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27th March 2020 at 2:49 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Closure Of The Cold War Jets Museum, Bruntingthorpe (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1140 Characters I have just received the following information: Important New Information re the Aviation services at Bruntingthorpe Please note that, following an acquisition of C.Walton Ltd by Cox Automotive, the Aviation business and Cold War Jets Museum at the Bruntingthorpe site are now closed and will not re-open. It is recognised that this may be concerning news to some aviation enthusiasts. Cox Automotive is an automotive services business who do not work within the aerospace sector. One of the previous owners of C.Walton Ltd, Mr David Walton, is currently investigating the construction of new buildings adjacent to the LPG ‘Q Shed’ to house some of the collection and safeguard their future on land excluded from the Cox Automotive lease. News of any progress on this front will be released by Mr Walton as and when available. Subject to the COVID-19 situation at the time, it remains the intention of Cox Automotive to hold the planned Cold War Jets Fast Taxi Day in August. Further information on this will be released much closer to the date. Please note that due to the COVID-19 situation there is no access to the site currently.
16th March 2020 at 9:04 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: RAF Air Defence Radar Museum (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:920 Characters The current concern over the coronavirus has inevitably had an impact on the ADRM. It will not open on 31st March as previously planned. There were a number of factors leading to this decision by the Board. We have a responsibility to our volunteers. The majority are in the danger zone age wise and we do not wish to put them at risk. They are a hard working and loyal crew and it is no exaggeration to say that the Museum would not exist without them. In addition, we monitor the experiences of other museums and they are seeing a huge drop in numbers attending which is expected to continue for months. We judge that we will lose less money with the museum closed than with it open but few visitors. We are, after all, an independent business and, as such, have to survive as a viable commercial concern. At the moment we cannot predict when we will open. No doubt the situation will become clearer in a few months.
14th March 2020 at 11:41 am Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Neil Colvin (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:992 Characters Very sorry to hear of Neil Colvin’s demise via Jan’s round-robin email. Neil was the Gp Capt Chairman of the NATO Air Defence Hardware Committee (ADHC) in the early 80’s when, as a Sqn Ldr in MOD Ops GE, I was D Air Def’s brief-writer and bag-carrier to the NATO Panel on Airspace Management and Control Systems (PAMCS) at NATO HQ in Brussels. The ADHC was one of the committees subordinate to the PAMCS and so Neil had a speaking part to present his reports to the Panel. I don’t remember a heck of a lot about the PAMCS meetings, but I do remember with great affection Neil’s evening guided tours of the finest watering holes in downtown Brussels, of which he had an encyclopedic knowledge! Quite apart from his highly entertaining company, he was also very patient and generous in passing on his great experience of the workings on NATO in particular and air defence in general, all of which stood me in great stead in years to come. Proper Fighter Controller – RIP Neil.
12th March 2020 at 8:27 am Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Malta AD History - The Malta Heritage Trust (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1752 Characters Wearing my hat as a trustee of the ADRM and our Association's Museums Member, I have been contacted by the CEO of the Malta Heritage Trust, Mario Farrugia. His e-mail is below and is self-explanatory: Dave, Thank you for your immediate reply. It is good to know that you are an ex-fighter controller – which period was that when you were active? Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna – the Malta Heritage Trust is a voluntary non-government organisation formed in 1986 with the spevfici aim of preserving and managing military heritage buildings and sites. so far we have some 34 such properties under our charge. They date from the 1600s all the way to the Cold War. One such property is the formerly British underground Combined War Headquarters in Valletta. We have been restoring this vast complex since 2009. It features two Filter Rooms, one Anti-Aircraft Gun Operations Room, a Sector Operations Room (No.8), two Combined Operations Rooms and a Naval Communication and Operations Centre. The whole of the building covers an area of 28,000 square meters. My interest is t piece together the radar history in Malta for a planned permanent exhibition on the subject. I am also interested in any information on RAF Fighter Control not just in WW2 but also in the Cold War. Actually, I am interested in all information about Malta’s role in the Cold War too. So I wonder if you can help in anything. Rgds Mario Farrugia I know many of our Branch served in Malta which, unfortunately, I did not. If any one has any information, stories, records, photos etc that could be of value to the Malta Heritage Centre could you please let me know. Scanned copies would be most welcome. My contact details are: davele7@hotmail.com 01536 481872
7th March 2020 at 4:55 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Air Defence Front Line Women (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1098 Characters The Air Defence Radar Museum (ADRM), based on the old SOC/CRC Neatishead, is developing an exhibition for the coming season, commencing 31st March 2020, titled 'Air Defence Front Line Women'. Remember, as well as having many female FCs about 50% of Trade Group 12 were female. Their contribution to our Air Defence was, and is, considerable. The exhibition wishes to reflect and acknowledge this. If anyone has any material they might think suitable, please contact either the ADRM Manager, Lynn Kerslake, 01692 631485, or myself either on this message board or davele7@hotmail.com. As a Trustee I am very pleased to report that the ADRM is in good health and thriving as a local attraction. The target market is the local holiday-maker and local schools. The objective is both to entertain and educate. Many of our visitors know absolutely nothing about the subject on arriving. We have a brilliant and large group of enthusiastic volunteers on whom we depend. They act as guides, maintainers, constructors, receptionists, shop assistants, developers, writers and run the Crumbs Cafe.
23rd February 2020 at 4:16 pm Martyn Bettel Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Pam Winslade (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:272 Characters I was part of the Guard of Honour at Steve and Pam’s marriage in 1970 shortly after they both returned from Hamala (3ACC Bahrain) but Jaqui and I sadly lost touch after she and Steve parted some years later. Our thoughts are with Giles and his family at this sad time.
18th February 2020 at 2:45 pm Dave Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Pam Winslade (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:140 Characters I remember Pam well from our days in the Quarters at Horsham St Faith. Like with many, we lost touch. My thoughts are with Giles and family.
18th February 2020 at 10:56 am Timothy Willbond Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Pam Winslade (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:164 Characters Many of our more mature members will remember Pam Winslade wife of Steve Winslade and mother to Giles. I heard from Giles this morning that Pam died earlier today.
15th January 2020 at 4:24 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Bernard "Tommy" Thompson (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:606 Characters As I wrote in the post about Ivor Orrey, sending messages to the membership about the passing of other members brings with it the occasional problem of such messages 'bouncing' and that has happened with recent messages to Tommy in Sweden. I have also tried to call his phone today, but that - if I understood the Swedish message that came back to me - has also been disconnected. I am, at the moment, at a loss to know what avenue I should now take so, if any member has any current knowledge of Tommy's whereabouts and/or the state of his health, I would be most grateful to hear about it.
15th January 2020 at 2:48 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Ivor Orrey RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:527 Characters Sending messages to the membership about the passing of other members brings with it the occasional problem of such messages 'bouncing' and, on investigation, finding that the intended recipient had also passed. So it is with Ivor, who died in October 2018, having suffered with dementia for about 2½ years beforehand. I hope to be in touch with Ivor and Sheila's son, Tony, who lives nearby and supports his mother with the help of his own 2 sons; if I'm successful, I shall add more information here IDC.
15th January 2020 at 2:08 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wg Cdr Denis Arthur Loffhagen RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:677 Characters The funeral will take place on Friday, 24th January at 2 p.m. at: Lincolnshire Co-op Funeral Services Tritton Road Lincoln LN6 7QY Please note that the post code leads primarily to a small industrial estate and gym, with the Funeral Services building on the opposite side of the B1378, Skellingthorpe Road. …while the Wake will take place at: Minster Court York Way Bracebridge Heath Lincoln LN4 2TS where food and drinks will be provided. Please Note, though, that Denis had stipulated that black was not to be worn and that the event should be as light-hearted as possible. In addition, no flowers, please, with donations to Lincs Air Ambulance or RNLI instead.
14th January 2020 at 9:42 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wg Cdr Denis Arthur Loffhagen RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:312 Characters I have heard today, purely by chance, that Denis died on New Year's Day. While Denis only joined the Association around 6 years ago, he had an extensive career in the RAF and in the Branch; many may remember him. I shall promulgate funeral details shortly, but it will take place in Lincoln on 24th January.
13th January 2020 at 9:50 pm Grant Philip Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:151 Characters Dear Brian, I think that it would be entirely fitting for you to represent the Association at Alec's funeral. Thank you. Best wishes, Grant
13th January 2020 at 4:31 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:529 Characters Rex Barriball replied to my email with: "Alec was posted to Buchan to join me, as I was the first controller there. Operating from the FPS 3 hut. We were joined by John (Clive) Silver as the Radar Supervisor and Frank Pusey was the CO. This was 1953. We subsequently served together at 280 Sigs Unit and Strike Command. We (Jenny and I) have many happy memories of times with him and Maggie. For many years we used to meet up at the Cocktail Party, sadly the last time was probably 15 years ago. Rex Barriball"
13th January 2020 at 1:26 pm Michael Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:109 Characters I never served with Alec but knew of his very high reputation in the Branch. Another good man gone! RIP Alec.
13th January 2020 at 12:06 pm Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:308 Characters Alec was most certainly a Fighter Controller, and one of considerable reputation during my early days in the Branch. While I never served with him, his name was nevertheless often heard around the R3 corridors that I inhabited, which, in itself, says something of the regard in which he was held. RIP Alec.
13th January 2020 at 12:03 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:176 Characters John Hyde replied to the notification with: “ Sad news, the 'younger' oldies all appear to be fading away. My condolences to his family he is missed by us all”
13th January 2020 at 9:40 am Timothy Willbond Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:708 Characters I never served with Alec but met him several times over the years. I do recall as a very green IC I was intercepting two targets at medium height with two Lightnings during a TACEVAL all was going well until the targets just disappeared I continued using DR but nothing was seen. I was walking down the corridor when Alec stopped me and asked me what had happened. I told him that the targets had just disappeared and he asked me if I had considered the targets had dived to low level for the run-in!!! All very gently done and I learnt from that. A stalwart of the branch and a very professional FC during the Cold war. Think it would be most appropriate for Brian to attend the funeral as an FC rep.
13th January 2020 at 8:55 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:342 Characters I heard from the Vice-Chairman this morning: "Some good news - Air Media have been in contact with Alec's family who are very touched that we've reached out. His daughter, Mrs Vivien Ridgley, is happy to receive any enquiries from members who wish to attend the funeral - and is happy to be contacted on 07771 515011"
13th January 2020 at 7:56 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:853 Characters I first met Alec during my tour at 117SU, RAF Kai Tak between 1970 and 1972 - He was a Sqn Ldr and the OC and very certainly a qualified Fighter Controller. I can't remember if he replaced Ron Bradbeer or was relieved by him - the latter case I believe. II7SU was a lodger unit of RAF Kai and the radar unit was located on the top of the highest peak (3,000') in the New Territories. Tai Mo Shan (literally translated from Cantonese as "big hat mountain3,000') was some 15 miles north of Kowloon, in the New Territories. Alec and his wife Margaret were a great couple and did a great deal to make sure that my wife and I had all the necessary guidance to settle into the busy life of 117 and the main station at Kai Tak. Out of interest, Nick and Gill Gadd were at 117 during the majority of my tour. RIP Alec Grant Grafton
13th January 2020 at 7:17 am Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Bawdsey Museum On Television (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:323 Characters A reminder that the Bawdsey Radar Transmitter Block Museum will be on the Micheal Portillo Railways TV programme on 22 Jan at 1830. Unfortunately, the Bawdsey re-union lunch this year clashes with our FCA function. It's a very pleasant event but I will not be able to attend this year. I plan to be at the FCA events.
12th January 2020 at 7:36 pm Janette Cobb Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:991 Characters Two years ago come April, Kate Brophy posed a question concerning the security of the website, a question my predecessor as web manager answered with reference to the browser warnings she had received, comparing the use of 'https' over 'http' when typing in the website's URL. I would like to point out that the website, in isolation, is as secure as it can be, being housed amongst several other websites using the same IP address, on the same server. In addition, the database the website uses is housed in a similar fashion and is not just physically secure but secured by strong passwords, not visible to the hosting company nor any casual (or even quite determined) visitors. To add to that security, the website has been using a SSL certificate to ensure that all communications between your browser and the server hosting the website are encrypted and, therefore, of no use to any person or robot that manages to deliberately intercept those communications.
12th January 2020 at 2:53 pm Janette Cobb Category: General Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Geoff Bibby (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:552 Characters Having met Geoff when he visited the UK as a member of the NZ contingent attending the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London some years ago, I was keen to check on his continuing good health, so I too rang him at home last week. Now approaching 98, Geoff's memory is not what it was, but his voice was as strong as I remember it and it was a real pleasure to have the brief chat with him. I have also written to him in an attempt to have his daughter, Carole, act as an email go-between for him; time will tell if I'm successful!
12th January 2020 at 12:10 pm Brian Rogers Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:257 Characters Although I never worked with Alec I met him several times as a "Trapper" at various units and at FC functions. I am happy to attend his funeral and if necessary, represent the Branch and Association if no-one else is available or more appropriate.
11th January 2020 at 6:02 pm Martyn Bettel Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:624 Characters “Alec” Weir was a Fighter Controller. In 1969 he, as a Flt Lt and me as a lowly but keen and eager Plt Off, were detached to Gibraltar to provide a position in Gib’s ATC tower to control a detachment of 4 Hunters for a fortnight. Alec acted as CC and I did all the PIs !! Great fun seeing how close we could finalise the intercepts to the Spanish border without infringing their airspace. (At the time the UK and Spain were at loggerheads over Gib so an airspace infringement would have been unpopular but this was a flag waving exercise!) Met him occasionally after that but we never worked together again. RIP.
9th January 2020 at 3:51 pm John Booth Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:882 Characters Dear All, The funeral for Wg Cdr (ret'd) Alexander Weir will take place on Fri 17th January at the Milton Chapel, Chilterns Crematorium @ 1515. His family have been in touch with Air Media and report that he was a FC who joined in 1948 and retired in 1983; having had tours in Malaya, Hong Kong, Cyprus amongst other things - he was also CO of Kai-Tak airbase in Hong Kong. We're attempting to get his Service Record so that Air Media can more accurately reflect his career but I've been asked to advertise the funeral to those who may have known him. The family don't have many details about his RAF Service so there is a chance, that he wasn't actually a FC but I thought it prudent to put the info out to our membership in case anyone did know him and wanted to pay their respects. Once (if) I have more details I update the post. Kind Regards, JB
17th November 2019 at 8:26 pm Dave Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Judy Wetherell (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:529 Characters My late wife, Elenore, and I first met Judy, and Lofty, at Buchan in the late 70s. I didn't know it in the first days or so but they had an MQ in the Shielings almost opposite. My first indication that they were there was when I was passing with my two little girls, aged about 3 and 4 years. One of them said to me, "A nice lady lives there." I think that says it all. Rapidly we learned our girls were quite right and over the years we grew to know, respect and love them both. Lofty, I'm thinking of you.
16th November 2019 at 7:00 pm Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Judy Wetherell (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:345 Characters I never had the pleasure of serving alongside the Fighter Control legend who is Lofty Wetherell and so I only met Judy when we coincided at FCA functions. On those occasions she struck me as a lovely and courageous lady who was absolutely determined not to be defined by her illness - and she succeeded. Our sincere condolences to The Big Man.
14th November 2019 at 1:22 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Judy Wetherell (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1349 Characters Lofty (and later Judy) were a feature of my RAF life from the earliest stages and, later, the adventure at Dundridge College (the alternative School of Fighter Control). I first met Judy on arrival at Patrington in the late ‘60’s; a time when local service WRAF were employed at the station. She was quite a formidable character, being Yorkshire born and bred (euphemism for dismissing Pilot Officers with consummate ease). Moreover, she was often an assistant to the Chief Controller. A position we trainee controllers held in considerable awe. In 1985, Lofty and I were part of the team that set up Dundridge College. As part of that process he and I went off to work for IAL, at a Royal Saudi Air Force CRC in Dharan. Judy accompanied Lofty during the very interesting 10 months we spent living in the Kingdom and I got to know her well during that time. On return to the UK, as Dundridge got into its stride, we lived a short distance from each other and met, socially, on many occasions. Subsequently, at various RAFFCA events, it was such a shame to see the vibrant person she had been subject to the gradual deterioration brought on by Parkinson’s. It’s a mark of her character and determination she survived so long, when others would have given up. My thoughts go out to Lofty and his family at this difficult time. Grant
14th November 2019 at 11:54 am Alec Trevett Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Ian 'Lofty' Wetherell - Still Alive And Kicking!! (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:896 Characters So very sorry to hear of Judy's passing. Lofty and Judy were at Brekendorf when we first got married and they were both very kind to us. We both hold Judy with great affection and remember her kindness, warmth and tremendous character. Sonja joins me in passing our sincere condolences to all Judy's family and friends - she was one of the very best and will be sadly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. I managed to speak with Lofty by phone today and we recalled a few happy memories of our former lives as fighter controllers. (For those younger Association members who may be unfamiliar with Lofty Wetherell's reputation - in term of our Branch's Cold War history he stands very tall indeed - always has!) I am sure, as his Son says, that he would love to hear from other former colleagues. (His contact details are in Jan's earlier post ).
14th November 2019 at 3:09 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Ian 'Lofty' Wetherell - Still Alive And Kicking!! (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:797 Characters From Keith yesterday evening: “Hi Jan Ian is managing much better than any of us imagined. In some way I think it has been a huge release after many years of caring for Judith; when he himself was frail. He has his emotional ups and downs but is more lucid than for a long time. More like the old Lofty, but still confused. Friends would be able to send cards either to me at: 9 Etherington Court, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0TX, Tel 07815 015550 or direct to dad at: Swanland House, 41 West End, Swanland, East Yorkshire, HU14 3PE Tel 01482 634159 He is able to hold conversations on the phone but they could be pretty disjointed. I'm sure he would love to hear from.old comrades. He talked fondly of you this afternoon when I visited. Best regards Keith”
12th November 2019 at 10:41 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Ian 'Lofty' Wetherell - Still Alive And Kicking!! (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:570 Characters Sadly, I received the following from Keith Wetherell earlier on today: "Dear Jan It is with regret and sadness that I have to inform you that Judy passed away on 3rd November. After a long fight against her illness she finally succumbed and died peacefully. The funeral will be held at 12.30 on Friday 22nd November, at Haltemprice Crematorium, Main Street, Willerby, HU10 6NS. Family flowers only, donations to the local branch of Parkinson's UK. Dad (Lofty) is bearing up well, though he is very frail and somewhat confused. Regards Keith"
10th November 2019 at 4:38 pm Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:216 Characters Another good man gone to The Big Rest Room in the Sky before his time. A greatly respected Fighter Controller and a lovely human being - RIP Pete. Heartfelt condolences to Ali and the family from Alison and myself.
9th November 2019 at 8:45 am Hilary Whiteway Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:125 Characters It has all been said, he was a truly kind and lovely person. My sincere condolences to Ali and family at this very sad time.
8th November 2019 at 2:42 pm Gillian Ward Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:279 Characters Very sad to learn of this news. My thoughts are with Ali and the family at this difficult time. Not in 100% agreement that the photo is typical of him; someone cropped it badly so I can't see the beer in his hand :-) He made any, all occasions, better by his being there.
8th November 2019 at 11:47 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:289 Characters Later on today I shall be transferring copies of all messages on this thread to the Facebook group that had been set up in September by Nicky Loveday (unless individual representation is made to me at sec@raffca.org.uk concerning specific posts); I hope and trust that'll be in order.
8th November 2019 at 11:40 am Timothy Willbond Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:257 Characters Always ready with a smile, one of life's gentlemen - as already commented upon the photograph says it all! Pete was a great supporter of the association and will be greatly missed. Catherine joins me in sending our condolences to Ali and the family.
8th November 2019 at 11:01 am Steve Jones Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:114 Characters Peter was a truly wonderful fella - I have so many fond memories of him. My thoughts are with Ali and the family.
8th November 2019 at 10:42 am Michael Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:222 Characters Pete was an absolutely super chap and I am extremely sad to hear of his passing. The photograph attached to the email is typical of him, displaying his customary cheerfulness and good humour. He is very greatly missed.
8th November 2019 at 10:11 am Dave Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:178 Characters I didn't know Pete very well except for meeting at the FCA events. My memory is of a genuinely 'nice guy'. The photo is brilliant. My thoughts are with the family.
8th November 2019 at 10:02 am Gerald Dinmore Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:269 Characters Such sad news to hear of the passing of Pete Scott. A truly lovely guy. I shall always remember him as a person who could give you a lift if you were feeling a bit down. I think the photograph posted with the e mail captures his personality perfectly. Very sadly missed
8th November 2019 at 7:01 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Flight Lieutenant Peter Scott RAF (Retd) R.I.P. (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:736 Characters I have received a message from Nicky Loveday, who - as many of you will know - has been a close friend to the Scott family over many years and not least during the past months and weeks as Pete has fought his illness. Nicky's message is repeated here: "Pete died peacefully during the evening of Wednesday 6th November with his beloved wife Ali at his bedside. The family are so grateful for all the love and support they have received from their RAF family over the past few weeks. I will post details of the funeral when they are known. Rest easy Pete." Nicky will this morning have posted that message to the Facebook group that was established to bring together the support for Pete, Ali and the family.
20th October 2019 at 2:34 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:384 Characters In The Telegraph (http://announcements.telegraph.co.uk/deaths/236745/squadron-leader-walker) today: "Clive Brett died suddenly but peacefully at home on 11th October 2019, aged 68. Much loved husband of Wendy, father of Ryan, Hannah and Will. Funeral 25th October at 12:30pm, Howick Church, Northumberland, NE66 3LB. Donations to RAF Benevolent Fund in lieu of flowers."
18th October 2019 at 9:21 am William Vant Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:498 Characters I had the privilege of serving with Clive both at Benbecula in the early 80s and then at Buchan early 90s. I was shocked to hear of his demise. He was a most professional, reliable and above all loyal officer and friend. Socially, he was great company. I remember several occasions when problems arose, both on and off duty, he would catch my eye and often without saying anything I knew the problem would be sorted - and it always was. My and Sylvia's thoughts are with Wendy and family.
18th October 2019 at 9:19 am Michael Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:91 Characters I, too, served with Clive at Boulmer and am very sad indeed to hear that he has died. Mike
18th October 2019 at 8:51 am Timothy Willbond Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:245 Characters I served with Clive at Boulmer. Really sorry to hear the news about his untimely passing. I shall attend the funeral and happy to represent the committee if that is agreeable - even though he was not a member he was a Fighter Controller. Tim
18th October 2019 at 6:00 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:532 Characters Sue Gillott has posted in the Association’s Facebook group: “I have shown Wendy your posts and she says 'Thanks everyone'. She is pleased to see that Clive is well remembered by his RAF friends. I can let you know that he had a heart attack. The funeral will by at Howick Church near Longhoughton on Friday 25 October at 12.30, arrangements for after the service tbd. The church is in the Howick Hall grounds, on the Craster road from Longhoughton it is on the left before you get to the Howick Hall entrance.”
16th October 2019 at 2:55 pm Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:439 Characters I've posted the following in the Facebook FCA Group: "Details of the funeral will be forthcoming soon, but I have first to ascertain how Wendy wishes to arrange things before I publish them. Wendy would also like to see all the messages that have been posted on this thread, so anyone who has any reservations about that might wish to contact me privately, otherwise Sue Gillott will let Wendy see the messages later."
15th October 2019 at 11:33 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:495 Characters A further post in PPRuNe (from 'Big Ack' in Lincoln) is: "I'm a similar vintage as Wyler and also remember Clive (and Kev) fondly. Hearing this sad news has brought back happy memories of "Tac transport" stories, the Mixed Fighter Force and other deep bar discussions! As Wyler remarks, his heart was very much in the right place. And he was very supportive of me when I was going through a prolonged troubled period. He will be remembered with affection."
15th October 2019 at 9:51 am Janette Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Clive B Walker RAF (Retd) RIP (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1566 Characters After I was warned by the Dep Sec that he had heard from Carole Ward to say that Clive had passed away, I searched Google for further information and found on PPRuNe this post from Wayne Farrell, who - I learned later - had worked with Clive (and Kev Rosie) at the BAE Systems training team in Oman: "I am sad to let anyone on here who knew him know that Clive Walker passed away in his sleep last Friday. He was very well known around aviation circles both here in Oman and in many places elsewhere, including his time at the RAF, BAE Systems and the Hong Kong Police. He was a solid mentor to me for many years, with him and the late Kev Rosie keeping me upright and out of trouble on far too many a night out. I will miss him very much." I posted on the FCA's Facebook group: "Through 2 separate sources, I have heard this evening of the passing last Friday of one Clive B Walker (Sqn Ldr (Retd)). Clive wasn't a member of the FCA, but there will be many who knew him nevertheless." and gave a link to the PPRuNe post, which has been followed by another: "Sorry to hear this. Clive was my boss in the mid 90s. We both had gun dogs and used to regularly demonstrate our sheer incompetence, much to the amusement of the locals. i remember he bought a very expensive Range Rover as a treat. He was late for a morning brief soon after. He walked in and apologised. He said he got stuck behind a tractor and couldn't afford to overtake it. He could be a complicated fellow but his heart was in the right place."
20th September 2019 at 11:50 am Alec Trevett Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sad News Of Wg Cdr Mike Clulow (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:291 Characters Only just found this as it has been ages since I logged on. Really sad to read this. Mike took over 303SU Mt Kent from me in 1987 and we spent a delightful couple of days 'handing-over'. A wonderful character and my (belated) condolences go to Mike's family and close friends.
19th September 2019 at 2:04 pm Dave Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sidney Wood - Veteran (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:447 Characters I must apologise for being so late in responding to this post. Sidney attended a number FCA functions and, in particular, as one of our group at the Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Services held at Westminster Abbey. This was particularly admirable as, well into his 90s, he traveled from Northern Ireland. I had many interesting conversations with him and found him a cheerful and friendly chap. He was in my thoughts this last Service a week ago.
3rd September 2019 at 4:58 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Lightning F6s Twilight Run - Bruntingthorpe (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:587 Characters The Lightning Preservation Group will be holding its annual Twilight Run, Saturday 16th November 2019. Unfortunately, as for the previous two years, due to issues at the Airfield we will not be able to have a QRA Scramble Re-enactment as the run will be at the opposite end of the runway to the QRA Shed. However, it is still a spectacular event and is well attended. I suggest you look at the website for details: www.lightnings.org.uk If you do decide to attend, please let me know. It helps to place the FCA in its rightful place in the Lightning Story. davele7@hotmail.com Dave Lowry
13th August 2019 at 8:00 pm Timothy Willbond Category: General Discussions Topic: Help With Historical Terms (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:3129 Characters Dear Steve, Sorry about the delay in adding to this thread only just come across it. It is interesting timing because I have just written a paper in which I address to very confusing nomenclature used during the second world war. Originally AMES was a substitute for RAF and applied to a unit that employed radar to deliver a military imperative such as long range surveillance. Long range surveillanc units were equipped with Type 1 (floodlight) radar and the units were positioned about 30 miles apart and these AMES became known collectively as Chain Home. Similarly a low level surveillance system was introduced with deployed units being equipped with Type 2 radars. The AMES delivering this military output became known as Chain Home Low. Already confusing but it is important to understand that every AMES was a formed unit with a CO etc. From here things went down hill and AMES was applied in a very confusing way even being applied to a radar such as illustrated below. There was a considerable difference between a GCI and an MRU. The military organisation that was set up to deliver air defence had two component parts. The first was surveillance and the production of a recognised air picture the second was the tactical control of the principal weapons of defence - the fighter aircraft - of which the precision control of aircraft to intercept an enemy aircraft was the lowest level of tactical control. GCI units were developed specifically to counter the night threat and provided interception control of night fighters. This flowed over into Northern Europe where 85 group which was charged with base defence and this included the defence of the whole of the area retaken at night and it was equipped with GCI units. Although very similar in composition the tactical control units assigned to the composite groups of 2ATAF ( Nos 83 and 84 Groups) were designated as Fighter Direction Posts (FDP). For the record, 85 Group did not report to 2ATAF but directly to AEAF.. Now in terms of surveilland there were two types of unit. Very confusingly the low level serveillance system was referred to Chain Overseas Low (COL). It was a mobile system usually equipped with a Type 15 radar and it certainly was not part of a chain. Now to the MRU, this was also a surveillance unit and it was a mobile floodlight system similar to the Type 1 radar equipped AMES and it provided wide area surveillance. Both mobile low level and area surveillance units reported to a Group Control Centre. A maximum of four "COL' unitis and two MRUs were deployed in the 85 Group AOR of which 358 MRU was assigned to 24 Base Defence Sector. The problem with many of the numerous mobile units was that they did not tend to keep good records and if they did they became lost. The ORB for 24 Base Defence Sector is quite good but does not stand up to close examination and there may be something at Kew under 85 Group GCC - worth a look. The nomenclature of the day was incredibly confusing and was not applied consistently which makes it even worse but I hope the foregoing helps. Kind regards Tim
22nd July 2019 at 11:11 am Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Battle Of Britain Thanksgiving Service, Westminster (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:106 Characters There are still some places available. Please let me know soonest if you wish to take them up. Dave Lowry
17th July 2019 at 12:09 pm Timothy Willbond Category: General Discussions Topic: Bentley Priory Bunker (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:608 Characters The Bentley Priory Museum are considering a project that features the bunker at BP. The bunker was opened in March 1940 and provided the operations centre for Fighter Command until 1968 and then 11 Group in one guise or another. The project is looking to interview people who worked in the bunker over the whole period of its existence. If you worked in the bunker either full time or as a war role or know of someone who did I would very much appreciate hearing from you so we can, through this BP initiative, capture memories and stories of the bunker and the roles it performed in the defence of the UK
15th July 2019 at 7:48 pm Jan Cobb Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Ian 'Lofty' Wetherell - Still Alive And Kicking!! (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1526 Characters There are those among us who know Lofty well, who might have though that he had left this mortal coil had I just put his name in the subject box; hence 'alive and kicking'! Nevertheless, Lofty is 86 and has - over the last couple of years - started to suffer with dementia. Many will know that Judith, his wife, has long been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease - some 25 years now - and, coupled with Lofty's dementia, can no longer manage her own illness as well as his. As a result, they are - relatively happily - ensconced in a care home, not too far away from their East Yorkshire home in Skidby. Their son, Keith, to whom I spoke today (having had Lofty's email address bounce on communications once too often!), is the primary point of contact now and, when he answered a later email, wrote: "They receive excellent care and dad especially is very settled. Judith less so, but I'm told that is a part of her Parkinson's. To have survived so well for 25 years post diagnosis is a tribute to her fortitude and fighting spirit, which continues to this day. I'm sure that members could talk to "Lofty" if they call the home. However he may seem very confused. Like most sufferers he is better with the more distant past, so old colleagues may find him more lucid than maybe we do." If any member wishes to have either Keith's details or Lofty's details, please get in touch with me, either by email or by using the facilities on this website. Jan
11th July 2019 at 10:47 am Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Battle Of Britain Thanksgiving Service, Westminster (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1609 Characters Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service - Sunday 15 September 2019 This year the Battle of Britain Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday 15th September. As usual, the Association has been allocated spaces. If you wish to attend, could you please send the following information to me at museums.member@raffca.org.uk, copied to sec@raffca.org.uk. Your full name (and that of an accompanying partner) Any Titles or Ranks, (for yourself and partner as appropriate) Your Full Address (and that of an accompanying partner if different from yours) Please ensure that you include any other requirements, such as the use of a wheelchair or the need for assistance, as the Service will entail some walking and standing for a period of time. The spaces, which are limited in number, will be allocated on a first-come basis. If free spaces are available, extra guests might be accepted (in which case, we will need the same information about them as requested above). If you contemplate extra guests, please let me know so I can have it on record. The Association still has a few remaining Veteran Members who served in WWII; we know you will understand if we give them priority, but they will be approached separately. However, if you are a Veteran Member, feel free to respond to this notice, indicating your status as a veteran and in addition to sec@raffca.org.uk, please copy to heritage@raffca.org.uk Please respond at the earliest opportunity (to ensure your place in the queue), but no later than 24th July 2019 I look forward to meeting our attendees at the Abbey. Best wishes Dave Lowry
5th July 2019 at 5:23 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: RAF On Omaha (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:583 Characters Hi Steve I am researching the operational contribution of the T14 to the D-Day landings and the rest of WW2 on behalf of the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. We have an example that is in need of very expensive renovation or it will be lost. We are trying to build a story of its importance, hopefully, to attract sponsorship and/or grants. If you have any memories etc from your father's experiences I would be very pleased to hear them. I am a Trustee on the Board at the ADRM and the Museums Member on the FCA Committee. My e-mail is: davele7@hotmail.com Cheers Dave
3rd July 2019 at 7:11 pm Timothy Willbond Category: General Discussions Topic: RAF On Omaha (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1302 Characters Dear Steve, The association organised, with much help from the Embassy in Paris, a ceremony at Vierville sur Mer to commemorate the airmen that died on Omaha beach and the achievements of the unit itself. It is a remarkable story and one that was only brought to our attention a few years ago by Dr Les Dobinson who landed on D+3 as part of the support echelon for the GCI and LWUs that were deploying. Les single handedly mounted a campaign to ensure that those that lost their lives were not forgotten and the story of 15082 GCI became an established part of the history of D Day. The memorial that now stands was produced through the efforts of Les and the then Mayor of Vierville. It is the only RAF memorial in the assault area. There were two ceremonies at Vierville a joint one with the Town, the US 29th Division and the RAF and a private RAF ceremony. It was very moving and we made sure that Les was recognised for all he had done. An interesting aside is that we met a marine archeologist who has mapped much of the waters off the beaches and is now trying to identify any of the remains of 15082. The biggest single loss was the Type 13 radar which was completely submerged as it tried to land and was never seen again. Glad you got to see the memorial. Kind regards Tim
1st July 2019 at 5:41 pm Dave Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Type 14 Radar - Operations (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1009 Characters I am looking for information and references to the war time operations of the T14 Radars. We have an example at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum (ADRM), Neatishead, that is desperately in need of renovation before it becomes a loss. Unfortunately, it has been kept in the open for many years with the inevitable results. We are working on plans to restore it and keep it under cover. I believe the type played an important role in our history. Unfortunately, estimates of the cost of renovation are above our current capability although we do have enthusiastic volunteers who will put in much of the hard graft. www.radarmuseum.co.uk We would like to attract sponsorship but before we can do this we must research the Type’s contribution and relevance to air defence and, in particular, WW2. If anyone has any information or can point me to reference material I would be very grateful. My relevant roles are Trustee of the ADRM and the Museums Member of the RAF Fighter Control Association. Dave Lowry
14th May 2019 at 4:29 pm Steve Hudson Category: General Discussions Topic: RAF On Omaha (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:565 Characters Hi, have just returned from a backpacking trip from Dieppe to Cherbourg, taking in Bruneval, and the invasion beaches. At the western end of Omaha, I came across a memorial plaque to 15082 GCI, which landed on the beach to provide radar coverage to the American sector. I have a family connection with WWII radar, as my father served throughout the war, and was a member of a MRU that went ashore after D-Day, and then went right through France, Belgium, The Netherlands and into Germany. I have a photo of the plaque should anyone be interested. regards Steve
23rd February 2019 at 4:35 pm Martyn Bettel Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sad News Of Wg Cdr Mike Clulow (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:316 Characters Very sad news indeed; Mike replaced me as the RAF Fighter Control exchange officer at HQ NORAD/Space Command in Colorado Springs in Mar 83 and we latterly served together at Boulmer in 87/88. In his later life I know he was also a very active member of the RAFA. Jaqui and I send our deepest sympathy to his family.
13th February 2019 at 3:40 pm Joseph Marsden Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Dorothy Rayner - WWII Radar Operator (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:449 Characters I attended this today with Frank Graham, there was a standard bearer from the RAFA and about 30 RAF uniformed personnel including current Fighter Controllers and personnel from Whale Island, RAF Benson and Swanwick. The hearse was given a guard of honour as it arrived and we all squeezed into the small chapel at Porchester. She appears to have been a remarkable woman who was well supported by friends and family who seemed pleased at the turnout.
12th February 2019 at 3:38 pm Joseph Marsden Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Dorothy Rayner - WWII Radar Operator (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:20 Characters I intend to be there
7th February 2019 at 11:35 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Dorothy Rayner - WWII Radar Operator (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:297 Characters We have just been advised that Dorothy died recently. Dorothy as a WWII Radar Operator. Her funeral service is to be held at Porchester (Portsmouth) Crematorium on Wed 13th Feb 2019 at 12.45 p.m. Dorothy's family would welcome retired or serving members of the RAF to the service Grant Sec
29th January 2019 at 10:04 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sad News Of Wg Cdr Mike Clulow (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:406 Characters All, Hilary Whiteway has been contacted by Mike's daughter to let her know that Mike died in Dec '18 after a long battle with kidney disease. I have no other details at this time. I knew Mike very well. He and I worked together at the School of FC, West Drayton, preparing material for the first Executive Training courses. This was late 1981, early 1982. He will be sadly missed Grant Sec
18th January 2019 at 5:15 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sidney Wood - Veteran (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:491 Characters We have received this message from Bob Holdredge, Sidney's son-in-law 'I am saddened to say that Mr Sidney James Wood passed away on 4th January 2019. His casket was draped with the RAF flag and his hat and medals were on display. 30 family and friends were in attendance at his funeral. He was 97 years young and was talkative and lucid up until the moment of his passing. He cherished his time in the RAFFCA.' A reply has been sent on behalf of the Association. Grant Sec
14th January 2019 at 8:04 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sidney Wood - Veteran (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:777 Characters I have just been contacted by Jacqueline Cunningham with the following news: "It is with regret that I am contacting you with the news of the death of Sidney James Wood on 4/1/19. Sidney had experienced a short illness .. Pancreatic Cancer. He had been in hospital for 5 weeks from September until early October. He was at home until Christmas day when he was very ill again. He was admitted into hospital again ...only then to die peacefully on 4th Jan with friends and family with him. The funeral is on Wed. 16th Jan at Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast at 12 noon and afterwards at La Mon Hotel Belfast for refreshments. Sidney was an amazing man and will be very much missed by all of us." I have replied offering condolences from the Association. Grant Sec
25th December 2018 at 11:00 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sad News Of Joan Fanshawe (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:820 Characters Dear Association member, I have received the following message from Tim Willbond. 'It is with considerable sadness that I have to report that Joan Fanshawe died last Wednesday at the age of 98 in New Zealand. Every year Joan would travel to New Zealand for three months over Christmas to be with her two daughters and their families. She travelled of on the 8th December arriving safely and enjoyed several days of good health before falling ill. There will be a funeral in Auckland on Thursday and the plan is to hold a memorial service in the UK in March. Joan was a remarkable lady in the true sense of the word and very much a poster girl for the FCA for a number of years - she was the last known witness to events in the 11 Group operations room on the 15th December 1940.' Kind regards Grant Sec
9th December 2018 at 5:52 pm Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Fighter Control/ABM Stories (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1016 Characters Dave Lowry has asked that I post the following: The author, Richard Pike, is in the process of producing his latest book and looking for some additional interesting material. They are in the form of anthologies. He has produced the Lightning Boys and Phantom Boys books and, the latest, Helicopter Boys. Our specialisation has been included in earlier books, Penny Smith (nee Wild) in Phantom Boys 2 and, modesty forbids, a little on my experiences in Helicopter Boys. This coming book is of a more general nature so Control stories would certainly be appropriate. We don't have to worry about our 'authorship' skills, Richard sorts all that out. It's the interest aspect that's important. If you have a tale to tell, I suggest you get in touch with either me (if you would like to have a chat, I could give you my landline number), or directly with Richard which would speed things up. Richard's e-mail is: pike1@greenbee.net. My e-mail is: davele7@hotmail.com Regards Grant Sec
2nd December 2018 at 6:03 pm David Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:406 Characters I've only just picked this up and it's a great shock. I was on Gordon's Squadron at Buchan as a Flight Commander and saw him as a great support and enjoyed working with him learning much. Later I relieved him in Oslo as the TACEVAL Project Officer with the RNoAF. I was last in touch and met him attending a BofB Service at Westminster Abbey a few years ago. Cancer is a thief. What a loss.
2nd December 2018 at 5:43 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Philip Robert James Lamb MA BTh RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1735 Characters Thank you to Jan Cobb, our web manager, for posting this tribute to Phil Lamb on the FCA Facebook page. For those who do not use Facebook, the information is given below: Phil got a mention in the House of Commons on 26 Nov '18 at 8.02pm by Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend)(Lab) short extract below: I cannot finish without speaking about the people of the RAF. The hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) and I share a great friend. When I became the chair of the RAF all-party parliamentary group, a liaison officer was appointed by the Ministry of Defence to ensure that I understood things and perhaps that I behaved myself—he did not do very well at that—as well as to ensure that I was accurate in the things that I said and did. That man was Wing Commander Philip Lamb. After being a parliamentary liaison officer, he went on to be the station commander at St Mawgan and then to become our defence attaché in Sweden. It was there that he became ill. On the day—in fact, at the very minute—that I was told I was to be the next President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, a text appeared on my phone. I opened it, and it told me that Philip had died. Philip was a man who, like so many in the RAF, served his country with distinction, commitment and integrity. Like so many others, he was a man who let the world know that the RAF still attracted the best people. They are people who really do go through adversity to the stars in protecting this country. Full extract available at: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2018-11-26/debates/619F7290-1B55-4C47-A8EA-FEF11503B1A4/RAFCentenary?highlight=wing%20commander%20philip%20lamb#contribution-BCAEEED1-3744-4738-8BEA-BAADA78BD499 A very fitting tribute. Grant Sec
29th November 2018 at 1:23 pm Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: A Non-PC Christmas Present (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:461 Characters All, I have to blame Mike Good for bringing these mugs to my attention - but I don't suppose he will mind. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Novelty-Mug-RAF-Bombing-and-shooting-the-sh-t-out-the-bad-guys-for-100-years/232973167322?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 As you can see they are available on one of those well known auction sites. I bought a couple and they bring a smile to most of my visitors. Kind regards Grant Sec
19th November 2018 at 11:22 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Philip Robert James Lamb MA BTh RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:663 Characters Information passed to my by Jules Tilley. The funeral of Wg Cdr Philip Lamb MA BTh RAF will take place on 30 Nov 18 at 1300 hrs starting with a service at St John’s Church, Church Road, Egglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 9DQ, followed by a committal at Yarm Cemetery. Lastly a few refreshments in a local hostelry. Dress - RAF No1 Service Dress with medals or Service equivalent or civilian attire. Family flowers only. Donations gratefully received to: RAF Benevolent Fund or Bright Red Blood Cancer Charity. If you wish to attend please contact the following by 26 Nov 18. jules.tilley649@mod.gov.uk and cc to info@andydavison.com Regards Grant Sec
19th November 2018 at 11:21 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Kieran O'Sullivan RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:94 Characters Further to the announcement below. All are now welcome at the crematorium. Regards Grant Sec
18th November 2018 at 5:25 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Kieran O'Sullivan RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1102 Characters Additional information on the arrangements for Kieran's funeral are posted below: Kieran’s funeral will be held at St Mary the Virgin Church Stamfordham Village Stamfordham Northumberland NE18 0QQ on Monday 26th November at 1pm. This will be followed by cremation, which unfortunately must be limited to family and invited friends due to space constraints, however all are invited to further celebrate Kieran’s life at 4pm in the Officers’ Mess, Albemarle Barracks, Ouston, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 0RF. Could those planning on coming to the Mess please email Dave Payne davidpayne253@gmail.com with your name and car registration details, prior to 1pm on Monday 19th November. Dress code: No1 Service Dress (or equivalent) for Service personnel, for others please don’t wear somber clothes- Kieran was never somber! Family flowers only. Any donations to Brain Tumour Research gratefully received. www.braintumourresearch.org NB Fret not if you need to while away some time between the church and the mess - there are plenty of pubs in the vicinity to do so in ???? Regards Grant Sec
18th November 2018 at 5:20 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Kieran O'Sullivan RAF (Retd) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:225 Characters We have heard the sad news that Kieran passed away on Thu 15th Nov. His funeral has been arranged for Mon 26th Nov - in Northumberland. I understand Ginge Crayford and Tim Willbond are planning to attend. Regards Grant Sec
18th November 2018 at 5:17 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Philip Robert James Lamb MA BTh RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:188 Characters The latest information we have is that Phil passed away on Wed 14th Nov. His funeral is being arranged for Friday 30th Nov. At this stage there are no further details. Regards Grant Sec
17th November 2018 at 3:36 pm Martin Littlehales Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Philip Robert James Lamb MA BTh RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:136 Characters Taken far too young. Phil was the consummate ‘Officer and Gentleman’. I had the privilege of working with him more than once. Martin
9th November 2018 at 6:56 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Philip Robert James Lamb MA BTh RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:925 Characters Dear Association member, I have just received the following from Jules Tilley: 'Dear Friends and Colleagues, Some of you may have heard rumours that Philip has not been well over the Summer. I can now confirm that Philip is terminally ill and his departure is expected imminently. He has not shared this more widely earlier because the family genuinely hoped that he might make a recovery. However, it is now clear that his illness is terminal. There will be a funeral invitation in due course which will be at the local church, after the service we will repair to the local pub. Given the circumstances would you please not make direct contact with Philip or Lorna. Instead, please pass any messages to Squadron Leader Jules Tilley who has the honour of being appointed the Visiting Officer for his family. I will ensure that your words are passed on. (jules.tilley649@mod.gov.uk).' Regards Grant Secretary
31st October 2018 at 8:37 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Jeff Bowman (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:546 Characters Dear Members, A Facebook message came in last night (30th Oct) from a Timothy Page: “Good evening, for the information of your older members, a former Fighter Controller, Jeff Bowman, passed away at his home in Brittany, France, on Sunday evening. The funeral was this afternoon. I’m afraid I don’t have details of his former service, but I’m sure your membership will fill in the blanks. I would guess late 60s and 70s. Kind regards.” I didn't serve with Jeff and don't have personal knowledge of him. Kind regards Grant
22nd October 2018 at 9:22 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Brian Symondson (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:377 Characters I have just been informed by Gillian Symondson that Brian passed away in Aug '18. Although a late starter with the Association, relatively speaking, Brian was a 'senior' member of the FC branch, having qualified as a controller at Middle Wallop, in 1955. Gillian has been sent our condolences and offered Associate membership of the Association. Regards Grant
21st October 2018 at 12:31 pm Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: The 'Save Goodwin Sands' Campaign (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1984 Characters Dear Association member. I have received this note from Fiona Punter, of the Save our ‘Goodwin Sands’ campaign. ‘As you know, our group have been campaigning for over 2 years to stop Dover Harbour Board dredging the Goodwins for sand to use as land-fill aggregate for a dock redevelopment. Despite our best efforts the Marine Management Organisation granted the dredging licence at the end of July and we are now fund-raising for a Judicial Review. To re-cap, the iconic Sands are the graveyard of innumerable mariners and over 2 thousand ships but they are also the final resting place of over 60 planes and 80 aircrew from the Battle of Britain alone. They also contain the remains of other military aircraft: in August this year one of our diving contacts found this bomber which has remained undiscovered since the War. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWwUOIYcuog Despite being surveyed twice by Dover Harbour Board's archaeological contractor, it was not identified as an aircraft crash-site but merely as a 'seafloor disturbance'. I know that your Association members will share our disgust that the final resting places of brave aircrew who gave their lives in service to their country could be threatened by a dredge-head. Many senior Military personnel we have spoken with believe that the Crown War Graves Commission has responsibility for these sites, but unfortunately this is not the case. We are now reaching out to as many Air Force organisations and associations as possible to help us with our CrowdJustice campaign. We appreciate that members of your organisation may not be in a position to support us financially, even so please would you publish this narrative and the link to our fund-raising page to as many of your contacts, friends and associates as possible? https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-us-save-the-goodwin-sands/’ Please do all you can to circulate this information to as wide a circle as possible. Grant
26th September 2018 at 4:15 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wg Cdr Mike Moore (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:161 Characters I have just been informed by Mike Moore's step-daughter, Cherry, that Mike passed away on 8th Sep. No other information at present. Kind regards Grant Sec
11th September 2018 at 11:36 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Lord Mayors Parade - 10 Nov (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:663 Characters Dear Member, In recognition of RAF100, the Association has been offered 6 places for members to join in the Lord Mayors Show/Parade. Although details are a little sketchy, we understand this will require those interested to walk in the parade following the usual route in London. I am informed the parade will be in 2 parts, separated by a lunch. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. However, as always, we will hold a reserve list. If you would like to represent the Association at this event, please get in touch with me as soon as possible. The cut-off date for applications will be end of play on Sun 30 Sep. Kind regards Grant Sec
6th September 2018 at 4:08 pm Richard Jenner Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander John Meader (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:203 Characters Sad News. I worked a bit with John in Germany in the good old Cold War days - he struck me as very knowledgeable and experienced and good at dealing with complex situations under pressure. Richard Jenner
6th September 2018 at 9:44 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander John Meader (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:590 Characters All, Rex Barriball has just given us the sad news that John Meader passed away on Thu 30th Aug. We know his funeral is being planned for Wed 26th Sep, but have no other details at present. They will be added on receipt. My own memories of John are relatively brief. I served under him at Buchan, when he was Wg Cdr Ops in the period '79 to ' 80. Buchan was a busy station at the time, with almost daily 'visits' from our Russian friends. I always found John to be a good leader, very firm but extremely fair. One of life's gentlemen. Kind regards Grant Sec
3rd September 2018 at 9:06 pm Jan Cobb Category: General Announcements Topic: Message Board Changes (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:522 Characters There have been several occasions when multiple replies have been posted to the Message Board due to the length of time it takes the software to process matters, while leaving the 'Post Reply' button active and ready to be clicked a second time (...and more!). I have started to change the way such submissions are made and users should now find that the button fades slightly to indicate that it is disabled. If anyone notices any anomaly with this procedure, please contact me at webmanager@raffca.org.uk. Jan
30th August 2018 at 2:20 pm Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: Help With Historical Terms (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1004 Characters Hi Steve, As I understand 'terms', 'GCI' (ground controlled interception) is generally used generically (and not always grammatically) - eg 'assisted by GCI' etc. 'AMES' started of as Air Ministry Experimental Station and then was used as a pre-fix for different types (marks) of equipment - eg the 'AMES Type 14'. 'MRU' would be a mobile radar unit (with a number) and refers to a unit rather that an equipment type or function. Confusingly, the RAF also used 'SU' (signals units) with a number to refer to radar units, some of which could well have been mobile! Hope this helps a bit. I would expect a formed unit to have kept an Operational Record Books generally in the form of the RAF F540 (monthly diary). Sadly, the compilation of F540s was generally delegated to the lowest rank able (just) to write (I was one of them) and often lacking in good detail. Try searching F540 to see what comes up. Best of luck! Richard
22nd August 2018 at 4:42 pm Steve Hudson Category: General Discussions Topic: Help With Historical Terms (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:643 Characters Dear members I am hoping that you may be able to assist with some research I am undertaking into the career of my father WO Jim Hudson. He was involved in AD radar from before the war to his retirement after 38 years service, serving at Bawdsey, Patrington, Western Hill, Yatesbury, and many other notable radar stations. I am researching his involvement with 85 Group as part of 2 ATAF. His service record shows him posted to 358 MRU. I was wondering what the difference is between an MRU as opposed to a GCI unit or an AMES. My other question was did individual units have ORBs, I couldn't locate any reference at Kew Regards Steve
26th July 2018 at 1:58 pm Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Photographs Of Marconi S600 Needed (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:547 Characters All, The Marconi S600, that saw service on Mount Kent in the Falklands, is now in the custody of the Air Defence Radar Museum at Neatishead. Two of the volunteers at the ADRM are beginning the process of refurbishing the Control Cabin and are seeking photographs, taken at any time from '82 onward, to allow them to correctly identify and install the 'pile of bits' donated to them by Marconi. If you have such material, please send it to Dave Lowry, our Museums Member. His email: davele7@hotmail.com. Kind regards Grant Sec
18th July 2018 at 9:19 pm Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: News Of The Engineers' Walk (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:514 Characters All, Registration for the Engs Walk (28/29 Sep 2018) is now online. It is at: https://engwalk.uk/?password-protected=login&redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fengwalk.uk%2F with a password of 40years. There are payment and accommodation options. The ProjO is Flt Lt Mark Bradley. Should you need to do so, you can contact him on: 01665 607827 and by email: mark.bradley413@mod.gov.uk Early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment in this 40th year of the very popular event. Kind regards Grant Sec
18th July 2018 at 6:41 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: 'Spitfire' - Newly Released Film (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:434 Characters All, I was able to get a ticket to attend a regional premiere of the film 'Spitfire'. It's a beautifully produced documentary on the full history of the Spitfire. One of our own BofB veterans, Joan Fanshawe, figures prominently and, given the focus is on the aircraft, there is some good archive footage of Joan and her colleagues playing 'Mad Ludo'. I highly recommend a viewing. Kind regards Grant Sec
16th July 2018 at 8:57 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Battle Of Britain Celebration Service, Westminster (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1028 Characters Dear Association Member, This year the Battle of Britain National Celebration, to be held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 16th Sep 2018, will be of special importance because it will be one of the last formal events held as part of the celebrations for the RAF’s first 100 years. As in previous years, the Association has to bid for tickets for the service. The demand this year is expected to be high and, as heritage stakeholders in the battle, we want to secure places and, therefore, need to get our bid in early. For those tickets allocated, priority will be given to our Veterans and their supporters. In accordance with previous practice, it may be necessary to run a ballot for any tickets available for Association members. We apologise for the short response time but would much appreciate it if you would e-mail. Dave Lowry: davele7@hotmail.com copied to the Secretary: sec@raffca.org.uk if you would like to secure places for yourself and one guest by 27th July at the latest. Kind regards Grant Secretary
2nd July 2018 at 11:09 pm Jan Cobb Category: General Discussions Topic: "Snake" Clarke (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:104 Characters Memories, eh?! I remember Snake; what a character! ...and Bud Horan is an Associate member of the FCA!
2nd July 2018 at 9:58 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: "Snake" Clarke (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1999 Characters Anyone who was around Neatishead circa 1980/81 will probably remember the USAF controllers from the 527TFTAS who populated the 'Aggressor Cabin' and, together with a number of RAF fighter controllers conducted control for Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training (DACT) out in D301 (aka 'the Aggressor Area) with the F5s from Alconbury. One of the leading 'characters' of that period, one Capt 'Snake' Clarke - is a larger than life character who 'organised' all the aggressor memorabilia, shields, beermats, crersts you name it - and was a darned fine controller too. He famously astounded and entertained the entire Ops Room during one notable September Exercise when we decided to let him loose on an exercise console. (crisp RAF R/T " Neatishead this is NFR 11and 12"...."Hi Guys - this is Snake".... ("!")......."Neatishead 11 has a contact 060/25").............."Well dont just tell me about it - go shoot his @rse!" etc etc. Those who knew Snake at the time will be delighted to know that he is still going strong and is currently a very senior member of the USAF civilian staff in the pentagon. He is for want of a better description " Mr Predator" these days. I had the great pleasure to spend this Sunday with Snake at Duxford on one of his rare visits to the UK . He has managed to 'donate' a Predator to the RAF Museum (don't ask) as part of the 100th Birthday celebrations. He asked to be remembered to all his British mates from the fighter control branch - I'm sure there are plenty. (As an aside - he told me he recently made a family visit to St Augustine Florida and rode on a tour bus....only to discover that the Bus Driver/Guide was Bud Horan (Ex USAF Exchange Officer RAF Neatishead from that era) - small world. I have Snake's contact details and will, of course, be happy to pass them on to anyone who wants to get in touch with him. Alec Trevett
29th June 2018 at 9:48 pm Jan Cobb Category: General Announcements Topic: RAF Neatishead Reunion - 23 September 2018 (Updated) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1110 Characters Update! The Museums Member has received an email (23 June 2018) from Tony McKie: "Sunday 23rd September As part of the RAF100 activities, the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum and RRH Neatishead site are hosting a reunion for all the former staff who worked here. The day-long event will have food and drink, including beer tent, tours, talks and kids activities and will be a great chance to meet former colleagues and enjoy a trip down memory lane. To take part in the day, booking will be essential and numbers have had to be capped at 500 because of the alcohol licence. The cost for the day is just £10 per person and includes a free Hog Roast! Save the date! Booking information to follow. Parking on the day will be on the former base; the event begins at 10.00am and finishes at 4.30pm with a flag-lowering ceremony. There is plenty of accommodation nearby including camping and caravanning." Apparently, there has already been significant interest expressed from TG12 personnel, but the ADRM is working on an online booking facility that should be available soon. Watch this space...
26th June 2018 at 7:00 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Air League Debate - 3 Jul 2018 (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1891 Characters Dear Member, I have just received the following from Phil Buttery. Dear Grant, I have recently been appointed as Director General of the Air League. We are hosting a debate on 3rd July 2018 regarding Leading Future Aerospace in the UK in the Strangers' Dining Room at the House of Commons as a prelude to Farnborough International Airshow 2018. See attached example invite for details. At the event, a panel of experts will discuss plans for the airshow and debate a range of issues necessary to ensure the UK remains a global leader in aviation and aerospace. John Steel QC, Chairman of the Air League will be joined by the Rt Hon Dr Julian Lewis, Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, Paul Everitt, CEO of ADS, a Senior Representative of the Aerospace Technology Institute, in addition to senior executives from Lockheed Martin UK and Airbus. The expert panelists will discuss plans for Farnborough, key programmes, industry and governmental collaboration, inwards investment, innovation and key imperatives for UK competitiveness. Sponsored by Airbus and Lockheed Martin the debate aims to ensure the UK remains a global leader in aviation and aerospace. I know it's short notice but if anyone from the FCA would like to join the debate, and could confirm their desire to attend to The Air League by phone 0207 766 3488 or email exec@airleague.co.uk quoting Fighter Control Association by 29th June 2018, they would be assured of a warm reception. We will issue personalised invitations to FCA members who apply and these will need to be brought to the Palace of Westminster along with a photo proof of ID. Should you have any further questions regarding the event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Regards Phil Philip Buttery Director General The Air League 3 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EL p: 0207 766 3488 e: dg@airleague.co.uk
19th June 2018 at 8:31 am Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: AGM 2018 (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:599 Characters Many thanks to all those involved in setting-up and running the AGM (including the Happy Hour of course) which was an enjoyable and interesting event. Ding Dong chose a good location, Grant was very efficient as the Secretary, Sean kept matters moving forward while allowing for plenty of discussion and Steve Blockley provided are really good insight to the development of the new Air Operations Branch. Ginge was 'Presidential'. Thanks too to the behind the scene workers including Ian Fish (accounts) and Dave Lowry (excellent written update on the museums). Per ardua ad astra. Richard
5th May 2018 at 10:28 am Elizabeth May Norton Category: General Discussions Topic: 100th Anniversary Of The Formation Of The RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:139 Characters Ginge, fab to see you too. It was a wonderful occasion. Thank you to the FCA for the opportunity to attend and represent the FCA. Lizzie
5th May 2018 at 9:05 am David Lowry Category: General Announcements Topic: RAF Neatishead Reunion - 23 September 2018 (Updated) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1015 Characters This is just a 'heads up' as many details have yet to be decided. The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum is planning an RAF Neatishead Reunion to be held at the RRH Site on Sunday 23 September 2018. It will be open to anyone who served or was employed at the station in any capacity. The Saturday immediately before, 22 September 2018, will be the ADRM Friends Day. If you are interested please block that day(s) in your calendar. More details will be available nearer the date. If you have a fairly firm intention to attend, please send me an e-mail: davele7@hotmail.com It will help gauge numbers but it won't be a booking and you won't be held to it. Current thoughts are for a £10 entrance fee but this includes a hog roast. As well as tours around the site and ADRM it is planned to have tours in the Bunker. There will also be other attractions including some for children. However, it's early days, treat this as a 'heads up'. Dave Lowry (FCA Museums Liaison/ADRM Trustee)
29th April 2018 at 7:00 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Sqn Ldr Geoff Bibby (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:484 Characters All, I was concerned that, recently, Geoff Bibby's email address was 'bouncing'. I called him in Hastings, New Zealand, this morning and found him in good health. However, he's 96 and has "given up on email!". Otherwise, he seems as sharp as a tack. Geoff asked me to send his best to anyone who may have known him in his time in the branch and invited any Association member travelling in New Zealand to "drop in." Grant Grafton Secretary
29th April 2018 at 6:39 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:449 Characters Details of Gordon's funeral arrangements were published in the Daily Telegraph yesterday. They are: Wg Cdr Gordon Milne, passed away on 23rd April aged 73. Funeral to take place on Friday 4th May at Eastbourne Crematorium, Hide Hollow, Langney, Eastbourne, BN23 8AE. Family flowers only, donations if desired to RAF Benevolent Fund. Enquiries care of Haine and Son, 19 South Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4UJ. Grant Grafton Secretary
26th April 2018 at 4:41 pm Kate Brophy Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:49 Characters Hi Costi, It does answer it, thank you. Kate :)
26th April 2018 at 3:41 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:764 Characters Hi Kate, You will be receiving those warnings from your browser as the site is not yet setup on the secure socket layer (SSL). Basically that would mean you type https instead of http. It is correct that we would be more secure on the https and it is my intention of migrating the site over in time, however I can assure you that I have done everything I can to prevent your data being leaked but please be mindful that companies pay millions to protect data but people find ways of hacking in! If you are concerned with leaving your personal data on the site then you are free to delete it, the only information the Secretary needs is your current personal email address and a phone number (for backup purposes). Does this answer your question? Regards Costi
26th April 2018 at 10:31 am Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:445 Characters Another big man - in every sense - taken before his time. I remember overhearing a conversation in the bar at Bentley Priory when Gordon was a wg cdr on the 11Gp staff between a couple of his sqn ldr subordinates - "The great thing about working for Wg Cdr Milne is that you always know where you stand - it's only the depth that varies". Said with wide grins and about someone they obviously respected. Me too. RIP Big Jock.
25th April 2018 at 7:41 pm David Jones Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jack Haines (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:383 Characters Forgive the tardy response but Odette and I were very sad to see this news. Air Cdre and Mrs Haines were wonderful guests at 'Taftens' when we were at Saxa Vord. Not sure I have ever admitted to 'losing' AOSNI, but fortunately me and the ADC eventually found him, skateboarding with our 2 sons....complete with cigarette in the corner of his mouth. A great man.
25th April 2018 at 7:02 pm Andrew Knill Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:28 Characters Very sad - a great character
25th April 2018 at 4:13 pm Mike Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:138 Characters What dreadful news. Gordon was a delight to know and had an extremely well developed sense of humour. He will be sadly missed. RIP Gordon.
25th April 2018 at 3:46 pm Brian Rogers Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:356 Characters Very saddened at the news of Gordon's death. I had the pleasure of taking over from him twice in my career and on both occasions I knew I had a hard act to follow. He had a great sense of humour and a very measured way of "telling it as it is" but you certainly got the message! Operationally, he was the consummate professional. RIP Gordon.
25th April 2018 at 3:15 pm Colin Nash Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:230 Characters Very sad to hear about Gordon. We were together at Buchan in the late 70s, where he was universally regarded as an expert in the the management of QRA. Equally importantly, support for Partick Thistle is now greatly diminished.
25th April 2018 at 11:08 am Stuart McCullouch Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:263 Characters I am very sorry to hear that Gordon has died and especially sorry that he had cancer. I was at OCTU with Gordon and we had very similar career milestones. He was a jovial natural philosopher and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
25th April 2018 at 10:41 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:184 Characters I have heard from Nick Gadd that Gordon's cremation will be on Friday 4th May, at Eastbourne Crematorium and timed for 1045. Judy Milne has requested family flowers only. Grant
25th April 2018 at 8:49 am Richard Jenner Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:42 Characters It's sad news about Gordon. Richard
25th April 2018 at 8:21 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:141 Characters Judy Milne has advised that the announcement of Gordon's death will not be published until Saturday 28th April. Grant Grafton Secretary
24th April 2018 at 9:14 pm Kate Brophy Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:289 Characters Hey Costi, I get numerous warnings when logging in and viewing that the website is not secure. Conscious of some of the information on here (personal details), is there anyway to make it secure? Or is it better to just remove all personal details from profiles (if thats an option). Kate
24th April 2018 at 5:11 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wing Commander Gordon Milne (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:271 Characters I have just heard from Nick Gadd that Gordon Milne died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. A full announcement is to be placed in the Daily Telegraph tomorrow. I will send condolences from the Association directly to Gordon's wife Judy. Grant Grafton Sec
11th April 2018 at 3:37 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: AGM 2018 (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:280 Characters Hi Richard, We are experiencing some issues with the email system (not Grant's fault I can assure you), I have posted the details on the notifications area and in the events area on the website. More information will be published in due course. Regards Costi Web Manager
11th April 2018 at 9:07 am Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: AGM 2018 (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:81 Characters Any news please on this year's AGM - I think some time in June was the idea?
4th April 2018 at 9:53 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:28 Characters https://youtu.be/aQQEp0-Kay0
4th April 2018 at 7:13 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: The Air Defence Radar Museum - Neatishead (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1338 Characters With the 100th anniversary of the RAF as a trigger, the ADRM at Neatishead has recently been the subject of an article in the Eastern Daily Press (EDP). You can access the article by following this link: http://www.edp24.co.uk/features/royal-air-force-centenary-1-5452808. I can personally recommend a visit to the ADRM. This former operational RAF building now houses possibly the most comprehensive history of our branch, starting from those early days of the Dowding System and "mad Ludo", to the way things were at the end of the last century. Additional exhibits, keyed to Air Defence, are cockpits of a Victor and Tornado. There is also an area dedicated to RAF Coltishall and operation of, for example, the Lightning. A group of volunteer 'guides' are always on hand to explain the finer details of the exhibits. Full details about the ADRM can be found here: http://www.radarmuseum.co.uk/ The ADRM is a registered charity and entirely dependent on public donations and grants if it is to continue running. Clearly publicity through the EDP and other newspapers does help with this, but if the organisation is to thrive and expand, constant help is needed. Joining the ADRM as a 'Friend', at the cost of £15 per annum, is a great way of demonstrating this support. Grant Secretary
2nd April 2018 at 8:39 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:588 Characters Hi Mike - good to hear from you. Yes - that's the Station Officers Mess. The families day crowd was watching from the sports ground which was the aiming point. Revisiting the place reminded me of the graduation morning when a couple of my fellow 'Blue Squadron' graduating cadets had paid a late-night visit to the loft of the Cadets Mess with industrial quantities of blue food dye. Everyone brushed their teeth in 'blue' water that day :-) Will bring the chippie down to Dunkeswell when the weather gets better and have that 'catch up' chat. Alec
2nd April 2018 at 8:13 pm Mike Good Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:265 Characters Nice one Alec! That's the Station Officers Mess in the picture isn't it? Stalag Luft Cadets Mess was a about a hundred yards down the road if I recall. Let us know if you're ever heading for Dunkeswell and we'll come over and say hello. Mike
2nd April 2018 at 7:25 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:390 Characters Thanks Grant - mine was 274 (Blue) Sqn - as you say - lots of nostalgia to be overnighting there again after all these years. We had 2 'practice' days which were washed out through weather - so the "100" formation fly-through was both the practice and the flypast itself! Do you happen to know if is possible to post a photo on here rather than just a dropbox link? AT
2nd April 2018 at 1:28 pm Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: 100th Anniversary Of The Formation Of The RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:58 Characters Thank you Ginge and to those who accompanied you. Richard
2nd April 2018 at 9:52 am Malcolm Crayford Category: General Discussions Topic: 100th Anniversary Of The Formation Of The RAF (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:628 Characters I was proud to represent the Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers yesterday at the Service to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force held at St Clement Danes Church followed by the Air Force Board Reception at the Royal Courts of Justice. I was joined by fellow FCA Members: Lizzie Norton, Camilla Jago, Angie Johnson, Phil Buttery and Anne Clarke. We, as 'fighter controllers', have all contributed to the rich heritage and strong ethos of the world's first independent Air Force and we should feel justifiably proud of our immense contribution in the first 100 years!
2nd April 2018 at 9:48 am Grant Grafton Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:171 Characters Well done Alec and all those other stalwarts. Great picture too. Brought back happy memories (well some anyway!) of my time at Henlow as part of 216 (Yellow) Sqn. Grant
1st April 2018 at 11:00 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:59 Characters https://www.dropbox.com/s/67vbwtxzqvbjekj/Century.jpg?dl=0
1st April 2018 at 10:51 pm Alec Trevett Category: General Discussions Topic: Happy Birthday Royal Air Force.... (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:905 Characters Dear All Here's one which may make you smile. Today 1 Apr 2018 being the 100th Anniversary of the RAF of course....the major aerial spectaculars are apparently all scheduled for later in the year - but not on 'the day' itself. Therefore a bunch of ne-er do wells including several retired RAF officers decided to do something very aeronautical actually on the Anniversary day itself and converged in a number of privately owned aircraft on a well-known historic service airfield to form the shape of 1-0-0 in the sky. I've just got home from participating in the RAF "100" formation of Chipmunks and Bulldogs over RAF Henlow this afternoon. Just thought you'd chuckle at the news that the FC Branch (in the form of yours truly) was represented in this minor spectacle. It was a real privilege to participate. Alec Trevett (aka "Blue 3") :-) 01/04/18
18th March 2018 at 3:38 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:301 Characters Hello All, I have added the option to upload a personal photo for your profile, there are instructions as to how to do this in the 'Notifications' area on the dashboard. If you have problems with this please let me know. Oh and don't forget to leave me some feedback! Regards Costi
2nd March 2018 at 1:55 pm Michael Clarke Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:32 Characters Got it. Many thanks Costi. Mike
2nd March 2018 at 12:14 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:194 Characters The email updates for the message board should now be fixed. For this that have selected the option to receive the updates you should find this message as an email in your inbox. Regards Costi
1st March 2018 at 2:10 pm Michael Clarke Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:191 Characters Thanks Costi. That would make some sense; the site was unusually slow yesterday afternoon. Thanks for all your efforts. Mike PS Great to see the Messagde Board is being used properly again.
1st March 2018 at 1:45 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:173 Characters Hi Mike I believe the email server was down from Fasthosts, our Server providers. I am awaiting a response to hopefully get the service back up and running. Regards Costi
28th February 2018 at 3:51 pm Michael Clarke Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:256 Characters Costi Still not quite right. I have selected notifications but they seem to have dried up. I haven't been notified of the last two posts, those by Bob Daisley and Mike Good, both posted since my last message to you. Sorry to keep bothering you. Mike
27th February 2018 at 12:26 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Squadron Leader Ken Kime (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:203 Characters Kevin Pellat has advised that Ken's funeral will be on 17th April at 1300 at St Pauls Church, East Harling, Norwich. He will be attending to represent SSAFA and the Association. Grant Secretary
26th February 2018 at 3:00 pm Michael Clarke Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:212 Characters Costi Further to my last, I am getting two notifications for each new Topic/post. I'm sure you can thin them out! Other than that, the new functionality is working well. Many thanks for your efforts. Mike
19th February 2018 at 10:45 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Squadron Leader Ken Kime (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:349 Characters Kevin Pellatt has notified me of the passing of Sqn Ldr Ken Kime some days ago. He moved to Norfolk about a year ago to be nearer his daughter Alison. He has been a very poorly man for some time. Alison tells me that the funeral will likely be held on 16th or 17th April. I will publish full details when they are known. Grant Grafton Secretary
29th January 2018 at 11:14 am Michael Clarke Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:140 Characters Hi Costi Thank you very much indeed for moving so swiftly to provide this new functionality. I am very impressed and very grateful. Mike
28th January 2018 at 9:55 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:752 Characters Dear FCA Member, There is an option available on the web site for you to turn-on email notifications for all new Topics / Posts that have been added to the message board. In order for you to receive email alerts you can turn it on wither by clicking the alert bar at the top of the Message Board Home Page, or go to the Membership area within your profile. You will receive an email stating that you have enabled the functionality. If you would like to cease the email alerts then simply click the same bar again and you should again receive an email stating you have disabled the alerts. If you have any issues, please don't hesitate to contact me on my email address by selecting my picture on the Committee page. Regards Costi Web Manager
8th January 2018 at 9:46 am Paul Costigan Category: General Announcements Topic: RAF Centenary Celebrations In Spain (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:374 Characters Hello All, You will also be able to search for Phelpsy by clicking on the 'Membership' tab on the left-hand menu and type in his surname. When you see his profile details, click on the email icon that is next to his name and this will load up your email client with his email address that is registered in the 'to' field. Regards Costi The Webmanager
8th January 2018 at 9:43 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: RAF Centenary Celebrations In Spain (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:769 Characters Dear Member, Following on from my email asking for bids for places at the Founders Day Service at St Clement Danes on 1st April 2018, I have received the following from Darren Phelps: ‘Happy New Year, I'm not sure if any of the membership live in Spain. Those of us based at the Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejon (Madrid) are having a dinner to celebrate the 100 year anniversary on 7 Apr 18. Four of us are Fighter Controllers and we have 2 FS from TG12 here. We would love to see any expats from Branch or Trade who wish to attend.’ Please use me as a point of contact. Regards Phelpsy phelpsy7@gmail.com’ Please reply directly to Darren by email about attendance at this event in Spain. Kind regards Grant Grant Grafton \| Secretary
17th December 2017 at 6:50 pm Richard Jenner Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jack Haines (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:997 Characters Now you've demoted him to a Cdr! I'm very sorry to hear about Jack, I've some great memories of him. I first met him when I was AD3 in HQRAFG and he came down to the 'sheep dip' (basement offices where the AD guys beavered away) to see AD1 but he was busy so this wg cdr decided to have a chat with me. Standing with his back to the wall, he was carefully moving all the pins on my map of the IGB - it took me weeks to gets the LARS units back where they belonged. Much later on when he was an Air Cdre and AOSNI/OC Leuchars, I was at Buchan and he and Lesley came for a pleasant visit which was then reciprocated. The G&Ts were a bit OTT and Helen signalled for more tonic - this was misinterpreted as more gin and around 3 am she just made it to the loo for a prolonged technicolour yawning episode which must have been audible over the whole house. Yours truly got to clear up but not a word of it was mentioned at breakfast. Great memories but sad news. Richard
16th December 2017 at 2:33 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jack Haines (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:358 Characters First my apologies for demoting Jack. to Group Captain. As a Group Captain Jack Haines commanded RAF Neatishead in the early '90's. Sadly, he passed away a few days ago, having suffered from Alzheimer's for some time. He is survived by his wife, Lesley. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Grant Grafton Secretary
22nd November 2017 at 8:30 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Malcolm (Junior) Little (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:211 Characters Details of Malcolm's cremation service are as follows: Surrey and Sussex Crematorium ,Crawley at 11.30am on 4th December and afterwards at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, Horsham. Grant Grafton Secretary
20th November 2017 at 4:35 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Malcolm (Junior) Little (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:333 Characters I have just been passed the sad news that after a relatively long illness, Gp Capt Malcolm (Junior) Little died on Tue 14th Nov '17. His funeral service is planned in the Horsham area, on 4th Dec. There are no other details at present. As soon as I have amplification, more information will be added. Grant Grafton Secretary
11th November 2017 at 2:32 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Patricia (Trish) Mantell (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:572 Characters Sarah Mantell, Trish's daughter, has notified us that her mother passed away peacefully at home on Friday 3rd Nov 2017. Trish was a leading light amongst that amazing group of Dowding 'Veterans' to whom we owe our heritage. Sarah has advised that "A Thanksgiving Service is being held on Friday 1st December 2017, 2p.m., at St. Peter's Church. Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3HS and any of your members of the Association would be most welcome to join us to celebrate our mother's long and interesting life." Grant Grafton Secretary
8th November 2017 at 1:45 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Wg Cdr George Crowhurst (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:485 Characters This message was recently received from Sylvia Crowhurst. "It is with great sadness I write to let you know that Wing Commander George Crowhurst, age 78 died at home, in St. Petersburgh, Florida on Wednesday November 1st, 2017." A Life Tribute page has been created for George to make it easy to share your memories and to view George's obituary and service information. http://www.andersonmcqueen.com/obituaries/George-Crowhurst/#!/Obituary Grant Grafton Secretary
10th October 2017 at 8:11 am Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: Elspeth Henderson MM (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:48 Characters Thanks Costi, 4 photos emailed. Regards, Richard
8th October 2017 at 6:30 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: Elspeth Henderson MM (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:303 Characters Hi Richard, Unfortunately there are no means to upload photos to the message board. If you would like to send me the photos to webmanager@raffca.org.uk with the associated information I can publish this as an article in which all FCA Members will be able to view when they log on. Regards Costi
8th October 2017 at 5:00 pm Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: Elspeth Henderson MM (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:362 Characters There is a nice display in the Scottish Museum of Flight at East Fortune about Elspeth Henderson who was one of 3 WAAFs plotters awarded the Military Medal for staying at their post in an air raid on Biggin Hill on 1 September 1940 when the Sector Ops Room was hit. I have photos of the display but I can't seem to find away of inserting them??? Richard
7th October 2017 at 3:35 pm Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:255 Characters Hi All, I have made some changes to the website, it would be really useful to get some feedback on it, either by leaving comments on this message board, or please feel free to send them to me at my email address: webmanager@raffca.org.uk. Regards Costi
19th September 2017 at 11:31 am David Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Association Representation At The Abbey (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:929 Characters Our Association was represented by a party of 30 at the Battle of Britain Service at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 17 September 2017. This included three of our Veterans, Joan Potts, Kathleen McLeod and Kate Orchard. Kate had travelled from Cornwall. All have been in contact subsequently to say how much they enjoyed the event. All three met the Prince of Wales and Camilla at the following Reception. Our Patron, Lord and Lady Dowding were in attendance but had to leave after the service due to another commitment. I did, however, have a short conversation with them. Unfortunately, Sidney Wood, a regular Veteran attendee at our events, had to cancel due to health. As he comes from Ballymena we can only admire his regular support at our functions. The Flypast by a Spitfire and Hurricane was enjoyed by all from the Dean's Yard. Overall, it was a successful, very well organised and memorable occasion. Dave Lowry
1st September 2017 at 9:21 pm David Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: New Initative At The ADRM Neatishead (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:958 Characters There is much work going on at the ADRM both to the buildings and the development of new initiatives. One such is the opening up of a new room and the plan to have exhibitions, not necessarily directly applicable to the Museum, to pull in people who may not consider visiting. The aim is to raise the awareness in the area that the ADRM exists and is a place of interest. As a small business we need footfall to prosper. The first Exhibition is to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution and will have propaganda posters and art by two contemporary Russian artists. It will open from Tuesday 3rd October to Tuesday 31st October. This is early notice so it isn't on our website as yet. Unfortunately, I cannot find a way of adding a .jpg copy of our advertising poster to this message board. If anyone can help with guidance, I would be grateful. The Exhibition is free but Museum Admission charges apply. Dave Lowry ADRM Trustee
23rd August 2017 at 8:51 pm David Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Radio Norfolk Visit To The RAF ADRM (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:879 Characters Radio Norfolk visited the ADRM at RRH Neatishead today and broadcast their visit. A recording can be heard at: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/7UZM5pokh8 It is a good bit of publicity and should be very helpful. The ADRM is a small business and must attract paying visitors to survive. We have recently engaged a new manager, Greg Hayman, who is certainly making a good and positive difference. You will hear him on the recording. He comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge. While the broadcast was very well and professionally done, I have made a constructive criticism for the benefit of other Committee Members. It is rather light on the Command and Control aspects of the SOC/CRC which, in reality, was the whole reason for it's existence. I think a better balance is required. On the positive side, it's a great piece it of positive publicity.
12th August 2017 at 10:06 am Timothy Willbond Category: General Discussions Topic: Ginger Lacey (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:290 Characters Just come across this post. I served with Ginger Lacey at Patrington and was Mr Vice at his dinning out night from the RAF. By strange coincidence I was searching for some material from the past only a couple of weeks ago and came across the menu from the evening which he had signed.
25th July 2017 at 10:34 pm Gerald Mickleburgh Category: General Discussions Topic: Ginger Lacey (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:371 Characters I served with Ginger (Ted) at Leeming on 228 OCU Mosquito NF 35s as both "Adj" and Chief Controller! He was a remarkable character with a great sense of humour and solid faith in his young controllers. Our kit was a mobile Type 15 Convoy stuck at the end of the runway! His wife and mine were friends at Wattisham while serving with ADGESST. GHM 1943 to 1985
23rd July 2017 at 8:11 am Richard Jenner Category: General Discussions Topic: Ginger Lacey (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:491 Characters Interesting article on Ginger Lacey: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-40660077 It doesn't mention though that he stayed in the RAF for a full career retiring as a squadron leader fighter controller in 1972. I just missed serving with him at Patrington by a few months but I'm sure there are plenty of members who will have had the experience. Years later while at Staxton Wold, Phil Brooks took flying lessons with him which seemed to have worked out OK. Richard
22nd July 2017 at 7:33 pm Kate Brophy Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Martin Jago (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:153 Characters Link to the just giving page for the remembrance stone. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martinjagorememberance?utm_id=2&utm_term=kMKyezDEv
22nd July 2017 at 8:48 am Stuart McCullouch Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Martin Jago (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:1027 Characters 2 Facebook notices: From RAF Spadeadam: Mr Martin Jago With the kind permission of his family, Royal Air Force Spadeadam sincerely regrets to announce the death of Mr Martin Jago. Mr Jago was a Threat Director at Royal Air Force Spadeadam who joined the Civil Service in June 2015 following a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, retiring as a Squadron Leader in the Aerospace Battle Management branch. All of Martin's colleagues and friends at Spadeadam pass on their sincere condolences to his wife Julie and their sons. From Nick Loveday: To all of you who knew Sqn Ldr Martin Jago and wish to pay your respects, his funeral will take place on Tuesday 8th August, 1230 at Colchester Crematorium, Mersea Rd, CO2 8RU. His family have respectfully asked those who attend not to bring flowers, but instead, make a donation to the Stroke Foundation. I am told a 'Just Giving' fund raising page is being set up to also raise money for a remembrance stone at the National Memorial Arboretum.
18th July 2017 at 7:50 pm Andrew Jonathon Wilkins Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Martin Jago (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:257 Characters Just heard from Paul Tuite that Martin Jago died in the last few days. I know that he suffered a pretty severe stroke 2 or 3 years ago but had heard that he was making a slow recovery. I am sure someone will post more news when it's known. Wilks sends.
6th July 2017 at 8:39 pm Paul Costigan Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:126 Characters Michael Could you provide me the link to the website and I will publish it online here for our members. Regards Costi
6th July 2017 at 12:04 pm Michael Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:100 Characters Jayne's obituary is in today's edition of the Daily Telegraph. It can be accessed on-line.
28th June 2017 at 8:19 am David Lowry Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:124 Characters I knew Ted when I was at HQ 11Gp in the 80s and can only agree with all the comments below. I was very sad to hear the news.
27th June 2017 at 5:38 pm David Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Visit To UK By Penny Smith (Nee Wild) (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:796 Characters Penny, with her husband, Frank, will be visiting the UK for a book signing at Duxford. The book is by Richard Pike and titled 'Phantom Boys 2'. There is a chapter in it covering Penny's experiences at RAF Neatishead and on the QWI Course. The signing will be at Duxford commencing at 1000 on Saturday 8 July and finishing sometime in the afternoon. If any of the generation of Fighter Controllers who remember Penny (my generation) and have booked to go to Duxford on that day I'm sure she will be delighted to see you. I will be there. Other events are organised for Penny including a visit to the LPG at Bruntingthorpe to see the two F6s and the F3. We may be able to get one of the F6s running. She'll also be meeting her QWI instructor, John Ward. Dave Lowry
27th June 2017 at 2:48 pm David Lowry Category: General Discussions Topic: Bawdsey Radar Trust (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:2029 Characters On Saturday 24 June I attended the joint event held by the Bawdsey Reunion Association and the Bawdsey Radar Trust. Like last year it was held in the Felixstowe Sailing Club and attended by about 20 members made up of both organisations. It was a very enjoyable gathering and the catering by the club was very good. It was also held at the Sailing Club last year at very short notice. Formally, it was always held at the Manor. For those who are not aware, the brief history is as follows. Bawdsey Manor, location for the School of Fighter Control as well as an SOC/CRC was sold by the RAF a few decades ago to a Language School. The relationship between the School and our two organisations, BRA and BRT, was excellent hence the Manor was used as a location for the yearly reunions. The events were a success and the catering at the Manor also very good. The School had modified the building but certainly not spoiled it and it was in good repair. Unfortunately, the Language School closed down last year hence the use of the sailing club. The worry has been that this event would have severed our last contact with the Manor which is held in deep affection by most, if not all, who served there. Although we, at the FCA, made valiant efforts to get the National Trust interested we did not succeed. Recently, the Manor was purchased by PGL. They are a long established Outward Bound training organisation with a very good reputation. To cut a long story short, our organisations have been meeting with the manager of the 'New' Bawdsey who, with the support of his head office, wish to maintain the long relationship. Almost by 'return of post' they have agreed and pencilled in 2 Jun 2018 for our next gathering. In anyone's view, this is a great 'SUCCESS' and, hopefully, our links with the Manor will continue into the foreseeable future. The renovation of the Transmitter Block is almost complete. There will be a 'soft' opening as a try out and then the formal opening.
26th June 2017 at 10:49 pm Stewart Dorward Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:265 Characters Ted's funeral service will be at 1100 on the 4th of July. It will be held at Greenacres, Heatherley Wood, Grayshott Road, East Hampshire GU35 8LA. The service and internment will be followed by light refreshments at the Fox and Pelican pub in Grayshott village
26th June 2017 at 2:38 pm Stuart McCullouch Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:192 Characters Ted gave full value to the Fighter Control Branch and got full value from life. I took over from him as GE5 at the main building and much appreciated his impish sense of humour. So long Ted.
21st June 2017 at 9:22 am Paul Costigan Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:437 Characters Hi Stu, This problem should be resolved as you are allowed to edit up to the 2000 character limit. If there any other issues with this, please leave me another post. You will also notice that you are able to edit & delete your own posts should you feel the need to. The header of your post will be green also to indicate which ones you have posted to the Topic. The other headers will be grey in colour. Regards Costi
21st June 2017 at 9:00 am Stuart McCullouch Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:305 Characters My post below should have referred to 'my post below'. I couldn't amend my post below because of another snag - when you elect to edit a post, all you can do is delete characters (not add any). I can confirm also that the number of characters you are allowed to enter in edit mode is 100.
21st June 2017 at 8:53 am Stuart McCullouch Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:754 Characters Further to my post above, Costi has asked that I post here a couple of snags/suggestions that I reported to him. He would like others to add their own so that he has a list of action items in one place. The ones I told him about are: 1. I had occasion to edit the first version of the post above but found that in the editing mode, the number of characters I was allowed to enter was far fewer than the 2000 allowed for an original post (otherwise my post above would have been more effusive about the great job I think that he and Grant have done!) 2. On the old website, one could elect to be notified when posts were made to boards that one wanted to follow but that is not available on the new site. Costi is looking into implementing it.
20th June 2017 at 9:07 am Stuart McCullouch Category: General Discussions Topic: New Website (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:95 Characters Well done Costi and Grant. It is a great improvement. I hope it grows to support Air Ops idc
20th June 2017 at 8:07 am Richard Jenner Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:460 Characters Ted was a huge character with massive presence. I remember my first chat with him sitting on a bench over looking the Thames outside MOD. I was there to see him officially to be debriefed after my tour at Nieuw Milligen but we bumped in to each other on the steps of Main Building and decided the fresh air was preferable to the stuffy office. Years later I found myself interviewing him when he applied for an RO post at the SFC. I am sorry to read this news.
17th June 2017 at 7:15 pm Martyn Bettel Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:672 Characters As a young sqn ldr I was on Ted's Ops GE 2 team in MoD in the early 80s. It was a pleasure to work for an officer who was seldom ruffled despite all the pressures that were placed upon us at that time. Our paths regularly crossed over the years but my fondest memories will be those from Hadwins Shoot in Northumberland and the dreaded end of shoot dinners around the county which, despite his illness, he was determined to attend and "enjoy to the full" with the rest of us! Ted bore his illness bravely and not without humour. The Branch is a much poorer place for his passing. Our thoughts are, of course, with Carol and the family.
17th June 2017 at 11:32 am Malcolm Crayford Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:260 Characters Ted Ward was my boss, mentor and friend and a huge influence on me during my formative years at Buchan in the early 80s and later at the SFC and Boulmer. Like many in our community, I owe him a great deal and sadly another ex-Boulmer Stn Cdr no longer with us.
16th June 2017 at 10:37 am Stewart Dorward Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Gp Capt Ted Ward (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:400 Characters It is with the deepest regret that I inform you of the death of Ted Ward. Known to almost all of you, Ted served in the Branch for three decades, as OC Boulmer and the School of Fighter Control among other jobs. He passed away yesterday evening at Guildford hospital after a long illness, bravely borne. I will post further details regarding funeral arrangements on this page when they become known.
10th June 2017 at 9:13 am Grant Grafton Category: General Announcements Topic: Chapel Of Rembrance - RAF Biggin Hill (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:667 Characters Dear Member, The following note has been received from Norry Bell, seeking your support for a petition aimed at preventing significant changes to the Chapel of Remembrance at RAF Biggin Hill. You can read more and sign the petition here: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance He also asks that those who are able to do so to take a moment to share the petition with others. It's really easy ? all you need to do is forward this email or share this link on Facebook or Twitter: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance Grant Grafton Secretary
8th June 2017 at 4:24 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Arrangements For Wake - Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:219 Characters Our President has asked for the following information to be posted. "The Wake for family and friends of Jayne will take place at the RAF Club immediately following the Service." Grant Grafton Secretary
6th June 2017 at 5:06 pm Mike Greatorex Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:186 Characters Simply stunned by this news. Jayne was a remarkable woman, so much talent and a delightful person to be around. Deeply saddened - my sympathies to all her family and close friends.
5th June 2017 at 1:31 pm Aileen Ronaldson Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:266 Characters Knew that Jayne was very ill from the FCA Christmas gathering but the news still comes as a shock. I got to know her when at Bentley Priory where we often put the world to rights whilst sharing a few bottles of red wine. An amazing lady who will be greatly missed.
5th June 2017 at 1:11 pm Kevin Pellatt Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:29 Characters Really sad to hear this news.
2nd June 2017 at 12:31 pm Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Funeral Service For Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:2018 Characters A funeral service for Air Cdre Jayne Millington MA, MA(Oxon), FRAeS, FCMI, RAF, will be held at St Clement Danes, Strand, London WC2R 1DH at 1400 on Mon 19 Jun 17. FCA Members who knew Air Cdre Millington are very welcome to attend the service and are requested to be seated by 1350. Dress for the funeral service for military personnel is No 1 SD (or single Service equivalent) with medals. At the request of the family, black armbands are not to be worn. Transport from RAF High Wycombe for service personnel is available and personnel are requested to contact the RAF High Wycombe Stn Adjutant or SWO (Fg Off Palfrey or Warrant Officer Marshall) on MOD telephone: 95991 4454, Civil: 01494 494454 if they require transport. The funeral service will be followed by a wake for family and friends; details will be confirmed at a later date. Jayne?s family have requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity, either on the day or in the name of Air Cdre W J Millington via the website https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate FCA members who wish to attend the service are requested to email Fg Off James Palfrey (james.palfrey968@mod.gov.uk ), copy to the FCA Secretary, so that St Clement Danes can be kept informed of numbers attending. Lastly, in the finest traditions of the FC/ABM Branch the Association would like to ensure that Jayne gets a fitting send off. The FCA therefore plans to make a contribution towards the costs of the Wake; however, as this would fall outside of our agreed spend, donations from FCA Members to help with these costs would be most welcome. Should members wish to make a personal contribution, we will ensure that contributions are passed on with any underspend donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund/Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Personal donations should be made to the following FCA account: Account Name: Association of FC Officers Sort Code:40-47-17 Acc No: 82356260 Payment Ref:JMWake Kind regards Grant Grafton
26th May 2017 at 11:08 am Mike Good Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:37 Characters Such talent, taken so young. Tragic.
22nd May 2017 at 8:09 pm Mike Clarke Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:49 Characters Shocked and sadden by this dreadful news. Mike
22nd May 2017 at 8:13 am Richard Jenner Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:356 Characters This is very sad news. I got to know Jayne when she spent a period at Buchan for her MC training which she applied herself to with typical dedication and focus while at the same time managing to be a popular member of the station. She went on to much greater things of course and we are all the poorer for the loss of her amazing talent. Richard Jenner
21st May 2017 at 12:55 pm Martyn Bettel Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:57 Characters Shocked and saddened by the news of Jayne's passing.
21st May 2017 at 8:52 am Grant Grafton Category: 'Classified' Personal Announcements Topic: Air Cdre Jayne Millington (<< Click to jump to Topic) Post:360 Characters All, Ginge Crayford passed me the following message: 'It is with sadness that I received the news that Jayne Millington died earlier today (Sat 20 May '17), in Belgium, after a long battle with cancer. Her brother was with her when she died. This post will be updated once funeral arrangements etc. are known.' Grant Grafton Secretary

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Date	Content
Subject: Bruntingthorpe Open Day 2019 12th May 2019 at 11:09 pm By: Jan Cobb (Web Manager)	The Cold War Jets Collection at Bruntingthorpe Airfield, near Leicester, will be holding its open day on 26th May this year (see the poster graphic below). If any Association members decide to attend, they should make themselves known at the Commentary Box, where our very own Museums Member - Dave Lowry - will be one of the commentators. Other names people might recognise are John Ward and Dennis Brooks (Lightnings) and Bob Tuxford (Victor K2).
Subject: Ripperston WW2 GCI Station now a Place of Heritage 19th February 2019 at 5:51 pm By: Jan Cobb (Web Manager)	If you are like me, until recently the name RAF Ripperston will have been unfamiliar. It was a GCI Station during WW2, located on the Pembrokeshire Peninsula, and has become a place of heritage and art. This heritage site brings to light the history of radar and the part played by Ripperston during WWII. Aircraft under control of the station patrolled the SW Approaches with its busy convoy activities. It responded to the raids on Cardiff, Swansea & Pembroke Dock and live interceptions of hostiles were achieved. According to the records of No 125 (Newfoundland) TNA Air 27/922 and 78 Wing, the number of hostiles intercepted over the period from 1942/43 that appear to have been controlled from Ripperston amounts to approx. 20, which were a combination of Do. 217s, Ju 88s and He 111s. All were on raids on Swansea, Milford Haven or Pembrokedock. Of those twenty interceptions it would be imprudent to suggest that all were destroyed, however, the Personal Combat Report for 16/03/43 Enemy Casualties, in one air mission, list 2 Do. 217s destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 1 damaged all from one Beaufighter. Moreover, three other Beaufighters from the same Squadron accounted for 1 destroyed and 2 probables during the same night. The raid was targeting Swansea Docks and resulted in 30 civilian deaths and 60 casualties, plus a WAAF block at Fairwood Common took a direct hit killing 3 young WAAFs. Finally, records list many other attempted interceptions that never achieved actual air combat due to last minute equipment malfunction either from Ripperston or the intercepting a/c. Moreover, a number of further attempted interceptions failed due to miscommunications. It can only be assumed that without the work of the Beaufighters and Ripperston, the damage and casualties on the ground would have been higher. Ripperston was equipped with a T7 radar. Not unexpectedly, none of the radar remains. Some buildings, however, are in excellent repair. The station was part of the developments which initiated Neatishead and they were similarly equipped. However, they were in different Groups. The whole renovation project has been undertaken privately by John and Jane Dixon. The buildings of the former RAF site formed part of their new home when they moved to Pembrokeshire in 1998. It was some years after their purchase that John found out that these dilapidated buildings, including the Happidrome, were what remained of the old GCI Station. They were in a sorry state, having been used by the previous owner as a pig farm and for agricultural storage. Having a strong connection to the RAF - John served as a young man at RAF Neatishead as a technician in the R12 - he started to repair the buildings. To cut a long story short, this work has been a labour of love by the Dixons, over many years, funded entirely out of their own pockets. The buildings are now sympathetically restored to their former glory and, along with all the WWII memorabilia, are home to a wonderful display of aviation art by GAvA members. John gives presentations in the former operations room, followed by a guided tour with beverages and biscuits in the Officers Mess. Jane, an artist, enjoys the opportunity to show off her own work alongside that of her peers, all West Wales Artists. Following his time in the RAF John went on to become a North Sea Saturation Diver working on oil-rigs and Dive Support Vessels. He later became a Sub-Sea Engineer and finally a Senior Offshore Construction Manager working on major international offshore projects utilising divers and ROVs. Within the former Admin Wing, John and Jane have created some splendid 1940’s style bedrooms; shown on their website. They welcome heritage visitors, through introduction, individually or as small groups to stay with them on a B&B basis to soak in the extraordinary atmosphere of GCI Station Ripperston. I have taken advantage of their hospitality and found my stay to be most comfortable and pleasant. John and Jane have done a magnificent job. They are also a very friendly and interesting pair. In my opinion, until now unbeknown to us, they are both doing much to achieve part of the ADRM’s and Fighter Control Association’s (FCA) objective of increasing awareness of Air Defence Radars and Command and Control Systems. John has been put forward for Honorary Membership of the FCA in recognition of both his and Jane’s achievements. I will also encourage him to become a Friend of the ADRM especially in view of him having served at Neatishead. I think there should be informal links between ourselves and Ripperston. John is looking for a T64 Console and has had no luck. If anyone knows of one, or has accurate drawings, please let me know. Dave Lowry (Museums Member)
Subject: More Website Modifications 27th August 2018 at 10:54 am By: Jan Cobb (Web Manager)	While the changes to the colour scheme will be evident on arriving at the website afresh, some things will not be so evident, such as the need to hover your mouse pointer over the left side of your browser's window in order to display the side menu (and move it away again to hide the menu). Also, the structure has changed slightly and the Links page - once part of the 'Links and Documents' duo in the Member-only menu - has been moved to the public arena and appears now on the bottom (fixed) menu bar, along with links to Social Media and other information about the Association, such as the Constitution, Rules and Website Terms and Conditions. I have also moved the Media and Projects sections from the front page to their own pages, accessible from the bottom bar menu. Many of the links will open in a 'modal' display, rather than in a new page, but external links will open in a new tab/window. In due course, the pages of articles from the old CMS website will be coerced into the new site, with many being made available, as before, to the public, although I believe there are differences of opinion on how much should be made public; in the first instance I shall make things available to the membership only and ask the Heritage Member to lead/decide on accessibility issues. Please let me have any comments (positive or negative) about the changes that have been made; I am open to criticism (although I would prefer it to be constructive, please!). Jan Cobb (Web Manager)
Subject: Bruntingthorpe Open Day 13th August 2018 at 12:24 pm By: Jan Cobb (Web Manager)	We have been informed of an Open Day taking place at Bruntingthorpe Airfield (off A5199 (old A50) South of Leicester) on 26 August 2018, with the gates opening at 9.00 a.m. The attached 'scan' of a poster gives a little more information:
Subject: Air Ops Branch & TG7 IBNs 23rd April 2018 at 6:36 pm By: Jan Cobb (Web Manager)	Dear FCA Member, The Chairman (Gp Capt O'Connor) has permitted the publication of 2 Internal Briefing Notices regarding the Air Ops Branch and the stand-up of TG7 (Non-commissioned Control Cadre) on the FCA website, both of which can be found in the 'Documents' section. Alternatively, you can open them from the following links: IBN 10 18 Air Ops Branch IBN 1118 Trade Group 7 If you are having problems accessing the links, please don't hesitate to contact me at webmanager@raffca.org.uk
Subject: Upcoming AGM 11th April 2018 at 3:36 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Dear Member, The date of the 2018 AGM is set for Saturday 16th Jun 2018. Our Entertainments member has secured us the Royal Greenwich Museums as a venue (you can see the address inthe events section of the website simply click the AGM bar and it will pop-up a google map screen. You can also use this on your smartphone and it will populate your google maps to give you directions should you need them). A general outline of the whole weekend is: Fri evening - Happy Hour in Greenwich Pub; Sat am - AGM followed by lunch; Sat afternoon - at leisure around the Royal Greenwich Museums; Sat evening - AGM dinner. We should be grateful if members would let us know, no later than 20th Apr, if they are likely to attend and if they will be accompanied. This information is purely for planning purposes and is not an indication of a commitment. Please reply to: entertainments@raffca.org.uk The Warning Notice, Agenda and amplifying information for the AGM will be published in due course. Kind regards Grant Grant Grafton \| Secretary \| +44(0)1626 351809 \| +44(0)7887 765643 \| secretary@raffca.org.uk
Subject: 2017 AGM Minutes 4th April 2018 at 9:57 am By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Dear FCA Member, The AGM is not far away and I thought it would be worthwhile to point out that you can access the 2017 AGM minutes (*and previous years!) in the 'Links' section of the website. Alternatively, just click this link below which will take you straight there. http://www.raffca.org.uk/library_files.php Regards Costi Web Manager
Subject: Profile Photos 18th March 2018 at 1:06 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Hello All You can now add a personalised photo to your profile. In order to do this simply follow these steps: click on the circular photo next to the user-bar that dispalys your name. This will bring up the following screen: From here, press the 'browse' button and select your photo (Note the image must either be .jpg, .jpeg, .png or .gif). When the photo has been loaded on the left-hand window, you can zoom it in and out and move the photo to centre it to the position you require. Then select the 'Upload Photo' button and you will see the green alert bar at the top of the page stating your photo has been changed. In addition you will see the examples of how your image will be seen on the site on the right hand side That is it! your profile photo has been uploaded and you can continue to enjoy using the site. If you are having problems, please let me know at webmanager@raffca.org.uk and I will assist where I can. Oh and please leave feedback from the site on the Message Board - under General Discussions -> New Website (Topic) Regards Costi Web Manager
Subject: Message Board Max Characters 28th February 2018 at 1:31 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Hello All, I have increased the maximum number of characters that you can post in the message board from 2000 to 10,000. This should allow you to put your points across. Just for your awareness, the message board acts in near real-time, therfore if someone posts a message and you are active on the same board you will see it appear within 1-2 seconds (it acts like a messenger app). Finally, if you have any points for improvement, please let me know. Regards Costi Web Manager
Subject: Website Improvements 7th October 2017 at 3:52 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Hello All, It's been a while since the website was first rolled-out and I would like to thank those of you who provided me with areas which had bugs on it. In addition, thank you for your patience with the new layout. I have made some more improvements on the site, noticeable on your dashboard, message board, events notifications and I have enhanced functionality for the committee members. With respect to the events area, I have included a google maps embedded image for you to load up on your smart phones or tablet / PC to show where the event is being held. Future updates will allow us to upload images from each event for you to view and rememer (if you want to remember being 4 pints + downrange!!). If you would like to leave feedback for the webiste including any areas for improvements please feel free to place them on the Message Board under New Website. Finally, whe you log in your dashboard will tell you how many new message board posts and news areticles from the Committee have been posted since you last logged in, plus you can click on the banners and they will display them instantly insted of you trying to find the infromation clicking in the menus. Thats enough from me, I hope to see you all at the next event (see the Events Infromation on the dashboard for when and where), Regards Costi
Subject: Biography 19th June 2017 at 8:52 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Air Commodore W J (Jayne) Millington MA MA(Oxon) FRAeS FCMI RAF Educated at Hawarden High School and Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating with honours in Physics, Air Commodore Jayne Millington gained some policing experience in the North Wales Special Constabulary before joining Marconi Space & Defence Systems as a Guided Weapons engineer (1984). A change of career in 1986 saw her commissioned into the RAF General Duties (GD) (Fighter Control) Specialisation, qualifying as an Intercept Controller and serving in the UK Air Defence System at RAF Buchan, Grampian, towards the end of the Cold War; operational detachments included Cyprus, Belize and the Falkland Islands. The first woman to graduate from the GD Aerosystems Course, Jayne won the Specialist Navigation Aries Trophy, subsequently working to enhance the operational software of the Tornado F3 aircraft. Promotion to Squadron Leader in 1994 took Jayne to MOD Operational Requirements (Air) where she gained endorsement for the Tactical Air Control Centre now employed by No 1 Air Control Centre (1ACC). Over this period, she was a member of the World Land Speed Record THRUST Supersonic Car (SSC) Team[1] and commanded No 7 Signals Unit, Byron Heights in the Falkland Islands. As a Wing Commander on ACSC4 she won a Cormorant Fellowship to King’s College and attained an MA (Distinction) in Defence Studies. A tour as OC Operations Wing, RAF Wittering, followed during which she acted as Station Commander for 5 months during Op TELIC in 2003. As Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) Force Commander, she was also Station Commander, RAF Boulmer (November 2006-2009), responsible for the output of a geographically diverse Force within the UK (against renewed Russian activity) whilst supporting air surveillance and coordination operations in Afghanistan. Selected to attend the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2009, Jayne’s work on the prospects for space security in the Obama Presidency was selected as a ‘Seaford House’ paper. Becoming Assistant Head International Policy and Planning, Middle &Near East in December 2009, Jayne developed MOD’s regional Defence Diplomacy policy, working across Whitehall in support of the HMG ‘Gulf Initiative’ to thicken bilateral relationships in a region made even more complex and turbulent by the events of the Arab Spring. Jayne was promoted Air Commodore in November 2011 and was appointed Air Officer Battlespace Management (AO BM) at HQ 1 Group with corresponding responsibilities as Defence Head for strategic airspace policy. As the nominated Deputy UK Air Defence Commander, Jayne delivered air security for the 2012 Olympics; 2013 G8 Summit; 2014 Commonwealth Games & NATO Summit in Wales. As AO BM, Jayne’s diverse area of responsibilities included the National Air Defence Operations Centre; Military Air Traffic Management; UK ASACS; Space Control (Space Operations Centre and RAF Fylingdales); Joint Ground Based Air Defence HQ; and the Joint Datalink Management Organisation. In June 2015, after 3 and half years as AO BM, Jayne commenced language training prior to taking up an appointment in January 2016 as Deputy Chief of Staff at HQ Allied Air Command. Later that year Jayne was appointed as the UK’s National Military Representative SHAPE in Brussels – a post that she was forced to stand down from due to ill health. Jayne was President of the Aries Association (graduate of the Aerosystems and Specialist Navigation courses). She had a lapsed PPL(A) and enjoyed jogging for fitness. Jayne’s other interests included historical/cultural travel, art history and music in which she had a catholic taste. Jayne died in Belgium at 0840 (European time) on Saturday 20 May 2017 following a battle with cancer. “Her duty done – she sleeps” Per Ardua ad Astra [1] 15 Oct 1997 – 763mph (Mach 1.02).
Subject: RAF Biggin Hill 19th June 2017 at 8:44 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Dear Member, The following note has been received from Norry Bell, seeking your support for a petition aimed at preventing significant changes to the Chapel of Remembrance at RAF Biggin Hill. You can read more and sign the petition here: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance He also asks that those who are able to do so to take a moment to share the petition with others. It's really easy – all you need to do is forward this email or share this link on Facebook or Twitter: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance Kind regards Grant Grant Grafton \| Secretary \| +44(0)1626 351809 \| +44(0)7887 765643 \| sec@raffca.org.uk
Subject: Welcome 5th June 2017 at 12:12 pm By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	Dear FCA Member, Welcome to the new & hopefully improved FCA Website, the main aims set out for improving the web site are: Ease the administration on the committee. Improve the look and allow it to be responsive for tablets and smartphones. Enhance the publicity of the projects that the committee and its members undertake. I hope you enjoy the new site and its functionality, please note it is not completely finished yet!. Some of the improvements are listed below: The site is tablet and smartphone friendly - it is responsive to different screen sizes - although you may find some pages overflow - please let me know if this is the case and I will fix it (use the Committee page to contact me!). This site now accepts online applications with the added benefit of paying your subscription by Paypal. In addition, you are now in control of your profile and can add the details as and when you require. The message board facility is still operational, although I was not able to transfer all of the legacy boards over, if you would like a specific board sent over I will make this work for you. The message boards are now near real-time, what does that mean? If you and others are logged in, they will see your post update within 5 seconds of you posting it, bringing the boards to life and allowing you to have real-time conversations, The Heritage section will display all of the fantastic history, facts, articles, papers that the Association has amassed over the time it has been formed. This area will display the information in a more web-friendly format! - This will be updated in the near future. The Events area allows you to see what events are upcoming, it also details the address & further details for you to log in using your smartphone and select the address - this will bring up a google maps application and direct you to the event location - perfect for those who struggle to read maps!! The links page stores all of the Associations affiliates, minutes, photos and videos. If you would like something added to this area, please let me know. If you have any questions, areas of improvements or snags, please let me know! Regards Costi Paul Costigan Web Manager
Subject: Bereavement 5th June 2017 at 8:38 am By: Paul Costigan (Web Manager)	A funeral service for Air Cdre Jayne Millington MA, MA(Oxon), FRAeS, FCMI, RAF, will be held at St Clement Danes, Strand, London WC2R 1DH at 1400 on Mon 19 Jun 17. FCA Members who knew Air Cdre Millington are very welcome to attend the service and are requested to be seated by 1350. Dress for the funeral service for military personnel is No 1 SD (or single Service equivalent) with medals. At the request of the family, black armbands are not to be worn. Transport from RAF High Wycombe for service personnel is available and personnel are requested to contact the RAF High Wycombe Stn Adjutant or SWO (Fg Off Palfrey or Warrant Officer Marshall) on MOD telephone: 95991 4454, Civil: 01494 494454 if they require transport. The funeral service will be followed by a wake for family and friends; details will be confirmed at a later date. Jayne’s family have requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity, either on the day or in the name of Air Cdre W J Millington via the website https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate FCA members who wish to attend the service are requested to email Fg Off James Palfrey (james.palfrey968@mod.gov.uk ), copy to the FCA Secretary, so that St Clement Danes can be kept informed of numbers attending. Lastly, in the finest traditions of the FC/ABM Branch the Association would like to ensure that Jayne gets a fitting send off. The FCA therefore plans to make a contribution towards the costs of the Wake; however, as this would fall outside of our agreed spend, donations from FCA Members to help with these costs would be most welcome. Should members wish to make a personal contribution, we will ensure that contributions are passed on with any underspend donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund/Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Personal donations should be made to the following FCA account: Account Name: Association of FC Officers Sort Code:40-47-17 Acc No: 82356260 Payment Ref:JMWake Kind regards Grant Grafton Secretary

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