Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

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E-mail:   danelliott<AT>iprimus.com.au
Date: 1 Jan 2008
Time: 13:47

Comments

Alan Deere was once my CO.

At the time, I was an apprentice at RAF Halton, No1 School of Technical Training. Air Commodore Deere was a pure gentlemen, and always had time for we mere brats.

I believe he was a man who never lost sight of the purpose and direction of the RAF. A true hero.

E-mail:   doreenandcolin<AT>talktalk.net
Date: 2 Jan 2008
Time: 09:13

Comments

I served with No.56 sqdn 1960/61 and donated the book 'Capt Ball VC' to the museum. Now in retirement I paint and as a 'friend' of The Guild of Aviation Artists I have painted many pictured depicting the squadron. My association with The Red Arrows has brought me into contact with officers of recent years, in particular Flt. Lt. 'Parky' Parkinson and now Sqdn. Ldr Martin Higgins.

Best regards to you all,

Colin Ball - Junior Technician

E-mail:   jmp<AT>eastlink.ca
Date: 3 Jan 2008
Time: 18:56

Comments

Hi. One of my father-in-law's (John "Jock" Findlay's)closest friends in the RAF was a classmate at RAF Halton in 1931-33 and a ship-mate on H.M.S. Courageous (1935)with the Home Fleet in Gibraltar. His name was SMYTHE, however, all I have is the first name "Paddy". I realize that most Irish folks were called Paddy and this fellow was definitely Irish (whether born there or of Irish descent - I do not know). I realize that the chances of finding him (or about him) is pretty slim - however, one never knows. If anyone has any information please contact me.

E-mail:   alandsaadi<AT>tinyworld.co.uk
Date: 3 Jan 2008
Time: 21:17

Comments

Thank you for Seletar badge. have you got Sqn badges?

alan hughes (curly)

Where are you andy anderson and pop powel?

E-mail:   melvinhill59<AT>googlemail.com
Date: 4 Jan 2008
Time: 12:47

Comments

very interesting site. I came across it whilst trying to find out about my Dad's time in the RAF Regt during ww11. He was in 2777 Sqn with 2TAF. Although I have his service record, and a basic history supplied by the RAF,information about the Sqn is very scarce. He was in No4 Flight,if anyone has any info I'd be very grateful. Many Thanks.

E-mail:   jbigoz<AT>aol.com
Date: 4 Jan 2008
Time: 15:04

Comments

Have found your web site very interesting and helpful to me as I am writing my memoirs and have been able to trace most of the stations I served at But I am still sort one or two.

E-mail:   tinkler<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 4 Jan 2008
Time: 16:04

Comments

Looked at your site for the first time nice to read comments, I served at RAF Norton (3GRSS) in

1953/54 The only one I could remember is Dave Palmer A Londoner I read in RAF Norton site about a SP wanting more news about that time.

I represented the Station on the Coronation with a lad called Bell

E-mail:   philbangs<AT>bigpond.com
Date: 5 Jan 2008
Time: 01:04

Comments

Hi, I was given a pewter beer stein and tray many years ago when my late uncle died, his name was William (Bill) Newman. The stein and tray are engraved "Talek Datoh 1945 131 Squadron RAF". I have meant to try and find some info about the squadron etc for many years but time flies! I am just relocating to Perth Australia from Sydney Australia and came across them again. Just thought I would post this message to see if anyone can shed any light on the items, best regards Phil

E-mail:   peter.magnall<AT>btopenworld.com
Date: 6 Jan 2008
Time: 11:49

Comments

Interesting site and I shall probably spend a few hours reading some of the content and possibly making a Contribution or two.

E-mail:   dicksmith.imaging<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 8 Jan 2008
Time: 15:15

Comments

Very good indeed.

I served as an airframe fitter 3 weeks onwards just after the war ended at many stations also burma leaving on independance day.found lots of information. thank you very much.

E-mail:   piggysarah<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 8 Jan 2008
Time: 21:20

Comments

v good site, lots of nostalgia for me, raf bletchley/stanbridge (CCS)1952-3 as gwm, ted moore

E-mail:   appin<AT>shaw.ca
Date: 9 Jan 2008
Time: 21:06

Comments

This is for Lorraine Byrne who was looking for information on the Halifax Bomber "Farouk" My cousin was the pilot of the plane and is still going strong. If you want to ask him any questions, please let me know. Was your father's name Patty? Doug would like to help. Regards, Randy Stewart

E-mail:   jimkidd1012<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 10 Jan 2008
Time: 16:21

Comments

My father served with 219 Sqn in the UK, North Africa and Italy. He sadly died in 1994 and it was whilst researching family history that I came across your excellent site. I enjoyed very much reading about the sqn.

If anybody knew my father William George Kidd from Newtongrange near Edinburgh, I'd love to hear from you and perhaps exchange copies of photos I have of his war years.

E-mail:   john-smith<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 11 Jan 2008
Time: 15:50

Comments

I am trying to find details of my service in the RAFVR 1952-1954.

I gained a PPL via an <AT>C flying scholarship at Herts & Essex flying club at Broxbourne.

I joined the VR to get not only free flying but got £60 per YEAR for the pleasure.

No chance of pilot on Nat Service s became an airframe fitter in 2nd TAF

E-mail:   dickmoules<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 12 Jan 2008
Time: 11:55

Comments

Just found your site, 12/1/08, most interesting. I was WW2 RCAF and RAF pilot; joined BSAA Corporation after. Stories about fantastic Bennett abound. Is he still alive?

E-mail:   ThomasMBarrymore<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 12 Jan 2008
Time: 19:00

Comments

Nice site!

E-mail:   jhy122<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 12 Jan 2008
Time: 22:07

Comments

I was stationed at RAF Staging Post Mauripur 1954-56 and was there when CAS Dermot Boyle arrived in the Canberra in 1956.The RPAF provided a guard of honour and band to welcome him to the station and as he manoeuvred the aircraft around them blew all their hats off.  Later in the day I was in the airmens' mess when he came in to ask "any complaints"!! whilst a photographer from the local press took our photo.

Happy days

E-mail:   jeandogs<AT>gmail.com
Date: 13 Jan 2008
Time: 06:17

Comments

I am from Long Island NY and have a family tree of my relatives from England. The first one I searched for was John W. Baker, KCB. The little information I have on him matches his page. After hours of searching, this was the first site that turned up any results. I want to thank you for that. I don't know of anything of our relatives over there and really wish to find out. That side of my family is on my father's side and he passed away awhile back and no one else is left on his side.

Thank you again.

Jeannie O.

E-mail:   chris<AT>turnerlogs.com
Date: 15 Jan 2008
Time: 20:25

Comments

An extremely interesting and useful site. Well done

Chris Davey

E-mail:   john<AT>bewick5060.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 17 Jan 2008
Time: 20:04

Comments

I served in No 3 ACS RAF Regiment in Jever 1952/1953 as a DR riding a TRW 1...I have some pictures from this period and would also like to hear from anyone else serving at this time..

LAC Bewick 2537666

E-mail:   ranya<AT>swbell.net
Date: 19 Jan 2008
Time: 19:37

Comments

Fine site, with solid bios of officers. Thank you for the time and effort.

E-mail:   fireman2697<AT>eastlink.ca
Date: 20 Jan 2008
Time: 17:33

Comments

Just came across your web site an I found a picture of my father.He is in the first picture they have his name as Bill Perry but it was reall LLoyd perry of skinners pond pei

E-mail:    christiaan22limburg<AT>msn.com  
Date: 22 Jan 2008
Time: 08:49

Comments

hello we have found some things of a lancaster bomber near schinveld it was it was paked in a plastik bag litle things radio parts i have read on this site that some people searching for the crach place we kan saying where we found these things for more info you cane mail me on my mail adres christiaan22limburg<AT>msn.com

E-mail:   kenrseaside<AT>msn.com  
Date: 23 Jan 2008
Time: 04:27

Comments

As an ex Flt. sgt AQM/LM I find yousite both nostalgic and interesting. J1932027 F.S. Robinson John K. RAF 1956-1970.

E-mail:     marsh227<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 26 Jan 2008
Time: 23:22

Comments

During my service at RAF Abingdon (Air Wireless Mech)in 1953 I contracted Meningitus and was hospitalised to the RAF Haspital IDH unit at Halton. It was only after recently obtaining a copy of my medical records that I realised just how ill I was. I would like to belatedly thank those staff that contributed to my full recovery. Unfortunately, I have forgotten names. W Brian Marsh

E-mail:     ian.macmillan1<AT>btopenworld.com
Date: 27 Jan 2008
Time: 23:22

Comments

A most comprehensive site - congratulations to all concerned - and I fancy that it will prove a most useful aide-memoire from time to time now that I have found it.

Ian Macmillan: 1964-96, Nav, Wg Cdr(Retd)

E-mail:    tiggerpookie<AT>yahoo.com
Date: 29 Jan 2008
Time: 02:25

Comments

Hello, Very nice site. My Uncle , Sidney Burtwell was in the Raf 214 sqdn. I have been researching him, and his sqdn for a time. So sad, he died at only 20 years of age when he was shot down April 1, 1942.

E-mail:    andrew.sj<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 31 Jan 2008
Time: 15:16

Comments

I am the son of 2677679 Ernest Jones. During a period of unemployment, I went into the family loft, and brought down stairs some of my fathers photo's. They includes his service with the South Staffords, and from his time with 2605 County of Warwickshire. I have sectioned the photo's so far into his time at Trawfyndd, and Germany. I have a feeling the scenes of the Bofor's was taken at Watchet, but not sure. I will willingly Email them to you, as long as my father retains, the interlectual/copyrights rights to any that may be reprinted. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerley

Andrew Jones

Andrew,

I tried replying to your message, but I received a 'failed delivery' message, could you please contact me again!

E-mail:    geon<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 3 Feb 2008
Time: 20:44

Comments

Just wondering if anyone remembers my my fathers flight. They flew Lancasters from Tuddenham at the time that 90 squadron and 130 squadron were stationed there.

A Flight

Pilot - Sqd Ldr Harrison then later Wt Off McDonald Engineer - Steve Navigator Ron Petty Bomb aimer - Sid Keeler from Newcastle Wireless operator - Fred Mellor (my father) Mid upper gunner Henry from Kent Rear Gunner Ernesto Phillipo (Ernie Philips)

Ernie and my father had recently met up. Ernie has now passed away, but his daughter keeps in touch.

Sqd Ldr harrison was an expert in radar and left the squadron to work on radar air defences in France.

Fred has a photo with all the names on so I will be able to post the photo and the full names and more of the storey if anyone is interested.

John

E-mail:    officeoldwestbrookians<AT>gmail.com
Date: 7 Feb 2008
Time: 07:21

Comments

Still looking for anything on ADH Foster, Squadron Leader. He also served with Fighter Command at Stanmore, 25 Squadron and the Signals Section at RAF Hawkinge. Please contact me if you have any details.

E-mail:    jcochrane65<AT>rogers.com
Date: 10 Feb 2008
Time: 01:27

Comments

My name is James Cochrane I'm looking for information on my Uncle Arthur Charles Cochrane{Jimmy} Sq 257 1941 -1943 presumed KIA 03 1943.

E-mail:    daniel<AT>kotara.de
Date: 14 Feb 2008
Time: 20:28

Comments

Hello everybody,

I´m searching Chief Technician Daniel Bachu. He was at RAF Laarbruch at 1956/57. Do anybody know him? please contact me at e-mail.

Thanks a lot

E-mail:    alanandgwen<AT>waitrose.com
Date: 15 Feb 2008
Time: 21:00

Comments

Brilliant site, came across it while trying to advertise some Shackleton Photographs taken during a mail-drop off Beira 1970.anyone interested.

Alan Taylor ex navigator

E-mail:    pjhutchinson<AT>sympatico.ca
Date: 23 Feb 2008
Time: 03:49

Comments

I am looking for info on my father (Peter) George Hutchinson, recipient of the George Cross, who flew Blenheims with AM Sir Ivor Broom. After the war he was with the RCAF & later flew for various airlines inc. CPAir & Lufthansa. If anyone happens to know his present whereabouts or any other info, I would greatly appreciate hearing. Thank you.

Also i would add that a search capacity would be very helpful on yr site.

E-mail:    debchad61<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 23 Feb 2008
Time: 11:59

Comments

hello,my name is DEBBIE CHADWICK(nee THORNE).my dad served in the royal pioneer corps.his name was RICHARD FRANCIS THORNE,mostly know as RICK OR DICK.dads last posting was to germany,where we lived in krefeld and dad went to work at 28 sigs,he was the staff sergeant over the guardroom.dad has served in aden,cyprus,ireland,bicester,kineton,arborfeild,to name a few.my dad sadly passed away on the 17th november 2005,and i have opened a memorial page for him at http://www.gonetoosoon.co.uk i just wanted to try and let some of his friends know some how,if you would like to go and write a message,lit a candle feel free.by the way dad died in warrington.thank you for letting me post this message.

kindest regards

debbie

E-mail:    
Date: 24 Feb 2008
Time: 14:51

Comments

shaunmcguire1<AT>aol.com

Comments:

Some years back I set up a web site about my cousin PO Arthur Marcus Fitzgerald, pilot of EM-N (ED627) of 207 Squadron who was killed in action along with his crew on the 28th August 1943.

Since then the web site has developed into quite a wealth of information where I have managed to trace the families of five of the other six crew members, the German night fighter pilot Ludwig Meister who shot them down and was still alive in December 2006 and who has also contributed to the site with entries from his log book and his radio operators diary about the loss of EM-N.

Other information includes information and photographs from the other family members as well as the German Police report of the crash of EM-N.

Because of this web site, I have been asked for help in researching a number of other Lancaster bombers, EM-V (LM 334) of 207 Squadron, PH-A (DV 187) of 12 Squadron both lost the same night as EM-N and PH-A being shot down by Ludwig Meister about half hour after EM-N and HW-K (ED 583) of 100 Squadron which broke up during air trials over the village of North Thorseby, Lincolnshire killing its crew of eight.

The website includes many documents, photographs and letters and raf.org can copy and use them if necessary and as the resolution is not great in many cases to save file sizes, I can supply better copies if need be.

The latest addition to the web site are articles and photographs of a 4000lb “cookie” bomb being recovered during the construction of the A6 Autobahn, Germany in 1977 and which I believe was the one being carried by EM-N when it was shot down.

The web site is at www.lancastered627.bravehost.com

Shaun McGuire

E-mail:    info<AT>bellabeauty.co.uk
Date: 24 Feb 2008
Time: 23:42

Comments

My father was sac Brian h swallow 155 squadron serving in malaya 1957. Sadly he passed away in 2005 but i would dearly love to hear from any of his old friends.

Kindest regards

Becky Powis-Jones

E-mail:    bricoll<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 27 Feb 2008
Time: 23:18

Comments

Thank you for this superb web site. Not only does it supply a great amount of interesting reading but it has also been an invaluable reference for my little project of acquiring all the Royal Air Force aircrew brevets ever issued plus other associated flying insignia.

Thank you again.

B. Collins

E-mail:    motorconsultant<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 28 Feb 2008
Time: 13:35

Comments

found you through Google. My father (D G Hill) served with 541 Squadron during the war flying Spitfires on 94 sorties. He died in October 2006 having enjoyed a long history of flying for Imperial Airway/Boac/BA and finally Singapore Airlines. I have just taken charge of all his log books and photo albums. There are some superb evocative photos of his comrades. If we could find the relatives perhaps they would like a copy of their loved ones? Sadly I have written to RAF Benson without even the courtesy of a reply and have been told by a friend that Benson have terminated all re-unions and have no interest in maintaining the wartime historical element of their own station. Does anyone know different? Yours Faithfully Peter Hill

E-mail:   bartram1<AT>onetel.com 
Date: 29 Feb 2008
Time: 17:18

Comments

I am the sister of George Causer who crashed on the 13th July 1943 when flying in Lancaster bomber on mission to Turin and is now buried with the crew in a grave in France at the back of a private cemetery he was flight sergeant engineer, I believe some one is trying to locate any relatives of the crew.  We have the log book of previous flights.

E-mail:   denelse<AT>shaw.ca 
Date: 2 Mar 2008
Time: 03:17

Comments

Dennis Shandley served in demo flight Dumfries1952-54 a few courses for six months finished my 4 years in Wildenrath Germany. Great life great regiment

E-mail:    bernie.brown<AT>optusnet.com.au
Date: 3 Mar 2008
Time: 03:48

Comments

Came across your site trying to locate the insignia of 166 squadron...excellent site !... preparing some kind of permanent tribute to my brother Arthur Edward Brown (Artie), pilot of JB639 which crashed at Barrow on Humber in December 43 ..just retrieved his medals from the UK, if anyone has any info, i have some photos etc, as he was a keen amateur...i am now living in Perth Australia....

E-mail:    hobbitonmills<AT>yahoo.co.uk
Date: 4 Mar 2008
Time: 20:54

Comments

Thought this site was very worthwhile and interesting! Hope you don't mind but my father in law has asked me to research things he remembers from his time served with the RAF Maintenance Unit during WWII and he wonders 'does anyone remember lights out, when they played Moonlight Serenade by Glen Miller at Maison Blanche (Algiers 1943-1945)' Elaine Mills

E-mail:    russellmilgate<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 6 Mar 2008
Time: 18:55

Comments

I served for several years at No1 ACC on the "Anglia site" at RAF Wattisham between 1972 - 1977. I'm trying to find any photo's from that era?

Very good site

Russ

E-mail:   jtough1<AT>shaw.ca
Date: 8 Mar 2008
Time: 18:04

Comments

Became a brat in Sept 1969 44th entry St. Athan.  There were only 9 of us in that entry, transport mechanics. The ones that I remember are; Ross martin. Two, Ray's. Shipman, Pete Roberts, Jim Tough (Me) Spent 2 yrs in N<AT>O Belgium. Returned to England, bought myself out and emigrated to Canada. Great move. I have searched for a site like this and to my great surprise found this one. Thank you for the opportunity to try and find some of my friends that I met in my Air-Force life.

E-mail:   phyldarcy<AT>aol.com
Date: 8 Mar 2008
Time: 20:35

Comments

Having spent 9 years in the RAF (1958-67) I love everything about the air force.

Now retired and living in East Dean, East Sussex. I find that the RAF operated an airfield at Friston.

I would very much appreciate any pictures of the airfield in action during the war. I already have a significant amount of detail of the squadrons etc and hope I can make a contrubution in the future.

Many thanks

D'Arcy Richards (ex Cpl RAF No. 3526192)

E-mail:   john<AT>spraggjohn.wanadoo.co.uk
Date: 13 Mar 2008
Time: 17:46

Comments

FOUND YOUR WEB SITE BY ACCIDENT.

WAS AMAZED TO SEE THE ENTRY FROM 2557333 ALAN VINEGRAD.

I MET ALAN ON THE RAILWAY ST<AT>ION <AT> PADG<AT>E WHEN WE WERE ENLISTED.  MY NUMBER 1S 2557332.FROM THERE WE WENT TO WILMSLOW THEN TRAINING <AT> WORTH M<AT>RAVERS.  ON COMPLETION OF COURSE WE WENT TO FOLLY.

I RETURNED TO WORTH AS AN INSTRUCTOR UNTIL DEMOB <AT> WYTHALL AND GUESS WH<AT> ALAN WAS THERE.

I AM NOW A RETIRED COMPANY DIRECTOR LIVING IN DORSET N.J SPRAGG EX CPL

E-mail:   jerrydent<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 13 Mar 2008
Time: 18:09

Comments

Excellent web site, most informative. Thanks, Jerry Dent pilot, 31 Sqn (PR7), XV Sqn & 208 Sqn (Buccaneer), 1966~1978

E-mail:   bd<AT>directsave.net
Date: 15 Mar 2008
Time: 14:57

Comments

A great help with my research of my father's service. Thanks

E-mail:   jet2elp<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 16 Mar 2008
Time: 11:56

Comments

I have found your RAF site to be one of the very best air power organizational sites. It is outstanding to those who enjoy the history of air warefare and love the minutia of detail. The aircraft and unit insigna artwork is some of the best. Your Order of Battle research is some the best I have found.

Jerry E. Tolbert, El Paso, Texas USA

E-mail:   uklady10942<AT>yahoo.com
Date: 22 Mar 2008
Time: 04:08

Comments

My name is Sheila A Breslin. My husband was the wing historian at RAF Upper Heyford from August 1988 to June 1991. We lived at RAF Little Rissington from August 1990 to June 1991. A beautiful place to live. I am British and we had actually gone back to England planning to stay there after Vincent retired, but due to the Gulf war the USAF had other plans for us and we left "Rissy"to go to Nevada. Not a very happy camper off I went , from the beautiful Cotswold hills to the blazing hot desert of Nevada.

I love this website and will be back often to see if anyone we knew ever leaves a message.

E-mail:   martineden79<AT>o2.pl
Date: 23 Mar 2008
Time: 21:41

Comments

Great respect for polish pilots fighting for Britain in WW II - especially 303 Squadron.

Saluto from POLAND.

Marcin.

E-mail:   derek<AT>hot.mail.com
Date: 23 Mar 2008
Time: 22:53

Comments

very good web site

derek bishop

coulby newham middlesbrough

E-mail:   norburys<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 24 Mar 2008
Time: 11:05

Comments

Just found this website when looking up information on my Great-Uncle George FW Heycock (26138). I am the grand-daughter of George's young sister Dulcie Osborne nee Heycock, who is now nearly 91.

I would be interested to hear from any one with information or memories of my great-uncle.

Mrs S Norbury

E-mail:   apshaw5<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 24 Mar 2008
Time: 15:53

Comments

I served for 22 years with the Royal Air Force Police, initially with Special Investigations, then with Counter Intelligence. I am now a member of the RAF Police Assopciation - Chairman of the London & SE Branch and a National Trustee. I enjoy still being part off "the larger family" and having now seen your Web-site, I feel even more a part of. Keep up the good work

Alan Peel Shaw BEM. JP

E-mail:   gordonb<AT>cytanet.com.cy
Date: 25 Mar 2008
Time: 08:17

Comments

I have been trying with no success to contact anyone who I served with from 1959/1964 37Sqn and 34Sqn RAF Regiment RAF Akrotiri Cyprus, RAF Sealand Cheshire and a second Tour at Akrotiri. I am now Chairman of RAFA Aphrodite Branch and can be found on our web site www.rafacyprus.co.uk.

Gordon Boam

E-mail:   janetsmadhouse<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 25 Mar 2008
Time: 21:19

Comments

many thanks for a great website. i am trying to find out about my uncle Flight Sgt Les Sawle who served with 227 squadron sadly he was missing presumed dead on the 23 January 1944 aged 22. if anyone as any info I would be grateful. i believe he flew in Beaufighters

E-mail:   bobski68<AT>aol.com
Date: 25 Mar 2008
Time: 23:32

Comments

fantastic site filled with loads of information.

keep up the good work

E-mail:   hr.macdonald<AT>sympatico.ca
Date: 26 Mar 2008
Time: 18:47

Comments

Nice site: I would love to share experiences with someone who flew on Korean Airlift and who would actually believe what we went thru ..the weather and Shemya by the sea, the long hours and sheer terror at times. I was a loadmaster on 426 RCAF North Stars. Per Ardua Ad Astra Ron

E-mail:   haydn.smith<AT>blueyonder.co.uk
Date: 30 Mar 2008
Time: 12:56

Comments

through the pages of your guest book, i wonder if anyone has any idea what happen to the drill cup of RAF Bridgnorth, when the station closed in 1963, any information would be very appreciated.

E-mail:   clive.pearce<AT>breathe.com
Date: 30 Mar 2008
Time: 16:38

Comments

A very interesting site, i was looking for information on Pocklington Airfield and sort of wandered into this site.

Clive Pearce

E-mail:   desmond.cook<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 31 Mar 2008
Time: 15:29

Comments

Very impressed, most comprehensive, Found lots of interesting information - how long it will take me to study it all is another question. Keep up the good work.

E-mail:   p.goymer883<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 4 Apr 2008
Time: 21:54

Comments

When I was a little girl of 5/6 my father was posted to Dortmund. I can remember for a very short while living in the buildings of a glider site. I think it must have been a temporary place but I know it was in the middle of a glider field.   This must have been around 1955 because I know I started school in Dortmund.

I would be interested to receive any information about this. Does anybody remember it?

E-mail:   filann<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 6 Apr 2008
Time: 20:40

Comments

Trying to trace William Henry McCormack.

I am the daughter of the above and I am trying fill lots of blanks in my past. He was in catering maybe as a chef in RAF Coventry in the second half of 1939 where he lived with my Mother on Hawkesmill Lane Allesley nr meriden by 1943 he was stationed at RAF Rufforth near York where he lived at The Willows in Rawcliffe Village. Can any one help. Did you know him or about him.

Anne Worley (nee McCormack)

E-mail:   appair66<AT>aol.com
Date: 9 Apr 2008
Time: 11:57

Comments

In May 1959 I was posted to RAF Coltishall on my return from serving in Australia with No 12 Joint Services Trials Unit. At the time I was a Corporal Technician with Air to Air Guided Missile experience.

The Station Commander was Group Captain Bird-Wilson.

After a course at English Electric Warton on the Lightning Aircraft I joined the Air Fighting Development Squadron. Group Captain Bird-Wilson had twice commanded the squadron and was a frequent visitor. In this way we got to recognise the Station Commander mush more easily than I think was normal.

In 1961 I was ushered into his office on promotion to Sergeant.

Aferwards I had the customary drink in the Sergeants Mess and was then advised to go home, make sure that my No 1 Uniform had the correct badges of rank and be back at the Sergeants Mess by 19.00hrs.

Group Captain Bird-Wilson was to be 'Dined Out' of the Sergeants Mess and as the most junior SNCO I was to be Mr Vice. The CMC of the Mess told me my duties and I recall that with much nervousness I ate my meal!

However, what an honour, to be promoted and on the same day take part in the Station Commander's leaving ceremony

A.B.J. Bamforth

Flt Lt (Ret'd)

586246

Ex Halton Aircraft Apprentice

586246 ex Halton

E-mail:   rfiske8<AT>tampabay.rr.com
Date: 10 Apr 2008
Time: 19:25

Comments

My Mother was Edith Perham, My grandmother was Maria Trenchard of the Lord Hugh M, Trenchard family. My mother was born in Manchester England in 1880. I have long admired Lord Trenchard and am proud to be a cousin of his. He had a long and quite interesting career as the founder of the Royal Airforce. Thankyou Rev, Roy A Fiske AB STB MD Inverness Fla,

E-mail:   kernick<AT>blueyonder.co.uk
Date: 11 Apr 2008
Time: 14:57

Comments

LAC George Kernick (born 1918) with both 3 & 5 OTU has just viewed the site

E-mail:   michael.sillick<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 12 Apr 2008
Time: 00:03

Comments

does anyone remember someone called mr kenneth Hawes

E-mail:   psemanic<AT>swcp.com
Date: 12 Apr 2008
Time: 20:52

Comments

I was stationed at Tegel Air Base in Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. My duties were fire protection of the incoming and outgoing British aircraft, namely Hastings and Lancasters. A Hastings #TG-.611 crashed on the morning of 16th July 1949 killing all five crew members.I have their names in my records. I also have in my possession a letter thanking the USAF crash rescue fire fighters for their immediate response to the crash scene within 45 seconds. The letter is signed by Air Commodore J.W.F Merer. I have been surfing your site and found this name. If you are interested in more information concerning the crash please let me know. I have two pictures of the aircraft after the crash. I will be glad to share this information. I was also stationed at RAF Fairford and RAF High Wycombe during 1960-64 era. I still have British friends in from those days. Pete Semanick - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

E-mail:   nats<AT>gulftel.com
Date: 13 Apr 2008
Time: 04:21

Comments

I was stationed at ahlhorn in1962-1965 /a nike site at the flegerhouse air field. 42nd art. detachment. is there any one out there that was there with me/cookie/ polanski/cherry jay /tomas/please email meoh yes i'm stan kendrickfrom foley al.

E-mail:  filann<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 14 Apr 2008
Time: 08:21

Comments

Thank you for putting my message on the site I am hoping just maybe just maybe someone out there new my Dad William Henry McCormack

Anne Worley (nee McCormack)

E-mail:  webbob<AT>msn.com
Date: 16 Apr 2008
Time: 11:42

Comments

one of the better sites on 80 sqn and others of the RAF is good to come across my father served with 80 in the desert during the war i have a photo album of pics he took but i cant get the pics out as they are stuck in so tend to rip was looking for or hoping to find any pics from members who served with the sqn in ww2 who may have known my father edward "ted" webster maintainance fitter ground air crew but yeah its a good site one of the better ones.

cheers

brian webster

E-mail:  steph.cruickshanks<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 16 Apr 2008
Time: 21:11

Comments

Hi - I am doing some family history research and understand that one Cecil Ronald Johnston (Johnny) of Special Operations Executive 570 Squadron was shot down over Holland just weeks before liberation. I also understand that he was presented with the Dutch Resistance Memorial Cross from Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands after the Second World War finished. Do you have any information on this man and his service in the Air Force during the war. If you have any photographs, I would really appreciate these - I am his daughter and have never met him! Anything you may have or any of your readers may have would obviously be very much appreciated. Many many thanks indeed.

This email address is my own daughter's as I do not have my own computer - as yet.

E-mail:  davegreen<AT>xnet.co.nz
Date: 17 Apr 2008
Time: 23:20

Comments

Hi there, thanks for your website. I bought the hand-made shield for the 104 that apparently hung in the mess hall (a few years back now, in a second-hand shop in Rye I think). Its hanging on my wall, was just interested in the history of the 104 and this was great.

Regards,

Dave

E-mail:  brianunderscoreredwood<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 20 Apr 2008
Time: 20:06

Comments

I am carrying out some research on behalf of a lady in Arizona whose father Captain RG Immig flew with the black knights (Hunters) of 54 squadron. If anyone has any details of fellow pilots with any relevant pictures it would be greatly appreciated.

E-mail:  tonywiles<AT>aol.com
Date: 20 Apr 2008
Time: 21:54

Comments

Air Commodore A D Prior

Hello,

I'm writing to thank you for researching the career history of the above person, who was my Great, Great Uncle, known to me as Uncle Denny. I only started a Google search today on him, by using his initials and sir name, and have been amazed at what I have found out so far. As time goes on older members of my family have forgotten or misplaced information about him (he died in the 80's, well into his 9th decade) so to see his list of postings is amazing.

My Dad told me of an incredible story from when Denny was a young Sopwith Camel pilot in WW1;he was shot down over No Man's Land on the Western Front and sustained a bullet wound in the buttocks. He managed to land his aircraft, was patched up by a German medical orderly, before being allowed to take off again and reach allied lines.

During WW2 he commanded a Fighter Command squadron (or possiby a station) before suffering a nervous breakdown having been in charge of so many men who flew to their deaths. However he recovered to become an Air Commodore.

Please see the following weblink http://www.ivyandmartin.demon.co.uk/v_wapiti.htm , it shows Denny leading a flight of westland Wapitis in 1932.

I couldn't actually find your name on the site, but once again thank you very much for helping me to research my family history.

Kind Regards

Antony Wiles

E-mail:  triarius<AT>tds.net
Date: 22 Apr 2008
Time: 19:08

Comments

Thank you!!!!

You may have no official connection to the RAF, but you apparently know more about some aspects of their history than they do. This site made my day!

E-mail:  royhgallagher<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 22 Apr 2008
Time: 21:47

Comments

thanks for all the information and many memories I was the air gunner for F/O Goldstein and wonder if any of my crew are still around from 296 sqdn 1944 /1945

E-mail:  ahimsa83<AT>gmail.com
Date: 23 Apr 2008
Time: 09:17

Comments

An excellent and most useful summary of Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding.

For further reading see: DOWDING of FIGHTER COMMAND, by Vincent Orange, a new complete biography to be published September 2008 and, Professor Jack Dixon's new book of Dowding during the Battle of Britain (title not yet determined) to be published November 2008.

Also, Mark Kozac-Holland is writing a book on business management based on the 'Lessons from History' of Churchill, Beaverbrook, and Lord Dowding's successful managing the complex defence of Britain during WWII.

Dowding passed his RAeC pilots' licence No 711, 20 December 1913.

And Captain H.C.T. Dowding, Royal Garrison Artillery, obtained his RFC Flying Certificate - Officers, No 156, Central Flying School, Upavon, 28 April 1914, are amongst the original documents and photos in my possession.

E-mail:  walter<AT>faber56.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 25 Apr 2008
Time: 07:17

Comments

Very good site a joy to use one fault on aircraft markings of 100 Squadron originally 100 squadron Cambarras tail had Green and Yellow squares the change to blue and red came after the squadron recied the Freedom of Stamford.

E-mail:  babslenowen<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 28 Apr 2008
Time: 16:56

Comments

Hi

I'm Len Owen and am looking to contact anyone who knows or new F/Lt Len Lawson 222SQD tempest pilot. Or Betty Owen radios operator based at Bridgnorth, St Athen, Portadown and Vally.

Please contact via e mail;.

E-mail:  viking.consultingnz<AT>yahoo.co.nz
Date: 29 Apr 2008
Time: 05:04

Comments

how do you do ,i am cecelia mckee square mckee"S sir andrew mckee daughter

regards cecelia mckee.

E-mail:  david.moorhouse<AT>alphameric.com
Date: 29 Apr 2008
Time: 15:17

Comments

I`m an ex soldier who spent most of my Army Career of 16 years on RAF Sites.

I met Group Captain Robert Freer at RAF Seletar and the same officer several years later at RAF Boulmer.

I know he reached Air Chief Marshal rank but I couldn`t find him on your site.

Otherwise your site is brilliant the best that I have come across.  Well done and many thanks.

E-mail:  ronni.doggett<AT>googlemail.co.uk
Date: 29 Apr 2008
Time: 19:18

Comments

Just wanted to say what a great site this is and so helpful.

I was in the WRAF (2839462F) 1962-66 as a Teleprinter Operator met lots of good people.

Many thanks

E-mail:  mark.ramsay-smith<AT>mhs.gov.uk
Date: 30 Apr 2008
Time: 14:45

Comments

Wing Commander Samuel Rex Ramsay Smith passed on last week, aged 93.

Sam was posted to Chivenor in April 1944 as Squadron Leader and in Sept 44 the Squadron moved to Limavady, where he stayed until April 1945.

There will be a thanksgiving service at St Johns Church Eastbourne on 8.5.2008

E-mail:  dennis02<AT>mac.com
Date: 2 May 2008
Time: 18:20

Comments

My father was his driver in India and Burma during WW11.He told many stories of the Abandoned earl.Cpl Arthur Jackson RAF

E-mail:  sullivan964<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 5 May 2008
Time: 16:59

Comments

Thanks for the site. I live in a place called Oakhill Tean Staffs which I am told was an RAF listening post in WW2 and played a role in the locating of the Bismarck. Does anyone know about this? I can't find any reference to this LP anywhere. Cheers.

E-mail:  krzystek<AT>btinternet.com
Date: 10 May 2008
Time: 14:12

Comments

Have found your web site very interesting and helpful to convince me, that I am on the right track to compile 18,000 names of the Polish Air Force (under British Command) in the years 1940 - 1947 including the Polish Section of WAAF. The second edition of my book will be printed this year, at the end of August. The book is in Polish, and the title of the book is: "Personel Polskich Sil Powietrznych w latach 1940 - 1947" - (The Personnel of the Polish Air Force during the years 1940 - 1947).

Tadeusz J Krzystek - ex-servicemean of 302 Polish Fighter Squadron at Heston (1943 - now aged 89 living in North Wales (and still counting days !)

E-mail:  mitch<AT>mvengineers.com
Date: 15 May 2008
Time: 11:38

Comments

Had a quick look.Gives me a little more information than I had previously.I have just been given my Uncle Lens diaries from 1939 to 1942.

He was Sergeant Leonard Allen Mitchell.From his diaries I have been able to establish that he was a wireless operator- gunner of No.11 O.T.U at Bassingbourn and flew in Wellington Bomber as a bomb armer from 30th May to 26th June 1942 the day he was kill on a 1000 bomber operation.While he give some information of things that occurred over this period and prior to,I would like to know more.I note from other sources that the airfeild had been closed so that the runways could be paved.This must have been prior to his arrival because he arrived on the 19th Jan 1942 from Yatesbury.

As my Dads family have strong links with the Airforce,my dad and his two brothers Len and Tom having been in the RNZAF I am interested in these things.

Your faithfully

Kevin Mitchell

E-mail:  racarswell<AT>rogers.com
Date: 17 May 2008
Time:  01:03

Comments

If you are interested I have a photograph and an interesting story about someone who reported to AVM McDonald at RAF Wigtown duirng WWII. You could say my older brother and I owe our existance to RAF Wigtown.

E-mail:    virkie<AT>bigpond.net.au 
Date: 18 May 2008
Time: 02:18

Comments

Very interesting. Perhaps you could add Coldblow Lane to your list (NATO ACEHIGH as per Mossy Hill). Very close to Detling

E-mail:  phfactory<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 20 May 2008
Time: 08:09

Comments

My uncle's father was in 209 squadron. The family still has his flying helmet, the nose cone from his sopwith camel engraved with the signatures of all the members of the squadron, and an invite to a dinner to commemorate the shooting down of Richtoffen. The cover of which is a cartoon, beautifully rendered, of the said event. Great website!

E-mail:  setsh77<AT>boardermail.com
Date: 21 May 2008
Time: 21:26

Comments

Perfect!Amazing!Super!Thank you very much

E-mail:  ajalon<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 22 May 2008
Time: 10:23

Comments

A brilliant source of information of all things RAF.

Keep up the good work.

E-mail:  setsh77<AT>boardermail.com
Date: 22 May 2008
Time: 12416

Comments

Just an amazing site!

E-mail:  deegee<AT>uniserve.com
Date: 24 May 2008
Time: 07:25

Comments

I'm so glad you have all this info here, because I'm pretty sure my dad was part of the 356 squadron RAF WW 2. I know he was a front gunner on Liberators around Burma, and something about Salban.

I would like to get in touch with Peter Caldwell from this site, but his email no longer works for that squadron, and the other squadrons near by....

My Dad was William Gledhill.

I forgot to add that my Mom was also in the RAF WW2...(W A A F) as a radar operator...training was at Bawdsey Manor, and I believe she was one of the first there. I think later she was on the Isle of Wight...and at some point Scotland. I think they had some of their training with Dr. Watson Watt....At that time she was Phyllis Peacock (she is still alive at 88)

E-mail:  shebrimac<AT>talktalk.net
Date: 25 May 2008
Time: 14:01

Comments

Was at R.A.F. Jever, from May 1952 until September 1953,serving with 3A.C.S.R.A.F. Regiment, my number 2533080, name McEneaney, national service man, enjoyed my stay, have pleasant memories.

E-mail:  dennygee<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 25 May 2008
Time: 14:07

Comments

I served in the RAF Regiment from 1963 to 1967, 48F Upwood, Catterick, 63-64, 16F Aden 64-65, 51F Zambia, Aden, 65-67. any one remember serving with me?

Denis Graham

E-mail:  grahambravey<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 25 May 2008
Time: 09:19

Comments

very interesting site - found biographical details of two air marshals I worked for and had had difficulty finding through other sources. Thank you.

E-mail:  r.vernon<AT>sky.com
Date: 26 May 2008
Time: 20:49

Comments

I am trying to find ex mate who know me from 152 squadron at Wattisham between the years 1954-1957 people like bugsy and chalky white and so many others that i can remember and would like to hear from again

ray

by the way i forgot to mention what a very good site you have here, best if luck

E-mail:  f16dewey9999<AT>yahoo.com
Date: 27 May 2008
Time: 12:14

Comments

Greatly educational :)

Most Sincerely,

Mariecor Agravante :)

E-mail:  davidbailey9933<AT>yahoo.com
Date: 27 May 2008
Time: 12:55

Comments

My Uncle, Bill/Harold Bailey was Navigator in a Lancaster Bomber (101 Squadron), shot down over Belgium in 1943, he was actually blown out of the plain unconcious with his parachute only half on.

I am trying to trace any of his comrades.

I have only recently heard him tell the full story.

David Bailey

E-mail:  charles.herriot<AT>btopenworld.com
Date: 30 May 2008
Time: 17:37

Comments

Met Jamie Rankin when I was Sgt in ATC 1143 Sqdn (8th Edinburgh) Wing. He was Air Comdre ATC Scotland. Years later, in Portobello, where he lived, I managed The Red Lion where he taught me to play cribbage. His saying even then was "Whodat?".  He was a colourful, but unassuming man always wearing a tan coloured sheepskin flying jacket.  Knew him from 1962 to 1971 during which time he was rushed to RAF hospitals in England at least twice, after collapsing unconscious. I would like to see a Statue of him in Portobello dedicated to a brave local son. Charlie Herriot

E-mail:  longdrivemotors<AT>xtra.co.nz
Date: 31 May 2008
Time: 12:08

Comments

my name is Bruce Warburton, Auckland, NZ.

My uncle was Air Commodore James Warburton, It was interesting to find him on this site as i dont know much of him as we emigrated to NZ years ago and i only met him 2 or 3 times.

I will see if i can find a pic of him and send it

E-mail:  thomasboschcan<AT>aol.com
Date: 1 Jun 2008
Time: 20:06

Comments

Looking for any one from RAF MORETON IN MARSH 1951 #1 FTS. A Flight .To 1952 LAC Hedley Thomas

E-mail:  www.colinpollardspain@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 1 Jun 2008
Time: 23:06

Comments

Just discovered your SUPERB site. I was at RAF Wilmslow in August/September 1956 and played double b in the Band. I have been trying to get a copy of the photo taken at that time, without success. Anyone out there who can help?

E-mail:  johnogrout<AT>hotmail.co.uk
Date: 1 Jun 2008
Time: 23:57

Comments

Great site with lots of useful information.

My main interest is in WW2 airfields in particular, RAF Bradwell Bay. Any wartime photographs and information about this airfield would be gratefully recieved.

JG

E-mail:  matthewss6<AT>aol.com
Date: 2 Jun 2008
Time: 10:51

Comments

My father, Bernard Matthews was with 275 Squadron in the early 1940s flying Air Sea Rescue missions in Walruses from RAF Valley and then the Isle of Man. Yesterday, 1 June 2008, was his 101st birthday so I took him to the RAF Museum at Hendon for a nostalgic reunion with one of his old aircraft on display. Are there any other 275 members out there? I tried to post photos of him then and now, but the web-site doesn't seem to want to take them.

Stuart Matthews

E-mail:  stephen.ward99<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 3 Jun 2008
Time: 21:20

Comments

DEAR SIR, im still going thru all the info on your site, what a great site. im researching blyton airfield, lincs.+ i was particulary interested in 1615722 sergeant leslie arthur potter and his bravery concerning the crash nr blyton.  i would be grateful if you could tell me from which squadron the lanc was from so i may look into it further. thankyou steve ward

E-mail:  jonhunt2002<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 4 Jun 2008
Time: 12:18

Comments

This is great! I want to contact Ginger Prest who was at RAF Hopton in 1954-55 and anybody else who might remember me

Cheers.

John Hunt

E-mail:  cnoad<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date: 5 Jun 2008
Time: 11:37

Comments

Comments:

Very nice site. Made quite easy to move through, despite the numerous areas covered.

Colin Noad

E-mail:  andrewjwest<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 7 Jun 2008
Time: 12:59

Comments

My father was Stanley Raymond West who was in RAF. I have a group photo from RAF Cosford 1951, No 7 Flight 'A' Sqn 12 S of RT RAF Cosford.

It is signed by many colleagues, are any of you still out there?

Regards

Andrew West

E-mail:  janetthomas343<AT>ntlworld.com
Date: 7 Jun 2008
Time: 17:11

Comments

Looking for T. CUMMINGS. in RCAF.  Lodged in Scotland in 2 war 1948- thank you for your help jam

E-mail:  stewartclarke6<AT>hotmail.com
Date: 8 Jun 2008
Time: 22:49

Comments