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9 Mar 10

Having asked the question, I felt I should put pen to paper. Not too sure if it's a Grace of God story, but I had a hand in it.

Picture the scene: Saturday morning on 213 Squadron at Bruggen (those with long memories will remember that we worked Saturday mornings). The Sgt rigger (a portly gent whose name I won't mention) told me to take a Canberra towing arm out to an A/C on the line. In those days the towing arm was a rather heavy affair constructed from angle iron. I pushed this thing a great distance to the aircraft and, as it was a two man job to connect it to the A/C and no one was available to help me, I pushed it up to the nosewheels and left it.

Andy Watson was refuelling an adjacent A/C so I climbed up to help him. Some while later the Sgt rigger drove up in his Hanomag tractor with the greenhouse cab and hooked the towing arm to the tractor's front pintle. He removed the A/C chocks, leant inside the door to release the A/C brakes (no one on the brakes & I had forgotten that the towing arm was not attached), climbed back into his tractor and started pushing the A/C back. As the ground sloped towards the hangar, the aircraft ran away from him. He jumped from the tractor, ran after the A/C and managed to apply the brakes. He then found that his tractor and towing arm was bearing down on the A/C (he hadn't applied the tractor brakes). By the time he managed to get back into the runaway tractor the towing arm had run off course and had run alongside the nosewheel, bending the arm. Probably didn't do the nosewheel assembly much good either. The tractor had also swiped the A/C with resultant damage to the A/C.

Much covering up, perjury, and unlikely stories followed and he somehow got away with it. Had I not pushed the arm up to the nosewheels and had I not forgotten that it wasn't connected, I wouldn't be recounting this sorry tale.

Sach.

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8 Mar 10

A C-130 was lumbering along when a cocky jet-jockey in a F16 flashed past and started to show off. "Watch this" he radioed to the C130 pilot and then promptly went into a barrel roll followed by a steep climb; he then finished off with a sonic boom as he broke the sound barrier. The jet-jockey then asked the C-130 pilot what he thought of his show?

The C-130 pilot replied,"That was very impressive but just watch this!!" The C-130 droned along for about five minutes and then the pilot came back on and said,"What do you think of that then?"

Somewhat puzzled the F-16 pilot asked, "What did you do?"

The C-130 pilot chuckled and replied, "I stood up, stretched my legs, walked to the back, took a leak, then got a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll!"

The moral of this story is..... When you are young and foolish speed and flair may seem such a good thing!! When you are older and smarter, comfort and dull is not such a bad thing!!

I can relate to that!!

(Does anyone else have some jokes or "words of wisdom" they wish to share with us?)

Tod

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24 Feb 10

I hesitate to write this for obvious reasons, but it's my Grace of God confession.

1970, Far East (see Journal No 6), at the end of the contract the helicopter had a serious fuel leak from the forward tank, the top cork gasket and the rubber of the tank had been cut by my engineer over-torquing the bolts. Whilst awaiting a replacement tank I was asked by the Oil Company if we could fly one more trip to the rig and back, a round trip of 7 hours. I said OK and fashioned a gasket out a Japanese car inner tube. To my relief the helo returned on time; as soon as I could I opened up the tank aperture and found to my horror that the inner tube had disintegrated into strips and a whole bunch were around the intake to the forward fuel pump leaving just enough room to let some fuel through.

When I retired 28 years later I was told that a letter of commendation had been written by the Oil Company to the Engineering Director praising me for getting the job done. Little did they know.

Frank

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16 Feb 10

That question from Sach reminds me of one of my lucky escapes.

Chivenor, not long out of Halton and in the cockpit carrying out the statutory number of hydraulic actuations required after refitting a Hunter tailend. My mate outside as a safety man and a Sgt electrician somewhere out there changing a nav light bulb on the port wing. My safety man indicates to me that the NAAFI's up and says he's off to the crewroom to buy us wads and a cuppa each. What the Hell, there's no one around, even the leckie has gone for a break so why not another u/c cycle or two before going for the break? Hit the button to lower the u/c and there's a mighty bang as the port wing lifts up into the air, reactive selection of "up" and all goes quiet other then the noise of the hydraulic rig and my thumping heart. I was down the ladder like a flash to find everything OK except for a severely smashed leckie's tool-box directly under the port u/c leg....yes he'd moved the box for some obscure reason during those few moments between my mate leaving the scene and me making the stupid decision to break the rules. Why didn't the a/c jack puncture the wing, it certainly would have done if the jacking pad hadn't stuck to the wing and my guardian angel hadn't allowed the ball-end of the jack to slot back into that pad as precisely as it did when the wing slammed back down again? It's quite likely that no one other than the three of us ever got to know about it and the lesson was learnt, or was it?

Would anyone else like to share anything they have ever done that led to them saying, like me,- "There but for the grace of......etc"?

Brian

A shot just to show that the old "wrist-breaker" we knew and "loved" still exists and is still just as hard to start!

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16 Feb 10

Having read the reason behind the 747 debacle, I wonder how many of us can look back over the years and say - "There but for the grace of God."?

Attached is a photo of a handsome young plumber with a teeny-weeny bomb.

Sach

(Can't believe you were ever that young mate! Brian)

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<12 Feb 10

Here's what caused the 747 to dip its nose into a monsoon-drain; a salutory, and expensive, lesson for the guys concerned

The Boeing 747 was being taxied on Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) airport from a hangar toward a departure gate to board 319 passengers for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), when the crew lost directional control of the aircraft and it entered a monsoon drainage ditch, resulting in serious damage to the forward airframe/nose section. None of the six crewmembers aboard were seriously injured.

The aircraft was being moved by a maintenance crew, who taxied using only the no.1 and no.4 engines, apparently not realizing that the aircraft's braking system is powered by hydraulic pumps powered by engines no.2 and no.3.

(A bl**dy good job it didn't get to the departure gate then!!!)

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10 Feb 10

Like all the blokes I was sad to hear of the death of Johnny Dankworth. I remember when he played at our gradualtion asking for his autograph for the girl I was with. I went up on the stage and he sent me away saying "Not now man I'm counting". Just goes to show what I knew. He signed later though so I was a hero. I hope the girl - wherever she is - has still got it.

All the Best

Dave Sidgwick

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8 Feb 10

MY MEMORY OF THAT NIGHT IS STILL THERE.

I HAD FINISHED A FRIENDSHIP WITH A LADY IN AYLESBURY ( truth is she finished it because I kept missing our dates with Jankers). SO AFTER THE PARADE etc. I MADE MY WAY WITH MY MATES TO AYLESBURY FOR A FEW DRINKS. A FEW HOURS LATER I REMEMBER TRYING TO WALK TO HALTON FROM WENDOVER.

FINALLY MADE THE GRADUATION BASH. AFTER THAT IT WAS A BLUR.

PARTED COMPANY ON A FRIENDLY MANNER WITH MY FORMER LADY. I THINK I HAD THE COMPANY OF HER COUSIN. IT WAS A SAD TIME BUT LIFE WENT ON.

WE ALL MET UP AT WENDOVER RAILWAY STATION THE NEXT MORNING, AND MY FORMER LADY SAID GOODBYE IN A WARMER AND EMOTIONAL WAY. I DO REMEMBER TALKING TO JOHNNY + CLEO. PERHAPS ALSO SITTING WITH OUR STATION C.O. + REVIEWING OFFICER FOR A WHILE UNTIL BEING LED QUIETLY AWAY.

NEVER DID MAKE IT TO JERSEY. SINCERE APOLOGIES TO STEVE + MICK AND THE REST OF THE CLAN. AS USUAL I WAS BROKE ( cash flow ).

WILLIAM.E.KELLY

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8 Feb 10

This message has just come in from John Taylor (Airframes).

Just heard the news regarding the death of Johnny Dankworth. How many memories of the graduation bash does that bring up ?

I am sure we can all bring back memories from that night.

John

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5 Feb 10

Suggestions for the unhappy Saudi 747's monsoon-drain arrival.

From Mike Stanley comes:-

Perm any one from these three:-

Co-pilot to his Captain - "But I thought it was a mirage!"

"Another victim for Beecher's Brook."

"You can lead an aircraft to water but you can't make it drink."

From Frank Chammings:-

"Captain to Co-pilot - what happened to the bridge?"

From Sach Goodwin comes what is possibly nearest to the truth:-

"Oh s**t!"

From Tod Slaughter:-

"I know that your friend Abdul said his "Jumbo" can jump ditches but are you sure he wasn't talking about his pet elephant!!?"

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4 Feb 10

It's been quiet for a while so here's another thought provoker.

"An additional perk for first-class passengers and an elevating one for the rest!"

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21 Jan 10

Re the tail rotor caption - Instructor to Student - if you keep wearing a big watch you are going to fail this course!

Frank

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18 Jan 10

Customs Officer to young helicopter pilot:- Now what's this little packet stuffed in 'ere then?

Brian

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18 Jan 10

Two caption suggestions for Frank's inclusion on 14 Jan:-

From Tod Slaughter:- If the battery is flat can you bump-start it by turning this little propeller at the back?

From Mike Stanley:- If you look closely you can just see that big blonde in flat 14!

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14 Jan 10

Another one from Frank Chammings:

Passing the time whilst snowbound, another caption photo, taken from a magazine hence the line in the middle.

Frank's own offering - Is that a nest in there?

His caption for the Huey on its side - "Oops!"

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13 Jan 10

Frank Chammings has sent me this photo for caption suggestions; it shows the subject of his first accident investigation, taken in the Borneo jungle back in 1981. The photo also appears in an article by him in our Journal No 8.

Frank also sent this caption for my photo of the somewhat carved up private twin: VH-KBZ - Not the best thing since sliced bread. (Very poetic Frank!)

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12 Dec 10

From Sach Goodwin: Now, how will I fix this; cross stitch or buttonhole stitch?

From Mike Stanley: That's the last time I'll let my missus fly me home from the pub!

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11 Jan 10

We have a few current/lapsed PPLs amongst our members so let's see if this one can dredge up some additional captions; my own is: But Captain, sir, you can't possibly blame the marshaller for that.

Brian

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11 Jan 10

My in-box overfloweth this morning with three captions to go with Tod's latest photo, my thanks for having a go:-

From Frank Chammings comes: Anyone any good at jigsaws?- in Japanese, as I suspect it's a Mitsubishi Zero.

From Sach Goodwin: The B/F will be taking a little longer than usual Chief, or I'm a rigger, not a xxxxxx miracle worker!.

And from Mike Stanley: Damn it! Now where did I put that tube of Bostick?

My own is Velly solly sir ailoplane bloke!.

Speaking as someone who strapped himself to three RR RB211s for a few years my caption to the loose cowling pic. is: Well what do you expect from an airline that chooses not to use RR engines?. (Hoping nobody recognises the plumbing as being from that illustrious company.)

Brian

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10 Jan 10

Another interesting photo from Tod Slaughter looking for a suitable caption with his own, for a starter, being:- The pilot needs to be informed that this afternoon's take-off may have to be delayed!!

(What language would I be speaking in?)

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4 Jan 10

I'm sure Alan will excuse me for including his 29 Dec suggestion to my Wolf in sheep's clothing" question even though the second message that follows it acknowledges his answer to be somewhat Off beam.

Re the 'black beast' in your last feedback:- It can't be the P1083 as that was cancelled in 1953 when only 80% complete, in favour of the Supermarine Type 545 (also cancelled two years later). The P1083 led to the Hunter F6 and I think the one shown is the F6 (XG131) which was displayed on static at Farnborough in 1956 complete with tip tanks and underwing bomb hardpoints. Or it is a replica thereof. The tip tanks were eventually ditched from the F6 as being of no advantage. XG131 was eventually returned to service with 14 Sqdn after its experimental work.

May I take this opportunity to wish our members a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Alan Lowther

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Got it wrong again! Should have read latest Feedback before I replied.

Alan Lowther

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1 Jan 10

Re the engine cowling, I offer the following:- Looks like the Flight Engineer is keeping an eye on the engine, using binoculars from the cockpit.

Frank Chammings.

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31 Dec 09

I reckon that you are right Brian. There is the little devil hanging under the port stub wing of this vicious brute proving the old saying Helicopters only fly coz they're so ugly the ground repels them !!

Tod.

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30 Dec 09

It's all part of the In-flight Entertainment Madam. The Captain is showing you what the engine looks like under the bonnet!

Tod

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30 Dec 09

Frank has had a lot to do with helicopters, mainly civil I know, but could his photo be of a UB 32 Rocket Launcher (it has 32 holes in it)? If so it could have been on a Mil 24 attack helicopter from anyone of a number of countries but I'll go for what was the Soviet Air Force itself.

Brian

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30 Dec 09

With regard to captions ; What I would say to the nervous passenger sitting next to me after viewing the engine?:- Ah yes , the engine air-cooling system seems to have been engaged successfully.

Mike Stanley

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29 Dec 09

A candidate for our mystery items; it might be guessed what it is, but to what country's aircraft is it likely to be fitted?

Frank Chammings

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29 Dec 09

I still like Tod's idea of running "Captions" for unusual pictures so, as I have a fair collection of such things (being an aviation "Geek"), I'm starting with this one in the hope that a few more people will have a go.

What would you, as someone with an aeronautical background (i.e. you were at Halton), say to the nervous passenger sitting next to you after he/she draws your attention to this? Email answers to me through the Info link (if your system allows you to. If it doesn't then maybe you need to enable Java script) or to my email address.

Brian

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29 Dec 09

Over the holiday I received three suggestions as to the identity of my "Wolf in sheep's clothing".

Frank Chammings wrote:- Brian, would the wolf be a napalm carrier?

(Frank, you may say that, but I couldn't possibly comment! (as one ex-Lib. leader is famed for saying.)

Tod Slaughter followed with:- "I think that the aircraft in your puzzle picture is a BAC 167 Strikemaster ??"

Then John Taylor:- With regards to the last photo on the feedback page. Could it be a later version of the Jet Provost that has been upgraded to a more offensive role for some middle eastern state? I know later versions were modified for such a role. They only had MK 3's and 4's at Acklington when I left the service back in '68. Perhaps Gerry Ward could give a more accurate guess as I believe he was a rep out there.

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Yes, it is a BAC 167, Strikemaster Mk80, that was deivered (new) to Saudi Arabia (RSAF) in 1969. Upgraded there to a Mk80A it was used in the training role for some 28 years. It is now privately owned, registered as G-FLYY and based in Northern Ireland. It comes to us at Deltajets periodically for its scheduled servicing.

Brian

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23 Dec 09

I too would like to add my greetings to all our readers; may you all have a great Christmas followed by a happy and prosperous New Year.

This shot lost a bit in reduction of size but can anyone recognise the "Wolf in sheep's clothing"? The black bit in the foreground, of course, not the "Meatbox" fin in the backgrond (more of which later) or the pretend "Yellow Jack".

Brian

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23 Dec 09

Frank Chammings has asked me, on his behalf, to wish all the Entry a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Brian

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19 Dec 09

"YOU WERE ONLY SUPPOSED TO SUPPLY ENOUGH AIR PRESSURE TO "POP" THE BLOODY DENTS OUT!!!!"

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone,

Tod Slaughter

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19 Dec 09

Re Alan's guess at a B(I)8, I was on 88/14 Sqdns at Wildenrath for my tour in RAFG and I don't think it is a B(I)8, the Interdictor gunpack was at the front of the bomb-bay, the photo is missing some detail in that area, but I would guess that it is a B(I)6 in the early days of the Interdictor role. The memory is a bit hazy so I stand to be corrected.

Frank Chammings

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18 Dec 09

Good try Al but it's a B(I)6 from 213 Sqn at Bruggen. B(I)8s were painted black underneath. Taken 1961/2 at Akrotiri.

Wishing all our readers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Sach

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17 Dec 09

Brian, re your photo of 8th Oct - Right is John Gornall, Centre - Chris(?) Moore and the guy on the left I recognise but can't put a name to.

Sach's photo of 30 Oct. Is it a B(I)8 in (from) Germany and maybe somewhere warm and sunny judging by the guy in shorts at the front of the bomb-bay? I only came across them at Wildenwrath.

Sach's mail of 23 Nov. As you faced the blocks from the square they were numbered 1,3,5,7 on the left and 2,4,6,8 on the right. Armourers were in Block 3, I was in room 3. Don't know about the E & I guys. Room 3 snag was 'Baz' Bailey (78th) and Block SAA was SAA Whitehead (74th). I used to 'bull' for SAA McMahon (74th) in Block 2 and got well paid for it!

Alan Lowther

(I've copied this message from Alan as wrote but have to disagree with his 3(A)Wing Block numbering as Block 7 was definitely nearest [of our three Blocks numbers 3, 5 & 7] to the square. Brian.)

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16 Dec 09

The fuel tank is one of two which we will be fitting to this baby and the ventral tank too once we have cleaned it up and given it a re-spray.

Tod

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8 Dec 09

My guess at Tod's latest offering is either a drop tank or a fire bomb tank of US origin. Apart from the sticky out rod at the rear (which allows it to swing clear on release), it looks rather like the US fire bomb tanks that we modified into baggage pods for the Jaguar.

Sach

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4 Dec 09

Here is another question for our A/C spotters. When in one piece where does this belong?

Tod

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4 Dec 09

This photo was sent in to me recently by Frank Chammings for inclusion in Feedback. He wrote: Found this pamphlet at an antiques fair yesterday, it looks like the one I must have received before going to Halton, the reference at the back ends in 55 so it may be the year it was produced.

I wonder if anyone else remembers getting one?

Brian

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23 Nov 09

If the barrack blocks numbered 1-8 from the square, I was in block 5. If they numbered 8-1 from the square, I was in block 3. (This part of Sach's message to me is about which Blk in 3(A)Wing was occupied by Armourers, and therefore which was occupied by Engines. Another question from those days is where did the two smaller {in number, that is} trades, Instruments and Electrics doss down?).

As to the latest photo on feedback, looks like the business end of a BL755 cluster bomb.

Sach

(Give the man a coconut! Thank Sach, it's another item apart from the aircraft, alongside the Adens, gunpack etc., that we have on show for our visitors at Deltajets.)

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23 Nov 09

Your "submarine" prop is probably the first stage compressor rotor disc from a Allison 250-C20 engine from a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter on a model.

Frank/p> (Not quite Frank, much more "destructive" than that. Thanks for having a go though. Regards, Brian.)

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22 Nov 09

Could this just be the RN's answer to submarine prop. cavitation? Or what?/

Brian

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30 Oct 09

One more from the archive for the armourers.

Sach

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30 Oct 09

I think this must have been taken at Woodvale. I acquired it at the reunion in the old 2 Wing Sgts mess many years ago. One of my pass-out parade photos went missing and I ended up with this one. If anyone claims ownership, let me know and I'll put it in the post. I have a hankering it might belong to Dave Beston.

Back row: 3rd/4th from left - Dave Beston?, 5th from left - Lofty Russell? Jim Henry? In front of Jim - Ken Hutchinson? Frank Jones ex80th.

Sach

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More than likely that's what they were about to do but who were they?? Who gave me the photo?? And when??

Anyway I think the Nav had dropped his chinagraph pencil!!

Brian

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Would the three chaps standing outside block 15 be preparing themselves for the trek up to Woodvale?

Sach

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"Are my slipper tanks still attached?" (A reference to 87 Sqn Mk 1's who used to lose theirs quite frequently.)

Sach

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"Come on Leader, it's not a Spit you're flying you do have a "Bang-seat"!"

Brian

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20 Oct 09

I see that you haven't had much luck identifying the guys on your photo. I'm sorry but I can't help either but then I'm hopeless at remembering people!

I met a old acquaintance at Duxford last Sunday who knew me from my 64 Sqd'n days. He even had photos of me sunning myself on Famagusta beach in 1960!!! I couldn't remember him at all!!

Getting any response from our members is a bit like pulling teeth isn't it? Perhaps we should try a caption competition!!

For the attached photo: "Smithy always said that they handled better flying in this position"!!

Tod.

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8 Oct 09

Another photo from my 81st Entry collection for which I have no names. Can anyone recognise themselves or any of the three upstanding fellows? They are standing outside Block 15, so maybe all three were in 3Sqn, 1(A)Wing

Brian

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6 Oct 09

Hi Brian.

How about a set of ground locks and associated bits? Definitely not for a Lodestar though! Many thanks for identifying my lurking aeroplane.

As for my earlier photo of the bent Vampire, I was going to mention it in my piece on Sleaford Tech but somehow it was overlooked: June 1959 and an instructor gave his student a simulated attack on some trees and got too low. I remember a fair sized log jammed in one of the leading edges, but I can't see it in the picture. Even the pitot head, which was situated towards the top of the fin, was bent upwards.

Sach.

(Good one Sach, U/C ground locks plus a few other bits. But what are the other bits and what aircraft are they all for? Brian.)

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4 Oct 09

Attempting two things at the same time; firstly practising the art of html coding and uploading images to the website and secondly trying to generate some interest in the Feedback page, here's another little teaser. Can anyone come up with the answer to what this collection of aviation bits is? Riggers more likely than others.

Brian

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3 Oct 09

Both Tod and I recognise your Idris photo as a Lockheed L18 Lodestar, a late 1930s transport aircraft developed from the ill-fated L14. Several airlines operated the Lodestar but, apparently, only two countries militarily, the USA in both Navy and Army Airforce and New Zealand with the RNZAF. As with the DC3 many were picked up later in life and used for everything from private luxury travel to hauling freight and folk around the oil fields of North Africa; guess that's what yours was a'doing.

Tod passes on this web address which carries a very interesting eight minute video of a F22 Raptor doing things that should be impossible.

http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/index_da.swf?fa=armytimes&wa=armytimes&wd=575&ht=324&cp=21772&bw=&state=vid&em=false&fn=/flv/20080714_rc_f22

Brian

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28 Sep 09

One more from the archives.

Found lurking in a hangar in Idris June 1961. From memory, it belonged to an oil company. I figure it's a Lockheed something or other.

Sach

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27 Sep 09

This charming photo of a little girl turned up years ago amongst some photos I was given, probably at a reunion, by one of our guys for inclusion in my fairly large collection of 81st Entry memorabilia. If anyone recognises her and would like the photo returned please contact me.

Brian

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22 Sep 09

The following email message has just reached me (forwarded by Seamus Hamill-Keays) at "Info" for inclusion in Feedback. It's from a gentleman called Tony. I have his email address so if anyone knows what he's on about and can help please let me know and I'll do the rest. He must be referring to the mention of Seletar by one of us somewhere either in the Journal or Feedback.

Brian

Message from "Faplock" dated 21 Sep 09:

Hi, I'm trying to trace my late father's service with the RAF and found this article "http://freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/news151.html" mentioned 390 MU RAF Seletar (in 1962). My father was with 390 MU in 1945 and I'm wondering if it was at Seletar then. I'm also trying to find such things as 5338 MSU, 55 RU, 2 PDC, ACSEA, 135 R & SU, 126 R&SU. It would help if I knew what the abbreviations stood for. He was a Corporal driver and although willing to talk of things that happened to him in this country during the war, he absolutely refused to talk of anything once he arrived in India/Malaya/Burma.I hope you can help

Tony

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You're pretty close Tod, not an Iluyshin but an Antonov, the AN-124 Condor. A monster of an aeroplane that was on the deck at Gander one day (amongst many I had there) when I staged through Newfoundland. It was the subject of a Ch5 programme, "Big, Bigger, Biggest" a couple of weeks ago.

Brian

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Sorry to say that all modern jets look much the same to me!

Just stumbled upon The Old Haltonian Social Networking site: "http://oldhaltonian.ning.com" if you're interested.

Sach

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You don't ask easy ones do you!!?

Right Brian that's an Aeroflot flag on the tail so it's probably an Ilyushin ?!?! Maybe someone can add to that!

Now Sach, I think it's agreed that it is a Vampire T11 (but that wasn't the question) When.....probably the mid nineteen fifties. What caused the damage? Well I've seen hailstone damage on a Canberra and it looked as if someone had attacked it with a ballpeined hammer. The Vampire looks as if they had used a sledge hammer.

So my guesses are:

A bird strike (something big like seagulls) So "where" is somewhere on the coast.

It flew through a tree!

Attacked by a groundcrew member with a grudge!!

OK, so I'm completely wrong.

Tod Slaughter

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Ace on the Seaford Sach, can only think that early Vamp T-bird hit a bit more than a shower of rain. I certainly remember very similar damage to one of our (24 Sqn) Hastings after it flew through a more than just severe hail storm. For something more up to date what about this one?

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One more for the anoraks.

Where, when and circumstances please? (I know the answer).

Sach

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How about a Short S.45 Seaford?

Sach

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Re-Sach's letters to "feedback": The photo of a V1 with a cockpit is a very rare bird. During it's initial development they had some sort of stability problem so to cure it they fitted the cockpit and a woman pilot in the Luftwaffe called Hanna Reich flew it and survived the experience as well as curing the problem!! At one time it was thought it could be a useful suicide bomb but they didn't have enough volunteers although I suspect the Japanese would have taken up the idea!! Yes, Sach right you're about the bombs. We are in the process of refurbishing a WW2 American bomb trolley which when finished, it and the bombs which we painted up earlier, are to be situated in the American Hanger under the B17. I thought that I would try another recognition test only this time an aircraft. This one is easier(or is it!) Make and mark please! Like you Sach I can't figure out how to attach a photo on the forum page.

Tod

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I found the attached in my archive and thought it might be a follow-on to Tod's V-1 forum postings. As I can't figure out how to attach a photo, perhaps it might go on Feedback. It photo was taken in 1963 at the Joint Services Bomb Disposal School at Broadbridge Heath near Horsham. The more observant will notice that the device in the foreground has a cockpit. I don't have any recollections of these beasts in action as I was in Malta at the time - just conventional bombs!

Sach

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Haven't a clue what the black thingies are but the bombs in the background are American. Typical American tail units and two point suspension. Ours were single point.

Sach

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I'll take a wild guess on Tod's black objects, they are sirens from Stukas.

Frank

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During my thirty years working as a volunteer at the IWM, Duxford I've worked on a few strange projects. I wonder if any one can recognise the two objects painted black? Or is it too easy for our wiz-kids!!

Tod

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14 May 2009

Now that Ned,s butt problem has been solved, do we all want a reunion next year? So far I have only seen 2 others in favour, if we want one we have to let our voices be heard or nothing will happen. I am willing to come over from Canada to see you lot again, so how about it, put your two cents worth in and let the potential organizers know. Time is passing and it will increasingly difficult for some of us to attend as we all get older.

P.Y.F.O.

Jim Lee (Engines)

Engines

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15 May 2009

FRANK

I USED A WRENCH AND JOINED IT TO AN OLD FLOOR SWEEPER HANDLE WITH TWO JUBILEE CLIPS. THE INSIDE NUT WAS FITTED TO THE WRENCH. THE BUTT WAS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I LINED UP THE NUT TO THE TAP OPENING AND MY WIFE HELPED TO POSITION THE TAP TTHROUGH THE HOLE TO MATE WITH THE NUT. ONCE I GOT A CONNECTION I WAS ABLE TO SECURE THE TAP AND NUT; IT WAS NOT AN EASY OPERATION , BUTT NOW OK.

NED K

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14 May 2009

Ned

So how did you do it?

Regards

Frank

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13 May 2009

MY BUTT IS FULL. NO LEAKAGE. NEW TAP FUNCTIONING. THANKS TO ALL.

NED

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13 May 2009

Ned

Have you tried asking the manufacturer of the butt how they fit their taps?

Regards

Frank

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27 April 2009

WILLIE, MANY THANKS FOR YOUR PROMPT ACTION ON GETTING MY PROBLEM TO THE LADS ON OUR WEB. I HAVE TRIED SOME OF THE IDEAS BUTT ( but) NO SUCCESS AT THIS MOMENT OF TIME.

I PERSUADED MY NEIGHBOUR'S SON TO CLIMB INSIDE BUT THE LAD PANICKED AND GOT HIMSELF WEDGED. WE HAD TO WAIT FOR A WHILE TILL HIS BODY WEIGHT REDUCED, HE COULD BREATHE OK THROUGH THE TAP HOLE. BUTT (but) IT WAS NOT A PLEASANT SIGHT OF THE LAD SITTING WITH THE BUTT OVER HIS FRAME. HIS FATHER WAS NOT AMUSED. I WILL KEEP TRYING.

NED

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From Mike Stanley 27th April 2009

I wonder if Ned Kelly has found any leprechauns in Oakham?; not an area associated with the little people.

I'm surprised that Ned,being one of the plumbing trade,cannot reach the bottom of the barrel,as it is well known that armourers drag their knuckles along the ground when walking, you would think his arms long enough to reach

Mike

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From Willie Keays 26th April 2009

Great idea Frank! You won't need the string; all you need is the leprechaun!

Willie

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From Frank Chammings 26th April 2009

Ned

It's going to take two to fix the tap, lay the butt on its side and find
someone slim enough to crawl inside to attach the nut and tighten it. Ned
would need to hold the tap on the outside.

Regards,

Frank.

 

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From Willie Keays 25th April 2009

Hi Ned

Sorry to hear about your trouble with your large butt. Can't you find a leprechaun and lower him inside on a piece of string?

w

 

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From Ned Kelley 25th April 2009

HELLO WILLIE,
I HAVE A LARGE "WARD" WATER BUTT. I HAVE TO CHANGE THE TAP. IT IS TOO DEEP TO ATTACH THE PLASTIC NUT ONTO THE TAP INSERT.
HAS ANY OF OUR ENTRY ANY IDEA HOW TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM ?
CAN YOU PLEASE SEND OUT THIS "MAYDAY" ON OUR WEB.
NED K 81st

WILLIAM.E.KELLY

 

 

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From Tony Birchenough 8th April 2009

Now I'm up and about again I thought I'd let you all know that the leisure wear and mugs are still available as previously, with a slight price increase for the polo shirt. Sorry about that, but it's beyond my control.

See you all at the next reunion. My address is:

A E Birchenough, 32 Slade Gardens, Erith, Kent, DA8 2HT. 01332 336943 email: tisaeb (at sign)supanet.com

 

 

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From Tony Birchenough 31st January 2009

Hi All,
I agree with Jim Lee, Sept 2010 would be most appropriate, especially at the RAC, where we been so well treated for the last 2 get-togethers.
As long as I'm still ticking over you can count me as a definite.
At the last reunion, as you will have heard, I was suffering a hoarse voice. Soon after this I suffered severe shortage of breath, which came on very suddenly. It was only then that I started to worry. After a biopsy and a tracheoscapy at Lewisham Hospital I was transferred to Guys, where the diagnosis was cancer on my larynx. I then underwent a larygectomy, which means that I lost my vocal chords, along with myn lymph glands. Recovery from this operation in October was not too bad, but the ensuing radiotherapy treatment at St Thomas' is proving more of a problem. The treatment itself was easy enough, but the after effects are proving difficult. For a few weeks eating was a major problem as my taste buds were making everything taste awful (worse than Halton or El Adem). Things have now improved and my taste is getting back to normal.
Speech is a problem, but not impossible. with a stoma in my throat I can make myself understood. Phones though are virtually impossible. Looking forward, I should at some time in the next few months be able to be kitted out with a prosthetis which will improve things no end. You can judge for yourselves in Sept 2010.

Tony Birchenough

 

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From Jim Lee 14th January 2009

I agree with Frank, 55 years from sign up would be a good time for the
next get together and the RAC is an excellent venue. I missed the last
one due to health problems (all better now) but I am over 70 now so I
don't want to leave it too long!!! Lets hear what you guys think.

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From Frank Chammings 10th January 2009

Re John's thoughts on the next reunion how about 55 years from joining up,
this would occur in September 2010, that is next year, is this too soon? I
think not, if we are not to have an annual reunion, we ought to make the
dates meaningful. I know that it may clash with the Halton triennial but I
still prefer the RAC.

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From John Taylor 9th January 2009

To Frank Chammings,
My faith is restored, a delayed message!
I thought it strange you had not sent any messages. My lack of trust??
John Taylor

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From WK. 8th January 2009

The hold up or something John refers to below was Christmas holidays. I try not to take my desk-top with me everywhere even if it means hold-ups or something.

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From John Taylor 31st December 2008

Haven't noticed any messages over the last few weeks, has no one sent any or is there some hold up or something.
I would have thought that Frank Chammings would have wished everyone the seasons greetings at least.
Anyway if they have not may I wish all the seasons greetings to one and all and all the very best for the new year.
As to the reunion, as a 'newcomer' to these events may I express my warm thanks to all involved in the organisation of the event especially Brian. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and seeing old friends.
Regarding the possibility of future events, I believe leaving it to three years would be too long and every year would be too much. Maybe other 81st brats will write in to send their views. I would hate to think that I only ever managed to attend one reunion before I passed on to the big reunion in the sky.

 

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From Frank Chammings 23rd December 2008

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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From Ned Kelly 6th November 2008 with my apologies for a late entry

AM SLIGHTLY SURPRISED and DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LACK OF FEEDBACK OF THE 50th Re-Union ON THIS LETTER PAGE.
ONCE MORE I SEND MY THANKS TO BRIAN SPURWAY.
ALSO TO MIKE STANLEY on THE JOURNAL.
NOT FORGETTEN WILLIE on THIS LETTER PAGE
NED K.

WILLIAM.E.KELLY

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From Mike Stanley 28th August 2008

 

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From Mike Stanley 28th August 2008

21 August 2008

Dear Mr Stanley

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

67 Portland Place London Wl B lAR
Tel 020 7580 8343
Fax 020 7636 7005
RAFTN x6621 86358/9
Web www.rafbf.org
On behalf of the RAF Family may I thank you for your generous donation of 35.00 sent to us by The 81st Entry, Royal Air Force Halton Aircraft Apprentices.
The work of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is as relevant today as it was during and at the end of World War 2. The survivors of that war and their partners are just one of the groups that the RAF Benevolent Fund is able to support. The Fund also provides help to those still serving. For example, the Fund was able to help a serving airman buy mobility aids for one of his children. These have really improved the quality of the child's life and were beyond the family's budget. Your donation means we can continue to provide this vital support.
If you would like any further information about the RAF Benevolent Fund and its work, please do visit our website at www.rafbf.org, or give us a call on the number above.
Thank you once again for your kind donation. Yours sincerely -

Vlcky Goodban

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From Mike Stanley 17th August 2008

I received 70 pounds in donations/contributions , which were distributed as below:

15 to Macmillan Nurses
10 to Devon Air Ambulance
10 to BLESMA
35 to RAF Benevelont Fund( the correct web address is http://www.rafbf.org )

I put in a slip with each Gift Aid declaration saying that it was from The 81st Entry of RAF Halton Aircraft Apprentices .
Time will tell if we get a thank you from any of the recipients; I expect it will depend on how much is donated by members of the Entry ( assuming mention is made of the 81st Entry when donations are/were sent )

 

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From Brian Spurway 15th August 2008

After all the smoke had died down, I sorted things out and found a financial surplus of 70 pounds. A quick message to Mike S and we decided to donate it all to the Cotswold Air Ambulance....he then would sort out other donations to the remaining charities listed.

 

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From Frank Chammings in reply to Mark Hastilow 4th August 2008

Hi,
A friend of mine was the Chief Engineer of the Oman Police Airwing, Roger
Leale haven't seen him since that time.
Regards,
Frank.

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From Ned Kelly 4th August 2008

Just like to thank all the Entry who I met at te 50th reunion. They made me most welcome.

Special thanks to Don Higgins and his good lady.

Also Tony Birchenough was great company.

Also I must apologise to one of our Entry when I went off with his trolley case at the Porter's Lodge on the day of departure. They all look the same to me. Happily he quickly rectified the error.

Thank you Brian. It made my night.

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from Mark Hastilow 2nd August 2008 re Frank Chamming's article at http://freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/news134.html

Hello,

This is interesting :-) My father worked for the Royal Oman Police Airwing
at Seeb airport 1985-1995.


'The reason for the Royal Flight was that a Bell 214ST was flown on to the
royal yacht, every weekend (Thursday and Fridays in the Middle East) they
were there to fly the Royals to hospitals in the case of medical
emergency. According to the pilots, the yachts sailed out beyond territorial waters
and allegedly anything went with "persons" from all over being shipped in for
entertainment. ......

The Bell 214ST's in the hangar had gold plated fittings and some very nice seats, in fact they were very similarly
equipped to the Super Pumas of the Oman Royal Flight which I had inspected a few years previously. '

Mark

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From Tony Birchenough 18th July 2008

81st Entry mugs

Hi guys,
As members of the 81st who bought sportswear (I think) you may be interested in the mugs I'm having made. If you are attending the reunion I can bring them with me. Cost is 4.00 each and you can specify the inscription with or without name(s).
I will need to know your names as all I've got is your email ID. They will be available mail order (UK only) but at this stage we don't know the postage rates (I only got the 1st example this morning)
Tony

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From Chris Briston 21st May 2008

Alan,
I was surfing the Internet a couple of days ago and came across your RAF Coningsby Part II (May 1959 to July 1960) continuing adventures..........wonderful reading.
My great interest in life is the history of motorcycle road racing and AMC racing motorcycles in particular.
I met Peter Evans at Cadwell Park in 1961 when he was riding a 1961 G50 and a 7R. He was then stationed in Norfolk, probably at West Raynham. He said that he was previously at RAF Coningsby. In 1959 he raced a Tiger Norton which I assumed was a Triumph engined Norton. In 1960, he bought a used 1959 G50 from Peter Chatterton who lived in Lincolnshire at Sibsey. Peter Chatterton bought the bike new in early 1959 and won the "slow" 500 cc race on it at the "Silverstone Saturday" meeting. In 1961 Peter had a new G50 and a 7R which he was riding when I met him. He also mentioned that he was given permission to run his bikes on the base. Did you ever hear from him after Coningsby? The reason that I ask is that I am writing a book on G50 racing motorcycles and I would like to talk to him further about his racing. You mentioned that he lived near Silverstone, but I thought that his home town was Cheltenham. I have a couple of photos of him if you would like me to attach in a later email. Was your local friendly bike man, Austin Munks from Leverton ?
I am also a car guy and I wonder who has the J2 MG now.
Regarding Halton Apprentices; I was taught Engineering Science by David Goman at Wymondham College in Norfolk during the fifties, He was at Halton just before, or during W.W.II. Also, I worked in the Engineering Dept., at Vauxhall Motors with David Dellar during the sixties who was at Halton sometime after W.W.II.

Sincerely,
Chris Briston

 

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From Tony Birchenough 10th March 2008

Hi Mike,
There should be no problem provided that the Society know in advance if we wish to access the aircraft. Unfortunately, with XM496 now being located on the "live" side of the airfield, access will only be possible with a Society official with the necessary clearance, which I don't have. Canvass our members and if there is enough interest contact me, or ask them to contact me, and I'll set the wheels in motion. Our Society are only too pleased to cater for anybody who takes an interest in our Bird. My request has been pencilled in by them, so a knowledgable member,or members, can be on hand to answer any questions.
I personally hope that this is of interest.

Tony

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From Tony Birchenough 10th March 2008

Hi Mike,
It occurs to me that RAF Britannia XM496, now once again resplendent in her original Transport Command colours, is currently located at Kemble, a few miles south of the RAC. This being the sole remaining example of our 23 aircraft and also the only Britannia anywhere with real Proteus engines that some of our members may be interested in taking a look. As a member of the XM496 Preservation Society it just might be possible for arrangements to be made to open the aircaft up. Please post this to our feedback page and if response is favourable I'll see what I can do.
Tony

 

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From Frank Chammings 7/2/08

Seeing today the sad anniversary of the Munich disaster, at Halton I recall
going to Luton on an organised trip to see a football match, I think that we
saw Man U play Luton, but I'm not too sure. Does anyone have a better recall
as I'm pretty sure the match was before the disaster. I only went as I
thought I ought to see a Division One match as coming from the sticks in
deepest Devon we only had Exeter and Plymouth and even they were miles away,
and our school only played rugby, our football games had to be played after
school. That reminds me, only our girls played tennis at school, we had to
play with them after school, strange times.

I remember seeing the newspapers in the mess at breakfast when we found out
what had happened in Munich. Such isolation, I'm a news junkie now,
internet, TV and Radio Five at different times of the day just to keep up.

 

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FB2 Good to know you are working on the "spammers".
Is there any more info on the Entry badge re-production?
Ned Kelly

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FB1 Did anyone go to the 50th anniversary of The Freedom of Aylesbury Parade? Does anyone remember being on the original parade?
If yes/yes then how about an article for the Journal on Then and Now.
If yes/no then how about an article for the Journal on Now
if no/no then how about any article for the Journal!
Mike the Ed

 

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