“Tally Ho” - 609 Squadron

Number 56
January 2007
Avro Tutor
Hawker Hart
Drone
Hawker Hind
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1
Hawker Hurricane Mk 1
Airspeed Oxford
Miles Magister
Fairey Battle
North American Harvard
“Tally Ho”
News Letter of 609 (WR) Squadron Association
Hawker Typhoon Mk 1 PR-G
Supermarine Spitfire XV1
De Havilland Mosquito NF32
Gloster Meteor F8
De Havilland Vampire
Goodwood (Westhampnett) Airfield, September 2006: The 70th Anniversary of the Spitfire‟s first flight
Pre- flight checks in front of the Spitfire Restaurant
The leading four, Mks V to V1111
The finest sight and sound in the world. Eight Spitfires in formation, from Merlin to Griffon, in an English summer sky
Photographs courtesy of fellow Spitfire enthusiast Phil Plumtree
Sir Joe Atkinson‟s 609 Squadron Spitfire 1, X4590, RAF Museum
at Hendon. Joe flew this three times in Dec 1940
609 Squadron Spitfire 1a R6915, Imperial War Museum, Lambeth.
At least thirteen 609 pilots flew her in 1940. My Dad did 3 sorties
1.
EDITORIAL
A happy, prosperous, and fit New Year to everyone. We‟ve had the shortest day, and the gloom of an
English winter is starting to ease. Bad luck, Harry Myers in New Zealand, and David Linacre in Australia, as
it‟s started to go the other way for you two! However, you don‟t get a lot of sympathy from me, considering
what your two countries have just done to our poor English rugby and cricket teams. Still, being the jolly
underdog is the British thing, isn‟t it?
Travelling into London by train, I gaze at the endless lines of houses, and wonder, “What on earth do all the
occupants do for a living?” If you want an answer to that, at least in part, then The Queen‟s New Year
Honours List is the very thing. After each award is a brief description of that person‟s job, or role in life.
Fascinating! Try these. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Group. The Yorkshire and
Humber Mass Fatalities Working Group. Imagine how awful their mail must be on a Monday morning. Or
any morning, come to that. How about the MBE for Mrs Norah Alice Dobinson, former trainbearer to the
Lord Chancellor? What did she do when she wasn‟t carrying his train around? Is that all she actually did,
just carry his train? (Sorry, foreign readers: this isn‟t train as in railway, it is train as in very long gown, that
drags over the floor after you, as you walk. Unless, of course, it is clutched in the arms of Mrs. Dobinson).
Where are these fabulous jobs advertised? I want one! And perhaps 80 year old John William Grey‟s MBE
for being head shoe shine boy for Virgin Atlantic Airways is another job soon up for grabs. Mrs Audrey
O‟Neill gained an MBE for services to baton twirling. Wonderful stuff!
What this list has done this year is to give due recognition for some unsung stalwarts who work for the
betterment of Service people and their families. The Telegraph‟s Christmas Appeal has raised over £350,000
for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association (SSAFA). In that context, I was much pleased to
note the award of MBE‟s to Mrs Margaret Arnold, Lt. Col. Francis Batten, Mrs Bernadette Grimes, and Lt
Col Thomas Irlam, all for services to the SSAFA. MBE‟s were awarded to Mrs Ruby Mallinson, for services
to the WAAF Association, Robert Marris for services to the Hertfordshire RAFA, Peter Dunstan for services
to the Far East Prisoners of War Association, and to Mrs Mary Gibson for services to the Bomber Command
Association. An OBE went to Air Commodore Charles Clarke (ret‟d) for services to the RAF Ex-Prisoners
of War Association.
Thus, amongst the mad, bad or plain weird awards are splendid ones, for those who care for our service
people. Whilst it is a pity that some distinction cannot be drawn between these various activities, and the
impact that they have, it‟s good to be able to thank all the volunteers who remember, and help, service folk
both past and present. 609 (WR) Squadron has already sent members back to the Gulf, and more
mobilisations are likely through 2007. There are many supporters who receive no awards, and yet do so
much good. These MBE‟s present the tip of the iceberg. I know of two Association members who work in
this area, but only by passing comment. I‟m certain that more of you do so, yet are similarly reticent about it.
You know who you are. Well done, and thanks.
609 (WEST RIDING) SQUADRON ASSOCIATION
From: Squadron Leader Brian Waite, Dip Phys Ed, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
TO ALL 609ERS
“It is with humbleness and tremendous pride that I take my “seat” as your Chairman. At the very successful
2006 Reunion, I stressed that I would focus on the whole, and not favour particular periods of our most
illustrious past and productive present. I was most fortunate to Command your Squadron for five years and
all that time we had no aircraft to fly; today‟s sophisticated platforms require more than the 37 days per year,
available to an auxiliary for training, to master! BUT today‟s reservist is no different from those that have
volunteered and served throughout our long and distinguished history. We all, from Jim Thompson in 1936
to today‟s latest recruit, have one thing in common: we were, and are, proud to serve the Royal Air Force
WITH 609. I am also a great believer in encompassing all facets of the Squadron and rightly we should
always include those of 2609 and 3609 who were directly
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involved at various times in our history and significantly enhanced it. It is also essential that we continue the
link with those beyond our shores who are 609ers. In particular, I think of those in Belgium who are the
most ardent supporters of the Association, which is so appropriate as many of their countrymen made 609
their home during the Second World War. Finally it is also essential that family and friends of 609ers are
just as much a part of the whole. We all share the same desire and sense of history.
So who is your new Chairman? Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, my father served in the RAF for seven
years from 1939 to 1946, but never flew! However he was on the HMS Hilary at the North African, Italian
and Normandy invasions. After school, where I was a member of the Combined Cadet Force (Army), I
fulfilled a dream and attended Loughborough College of Physical Education to study to become a teacher
and “do” sport seven days a week. There followed nine years of teaching in Kent, before I took a year off!!
I never went back and joined the RAF at the tender age of 33 in 1981 receiving a Commission in the
Administration (Secretarial) Branch. I had a most varied career, serving for four years at RAF Wildenrath as
a SQUINTO on 92 Squadron as well as enjoying a recruiting tour and one instructing student Officers on
their Initial Course at RAF Cranwell. I retired from regular service in 1997 and lived in Norfolk for two
years, learning the differences between a Bittern and a Heron! In 1999 I was lucky enough to be notified of
this “new” Squadron at RAF Leeming-ADSS. After two years recruiting for it, the 609 name was reborn in
2000 and I was fortunate enough to gain Command in 2001. The rest is history.
We are bloody lucky to be what we are. Let‟s move forward with a positive mindset and lets ALL
encompass everything that is good about our Squadron. I see too many Sunset Reunions in the papers, 609
is not ready for that and with your support and desire it will be a long time before that happens.”
…………………………………………………………………
By Jove, but I feel better for that! Thanks, Brian, eloquently put. I was standing to attention as I typed it. I
can only reiterate how very lucky the Association is to have the likes of Sandy Hunter, Brian Waite, and
Hugh Mulligan actively working with us. Then there are Alfie Hall, Al Parkes, Alan Hayman, plus all the
current 609 Squadron‟s Association membership. Thanks to you all, the future is assured.
Now then, we can‟t let that little dynamo, the ex-Chairman, pass into the background without giving him due
thanks and recognition. Come on Maurice, stand up, and take a bow. Oh, you are standing up. Right, sorry,
my apologies let me make amends!
Mr Maurice Voase - thank you!
Maurice joined 609 (WR) Squadron in 1956, and stayed with them until disbandment in March 1957. His
speciality was as a Rigger, which is basically keeping the wings on, and ensuring that the flying control
surfaces don‟t work in reverse. Guess who never served in the RAF – me! Colleagues of his time, with
whom he worked and relaxed, included Charles Brazier and Edward Tetlow, both of whom are still in the
Association.
Retiring from full time work in 1985, he happened to be in the local market, just before Christmas, on the
look out for a Christmas tree. He happened to be wearing his RAF tie at the time. Whilst shopping? My, but
you lot dressed up better than my generation ever did! Anyway, this well dressed tree hunter was spotted by
a stranger, who introduced himself with the words “Would you like to rebuild a Halifax?” Maurice must
have been carrying a saw, hammer and nails, for his potential skills to have been so readily identified! Thus
was Maurice first introduced to the fledgling Yorkshire Air Museum.
He was one of the first volunteers to join the Museum, which was initially pretty rough and ready. But with
the aid of similarly enthusiastic, and extremely skilled, colleagues, he formed the basis of the team that has
done so much to turn the YAM‟s collection of airframes into one of the finest privately funded displays in
the UK. The reproduction Wright Flyer was one of his most recent projects, a testament to his skill with
wood and fabric. The new cabinets in the 609 Squadron Room, and the photographic display panels, were
also his work, aided and abetted by the Rev. Norman Berryman, Desmond Park,
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and Alfie Hall. Maurice also maintained the room, overseeing the rewiring and new lights, hanging more
pictures, getting the flag poles altered to stop the Typhoon weather vane from ripping the flags.
In between all of this, he became Chairman, upon the retirement of Jim Earnshaw. This coincided with the
arrival of the Spitfire, now positioned outside the Squadron Room. This was 1996, from memory, so he held
the post for a full ten years. I am a bit ahead of myself here, for the 609 Squadron Room had to precede the
Spitfire. Once again, it was Maurice‟s skills with his hands that came into play. Jim Earnshaw had conceived
the idea, for 609 had no home; the previous Memorial Room at Church Fenton having fallen victim to the
closure of the base. A room was secured at Elvington, thanks to the generosity of the YAM, but it was a bit
basic.
“A bit basic? The place was an absolute wreck. It was also known as the Rat house!” However, all good
things have to start somewhere, so the rubbish and rodents were removed, the windows fixed, the holes in
the roof were mended, and then fitting out began. I think that a dividing wall had to be built as well, for the
end of the hut was destined to be the Airborne Forces Memorial Room. With Jim Earnshaw being the
provider, as it were, Maurice, Norman Berryman and the late Mike Wood set about the construction.
Following painting, the walls were clad in timber, display cabinets were built, Memorial Boards were
produced, electricity was brought in, and picture display panels were put up. These Jim filled from his
archives, also doing the captions. The team finally unveiled their great work in 1994.
One of the things that endear me to Maurice is his typically blunt Yorkshire-style approach to people and
events. One is never left in doubt as to the rights and wrongs of a situation! Yes, I know, diplomacy has its
place, but I act very much as Maurice does, and thus sometimes tread on toes. A friend, also a good
businessman, noted “People who get on and do things occasionally rub others up the wrong way. But that‟s
the penalty of being an achiever”. It has been good fun having him as Chairman, and he has taken the
Association from the time when the older generation had to make way for the new. It could not have worked
out better, and we are hugely grateful to this most amiable and good-humoured man.
Maurice even coped with a triple heart bypass operation in 2003; through which he came somewhat battered
but unbowed. On 9th March 2004, he received one of only two Presidential Certificates issued in the NE
RAFA Area, from ACM Sir John Willis, in recognition of Maurice‟s 58 years in the RAFA. He did want to
retire a year ago, but agreed to carry on until Brian Waite had left his Command of 609 (WR) Squadron, and
could then take over as Chairman. Following the appointment of Brian as his successor, Maurice has kindly
agreed to become a Vice President of the Association. Thus, now aged 85, he can enjoy retirement, leisure
and housework (!), and can still fit in some work at the YAM.
Maurice, you have done us proud, and, on behalf of all the members of the Association, I wish to reiterate
our thanks for all your great efforts. At the August re-dedication of the 609 (WR) Squadron Room, Brian
Waite presented Maurice with an inscribed and framed 609 plaque. It is about the one piece of woodwork
within the 609 Association that he hadn‟t made himself!
Leeming News
The 5th Annual 609 (WR) Squadron Dinner was held in September at the St.George Hotel, Durham and
Tees Valley Airport (if I have the right name – if not, then just call it RAF Middleton St George, as it once
was). Rosemary and I were lucky enough to have been invited to the previous one, which was most
memorable for the elegance of those present, the fact that I became de facto official photographer at the last
minute, and the toughness of Yorkshire beef. Oh, and the amusing banter between Al Parkes and Melony
Gibb, who had just gained her commission, and thus outranked him. At least Al didn‟t call her “Sir”, but
there were lots and lots of “Ma‟am”! Hope that this last one went well, anyway.
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2006‟s Annual Continuation Training was not in sunny Cyprus, but instead at the somewhat colder, and
distinctly bleaker, Bally Button Army Ranges, near Dundee. Last year I was inundated in happy pictures of
warm reservists rushing around in shirtsleeves. Funny that it didn‟t happen this year!
The Orde Print Collection. A year ago, 8 framed Orde prints were rescued from the bowels of Leeds
Bradford Airport. They had once flanked the 609 (WR) Squadron Association Memorial that hung in the
Airport Bar. They have gone to the 609 building at RAF Leeming, and now hang in the corridors.
Cuthbert Orde was a skilled wartime artist, who worked in pencil and charcoal. He drew many RAF
personnel, including 21 from 609; copies of which you can find in the 609 (WR) Room at the YAM.
Remembrance Sunday, 12th November, Yorkshire Air Museum Flying Officer Richard Dixon laid a
wreath on behalf of Royal Air Force Leeming, and Squadron Leader Brian Waite, during the same
ceremony, laid a poppy wreath on behalf of 609 (WR) Squadron Association.
The Gulf. SAC‟s Keith Woods – known as Woody – and Craig Young, were deployed to Basra during
November. They are serving a four-month tour with 63 Squadron (The Queen‟s Colour Squadron).
Seven more reservists with 609 have started a training programme with their designated units, and are due to
go to Basra during February/March. Three of the seven served in Iraq in 2003.
Brian Waite made up a couple of parcels to send out to Craig and Keith, in time for Christmas. I hope that
the postal service works better then it recently did for me. I had ordered 8 dinner plates from the USA, via
eBay, and three weeks late received a Triumph motorcycle frame! So lads, we hope that you enjoy the Arctic
Survival clothing and skis, which should be with you shortly!
A New Honorary Air Commodore for 609 (WR) Squadron. No, no, don‟t panic – this isn‟t Sandy Hunter
suddenly having to leave these shores, hotly pursued by the law! This is the Hon Air Com for the current
Squadron, and not the Association.
"RAF honour for ex-High Sheriff
Local landowner and former High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Simon Bostock, has been appointed Honorary Air
Commodore (HAC) of a Leeming-based RAF Reserve squadron. He will now spend the next five years affiliated to
No.609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, which was re-formed in October 1999 after a 44-year
break in service. Its role, as an Operations Support Squadron, is to provide trained personnel to augment RAF
operations.
Air Commodore Bostock is delighted with his appointment, saying: "It is a very, very considerable honour to be
invited to be an HAC. I am flattered and honoured to take up the role.
Educated at Eton and having attended the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, Air Commodore Bostock served as a
pilot in the RAF from 1963 to 1996. His final appointment was Commandant of the Central Flying School, where,
among his other duties, he was responsible for the Red Arrows. With his wife, Lynn, Air Commodore Bostock now
runs an agricultural and sporting estate near Pateley Bridge and is chairman of the Moorland Association.”
(This was in the Nidderdale Herald of 3rd November). (This isn‟t a joke; there really is a Nidderdale, and a Herald)
Dez Robinson has sadly left 609 (WR) Squadron, and also the RAuxAF. He was one of those people who
was always there – the opening of the RAuxAF Memorial at Alrewas, Berlaar in Belgium this year, and so
on. He‟s always been “A good lad” as far as I‟m concerned; good fun, dedicated, very friendly. We shall
miss seeing him at future 609 formal occasions. However, he said at Elvington “You‟re not getting rid of me
that easily, Dave!”, which is really good news. We look forward to seeing you and Alison at some of next
year‟s gatherings. Well, Alison anyway!
Sergeant Dave Fielding has received the Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group‟s Commendation. This was
awarded in the New Year Honour‟s List, on 1st January 2007. Hearty congratulations, Dave. The story will
be in the RAF News.
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P/O Alfie Hall has been able to put together a work group that will repaint the replica Spitfire PR-A
R6690, that sits outside the 609 (WR) Squadron Room at the Yorkshire Air Museum. The Museum will
provide the paint, and will arrange movement of the Spit into a hanger, as the work cannot be done outside.
No dates in 2007 have been fixed, but it‟s good to know that an overdue job will be done. It was the
Museum‟s responsibility to paint the aircraft, but they have not been able to do so.
.
Obituaries
Corporal Eric Trainer
Eric died following a road traffic accident, and his funeral was held at Well Church, in Bedale, on 14 th
November. Eric had left the Squadron in September, after serving for six years as Corporal Clerk. His
widow, Dee, had also served with 609 (WR) Squadron. A good contingent from the Squadron attended the
service, and Brian Waite and Hugh Mulligan represented the Association.
……………………………………………………
Robert Norman Coombes
Robert died on 16th June 2006, and was cremated at Wakefield Crematorium on 23rd June. He had been ill
for quite some time. Victor and Christine Titherington represented the Association at the service. Victor had
publicised 609 Squadron in his local Trades Union magazine, back in 1951, and gained 8 recruits, including
Bob, and Peter Baines. Bob had been a National Service man, prior to that.
Victor remembered that Bob had certainly attended one, if not two Summer Camps in Malta. An amiable
and friendly man, Bob worked in Air Traffic Control alongside Pete Baines, and remained so until
disbandment in 1957. Bob‟s wife Doreen has been a regular attendee at The Stoop, and other 609 gatherings
in recent years. She was with 3609 Squadron. Our belated sympathies to you, Doreen.
…………………………………………………
740418 / 137305 Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey „Geoff‟ Stevens
Born on 21st August 1917, Geoffrey Stevens joined the RAFVR on 5th July 1937 as pilot u/t 740418. He
was posted to No.13 Elementary Flying Training School at White Waltham and later at No.5 EFTS,
Hanworth before being posted to No.9 EFTS at Gatwick.
Mobilised on 1st September 1939, Stevens was posted to No.8 Flying Training School at Woodley for a
Flying Instructors course. In November he was posted to No.3 Initial Training Wing at Hastings and in
February 1940 was posted to No.15 FTS at Lossiemouth for a Harvard course. On 3rd August he was posted
to No.6 OTU at Sutton Bridge for conversion to Hurricanes.
On 31st August 1940 he joined was posted to 151 Squadron at North Weald. The squadron was about to
move to RAF Digby for a rest and Stevens volunteered to stay in the south, being sent to 213 Squadron at
Tangmere. He was shot down on 17th October in Hurricane V6866, crashing at Paupees Farm, just outside
Ashford. A farm labourer helped him out, and he returned, unhurt, to his unit. During the Battle of Britain he
shared in the destruction of one German aircraft and damaged another.
In January 1941, 213 Squadron was posted to Abu Sueir in Egypt, but Stevens remained on the staff at RAF
Castletown in Scotland. He was later posted to No.1 Army Air Co-Operation Unit at Western Zoyland
before moving to No.2 AACU at Aberporth. In September 1942 he was posted to No.59 OTU
at Millfield as a Flying Instructor.
Warrant Officer Stevens joined 609 at Manston under S/Ldr Beamont on 18 th November 1942 from 213
Squadron, with about 300 hours on Hurricanes. Geoff held Bee Beamont in very high regard. Though he
subsequently spoke little of his wartime experiences to his daughter, Jo, she did manage to elicit from him
that he “enjoyed beating up trains”, and really liked flying the Typhoon. On 29th November 1942 he became
lost, having encountered mist whilst flying a new Typhoon, and made a belly landing in a
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clover field south of Sittingbourne, with only minor damage to the aircraft. He was Commissioned in
January / February 1943, being posted to Jemappes in North Africa on 7th April, joining 253 Squadron.
He was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and appointed Flight Commander of A Flight. Stevens
assumed command of 87 Squadron in Italy in September 1943, but was posted away in July 1944, going to
Egypt in October and eventually assuming command of the Fighter Affiliation Flight at Abu Sueir. Whilst
there, he met, and married, his wife June.
He returned to England in December 1945, and was released from the RAF, but then rejoined, and was
posted to No.6 OCTU at Keevil in March 1946. He served most of his post war years in Air Traffic Control,
enjoying three tours in Germany, including one at the Air Safety Centre in Berlin. Here he worked alongside
Russian, US and French air force officers. His war service, involving the crash landings and a bale out, left
him with a bad back, and other injuries. He was invalided out of the RAF on 4th May 1968 with the rank of
Flight Lieutenant.
Geoff died of heart failure on 17th April 2006. He is survived by his wife June, three children (one being Jo
Oddie, who helped greatly with this appreciation), 10 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Jo tells me
that Dad gave his flying jackets to her two daughters, when they both qualified for their Private Pilots
Licences. Jo had commissioned artist Geoff Nutkins to paint a Typhoon in action, for Geoff‟s 90 th birthday
in 2007. Sadly, two days after arranging this, her father went into hospital for the last time.
Thanks, once again, to Mark Crame, for many details of Geoff, and the photographs – Ed.
………………………………………………………..
Lieutenant General Aviateur Armand Crekillie
Flying Officer Armand Crekillie joined 609 (WR) Squadron on 12th September 1944, and flew 98 sorties
with the Squadron. He officially left on 1st October 1945, though the Squadron ceased to exist on 19th
September. His death in Ostend was announced on 11th October 2006.
Armand Crekillie was born on 25th October 1921. He gained a Degree in Scientific Humanities at the Royal
Athenaeum in Ostend. By May 1940, he was in the UK, and was drafted into the Belgian Armed Forces in
GB in Feb 1941. He became a Sergeant Pilot in July 43, and was commissioned on 29 October. Promotion
to Flying Officer followed in 29 April 44, then to Fl/Lt on 29 Oct 45.
After the war, “Crick” served with 349 Squadron, leaving the RAF on 1st October 1946. He was made a
Captain Aviateur in Dec 47, taking the Officers Oath on 28 July 48. He became CO BAF Nº 2 Squadron/2
Wing, at Florennes, in 1951. As a Lt. Kol. Aviateur, he became Base Commander in October 1958.
Promotion to Lt-Gen Aviateur followed on 15 March 1972, and he was made Chief of General Staff of the
Armed Forces, a post he held until 1 Nov 1979. Armand was the President of the NATO Military
Committee from 1975 to 1976.
Armand received the Croix de Guerre 1940 avec Palme, in February 1947, L‟Orde de la Couronne in 1951,
and L‟Orde de Leopold 11 in April 53, rising to the top rank in both Orders by April 1972.
…………………………………………………..
General Information
Keith and Kathleen Gurney have looked after the family grave of Flt/Lt Pip Barran, who was killed on 11th
July 1940. Because the work was getting too much for them, friend Peter Pettie, who lives opposite the
cemetery, lent a hand, as does John Larder of the Battle of Britain Historical Society. For the last two years,
flowers have appeared on the grave in the autumn, this year‟s bunch of lilies being accompanied by a note
from “The Officers and Cadets of 168 Squadron ATC”. I followed this up on the Gurney‟s behalf, and it is a
nice story.
The Barran family grave is in Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds 16, Section B, and Grave 392. 168 “City of
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Leeds” ATC has made a point of identifying RAF graves in their locality, and ensure that they are visited
and maintained at least once a year. F/Lt Neil Foster is OC 168 ATC, but he told me that it was actually
Martin Briggs who was i/c the project. I had a talk with Martin, who hopes in time to get me some pictures
and a short story about the project. Once the grave has been tidied, a wreath or flowers are laid, and a short
graveside homage is paid. Prayers are said, and The Exhortation is given. The Cadets look after several
graves in the area, and they asked if I knew of any potentially unattended graves in the Leeds area. I don‟t,
but others out there might. Contact Martin on 0774 333 1523 if you do.
Martin knew of 609 and its history, hence his interest. He also knew Tom Webb, who was an airman with
609 up to Spitfire times, so he must have been a pre-war man. Any stories or knowledge about him out
there? Martin also knew Darkie Hanson very well, and remembered when the RAF Museum at Hendon
asked Darkie to confirm the correct colour scheme for their Spitfire and Meteor Mk7.
A nice story about a smashing group of people. Thank you Martin, and your cadets, particularly from Keith
and Kathleen Gurney, who are delighted that Pip will continue to be cared for, and remembered.
Jim Earnshaw has been in hospital recently, having problems with a very wheezy chest. Sadly, poor
Margaret is none too well either. Chin up, and best wishes to both of you.
Jim Thompson amused me (as usual when he calls!) by recalling his presentation of the James Thompson
Memorial Trophy, to the OC 609 (WR) Squadron, Squadron Leader Hilary Vincent-Philpot. This took place
at the August Rededication meeting at Elvington (see separate article). He claims that it was the first time in
the known history of the RAF that an airman had kissed a Commanding Officer!
Maurice Voase told me that he‟d had a surprise visitor at the 609 (WR) Squadron Room last autumn, no
less than Charles “Pud” Crowther. His son had brought Charles from his home in Laurencekirk,
Kincardineshire. He was in good form; much appreciated the Room, in its new guise, and asked after old
friends and comrades. Charles was a pre-war member of 609, but he isn‟t listed as present at the first Annual
Dinner on 10th February 1937, so would have joined in „38 maybe?
Danby Barber is very tolerant of me. I persist in calling him Danny, which is wrong, and then wrote in the
August Newsletter that he was an original “A Flight” member. He vehemently denied this at Elvington in
late August, saying that he was “B Flight”. Danby, you should know, but, in my defence, the list of attendees
at that First Annual Dinner shows you to be in “A Flight”. Shall we leave it that you were pre-war? It might
be safer!
“Spitfire Pilot” by David Crook has been republished by Greenhill Books, www.greenhillbooks.com or c/o
Lionel Leventhal Ltd., Park House, 1 Russell Gardens, London NW11 9NN. David‟s daughter, Mrs
Rosemary Loyd has been a prime mover in this. She has added a preface, and our President, AVM Sandy
Hunter, has written an introduction to the Squadron, after her piece. Rosemary has kept faithfully to the
original text, and has used the original photographs, with their abbreviated names (as required by the censors
in 1941). What is really good is the inclusion of some extra family photographs, and some fresh ones of
David during his time with 609. I have two ISBN numbers for this excellent book: ISBN-13 978-1-85367714-4 and ISBN-10 1-85367-714-0.
Sir Joe Atkinson has one of his “Company Cars” on display at the RAF Museum, Hendon. Recent research
with the curators show that their Spitfire 1 X4590 was flown by him on three occasions. These were 23rd
December 1940, 1650-17.00, 27th Dec 13.25-14.25, 28th Dec 16.45-17.05. These days, it is dark by 16.30 in
mid-December, and I was thinking “How heroic of Joe to go up after dark.” Then I remembered that it was
double Summer Time during the war! Meanwhile Spitfire 1a R6915, on display at the IWM at Lambeth, is
another ex-609 Spitfire. At least 13 pilots from 609 flew her, including my father. It gave me much food for
thought, as I stood looking down into its cockpit, where my father once sat, and fought, back in the summer
of 1940.
Jim Earnshaw and Mark Crame privately published “The RAF WW11 Logbooks of Wing Commander R
P Beamont” last autumn, and the book received a hugely favourable review in FlyPast
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magazine. This is a quality production in every sense of the word. Copiously illustrated, and with
annotations beneath the reprinted extracts from Bee‟s logbooks, you gain a vivid impression of his wartime
experiences. The title makes it clear that the pre- and post-war periods are not covered in any great detail,
but it nevertheless covers 304 pages in hardback, A4 size, so you get a lot of book for your £25. Seek out
ISBN 0-9553101-0-5, or contact them direct. Jim is 01423 884366, e-mail [email protected].
Mark is 01502 516936, e-mail: [email protected]
A few people have suggested emailing this newsletter. Was it all text, it would be easy. The pictures make
the thing far too big, even for a broadband connection. With the increased cost of postage, it is tempting to
try, but I think that I would clog up people‟s mailboxes. Oh, and if you wonder why the colour pictures
cannot be included alongside the appropriate text, it is because even a single dot of colour makes it cost 35p
a sheet to print, whereas black and white is 7p.
Hugh Mulligan has mailed The Typhoon Reunion information separately. What you will not know is that
Air Vice Marshal AFC Hunter agreed to be the Patron of the Typhoon Entente Cordiale Fund. We hope
that it works well, Sandy. Oh, and that you and Wilma can get free tickets, too! The Chairman of the
Typhoon and Tempest Association, David Ince, contacted us, and we provided the names of all of our
Typhoon pilots. He issued individual letters on their behalves, which we then distributed. The Belgian
Committee will contact their pilots in addition, and will help if they need transport.
Brian Teal I met for the first time at the Yeadon Stoop in October. He‟s now 83, and told me something of
his background. He met his wife Joyce in 1946, and they were married the next year. They celebrate their
Golden Wedding on 21st June 2007. Hope that you are saving for the ring, Brian!
Anyway, he was based at Yeadon as a driving instructor. His mate was initially posted to Yeadon, but, as
Brian was born in the town, the two of them did a swap. A year later, and the Squadron moved to Church
Fenton. Whilst still a nipper, he had to deliver groceries to RAF Yeadon. In 1936 or 37, he once cycled
straight between the Officers and the airmen whilst they were on parade! The Station Cook told him that
he‟d never be allowed back on the base for that.
Brian joined the RAF in 1942, left in 46, rejoined in 47, and finally quit in 1952. He went initially to South
Africa, then moving to the MT section at Dum Dum. Here he first met Victor Titherington, whilst both were
in Calcutta, and as usual without any money. They‟d hop on to a local bus to town when it slowed down
enough, and hang on the back, without paying. They‟d buy a pack of chips, then blag extra by claiming that
the first lot were dirty. Then they‟d sneak into the cinema unseen, once the lights had gone down, and
afterwards return to the camp, by bus, as they‟d come. I wonder who taught whom here!
Brian recollected a strike by some personnel in the RAF. I didn‟t record when that was, but I do recall that
post-war in the Far East, repatriation to England was being promised but never delivered, and mutiny of a
sort broke out. Brian wanted to get home, so kept working. He found that his ration truck was the only one
left on the base that worked, for the strikers had removed the gear levers from all the rest. Once back home
in the UK, he was based at Rufforth, in charge of German PoW‟s. The camp needing fuel for the stoves, he
used a jeep fitted with a PTO saw. Whilst he was sawing up logs for firewood, he was guarded by a
contingent of Poles. He‟d been warned not to let any sort of argument develop between them and the
Germans, as the Poles simply wanted an excuse to shoot the lot of them.
Tony Houghton, whose sons Harry and Scott have sat in, and pressed the buttons of, various jets at Summer
Reunions at Leeming, reported that 609 has turned up in an unlikely place. Scott has a new computer game.
It‟s called “Empires – dawn of the modern world”, which is strategy game based over several centuries. The
WW2 bit contains Spitfires, and, when one is selected, a voice comes on, saying “609 Squadron here”. We
get everywhere!
I am indebted to Mr Phil Plumtree beside whom I was standing, in the Spitfire Restaurant garden at the
Goodwood Revival Meeting in September. I was watching eight Spitfires preparing to take off, formate,
then over fly the race meeting, and I had left my cameras at home. Phil was brandishing a Canon digital with
a lens long enough to poke into the ears of people two rows in front. “This man could
9
Service of Re-dedication at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, 26 th August 2006
Yorkshire Air Museum Chapel
Altar Kneelers, 609‟s to left of the Legion‟s
Sgt Bernie Janion, Flt/Sgt Tec Pierce (acting W/O) P/O Alfie Hall,
Sgt Ian Mackie, SAC Dave Lacy (Orderly) outside the Chapel
P/O Alfie Hall retires with the Sovereign‟s
Colour at the end of the Service
609 (WR) Squadron Sovereign‟s Colour Escort
Reverend Norman Berryman prepares to lay the Sovereign „s
Colour upon the Altar
Spitfire R6690 beside the new sign for the The Sovereign‟s Colour Party outside the 609 Room
609 (WR) Squadron Room
Back row is SAC Pete Wilson and LAC Dawn Gillott
Chairman Brian Waite greets the guests, watched by Rev. Norman Berryman, President Sandy Hunter and Vice President Maurice Voase. Norman
Berryman then blesses the Room, and re-dedicates it to the Memory of Squadron members, both past and present.
Pre-war, Battle Of Britain, 1941-42, new cabinets: Memorial Boards with Belgian and Royal Air Force flags: D-Day and Normandy, Victory in
Europe, 1946- 1957 and into the jet age, reformation in 1998, new 609, Operation Telic and the Gulf, new roles and training to the present day.
10
Ian Mackie views the Op. Telic prints, with the Outgoing Chairman Maurice Voase receives Chairman and President at last wear the right 609
Typhoon panel from PR-G behind him
his inscribed 609 plaque from Brian Waite
ties. Brian has since admitted to losing his!
The first airman into 609, on 10 Feb 1936, 809000 Jim Thompson, aged 90, addresses the intrigued gathering, which listens appreciatively
Jim introduces Sq Ldr Hilary Vincent-Philpot, OC 609 (WR) Squadron, to the James Thompson Memorial Shield. Jim wanted the Squadron to
decide upon the cause that the Shield will commemorate on an annual basis. There is room for the names of 22 recipients.
Keith Gurney counts his raffle tickets, as
Helen, Peter Pettie and Kathleen watch
Dawn Gillott, Sandra and Andy Marsh, Ian
Mackie and Al Parkes
A flying teacup approaches Derick Weatherill,
Cathy Pashby, Mrs and Pete Wareing
11
3609: Ruth Gomersall, Ursula Granahan,
Danby Barber, Maurice Voase, Jim Thompson
Bernard Gomersall, Doreen Coombes, Marcia
display a fine collection of medals
Gadd; seated is Audrey Coulton
Alison and Dez Robinson with Pam and
Graham Carrol
Rene Thompson in the background, with Kathy
and Gordon Bell, and Jean Graham
Desmond Park who helped to rebuild the Room Post-war mascot Micky, with the Esher Trophy
with Reunion chief organiser, Hugh Mulligan
for overall Squadron efficiency, in1954
The long and the short of it! Sorry ladies: Wilma
Hunter, Louise Waite and Janet Voase
Relax, Bernie, the President is still smiling!
William still feels that he is the best mascot.
Just don‟t eat the flowers, son.
OC 609 (WR) Squadron Sq/Ldr Hilary VincentPhilpot with the Sovereign‟s Colour Party.
SAC Pete Wilson (pre-shrunk size!), SAC Dave
Lacy (Orderly), LAC Dawn Gillott, Sgt Bernie Janion
(Escort), the OC, P/O Alfie Hall (Colour Bearer),
F/Sgt Tec Pierce (acting W/O) and Sgt Ian Mackie
(Escort). Spitfire PR-A R6690 replica stands
behind them
Hank Russell‟s 1940 pre-flight
check contrasts with the modern
pilot at Goodwood in 2006.
Sid Waterson and Charles “Pud”
Crowther (glasses) at a reunion in
1968. Charles approved of the new
Squadron Room this summer.
The Yeadon Stoop Reunion, 2nd October 2006
12
The 609 (WR) Squadron Memorial at Leeds Bradford Airport. The airport is now for sale
Victor Titherington, Brian and Joyce Teal
Norman Dobell, Derick Weatherill, Eva Dobell
and Cathy Pashby
Peter and Paul Gladstone in the smokers den
Jean and Ken Hobbs
Ted Crossley, Bill Block, Alf Jennings and Peter
Jeanette Peters with friends Alma Rayson and
Rosemary Metalf
Brian Teal, Sandra Marsden, Peter Price, Victor Desmond Park guards William, or vice-versa! Keith and Kathleen Gurney, no raffle wins again.
Titherington and Jack Preston (Reg. RAF)
Brian Waite sits in front of “my” red wine prize If you‟d stayed, you could have had my bottle!
13
be my salvation!” I thought. I introduced myself, and asked if he could help, by capturing some images of
the Spitfires in their, and our, 70th Anniversary years. Bless him, he obliged. The results you can see nearby.
Many thanks, Phil, and I‟m sorry that I have taken so long to use them.
………………………………………………………………….
The 609 Film Collection is now on DVD and for sale!
A year or so ago, I was given the Squadron‟s film collection, that dated up to 1957.
This included the RAF Film Unit‟s 1942 production of “Between Friends”, filmed at Biggin Hill in October
1942, and starred the Squadron pilots, all of whom are introduced by Joe Atkinson. The film crew had to
cope with scrambles, pilots wandering off to do a solo, overacting, engines suddenly starting up, bad
weather, and, sadly, the death of one pilot the day after they had filmed him. You see Station IO Ziggy
Zeigler, Adjutant Hal Tidswell, Raymond Dopere (killed on 23rd October), Johnny Wiseman, Andre Blanco,
Alan Davis, “Desmond” (as introduced by Joe) who may have been Henry Amor, Moose Evans, de Selys
Longchamps, Roy Payne (a good clarinettist), Howard Skett, Joe Spallin, J Astbury, Balbo Roelandt, Mony
van Lierde, Peter Nankivill, Babe Haddon, Fifi de Saxce, Tad Turek, Corporal Roland „Groupie‟ Walker,
airman Ernie Barker, Peter Raw and Tom Leslie. Various cameo roles are played, and you can sense that Joe
was not entirely at ease in his position as Master of Ceremonies! However, it‟s good fun. The Squadron was
mock scrambled, but, as their Typhoons were still on the secret list, a group of Spitfires are shown leaving
the ground instead. The RAF Film Unit was – or became – Boulting Brothers, who were the main post war
film makers in the UK for many years. They actually filmed Roy Payne belly landing his Typhoon after
bursting a tyre on take off, but this isn‟t in the film, and an irate Station Commander threw them off the
airfield! By the time that the Squadron saw the finished film on 1st March, seven of the original pilots had
been killed.
Some brief camera gun footage from the Battle of Britain is included, then comes an excellent, but silent,
colour film showing the Squadron going to Ta‟Qali in the summer of 1953. If not shot by, then certainly
compiled by, then CO Arthur Hudson. Captions give you the idea as to what is happening, but sadly no
names are given to anyone. The article above from John Collins needs to be read in conjunction with the
film. At one point Meteors are seen taxiing from the landing area down a narrow track, that linked Ta‟Qali to
another smaller airfield nearer to the coast, which I presume was where the Meteors were dispersed.
A brief film made by Yorkshire TV concludes the collection, depicting the Belgian Reunion of 1957. This is
all too brief, but I picked out Darkie Hanson and Maurice Voase. It doesn‟t show the amount of drinking that
must have occurred!
The colour film was thought to be on unstable nitrate based material, prone to spontaneous combustion, so I
hid it in the fridge for a bit! A film archivist assured me that 16mm film was never made of this, so it was
thawed out.
Although the films had been copied once before, the quality was not doing the raw material justice, so I had
them recopied professionally, and made into a master VHS tape, with several DVD copies. It is easier to
copy a DVD from a DVD, so we can make these copies available to our readers for the not unreasonable
price of £10 including copying, packaging and posting. If you would like a copy, please contact me at the
address shown on the Association Personnel Page near the back. I would like to bulk up any orders, rather
than handle them piecemeal, so a delay may ensue before you receive the goods. We can handle UK
cheques, made out to “609 (WR) Squadron Association”. If you are abroad, we‟ll have to work out the best
way of doing this, but get the order in anyway:
David Darley
……………………………………………………………………
14
The Re-dedication Service for the 609(WR) Squadron Room
The Yorkshire Air Museum, 26th August 2006
Twelve years after the Association opened the Room at the YAM Elvington, it had been spruced up, reorganised and tidied up for the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Squadron. To celebrate these two
events, we gathered for our third meeting of the year, and the second in the UK, at the Memorial Chapel at
11 am.
The event was made very much more significant by the presence of The Sovereign‟s Colour of the Royal
Auxiliary Air Force. 609 (WR) Squadron had paraded them the week before, and were given special
dispensation to retain them for a further week, to the benefit of our Service of Re-dedication.
P/O Alfie Hall was the Colour Bearer, flanked by Colours Escorts Sgt Bernie Janion and Sgt Ian Mackie,
with Flt Sgt Tec Pierce (acting W/O) and SAC Dave Lacy (Orderly) behind. SAC Pete Wilson and LAC
Dawn Gillott, who acted as Door Guardians, completed the Escort Party. The pairing of the last two made
me smile, for there was a fair discrepancy in their sizes. Dawn I would describe as petite; Pete is, well now,
lets see, ah, yes, I think that bigger would cover it. Yes, lots bigger, actually. He was about 1½ Door
Guardians, with Dawn comprising the remaining half. Had they been called upon to do their duty, I could
see Dawn attacking an enemy with the speed of a ferret, and after she‟d tripped them up, Pete could sit on
them! [Since then, with duty in Basra pending, four months of training with his Regular Unit has apparently
changed Pete’s shape significantly. He could still sit on an insurgent, though! – Ed]
This is being flippant, in as much as having The Sovereign‟s Colour in your possession, and on parade, is
tantamount to having Her Majesty actually present. They represent Her, and, even if the Colour Party has
absolutely no one else present to witness them carrying the Colour, they must still be treated with the full
respect that is due to our Monarch. Alfie Hall explained this afterwards, and I found the concept to be rather
splendid. The full ceremonial procedure is always adopted when the Colour is displayed, and carried, both in
private and in public.
Old Number One, Jim Thompson, was scheduled to give The Exhortation at the end of the Service, but with
10 minutes to go, he hadn‟t arrived. Daughter Lynn was driving around in the near vicinity at ever increasing
speeds, looking for Elvington, which, she, Mum Renee and Jim reached at about five minutes to the 11 th
hour! They just beat the Colour Party to the door of the Chapel. The latter had assembled in the area by the
609 Room, and marched round past the Hurricane, to the door of the Chapel. After Dawn and Pete had taken
their places, Alfie Hall brought the Sovereign‟s Colour into the Chapel, and presented it to Rev. Norman
Berryman, who placed the Colour upon the altar.
Order of Service
The Reverend Norman Berryman will receive the
Sovereign‟s Colour of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Opening Address
First Reading
Psalm 103 Verses 8 to 19
Air Vice-Marshal AFC Hunter CBE AFC MA LLB DL
Hymn
“Guide me O Thy Great Redeemer”
Sermon
The Reverend Norman Berryman
Second Reading
15
Philippians 4, Verses 4 to 8
Marcia Gadd
Exhortation
Jim Thompson
The Sovereign‟s Colour
is returned to the 609 (WR) Colour Party
Move to the 609 Room
The Re-dedication of the 609 Room
Jim‟s giving of The Exhortation was quite the most memorable that I have heard, and nearly did for me.
Underneath my tough exterior (ha!) there obviously beats a heart of jelly. Jim noted that he has read this
many times, so is able to deliver it with much gravitas. He did, too.
Being blessed with a cloudy but dry day, we assembled outside the refurbished 609 (WR) Squadron Room,
with the Colour Party in attendance. Alfie Hall noted that protocol demands that the Colour has precedence,
and should never be halted unnecessarily when being paraded. This was said in hindsight as, on their way to
the Squadron Room after the Service, the top of the Colour‟s pole had intercepted an overhead telephone
wire. This naturally arrested Alfie‟ s progress momentarily, to the consternation of the Escort, but “I kept
going!” Whether or not to the accompaniment of a „twang‟ as the cable parted, we know not, but the Colour
duly arrived, and was not trailing several metres of wire.
Brian Waite welcomed everyone formally, after which Rev. Norman Berryman blessed the Room, and the
memories of those whom it honoured. We were then able to inspect the new interior.
What a fine job had been done! Alfie Hall, Desmond Park, Norman Berryman, and Maurice Voase, with
helpers, had transformed the place. The carpet cleaned, extra paintings and photographs displayed around the
walls, and the central display now moved to the walls. This has freed up a large amount of space, and now
the Memorial Boards at the far end are in full view. Maurice has put new glass topped cabinets alongside the
left hand wall, and Bee Beamont‟s Typhoon panel is opposite: it is easier to read the names on it now. Mark
Crame provided new photos from the formation of the Squadron in 1936 up to 1957, and Alfie Hall selected
ones from new 609 to the present day. Dave Shaw helped Maurice to mount the pictures into the latter‟s new
frames, and put them into groups, labelled pre war, Battle of Britain, 1941-44, Victory in Europe, the jet age,
and new 609. Brian Waite then captioned each individual picture.
The whole aspect was most pleasing, and a credit to all involved. Yet to complete will be an audio-visual
display inside the door, an update of the Commanding Officers Board, and other updates and extras. It is the
open aspect of the Room that now strikes one, with the Memorial Boards now the focal point, as opposed to
being hidden behind the former central display.
We adjourned to the NAAFI anteroom for a buffet lunch, after which our new Chairman addressed the
gathering, and thanked Maurice for all his hard work over the preceding years. Brian then presented him
with a framed 609 (WR) badge, with an engraved citation of thanks beneath.
To the surprise of all but a few of us, Jim Thompson than addressed the gathering, thanking all those who
had done so much for the Association, for updating the Room, and for keeping alive the ethos and traditions
of the Squadron. He then called Squadron Leader Hilary Vincent-Philpot forward, as OC 609 (WR)
Squadron, RAF Leeming, and presented her with The James Thompson Memorial Shield. He wished that it
be awarded to a recipient to be chosen by the Squadron, as an acknowledgement of the worth and
achievements of that individual in the eyes of the Squadron Officers. Jim deliberately wanted to avoid
choosing the specific deed, action, or reason himself, preferring to let the Squadron decide.
16
You know, this fellow never ceases to amaze me. Jim can suffer very badly from asthma, and he might be
90, but, my word, you‟d never have guessed it from the manner in which he spoke, and his upright bearing,
with no need for a stick. Some people have a natural presence, and that is so with our Jim. Great stuff, Sir,
we much appreciated your presence, your words, and your presentation to the Squadron. It was shortly after
this moment that the airman kissed the CO!
After a group photograph outside, the party began to disperse. The event was planned and executed by our
Secretary Hugh Mulligan, who, with Brian and Maurice, liaised with Ian Reed, Head of the Yorkshire Air
Museum. The result was a really nice event, with the added bonus of seeing the 609 (WR) Squadron Room
in much improved condition. Thanks everyone; see you there in August 2007.
The Yeadon Stoop
Victor Titherington, assisted by Desmond Park, has been arranging this informal gathering for many years
now. Desmond gave me a note at this year‟s event that is worthy of the newsletter.
“In 1998, Victor Titherington was a founder member of the 609 Squadron Association at The Stoop,
Yeadon. He has paid for all postage over the years out of his own pocket. I have known Vic for many, many
years, both in the RAF and the Army. He has always been out to help, in many ways.
I propose that the Raffle that we hold should pay for this postage in the future. We have a little money in
hand, and we hope to keep going at The Stoop, with help from everyone, for many years to come. It is so
nice that we all get together.
Vic, thank you for all your good work over the past years.
Desmond”
I thoroughly agree. I have flown up to Leeds Bradford for a few years now, and always enjoy the gathering. I
think this year I managed to chat to everyone who was there. Brian Waite came along, Maurice and Janet
Voase were there, the 3609-ers were there, and in fact 43 people came! Dave Shaw couldn‟t make it, due to
ill health, and Hugh Mulligan was trapped by the need to work, but both sent their apologies.
Those whom I particularly chatted to were brothers Peter and Paul Gladstone, who, as they both smoke,
usually sit outside the area that we use. That‟s a pity. At least I am beginning to tell which one is which now!
Still, gentlemen, you can‟t smoke in the pubs after June this year, which means (I hope) that you can mix
with the rest, with odd breaks to nip outside for a ciggy. What I hope is that you still come, rather than give
up because of the smoking ban.
New faces to me were Mrs Jeanette Peters, widow of David Peters, who brought along friends Alma Rayson
and Rosemary Metcalf. John Preston, a splendidly be-whiskered Regular RAF man attended, with his friend
Sandra Marsden. Billy Block was holding up the bar, with Alf Jennings and Ted Crossley, whilst Jean
Graham was making her last UK appearance for 6 months, as she is going to see her family in Australia.
Dear Kathleen and Keith Gurney were present, although they had to go early, as did Phil Proudley. Pauline
and John Collins, dapper as usual, sat alongside stalwarts Sandra and Andy Marsh. Ken and Jean Hobbs
were with Cathy Pashby and Derick Weatherill. Alan Senior sat near Christine Titherington, Audrey Colton,
Bernard and Ruth Gomersall, Ursula Granahan, Roger Pettie, Marcia Gadd, Doreen Coombes and Eva and
Norman Dobell held up the 3609 end. Which leaves Peter Price, friend of the Gurneys‟, me, and two other
new faces, Brian and Joyce Teal.
I managed to get most people into the group photo, barring our early leavers. Desmond held his usual raffle
with military precision, and I won a bottle of wine. This I was happy to carry home with me, until I had a
thought, whilst Brian drove me to the airport. No liquids may be taken on board. Blast it! Needless to say,
Brian selflessly volunteered to help me out, by keeping the bottle for himself. It‟s good to have friends in a
crisis!
17
News from Belgium
Following the tragic death of Paul Libbrecht, our friends over there have reorganised themselves into a
Committee, the proposed structure of which has been given full approval and support by the UK Chairman
and Committee. I thought that you would like to see who they are, and what is proposed for 2007.
This first from Squadron Leader Brian Waite, Chairman, 609 (WR) Squadron Association.
“In my capacity as Chairman of 609 (West Riding) Squadron Association I am delighted that the Belgian
connection remains as strong as ever. Furthermore I feel I speak for all, when I state that we wish for it to
remain so. To enhance the connection and maintain the very close link, I fully endorse the idea of a Belgian
sub committee to oversee 609 matters in that country. Based on my discussions with Conrad, I understand
and support the following personnel to form this sub committee:
Lt Col Wilfried Van Linden-Chairman/Spokesman
Comd Conrad Roumieux-Secretary and Co-ordinator of Events
Lt Col (Retd) Dirk de Pillecyn-Historian
Mrs Diane Gijselinck-Lady Member
Poly Stevens-Belgian Air Force Liaison
Good Luck and Tally-Ho”
Since then, Poly Stevens hasn‟t been able to support the Committee as much as all had hoped, so essentially
it is the first four who form the nucleus.
The following is an extract from the Belgian Sub-Committee minutes of December 2007
609 Sqn display – Open Door at Berlaar Logistics Battalion – May 13th 2007
The Distribution Centre in Berlaar, that caries the name of Baron Van Zuylen, has invited us to set up a
display at their open door activity next year in May. It will be set up in the same way as we did last August
but now even bigger.
We will also be organising hand outs, in which we explain in short what 609 Sqn is / was all about and to
invite them to the website, to learn more about it‟s history.
The event will be finish with the Military Band of the Gidsen (60 musicians!!!), and a reception given by the
Mayor of Berlaar. 609-ers are most welcome to participate and help out on the stand, and of course welcome
for a “few” beers after enjoying the military band‟s performance.
Website 609 Sqn and Belgian input.
Ranks within the Belgian Air Force + pictures of them (done).
Organisation of the Belgian Air Force today (done).
The Belgian committee + names and pictures + e-mail addresses
Pictures of fully dressed mannequins of pilots outfits of RAF, US and German pilots during WWII,
and what special items they carried with them. These will also be on display during the Open Door
on the 10th of September 2007. These pictures will be taken from all sides + an information data
sheet will accompany each picture (done).
A link to the website of the Reserve Officers Mechelen who also carry a 609 Sqn chapter in their
website (done).
Action plan for the next 12 months and updates on this (done).
Review of activities and events in Belgium, for publication in Tally Ho (Ongoing)
Photographs of our activities organised from Belgium. Visit to the town of Bully article and others
we did in the past. (Held over for the next issue of Tally Ho – Ed).
Contact with current Belgian members (Jean De Bruyn, Albert Laforce, Cheval Lallemant, George
Jaspis, etc)
Diane and Wilfried will be doing this on a regular basis.
We have a monthly contact with Jan Vanden Briel (President Belgian Spitfire Club) that Conrad is
taking care of in order to keep each other in the loop and informed on things).
18
Mailing to all official contacts (letter from UK) with our intentions and new committee set up.
Dirk is collecting the data of contacts and we will be doing this before Christmas together with the signed letter that
confirms the ok coming from 609 Sqn UK regarding the Belgian 609 Sqn comity. We need a signed copy from Brian
and a few changes to the text. I (Conrad) will be in touch with Brian on this.
What other military quarters are they that carry names of 609 Sqn pilots?
Dirk has carried out an investigation. We know that the Logistic Centre of the Commando‟s or Rapid Reaction
Force in Leuven carries the name of Baron de Hemptinne.
The air force base in Florennes carries the name of Jean Offenberg, etc …
Next thing is to get in touch with them to see how we can be of use to them and them to us.
AGM in UK – 2007.
Will try for a jet to Durham Tees Valley airport, as per last year
Duxford – July 7 – 8, 2007 – Warbirds Air Show visit.
The Warbirds air show will be on our calendar for 2007 as a non-official 609 Sqn activity from the Belgian side. It
will be good to be able to use this as a tool to get people interested in 609 Sqn and war bird conservation and aviation.
Dirk and myself will be coordinating this. Hopefully a few members from 609 Sqn UK can join us there?
Activity in Belgium for active members / September 2007.
As there are plenty of activities in spring we decided to hold this “get together” later in the year. We are aiming to
invite the veterans and their family members for a day out to Kleine Brogel to visit the base and have lunch there. I
will be in touch with Peter Celis on this and coordinate with him on this event.
Pick up the contacts at Waremme to be present at the yearly function at the monument of 609 Sqn.
Wilfried will contact Benoit Duchene to see when the yearly do is at the monument. This to able us to be present at
this function as representatives of 609 Sqn.
Visit to Normandy – 2007?
Jean-Pierre Benamou has intentions to open up a new museum in 2007.
We met up with him when we visited Normandy last October and he told us that he had confirmation and
promises on half of the budget he is looking for to build this museum.
He will also be setting up an historical route/rally that people can take to visit historic places. B7 will also be
on that route.
A Belgian delegation of 609 Sqn will surely be present when this museum opens and hopefully some of the
UK members too.
Airfield B7.
We will try to get a plaque made engraved with a Typhoon, the name of 609 Sqn and the date the area was used by
609 and it‟s Typhoons. This was spoken about when we visited these places with Jean-Pierre Benamou and members
of 609 Sqn being present. It is now a wall of stone with no colour or life in it.
I have already asked the Bn in Berlaar to see how they can help us out through the Military channels.
Membership contributions.
We have asked Diane to do this, to collect the money and to send it on to the 609 Sqn account in the UK.
Passing the Torch – Middle Wallop / May 2007.
We are sending out the envelopes that we received from David Ince to each of the active members being George
Jaspis, Albert Laforce, Jean de Bruyn, Georges Watelet, and Raymond Lallemant.
We have offered them to pick them up from their homes, bring them over and bring them back to their doorstep. Dirk
and myself will be coordinating this.
Finally
Any questions then please contact us or myself. We all wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and will
surely raise our glasses on absent friends on New Years Eve.
Tally Ho !!!
Conrad.
19
Congratulations go to Conrad Roumieux, upon his promotion to Commander. I‟m sure that he won‟t be
getting any more pay!
Kolonel SBH Edwin Lauwers, our genial host, and OC, at Berlaar in May this year, has now left the
Logistics Unit. Brian Waite tells me that his new role is concerned with Recruitment and Manning Logistics
for the Belgian Armed Services, now based with the Defence Staff at Neder-over-Heembeck. Kolonel
Lauwers notes, “it is very different from my last assignment, but I am enjoying it”. Best wishes to you in
your new position, and thank you once again for your hospitality at Berlaar.
Alan Hayman, 609 website master, has created a Belgian section within the Association pages. The Belgian
Committee preferred to keep the site in English, rather than French, Flemish or any other language. The
history of the Belgian Air Force, and their ranks and insignia are now added.
General Mike Donnet, who presented a posthumous Croix de Guerre to the family of the late Bee Beamont
back in July 2003, had a surprise in October. On the 26th, he unveiled a life sized bust of himself, dressed in
flying kit, and seated inside the cockpit of Spitfire LF1X, MJ783, which is situated within the Royal Army
Museum in Brussels.
A Remembrance Service for the Belgian pilots, and those who served with the RAF, was organised on
November 1st at the Evere Cemetery, near Brussels. This moving occasion, in honour of those pilots who
died whilst defending their country, was attended by Comopsair Commanding Officer Major General Gerard
van Caelenberghe, as well as representatives of various Military Pilots Associations. The General was Guest
of Honour at our Summer Reunion at the St George Hotel, in June.
………………………………………………………………
A separate mailing from Secretary Hugh Mulligan will bring you details of the forthcoming events for 2007,
as regards 609 (WR) Squadron Association. He will be sending out the Membership Application form as
well. All those of you who have had my newsletters with a little „H‟ alongside their names are Honorary
Members, and need not fill these in. Mind you, donations are never refused. This is a Yorkshire based
Association, after all.
With quite a lot of articles held over, I‟ll see if I can get the next issue out a wee bit faster, and hope that you
have enjoyed this one. Thanks to all my contributors, and apologies if your stories have become a trifle
distorted in the telling. It‟ll be my age – Ed.
Postscript
On 6th January 1957, the rumour that the Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons were to be disbanded became fact.
The Squadron was grounded, and their aircraft were being dismantled by 12th January. Just four (see photos)
were allowed a final sortie over Yorkshire‟s principal cities. Dave Shaw: “They were frightened that we
might beat up every city in Yorkshire. We would have, too. With glee and anger.” A contingent of Belgians
came over in a BAF Dakota, to join in the farewell, which became a wake. Malcolm Hargreaves wrote later;
“…..is there no one in high places who realizes that the spirit behind the Auxiliary Air Force is priceless?….
Nothing could be madder than to discourage those who wish to allocate their spare time to serving their
country.”
On 4th March 1957, the whole Squadron went on Parade at Church Fenton for what (they thought) was the
last time. The Huntsmen of Bramham Moor Hunt sounded first “Tally Ho!” and then “Gone Away”. And
that was that.
However, what comes around, goes around. 609 was spared, and proved the worth of Malcolm‟s highly
prescient words. On 1st August 1999, 609 (WR) Squadron were reformed at RAF Leeming. They continue to
make history, in the finest tradition of Yorkshiremen and women, and of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
TALLY HO!
20
609 (WEST RIDING) SQUADRON ASSOCIATION 2007
PRESIDENT Air Vice-Marshal A F C “Sandy” Hunter, CBE AFC MA LLB DL
VICE PRESIDENTS
Sir J A "Joe" Atkinson KCB DFC
Colonel R A I F "Cheval" Lallemant DFC* C de G avec Palme
Brigade General Albert Laforce C de G avec Palme
Victor Titherington (email: [email protected])
Dave R Shaw (email: [email protected])
Maurice Voase (01757 704393)
TREASURER Mrs Rosemary Darley
1-B Birchett Road
Farnborough
GU14 8RE
Email: [email protected]
 01252 545221 (fax 01252 523002)
CHAIRMAN Sq. Ldr. Brian Waite
7 Beckwood
Spennithorne
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 5FB
 01969 625002
Email:[email protected]
SECRETARY Mr Hugh Mulligan
44 Carisbrooke Crescent
Etherley Dene
Bishop Auckland
DL14 0RW
 01388 607007
email: [email protected]
[Source of books, ties, badges etc ]
NEWSLETTER David Darley [as for Treasurer, plus mobile 07802 761397] email: [email protected]
CHIEF BELGIAN CONTACT
COMMITTEE
Mr Conrad Roumieux, Vogelstraat 37, 2580 Putte, Belgium
 Office: 0032 15 75 69 27
 Mobile 0032 475 475031
Email: [email protected]
Sq Ldr Brian Waite
Mr Hugh Mulligan
Mrs Rosemary A Darley
Sq Ldr Hilary Vincent-Philpot
Mr Desmond Park
Mr Al Parkes
Mr David Darley
(Chairman )
(Secretary)
(Treasurer)
(OC 609 [WR] Squadron)
(Committee Member)
(Committee Member)
(Newsletter)
Official 609 Squadron website: www.609wrsquadron.co.uk Webmaster is Alan Hayman
609 Publicity:
Mark Crame: [email protected]
609 Squadron Association details
 The Association has a combined membership of some 110 people.
 The Squadron‟s Memorial Room is situated within the campus of the Yorkshire Air Museum (YAM), at Elvington, near
York, and contains:
 The Squadron Roll of Honour boards, with a list of Commanding Officers.
 The Royal Air Force and the Belgian Air Force flags.
 A photographic history of 609, from its foundation in 1936, to the present time.
 The Orde collection of wartime pilots portraits
 A collection of prints and photographs, depicting aircraft flown by 609 (WR) Squadron
 The original side panel from Hawker Typhoon PR-G.
 Numerous other items of memorabilia.
 A Visitors Book, containing unsolicited praise, thanks and deep appreciation for the debt owed to 609 (WR)
Squadron, and all other Allied aircrew who fought in WW2, from people across the globe.
609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Squadron Leader Hilary Vincent-Philpot
609 (West Riding) Squadron
Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Royal Air Force Leeming
Northallerton
DL7 9NJ
 01677 457764 (direct line)
Fax 01677 457444
[Front cover: most of the aircraft types flown by 609 (West Riding) Squadron]
Stew Ward, Don Dransfield, Jack
Wroe (obit in previous issue) and
George Monks (ATC)
F/O Armand Francois Emile “Crick” Crekillie,
pictured in Normandy, 1944
Flt. Lt Geoffrey Stevens, Biggin Hill
1942, with Blitz, the doggy 609
Squadron mascot
Celebrating 70 years of 609 West Riding Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Over 170 members of the Squadron and the Association attended the four meetings held this year. Tally Ho!
MIDDLETON ST GEORGE
609 (WR) SQUADRON IN 2006
THE STOOP
ELVINGTON
BERLAAR
Where it all began: The first Squadron photograph, June 1936
Belgian Events, Autumn 2006
General Mike Donnet leaves his likeness behind in the
Spitfire LF1X cockpit, Royal Army Museum, Brussels
Berlaar Logistics Battalion Open Day, August 2006, with
609 display, mannequins and replica Dispersal flag
Comopsair CO Major General Gerard van Caelenberge leads representatives of Belgian Military Pilots Associations in paying homage to
Belgian and RAF pilots, who were killed in action during WW2. Evere Cemetery Air Force Memorial, Brussels, 1 November 2006
The Royal Auxiliary Air Force was disbanded in March 1957. That Day of Infamy was 50 years ago this year, 2007
The last flight, Sunday 11th February 1957. Sq/Ldr Big Dave Shaw leads F/Lt Frank Reacroft and F/Lt Jimmy Heath
in Meteor F8’s with F/O Malcolm Hargreaves and Yorkshire Post photographer in a Meteor T7 chase plane
Even before the last flight had landed, 609’s remaining Meteors were being broken up on the far side of Church Fenton.
“A” Flights guns have already been removed by RAF Regulars. All Auxiliary airmen had been stood down.