March 2010 Newsletter

Number 61
March 2010
Avro Tutor
Drone
Hawker Hind
Hawker Hart
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1
Hawker Hurricane Mk 1
Airspeed Oxford
Miles Magister
Fairey Battles
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 FB MkV
To correct my gaffe at the start of the
last newsletter, here is Air Chief Marshal
Sir Hugh “Stuffy” Dowding on the left.
Note that he has a modest moustache,
and that you can’t see up his nose.
Weighing in on the right is Marshal of
the RAF Lord Hugh Montague Trenchard,
father of the RAF. Above his much more
luxurious ‘tache you can peer quite
easily up his nostrils!
Thus are the differences between great
men easily identified.
………………………………………………………
Mabel and William Basil “Sandy” Sanders, seen here in a helicopter in October 2008, prior to a surprise flight over London.
Now they lie together peacefully in the Garden of Remembrance at St.George’s RAF Chapel at Biggin Hill.
…………………………………………………………………….
S/Ldr Pat Womersley, 609 CO 1947-1950, on left, with Air
Commodore Geoffrey Ambler (CO 1939, centre) and S/Ldr Bee
Beamont (CO Oct ’42 – May ’42) extreme right.
►
S/Ldr Pat Womersley in the cockpit of a Mosquito NF 32. Bee
Beamont used to come over and fly them to ‘keep his hand in’, but
rated them as “dangerous!” If Bee thought that, then be assured
that they were!
▼
Editorial
It has been a year since I put fingers to keyboard, for which there should be no excuse. Thus I will apologise,
and then crack on.
In the time away, the Association has held the 2009 Summer Reunion, the informal October gathering at the
Stoop, and plans have been laid for the 2010 events. 609 (WR) Squadron have deployed members to Cyprus
and the Gulf, whilst facing threats of financial cutbacks in both training and recruitment.
Sadly, we have lost several members of the Squadron Association, and as usual I shall try and do their
memories justice. Also, there are the usual snippets of information, details of the Squadron activities at
Leeming, plus membership renewal details, and application forms for the Summer 2010 Reunion.
Not long after the last issue came out, I received several animated corrections to a caption on the inside front
cover. I said that it was Boom Trenchard who was visiting 609. I should have guessed that I was wrong, when
I heard frenzied digging sounds. It was my father tunnelling out of his grave, so as to fetch me one round the
lug 'ole! Apologies to all, and thanks for my wise councillors. It was, of course, Lord Dowding. Trenchard
was graced with a bigger moustache, and you could see up his nostrils! Dowding has a more level nose, and
less fur above the upper lip. Sorry, Dad…….
The Esher Trophy
The saga of this trophy has rumbled on steadily for a couple of years. As a reminder, it is a bronze statue of
the winged Greek God Perseus, hand reaching for the sword in the scabbard at his left hip, the whole mounted
on a base of four Grecian columns. It was awarded annually to the most efficient Squadron in the Royal
Auxiliary Air Force. Presented by Lord Esher in 1926, the first recipient was 601 (County of London)
Squadron. It did the rounds exclusively between 602 to 605 RAuxAF Sqns until 1938, the contest being
resumed in 1948. 609 won it in 1954. We passed it to 500 (County of Kent) Sqn in 1955, who won it again in
1956. However, before they could be awarded the Trophy again, all the Auxiliaries were disbanded in March
1957. At which point its whereabouts became unknown.
Reading Leslie Hunt’s “Twenty One Squadrons”, the history of the RAuxAF, last September, I discovered
that the Esher Trophy had been sent to RAF Henlow, to be stored there pending transfer to the RAF Museum
at Hendon, due to open in autumn 1970.
I phoned Hendon, and spoke to one Andy Simpson, in the Department of Collections Management
Department. He described the Trophy in exact detail. It is in the secure strong room at the RAF Museum,
Hendon, in a large wooden chest, and it has been in the Museum since 1970. In the box. Out of sight.
Andy was on his way to a meeting, so was brief and curt on the phone. "Has it ever been on display?" I asked.
Never - lack of space, security, staff cut backs, collections safety criteria, vast collection, how to chose, (easier
not to display anything was the inference!); secure glass display cases required etc. was the crisp response.
Impossible. Quite impossible. As Jim Earnshaw rightly said, give anything to Hendon, and it never sees the
light of day again. "Would it be possible for any surviving Auxiliary Squadron winners to display the
Trophy?" Thefts, losses, been caught out before, huge risks, damaged in Mess pranks, only possible if a
locked safety glass display case that meets our strict criteria, might it be possible. "How about it being on an
RAF Station, protected by MoD Police, in a block with Regular Officers present, where there is no Mess?"
"Write to AVM Dye (I/C of said Dept – Ed) and set out your case. He's in the doorway now; wants me at that
meeting. Goodbye."
So we know where it is. Honestly, what's the point of keeping it in a box, unseen, for 53 years? You'd have
thought that they might publish a catalogue of items that they do hold, wouldn't you? Maybe they do, but I've
not found a way in. I didn't even know that this place existed at Hendon!
The only extant Auxiliary Squadrons who won the Esher Trophy are 602 (City of Glasgow) in 1929, 603
(City of Edinburgh) in 1938 and 1950, and 609 in 1954. 612 (Aberdeen), 600 (City of London), 606(Chiltern),
501 (Gloucester) and 504 (Nottingham) never won it. Other winners have no Associations, declining ones, or
no parent Squadrons.
On that basis, I suggested to OC Leeming, S/Ldr Jeff Metcalfe that making a pitch for it to come back to 609
for at least one year in four might be worthwhile. President Sandy Hunter knows AVM Dye, so between them
they might be able to liberate the Trophy from its box. Both thought that it was worth a try, so perhaps Lord
Esher’s Trophy may again see the light of day amongst the RAuxAF.
My searches threw up an amusing gentleman, one Joseph Merchant. He saw my last newsletter, copied to the
500 Sqn Assoc. Chairman. Joe was with 615 Sqn from 1954-57, who, as winners in 1953, had flown the
Trophy to 609 at Church Fenton in 1955. He corrected me over the name of their CO, who was actually S/Ldr
Bob Eeles, and not W/C Eles as I had written. Joe noted the strong family connection of the Eeles with the
RAF: Bob Eeles’ uncle retired as an Air Commodore in the 60’s; his nephew became a Station Commander.
Joe proceeded to wax lyrical about the Hendon situation. He was very pleased that the Trophy was found, but
“It could stay in its box for another 1000 years knowing those morons. I cannot say this more strongly. Such a
Trophy with such a history should be on display at Hendon, together with its written history, for the public to
understand more about our week-end boys and girls. But we have more chance of getting manure out of a
rocking horse!” He went on to mourn the loss of Churchill, who would have got things done – particularly the
BoB Museum, which in 1954 was planned to have been at Biggin Hill.
Obituaries
Rene Thompson sadly died in June, little more than seven months after her dear husband, and our Old No 1,
609’s first airman, Jim Thompson. She had a fall that necessitated a move into a hospice. Typically, she then
started to entertain her fellow patients with songs, having been a professional singer for almost all of her life.
She was buried on 3rd July, alongside dear Jim, in a quiet village churchyard close to their old home at
Barnby Moor.
I still get pleasure from just sitting for a moment, thinking about them. They were such a nice, genuine,
hospitable, entertaining and friendly couple. Both could talk for England, although I suppose old Jim did have
the edge! Once he had died, Rene would phone up, saying that as Jim used to, then she would do the same. If
Rosemary and I were passing, we were expected to call in for tea, which we duly did. Only once did this go
wrong, and only now dare I mention it. Cakes were offered in profusion, several tins were opened, but it had
been hot, the larder was warm, and the cakes were well on their way back to the essence of their creation. Talk
about mortification! Not just the cakes, but Jim and Rene too. Whilst being a bit disloyal to their memory, it
was a perfect illustration of our relationship with them. Rosemary and I both thought it to be hugely funny,
played the whole thing up as hard as we could, but in fun. They knew it, we knew it - and of course
sympathised - but we all knew that the story could be raised again at the next visit, without any risk of
offence. Yes, they were indeed a lovely couple, and Rosemary and I miss them very much.
……………………………………………
Mabel Sanders has sadly followed her recently deceased husband, and died in August, seven months after
Sandy. He had been “discovered” as a 609 Spitfire pilot at the end of 2008, but died a couple of months after I
had met him.
In somewhat shabby working clobber, I sat at the back of St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance at Biggin
Hill, whilst the Rev David Allonby once again undertook the pastoral duties. Sandy’s ashes are in the Garden
of Remembrance at the Chapel, and, as he was a pilot who had served at Biggin Hill, the Chapel permits
wives to be placed alongside their husbands. And now Mabel and Sandy are reunited forever.
At the reception afterwards, I was able to photograph Sandy’s log book again – initially, many shots were out
of focus. Thanks to daughter Wendy and son Michael for giving me the opportunity to pay my respects to
their parents, on behalf of 609 (WR) Squadron Association.
……………………………………………..
Though not known to anyone in 609, I personally wish to place here a tribute to a couple who kept my old
Dad company in his last years. I didn’t properly do my duty by him; his sister did her best, but Ron Newton
was the one person whom Dad came to rely on for companionship and conversation. Ron was ostensibly his
cleaner, appointed by his Home Care Team, but he soon became Dad’s batman! He was ex-Navy, but was
rapidly appointed to Honorary LAC in Dad’s eyes. Can’t remember the exact years that Ron filled his role –
has to be nearly 10 – but all of us relied on him to be around. His wife Janet wasn’t well, either, so Ron was
her carer, too. And my tribute to Ron is because Janet died in January after 43 years of marriage. I was
pleased to hear that the Crematorium was packed for her service.
Ron Newton is another one of those unsung heroes who looked after a sick partner, an aged parent, a young
widow, or a lonely neighbour. In paying that tribute, I know that this strikes a chord with several readers, and,
because of that, this small offer of thanks is made to you, and all the Ron Newton’s of this world, for doing
something that is beyond price.
90649 Squadron Leader Patrick Anthony Womersley DFC AE DL
I’d briefly noted his passing in the last newsletter. Mark Crame has, once again, unearthed details of his
career.
Pat Womersley was a pre-war pilot. On 6th July 1939 609 Sqn records note that one Mr P A Womersley had
been granted a commission in the Auxiliary Air Force as an Acting Pilot Officer, with effect from 29th March
1939. He joined 609 at Yeadon during the general mobilisation. On 27th August the Squadron proceeded to
its War Station, which was Catterick, but some of 609’s pilots remained at Yeadon. P/Off David Crook, G
Dodgshun, Acting P/Off Michael Appleby, Mitchell and Womersley received further training, but no flying.
For a month they played rugger and mixed hockey with some WAAFs, before being posted to the first
wartime flying course at No 6 FTS at Little Rissington, near Gloucester, where they flew Harvard Advanced
Trainers. Here they found themselves being subjected to the regular RAF way of life, which included drill,
bed at 10.30pm, and no private cars.
Pat was graded Pilot Officer on 9th December 1939, and, for some reason that I must guess at, reconfirmed
exactly as before on 4th May 1940. This must be because he was posted to fly Blenheim Mk V’s with 59 Sqn
around this period, and may have had to undergo conversion training to twins. They flew bombing sorties
over occupied France and the Low Countries until 1st April, when 59 became a general reconnaissance Sqn
under Coastal Command, reequipping with Hudson’s in July 1941.
Promotion to Flying Officer came on 9th December 1940, and to Flight Lieutenant on 7th August 1941. On
25th November, the Air Ministry announced the award of the DFC to Acting Squadron Leader P A
Womersley, AuxAF, No. 59 Squadron. He appears to have reverted to F/Lt after that, because on 1st July
1944 he was promoted from F/Lt to Sqn. Ldr. (temp)
I have no records of him until he was awarded a bar to his DFC whilst flying with 18 Squadron. This had gone
to Italy in 1943, converting to Douglas Boston’s, and staying with that campaign until September 1945, when
it moved to Greece, disbanding there one year later. His citation was dated 17th July 1945, and read: “S/Ldr
Patrick Anthony Womersley DFC (90649), AuxAF. No 18 Sqn. Squadron Leader Womersley has completed
much operational flying. He has displayed skill and courage of a high order and his determination to attack his
targets with accuracy, despite heavy enemy opposition, has set a fine example.
On one occasion when attacking the ferry terminals at Cavanella D’Adige, his aircraft was repeatedly hit by
anti-aircraft fire. Undeterred, S/Ldr Womersley pressed home his attack and successfully attacked his
objective. His exceptional qualities of efficiency and keenness have been well in evidence throughout his
operation tours of duty.”
Pat Womersley was appointed as 609’s CO on 1st August 1946; the Squadron initially flying Mosquito
NF32’s, and then Spitfire XVI’s. His command of 609 during this period has not met with much acclaim from
some to whom I have spoken. It seems that a very laissez faire atmosphere existed, and, as Dave Shaw told
me: “people turned up when they wanted to, and with most it was not very often. Or not at all. Discipline was
apparently non-existent.” Pat transferred to reserve (class A) on 3rd October 1949, when he relinquished
command to Arthur Hudson. “By then, 609 were very short of pilots and airmen. Hudson rescued the
Squadron by kicking out all who did not turn up, and installed some firm rules all round.” Pat’s war record is
at odds with this period, but it was peacetime, and perhaps he felt that strong discipline wasn’t required.
Pat had an extension of service for 5 years, from 1st August 1950, undertaking General Duties, and he
resigned his commission on 1st August 1945. When Dave Shaw and Malcolm Slingsby started the
Association in 1967, Pat Womersley contributed to the Yeadon Memorial, but didn’t attend the ceremony.
Sergeant Iain Lambie
Iain Lambie was born on 22nd May, 1910, in a place called Ystrad Rhonda, (in English, the Rhonda Valley).
At that time, his father was a doctor in the local Hospital, and the duties included giving medical assistance
down the mines when such was requested. Iain had slight memory of this period, but knew that he was
bilingual when they left, just before his third birthday. They then moved to Mansfield, where his father was
the Medical Officer of Health. He had a very happy childhood, though his father was called up towards the
end of the Great War. He had, and always valued, though solely for sentimental reasons, a large copper kettle,
which his father had brought back from the war, carrying within it a hibernating tortoise. His widow always
had a tortoise as a pet as I recall, though I don’t think it was the same one.
When he was 11, his father died. He went to live with his father’s sister and her husband and family in
Barrhead, near Glasgow. His cousins, Robin and Jessie Hutchison, took the role of elder brother and sister; the
eldest, George, I think, had left home by then. He regarded 163, Paisley Road, Barrhead, as his home
thereafter, returning for 1 week of the Summer Holidays each year throughout my childhood, and thus
ensuring that I enjoyed that house, too.
He went to Allan Glen’s School, and on leaving, went down to Yorkshire, and, on starting work as a trainee
manager at one of the best woollen mills in Bradford, he found the engineering that they had taught him to be
of great use. He stayed at G. Garnet and Sons until he retired, and then very soon after that, the mill closed.
In the 1930’s he led the life of a young man about the town, joining the Rover Scouts, the YHA and the
Cyclist’s Touring Club. Whilst Youth Hostelling, he met Kathleen Mary Goodwill, and soon, he and friends
of his, together with Kathleen and her brother Robbie, and friends of theirs, were going Hostelling together.
He married Kathleen in April 1939.
He joined 609 Squadron’s B Flight on 8th May, 1938, and Robbie Goodwill joined after Munich. Initially
they were photographers, then Armourers, changing because the Squadron changed to being a fighter
squadron. He served with the squadron at Yeadon, Catterick, Acklington, Drem, Kinloss; moved several times
between the last two, then Northolt and Middle Wallop.
Yeadon was where he started, but when the change to fighters came, there was not much need for
photographers, but there was a huge need for armourers; re-muster as armourers or leave was the choice. They
then started as junior armourers and learnt the business by doing it, as there was no time for going on training
courses. The sergeant was Teddy Coakes, who was a Senior Armourer, and he pushed them along so that they
were soon up to full effectiveness. As the squadron was getting ready to leave Yeadon, they were told that as
trainees, they would stay behind; but F/Sgt Teddy Coakes [later to become a Group Captain –Ed] pointed out
that the squadron couldn’t manage without them, so they went! By the time they were at Drem the whole
bunch were passed as Armourers, making them legal.
At Drem, the armourers were out in caravans to be near the planes, with a dozen men in each tiny one – fuggy,
but it was warmer than being outside in the bitter cold. One day, Iain went outside for a breath of fresh air, just
in time to see the first German plane being shot down, by 603 squadron.Whilst at Northolt he was involved in
the filming of a training film on arming Spitfires, and has been “starring” on TV, as clips from this film of
him servicing the guns of a Spitfire have been used in some recent productions about Spitfires. It would seem
609 got onto Spitfires right at the start of their use by the RAF.
Whilst at Middle Wallop they had several raids by German bombers. One day Robbie was off duty, but was
called over to assist in re-arming. He got into the White Horse lorry (requisitioned for the duration), to go over
to do so, at which point a raider came over and Dad watched, from a trench, the lorry driving furiously and
very erratically, as the tail gunner of a German Bomber shot at it. Iain always afterwards regarded the time at
Middle Wallop as the busiest and most strenuous of his life.
Then he went to Manby for training as a Senior Armourer Instructor. Again his knowledge of engineering
gained at Allan Glen’s School proved very useful to him. He was the only Auxiliary on the course, which was
slightly worrying, but was made most welcome by the regulars. Not only the only non regular, he hadn’t even
done the basic training course, and he asked to be allowed to do that first. But no there was a war on, so they
put him straight onto the lecturer’s course. However, he had worked on Spitfires from the start, and knew
more about arming Spitfires than the lecturers, and in fact showed the lecturers how it was done before the
course started.
In mid 1944 he went out to Sri Lanka, and enjoyed a very relaxed year there, as the aerodromes, built in a big
hurry because the Japanese were pushing westwards, were not needed much when the Japanese were fleeing
eastwards. Much of the time he was in charge of an armoury that was on a care and maintenance basis, and all
the airmen were looked after very well by the locals. He returned to U.K. after the war had finished.
He then settled back into civilian life, joining the Bradford Presbyterian Church, becoming in due course the
secretary of the Management Committee there, and later, an Elder. He was encouraged by various people
there to join the local Scottish Dancing club, and again, he became the secretary quite soon, and continued
being that, I think, until he retired. He also taught Country dancing – at that time, all the local classes were
taught by men.
He retired, and came to Scotland, as he always said he would, coming to live in Dunning. He joined the local
church, and became an Elder there, too. He also joined the Gaelic Society, An Commun, and set about
learning Gaelic. He joined the local Probus club soon after it had started, and it wasn’t long before he did a
stint as the programme secretary, and later as the chairman. He was an active and enthusiastic member, as he
had been in all the activities that he undertook.
He enjoyed family life, and played a significant part in the life of his grandchildren. They could go to visit at
Blaeberry [their final home –Ed] and enjoy being the only child there, (and being spoilt), as a change from
being one of four at home. His wife’s Alzheimer’s was very hard for him, as was her death; but before that,
they had had a very long, and very happy, time together.
Robin Lambie
937156 Corporal Bill Block
Daughter Margaret Collins contacted Hugh Mulligan, to tell him that Bill had died aged 88, on 12th May 2009.
I contacted Margaret to offer my sympathy, and to glean some more information about her old chap. She has
kindly sent me photos and memories, in great quantity. She had been typing up Dad’s history for some time,
and had reached 1950 – but he died before she could record his time with 609. I will publish his story in the
next issue, as it makes good reading.
Bill joined the RAF in September 1939. After 3 months at the Cardington Recruitment Centre doing square
bashing, he moved to the Weston Super Mare Aircraft Training Centre. He worked in the ration store until the
course began. Learning about maintaining Lewis guns and most aircraft components, he graduated as an AC1.
Posted to Aldegrove in N. Ireland to service Fairey Battles, he soon moved to a Polish Squadron at Manby in
Lincolnshire. Language barriers were overcome! He married Ruby in July 1941, then went on a Fitter 2A
course, passing out as an LAC, and was posted to Llandow in S Wales.
He sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, via Scotland and New York, in the Queen Elizabeth. Here he serviced
fighters, Anson’s, and Hudson’s that were used to train UK aircrew. Back to the UK in September 1944 for a
month servicing a type new to him, the Lancaster, at RAF Huntingdon, and then a posting via Sierra Leone to
Apapa, somewhere on the coast west of Lagos in Nigeria. Here he serviced Sunderland flying boats, loving
the place and the aircraft, until the war ended in Europe. Sadly required to sink most of them before returning
to the UK, he left the RAF in 1946.
Bill found work with Avro, at their factory adjacent to Yeadon, and converted many civil Anson’s to
hydraulic undercarriages. In late 1947, he started with an engineering firm that made printing presses, and he
remained with them until 1952. He then joined a firm in Guiseley, near Leeds, which made jigs to produce the
new Hawker Hunter. In 1953 he joined 609, presumably with long time pal Alf Jennings, and others.
This note from his daughter Margaret to Hugh Mulligan:
“Thank you for your kind note. It is just three months since Dad died and we are still feeling quite
empty not having him around. I think it must have been a few years ago that he brought Mum along to
The Stoop, and that would have been because he was unable to leave her at home on her own. Sadly
she had developed quite bad dementia, and eventually Dad gave up all his own hobbies and pastimes
and concentrated on looking after her. He did this for a good few years, and rarely complained, and was
devastated when she died in autumn 2005 - they had been together for over 60 years. Just after she died
Dad had a spell of radiotherapy, and that, combined with his grieving, took its toll on him, and he spent
a good while in hospital. However, despite all that, he rallied and actually had a really good year in
2007, coming on holiday with us a couple of times. Once to Malta (where he revisited some old haunts
from his time out there with the Auxiliary Air Force) and then he came to Menorca with us in June 2007
and thoroughly enjoyed himself. His great granddaughter Evie was born in August 2007, and he was
thrilled of course. He was quite well, and actually joined a gym in Yeadon, to try and keep fit, and he
would go up there a couple of times a week for a swim or a short session on the bikes or rowing machine
- amazing at his age.
All was going well until April 2008 when he had to go into Leeds General Infirmary for a critical major
operation to remove part of his bowel (which was constricted). It was a huge operation for a man his
age, and on a couple of occasions the hospital told us he would not make it through the night. However,
in true Dad style he rallied, time and time again, until eventually nearly 5 months later he went home,
but was very weak and had a colostomy bag.
The ironic thing is that he was just, in 2009, beginning to enjoy his life again. He had rejoined his
Model Boating Club (which he had previously given up to look after Mum). He also started going up to
his bowling club again and was driving, shopping, and generally looking after himself. That is why it
was such a shock to us to get the phone call on 12th May to say he had had a massive heart attack and
died almost instantly. Obviously all the previous trauma must have taken its toll on his heart. It was
comforting to us that he been in his garden, it was a lovely day, and he had been chatting to his
neighbours and they were with him when he died.
As you say, he was very much his own man, determined to keep looking after himself and doing the
things he enjoyed for as long as he could. No sitting around at home feeling sorry for himself; he was
always looking for a job to do to keep himself active and busy, and had taken up building his model
boats again. His last one was a model yacht designed by him from scratch, and not quite finished when
he died. We have found a colleague of his to finish it off and will take it for a sail one day soon.
Anyway, I do have his old copies of Tally Ho, which he always enjoyed. He was also writing his life
story, which he would dictate and I would type up for him. We only got to about 1950 but I will send
you a copy of what I have as you might find some of it interesting reading.
Could you pass on to Alf Jennings that I did try to ring him at the time Dad died, but always got a
Spanish message, and then after that I have been very busy sorting out his house and things of course.
We are just really coming to the end of all that. As you say, we miss him dreadfully “
Iain Lambie
Squadron Armourers, probably at Yeadon Camp. Iain Lambie third from left : is Robbie Goodwill here?
◄
Commandeered
whisky truck used at
Drem as Sqn. transport.
Still with 609 at Middle
Wallop, a German
bomber
tried
to
machine gun it as Iain
watched from a trench.
Armourers & refuelling
team
servicing
a
Spitfire at Middle
Wallop ►
▲
Kinloss was a detached post, requested by a Royal Navy
nervous about its safety at Scapa Flow. With no buildings available for
the 609 Armourers, they built their own ‘bothy’. Iain is on the left
◄
Iain Lambie joined 609 on 8th May 1938, probably ‘C’ Flight. He
served at Yeadon, Catterick, Acklington, Drem, Kinloss, Northolt and
Middle Wallop. He died in 2009, aged 99. The 609 Squadron flag lies
over its oldest member.
Bill Block
AC2 in 1939
Now a Corporal, in Canada during 43/44
Must be Canada; those are double glazed doors!
With 95 Sqn,
Coastal
Command
Victoria Beach,
Apapa, Nigeria,
in 1944-5
On Victoria Beach, Apapa: Bill is second from right
Curious how, over the ages, you can always tell an Englishman abroad
95 Sqn Sunderland over warships in Lagos bay. They never sank a U-boat, but
no merchant ship was lost off West Africa after they began flying there.
Rebuilding Avro Ansons at Yeadon in 1947. Bill on the right, pal Wilf Ede
is one of the others!
Phil Roe and Bill Block (right) working on a Meteor F8 at Church Fenton.
This is thought to be a Yorkshire Post feature article photo.
Derick Weatherill, Pete Brown, Bob Coombes, Alf Jennings and Bill Block,
Phil Raynor in wheelchair. Church Fenton Reunion, June 1st 1991
At the service for Bill, a eulogy was read by his Granddaughter Cathy:
“My Granddad, Bill Block, was a truly remarkable man. It sounds clichéd but he really did live his life
to the full; he had so many stories to tell us about his time in the RAF, his overseas travels, his time with
Silver Cross, and his early life with his wife, my Nan Ruby. We have hundreds and hundreds of
memories of great times with him and our family. Anyone who knew him would also know that he had
an amazing creative talent that came out in his design and his boats; we will treasure the boats that we
have, and remember fondly how useful his talent could be for his granddaughters! He once designed a
whole GCSE project for my sister Helen.
He was an exceptionally proud, dignified and strong man, who could be very opinionated but equally
very loving. Even up until the end of his life he was razor sharp, with a very quick wit that kept us all
entertained on many occasions. At 88 years of age he was as ‘with it’ as he’d ever been, and our friends
were always amazed to hear how he was chatting to me on Internet Messenger, or doing his online
banking or something similar.
I know that he loved us all very much, and I know he was very proud of all of us, as are we of him. He
doted on his Great Granddaughter Evie, and she will grow up hearing plenty of stories about him and
what an amazing, inspirational man he was.
The last couple of years had been hard for him, spending a lot of time in hospital, and we thought we
had lost him last April. However, in his own style, he fought back, and we have to be grateful that we
got extra time with him. I am especially thankful that he was able to attend my wedding, and finish the
sailboat he had designed from scratch, and named after little Evie.
He told us only a couple of weeks ago that he was worried about going back to hospital again, as he
really didn’t want to, and so, even though it’s hard for us all at the moment, we take comfort from the
fact that his passing was probably as easy for him as it could be, and he is back with his beloved Ruby.
He was much, much loved by all his friends and family, and we all feel his absence acutely. We will all
miss him very, very much.
Cathy”
When I last saw him at the Yeadon Stoop, in October 2007, it must have been post radio therapy. It was
obvious that the poor chap was pretty frail, and he had lost a fair bit of weight. He was in the company of
Peter and Paul Gladstone, and Alf Jennings, as I remember.
I admit to being surprised when he brought Mum along as well, a couple of years earlier. I now understand
why, but at the time I remember that he was much put out when the Association voted to allow ladies to join
the Annual Reunion, and resigned his membership as a result. Bill Block was always his own man, that I
knew! The talents that he also possessed remained hidden: he was obviously very skilled with his hands.
Hence 609’s aircraft benefitted from his talents. Despite his resignation, I began to send him my newsletter. I
work on the principle that, member or not, they are part of 609's history, so should be kept in touch with its
news and activities. His death is a sad loss for his family, and all of his friends.
2676609 Corporal Desmond Park
Oh Desmond, Desmond – I wish that I didn’t have to write your obituary. A great stalwart in the ranks of the
609 (WR) Squadron Association, hugely proud of his Squadron, and of the time that he served with it.
Desmond died nearly a year ago, on 6th April 2009, which reflects pretty poorly on me, once again. Right, my
friend, let me make amends.
I’ll start with my recollections. Ah, he was different! Trying to get him to smile for as photo was as hard as
getting me to buy a round of drinks. But he had a great sense of humour: just pretty nifty at hiding it! Crusty is
an adjective that could fit.
But is that fair? No, not really, though he did remind me a bit of my School Headmaster, a formidable figure
of a man, one Canon R C Howard. Canon Howard didn’t do a lot of smiling or laughing, and had an air of one
distinctly focused on what he had to do, what was right, and what was wrong. Desmond emulated him, albeit
not being quite as big as Canon Howard! They did look rather alike, too. But, like Canon Howard, it paid to
get to know both men. Only then did you begin to realise that there was a great deal of determination to do
any job that they undertook, and to do it to the best of their abilities. Always very professionally, and totally
reliably. This trait I saw in Desmond, but only as regarded his work for 609. However, as you will see below,
he was exactly the same in his other ‘lives’. Notably, both Canon Howard and Desmond would be swift to
offer thanks and appreciation for a job well done. Never flamboyantly, but sincerely, and succinctly put. This
shared attribute was thus worth more than praise from others. Desmond had high standards: if you met them,
he told you. Did wonders, that did!
And what to call him? 609 called him Paddy, being Irish, and others used Des. I soon sensed that he liked
neither, but was too polite to say so. I subsequently called him Desmond.
He was one of the ‘Gang of Three’ who has maintained the 609 Squadron Room at the Yorkshire Air Museum
over recent years. I gather that Desmond’s vacuum cleaner did many miles over the carpets. He, Maurice
Voase and Rev Norman Berryman would be at the YAM usually once a week, doing picture hanging, erecting
photo boards and cabinets, etc. Invaluable work, but not often recognised as such by the rest of us.
Our Association gatherings always had Desmond running a tombola-cum-raffle. I don’t think that he was ever
asked to do this, but it added a bit of gloss to the proceedings. He must have started this at the Stoop, for the
first meeting in October 2000, which he set up in conjunction with Victor Titherington. I did win a couple of
times, once stupidly taking a bottle of wine, then realising that I had to get on an aircraft to go to Heathrow!
Never mind, Brian Waite benefitted. Our Summer Reunions would also feature Desmond, his prizes and his
book of raffle tickets. He once gave me a book on the Spitfire, which he bought especially because “I thought
that you’d like it, and also as thanks for what you do for the Association.” A really nice gesture.
Yorkshire Evening Post Article
A pensioner who gave thousands of hours of voluntary service to policing is being mourned just three
months before his work was to receive royal recognition. Over 18 years Des Park, who has died aged
81, served as an unpaid volunteer at Pudsey Police Station.
His contribution had been acknowledged by an invitation from The Lord Lieutenant, to attend one of the
Her Majesty the Queen’s official garden parties at Buckingham Palace on 7th July 2009. But he died
last week, having returned home from hospital a week earlier after fighting ill health.
Mr Park, who leaves his partner of more than thirty years, Hilary Hufton, was born in Belfast in 1927.
As a 14 year old he served in the Home Guard as a messenger cyclist during the Second World War, for
which he was paid half a crown (25p today) a month. He came to England as a young man, and joined
609 Squadron RAF in 1948 with the rank of Corporal – Motor Transport Branch. Subsequently he
transferred to the regular army with the Leeds Rifles as a Sergeant in the Motor Transport Branch.
Mr Park had a wide range of employment experience after leaving the forces including as a driving
instructor. He was a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for 50 years. He also worked
in the shoe industry and was a crossing patrol warden at Richmond House School, Otley Road,
Headingley.
He joined Weetwood Crime Prevention Panel in 1991, and was its Chairman between 2000–2007. Mr
Park fulfilled many roles while working as a volunteer for the police at Pudsey – now part of the North
West Leeds Division. In February 2007 he became the unofficial North West Leeds division store
manager, providing assistance to the Crime Reduction officers, and assisting greatly during a major
move from Horsforth to Pudsey.
He single handedly set up the garage store, which contains all the literature, posters and equipment for
crime reduction. He routinely assisted with seasonal crime reduction initiatives. Mr Park worked from
7 am to 1 pm Monday to Friday, rarely took time off and always asked permission when he did.
Hilary told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Des’s police work was his life. When he was ill he was
determined to get better to get back to work”. His service record was significant for a police volunteer,
and he received three Divisional Commander’s commendations.
Mr Park maintained his service despite ill health in 2006 and 2007 and being seriously hurt in a road
accident while on duty last August. He was sent a personal get well letter from West Yorkshire Chief
Constable Sir Norman Bettison. Mr. Park was a member of the British Legion for many years, and
helped Crime Reduction officers and neighbourhood policing teams every year with the Poppy Appeal.
Inspector Mark Bownass of the West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“I was really impressed with Mr Park’s commitment and all his hard work over the years. You would
expect most 81 year olds to be starting to ease off a bit in life, but Des was here Monday to Friday,
giving his time for free, to do all sorts of jobs that help us keep neighbourhood policing officers out
there in our communities where they belong.
I could not speak too highly of Desmond. He was not only a colleague and a valuable member of the
crime reduction team, but a personal friend to many in the division. He was an inspiration to all who
knew him; his hard work, dedication and enthusiasm were second to none.”
Chief Inspector Elizabeth Bolton, who leads the division’s NPTs said:
“Des’s contribution to our work was absolutely invaluable. Volunteers in policing have a vital role to
play as part of the wider police family, and I would urge people to consider getting involved, and giving
whatever time they can to work alongside us. We are sure they’ll enjoy it, and they’ll have the added
satisfaction of knowing that their work is helping the police to tackle the important issues in their
communities.”
Mr. Park’s funeral was at Lawnswood Crematorium on Tuesday. A collection taken after the service raised
nearly £500 for the Royal British Legion, and Cancer Research.
609 (WR) Squadron were represented by OC S/Ldr Jeff Metcalfe, and Cpl. Andy Marsh. 609 (WR) Squadron
Association were represented by Chairman S/Ldr Brian Waite, Al Parkes, Victor and Christine Titherington,
Sandra Marsh, Phil Proudley, Martin Briggs, John Collins, Secretary Hugh Mulligan, Derick Weatherill,
Marcia Gadd and Ursula Granahan (3609), Peter Price and John Matley. The Police were represented by the
Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, plus two other senior uniformed Officers, and several in plain
clothes. The Model Boat Club were there in their green sweatshirts.
Six Standard Bearers carried the Union Flag, the Leeds Rifles Comrades Association, the Leeds Rifles Retired
Sergeants Association, the Royal Engineers, the Royal British Legion Pudsey and Farsley Branch, and The
Nuclear Veterans Testing Combined Services Association (a mystery, this one – wonder how Desmond was
involved?).
Meanwhile, at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Director Ian Reed had organised the 609 Flag to fly at half mast
outside our Squadron Room.
Desmond’s Eulogy
“We are here today to say goodbye to a truly remarkable man. We are all united not only in our desire
to pay our respects to Desmond, but rather in our need to do so. Today is a chance to say thank you for
the way in which he brightened our lives.
I think this memorial should be a joyful one and not a mournful one; we after all, have to bear in mind
who we are here to remember, and what he would have preferred. His passing has suspended reality for
us., I know that, as humble as he was, he would have been proud and overwhelmed to witness this great
turn out in his honour today. We have lost a loved one, a friend and a valuable colleague, and will all
need time to adjust to this. Desmond meant many things to so many people; he was well loved and
respected by everyone who knew him.
I met Desmond in October 2003. At that time he was the Chairman of Weetwood Crime Prevention
Panel, and I had just taken up post as a Crime Reduction Officer. I quickly discovered what a genuine,
proud, enthusiastic and extremely kind man he was. There was never a task too great or indeed too
trivial for Desmond, as whatever was asked of him was instantly taken onboard, and he would always
say: “No problem lads, leave it with me”. We could rest assured then, whatever it was would be done as
soon as possible and to the best of his ability.
During the heavy snowfalls recently Desmond, to our amazement, turned up for work. He apologised
for being late, explaining that he couldn’t get his car out, so had come on two buses, which had taken
him nearly two hours. When we foolishly suggested that he should have taken the day off he replied:
“I’ve got loads to do, I can’t sit at home all day.”
Desmond was in fact as stubborn as a mule. He would take any advice that dared to even suggest that he
‘slowed down’ or ‘took it easy’ as a personal insult, even when he was quite clearly a very poorly man.
In light of this Inspector Mark Bownass, to his peril, tried his best to persuade him to cut down on his
hours; it was of course to no avail. The boss remarked: “he’s a stubborn old so and so isn’t he?”
Indeed he was.
Desmond was a member of the Leeds & Bradford Model Boat Club, and last year we accompanied him
to Yeadon Tarn to officially launch his boat, the ‘Tally Ho’. We all stood smartly to attention on the
jetty whilst it was carefully placed into the water. Afterwards he insisted on treating us to a hearty
breakfast in celebration. I’m sure the Crime Reduction lads will remember that day with fondness.
He was involved in many charities, including the Annual Poppy Appeal. Being an ex-serviceman and a
member of the Royal British Legion, it was something he cared passionately about. He served in the
Royal Air Force, 609 Squadron, and later in the Army with the Leeds Rifles. I know this was something
he was extremely proud of, and he attended many functions in support of both. He recently told me that
Remembrance Day was his favourite day of the year and, to my knowledge, he never missed paying his
respects at the Cenotaph, immaculately dressed in his blazer and medals.
In recognition of his 18 years loyal service as a Police Volunteer, Desmond received a personal
invitation to attend her Majesty the Queen’s Garden Party this July. I know it was an event he was
really looking forward to taking Hilary to, but sadly fate has intervened.
I truly believe that he is ‘up there’ now helping God to organise things and assisting, like he did in life,
in any way he can. Desmond, we will all miss you deeply, but you’ve suffered enough my friend, and
now deserve to be at peace. Thank you for all the lovely things you’ve done throughout your life, we will
never forget you.
Take care mate and God bless”.
Letter from Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Gerald Jarratt, addressed to Peter Price
“Thank you for the photographs and your kind letter [concerning Desmond Park’s funeral service –
Ed]. I shall take the photographs to our next meeting, and if any of the Standard Bearers would like a
copy I will print some.
Desmond will be sadly missed. I feel his loss greatly since I have known him since 1954, when I joined
the Leeds Rifles. Latterly, he and I were the only ones still wearing our rifle green uniforms on
ceremonial parades, when he carried out his duties of Orderly Sergeant. ‘Bligny Sunday’ will not be the
same without him.
I am pleased that 609 Squadron remembered him. If my memory serves me right 609 was a Typhoon
rocket firing squadron which did outstanding work in support of the army.
I am sorry not to have had my photograph taken with the lads, but I was busy renewing friendship, and
all too soon it was time to enter the Chapel. What a marvellous attendance! He was given the very best
of send offs, and that is some consolation.
I will pass on your thanks; meantime I send you my best wishes for good health and for your future.
Yours sincerely etc.”
From Victor Titherington:
“What a blow it was to me was the death of Des. He was the first person I met when I reported at
Yeadon to join 609, and I have been close to him ever since. We both served in "The Leeds Rifles” when
609 was disbanded.
His service number of 2676609 stems from his brief time in 2609 RAF regiment, whose letters began
2676…. When he transferred to 609, this went on to the end of the 2609 number, replacing his Regiment
number.”
From Dave Shaw:
“He was always Paddy to all of us in 609, as Scots were Jock and Welshmen were Taffy. Probably
politically incorrect in today’s daft world, but as with all nicknames then it was an expression of
affection.
Paddy Park always hid himself behind a very gruff exterior, with very few words and not too many
smiles. But behind that was a slightly shy but very determined man. If he decided that something was
worth doing, he did it fully and perfectly. And like all of us he loved the camaraderie of territorial and
auxiliary units.
About twelve years ago we post war lot decided that the Association had little interest in anything post
war, and so we formed the October gathering at the Stoop. The idea started when Malcolm Hargreaves
was staying with us here in Menorca. It was approved by all and Paddy, together with Vic Titherington,
took over the organisation. And he has done it ever since with quiet efficiency, as he did everything.
I am not certain where it came from, but Paddy became our official camp hairdresser. We had the usual
Cocktail party for the station staff, and our CO decided that some of the officers looked a bit scruffy. So
Paddy was brought in. No end to his skills.
He will be sorely missed by us all”
Desmond’s partner Hilary Hufton mentioned to us that whilst Desmond was proud of his time in the Leeds
Rifles, 609 had pride of place in his affections. You could probably guess that from his naming his last model
boat “Tally Ho!” Seems as though this Yacht Club, mentioned above, was well kitted out with all mod cons.
Desmond had been with them for the last three years.
I was sent several photos of not only Desmond’s funeral, but also another interest – budgies and parakeets. He
had two big aviaries in the garden full of the little twittering birds. Then I was sent pictures of model aircraft,
all carrying 609 numerals on them! No, not Spitfires, just bitzas.
Desmond’s daughter Alison attended the service, having flown from Switzerland. She and Hilary are left with
lots of pictures in albums, lots of Tally Ho’s and lots of memories. So let Desmond have the final word on his
times post war.
Desmond on himself
“Leaving the RAF Regiment 1947, I made my way to 609 Squadron. I was a Corporal MT at Yeadon. In
1950 we moved to Church Fenton. Very happy days.
609 were disbanded in 1957. I then spent 1 ½ years with RAF VR then made a move to 7th Battalion West
Yorkshire Regiment (Leeds Rifles). Victor Titherington was in 8th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment
(Leeds Rifles). Victor was a BSM RA. I was a Sergeant. We spent very happy days in the Sergeant’s
Mess. Young Dave Shaw was a Captain with the 7th Battalion.
In 1979 went back to 609 Reunions and have continued with them every year so far.”
Ray Farrar
This is one gentleman whom I haven’t come across before. Ted Crossley alerted Dave Shaw to Ray’s death in
December 2009, and has subsequently told me a bit about him. Apparently he was a good friend of pilot Don
“Bushy” Dransfield in the early 50’s, being a fitter/instruments. Ray was a bit unusual in having been with
609 before doing National Service, and then returned to the Squadron after serving his two years. I presume
that he left the RAF, and was then called back for National Service.
Ted remembers Ray as a cheerful little fellow, but, when he visited him in a BUPA care home last year,
couldn’t recognise him. Ray had Alzheimer’s disease, and was a shrunken little figure, slumped in his chair.
He just about recognised Ted, and enjoyed the photos that he brought along, but declined the RAFA
magazines. It’s a cruel disease.
Ted sent me a photo that coincidentally includes Bill Block. Would any reader care to tell me more about Ray,
and how he may have been related to Jack and Stanley Farrar, also in 609. Can’t have been unrelated, were
they?
Tale Spin 1
Joe Oddie wrote me a note in July, thanking me for noting the passing of her Mum, June, who was the widow
of the rather larger than life 609 pilot Geoffrey Stevens. Jo has been going through her parent’s files, and
thoughtfully sent me some clippings from wartime Daily Telegraph’s, that related to 609. Bee Beamont’s
award of the DSO was one, in which he was described as “The master pilot of the Typhoon aircraft” as well as
an “outstanding leader.” Another article revealed for the first time how the Typhoon was being used, and
featured combat reports from 609. There was a photo of Typhoon R7617 with no visible Squadron letters,
with the concluding part of the cut-off caption reading “Munday is seen rig…..” and that’s it! A pilot in a
white flying suit is standing near the Typhoon with an airman, but nobody is rigging anything! Probably not a
609 machine; possibly a factory one, as the pilot has those white overalls.
……………………………………….
Ted Crossley noted that he was in the original 609 Squadron Association as a founder member. This puzzled
me a bit, but it seems that the first meeting of the first Association was at the Lawnswood Arms in Leeds, in
the autumn of 1957.
It seems that the founders were a group of local ex-609 airmen, who wanted to keep in contact with each
other. (Ted said that he never missed a meeting, just as he never missed a weekend at Church Fenton.) Darkie
Hanson would attend, and introduced the car badge for 609, that was produced in small numbers. Seems that
Darkie’s family ran a foundry, so cast a few badges. Ted donated his to then-Secretary Archie Graham, and
his widow Jean then passed it to me. It is now in the 609 Squadron Room Display case.
It was in 1967 that Dave Shaw and Malcolm Slingsby formed the Association as we know it today.
….………………………………….
Desmond Park
Desmond in 1955 clipping Peter Hodgson
Desmond, 81, with PC Danny Dance, Leeds Civic Hall
In his Leeds Rifles uniform,after 609
Desmonds models: three flying models, all labelled ‘609 SQ’, and his model tug in 2008 on Yeadon Tarn. Its name beside the ships bridge is ‘Tally Ho!’
◄Desmond seems
to have invoked
Police Protection for
the launch of Tally
Ho!
In
yet
another
uniform, Desmond by
the Yeadon Tarn
model boat house ►
His two aviaries and a decent garden shed flank Desmond, enjoying lunch at the Yeadon Stoop in September 2005. Got him smiling, too – quite an achievement!
Desmond with Hilary at the
Elvington Reunion in 2008, with
his usual self organised raffle.
He wasn’t at all well then, so I
let him off the smile. ►
What a man – never anything but
busy! Working for Crime Prevention,
609, his birds, his model aircraft,
model boats, the Leeds Rifles. He
leaves a big gap in all our lives, for
the world has lost a great character.
Tally Ho!
Union Flag, Leeds Rifles Old Comrades, Leeds Rifles Retired Sgts, the Royal Engineers, Royal British Legion and Nuclear Veterans Combined Association
Standards
Lawnswood Crematorium, 14th April 2009. The Association was well represented. Centre: Ursula Granahan, Jeff Metcalfe Brian Waite and John Collins in the
Chapel entrance, Derick Weatherill with back to us talks to Marcia Gadd, Sandra Marsh with back to us talks to Victor Titherington, Al Parkes and Hugh Mulligan.
Right: Marcia Gadd (3rd from left), Christine Titherington, Hugh Mulligan, Andy Marsh, Phil Proudley, John Collins and Jeff Metcalfe
Ray Farrar
Celle Summer Camp 1955: Cpl Jackson, Pete Brown, Ronnie Blakey (Yo-Yo), Jack Taylor Ray Farrar and Bill Block. RAF issue cigarette holders, perhaps?
Lest we forget
Jean de Bruyn
David Linacre
Bob Windle
Harry Myers
Ron Wright
Their Obituaries will be published in the next Tally Ho!
Paddy White
Was A Haslam Wood 609’s first airman? Jim Thompson was 809000, no question about that, so has to be the
first. Mark Crame’s now defunct web site gives Haslam’s service number as 809001. Logically, ‘1’ means
first. Not to the RAF. ‘0’ means ‘1’. Bonkers, but there you are.
Yet at the formation of the ‘second’ Association in 1968, Dave Shaw remembers that Haslam was thought to
be No 1, [in a way, he was! – Ed] and that “we had a lot of people about then at all levels who would have
known. Starting with Harald Peake, and the Earl of Lincoln. [Certainly, ‘Under the White Rose’ confirms this
belief, twice – Ed] On that firm basis Haslam Wood was invited to be a Vice President. He volunteered for
WW2 as an airman, was commissioned in the war, and became an armaments officer with HQ Fighter
Command, ranked Squadron Leader. Having a small glass manufacturing business in Wakefield, he latterly
produced sets of commemorative glasses for us, either for the launch of the Association, or Frank Zeigler’s
book. I still have the proof set in different colours.” [I have two in white – Ed]. Later, Haslam Wood became
Chairman of the East Midlands Gas Consultative Council.
………………………………………………………..
604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron Association has taken the sad decision to disband. The Chairman
Mike Allen announced this in the January 2010 edition of their Newsletter. They will distribute the remaining
copies of the Squadron History, written by Ian White, within the membership, and then send the remaining
monies to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
They won’t quite fade away. In 2000, 604 Sqn Association was invited to become affiliated to that of 600, and
this offer was gratefully accepted. 600 (City of London) Sqn was reformed at Northolt on 1 Oct 1999 as an
HQ Support Sqn. They have been as involved in the Gulf, as have 609. 604 members will continue to enjoy
the hospitality of 600 for as long as they are able.
It is very sad when such decisions have to be made. I was invited to be guest speaker at one of their Reunion
lunches, and felt most honoured. No bread rolls were thrown, either! Best wishes to them and their memories.
…………………………………………..
Summer Reunion 4th July 2009
As is now becoming the norm, a goodly group on Association members gathered the night before. Not quite
Godly, merely goodly. Once more at The Parsonage Hotel at Escrick, about 10 minutes away from the
Yorkshire Air Museum. The journey up (down for Northerners!) for most people seemed to be easy. The
previous year we had been prevented from getting into the Parsonage for a while, as a large boat fell off its
trailer outside the place, blocking the way in.
Rosemary and I had been entrusted to meet Sir Joe and Charlotte Atkinson at York Station. I hadn’t allowed
enough time to look at the superb Railway Museum that is attached, but intend to correct that in 2010. After
we had signed in for our rooms, most of us descended upon the bar or lounge, dependent upon the need for tea
or beer!
Charles “Pud” Crowther was with us again for the weekend. Still very deaf, but always appearing to enjoy
what was going on, and happy to hold bellowed conversations with the other attendees! In the past, his son
Peter has brought him along, but though he lives 5 miles away from to his Dad, Peter needs regular dialysis
treatment. So daughter Susan and her husband Leslie Ironside brought Dad this year. Turns out that Leslie
was at school and in the CCF with Sandy Hunter, and knows Wilma Hunter as well. He hadn't seen the
Hunter’s for over thirty years, and so the 2009 reunion was a chance to have a secondary reunion, and to catch
up with old times. When informed of their attendance, Sandy responded: “Ah, Tinribs! - I look forward to
seeing him!”
We are given a private room for our dinner, either out of deference to our importance, or to keep us away from
the wedding celebrations taking place in the ballroom - or most probably to hide us away from other guests!
The ladies were a bit slow to come for pre-dinner drinks, as Something Important was happening on “Strictly
Come Dancing” at the same time. Gin and wine do exert a strong pull, though, so eventually we were all
present, and could eat.
I’m sure that Brian Waite greeted us, said something deeply edifying, and expressed his belief that it was
going to be a grand weekend, and so on. Trouble is, it’s too long ago, so the Editor’s usually masterly
recollection is a total blank! The photos will tell the tale. I do remember that it was a thoroughly enjoyable
event, and really nice to meet old and new faces. Susan and Leslie Ironside being two of the latter, whilst Alan
Senior came along with his son Peter, who had not been before. In all, we had 30 people attend the Friday
evening bash.
The Saturday is always a crossed fingers day, as it is upon the state of the weather that the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight Spitfire decides to fly, or to remain in its hangar. It looked pretty iffy the night before, but
God did bless his goodly crowd, and the weather turned out just grand.
Last year we were absolutely delighted to have the Spitfire replica PR-A present, built by the Ripon Branch of
the Royal British Legion, under the Chairmanship of Howard Whiting. Sadly, Hugh Mulligan received the
following just prior to the day:
“Hello Hugh,
Have just arrived home from Doncaster with the Spitfire. Mike, my engineer has had an accident and
ended up in Hospital. I am therefore unable to attend the reunion, and hope you will understand when
I add that my wife is also very poorly. Have a great day and who knows, we will met soon.
Kindest regards
Howard Whiting MBE
Chairman
Ripon RBL”
Thus Sir Joe Atkinson didn’t get to see his Spitfire again. What a shame. We trust that Mike and Howard’s
good lady have both made good recoveries. Since then, great trials and tribulations have befallen the Spitfire,
of which you can read in the next Newsletter.
From the sepulchral gloom of the previous year, when we held the AGM in the cinema, we were permitted to
hold 2009’s presentation in the Chapel. After gathering for tea and coffee from 10-30 am, we began the AGM
at 11 am. I give the essence of the proceedings below: Secretary Hugh Mulligan has the full version.
Chairman S/L Brian Waite opened the meeting with a request for a minutes silence to remember absent
friends. He requested that we particularly remember those who have passed away since our last meeting:
Reverend Norman Berryman led our prayers to our absent friends.
Jim and Rene Thompson.
Desmond Park.
Bill Block.
Geoff Slayton.
Eric ‘Ted’ Watson.
June Stevens (Widow of Geoff Stevens)
Bill ‘Sandy’ Sanders.
Ron Wright.
Apologies for absence were noted. One not able to make it was Cpl Wally Dixon, ex-A Flight, who wrote:
“Sorry, I will be not attending the 4th July meeting as my walking ability is limited. [He was playing
golf aged 92!-Ed]
My memory of the first parade in Leeds is vivid, and how proud we all were to march with fixed
bayonets. And how we drilled under F/S Vaux (Discip.) to get that last click. [It was on one such
parade that The Earl of Lincoln became lost, and had to halt the parade in order to ask for directions to
Leeds Town Square! –Ed]
Please convey my regards to all present on the day.”
Wally Dixon
Wally and Danby Barber are our surviving A-Flight members, whilst A W ‘Bill’ Smith and Tommy Webb
represent B Flight. Pud Crowther is the baby – he was a late pre-war entrant to C Flight!
Others not able to come were John and Marjorie Crick, who had attended in 2008. Marjorie was then in a
wheelchair, but is now sadly even less mobile. John wrote Rosemary and me a nice little note:
“I regret that we are unable to attend the Reunion this year, as Marjorie is almost house-bound, and
rarely ventures further than the local shops.
I wish all success for July 4th and thank you all for what you do for 609 Squadron. Tally Ho!”
Thanks to his daughter Diane Cromwell, Danby Barber was able to attend. This meant that Danby was
Senior Member on the day, with Pud Crowther completing the pre-war group. Regrettably, Tommy Webb
wasn’t able to attend this year. Anyway, I digress: back to the AGM.
Chairman’s Report.
“Since we last met, I, as Chairman have dealt with a real mixture of emotions, tasks and a little
frustration. One is always touched with great sadness when you lose Association Members who have
appeared to be omnipresent at Reunions, the Stoop etc. The place is emptier without Jim Thompson and
Desmond Park. Sadly I report that Jim’s widow Rene died last week, and was buried yesterday.
But, they would not have wished us to dwell on the ways of the Grim Reaper, and their positivity and
utter dedication to 609 make it easy to understand why we are such a special group of people. And,
more importantly, it is why it’s imperative to keep the memory of those that have gone before always in
our thoughts.
This year has witnessed significant progress in many areas. Your Committee has worked tirelessly to
ensure the Squadron enjoys the recognition it deserves. Particularly, the liaison with the Yorkshire Air
Museum here at Elvington has moved forward in leaps and bounds. Witness the re-painting of the
Spitfire, the promise of a DVD presentation in the 609 Room, and the planting of four beech trees here.
Finally we have developed an arrangement with the Archivists of the Aircrew Association here at
Elvington to officially store our historical documents, thus relieving many attics of material as well as
giving the opportunity for research.
I will also mention that on checking the Visitors Book for the past year that 20 different nationalities
have visited our room, from as far afield as Australia, Brazil and Russia.
The liaison with the current 609 Squadron has progressed significantly this year. I meet regularly with
Jeff and was invited recently to give a Squadron history brief to basic recruits. Jeff will give more detail
of their activities during lunch, but we must never forget that current reservists have served in Iraq this
year, and as I speak one is now in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
A delight was ‘finding’ Bob Windle, a Meteor pilot who was very active with the Squadron Aerobatic
team in the 1950’s. He served with 134 Squadron in the Far East during the war. We found him in the
British Legion home at Ripon and he kept Hugh and I entertained for over 2 hours. His story of his first
combat against a Japanese Zero was worth the entrance fee alone.
We also found a 3609 Squadron Trophy, presented to the Officers Mess RAF Sandwich. This was from a
tip off from Ian Stafford, which led in turn to David Darley successfully bidding for this item.”
Brian then dwelt upon the perceived problem with the 609 Memorial Plaque, which was made at the founding
of the Association in 1967, and placed in the bar of Leeds Bradford Airport. This has pinged around the
building as successive refurbishments necessitated, even being dumped into an airside storage unit for a year
or two. Though old and lacking a modern appearance, it has survived the ravages of time pretty well, though,
along with memorials to the once adjacent Avro factory workers, a local VC, and Nelson Mandela, it is rather
hidden. It was still there last October, and bits weren’t dropping off it!
For a few months prior to the AGM, heated discussions over its actual state, who did or didn’t care about it,
and who was going to do anything about it, proved to be very disagreeable. The conflicting stories also
confused a good number of members! However, the Airport Management have secured planning permission
to markedly extend the airport infrastructure, and have promised to not only move the Memorials to a better
spot, but to bear any reasonable cost to restore the 609 Memorial to its original condition, prior to any move.
They only need to find the new traffic to generate income, and to raise the capital to achieve their plans. The
push to gain this result came as a result of the combined efforts of several Association members who put in a
good degree of effort to persuade, cajole, convince, and ultimately win over the Airport Management to 609
(WR) Sqn Association’s way of thinking. Right, back to the script!
“In sum it has, overall, been an excellent year and I conclude my report with my heartfelt thanks to the
Committee, Hugh for his meticulous and tireless work in making days like to-day work, Alan for his
support of Hugh, David for his continuing to compose and produce the superb Newsletter, to Rosemary
for ensuring that we are more than financially sound. Finally Sand,y your President, is behind the
Association a major support to us all and in many areas we have a lot to thank him for.”
Treasurer’s Report.
“For the 2008 financial year we have made a small surplus of £987.55. Although the income received is
lower than last year our expenses also decreased. Income from the purchase of ties and badges remain
an important contribution to our funds. As I mention every year the main income from the Association
comes from member’s subscriptions, so anything you can do to encourage your eligible friends, not only
from the pre 1945 times with the Squadron, but also post-war and our new 609 representatives, to join
us all the better.
I reported last year that paying subscriptions by Standing Order had proved popular but, in something
of a mystery, a number forms had not been implemented. We identified who these people were and asked
again in the last Newsletter for members to check their arrangements and this has initiated a good
response and those who are paying by this method now number 38. Total membership no stands at 228
of whom 74 are Honorary Members.
On the debit side costs for postage and stationery are the most expensive item. The Newsletter Editor
continues to fund publication and postage of his magnificent tome, for which our grateful thanks, as the
Newsletter is key to keeping everyone in touch with other Association members.
As at 31 December 2008 the financial details are:
Total Income
Expenditure
Cash at Bank
£2,743.62
£1,756.07
£6,875.40
Rosemary Darley
Honorary Treasurer
609 (WR) Squadron Association.”
Election of Officers.
The Chairman reminded the members that the Constitution of the Association provided for Officers of the
Association to hold office for three years. He therefore requested if no objection from the members that the
existing Officers and Committee be re-elected. You can see who to shout at on the inside back page of this
newsletter!
Belgian Report.
This is a précis of their report, via Conrad Roumieux:
“I, on behalf of everyone here in Belgium, would like to thank again our veterans for what they have
done and achieved, 65 years ago, during the dark days of WW II. June 6th 1944 was the day that the
allies set foot on to the French soil; that was the start, and the result of our freedom today. We must
never forget and always remember what these young but determined lads did. It is now our role and
duty to pass on the many stories to the generations to come. The ultimate goal is for them to realise that
history may never repeat itself and to make sure it will never do.
I would also like to thank the members of the 609 Sqn Belgian Branch committee as well as the General
of the Belgian Air Component, the Reserve Officers of the Royal Reserve Officers Club of Mechelen, for
their support and determination. Especially to Col Jacques Verachtert.
Over the past year, we have represented the 609's colours at many occasions. Col Wilfried Van Linden
was invited to visit a prison of war camp in the north of Germany; he was there to pay his respects, but
also to learn that one of our pilots has been imprisoned there. We are awaiting Wilfried's story to be
published in one of the next editions of our Tally Ho newsletter. We have also received word that the
grave of one of our Belgian 609 Sqn pilots had been damaged by vandalism. P/0 Maurice Vanneste's
tombstone was broken into pieces, and word came to us with the question: ‘Could we do something
about it?’ Col Dirk De Pillecijn and I have decided to put the necessary funds on the table to replace
the damaged stone with the engravings on it. Our friend Maurice Vanneste disappeared during a
mission 3 miles from the coast of Dover on the 30th of April 1945.
….We plan to visit the Normandy coast, the landing strip that was used by 609 Sqn near Caen and wish
to put up a plaque on the stone wall carrying the crest of 609 Sqn as well as a drawing of a Typhoon in
full flight. We still need to put this all together …..
Last May we had our 'Open Door' at the Base of Baron Etienne van Zuylen in Berlaar, Belgium. The
base carries the name of this Belgian pilot that we lost during in a mission in front of Deal, where he is
still resting in his Typhoon today. More than 20,000 visitors visited the Battalion that day, and many
dropped into the hangar where we had information, and a copy of the flag of 609 Sqn displayed, and
many questions were asked regarding 609's role in the war days. We do hope to have more items on
display for the next edition which will be taking place in 2011.
The grave of Georges Jaspis, DFC (my uncle) now carries a plaque that contains information on 609
Sqn, accompanied by a picture of his favourite plane, his Typhoon. I would like to thank Monique, his
partner for more than 17 years, for taking care of this and sure he would be proud of this.
Our members are getting older by the day, but are still going strong. Albert Laforce, Jean De Bruyn,
Georges Watelet and Pierre Jacobs are all in good spirits, and we do wish them well for many years to
come.
We would like to thank Senior Captain Luc Vanderfeesten (of the Belgian Air Component Base in Kleine
Brogel) for sending us their newsletter, and keeping us informed on their activities. We, on our behalf,
returned the favour by sending them a copy of our Tally Ho!
There is also a lot of information on the old 609 Sqn available on a website that has been put together
by Mark Crame some years ago. According to Mark, he has lost the password and the rights to be able
to enter and alter the website. This valuable information, and the work put into it, will one day be
removed automatically. Is there anyone a (computer wizard) who can retrieve this work and paste it
onto the existing website?
We are not in need of any funds but do hope that every Euro that we collect may contribute to good
initiatives in the UK, mainly in keeping the spirit of 609 Sqn alive.
Should you have any questions on any of our activities or have any comments, please let us know. In the
meantime we remain, with the warmest regards coming from us all.
Tally Ho!!!
Conrad K. Roumieux
Secretary - Point of contact - 609 Sqn Belgian Branch Committee.
(On behalf of Diane, Dirk and Wilfried)
Bar some AOB, that was the gist of the AGM.
I’d gone to fetch my camera from the car, and as I did so suddenly spotted two really welcome faces. Mike
Earnshaw had brought his Mum, Margaret, to the Museum, and both were in the car park. Delighted to see
them, I chatted for a while, but was unable to persuade them to join us for lunch. Margaret is a little frail, and
preferred the quiet of the car. Her late husband Jim Earnshaw was a past Chairman of 609 (WR) Sqn
Association, and wrote the Newsletter before me. He, Norman Berryman, Maurice Voase, Desmond Park and
others were instrumental in obtaining and refurbishing the 609 Squadron Room in 1992.
We all repaired to outside the 609 Squadron Room, where Rev. Norman Berryman lead a short but poignant
service, rededicating the new bench, the refurbished Spitfire, and offering our thanks and prayers for those
who, past and present, served in 609 with loyalty, courage and skill, for the good of comrades, family, and
Country. He reminded us that our Room, the bench, and the Spitfire are all tangible reminders of their valour.
The Room was in fine condition. The latest paintings were in place, the bench proved comfortable and useful,
the Spitfire gleamed, and the new inner doors for the Room are just the job for keeping out leaves and the
cold. These things didn’t just happen: Maurice, Desmond and Norman have kept the place together, and tidy,
whilst the YAM has contributed to structures and the future DVD presentation. Thanks to all, and to Brian
Waite for his visits and liaison with Ian Reed.
Returning to our dining room, I keenly felt that the spirit of Desmond Park and his raffle prizes would have
completed the setting. Frankly, we hadn’t the heart to attempt to emulate it. It was his personal touch, and the
gap was a metaphorical ‘Missing Man’ tribute to his memory.
The Great Plan for wine, water and other fluids (meths, lighter fuel, beer etc) to be in front of each diner, as
they had requested, all went for a ball of chalk. Sorry about that – once I had twigged that DIY was called for,
I passed the word. Message learned for next year…. Though the meal was good, some got it a) late and b)
cold, so apologies to those who faced congealed gravy and morose cabbage, or whatever it was!
The Squadron had done us proud by providing the 609 Silver to enhance each table. There is a lot of it, and
one day I’ll try and list it all, and explain the reason for each pieces existence. It was a magnificent display.
Chairman Squadron Leader Brian Waite greeted 76 diners, once all had assembled: a good sized mob! Rev.
Norman Berryman then blessed the gathering, and said Grace. Brian had reminded us of the timing of the
BoBMF Spitfire, which we got slightly wrong last year, leading to an unseemly rush for the exits at the sound
of a Merlin thundering overhead. We had a lot to pack in, though.
Lunch over, at the request of the Chairman, Mr. Vice Chairman rose to propose the following toasts: The
Queen; The King of the Belgians; Absent Friends. Brian then gave a resumé of our activities during the
previous year. Greeting our guest Ian Reed, Director of the Yorkshire Air Museum, he thanked him for having
the Spitfire repainted (which 609 Association paid for) and for the prospective installation of Audio Visual
displays within the 609 Room (paid for by the YAM). He drew attention to the new 609 Memorial Bench,
now outside the Room, and to the 200 tree Arboretum recently planted by the YAM, four trees being “ours”,
and labelled as such. Tribute was paid to our Absent Friends.
Brian then called upon YAM Director, Ian Reed, to step forward, and presented him with a 609 (WR)
Squadron wooden plaque, in gratitude for his support for the Association. Following the applause, the James
Summer Reunion, July 2009: Friday night at the Parsonage Hotel
Jean Graham, Marcia Gadd and Alison Robinson
Our private dining room
Mike and Tony Walker with Charlotte Atkinson
Sue Ironside, her Dad Charles ‘Pud’Crowther and
Leslie Ironside
Ken Hobbs promotes Brian Waite’s book on William. Frenchman Joss Leclerq faces drinking Italian red
Mike and Tom Foster flank Leslie and Susan Ironside.
Brian ‘wrong tie’ Waite shames Hugh ‘609 tie’ Mulligan
Maurice Voase with son Alan. Or is it Brian? Help!
SATURDAY 4th JULY
The surly mob awaits the AGM!
Secretary Hugh Mulligan, Chairman Brian Waite,
Treasurer Rosemary Darley
Outside the 609 Room for prayers and Blessings from
Hon. Padre Reverend Norman Berryman
Norman Blesses the Spitfire, the new Memorial Bench, and gives thanks for the loyal Service and Sacrifices of those who serve, or served, with 609 (WR) Squadron
The 2009 Summer Reunion, 4th July, Yorkshire Air Museum, (cont’d)
John and his Dad, Alan Enser, road test the new Bench
Phil Proudley, Doreen Marshall and John Matley.
Maurice Voase and “Yorkie” Jim Barlow
Brian, Dave Lacy, Alan and Linda Parkes
A stern Milligan Jnr, Jo+ a bit of Verity, and Jeff Metcalfe,
with Sue Milligan
Happier Milligans! Dad Ben is on the right
Isobel Berryman with Cathy Pashby
Group Captain John Bisdee cup
Dez Robinson, Joss Leclerq, Dave Fielding and
nice Adam Greenwell, who wheeled Jim around.
Pam and Graham Carroll. He’s still got his Nigerian tan!
Tracey Hoult and Martin Briggs
More Happiness! Linda, Andrew and Alan Parkes
Chairman Brian Waite greets the guests, followed by President Sandy Hunter. William the Goat appears unmoved, as usual
Summer Reunion 4th July (cont’d)
Peter and his father, Alan Senior
Brian Waite presents Museum Director Ian Reed
with a 609 plaque
CO S/Ldr Jeff Metcalfe gave us an inspired
presentetion
Diana Cromwell and her Dad Danby Barber
Hugh Mulligan, Dez Robinson,+ Janet Timmins on the
Recruiting poster behind!
A temporarily speechless Sir Joe Atkinson presents Hon. Air Commodore Simon Bostock presents the Alec
the James Thompson Shield to SAC Dave Lacy Ingle Shield to SAC Alastair Thompson, c/o Jeff Metcalfe
Susan Ironside and Wilma Hunter bracket old school So to await the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
chums Leslie and Sandy
Spitfire. Partially thwarted by a grotty little glider!
Here she is: from the east, Griffon powered Spitfire PRX1X PM631, built in 1945, and has been display flying for 52 years. Colours are of 541 Sqn
Group photo, Summer Reunion 4th July 2009, Yorkshire Air Museum
Front row: Dave Lacy, Sue Milligan, Wilma Hunter, Christine Titherington, Marcia Gadd, hidden jnr Milligan, Lyn Bostock, Alison Robinson (sunglasses) two more
Milligan jnrs in front of Dez Robinson and Andy Marsh, Sandra Marsh in the wheels, Sir Joe Atkinson (capped), Derick Weatherill, Tom Foster, Maurice Voase, Jean
Hobbs (sunglasses), Cathy Pashby, Isobel and Norman Berryman, Hugh Mulligan, Alan Enser with stick. Now, back-ish row! David Darley (hands on hips), total
stranger from the public(!!), Sandy Hunter, Simon Bostock, Ben Milligan, Mike and his Mum Margaret Earnshaw (blue blouse), Ursula Granahan behind her, Phil
Proudley, Joss Leclerq, Jo Verity, Dave Fielding, John Matley (hidden), Adam Greenhill, Doreen Marshal (just!), Jeff Metcalfe, Tony and Mike Walker, Charles
Crowther, Susan Ironside, Mike Foster, Charlotte Atkinson, Linda and Alan Parkes, Victor Titherington, Rosemary Darley, John Enser behind her, Ken Hobbs, Jean
Graham, Peter Senior, Brian Waite, Alan Enser, Tony and Scott Houghton. Missing: Darren Webster, who took this, and Leslie Ironside, who was lurking somewhere.
……………………………………………………………….
609 (WR) Sqn, RAF Leeming
Sgt Taff Fisher gives Northumbrian University Air Squadron GPMG training.
Summer 2009: NUAS with their 609 instructors: Sgt Taff Fisher 2nd from right.
Cpl Dave Ferguson centre, Cpl Paul Lurkins 2nd from left (all seated)
Exercise CANADIAN GOAT, 14th – 22nd August 2009, River Noire, Quebec
The team gathered on the river
Rob Maude and Sean Rescorle
Rob Maude and new Adjutant F/Lt Alfie Hall
Thompson Shield winner was then announced. Given by the vote of all Squadron members to the person who
all considered to be the most meritorious performer during the previous year, the winner was SAC Dave Lacy.
Sir Joe Atkinson was called upon to make the presentation – a little mean, as he hadn’t been forewarned of
this duty. Not one to sink his food like a starving man, Sir Joe had not long been at his pudding, when he was
suddenly called to get up and do the business. Words rather failed him, due a surfeit of apple crumble, but
nevertheless, great applause greeted both recipient and presenter!
Next came the Alec Ingle Shield. This is awarded to the Squadron member showing the most improved
performance during the past year, as selected by the Squadron Officers. The recipient was unable to attend, as
he was at his brother’s wedding. 609 (WR) Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore, Simon Bostock, presented
the Shield to OC 609, Squadron Leader Jeff Metcalfe, on behalf of SAC Alistair “Tommo” Thomson, who
had been on ops with 51 Sqn RAF Regiment in Basrah, the same time that Alfie Hall was there working with
No 5 FP Wing in the HQ.
One of the best parts of the day then followed. Fl/Lt Mike Foster and S/L Jeff Metcalfe then gave a rousing
description of the performance of the Squadron over the past year, in terms of recruitment, training, overseas
deployment, and prospects for the future. To demonstrate that Servicemen and woman on overseas
deployment retain their sense of humour, Jeff showed us a hilarious video/DVD made by the Basrah airbase
contingent. The whole thing was performed to the song ‘YMCA’, at least as I remember it, and the lead singer
marched around the camp, between trucks, tents, buildings and latrines. He was followed by an ever changing
group of singers, dancers, soldiers, you name it, who performed, flawlessly choreographed, behind the lead
man. I’ve searched You Tube for it, to no avail; if you find it, please let me know.
We adjourned for the Spitfire, with plenty of time in hand. One minute to go, and I heard the faint sound of
the approaching aircraft. It then faded. Why? Because just then a ghastly little powered glider thing came putput-putting right over the top of the airfield. Of course, if it was there, then the Spitfire couldn’t be. My old
Mum had a good saying: “It’s amazing what you see when you haven’t got a gun!” A left/right barrel 12 bore
blast would have sorted him out good and proper. It finally drifted off, and the Spitfire roared in. Modern
rubbish version (Griffon powered) but still a Spitfire. Time is of the essence with the BBMF displays, and the
plywood and string interloper took out two passes for the Spitfire, who thus gave us three and not five runs,
before heading off for the next display. I understand that there is a standard information bulletin, issued daily,
that warns pilots of scheduled events and displays, so as to avoid exactly what happened. Hope the pilot got
termites in his airframe when he landed….
Finally, the group photo. Leaving my camera bags on the tarmac, I fetched the Range Rover round, and
backed it up to act as a platform to stand on. Poor Maurice Voase spotted me apparently about to return all my
cameras to their component parts with 2.5 tonnes of car, and galloped at a speed that belied his years and
fitness to retrieve them! I agree that I would normally have forgotten they were there, but just this once was on
the ball. Thanks anyway, Maurice. We nearly had to sit him down for a breather after this unwanted exertion.
From Jim Barlow, a good summary of the day:
“Hi David,
I was sorry that we didn’t have any time to talk to one another, but you seemed to be tied up all
afternoon. I was well looked after by Dave Lacy and young LAC Adam Greenwell, whom I found out in
conversation lives in the next road to me in Billingham. Small world, eh!
I was interested in the update of the Squadron, and Jeff Metcalfe did a great job on the video. It was
good to see the fun side as well; we all wish them well and a safe return home.
I find that my old Squadron friends are disappearing fast now. There was only Victor Titherington,
Phil Proudley and Derick Weatherill who were ones I remember from my time. And of course I know
Marcia Gadd & Ursula Granahan from 3609, who were there at the time.
It is nice to get to know all the new squadron chaps as they are the future now. When Jeff read out the
list of awards and decorations of the last ten years, I think the Squadron should be proud of them all.
They can certainly show the other squadrons up regarding recruiting. I thought that was a good sign.
I didn’t get a chance to take a lot of pictures, with my being in the wheelchair, but I am sending you
the couple I did take. When I was outside the sun was so strong I couldn’t see anything in my
viewfinder, so the one of the Spit was a fluke! I am very pleased with it: I just "aimed and fired as it
were" and that was the result.
Good move with the car for the group picture; poor Maurice nearly had a heart attack when he saw
you heading for the cameras on the ground!!
Thanks for all the hard work put in by the organising team in preparation for the day.
All the best
"Yorkie" Jim”
That concluded another excellent Summer Reunion for the Association. Brian Waite, Al Parkes and Hugh
Mulligan sorted it all out, and all we had to do was turn up and enjoy the fruits of their labours. Many thanks!
Leeming News
Lots and lots to cover here. So long ago now that any Squadron readers will probably have forgotten doing the
things listed.
Last April, I sought clarification from the OC concerning using RAF ranks when posting items. If these items
go to a civilian address, correct procedure is to omit rank, though if to a military address, they should be used.
I was concerned that it was a bit insulting to omit rank, but not so, fortunately.
S/Ldr Metcalf also took the opportunity to confirm the measure of my gaffe as regards Dowding and
Trenchard! He let me down kindly though, by referring to an edition of the RAF Leeming magazine,
“Excalibur”. A good article concerning the Battle of Britain, which included 609, had several photos, one of
which was labelled “Flight of Hurricanes on patrol.” They were Defiants! Brilliant in concept, until the second
that the Germans discovered that the only guns that they had faced backwards, after which they were
massacred.
New Adjutant
Well, he’s an old one, now! Flying Officer Alfie Hall was the Selection Board’s preferred candidate for the
vacant post. Accepting the role, he took up the position on 11 May 2009. A life time ago. So sorry, Alfie, that
our well deserved congratulations are this much delayed. Jeff’s note about this added: “I can’t wait!” You’ll
have been pretty busy, since then…..
Just to confirm how long ago this was, Alfie is now a Flight Lieutenant. Slow down a bit, lad, would you?
You’ll be an AVM before I get the next newsletter out! More belated congratulations.
News from Fl/Lt Mike Foster
609 Sqn train Northumbrian University Air Squadron (NUAS)
Twelve members of NUAS recently spent six days weapon training with 609 Sqn training team. The training
consisted of 4 days with the rifle and 2 days pistol. The training was done in preparation for a Bisley shoot in
June and a joint University Air Sqn meet in July & Aug incorporating rifle / pistol shooting and military skills.
Plaque Unveiling at Ampleforth College
A brief background is required I feel to preface this article. On Sat Sept 6th 2008, which was the day
following ‘The Battle of Britain Memorial Dinner,’ held at The Officer’s Mess/Leeming, I had a ‘phone call
at home from Wg Cdr Shaun Ryles, (CO No2 RAF Force Protection (FP) Wing). As part of RAF Leeming
Station engagement with the local community, he asked me to become involved with Ampleforth College
Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and ‘head up’ their RAF Cadet contingent. This mainly involved attending
their weekly parades, which are held on Mondays (14.15 – 15.30). There are 18 Cadets, the most senior of
which is 18 year old FS Holly Wilson.
Through her ‘drive’, she had set a chain of events in motion, which culminated in the unveiling of a
magnificent plaque commemorating 8 Amplefordians, who had served in the RAF during ‘The Battle of
Britain,’ in 1940. By pure chance, one of them, Pilot Officer Michael Edmund Staples, was one of our own,
609 (WR) Sqn, so there was a definitive and poignant link. He was a successful combat pilot credited with
downing 3 enemy 'planes during ‘The Battle of Britain’. He joined the Sqn in 1940, was wounded in the thigh
in 1941 in ‘The Battle’, and transferred to 604 (County of Middlesex) RAuxAF Night Fighter Sqn later in that
year. Tragically, he lost his life on 9 Nov 1941, whilst on his approach to Middle Wallop Air Field. He hit a
low hill coming in from a night time sortie, and was killed instantly.
This unveiling of the memorial plaque took place in the large passage of the College, attended by relatives of
‘the eight’, at 11.30 on 1st May 2009, by Lindsay Walter, who is 93 years of age, and wheel chair bound. He
was a close friend of one of the pilots, Tony Lovell. Then there was a short address by the College
Headmaster, Father Gabriel Everitt, who thanked FS Holly Wilson, for ‘making this event happen’.
Then, we all went outside to face east, looking expectantly over the extensive College grounds towards some
low hills in the distance. At precisely 12 noon, a lone Spitfire PRX1X, painted light blue in its photo
reconnaissance role, appeared over the top of the hill to our front. As it drew nearer, that unmistakable throaty
roar from its Rolls Royce Griffon engine became apparent. The whole school had turned out to witness this
historical event, and all broke out in spontaneous applause. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire,
from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire made three memorable passes before disappearing off to the south. I
think we all felt ‘a sense of loss’ at its departure!
Two minutes later, a solitary Tornado appeared over the hills in the east; he made a single pass directly
overhead and sped off towards Thirsk direction.
The finale was an aerobatic display from Sqn Ldr Simon Johnstone in his Hawker Fury aircraft. He basically
described his ‘plane to me as ‘a Hawker Hurricane, only with an extra wing.’ It was an extremely fast and
agile bi-plane, and he did the audience proud with a memorable display. He had taken off from the college
rugby pitch to our front, having flown down from Durham and Tees Valley Air Port, where he is based as an
EW Pilot ‘for his day job!’ Afterwards he joined the staff and guests for lunch in the Guest room.
Joining me as my guest for this event was Sqn Ldr (Retd.) Brian Waite, our former OC at 609 (WR) Sqn RAF
Leeming. It was his first visit to Ampleforth, and he thoroughly enjoyed the day!
“The 609 flag flew proudly above Ampleforth College. I attended a ceremony today, which saw the
School unveiling a Commemoration Board for the Old Boys of the College who flew in the Battle of
Britain. Mike Foster does some work with the ATC section of the CCF, hence my attendance. However,
Fg Off M E Staple's name was on the Board, as a member of 609, and the Sqn. Badge is part of it. A
surprise, and therefore good that I was there. Professional photos will be available later for
newsletter. I spoke to another old boy, Lindsey Walters, who was at Ampleforth at the same time as
Mike Staples. They opened the batting for the 1st X1 in 1935! Mike was C (Cuthbert) 35, at the
College. Even today’s students have a letter (House and personal number). Following the unveiling, we
and the rest of the College were treated to a flypast (three passes) by BBMFs PR X1X Spitfire, flown by
Al Pinner. This was followed by a low and fast pass by a Tornado GR4.
The College is interested in the 609 connection. An enjoyable and relaxing occasion.
Tally Ho!
Brian”
Also worthy of note is the attendance of SAC Bryden from the Photographic Section at RAF Leeming. He
took lots of photographs and was patience personified at the many requests of: “Would you mind just taking a
quick shot of……….!” He also ably organised an impromptu group photograph of all the guests in the
Guestroom immediately before lunch. All in all he proved to be an excellent ambassador for RAF Leeming,
(for a Glaswegian that is!!).
So ended a quite magnificent and memorable occasion, imprinted I’m sure in the memories of all those
present.
LEST WE FORGET!
Flt Lt M Foster
Joint Service Support Unit, Cyprus
By 10th August 2009, the ten members of 609 Sqn who deployed to Cyprus were 3 months into a 6 month
tour with JSSU (Joint Service Support Unit). All ten had settled into a good routine, after spending the first
few weeks in Cyprus, shooting at the Dhekelia ranges, plus various exercises at Pyla ranges. All ten personnel
are trained FP (Force Protection) specialists within 609 Sqn; however, the task at JSSU is not strictly a FP
task, but it does highlight the point that FP specialists are a highly flexible and adaptable bunch. [Off-duty
periods were so enjoyable that it proved fiercely difficult to make them all come home! – Ed]
This from SAC Shane Staniforth on 10th August to the OC:
“Hello Sir,
Just a quick mail to let you know how things are going. I’ve attached some photos of range practice
last Friday, plus one of the shift wagon. Everyone is doing well and looking forward to the last shift on
the 26th of this month, after this 603 takeover and we can take part in AT and "cultural activities" plus
some well earned stand down time.
The planned activities are as follows:
• Water sports day at Dhekelia, visits to Kurion castle and archaeological sites, (Holly IC)
• Green Line Tour, (Rob Conner IC)
• Winery tour, (Collin IC)
• Troodos walking and mountain biking (Chris Bracchi IC)
• Three days at Akrotiri to include air experience flying with 84 Sqn; visit to Olive Harvest,
water sports, kart racing; a visit to Pissouri mountain village for a traditional Cyprus night,
plus various events in Limasol for the wine festival there, if we can make it past the Aki arms
!!. (Myself IC)
• We are hosting a leaving do for the station in Sept which is being organised with Legs Willis
taking the lead.
As you can see, a pretty full program, with a week’s Training thrown in as well, to include pistol
training. We have just completed Station Security Guard Force (SSGF) Training to keep in date. This
involved the off coming shift (Holly’s team) staying on till midday, to complete the range package; a
long shift for them.
We are looking forward to Flt Lt Hall and Sarah’s visit to us; the best restaurants, taverneras and
beaches have been identified, so hopefully they will get the time to visit various locations with us, after
sorting Legs Willis ‘pension and medal lolly !’
Will leave it there for now and wish everyone well back at Leeming.
Yours Faithfully
Shane”
It probably needed dynamite and crowbars to lever them out of that lot at the end of 6 months!
IMM (Internationaler Monchengladbacher Milaterwettkampf
IMM for short is a military skills competition held every year in mid-summer in Germany, hosted by the
German Army. The competition attracts reservists and emergency services from all across NATO. This year
there were teams from as far away as the USA and Greece.
609 (WR) Sqn fielded 3 teams, the first of which set off at 0630, shortly followed by the other two. It was
then a race against the clock, navigating between stands using only a very basic sketch map.The stands
consisted of First Aid, NATO Uniform Recognition, Boatmanship, Shooting, Fire Fighting and many more.
This year’s competition was harder than in previous years, with some teams taking 12 hours to complete the
course! So well done, all those blistered and aching 609 Sqn feet.
34 Sqn RAF Regiment, No. 2 Force Protection Wing
34 Sqn lost an SAC to an IED in Helmond Province in October. Though 34 are part of the same Wing as 609,
fortunately our 609 man in Helmond was not on that patrol.
Exercise CANADIAN GOAT
During the period 14 Aug – 22 Aug 09, a team of 11 personnel, 9 from 609 (WR) Squadron RAuxAF, 1 from
NUAS, RAF Leeming and 1 from RAF Digby, participated in Exercise CANADIAN GOAT, a canoeing
expedition on the Noire River, Quebec, Canada.
The aim of the expedition was to offer all participating personnel the opportunity to develop and improve their
team working, communication and cooperation capabilities through the medium of Adventure Training, and to
test their personal fortitude and organisational skills on a long distance river expedition.
The Noire is a beautiful Quebec white-water river, flowing from its headwaters below La Verendrye south to
the Ottawa River, near Pembroke. Less well known and less travelled than other rivers in the area, the Noire
has the greatest length of navigable white-water, the shortest total distance that must be portaged and the least
chance of seeing other paddlers. The section of the river chosen for the expedition lay between Lac Forant and
Black River Inn, a distance of approximately 90Km.
A typical day on the river would start with a 0545hrs reveille. This enabled the team to breakfast, break camp
and get onto the water by 0800hrs. Each day the team covered between 20 and 30Km, navigated several grade
1 and 2 rapids, and portaged boats and equipment where rapids could not be navigated safely.
Each evening camp had to be set up. This involved tents being erected, a fire being set for cooking, a safe
food area being set up and the evening meal being prepared. Safety, hygiene and preservation of the
environment were all critical considerations.
All rubbish and food waste had to be kept for appropriate disposal at the end of the trip. No food (or anything
smelling like food) could be kept in the tents for fear of attracting wildlife, including bears. The amount of
work and the attention to detail when setting up and administrating a camp site at the end of a tiring day on the
river was significant. Each day a lead pair was nominated to take responsibility for the day’s administration.
The leadership, followership, teamwork and cooperation shown by all team members to ensure speedy and
effective administration were commendable throughout.
It is also important to mention the contribution of the river guide to the expedition. Paul Danks is a Fire
fighter in the city of Ottawa, and former C1 world canoe champion. Paul readily understood RAF ethos, core
values, and standards, and quickly became an integral part of the team. His guidance, support, camaraderie
and friendship, were fundamental to the success of the expedition.
At the end of the expedition a review was conducted during which everyone contributed openly and honestly.
All agreed that the expedition had tested them both physically and mentally and that the lessons learned would
be invaluable in the future, both on operations and in life.
Exercise CANADIAN GOAT was an outstanding success. It provided all of the participants with the
opportunity to gain an understanding of the rationale behind Adventurous Training, and how it develops
leadership, teamwork, fitness and self – reliance. Most importantly of all, it emphasised how important these
qualities are in an operational context. The lessons learnt and skills acquired will transfer directly to the
workplace and enhance individual and team performances. The experience of successfully completing
Exercise CANADIAN GOAT will also provide long and happy memories for all who took part.
ANNUAL CONTINUATION TRAINING (ACT)
This year’s ACT was again a two phase exercise. Phase one was held here at RAF Leeming, whilst phase two
was a Staff Ride lead by 609 Sqn’s WWII historian, Sqn Ldr J Metcalfe.
Phase One consisted mainly of achieving various shooting packages dependent on the experience and trade of
the individuals involved. For those gunners who have recently finished modular training, the aim was to get
them ready for Exercise OMEGA, by achieving the ‘shoots’ up to and including Army Personal Weapon Test
(APWT) [APWT also stands for Air Portable Workshop Training. Could confuse a simple person, that –Ed].
This was achieved successfully, which gave us more time to concentrate on getting the trained gunners of A
Flt through a rigorous field firing package.
While all this was happening, the FP (Force Protection) element of the Sqn also completed shoots up to and
including APWT, and also went on to pistol training and shooting up to LF3. The week finished with a two
day COLPRO (Collective Protection) course.
Phase Two - Exercise ARNHEM DISCOVERY “A Bridge too far”.
On Sunday 27th October, members of 609 (WR) Sqn set sail for Belgium under the command of Sqn Ldr J
Metcalfe to follow the tracks of Operation MARKET-GARDEN. Each member of the Sqn was given a
person or topic to research prior to departure.
The first port of call on Monday morning was at Leopoldsburg, close to the border with Holland. This was
the HQ of XXX Corps, and where our Tour started with excellent talks on the main personalities, and the
build-up to MARKET-GARDEN delivered by Cpls Dave Ferguson, Sue Milligan and Mark Fennell. We then
headed north following the route taken by XXX Corps to the official start point at Joe’s Bridge, and on to visit
the landing sites of the American 101st Airborne Division, whose task it was to secure the southern bridges at
Son and Eindhoven in order to allow the ground forces to advance north towards Arnhem.
The next two days were spent visiting museums, landing sites and bridges related to the actions of the
American 82nd Airborne Division, and the historical crossing of the River Waal to capture the Nijmegen
Bridge. The build up for the waterborne assault and the capture of the Nijmegen Bridge was expertly
explained to the group by LAC Adam Greenwell, as we stood under the all impressive structure of the bridge
itself. After three long days it was time to move north to a hotel east of Arnhem, and reflect on the previous
few days.
The morning started with a trip to the drop zones and landing sites west of Arnhem. After a talk by Flt Lt
Dave Williams and SAC Phil Bambridge, the group set off to walk the routes from the DZs and LZs towards
Arnhem Bridge, eight miles away. En-route we stopped off at various points to discuss the actions that had
happened 65 years ago involving the British Airborne Brigades, including the ambush site of the Recce
Squadron, and the intense battle waged in the St Elisabeth Hospital area. Lunch was taken at Oosterbeek in
the “No 1 Airborne Pub”. Oosterbeek was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting the airborne brigade was
involved in, for example; 10 Battalion The Parachute Regiment was reduced to just 30 men!!! After lunch we
pressed on to Arnhem Bridge, following the footsteps of Lt Col Frosts 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
and a further talk and discussion occurred.
Next day we toured various locations within the Oosterbeek Perimeter, including the Westerbouwing Heights
in the south-west corner, where fierce fighting took place to dislodge the Border Regt from their positions.
The south-east corner of the pocket was also visited, where we learned about two of the Arnhem VC winners,
Major Cain and L/Sgt Baskeyfield of the South Staffordshire Regt. A further stand covered the evacuation of
the Airborne troops across the Rhine, and we were lucky enough to gain access to the Oosterbeek Church, to
609 (WR) Sqn Leeming (cont’d)
◄ 609 flag flies over Ampleforth College, the Army,
Brian Waite and F/Lt Mike Foster.
The Commemoration Board: F/O M E Staples of 609 is
one of eight old boys here
►
Michael Edmund Staples joined
609 in 1940, was wounded in
1941, and transferred when fit to
604 Sq. He was killed on 9 Nov
1941 when landing at Middle
Wallop.
The College CCF put in motion the
production of a Battle of Britain
Commemoration Board.
Ampleforth is a Benedictine
College, in a beautiful setting near
York. The guests await the Spitfire,
Tornado and Hawker Fury flypasts.
Brian and Mike are on the extreme
right.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Joint Service Support Unit, Cyprus
Checking packs before practice days on the ranges. Top right, back row: SAC’s Colin Barker, Dave Rising, Richard ‘Legs’ Willis, Rob Conner, Paul Waterhouse.
Front standing: SACs Chris Bracchi, then kneeling Dave Nodding Shane Staniforth, Janet Timmins and Holly Ferreira
Internationaler Monchengladbacher Milaterwettkampf 2009
Here are one of three 609 teams that took part in the
military skills competition in Germany last year. They don’t
look puffed, so this must before they set off!
609 participate every year: Sadly, don’t know how well you
all did, as that bit didn’t percolate down the line. Possibly a
case of better having played the game and lost, rather than
not have played at all?
……………………………………………………………………..
Annual Continuation Training 2009, Phase Two: Belgium
SAC Knight at Joe’s Bridge, nth of Leopoldsburg
Cold group under the Nijmegen Bridge over the River Waal
Site of the ambush of the British Airborne Forces Recce Sqn, near Arnhem Airborne Forces Cemetery at Oosterbeek holds 3 VCs. FS Ian Bramley lays wreath
609 Charity Events 2009 for ‘Help for Heroes’
Start of the 36 mile bike ride, 17th October
This lot carried 50 lb packs for 15 miles on the same day
view the Airborne artefacts there. No visit to Arnhem would be complete without seeing the Hartenstein Hotel
which was the HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division, now the Airborne Museum, so we all had a good look
around the newly refurbished exhibits.
The tour finished with a visit to the airborne cemetery at Oosterbeek, where Sgt Taff Fisher told us of the
exploits of three other VC winners at the grave side. We concluded this excellent Staff Ride by the laying of a
wreath by FS Ian Bramley.
Sgt. Taff Fisher
October 2009: Cost Saving Measures announced by the MoD
The stop-press news here is that Force HQ at Honington has imposed a recruiting moratorium. In addition to
this they have cut back our Man Training Days from 45 per person per year to 30! You’ve probably already
heard that the TA have been hit very hard indeed, so much so that many units have been told to stop training
completely until 1 April 2010! We haven’t had such a harsh restriction, but it will severely restrict what we
can do for the remainder of this training year. I’ve already had to cancel some weekend training and some
courses. Those Auxiliaries who are already qualified for Bounty will not be allowed to expend any more
days. These measures aimed at the RAuxAF, are part of a series of cost savings to try to claw back £10.8
million for the FP Force in-year.
This is all very disappointing, but nevertheless not unexpected. We’ll just get on with it as best we can for
now, and make the best of a bad job. That’s what us Brits are good at, aren’t we?
S/Ldr J Metcalfe
This latest update arrived in late March 2010
1.
Flt Lt Mike Foster has resigned from 609 Sqn in order to take up the post of Media Officer
at RAF Fylingdales on Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS) terms. Mike has been with the Sqn
since 1999 and has moved on into a full time position, having completed his last task of welfare
officer to 2 FP Wg and 34 Sqn on their return from operations last December.
2.
Flt Lt Dave Williams has also moved on into the same post, this time at RAF Linton-onOuse. With his position at Corus looking uncertain, Dave has also decided to make the jump
across to Full-Time Reserve Service, and he started this week!
3.
Flight Sergeant Ian "Bram" Bramley leaves the RAF on 23 March having completed in excess of
25 years service. He arrived on 609 Sqn in July 2006 in order to take up the regular post of SNCO
Training, so this has been his last tour in the Service. Bram has made an outstanding contribution
during his time with us and we wish him well in his future career.
4.
Welcome to Flight Sergeant Stuart Handy, posted in from 34 Sqn RAF Regiment as the new
SNCO training.
5.
Sergeant Donny Reynolds, the Sqn's regular SNCO Administration, has recently been presented
with the Richard Sermon Award by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and
Administrators, at a ceremony in London. This was in recognition of his work whilst on
operations last year, when he was attached to NATO Headquarters in Kabul with the acting rank of
Warrant Officer. Well done to Donny, but also Good Luck, as he too is leaving the RAF on
completion of 22 years service. We are expecting his replacement in July.
6.
SAC Rob Maude has started Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell. He's the latest officer
candidate that 609 has supplied to the RAF and has been left in no doubt what we expect of him!
No pressure then! Seriously though, we wish him the very best in his quest to become a fast-jet
pilot.
7.
We've been given notice that there'll be two extra ceremonial commitments this year. The first is
a parade at RAF Marham in July to mark the occasion of the presentation of a new Sovereign's
Colour to the RAuxAF by HM The Queen. All Sqns will be contributing approx 10 personnel.
The second event is the main parade in London to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle
of Britain on 19 September and for this the Chief of the Air Staff has indicated he wishes the
RAuxAF to form one of the marching Flights. The personnel will be drawn from the existing
Battle of Britain Sqns, namely 501, 504, 602, 603 and of course 609! This is a very serious event
with four days of training and rehearsals at Northolt prior to the main day, but it should be
memorable, with the parade forming on Horse Guards and marching to Westminster Abbey with
bayonets fixed and Colours flying!
8.
Last but not least.............the Adjutant has been very busy behind the scenes, and due to his
sterling work 609 will soon have a real goat as Sqn mascot. He is a British Toggenberg called
Jeffers [Jeffrey? –Ed] and he lives at Murton Park, the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, near York.
We are going to adopt him, and hope to be able to bring him along to events. Certain arrangements
are still to be made, but perhaps we can have him ready for duty on the day of the Reunion! (Hope
that the NAAFI staffs have a good sense of humour! – Ed)
Financial and recruiting restrictions will continue into the new training year and probably well into the
summer until after the Election and SDR. The Strategic Defence Review is planned for perhaps July 2010, and
will set out in detail what all the cut backs are to be. Our activities have been curtailed since last August and
we've been warned to stand-by for further changes. Watch this space!
Sq/Ldr Jeff Metcalfe
OC 609 (WR) Sqn.
609 (WR) Sqn adopted charity for 2009 “HELP FOR HEROES”
From F/Sgt Vic Rose:
“This year we adopted “HELP FOR HEROES” and so far, so good. At this moment we have over £3000, and
hope to reach the £5000 by Jan 10. So how have we raised this money so far? Well, all thanks to the
generosity of the Sqn personnel, who have also given up their own time. Also thanks goes to companies who
donated lots of equipment for our auction. Our main event this year took place on the 17 Oct 09. We had 3
events running at the same time, and another three during the night.
Day Events
On the 17 Oct 09 we had the 15 Mile walk with 50lb packs. There was another group doing a 16 Mile hill
walk, and a third group doing a 36 mile bike ride. All the events were a great success on the day, and all
went by without any injuries. As you can see from the pictures, it was a good turn out by 609 (WR) Sqn
personnel. Remember this was a non-paid day, and that every person was a volunteer. After a long day we
all arrived back at Leeming at 1730 and had showers, baths, anything that would sooth the pain. [Gin works
for me, Vic, but preferably down the hatch, not in the bath –Ed]. Then it was in the bar for 1930 ready to
start the night events “Mainly Beer”.
Night Events
On the night we had the Sqn. Bar open ready to lubricate the personnel who had endured a long hard day.
We also had the football card going at £1.00 a go. Which on the night raised £60; we also raised £70 from
the raffle. Then it was the big one: we had an auction with all top of the range clothing, and personnel could
not have been more generous if they had tried. At the end of the night we had raised over £650.
Other events Other things we have been doing over the years includes the bonus ball as often as we can. We
have the football cards that people take away with them to fill in; this gives half to the winner and half to the
Sqn charity. We also have the Sqn box; this is in the canteen, and most personnel will put all their odd copper
in this at the end of the weekend.
Then there was FS John Crowl and his sister, who did a cycle ride to raise money for H4H. They both cycled
Guisborough – Edinburgh – Stranraer – Belfast – Dublin – Holyhead – Cardiff – London. This turned out to
be a fantastic achievement by John and his sister. [That’s about 800 miles; London to Leeds adds another 230
– Ed]. They both managed to raise £1162 for H4H. Once again the determination of 609 (WR) Sqn is
showing in the commitment of all. Well done John and his sister.
As in previous years, we had our donation in memory of the late W/Cdr Tom Evans who was Sqn Cdr of 609
(WR) Sqn. from 1953-6. On behalf of the family, every year his daughter Jane Kirsten House makes sure that
she knows which charity 609 (WR) Sqn are supporting, and always makes sure we get a cheque for £250. The
Sqn would like to take this opportunity to thank Wing Commander Tom Evans family, and in particular Jane,
for keeping his memory alive within 609 (WR) Sqn.
We are hoping that we can persuade Jane to one of our functions in the New Year. Meantime, we thank you!
At this time, we could not have adopted a better charity, and I really hope that with the help of all 609 (WR)
Sqn personnel, we can raise over the £5000 by Jan 10. Who knows what the next charity will be, but,
whichever it is, it is just another challenge for the personnel on 609 (WR) Sqn.
Beats me how you find the time to do these things. Only a good team could do it: congratulations – Ed.
…………………………………………………
Pip Barran’s car
Pip was a founder airman of 609, joining in 1936 as plain Mr P H ‘Pip’ Barran. By 1939 he was a Flying
Officer, one of twelve Squadron pilots, leading Blue Section of B Flight. As with many of the pre-war pilots,
he came from a fairly wealthy family. Hence his choice of car.
We received the following from a web forum, the writer not identifying himself:
My father's brother Colin Leith, along with his business partner Cobby Huddart, built the attached car
in 1936 in Pontefract. It is
called a Leidart. It was built on a
Bugatti chassis and had a
3.6
flat-head
V8
engine,
presumably of Ford origin.
The headlights and ignition were
by Scintilla; the car, built
of aluminium on a wooden frame,
only weighed 19cwt. When
the war broke, out my uncle went
to Brighton to help Lord
Ventry build dirigibles for the
war, and as far as I know he didn't go back to Pontefract and car building. This Leidart car was
therefore the first and only one made by Leith, Huddart & Co.
It was bought by Pip Barran and he drove it in the 1936 Wetherby Speed Trials, coming first in its class.
In 1982 and 1984 the Leidart was featured in the magazine Classic and Sports Car where I learned that
the remains of the car, found years later in pieces in a garage, long forgotten, had been bought by a
Keith Copp of Canvey Island and is being faithfully restored to its former glory. It was re-registered in
its original colour and with its original number plate in 1983 and, according to the DVLA, is still
registered but of course, they couldn’t tell me who now owned the car.
I would love to know where the car is now. Unfortunately my father died in 2004 and I did try to find it
before then but unsuccessfully. He would have loved to have had another ride in it. If anyone can help
with filling in the gaps and its final destination, I would be so grateful.
In 1984, the remains of the car had been located under a collapsed barn, largely by a local newspaper reporter
Mark Witty. Now an ITV producer, Mark has located Keith Copp, who is rebuilding it. Both he and the Keith
asked me for some background to Pip, and I supplied details and photographs. Mark is supposedly producing
a film about Pip, the Barran’s and the car, sometime in 2010. We shall see.
Not many people would have started a special by using a Bugatti chassis: they weren’t exactly cheap!
However, if the engine had blown up, it would have been far cheaper to shove a cheap mass produced side
valve Ford V8 engine into it. It had a 3 speed 'box (presumably Ford again), and could do 160 kph (100 mph).
I acquired a reprint of the 1984 article, and a photo to embellish the story.
Tale Spin 2
From Wing Commander Chris Goss (who began by pointing out my Dowding clanger!)
“Sorry to read that so many of the familiar names are no longer with us. I think back to the early
Reunions I attended in the late 70s/early 80s and those who were then still with us - clearly remember
Darkie (Hanson), Arthur (Hudson) & Malcolm Slingsby. As to the Reunion this year - already committed
to work at our local brewery on the organising front. Last time we gave away 9000 pints over 2 days but
took £9000 for the local scanner appeal. I am trying to get them to donate to ‘Help for Heroes’ this year.
Sorry to see we were almost too late with Bill Sanders. Of interest, I am co-authoring a book on Fighter
Command's offensive ops in 1941 - 609 will get a very big mention of course. Book should be out late
2010.
Regards to all who remember me.”
…………………………………………..
Our President AVM Sandy Hunter emailed me as follows:
“I am in awe of your and Jim Earnshaw’s prodigious efforts with the Newsletter, and I may have asked
this before. Do you have any formal arrangements to have copies placed in any archive? Together, they
form a huge living history and they ought all to be held as a collection for posterity. If Brian Waite’s
negotiations with the Aircrew Association at Elvington bear fruit, that would be an appropriate place, I
think. But you may have set your sights on the British Library!”
The answer from me was no! It is a challenge to find a secure base for many things that might not be
appropriate for retention by 609 at Leeming. Basic to that was access: if secure in an RAF Station, some items
may be a bit too secure. Knowing Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork, the Aircrews Association Honorary
Archivist, both Brian Waite and Sandy approached him. This nice man, a prolific author and now retired RAF
Officer, has kindly agreed to provide us with a discreet 609 archive, based at the Yorkshire Air Museum. This
now has all 60 Newsletters, a copy of “Under the White Rose” and “The Story of William de Goat”.
You will realise how valuable this is from the story concerning the Esher Trophy!
……………………………………………..
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight now has a new Commanding Officer. Squadron Leader Ian Smith has
taken over from S/L Al Pinner, who has responded to our requests for a Spitfire for our Reunions with
unfailing generosity. I’d like to explain this “Modern Rubbish” bit as regards a Griffon engined Spitfire, in
case the new Sir takes umbrage. It happened when, years ago, I was standing in front of some Association
airmen from 1940, and a Griffon version yowled by. Those words: “Modern rubbish!” were uttered, and,
when I turned round, the speaker wasn’t laughing! Obviously, it was bad enough that 609 had to give up
Merlin’s for Napier Sabres, so any association with Griffon’s was just too much.
…………………………………………………..
609 shared Middle Wallop during the Battle of Britain with 234 Squadron. Pilot Officer Bob Doe flew with
them. He died on Feb 21st this year, barely a week after I had been reading “Lost Voices of the RAF”, in
which he described his time during and after the Battle, claiming 14 kills and 2 probables. He was wounded,
shot down several times, but survived the war, and went on to be a leading figure in the post-war RAF. He
retired as a Wing Commander in 1966.
The book offered this paragraph: “I started to think why we had found ourselves in the middle of a gaggle of
the enemy [following his first Squadron sortie from Middle Wallop]. I realised that I had to see them before
they saw me. And I couldn’t be in formation if I was to see them: I had to get away on my own……at first I
tended to be very much on my own, because our Squadron never went in formation at all after that first
occasion.”
I remember my father recounting how his pilots had protested to him about Doe’s activities. They said that he
would trail behind the 609 formation, waiting until a damaged German aircraft appeared without a 609
pursuer, and would then shoot it down. 609 had to bear the brunt of an attack, and Doe reaped the easy
pickings. Dad told me that he could do nothing about it: Doe wasn’t under his command, and that was that.
Though it doesn’t alter the fact that Bob Doe was shot down more than once, badly wounded, yet nevertheless
did what he was supposed to do – namely, shoot down German aircraft – I can see why his actions rankled
with the 609 pilots. Had it not been for his own words, I didn’t see how he could have got off on his own. But
he did. That 234 never flew again in formation is in itself amazing: not even a revised finger four, as was soon
adopted. It seems that they’d take off, and then make their own luck. 609 worked as a team; Dad would not
have tolerated it any other way. But 234 operated as individuals, or at least pairs.
……………………………………………..
Nothing to do with 609, but good news to me, and perhaps to you. I’ve put reasonable sums into the Vulcan
to the Sky Club, but the omens for the 2010 season looked bad up until 20 March. An anonymous benefactor
injected £458,000 into the fund, pushing it over the £900K budget required for this coming season. The big
bird will fly! If you haven’t seen her, do try: never quite in the same league as the Spitfire, Hurricane and
Lancaster, but pretty darn close. And oh so much louder!
……………………………………………
Ted Watson in his letter to Dave Shaw commented that he’d only just leant how to open attachments to
emails. I think that as one reaches more mature years, mastering the art of these sometimes blessed, but often
cursed, gadgets, is quite an achievement. He told Dave: “Good job we didn’t have computers at Church
Fenton. You’d never have got paid!”
Dave responded to me about the Leeds Theatres that I’d mention in Ted Watson’s obituary. “Leeds had three
big main theatres during the war, and for 10 years afterwards. The Grand, which still exists, plus the Royal
and the Empire. In addition was the City Varieties, which was rather like the Windmill in London – a bit
smutty. All the later BBC ‘olde worlde’ theatre programmes came from, with Barney Coleman.”
Marcia Gadd dropped me a note after reading about the deaths of Geoff Slayton and Ted Watson. She’d met
both of them in the company of Peter Brown, who knew both men very well. They bumped into Ted and
Darkie Hanson’s funeral in Headingley, and gave him a lift home. Ted kissed her hand most courteously when
they parted. Peter was taken up by either Geoff, or Johnny Mudd, to buzz some cricket pitch, and on the way
back circled the cooling towers of the Kirkstall power station. It was a bit unnerving to gaze down into the
gaping interior of these towers from not too great a height above them!
…………………………………………………..
Colin Scull dropped me a short note, regretting his inability to get to Desmond Park’s funeral. He’d not been
well, and was in the throes of recuperation, following hospital treatment. Hope that you are doing better now,
Colin. Need to keep the numbers up at the Stoop!
……………………………………………………….
The Treasurer received the following from The Central Church of the Royal Air Force, St Clement Danes,
in the Strand, London, in June last year.
“Thank you for your very kind and generous gift [from the 609 (WR) Sqn Association – Ed] to our 50th
Anniversary Appeal. It has contributed to the £100,000 we have raised in our first year of running the
appeal and has given it a great start. We recently unveiled a tribute to the Chaplains who sacrificed their
lives in the line of duty………….. and are holding a series of exhibitions and concerts this year.”
Whilst this is old information, I do urge anyone taking a break in London to visit the Church. They have a
small but formidable choir, who add greatly to any Service there. It is very accessible, but not always open.
Try contacting www.raf.mod.uk/stclementdanes/events/exhibitions or ring 020 7242 8282 prior to a visit.
Letter from Barry Walker, younger brother of the late Ted Watson
I’ve sat on this for 8 months, without realising that it was another one of those unsolicited little gems that
come along to me, as a result of doing this newsletter. I haven’t even thanked the author, but I will, now that I
have read it properly. Many thanks, my friend! Only loosely to do with 609, but good enough for me! - Ed.
I am the younger brother of the late Ted Watson whose obituary you recently published in your Tally Ho
magazine, which was sent to me by our mutual niece, Mrs Lynda Fenney, who sent it to you in the first place.
There is a brief mention of me almost electrocuting Ted by ‘messing about with wires’ which makes me seem
irresponsible, and uncaring, and I hope to show you that I was fully aware of what I was doing (and give you a
laugh at the same time), and to show that I did not put Ted in any danger at all; it was just a boyish prank.
I had been fascinated by electricity for several years, and, having studied it for some time at our local library,
had become fairly knowledgeable about it. I made the first and only set of Christmas fairy lights in our street
from a large number of 12 and 6 volt bulbs stolen from an old lorry dump, along with the lamp holders; all
connected in series. They worked fine, but my only way of colouring them was to dip them in old tins of
ordinary gloss paint, which began to overheat and smell after a while. After twenty minutes or so, someone
said “What’s that bloody smell?” It was the paint on my fairy lights which was smouldering, and smelled
awful, so that was the end of that, though not the end of my electrical experimenting.
I also constructed an inter-com set from two small old wooden fuse boxes, each containing a carbon
microphone and earphone speaker taken from a crystal set, and powered by internal torch batteries. With a bit
of gold coloured speaker mesh and a new coat of varnish, they looked quite professional, but, with only a yard
or two of wire at my disposal, there was a problem of testing it, and finding some suitable use for it.
In the end the only suitable places which were close enough together were my bedroom and the bathroom, so,
with a bit of hair-raising outside work reaching across between window sills, I managed to introduce one end
of it into the bathroom window. Concealed behind the curtain and toilet bowl, it was out of sight, and all I
had to do was to wait until Dad had his regular download at a certain time.
Sure enough he entered the bathroom, and, to my delight and amusement my device worked perfectly,
transmitting every single sound effect to me in my bedroom. I was even able to tell the moment when it was
polishing time, which made me writhe with silent laughter in my room. Unfortunately I could not contain it
forever, and it was more than my self control could take; it gave way, compelling me to give vent to gales of
hysterical laughter which, to Dad’s ears, would have appeared to emanate from his own bottom.
I had never heard him swear before, but after a preliminary “what the f…” he found the wire, and with a
mutter of “daft bugger” he threw the lot out of the open window. The jolt broke the wire; my fuse box device
fell onto the concrete below, and was smashed beyond repair. Still, it had been worth it, just for the laugh and
a tale to tell at school. OK, it was a very childish thing to do, but what the hell; I was a child at the time,
probably ten or twelve years old, some twelve years younger than Ted.
My point is; that in spite of my tender years and immaturity, I did have some electrical talent which ought to
have been put to better use, but the school did not offer any tuition in such things at the time, nor did I know a
suitable mentor to show the way, so I was left to my own devices - which I enjoyed a lot.
I was familiar with the theory of transformers but without practical experience of them. However I did
actually posses one, namely a 12 volt spark coil from some old vehicle or other, which I determined to roadtest in some way, and the following segment from my memoirs, ‘Don’t try this at home lads’ explains how I
did it.
609 Leeming Charities 2009 (cont’d)
◄ Nikki O’Donnell realises that her pack weighs 40 lbs,
so contemplates a taxi for the next 15 miles!
Legs [now I see why he is called that – Ed] Willis and Sgt
Vic Rose on the 16 mile Hill Walk. It was harder for
Legs – there is less oxygen that far up!
►
FS John Crowl and his sister (presumably the
photographer) undertook about 1000 miles by bike,
raising £1162. John is seen outside the Sqn at the start,
then enjoying the Brecon Beacons, under what looks
suspiciously like his sister’s umbrella!
▼
▼
……………………………………………………
William de Goat faces a new rival
Meet Jeffers, or Jeffrey – seems to have two names – a British Toggenburgh goat, who resides on a farm near York. An 609 adoption process is underway.
One would have thought that his experience at Waremme, Belgium in 2003, might have put Alfie Hall off the process of being a Lonely Goat Herd Tra la la etc.
You will note that William is holding Alfie up, even though his legs (William’s) have given way at the back. And who will wear the coat? At least William won’t
eat it. Anyway, Jeffrey should lighten up the Squadron Mess on a Friday night!
On the 21st February 2010, Martin Briggs, a
Civilian Instructor at 168 (City of Leeds)
Squadron, Air Training Corps, was presented
with his 24 year, Long Service Certificate by
Wing Commander Brian Daniel RAFVR (T),
Officer Commanding South and West
Yorkshire Wing. The Certificate is signed by Air
Commodore Ian Stewart, Officer Commanding
Air Cadets.
Addressing the cadets on final parade Wing
Commander Daniel paid tribute to the amount
of spare time Martin has given to the Air
Training Corps. He also commented that when
Martin first started his career none of the
cadets on parade that evening had been born.
Despite having Cerebral Palsy, Martin plays a
full part in the squadron Training Programme,
Instructing on Navigation and aero-modelling.
Squadron Civilian Committee Chairman Joe
Lee was especially delighted to see Martin get
his certificate since he had originally signed
Martin up as a Civilian Instructor back in
1985! [Martin is an Association member-Ed]
Baron Jean Michael de Selys Longchamps (ref. article from Belgium in later pages)
◄ de Selys grave (note the
Remembrance cross) in Minster
churchyard, Thanet, Kent. The group of
Commonwealth War Grave headstones
lie straight opposite the entrance. His
batman visited the grave for many years.
►
Memorial to de Selys in Brussels outside
the old Gestapo HQ (left). Drawing of de
Selys’s attack on the building, which
killed over 30 Gestapo. On the right,
Baron Jean de Selys Longchamps
▼
Open Day at Berlaar Battalion HQ
Model of 609 Typhoon
Mannequins of RAF pilots
WWII set piece display
As I still had a high voltage coil from the car dump, which did a similar job to the magneto, producing a high
voltage spark for the engine cylinders, the difference being that it had no moving parts, and required a
distributor to make and break the primary current. Being an inventive sort of lad, I connected it up to a
biggish four and a half volt dry battery, and, by touching the battery wire to the coil terminal, was able to
produce a respectable spark, and also give myself quite a hefty shock. Now I needed a way to test it properly,
and the ideal thing was close to hand, namely an old chest of drawers in my bedroom.
At that time my brother Ted and I slept together in an old fashioned double bed, and as he was older than me
would go out drinking and dancing until quite late at night. I, as a schoolboy, was tucked up in bed, and
though he was always quiet and considerate when he got in, I usually woke, and knew that he always put his
shirt, tie and watch in the top long drawer which had two old fashioned brass handles.
Ideal for my purpose; put the coil and battery in the drawer, fix an earth strip up with some corrugations,
screw that on to the fixed part of the chest of drawers, plus a brass contact strip to rub against the corrugated
strip, and I had myself a nice little booby trap.
To make sure it worked I tested myself first, holding both handles then opening the drawer and getting about
half a dozen high voltage pulses up both arms; a nasty surprise waiting for Ted when he came in. Not that he
had done me any harm at all; in fact I loved him like……well, a brother, but a little joke wouldn’t hurt him;
well, not much anyway. I was only inputting four and a half volts to a coil, which was designed to take twelve
of them, so the output would be correspondingly lower at a few thousand volts perhaps, but with insufficient
amperage to harm anyone. I needed to stay awake but was too wound up to go to sleep anyway, and was on
tenterhooks (whatever they are) waiting for him to get home.
Eleven o’clock came and went, surely he was later than usual, then I remembered he was going to a dance and
would probably be later tonight, curse him. At last he came into the room, sat on the edge of the bed to take
his shoes off, and stood up to remove his coat and to hang it up. Then he took his tie off and went over to the
drawer, and grasped the handles firmly. I was feigning sleep, but watching closely through narrowed eyelids,
and then he pulled the drawer fully open.
It was a total surprise to him as nobody ever expects their drawer to start attacking them at midnight, and his
whole body stiffened, and he gave out a sort of muffled scream. He was always considerate was our Ted, and
always crept in quietly so as not to waken anyone. He would not even put the bedroom light on if I was in bed
in case he woke me. So it was probably in his mind not to waken Mother, and instead of emitting a loud
scream automatically tried to keep the noise down, and came out with a muffled sort of
aaaaaaarrrrrggggghhhhh sound. He then dragged me out of bed, clouted me around the head, but not hard,
then made me dismantle the thing.
I was laughing of course, and said “Come on now, won’t it do in the morning?” “No it bloody won’t you
fool, what if Mother opens it, the shock could kill her”. He was right of course, and he made me remove
every bit of it, even though it would have been quite safe just removing the battery. It was almost one o’clock
by the time we both got to bed, and were both knackered next morning, but it had been worth it, and Ted did
not hold a grudge. Much later on in life I discovered that Mother would have been awake anyway, as she
made a point of never going to sleep until she knew her boys were home safe and sound.
I have sent you these bits as a little thank you for mentioning Ted in your magazine and hope that some of his
friends saw it, and realised that he had passed away, and I hope that the reading of it gave you a laugh. If you
care to print any of it as a follow-up you have my full permission, providing I get a copy [done! - Ed].
There’s something else in my book which might interest you; namely that I was in the mob myself for three
long years, serving as a navigational instrument mechanic, mainly at RAF Waddington, reaching the dizzy
rank of LAC in that time. My lack of promotion being due to the fact that I messed about too much, being
more interested in blowing my mates up, and the customary interest in pontoon, drink and sex.
I can’t remember the number of the squadron as it’s been some 59 years since I joined it, but the squadron
badge featured the Lincoln Imp. (Perhaps 49 Squadron?)
My RAF CV would show that I terrorised my billet mates, twice with home-made rockets, then once with a
bomb, and invented an exploding arrowhead which was fired into the opposite billet at midnight. For this they
retaliated a few nights later, by creeping into our sleeping billet and urinated into most people’s boots.
(Luckily I was too far down the billet and escaped their revenge.) One of our lads was in bed during a CO’s
inspection, and though wide awake, had the cheek to show the CO his bare arse, farted practically in his face,
and shouted out loud to “f… off!” - and he got away with it. I personally also got away with going AWOL
during a camp inspection by the AOC, and, as men were dropping like flies in the summer heat I was sitting in
a favourite transport café in Bawtry (on the A1 at that time) enjoying a bacon sandwich.
I’ve seen a Lincoln (stretched Lancaster but you already knew that I expect) which crashed into the middle of
camp married quarters without a single casualty, and also actually witnessed a Dakota crash in Egypt which
killed seven lads going home on leave.
I’ve also seen a brief sight of a jet propelled Lancaster (not many of those about) which made a brief stop at
Waddington, probably for refuelling. Two jets and two Merlin’s………. wonder if it’s still in existence? The
fuel system must have been as complicated as hell.
With my silly best mate George, we blew up a cinema in Nottingham with a ‘brown smoke puff’ Verey
cartridge. Then there was a memorable weekend, when my homesick mate from Bournemouth fancied a
family weekend. I was only about seventy miles away from my home in Leeds, and used to hitch-hike home
almost every Saturday, so I once offered to take him home for the weekend.
He was made very welcome by my parents and Ted was enjoying himself immensely, having a couple of pints
together and then going to our local flea-pit cinema where the brown stuff hit the fan - I lost the poor sod.
You can imagine the scene: 200 miles or more from home, cast adrift in a strange city, wandering the streets
alone at midnight, having no idea how to find his way to my home, not even knowing our address to ask
someone.
I was not very proud of myself that night, and upset a lot of people, and it all started because of a
misunderstanding. It’s too long a story to go into here, but it’s all in the book.
The word processor I use is a cheap old steam-driven thing and my skills on it are rather basic, so although
I’ve got it all down on 3½ inch floppy discs, and printed it all out, it’s rather amateurish in parts and needs redoing, which I’ll do one day. If you’d ever like to see it for your own amusement all you have to do is ask,
that’s if your equipment can still handle those old discs. I did get a mate to put the lot (that’s the whole book
and a couple of photos) on to a CD once, warts and all, but have never seen the full thing as my ancient
equipment won’t play them.
Should you like the RAF stuff enough to publish any of the contents as a reminder to your older readers of
how it was in those days of conscription I would have no objection but suggest a small fee should be
negotiated first. [Love to, but having Scottish Jews as parents, I can’t seem to find the money –Ed]
I’d just like to stress that in spite of all the alarm and despondency I caused during those three years I never
caused any damage, apart from a small scorch mark on the billet floor once, or hurt anyone. I’m proud of that
when you think of all the senseless violence and cruelty which takes place today.
So there you have it David (if you don’t mind me calling you that). [Delighted – I have enjoyed this a lot! –
Ed]. We’ve never met or are likely to but I feel I owe you for taking the trouble to print that stuff about Ted,
and a certain feeling of friendship towards another ex-RAF lad. I’m completely out of touch with all my old
mates, and many of them will have passed away by now (I’m 76 years old myself). If I’ve given you
something to laugh at, then that’s just what I wanted to do, and there’s a lot more to come if you want to see it.
If you don’t want to bother replying then that’s alright too, as you’ve no doubt plenty to do, but I have at least
brought back some of my more pleasant memories and made myself laugh.
Yours very sincerely
Barry Walker
News from Belgium
Dirk de Pillecijn’s daughter has fallen ill on a long term basis, which is most sad. Dirk’s wife has not been
well for some years, either. So Dirk has joined that long list of unsung heroes and heroines who act as long
term carers for their families. Well done.
Sasi Roumieux was on the verge of producing Sprog No.2 when she began to suffer severe headaches, and
was rushed to hospital for emergency care. She had caught bacterial meningitis again. Husband Conrad sent
me this update on 22nd March. Talk about giving out a deep sigh of relief……..
Thanks you for the support you have given us by mail, sms, other.
Time stopped for me on Thursday the 11th of March although our little baby girl Sandrine was welcomed into
this world. Sandrine was ok and treated preventively, but Sasi was wheeled into Intensive Care were the fight
begun.
Last Monday she was in the safe zone and on Tuesday Sasi was woken out of her artificial sedation. Not
knowing what had happened to her, she has been making progress remembering things again, and this above
the doctor’s expectations. This all has resulted that Sasi will be moving from the care unit into a normal
hospital room for further recuperation.
It was a close call this time but the medical staff are not leaving a stone unturned to find out what caused this
meningitis to pop up again. It could be that Sasi’s immune system is faulty, as it does not know what to do
when she is under a virus attack. But if that is the case a medical treatment will sort that problem out.
So she is back and will be reunited with our baby girl this afternoon. Thanks also to the many up there that
answered my prayers and to help her recover.
Tally Ho and kind regards to all of you.
The Belgian Reserve Forces are under the same cost review as are the Reservists over here, and uncertainty
hangs over the Mechelen Reserved Officers, in which our good friends over there are mostly based. Details of
their changes are imminent.
…………………………………
General Van Caelenberge is no longer the head of the Belgian Forces Air Component, but is now a
Lieutenant General, and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations and Training of the Belgian Defence Staff. The new
General of the Air Component Maj. Gen. Claude van de Voorde now reports to him. So the big boss became
bigger boss. [Gen. Caelenberge came to Durham Tees Valley Airport for our 70th Anniversary celebrations]
Good news for our good old CO, Rudy Debaene. He became General !!! So another high up person that
supports our activities regarding 609 and who has more power and authority. [He sent me the following –Ed]:
“Hello Dave,
Thanks for the copy of the Tally Ho: it’s always great to read about 609 Sqn. Thanks also for putting my
article in. As I told you, I was confronted three times with something related to 609 Sqn, and this in a lapse
of time of only some four months: more than a good enough reason to write something down (with the help
of Koen [Conrad]) for what his uncle [the late Georges Jaspis] achieved.
As you know, I passed my chair of CO to Colonel Erik DE DURPEL last year December 3th. Next to Koen,
he’s your point of contact now. Hope everything goes well with you and the rest of the “bunch”.
Kind regards,
Rudy”
Wilfried van Linden went to Potsdam until Christmas, working at the headquarters for the forces that are in
Afghanistan. Whatever the country, Reservists are needed.
………………………………………
Conrad was sent an email from a man in Kent, who appeared to have mastered the computer better than his
command of English spelling or grammar. This man was trying to find more information about Flt/Lt Baron
Jean de Selys Longchamps, famed for killing over 30 Gestapo when he shot up their HQ in Brussels. de
Selys transferred to 3 Sqn, and was killed whilst trying to land his damaged Typhoon at Manston on 16th
August 1943. Conrad sent him details of de Selys.
The English enquirer said that de Selys’ batman continued to visit his grave annually for many years
afterwards. This is a Commonwealth War Graves plot in Minster Churchyard, Thanet, East Kent.
……………………………………
The Mechelen Reserve Officers put on a 609 Display at the annual Open Door weekend in June, which is
held at the Battalion HQ in Berlaar. This is where the memorial to Sgt E J Baron van Zuylen van Nyevelt
stands beside the parade ground. Around 20,000 people visited the displays, and many thousands visited the
609 Sqn display, with its history and the connection of Baron Van Zuylen to the Bn in Berlaar.
Many questions were asked about 609, about Van Zuylen, about the Belgian pilots and their adventures
alongside many other nationalities, under the umbrella of the RAF. Many people now know and realise what
they have done for our freedom today. That is a good feeling to know that they realise, and also to know that
they have not forgotten.
It is therefore good for our youngsters to know about them and what they did.
……………………………………………
Leeds Bradford Airport
John Collins keeps me updated about developments there, via cuttings from the Yorkshire Post. 609’s interest
there is because of the Memorial Plaque placed within.
It’s a bit pokey, with an ambience in the bar and café that rivals a morgue, albeit with beer pumps and chrome
trim. Despite heroic attempts by campaigners to prevent any investment, job opportunities and civic pride
being developed, a £70m expansion plan has been approved. £28m goes for a new terminal extension, which
it is alleged will create 3,000 new jobs. Staff should outnumber passengers if that bit is true! Anyway, to pay
for this needs more flights and new destinations.
BMI had cancelled their Heathrow/LBA service, because Lufthansa had bought them out, solely to get slots at
Heathrow for use to the Continent. Flybe have taken this service over, but from Gatwick, which helps a lot.
The plans to expand have required a new transport infrastructure to be provided as well as the new buildings buses, new roads, maybe a tram connection.
Clipped to an artist’s impression of the new terminal was a note from John, in typical style: “How splendid to
see the 609 Totem Pole erected in here, with dancing on May Day by the ladies of 3609 around the May Pole.
Also, the senior NCO’s Clog Dancing team in the airport forecourt, stepping out to ‘Keel Row’ and ‘John
Peel’, with a final Tally Ho!” Hmmmm. Reckon that John’s current medication doesn’t suit him too well….
In Conclusion
The announcements for the Summer Reunion are contained as inserts with this issue. So are membership
renewal details. I have more obituaries to publish in the next issue: Jean de Bruyn, David Linacre, Harry
Myers, Bob Windle, Paddy White and Ron Wright. Also a report on the October meeting at The Stoop, the
update on the RBL PR-A Sptifire, stories from the past, snippets and jottings. I’m going to get another issue
out before the Reunion. Send me more!
David
A promotion for a good cause!-Ed
Ian Morris
launches his new book
On Thursday 26th November 2009
Worcestershire brothers, Mac and Barry Goodwin’s, true story told from a bedrock of fact but as living
flesh. Their mastery of the air as teenagers and then as RAF pilots in 605 (The County of Warwick) Squadron
and 609 (West Riding) Squadron in WW2 flying Hurricanes and Spitfires is set against a privileged family
background.
It includes Barry’s hard won fame at Shelsley Walsh, hill climbing in a supercharged Frazer Nash with the
best of the drivers of the pre-War era; be with Barry driving the Hill; be with them over Dunkirk and with
Mac in the skies protecting England as the Battle of Britain unfolds.
This is a two generation family story of triumph and tragedy; of love and loss which demonstrates the
devastation wrought on those families who lose sons and daughters in war. This is fast moving historical
fiction that will woo you and move you.
If you would like to buy one or more copies of the book then please send the slip below to BREWIN
BOOKS Ltd at Doric House, 56 Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire B90 7NP. Please allow 14 days from
the date of launch for delivery.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Please send me ……. copies of Palmers Hill at £8.95 each to me at the following address. I enclose a cheque
made out to Brewin Books Ltd for the total sum of £ ……
including £2 towards the cost of post and
packing of any one order. Code Number BB18
Name: …………………………………………………..
Address: ……………………………………...........
………………………………..
Post Code:………………………
609 (WEST RIDING) SQUADRON ASSOCIATION 2010
PRESIDENT Air Vice-Marshal A F C “Sandy” Hunter, CBE AFC MA LLB DL
VICE PRESIDENTS
Sir J A "Joe" Atkinson KCB DFC
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
Quince Cottage
Lemons Hill Farm
Hemyock
Devon
EX15 3PY
01823 681460
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
Commander Conrad Roumieux, Vogelstraat 37, 2580 Putte, Belgium
Office: 0032 15 75 69 27
Mobile 0032 475 475031
Email: [email protected]
COMMITTEE Sq Ldr Brian Waite
(Chairman )
Mrs Rosemary A Darley (Treasurer)
Mr Al Parkes
(Committee Member)
Mr Hugh Mulligan
(Secretary)
Sq Ldr J Metcalfe (OC 609 [WR] Squadron)
Mr David Darley
(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 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
™ Replica sets of medals from past CO’s
™ Books and articles about the Squadron
™ The Agazariain Sword
™ The original side panel from Hawker Typhoon PR-G.
™ Numerous other items of memorabilia, including the crossed Hunting Horns Trophy.
™ 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.
™ Outside is Spitfire replica PR-A, representing those flown by S/Ldr George Darley and other 609 pilots in 1939-42
609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
The Officer Commanding
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]
Corgi Spitfire in 609 markings
This has been around for a year or three now, but it’s highly detailed, and all metal. I had mine labelled PR-A by special request. You can still buy them.
Images from Belgium
General Gerard van Caelenberge, in 2006 –now, Dep
Chief of Staff Ops & Training, Belgian Defence Staff.
At the funeral of Georges Jaspis, l-r: Kolonel Rudy DeBaene, (now promoted to General), self, Michel
Mandl (former Chief of Air Staff 2000-02), General Mike Donnet and General Van Caelenberge
On 21 July 2009, Lieutenant General Gerard Van Caelenberge was appointed as new Deputy Chief of Staff Operations
and Training of the Belgian Defence Staff. Major General Claude Van de Voorde succeeded him in his position of
Commander of the Air Component and was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at Beauvechain Airbase on 23
July 2009, held in heavy rain.
Major General Claude Van de Voorde is the third Commander of the Air Component. Before the introduction of the unified
command structure of the Belgian Defence in 2002, the Air Force had 11 Chiefs of Air Staff since its formation in 1946.
The rare sight of the standards of all Air Component Units on parade together on 23rd July
Lt. Gen Van Caelenberge makes his farewell speech
609 (WR) Squadron Association Regalia
Sew on Blazer Badge £10, Ties £7.50, lapel pins £2.50 and the wall plaque is around £30 for any new stock. Note the King’s Crown is correct, as are
the Queen’s Crowns. Only the Crowns changed at the Queen’s Coronation in 1952. All available from Hugh Mulligan
…………………………………………………..
Stop Press! Jeffers the Goat makes his (609) public
debut. OC S/Ldr Jeff Metcalfe seems calm during the lull
before the storm. Then a car backfired……………..
Said Jeff: “Alfie and I have now met "Jeffers" and I've brought him onto the strength of 609 Sqn as Officer Cadet. He's still in his
winter coat, so very shaggy at the moment, but by the Reunion should be gleaming!
He's got a docile temperament and is used to being around people, has appeared in several films and TV documentaries and holds
an Equity Card!
He has a liking for polo mints,
some measure of control is
definitely got a mind of his
think he'd take some stopping
so if there's a ready supply then
likely. However, he has most
own; he's a powerful animal and I
if he took off!”