Edition 45 Christmas 2011

The Journal of the Royal Air ForcePhotographers Association

(formerly RAFBEPA)

4 Chairman’s Chance

6 Comment !

7 Ian Thackery update

8 Joe Oliver Award

10 RAF Benson reunion 2012

10 Flt.Lt. Sean Cunningham

11 The Darkroom Boys

17 DSOP 100th Anniversary 2015

18 The Last Lancaster

21 Under the Spotlight part 2

23 The AGM of the RAFPA

27 The 2011 RAFPA Reunion

32 RAFPA Annual accounts

33 Humour in Blue

34 New recruits

COVER: Cartoon by Dave Newham3

C H A I R M A N S

‘

Chance

Did that big turkey cost a fortune?No, I got it for a poultry amount

Yet again we have celebrated a mostsuccessful Annual RAFPA ReunionWeekend. A different venue; plenty of newfaces; a challenging treasure hunt; a verycompetitive photo competition; and, a verypopular flight simulator to play with, if youhad any spare time. Add to this a wonderfulcollection of historical RAF relatedphotography books and photographs ofmembers of the branch taken over the years– it was a weekend not to miss.

I know I mentioned it at the Dinner but Ithought that it is well worth reiteratingagain – a weekend on this scale does notjust happen. The organizing team of ChrisPettman and Stan Leeds did an outstandingjob in ensuring that we (some 70+)members were all accommodated at theStourport Manor Hotel (an excellent choiceand already booked for next year), that wewere all fed and watered over the weekendand that we were well informed on theweekend events via our welcome package.The raffle is always a success thanks to theteam of volunteers led by Dave Newhamand Pastie Nile, ably supported by manyof the ladies in distributing the many prizesdonated by our generous members.Remember that all proceeds go towards ourtable drinks the following year – a greatsystem that has worked well over the years.Grateful thanks to all.

This year saw the introduction of the ‘JoeOliver’ award (Lifetime Honorarymember) in recognition of Joe’s supportfor the Association and the PhotographyTrade group over the years. Again, DaveNewham stepped up to the plate andorganized a photography competition forall to take part. Not an easy task, but it waswell supported by many members andsome 90+ images were on display on theevening. I must say there were someexcellent photographs of a wide range ofsubjects clearly indicating that we had noforgotten our initial RAF training. Aftermuch deliberation, Mike Muddiman wasthe eventual winner – I don’t know how,he must have bribed one of the judges –only joking Mike, well done. My thanksalso go to Joe for providing the trophy andthe opportunity for us all to competeannually for this prestigious award.

I must also add a special thank you to ourworthy winner of the ‘Jack Egglestone’Trophy this year – Peter Baldwin. He hasraised the profile of the Associationsignificantly by visiting and maintainingcontact with one of our members IanThackery who unfortunately has beensuffering over the years through seriousillness and now has very limited mobility.Each year at the Dinner Peter hasreminded us of Ian’s position andorganised a fund raising collection tomake life a little better for Ian. Last year

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What do the Eskimos sing when they get their Christmas dinner?Whale meat again, don’t know where, don’t know when

he raised £350, this year I know that wemade well over £400. It is a tremendouseffort and grateful thanks must go to allwho attended for their generosity – a trulymagnificent effort.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not totake this opportunity to thank those thatwork on our behalf throughout the year.I am of course referring to our‘Flashback’ Editor and ProductionManager Chris Pettman, our hardworkingSecretary and Webmaster Gerry Linstead,our Treasurer Peter Baldwin and morerecently, our Regalia Officer DaveDerrick. If you have got your RAFPAsticker, polo shirt, badge etc he’s the manto see. Thanks to all.

Oh! I mentioned at the beginning thatthere were plenty of new faces at theReunion this year, for me it was a delightand real pleasure to meet up with BenWhittle again, after some 43 years. Hewas looking well and it was anopportunity for me to thank him for hisexcellent work as an instructor at theSchool and helping me to pass the PPAcourse way back in 1968. Happy days!

Yours aye

John Barry

At the annual reunion, Dave Newham’s treasure hunt competitors gotfed up with the Chairman’s constant “I think we should go this way”.

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COMMENT!

Mum, mum, can I have a dog for Christmas?No, you can have turkey like everyone else

A good blowout at the reunion!

Another year has flashed past, makingFlash - back more relevant than ever!Brenda and I thoroughly enjoyed therecent annual get together at Stourportwhere we were all very well lookedafter by the staff.The same venue has been booked for2012 and the dates will be the12/13/14 October 2012. Mark it in yourdiaries and get you application in assoon as you receive the form in theSpring edition of Flashback. The earlysigns are, that there will be even moreof coming along to meet old friendsand chat about the good old days.

We have reported on the reunionfurther into the journal along with somepictures to give you a flavour of theevent. However, you have to be thereto really soak up the tremendousatmosphere, like any good event.

I hope you have all got your carstickers from Dave Derrick, who wentto a lot of trouble to get them made forus, at a very reasonable price too. It’salways worth advertising theAssociation, as you never know whomight spot it and subsequently join us.

There have been quite a few goodprogrammes on the old goggle boxlately about the wartime efforts ofmany brave souls and what they didfor us. Having just watched andattended Remembrance ceremoniesit is a stark reminder of what manyservice personnel, not only did but arestill doing, to help keep the peace wecurrently enjoy. If only it could spreadto everyone’s hearts to be a little morecaring about others. This lack of careis never more apparent than on ourroads today, particularly after therecent appalling tragedy on the M5 .

Anyway, from me at Flashback to allof you out there who read this journalstay safe and I look forward tomeeting up again at Stourport nextyear.

Very best wishes for a greatChristmas and a happy New Year toyou and your families,

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A letter from Gail Thackery24th November 2011

Hi Pete, Connie and dear friends.Due to circumstances at home, I was sosorry to have missed the reunion. However,having been in contact with Pete [Baldwin],I know that it was a huge success and thesame venue has been booked again fornext year. I really do want to meet you all,so fingers crossed I will be there next year.Both Jonathon [son] and I were overcomewith emotion by your enormous generosity

and kindness in raising £500 for Ian. You haven’t met us yet but you havetaken us to your hearts and knowing that you’re out there gives us greatcomfort. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring.The money has gone towards a wonderful new bed for Ian. We thoughtthat this was the best purchase because Ian becomes very tired now andspends a lot of time sleeping. The home he is in is fantastic but, asalways, there is a budget and the beds are of standard quality. The newone however, is great! It is verycomfy and as you will see from theattached photo, Ian loves it.Unfortunately, we have to wait 3 weeks for delivery, so we took this photoof him in the showroom so that it will, hopefully, make the Xmas magazine.Our love to you all and our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas anda happy 2012,The Thackery family. XXX

P.s.Hi all, this is Ian’s son Jay. I’d love to take this opportunity to just saythank you so very, very much for supporting Ian. Since his illness, you’dbe surprised how many of his friends of old just turned their backs onhim….If they couldn’t have a well Ian, then they’d rather not have Ian atall. So, for not only standing by him but also being so incredibly kind asto raise money for his cause, I thank you. It really is a beautiful thing thatyou’ve done. From me, and my Dad, Thank you.Jay.

Well done to Pete and all members who have contributedto making Ian’s life that little bit easier. Also, well done toGail and Jay for being strong for Ian, it can’t be easy. Ed.

The Joe Oliver Award 2011

The 1st Joe Oliver Award to be made went to Mick Muddiman forthis stunning shot of a Shelduck in flight. Well done Mike.

2nd prize went to BrianBerkeley-White for hisbeautiful shot of awalker and his dogbeside a canal inwinter. If you lookcarefully, there is alsoa pheasant in full flight.

What did the big cracker say to the little cracker?My pop is bigger than yours

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Joint 3rd prize

Tom Geoghegan

Joint 3rd prize

Irene Geoghegan

Left and below were the editorschoices ! There again, what do I

know?

What is never hungry at Christmas?The turkey, it’s always stuffed

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RAF BENSON

Did you serve at or did you have an interest in RAF Benson,in particular, No.1 PRU when it was based there?

If so, Warrant Officer Guppy, who is the Service Community Support Officer atRoyal Air Force Benson, would like to hear from you. He is trying to gauge interestin a form of reunion, possibly to be held in the Officers Mess, around mid 2012.W/O Guppy can be contacted on mobile number: 07917 - 200008 or via email :ben-bsw-scso@mod.uk or by snail mail at:Warrant Officer Guppy, Community Centre, Royal Air Force Benson,Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 6AAEven if you cannot attend but have some stories relating to wartime or just after,please send them on to W/O Guppy. Thanks Ed.

Flt.Lt.SeanCunningham

RIPTragically there has been asecond Red Arrows fatality.Flt.Lt. Sean Cunningham diedafter his ejector seat firedunexpectedly whilst the aircraftwas still on the ground and hisseat did not detach itself fromhim nor did his parachute open.The accident happened onTuesday November the 8th.Flashback sends condolencesto all concerned on behalf of theRoyal Air Force PhotographersAssociation.

Thanks to Maurice Cooper forthe image.

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The continuing saga of the DarkroomBoys trek into war torn Italy in 1944

What’s the best thing to put into a Christmas Cake?Your teeth

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What bird has wings but cannot fly?Roast turkey

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What happens if you eat Christmas decorations?You get tinselitus

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This turkey tastes disgusting!Well, you did ask for a foul roast

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This turkey tastes like an old settee.Well, you did ask for something with plenty of stuffing

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We had Grandma for Christmas dinner.Did you, we had turkey

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Please let Dave Humphrey know what your feelings are about the 2015100th Anniversary of the School of Photography. Ed.

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The last LancasterBack in 1965 it was widely believedthat in the world there was just oneairworthy Avro Lancaster. Theaircraft in question had been offered,free of charge, to the Historic AircraftPreservation Society in the UK, by theFrench who had retired their threeremaining Lancs’ as museum pieces.This particular Lancaster, WU-15,was flown from the French island ofNourmeau, in the Pacific, toBankstown near Sydney Australia inAugust 1964 where it underwent anoverhaul, fitting of an extra fuel tankand test flown. In April 1965 itreceived a British civil registration ofG-ASXX and on the 25th of that monthtook-off on the first leg of its 12,000-mile journey back to the UK, whichwould involve around 70 flying hours.The ferrying crew, as I recall, weremostly all Australian and from theRoyal Australian Air Force.It was my good fortune, on thisoccasion, to be in the right place atthe right time as I was selected to flyin this ‘Last Lancaster’ when it staged

through R.A.F Changi, Singapore fora stop over on its way to the RoyalAustralian Air Force base Butterworthin North Malaya. It can easily beimagined that once news of theLancaster’s scheduled stops weremade known, just about everybodywho had any interest was clamouringand begging for a ‘trip’ in it.However, just two passengers wereaccepted for this flight. One was a MrBarrell Farrar, who was a journalistfor the Australian BroadcastingCompany, and the other being myself,a public relations photographer forHQ Unit FEAF. My assignment wasto fly as passenger in the ‘Lanc’ toRAAF Butterworth for an overnightstay, and on the following day boarda number 52 Squadron VickersValetta, to undertake some posedair-to-air photographs of the Lancasterin formation with an RAAF Canberraand an RAF Handley Page Victor.I can still recall the thrill of boarding,what seemed like one was going backin time, the Lancaster loaded withodours of high octane petrol, rubberand mental images of what it might

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Lanc at Changi

In formation with a Canberraand a Victor

Over a Maly Village

With 2 Sabre escort

have been like going to war in thismachine. Althoughthis particular aircraft had been flownrecently it was certainly not fitted outwith any thought for passenger comfort,which probably added to mental magicof it all. Not long after finding a spotto sit, one by one the four Rolls RoyceMerlins came to life with their verydistinctive cough, splutter and roar,which subsequently settled to a moremechanical purr during the taxiing tothe active runway for take-off. I mustrelate that the din of the four Merlins attake-off power was rather ear shatteringand it was also too obvious thatsoundproofing was not in evidence here.One of my lasting memories is that thesmall hollow space one had to crawl

through and over the main spar, whichwent through the fuselage, in order toget from one end of the aircraft to theother. I can only wonder how, inwartime, they managed this processwhen donned with full flying gear andperhaps a parachute. During the2 hours and twenty minutes flight on5th May 1965, from Changi toButterworth I was invited to come upfront to have a look around the ‘office’,which I duly did and took some photosin the process. As we neared ourdestination we acquired an armedescort comprising of two RAAFSabres. In order for the Sabres toformate with our Lancaster they had tolower their flaps and deploy speedbrakes, as I presume that our cruisingspeed was at the lower end of their

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speed range. Upon landing at RAAFButterworth we were greeted by a greatamount of activity by crowds ofinterested service personnel.The following day I boarded a Valetta,with the cargo door removed, and tookoff for my tasked photo-shoot. I seemto remember that the weather was not toogood, but as this was the onlyopportunity available for this assignmentand one had to make do the best onecould under the circumstances. Todaythis Lancaster carrying serial NX611survives at East Kirkby as a taxiing onlyaircraft and painted with the nose art of“Just Jane” wearing two World War IIsquadron identities. Number 57 Sqdn.DX-C on the starboard side, and 670Sqdn. LE-C on the port. I have neverforgotten the impressions and memoriesmy flight in what was then referred to asthe ‘Last Lancaster’, and as a result I tryfrom time to time to recreate thatexperience by means of PC based flightsimulation.

Maurice boarding thelast Lancaster

Flight simulation of LancMaurice Cooper

Concorde simulation by Maurice Cooper

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Under the Spotlight pt.2

John Herold, MBE

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Thanks very much John, a fascinating career story. Ed.

Royal Air Force Photographers AssociationFormerly the Royal Air Force Boy Entrants Association

=12th Annual General Meeting

The Stouport Manor Hotel, Stouport - on - Severn, Worcestershire,30th October 2011 at 1000

Committee members present 5 Members present 24

Item 1. Chairman's Opening Remarks – John BarryThe Chairman declared the meeting open and welcomed all members presentand asked if everyone had enjoyed the function last night and that if so we wouldlook into reserving the same facilities for next year.

Item 2. Minutes of Last Meeting – John BarryIt was agreed the minutes of the last meeting showed a true record of thatmeeting and were accepted as such.

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Item 3. Treasurer’s Report – Pete BaldwinThe treasurer started with an update from last night, the auction of all the itemsraised £212 of which £57 was requested to be added to the Ian Thackeraycollection which brings that total to £457. The raffle raised £306 and we havesold £50 worth of car stickers this weekend which cost us £87 to by so we arewell on our way to break even with them.He then followed on with his report:

1. 2011 has seen the Association stabilize its’numbers, however that statement does not tell the full story. At the startof the year a number of members resigned through lack of interest orfailure to pay their subs, but to replace them further members havejoined and there are others in the pipeline to swell our ranks. Some 3members, despite reminders, have not increased their subs from £5 to£10. I propose that these members do not receive Flashback until suchtime that their subs are up to date. Our Secretary has done a fine jobthis year raising the subs collected to just over £1500, I will leave himto impress you with the numbers.

2. As an Association we continue to offer our supportto Ian & Gail Thackeray. The magnificent donations last year boughtIan a monster size TV that he could see from his chair & made him theobject of attraction for all the nurses, because they only had small setsto watch.

3. Congratulations Chris, last year you promised areduction in “Flashback” costs and you made it. However the £25 yousaved will, no doubt, be swallowed next time the Post Office raisespostage costs.

4. We continued with our purchase of Port from DFDS(ex Norfolk Line) this cost us £12.95 per litre bottle plus a hotel corkagecharge of £10 per bottle, still making a substantial discount on the hotelwine list.

5. We increased the subscription charge for memberswho require a hard copy of “Flashback” rather than the computerisedcopy, without, to the best of my knowledge, any complaints.

6. A further initiative this year was the purchase ofPolo-shirts, all organised by Mr Regalia, Dave Derrick. This proved tobe a great success and provided the Association with over £130 profit.

7. With this increase in our finances we were able topurchase a twin flagstaff to display our flags properly.

8. It has been a pleasure this year to write this reportand produce the balance sheet without having to worry aboutoverspending at the function. We have been able for instance to provideprizes for the weekend competitions and I look forward to do so againnext year.

Item 4. Secretary / Website Managers Report – Gerry Linstead

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Our current membership stands at 127 compared to last years 129 but we havelost and gained a few and we also have had quite a few recent enquired that Ihope to hear from soon. Out of those 127, 101 are members of our Yahoogroup site. This is where most of the associations’ emails are generated fromand we’ve had quite a few issues about the quantity and size of these emails.Quantity is not really a problem as any member can turn them off if you don’twish to receive them, any problems with that let me know and I will point you inthe right direction. The big problem with the size of emails is usually down toattachments, i.e. photographs which can make downloading a bit of a slowprocess. I would therefore like to remind you that the Yahoo site does have it’sown photo pages where any member can upload such images and then sendan email to the group to tell one and all that they are there, please give it a tryas not only does it cut down the size of emails but it can also help us build upa good collection of photos various.We have now got an RAFPA Forum site set up for those who wish to chat aboutsubjects various and which again should help cut down the amount of emailsgoing through the Yahoo site. To be a part of this you have to be invited and Iwill be sending out invitations to the membership in the next few weeks.

Item 5. Editor’s Report – Chris PettmanThe Editor thanked all those that had sent in stories, anecdotes and picturesfor the magazine over the last year and pointed out that it is these contributionsfrom the membership that makes Flashback what it is. Apart from the magazinethat is sent out to the membership we also send two copies to the DSOP andone to the RAF museum making it not just something for the members but alsoan historical record of went on in TG14. The downloadable version is now sentout in two forms, paginated and un-paginated, if anybody has a problem withthe download then get in touch with Gerry as he can easily send them out asan attachment instead.

Item 6 Regalia Officers Report – Dave DerrickThe Regalia officer updated us on the prices of the polo - £16.50 and sweatshirts - £20 including VAT and P&P in the UK, the supplier has increased theirprices twice since last year but after much pleading they have agreed to holdthe price as it was last year for now. This year we have introduced the RAFPAcar sticker to help promote the association even more. Next year we are planningto produce a blazer badge in gold and silver wire of the association badge at acost of £15 each plus an initial set-up charge of £24 including VAT. We are alsolooking into the possibility of producing a new tie. All information on regalia canbe found in Flashback and on the website.

Item 7. Election of the Committee – John BarryThe Chairman stated that none of the current committee had expressed anydesire to stand down and as no one else had volunteered to join thanked themfor their efforts over the last year. He also thanked other members who although

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not on the committee were very heavily involved in organising this event andvarious activities that take place over the weekend, Stan Leeds for hisinvolvement in organising the weekend and Dave Newnham for the treasurehunt and photo competition.The committee are looking for a volunteer to take become the associationArchivist, if anybody would like to put themselves forward for this position pleasecontact the secretary.

Item 8 Reunion 2012 – Chairman – John BarryThe Chairman thanked both Stan Leeds and Chris Pettman for their involvementin organising this year’s reunion and was pleased to say that Stan has agreedto do the same next year. The Chairman then asked for a volunteer to help Stanout next year as Chris is relocating to South Wales and wont be able to be soinvolved locally with the hotel as you need to be to organise such an event, ChrisTwiner said he would be happy to do so.It was pointed out that a change of date for the reunion should be consideredas at the moment we coincide with the schools half term and this can maketravelling to and from the venue very difficult. After much discussion and a showof hands it was agreed to try for a mid October weekend next year.

Item 9 Return of photo exhibits to RAF Museum Cosford – John Barry, Chris PettmenThe Chairman reminded us that since the Cold War Exhibition came intoexistence at the Cosford Museum what was the photographic part of the museumwas closed and all the exhibits had been put into storage at Stafford. The generalthinking from the association is that that some of these exhibits should bereturned to the museum to show more of the importance of the part thatphotography played during the cold war. As the 100th anniversary of the schoolof photography will be in 2015 this may be a good opportunity to have some ofthe exhibits returned to what we believe is their rightful place. It was thought thatwe should try and arrange a meeting with DSOP to see what can be done.

Item 10. Any other businessVenue – it was suggested that the committee should look into changing thevenue for future reunions to other parts of the country to enable easier travelarrangements for members. It was pointed out that wherever the venue is it hasto be very close to the persons who are doing the organising so that they canvisit and make the necessary arrangements.Events during the year – the committee agreed to look into the possibility oforganising some more events as in a day trip to places of interest to members.If any member has any ideas for such an event please let it be known.

Item 11 ClosureThe chairman thanked all members for attending and looked forward to nextyears event, The meeting then came to a close at 1055.

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Reunion 2011Stourport Manor Hotel

Stourport - on - Severn, Worcestershire

Well it was the one time home of Sir Stanley Baldwin,no relation to our illustrious treasurer though! Theweather played fair with us this year which meantthat the Treasure hunt, organised by Dave Newham,got off to a good start on the Saturday morning.However before that several members arrived on theFriday evening to partake in a lot of catching up over

a super buffet in the Worcester Suite.Cottage Pie, cod Loin or Vegetable Wellingtonfollwed by Eton Mess or Cheese and Biscuits.The nattering went on until nearly midnight, witha few hardy souls staying on in the hotel bar fora bit longer.Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny asseveral members set off to solve Daves trickyclues. The prize for the winner was Sunday lunchfor 4, courtesy of the hotel, so it was worthmaking the effort. Nearby was a delightfulcommon on which a pleasant walk was had bymy wife Brenda and myself, meeting up with IanPrendergast halfway round with the same ideaas us. This was followed by a visit to the localmuseum at Hartlebury Castle just a few minutesup the road.The afternoon saw feverish activity in the hotelas several members helped to get the roomready for the evening.The hotel had done their bit setting out the diningtables for our 69 guests but there was a flightsinulator to set up, courtesy of Dave Ketcher, thephotographs entered for the Joe Oliver awardhad to be put up along with various other displaysand for the first time this year, a computer withold course photos on.Finally all was ready for the off!. At 5.30pmmembers started arriving for pre dinner drinks.

The beautiful flowerarrangements done inblue and yellow fromThe Green Room in

Stourport

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At 7.30pm precisely our lovely MC forthe evening, Angela, announced thatdinner would be served. Homemadevegetable soup was followed by loin oflamb with an apple crumble tart fordessert. The usual port was passedaround the tables before our chairmanJohn Barry rose to say a few words.It had been hoped that Gail Thackerywould attend and indeed she wasbooked in, however her husband Ianhad taken a turn for the worse and Gailfelt that she should be with him. Acollection was made for Ian whichraised over £400, a magnificent resultfrom the members present. After dinnerthe awards were presented. MickMuddiman was the first recipient of thenew Joe Oliver award for the bestphoto submitted and much to hissurprise, Pete our treasurer wasawarded the Jack Eggleston tropghyfor the second time for his services tothe Association, particularly in regardto helping Ian Thackery. BrianBerkeley-White walked off with thetreasure hunt prize, Sunday Lunch forfour at the hotel. The runners up in thephoto competition were Tom and IreneGeoghegan. The remainder of theevening was spent reminiscing andcatching up with friends from way back.

The Joe Oliver Award

F.24 Air Cameras & others!

Editor & wife, Brenda

Mick Wilkinson, John Barry,Brian Broad & Tim Gormley

Harry Greenwood &Mick Muddiman

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Sunday morning after a delightful breakfast, full English of course, at 10amthe AGM of RAFPA was held. About 30 members attended and after somediscussion on dates it was agreed to return to the Stourport Manor next yearbut slightly earlier to avoid the half term holiday rush. Another fantasticgathering of the members with many new faces this year. We hope to seemany more of you in 2012. Ed.

First he pretends tofly, now he ispretending to takephotos! Dave Ketcherin fantasy mode.

The magnificent seven!

The delightful Ben Whittle

Stan Leeds seems to havethe drink situation under

control with Yvonne. Ithink he is trying to create

a storm in a port!

Just Dave

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Longhorn bull onHartlebury Common

Bulls eye view of Stourport fromthe common

From the top, John Barry in fullflow, the dining room before the

beanfeast, a rather surprisedPete Baldwin receiving the JackEggleston Award, all eyes on theraffle prize announcements anda pastoral scene from Saturday

morning!

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ChristmasHumour in Blue

Not long ago and not even very far away Santa was getting ready for his annualworld cruise…but there was trouble at t’North Pole. Several of his little helperswere not in the best of elf and the apprentice elves just did not work as fast.Santa was now beginning to feel the pressure a bit like we all do at Christmas,really. Then, woe and more woe, Mrs Claus said her mum was coming to visit.You just don’t need the mum in law when you are getting ready for Christmasdo you? What stressed Santa even more was when he found that 3 reindeerwere about to give birth and 2 more had jumped the fence and disappeared.Still he carried on getting ready for the big trip, loading the sleigh high withpresents. Just then one of the boards on the sleigh cracked and everything, soneatly piles fell off in a scattered mess on the ground. Santas stress was nowhitting a record high. So he does what we all do, popped indoors for for a cupof coffee and a shot of whisky, only to find that the elves had already hit thedrinks cupboard. In his frustration Santa dropped the coffee jug and it smashedinto a thousand pieces and on fetching a broom to sweep it up, found that it hadbeen eaten by the mice. Santa was now just about exploding with stress, whensuddenly the door bell rang. Despite his rage, Santa went to the door and therewas a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. She said “Where would youlike me me to put this lovely tree Santa?”And that my friends is how the angel came to be on top of the Christmas Tree.

Doug Jones was on his way home from the reunion on a train when he heardthe following from nearby travellers. “ At Cern they have just discovered thatlight travels faster than sound”. Doug thought to himself, obviously Einstein andCosford are figments of my imagination. Probably the neutrinos got to my brainfirst!!!

The other day I heard a couple of idiots say they wouldn’t feel safe flying in aplane with a woman pilot. What a pair of sexist berks, I mean it’s not as thoughshe’d have to reverse it or anything.

A teddy bear is working on a building site and goes off for his tea break. Whenhe returns he finds his pick has been stolen. Angrily he storms up to the foreman,who politely says to him that he forgot to tell him that today is the day the teddybears have their pick nicked.

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NewRecruits

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Martin (Nobby) Clark joined the RAF in 1956 at RAFCardington, he did his training at Bridgnorth and at theSOP Wellesbourne Mountford. He was posted toJARIC(UK)Brampton, JARIC(ME)Episkopi and Wytonwhere he completed his service in 1960.

Alan Gough trained at RAF Hednesford and at the SOPWellesbourne Mountford and served on the RadarReconnaissance Flight at Wyton and in the CommandPrinting Section at Rheindahlen.

Harry Greenwood joined up in 1948 and did histraining at Wellesbourne Mountford where he thenstayed on for another year as permanent staff. Duringhis 24 years service he served at Padgate, Debden,Cardington, Malta, Wyton, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,Kinloss, Australia, Wildenrath, Laarbruch and Brampton.

Derek (Bill) Hickman served with the RAUXAF as aPhoto Assistant on 501 Squadron at Filton, Bristol from1954 to 1956 and then did his National Service from1956 to 1958 as a Photo GS/RS with Fighter Commandat Odiham, Cyprus and Chivenor. Derek then did a 12year engagement from 1959 to 1971 during which timehe was stationed at Wyton, Seletar, North Coates andSharjah.

h. 01223 - 565244 m. 07754 - 891846

…………..and finallyNo,No,No, the order was….ARMS shoulder high.

Squaaaad…wait for it…Squaaaad, preseeent LEGS

Knickers ho!

You put your left leg in……..

Thanks to John Lewis

Captions pleasefor

Dave Ketcher‘pretending to

fly!’

All contributions for the Spring Issue should be received byMonday the 13th FEBRUARY 2012. Pictures should be lowres jpeg’s, (up to 300kb is fine) and text documents should bein Word or Open Office. Please do not mix test and pictures.Send to the editorial office, address inside front cover.