the Defense Police College, Southwick Park.

To allow the guests an idea of what some of the training involves, a

couple of demonstrations were given. Examples of arrests, with and

without restraints and some of the fitness training schedules. It

looked arduous!

A motivational address was delivered by Gp Capt Kevin Bailey, PM, in the Garrison Church,

followed by the RAF Police prayer. Although it was chilly and 'gusty' the march past led by Flt Lt

Gavin Brokie was immaculate. The PM issued every recruit with their warrant cards and the

individual awards were made. The Physical Education Certificate went to Cpl Higginbottom,

the RAFPA General Police Duties to Cpl Evans and the Top Student accolade to Cpl Bone. It is

germane to mention that all the recruits have signed up to the RAFPA, a practice that will now

continue.

With all the official business completed everybody repaired to the Goodwood Rooms, to allow

bodies to regain some warmth, an opportunity for families to reunite with their loved ones, par-

take of liquid refreshment and restore their inner selves with a 'curry'. At this point I had to leave

with my grandson to ensure I had him back to school for the afternoon session. I asked him what

he thought now about his career options.' It looks a bit hard to me', he said.

Netheravon Flight Pass out Parade

Submitted by: Ed.



On Friday June 13th, probably the hottest day of the year, Debden Flight led by Flt Lt

Gavin Brokie passed out with the usual flourish. With the Provost Marshal employed on

other duties, Wg Cdr Dave Wilkinson DPM and Wg Cdr Martin Bland, Commandant of the

Defence College of Policing and Guarding gave 'upbeat' motivational addresses to the

recruits, their parents, partners and family friends. As has become the norm , three awards

were presented to the most deserving members of the Flight. The top student accolade

went to Cpl Sinclair and the Physical Education Certificate to Cpl Lamming. The final award,

possibly the one that interests members of the RAFPA, the General Police Duties Trophy was

awarded to Cpl Stewart.

As part of the recruitment programme all the members of Debden and the previous

Netheravon Flight are signed to the Association for the duration of their service career.

Debden Flight Pass out Parade

Submitted by: Ed.Cpl Bone (L) and Cpl Evans (R) with Ted Hellewell



RAFPA Collection at Brighton Railway Station

74th Anniversary of The Battle of BritainCapel-Le-Fern, Kent - National Memorial to The ‘Few’

Stalwarts of the South Downs Branch were active recently on Brighton Railway Station shaking

tins on behalf of Blind Veterans UK. Their sterling efforts raised in total £794.24 which I believe

is a record! Ed.

The Centre opened by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in July 1993. Withfree entry and parking, a well stocked visitors shop and cafe, this Memorial is well worth a visit.Submitted by: Gerry Gibbs

Sid Risk talking to Archie Heath

Representing various countries who fought in The ‘Battle of Britain’. National Standard Bearer Nigel Lacey,leading a large contingent of Standards

John Fox, Dave Hilton, Carole Spiers, Tony Harbour, Pete Barr, TerryBryant, Archie Heath, Sid Risk



continued on Page 14

In the begining...

Reflections from the Cape

If the period 1984-1994 was the “Forming Period” then 1995-2004 was most certainly the

“Storming Period”. Membership in early 1995 was still only around the 250 level and we were

still a very closely guarded secret. We needed to increase in numbers to have a viable

Association and to have one worthy of its name. Before embarking on a national recruiting

campaign it was essential to have in place common admin procedures and the first Association

Administrative Handbook was adopted at the 1995 AGM. Many hours were then spent in

reference libraries to compile a comprehensive circulation list of regional newspapers, “trade”

publications and appropriate organisations (no home pc’s or Internet in those days). In late

Autumn we were ready and some 400+ letters hit the post; hard work but it was worth it; over

the next six months the numbers rose by 600 to 850 members and we have never looked back.

The second Branch (Midlands Area) was formed in November 1995 and by the end of 2004

another 13 Regional Branches had opened their doors. In time for the 1998 AGM the format of

the weekend was changed, it being re-modelled on that of the NWAB Reunion Weekend, the

result being that numbers attending increased greatly. Much more happened during this period

but space does not permit me to be too expansive so I will have to be brief.

The first 10 years of the Association (1984-1994) I regard as the “Forming Period”. Progress

was slow for a variety of reasons with the 1994 AGM being the watershed. At that meeting the

newly written Constitution & Rules were adopted and I never really thanked Tom Simpson for

volunteering me to write them! Additionally, the decision to regionalise was taken with the

Standard Branch Regulations being adopted and permission being granted for the formation

of our first Regional Branch (North West Area). In October of that year, under the guidance of

my late father Alan, the NWAB (Branch No.1) held its Inaugural General Meeting and the trend

was set (not the only trend to be set by that particular Branch, the November Reunions being

another).

I am not a Founder member of RAFPA, that honour goes to Charlie Crossan and

his cohorts who grasped the nettle back in 1984, without whom we would not have

an Association. I have though been a member since 1989 so can combine

my personal experience of 25 years together with the early records to be able to

paint a pen picture of our development.

A Members Directory was introduced as was our newsletter/magazine “The Griff”, both initially

in paper version but later also in “electronic” format. The Website was born as was the e-mail

“Yahoogroup”. On the admin front, the Executive Council was formed and the Serving Member

Scheme introduced. On the ceremonial side, the redesigned Association badge was adopted

as was the white beret; additionally the Association Standard was dedicated at RAF Halton and

RAFPA took part in the Whitehall Remembrance Parade for the first time. A busy 10 year period!

Page 14

30th Anniversary

The G

Founder Alex Flavell

Steve Cattell

David Wise

Alan Millership

Brian Burrows Dave ‘Ginger’ Eldridge

Barrie Clarke

To me, the period since 2004 has very much been the “Consolidation

Period” with membership increasing and more Branches being

formed.We have also seen the dedication of 2 stained glass windows

(Halton & Southwick Park) and of course the dedication of the RAF

Police Memorial at the National Arboretum. Most, if not all, Branches

now have their own Standards which are regularly paraded with pride.

Other progressions have been made and hopefully they will continue.

August sees our 30th Anniversary Commemoration at Halton with, I

hope, pride of place going to those Founder members who are able

to attend. I was fortunate to be able to attend this year’s AGM at

Crawley and was pleased to see that the future of the Association is

being seriously addressed. Our future can only be with those who

have either recently left the RAFP or

are still serving and was heartened

by the obvious support of the RAFP

Command.

Page 15

Commemorative Issue 2

Griff

MembersBrian ‘Dick ‘ Barton John Curtis Ray Orgill

Charlie Crossan

John Bellaby

Rowley Coultas Brian Whitaker

I made mention of a past occurrence at the AGM and a comment of

“that is history” was made (not in derogatory fashion I must add).

My reply to that is the same now as it was at the meeting; history is no

bad thing providing that we don’t live in the past and learn by it.

I deliberately haven’t mentioned many names in this resume as there

are many who have worked long and hard for RAFPA and I don’t want

to overlook anybody.

It is my intention to write a more expansive “Reflection” later in the year

which I will ask the Webmaster to publish on the website should anyone

be interested.

In 1991 when I took over as Association Treasurer I was 39 years old

and an operational police officer in Manchester, now I am 62 and in

happy retirement on the Fair Cape.

Where has the time gone?

Submitted by Neil Rusling Association Life Vice-President.



The RAF Police Association AGM 2015

15.30 - 17.30 AGM

18.30 - 19.00 Gala Dinner

21.15 - 22.15 Entertainer - Shep Woolley

22.15 - 23.59 DJ Richard McCausland, with the raffle and popular dance selections

Saturday Programme:

07.30 - 10.00 hrs. Horatio's Restaurant, Full English Buffet Breakfast.

09.00 - 1500 hrs at leisure to explore 'Pompey', make full use of your entry ticket to the Historic

Dockyard, valid for a year. Or maybe a chance to go shopping in Gunwharf Quay and 'sight see'

from the Spinnaker Tower.

Friday Programme:

14.00 onwards - Arriving and booking in.

At leisure to explore 'Pompey', make full use of your entry ticket to the Historic

Dockyard, valid for a year. First chance to go shopping in Gunwharf Quay or mix and chat

with colleagues and friends.

16.00 hrs. Executive Council Committee Meeting.

18.00 - 20.45 - (you can eat anytime within this time frame) Horatio's Restaurant -

Chef’s Carvery table d’hote, 3 courses and coffee.

21.00 onwards - After dinner enjoy the privacy of the Victory Bar with it’s reasonable prices

and 10% discount on drinks.

AGM cost for the 2 night weekend will be £140.00pp to include Friday Dinner, Bed & Breakfast,

Saturday Gala Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Plus Historic Dockyard Ticket.

Additional nights before and after the AGM will be £42.00pp to include DBB.

Gala Dinner, Bed and Breakfast only will be £72.50pp.

Gala Dinner only will be £28.50pp.

If you wish to attend the AGM only please advise Mitch O'Neill by 2nd April, 2015.

The AGM will be hosted by the HD & IOW Branch and will take place over the weekend

of 17th-19th April 2015 at the Royal Maritime Club, Queens Street, Portsmouth.

Tel: 023 9282 4231 or email [email protected]

How to Book: Ideally phone Monday-Friday between 0900 – 1700hrs. Inform the receptionist you

are a member of the RAFP Association and have details of your method of payment, credit card,

VISA, etc.. A 10% deposit is required at time of booking. Balance is required on arrival at

booking in. Incidentals incurred during the week-end to be paid on departure.

Your choice of menu for the Gala Dinner to be given to Reception when making your reservation.

Arrival Times: 14.00 hrs onwards. If you arrive earlier, the staff will take your luggage and keep

safe until you officially book in. There is limited car parking available at the Maritime Club, but

directly opposite at approximately 100 yards, there is a secure car park, which is currently £5 for

24 hrs. (Reception will explain the procedure) Council on street parking scratch cards are

available from reception currently £2.50 for 24hrs.



AGM Gala Dinner MenuEntree: Prawn Salad or Crofters soup with Gammon Stock & Vegetables.

Main Course: Poached Supreme of Chicken, with white wine & Wild Mushroom Sauce

or Roast Leg of Lamb, spiked with Rosemary and served with gravy.

Vegetarian alternatives are available.

Traditional roast potatoes and minted new potatoes with a

selection of fresh vegetables.

Desserts: Chocolate fudge cake with cream or ice cream

or Lemon Meringue Pie.

Dessert course is followed by coffee or tea with chocolate mints.

If you are considering flying to the venue, the nearest airfield is Eastleigh (Southampton). From

there you can travel by rail, your destination is Portsmouth Harbour Station. The Royal

Maritime is approximately 5 minutes walk from the station. Anyone considering travelling by rail

from any point in the UK, your terminus is Portsmouth Harbour Station. Using automobile

transportation, from the North, your own favoured route to South London and pick up the A3(M),

sign posted Portsmouth, from the East and West, the same advice, follow your selected roads to

pick up the M27, from the West turn right onto the M275 from the East turn left onto the M275. If

you have a satnav plot in PO1 3HS. If not follow Portsmouth Historic Dockyard signs.

Iconic Portsmouth imagery!



Group Photograph

RAF Halton 30th Anniversary Parade

Another great day in the continuing story of the RAF Police and its' Association.

Submitted by John Walton Association Life Vice-President.

Also present were 9 founder members of the Association, including Charlie Crossan, thefirst National Secretary. We thanked the 3 Chaplains, Rev Crispian Acher, Rev KenAppleford (HD & IOW Branch) and Rev Jez Safford (West Anglia Branch) who put the Orderof Service together, but sadly hurt his back and could not drive to Halton.

Special mention was made of 91 years young Mr John Twigger, who landed in France on DDay plus one.

The salute was taken by the Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, His HonourChristopher Tyler and the President of the RAFA, Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KCB RAFretired and watched by the Provost Marshal and Commander RAF Police, Group CaptainKevin Bailey BA (Hons) RAF.

For the first time the Association National Standard carried by Nigel Lacey, was paradedalong with all 12 Branch Standards. Our contingent of some 60 members was lead byAssociation National Chairman, Brian Flinn and commanded as usual by the AssociationNational Parade Marshal, Bill Veazey MBE.

Arrival coffee in the Sgts Mess, Church service, march past, band display, RAF Police vehicleand equipment display, cake cutting ceremony, lunch, group photograph, RAFPolice Dog demonstration and a fly past by a Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of BritainMemorial Flight.

Although the weather before and after the event was poor, on Saturday 9 August 2014, thesun shone all day at RAF Halton, where about 200 members, guests, serving RAF Policeand an excellent band enjoyed a day of several separate events.



Sir ‘Dusty’ Miller and

His Honour Christopher Tyler

Lunch in the Sergeant’s Mess

The Surrey & Sussex Bugle Band

John Twigger D-Day plus 1 Veteran, leads the March Pass

RAF Halton 30th Anniversary Parade



Most people know that Braille’s embossed dots are used for reading by many blind people. Also

it’s well known that Louis Braille a bright young French student is generally considered to be the

person to introduce Braille as a method for teaching blind students to read and study the same

subjects as their sighted colleagues.

Of course it has no other possible purpose, right? WRONG! Here follows a few little known

secrets about Braille code and how it is also used today by counter intelligence to protect

economic and military secrets. Braille code is also used as a very effective translator and

a useful tool for gathering intelligence.

Those who have served in areas of Military Intelligence; economics; education or linguistics will

find this information especially interesting. Hopefully the casual reader will also appreciate these

historic facts from the early 19th. century to the present day as at least informative. It could be

argued that Napoleon inspired the idea of “Ecriture Nocturn” (night writing) when he demanded

a code to enable his soldiers to communicate in silence on the battlefield.

In 1821 Captain Charles Barbier de La Serre, an artillery Intelligence Officer promptly devised a

military cryptography using a code of dots and dashes impressed onto thick paper. These

embossed dots and dashes allowed soldiers to share information on the battlefield at night by

using their fingertips. No lights or even whispering were necessary. Barbier’s system was a two

digit code representing a letter. His variant was a 6x6 square of 6 embossed dots arranged to

represent the letters of the French alphabet. Later the good Captain introduced his “night writing”

method to students at the French Royal Institution for Blind Youth. A brilliant blind young lad,

Louis Braille was present at that lecture, and felt inspired to simplify and improve on Barbier’s

embossed system. The rest of course is history.

Submitted by: Dr. Derek Knight-Messenger (retired Braille Specialist)

Final part next issue

Braille secrets revealed Part 1



Backstage at Bovington

At our Branch Annual General Meeting in July I was elected as your Branch Secretary. On the 29st July

I distributed the AGM Minutes to all Branch members on the e-mail addresses held in our Branch

records. Subsequently I have been contacted and informed that some members have not received the

AGM Minutes or anything else from the Branch for some time. Clearly some of our email addresses are

incorrect and there may well be others that I am unaware of. Likewise with the members who do not

have email facilities, I have posted the AGM Minutes to you, if you have not received them it may be that

we do not have your correct postal address. As all RAFPA members receive The Griff, either

electronically or in hard copy, I believe this is the best method of reaching all the Wiltshire Branch members.

If you are not receiving any correspondence from me, it would be very much appreciated if you would

contact me on [email protected] , or via one of my contact details shown on page 3 of this

magazine, in order for me to rectify the problem. Submitted by: Brian Flinn

Calling All Wiltshire Branch Members

At 09.15hrs on a warm Saturday morning a

handful of Members and Associates of the

H.D.& IOW. Branch, met up with about 200

friends and families of the current basic

course at the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC)

Training Regiment at Bovington Camp, to

participate in their Families Open Day.

Introduced to L.Cpl. Mel Weeks (ex WRAF),

we embarked on a convoy of coaches and

mini-buses (compliments of the RAC), to have

tea or coffee, followed by a short introductory

talk on the function of the Training Regiment

by the Commanding Officer.

Then back on the bus to the “Knife Edge” – a

man made ridge some 50 ft high, with each side about 45 degrees of slope. Several tanks,

including a Challenger, approached the ridge, climbed up one side then over the top to park in

front of us where we could climb onto, into and under them all. All in all most impressive.

Back on the bus we visited the Training and Combat Wings, with demonstrations of various

weapons, etc, then it was time for lunch, again with compliments of the RAC.

Following this we visited the WRVS Club, the Signals Wing, and

for those who dared, had a go driving a tank simulator – I tried

without much success, but needed assistance from the

Instructors to extricate myself! Various other demonstrations

were laid on, but much of it was too high tech for most of us.

Throughout the day our guide and mentor Mel Weeks was with

us answering questions, pointing out the loos and smoking

areas, and altogether looking after us. A most enjoyable and

informative visit, and best of all it was all free !

Submittedby: David Wardell



Always & Forever

A chance to pause for a minute in quiet contemplation forour friends and colleagues who have ‘passed away’.

May - July 2014

Mr John Chapman - YON

Mr Neville Bowerman - ESS

Mr. Peter Hewitt – NWB

Mr. Ian MacKenzie – Argyllshire

Mr. Peter (Pip) Waller – YON

Mr. Michael Headley – Gwent

Last Post

Welcome to New members

Membership at 31th July 2014 - 1188

EMBMr. Keith Davies – NottsMr. Bill Thompson – Lincs

MABMr. Peter Hartley – West Midlands

NEBMr. Oliver Warren - Durham

WILTSMr. Gordon Oliver - Llantrisant

New Serving MembersMr. David Waddington, Mr. Luke Grimbleby, Mr. Owen ToveyMr. Ben Thatcher, Mr. Dean Southcott, Mr. Stephen Tanner, Mr. Carl Robertson, Miss Kirsty Lewis, Mr. Gareth Forbes, Miss Nikki Williams, Mr. Thomas Higginbottom, Miss Charlotte O'Neill, Mr. Daniel Brash, Mr. Jonathan Todd, Miss Hannah Garfield, Mr. Christopher Nicholls, Miss Stephanie Brandt, Miss Caroline Evans, Mr. Lloyd Weatherley, Mr. Andrew Murphy, Mr. Andrew Craig, Mr. Craig Martin, Mr. Cameron Sinclair, Mr. Michael Hookway, Mr. Richard Dougherty, Mr. Mitchell Harris, Mr. Alex Gabler, Mr. Sam Ingall, Mr. Ashley Forsyth, Mr. Alec Knight, Miss Clare Stewart, Miss Rachel Griffiths,Mr. Stuart Lamming,

Mr. Thomas Bone, Mr. James Benson, Mr. A Castellano, Miss Jessica Feely, Miss Chloe Nash, Mr. Peter Wright, Mr. Alfred Markham, Mr. Gavin Brokie, Mr. Richard Gill, Mr. Wesley Lewis, Mr. Martin Bland, Mr. Stuart Coppard, Mr. Andy Kerslake, Mr. Philip Rodd, Mr. Chris Rose, Mr. Lee Close, Mr. Gary Edwards. Miss Julie Cole, Mr. Liam McGuire, Mr. Joe Duncan

May - July 2014



A Hippo in the Blue Danube with a Red Beard under a Yellow Sun? Part 1

Whilst witnessing the above event might be a bit of a rarity, or a result of too much Newcastle

Brown in the NAAFI (Bitter shandy in the Sgts Mess or a pink gin in the Officers Mess) how about

a Blue Danube in a Hippo or a Hippo with a Red Beard all bathed with a Yellow Sun........

Whatever caused the vision, the RAF Police

were heavily involved. The initial plans for

Britain’s fist nuclear weapon were drawn up

in 1947, and a bomb casing to contain it was

designed to fulfil two criteria. One was to

house the current large nuclear fission

device (Derived from the ‘Hurricane’

research device), and the other was to

ensure the bomb could be carried in the

bomb bays of the V force soon to come into

service. This was accomplished and the result was the Blue Danube free fall nuclear bomb.

A Blue Danube nuclear weapon was a bit of a beast. It was 24 ft long with a diameter of 5 ft. and

weighed 10,000lbs. Now with this weight and size to move securely and safely, transportation

became a specialist task requiring a specialist vehicle. The answer was a large insulated trailer

capable of carrying a Blue Danube on a bomb trolley. The trailer was fully enclosed with air

conditioning and had a winch to haul the bomb trolley up a rear ramp into the trailer. These

trailers were known as ‘Pantechnicons’.

I wonder if this name was chosen as a security measure? In the ‘old days’ a pantechnicon was

the name given to the large box vehicles used by house moving companies, perhaps the thought

was that if the trailer was the subject of careless talk (Giving our CI boys and girls the

heebeegeebees!), people would presume it ferried furniture around?

The prime mover could either be a Scammel recovery truck or a Leyland Hippo 6x4, but for

obvious reasons, the core was transported in a different vehicle, usually in a different convoy

altogether. Hippos seem to be the main contender as prime mover, although there are reports of

the Scammel using its recovery winch to draw the weapon and trolley into the trailer through a

front hatch, then towing the trailer. Of course if this was true, then in the event of any incident,

towing capability was on hand. Can anyone involved with these convoys in the late 50’s early 60’s

confirm this?

To store and maintain these bombs, two Nuclear Bomb Stores (Permanent Ammunition Depots)

were built. No.94 MU RAF Barnham in Suffolk, and No. 92 MU RAF Faldingworth in Lincolnshire.

No.94 MU RAF Barnham opened in June 1954 and was built on the site of a WWII munitions

dump. Barnham looked after the V force airfields of Cottesmore, Wittering, Marham and

Honington. No.94 MU RAF Faldingworth opened in 1957 and was constructed on a WWII bomber

airfield that was already used for munitions storage. This MU fed the bombs to Coningsby,

Finningley, Scampton and Waddington. As RAF Gaydon only hosted an operational Valiant Sqn

for 6 months, I’m unsure which MU would have looked after that airfield. I presume No.94 MU

was the nearest? As well as runs to these various airfields SSA’s, there would have been runs to

other establishments involved with the construction, servicing and modification of this ordnance

such as ROF Burghfield and AWRE Aldermaston. Submitted by: Brian Burgess



May 1940 saw the BEF, including the RAFP, evacuated from Dunkirk as the

Germans swiftly invaded France and Belgium. In London the RAF Police were

busy dealing with an assortment of offences committed by RAF personnel –

thefts, assaults, drunkenness, false impersonation, disciplinary offences and

desertions. During this period the RAF Security School was established at

Halton, the RAFP began training in security duties. At this time WRAF Police

were recruited, Sgts George and Moll being the first two. In 1941 the RAFP HQ

was moved from Uxbridge to Hitchen House in Burnham, near Maidenhead

and Sgt George was commissioned as the first WRAF DAPM.

history of the RAF Police

'All information is taken from: Fiat Justitia - A History of the RAF Police, author Stephen Davies

Some brief moments in the

...who trained at the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray. A Mr Tim Savage is writing a history

of the centre and would appreciate a call from QPDs who trained there. His details are: Tim

Savage, Project Officer, Melton Carnegie Museum,

Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1RB.

Tel: 0116 305 2566 email: [email protected] Submitted by: John Walton

Calling all RAF Police Dog Handlers...

Acknowledgments...

The Treasurer is currently trying to balance the Association books following receipt of the 2014 subscription payments. Sadly, two years after the membership subscription was increased to £12.50,payments in the sum of £5, £6.50 and £10 are received. Where valid contact details are held emails orwritten statements are sent to the individuals concerned… but still the unchanged payments arereceived. You are urged to check your bank statements to ensure that the appropriate subscription waspaid to the Association in January this year; if it wasn’t the membership status of those concerned willbe LAPSED!This is especially relevant for those 16 members with the surname of SMITH; Two are life members, fiveare fully subscribed but the remaining nine have either not paid a subscription or paid an amount lessthan the £12.50 required and one of the £10 payments just bears the reference SMITH and to date ithas not been possible to identify who made this payment. If you need to send a payment or a top-uppayment to the Treasurer please make it payable to the ‘RAF Police Association’ and send to it to himat his home address.

Urgent... please read!

I hope you have enjoyed these three editions of ‘The Griff’, designed to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the

RAFPA. As from January 2015 we will revert back to the regular issues. Please bear in mind we still require,

indeed need, your contributions still to fill the pages. Photographs, cartoons, anecdotes and articles always

required! It’s your magazine, over to you! Ed.

The Editor sincerely thanks All contributors for their photographic and article inputs, especially Mike Lester,

Jim Spiers, John Walton, Brian Burgess, John Curtis, Neil Rusling and Ian Appleton. Again many thanks

and please keep those contributions coming in.



RAFPA SALESSubscriptions 2014

Members Renewal £ 12.50

New Members Joining 20141st January to 30th June Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 12.501st July to 31st December Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 6.50

Serving Members Scheme .Membership for entire service FREE(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

B1 Unbleached White Beret* £11.00Please send beret size with order

B4 RAFPA Lapel Badge £ 3.00

B5 Beret Badge (RAFPA Crest) £ 7.00

B6 RAFPA Blazer Badge £ 8.00

C1 RAFPA Cufflinks £ 7.00

T4 RAF Police Bow Tie Black & Red Diagonal Stripes £ 8.50

T5 RAFPA Clipon TieBlack/Red Diagonal Stripes with RAFPA crest £ 9.50

T6 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal Stripeswith RAFPA Crest £ 8.50

T7 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal StripesNO CREST £ 7.50

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") £31.00

All items inc. postage and packing are available from:

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 be dispatched within 5 working days of receipt of order.

For those wishing to purchase items from ProvostParade shop a list of merchandise can be found on the main RAFPA Site at,http://www.rafpa.com/ppms.htm

*A note for those purchasing berets, it is best not to shrink them, because they are not made with the same amount of material as the Service Blue issue beret. It is best to lightly spray with water, fit and shape to head and then let dry on an upturned basin, or similar.

STOP PRESS

Guide Deadline for the Jan 2015 Editionof “The Griff” will be Nov 31st 2014!.ED. (It can change!)

Any item from RAFPA Sales will beactioned by: Tony Lake on Tel: 01179 392755

Subscriptions: Treasurer, Mike Thornton,

wishes to remind all members that

subscriptions were due on the 1st January

2015. Please ensure your payments are

made promptly and the correct information is

with the Banks if paying by direct debit, etc..

Thank you in advance.



Walk Downmemory lane

rem

em

be

r

remember

The two photo’s are held in Jamie Rankin’s personal photo’ collection – Gp Capt James Rankin DSO

DFC – taken at RAF Duxford between January 1953 & December 1954, when Jamie was the Stn Cdr

there. The two photo’s show the Earl of Bandon outside the Guardroom on 8 September 1953.

Credit line: Gp Capt James Rankin collection, courtesy of Mrs Sheila & Mr Malcolm Eggleton.

Do you recognise

any of the

RAFP personnel?



At Tidworth Military Cemetery on Wednesday 30th July

a Commemorative service took place in order for

everyone in Wiltshire, or with a Wiltshire connection, to

show their respects and pay tribute to the brave men of

Wiltshire who fought for our country during the First

World War. A special Wall of Remembrance, which

had 10,000 crosses on it, with each cross representing

a fallen soldier from Wiltshire, had been made by local

school children from across the county. The RAFPA

Wiltshire Branch was represented by Brian Flinn and

David Budd who had an opportunity to meet the senior

RAF officer present, Air Vice-Marshal Martin Clark RAF.

Submitted by: Brian Flinn

Wiltshire First World War Commemoration

Scenes from 30th Anniversary!

30thViews 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.

The Griff


Standards on Parade

John Twigger reflects on 70 years!

RAF Halton 30th Anniversary

C

Documents

The€Griff - St Michael's Branchst-mike.com/griff/2014_Sept.pdf · 2015. 2. 19. · September 2014 The Last Five Years - 30 years on! The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association