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207 Squadron Royal Air Force Historyfrom the Association web archive
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December 2008
- Malcolm Wilson is researching the lives of holders of the Distinguished Flying Medal who took part in the Channel Dash operation, one of whom is John Charles Atkinson who served as a pilot with 207 Squadron during late 1941 to March 1942. He was awarded the DFM for his attack on German capital ships on 12 February 1942, flying Manchester L7488. He was later killed in action during December 1942 flying a Lancaster with 50 Squadron. Michael is aware of the information provided in the Squadron History, Always Prepared. If you can assist, please contact the editor.
- from his daughter Jen Allaway, news of the death of David
Gwynfor James Griffiths Navigator 12/43-6/44 in the Collis
crew. 'Jim' as he was known to all died on 20th November at the age of
86 at his home in St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan. He had been ill
for some time with emphysema and died peacefully at home. His funeral
took place yesterday at Bridgend Crematorium on 3 December 2008.
He was the last of his crew, Jen believes (Noel Tommy Atkin who died in 1999 was the only other who was an Association member). Prior to retirement Jim was the manager of the Midland Bank in Chippenham, Wilts and had 26 contented years back in his native Wales, where golf and gardening predominated.
In January 2009 Jen adds: "When sorting through his archives (I am his only child) I came across two lovely letters written to him by an RAF friend in 1947, Whilst not part of dad's crew, he was if I understand what he has written correctly, also flying on Lancs. I would very much like to pass these letters on to his family. He signs his letters 'Harold' and he was living in 6 Swinburne Avenue, Balby, Doncaster. He was married to a girl called Bess and at the time of writing had a son called Michael who was to be one year old on 27th March, 1946. Harold and Bess's 2nd wedding anniversary was anticipated two days later. He was employed as a welder." A very long shot, but any bells ring, please contact the editor!
November 2008
- via Ray Cullis, a member of The Church on Rise Park, Nottingham, an
image of Sgt Francis Bertram Smith, M/UG in the
Dallen crew lost on Revigny 18/19 July 1944 (ME814 EM-E) has been
added to that crew's page, together with images the original grave
markers for Sgt Smith and others in the crew. These come from Sgt
Smith's sister.
see via Memorials > 207 Crew members > Dallen crew ME814
- We welcome two new Friend members:
Stephen Mains, grandnephew of Sgt Hugh McCrory, Air Gunner 9/44-3/45
Clive Stapleton, nephew of Sgt Cyril Stapleton, Air Gunner kia 5/7/44 on St Leu (Wilson crew LM125 EM-G)
- Best wishes to Jack Pegrum DFM, Wireless Operator
3/43-9/43, who has upped sticks to join his family in Australia.
[January 2009] We have an email address for him via Nat Bury, but we are not sure if Jack has tuned in yet!
October 2008
- 30 Oct 2008, updated 4 Nov: News from his daughter of the death of Sqn Ldr Stan Brecken, Pilot 5/73-11/75 at the age of 81 in Norwich on 25th October. He joined the RAF in February 1943, retiring in 1978. He served with the Sultan of Oman Air Force, 1975-80. He was working as a ground school instructor at the Flying Club at RAF Coltishall until a year or so ago and still flying. The funeral is to be at St Faith's Crematorium, Norwich, at 3.30pm (note corrected time) on Friday 7th November. Old colleagues and friends are welcome to attend.
- 22 Oct 2008: Our Secretary, Kevin Mapley, has learned of the death,
suddenly at home on 21st October, of Peter Valleley,
Air Radar Mech 5/51-1/53. Peter was 76 and had been a stalwart reunion
attender. Our condolences go to his widow Biddy and sons Paul, Mark
and the family.
Peter's funeral will be held at Mintlyn Crematorium on Friday 31 October 2008 at 11.30 am, family flowers only (donations may be sent to Diabetes UK). It is where Peter's old 207 and police friend Ronnie Brown's funeral was held in 2005. It is in Lynn Road, Bawsey, Kings Lynn. A Memorial Card has been provided.
If you are able to attend please contact Kevin.
September 2008
- 23 Sep 2008: Mrs Joanne Sturch has informed us that her husband Tony, Bomb Aimer 9/44-7/46 who was in Andy Mathieson's crew, died on 17th September 2008, the day after he came home from a long spell in hospital. He was 85. Our condolences go to Joanne and their sons John and Colin. Tony's funeral takes place at Burnley Crematorium on 24th September. A memorial card is being provided.
- 22 Sep 2008: Friend Member Russell Briggs has informed our Secretary
of the unexpected death of his father Jack Briggs DFC
whilst on holiday in Weymouth on 12th September 2008. Jack, a
Navigator 3/44-5/44, was in the Birdling crew. Apparently Jack
suffered a massive heart attack, which came as some surprise as Jack
was very fit and always did a brisk two mile daily walk.
Born in New Zealand, Jack served at Spilsby where he met and married his first wife who was a WAAF on the station. Although they initially returned to New Zealand she was unable to settle and as a consequence they returned to the UK. Jack was presented to the Queen at the dedication of the New Zealand War Memorial,Hyde Park in November 2006. The Briggs had attended a couple of recent reunions. Our condolences go to the family and a memorial card is being provided.
His funeral is on Friday 26 September at noon, at Derby Crematorium, Markeaton Lane, which is off the A52 Ashbourne Road.
- 22 Sep 2008: Via Mrs Edna Jewiss, our Secretary Kevin Mapley has learned of the death of Desmond Walsh in Wyongah, New South Wales on 19th September 2008, as the result of a fall. Desmond was an Air Gunner 1/44-7/45 and was in Frank Chambers' crew (in which Edna's husband Bill was the Flight Engineer). Des's wife had died about a year ago and he was living with his daughter Lorraine, to whom our condolences go. His funeral is on Wednesday 24 September. A memorial card is being provided.
- 21 Sep 2008: via his son Mike Tweddle JP, news of the death on 9 September 2008 of Albert Tweddle, Air Gunner 7/44-12/44, He was the Rear-Gunner in John White's crew whose Wireless Operator was Ron Winton, lost on Gydnia (Lancaster EM-S LM671). He is survived by his wife Mary and three sons, Graham, Michael and Dale. Our condolences were sent to the family. His grandson Matthew added "He is dearly missed by family and friends. I know he was proud of his Squadron and his work in the Royal Air Force. He will be fondly remembered by all."
- News on 15 September via his daughter Hanifa of the death in British Columbia of Charles Otto Huntley, Pilot 1/45-2/45. He evaded when Lancaster EM-I PB295 was lost on the raid on Gravenhorst 21/2/45. Charley passed away on September 13 2008. He and his family came to our 2007 reunion but he was regrettably too ill to attend this year. Though his was a short stay at Spilsby he was a proud evader and always had a strong link to 207. Our condolences and a memorial card go to the family.
- Via our Secretary Kevin Mapley, news on 14 September of the death of
Peter Rae, Wireless Operator 3/42-12/42. Until 2003,
when the effects of emphysema became more pronounced, Peter was a
regular attender with Iain Nicolson at our reunions. He passed away in
hospital during the night of 10 September, aged 87. Our condolences
and a memorial card go to the family.
The funeral was at 1pm on Wednesday 17 September at the Linn Crematorium, 413 Lainshaw Drive, Glasgow G45 9SP. Iain Nicolson and his two sons, both members of the Association, were representing the Association. There was representation from Peter's Scottish Saltire Branch of the Aircrew Association and his golf club, Cathcart Castle, of which he was President. Family flowers only. Donations may be sent to Cancer Research UK and/or Leonard Cheshire Disability
- A photo report of our 2008 Reunion, which included a visit to the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum at Cosford is now available - see via Reunions
- Images taken during the visit to Cosford of the ex 207 Devon VP952 and Pembroke WV746 have been added to their pages; images taken of Cosford's Avro Lincoln have been added to our Lincolns page - see via Memories
- Friend member David Hollands adds his cousin's name to those named on local/war memorials. Sgt Dennis Manser was kia with the Ings crew, Lancaster R5761 EM-T on Essen 6/8/42, and is named on the memorial in Maidstone Parish Church - see Memorials > Those on local/war memorials
- Welcome to new members
Dick Fiddy LSGM, Norfolk: Dick was an Air Radar Fitter 1957-64
Mrs Sandie Markham and her husband Paul Markham, Derbyshire, join as Friend Members: Sandie is the daughter of the late Ken Ottewell, Air Gunner in the Perez crew, Lancaster NE168 EM-F, taken pow when lost on Houffalize 6/1/45.
Geoff Pearce, Oxfordshire, joins as a Friend Member: Geoff is the son of AG Fred Pearce, Flight Mech A 8/42-3/46, and Renée Pearce our former Minutes Secretary.
Luke Smith, Nottinghamshire, joins as a Friend Member: Luke is the grandson of the late Ken Smith, Armourer 9/43-5/45 and takes part in the annual commemoration of those who died in the 10 April 1944 Bomb Dump explosion at Spilsby
August 2008
- Ray Sturtivant ISO the distinguished aviation historian has died at the age of 82. For forty years he produced books and articles for Air Britain, including our Squadron history Always Prepared by John Hamlin, for which Ray was awarded Honorary membership of the Association.
- Clive Semple's book based on the diaries of his
late father, Leslie Semple, who was a pilot on 207
in the First World War is Book of the Month in Aeroplane
magazine. It has also had a good review by the highly respected WW1
aviation group Cross & Cockade.
Clive will be giving a talk before the AGM at Derby in September.
The book title is Diary of a Night Bomber Pilot in World War I
- Sgt Sam Panton, Air Observer and Bomb Aimer on 207 Squadron 3/41-5/41 was shot down on 3rd May 1941 (Manchester L7379, F/O Pinchbeck, target Hamburg) and taken PoW. Sqn Ldr Panton died on 16th February 2003 and his daughter, Friend member Penny Moir, has provided images and text from his recollections of that last flight and of his time as a PoW - see Memories > Manchesters or via Memorials > 207 crew members
July 2008
- A new website has been launched by Frank Haslam in association with
Honorary Member Bill Chorley, the author familiar to many through his
nine volume series Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the
Second World War. The website consolidates all the amendments
and additions published in the books and adds updates received since
the last book.
http://www.rafinfo.org.uk/BCWW2Losses/
- John Williams was an Aircraft Electrician on 207 at Marham. John has made a thoughtful website about his National Service with the RAF from September 1958 until September 1960 - please view this via Memories > Valiants
- Steve Crowther's father David was a Canberra
Navigator on 207 in 1954. He has provided some photos for our
re-organised Canberra pages - see Memories > Valiants
David Crowther was killed in 1975 when a Buccaneer collided with his 57 Sqn Victor tanker over the North Sea. David is added to our Post 207 Casualties Roll where his name is linked to the National Armed Forces Memorial at Alrewas.
If you know of others who lost their lives in the Service after being posted from 207 since the end of WW2, please let the editor know - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post 207 Cas
Post war 207 casualties commemorated on the memorial at Alrewas are now linked to our on-line Memorial Book - Canberra crew WH906 3/12/54 Christopher Hasler, Gerald Hayes, Gordon Whitehouse; Valiant crew WZ363 6/5/64 Christopher Welles, Leslie Hawkins, George Mills, Richard Noble, John Stringer - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Memorial Book
There is a tree at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, dedicated in 2005 to all who served on 207 Squadron, especially those killed on active service - see Memorials > to the Squadron > National Memorial Arboretum
- Lesley Hayward, Friend Member widow of Dick, was a WRAF and WRAAF. She notes that whilst we have wartime WAAF members we do not seem to have any members or newsletter coverage of the WRAF who were with the Squadron post-war, presumably there were some? 'Letters' to the editor please!
- via Kevin Mapley: Friend Member Valerie Hollinghurst sadly
passed away on Tuesday 17 June. Her funeral took place on Monday 30
June at the Rotherham Crematorium. Kevin wrote A Sentimental
Journey in the winter 2006/2007 newsletter which told the
touching story of Valerie's quest to find the father she never knew -
Sgt Richard Gaut kia 16/7/44 in the Jones crew, EM-S ME807 on Nevers.
It was about this time she discovered she had cancer. Kevin kept in regular contact with Valerie throughout her illness. Although very ill she remain very positive and had hoped to travel to France for the annual ceremony held at the graves of her father's crew.
June 2008
- John van Puyenbroek WOp/AG 6/41-9/42 & Wing Signals Ldr 7/47-9/49 has moved to a residential home in Edinburgh where he celebrated his 90th birthday - if you would like to write to him please contact the editor or Kevin Mapley
- The Webb family let us know that Bob Webb died
aged 89 on 16th May at the Christchurch Macmillan Unit after an 18
month illness. He was buried at Colehill Woodland burial ground,
Wimborne, Dorset on 31 May, in a tranquil woodland setting.
Bob was the Flight Engineer in John White's crew, lost on Gydnia 18/12/44, Lancaster EM-S LM671. Ron Winton was the W/Op. Our condolences and a memorial card are going to Phyllis and their son Rob. Bob is added to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP.
- Of particular interest to our New Zealanders news
that the final, long awaited (640 page) Volume 3 of Errol Martyn's
trilogy, For Your Tomorrow - A record of New Zealanders who have
died while serving with the RNZAF and Allied Air Services Since 1915
(Vol Three: Biographies & Appendices), is due for
publication in mid-July. For more information contact VOLPLANE PRESS,
C/- Errol Martyn, P O Box 6482, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8442,
New Zealand. tel (NZ code) 64 3 343 5408:
info on Vols 1 & 2
Who's been wearing our shoulder badge?
click on the badge and view 207R's What's New page
May 2008
- Friend Member Roger Read reports the death of his father, Gordon Read, who was the F/E on Dick Burnet's Lancaster crew that were shot down on 30 Jan 1944 (EM-K EE173). "While Dad was not a member of the 207 Sqn Association, he took a keen interest in hearing all the news that I passed on via the newsletter and email exchanges with his old crew buddy, Navigator Ken Brown. Dad passed away peacefully at his retirement home on 27th March at age 86". Our condolences and a memorial card go to Roger and the family. Gordon is added to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service - see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP
- Clive Semple, a Friend Member and Alan Mawby QFI/ALO 7/02-12/04 have worked very hard to produce a fascinating and important book based on the diaries of Clive's late father, Leslie Semple, who was a pilot on 207 in the First World War. The book has had a good review in Cross and Cockade. Clive will be giving a talk before the AGM at Derby in September. The book title is Diary of a Night Bomber Pilot in World War I
- Alan Mawby also features on RAF Linton's station website in his work as Curator in their History Room.
image: Matt Clark
- Bomber Command Association and the
Heritage Foundation are working together to raise £2M for
a Bomber Command Memorial. Support for this project will be sought at
our AGM.
For the latest news see Bomber Command Memorial Fund news
April 2008
- John Holmes, Air Gunner 12/44-2/45, the only survivor from the Phelan crew lost on Gravenhorst 21/2/45 (Lancaster EM-T PB814) died on 8th April. His funeral took place on on Monday 21 April at Ingatestone Parish Church at 11am. Our condolences went to his family. Family flowers only. Donations to East Bergholt British Legion may be made via Chelmsford Star (the undertakers), 47 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9DU. Members who could attend the funeral were asked to contact our Secretary, Kevin Mapley.
- RAF SPILSBY COMMEMORATION, THURSDAY 10th APRIL 2008
On 10th April each year members of the No 207 Squadron RAF Association and their local friends gather at the RAF Spilsby Memorial at Great Steeping for a short Commemoration and wreath-laying in memory of the 10 groundcrew airmen killed in the bomb dump explosion in 1944. Those attending gather at the Airfield Memorial at 7.45pm and the Commemoration is at 7.55pm. This year the event will be held this coming Thursday and any members of the local community who would like to be present would be most welcome to attend. For further information please contact 01790 752845.
see updated Bomb Dump page - Memorials > to Squadron > Spilsby
- April 4 2008: Leslie Harborne, Navigator in the Munson crew 3/45-8/45 attended the funeral of his Mid-Upper Gunner Ron Cawood who died on 28 March in East Yorkshire. Ron was not a member of the Association but a memorial card and condolences are being sent to his family.
- April 1st 2008 - 90th Anniversary of the formation of the
Royal Air Force. All the best to those who served in the
Royal Air Force, past and present, in particular the ex-Squadron
members of our Association and all on the Squadron at Linton on Ouse.
Semper Paratus.
OC 207Sqn Sqn Ldr Rich Saunders says the day was marked by the Station with a page turning ceremony of the Roll of Honour in York Minster and a 9-aircraft flypast among other events. Your editor evidently missed those from Linton attending the splendid service held in St Clement Danes on Sunday 30th April.
Commemorative certificate sent to the Squadron by the Association (pdf)
A souvenir of the Last Dinner of No.7 Squadron RNAS, in future to be No.207 Squadron, 65 Wing, Royal Air Force, held on the night of 31 March/1 April 1918 (pdf)
our on-line WW1 history - see 7RNAS > 207 RAF
- Contact has been made with the son of Jock (full name Alick
Jaffre) Corsar. Jock was a member of the Lawson crew but
not aboard when ME473 collided with a 57 Squadron Lancaster ND572
during a fighter affiliation exercise on the night of 2nd March 1945.
Both aircraft crashed into the Ruskington Fen area near Sleaford,
Lincolnshire, with the loss of both crews. On Friday 25th October 1996
Sgt Robert Banks, Air Gunner in the Lawson crew, was buried with full
military honours in Cambridge City Cemetery. At the same ceremony a
grave which was marked to 'An Unknown Airman' in March 1945 was
re-dedicated as that of Flt Sgt Arthur Henderson, Bomb Aimer in the
crew.
Jock died in 1971, at which time his son was working in Canada. Jock's widow passed away some years later and his son knew very little of his Dad's wartime service. It seems Jock, who had got married sometime in late 1944, may have been on leave when Ted Lawson was killed. Jock has been added to to our on-line Roll of Honour of those who have died after leaving the Service.
see Memorials > Roll of Honour > Post RAF RIP (renamed from Post 207 RIP)
see Memorials > 207 crew members > Lawson Crew
- Most of the Spring 2008 newsletters were posted to members on 24
March.
When you receive it please be sure to do your September 6 reunion booking and to separately return your RAF Museum Cosford/National Cold War Exhibition form.
- Welcome to:
Chris Brandon-Trye, Hampshire: nephew of Fl Lt Philip Brandon-Trye, Pilot 3/43-6/43: his uncle was posted as Acting Sqn Ldr on 106 Sqn. He was killed on 1485 Flt on 18 July 1943 when the Wellington he was aboard with senior officers on a training flight in connection with a Senior Officers' Gunnery Course suffered structural failure. There were no survivors.
Mike Desjardins, Ontario: great nephew of Sgt Maurice Walker, Air Gunner in the Wescombe crew, kia 14/1/42 in Manchester L7523 EM-M which crashed on the E Yorkshire coast on return.
March 2008
- Happy Easter to all. It has been a snowy, chilly Easter in much of
the UK. Most of the Spring 2008 newsletters were posted to members
today, 24 March.
When you receive it please be sure to do your September 6 reunion booking and to separately return your RAF Museum Cosford/National Cold War Exhibition form.
- Do you remember 207's wartime 'hacks' - the
Station Flight aircraft used by 207? In addition to the operational
Squadron aircraft, during WW2 most RAF stations also had one or more
'hack' aircraft, generally Oxfords, Tiger Moths, etc., primarily for
use by Station and Squadron senior officers. Identities of these
aircraft are difficult to establish as they are nor referred to in
surviving Records.
RAF Spilsby it seems had an Airspeed Oxford, R6340 on strength from 26 July 1944 until struck off on 2 January 1946: this presumably carrying Spilsby's Station Code 'B6'. We have no information on other Station Flight aircraft used during 207's time at Waddington, Bottesford, Langar or Spilsby, although there is a Waddington photo which shows an unidentified Fairey Swordfish which it is believed was used by a Royal Navy Officer who 'advised' on Mining matters. Any additional information from wartime members on any of 207/Station 'hack' aircraft would be very much appreciated. Please contact the editor.
- Peter Curd DFC, Pilot 6/44-10/44, passed away in hospital on 19 January whilst awaiting a heart operation. He Peter was 85. Our condolences have been expressed to his widow Joyce and family. News of his death and funeral did not reach us in time for us to try and arrange to be represented.
- Welcome to:
Frank Cleary, nephew of F/Sgt Bill Cleary Air Bomber in the Perez crew, kia 6/1/45 on Houffalize in Lancaster NE168 EM-F
Don Turner, Air Wireless Mech 5/55-11/56
February 2008
- Peter Curd DFC FRIBA, Pilot 6/44-10/44 died suddenly at the age of 85 on 19 January 2008 whilst awaiting a heart operation. His funeral had already taken place before we were informed. Our condolences went to his widow Joyce and family.
- Wg Cdr George Blakeman OBE, Navigator 6/43-8/43,
died on 28th January 2008 aged 86. He was the sole survivor of the
Pearcey crew (EM-D ED498) shot down near the French coast homeward
from Milan on 16th August 1943. Trapped by G-forces against the
cockpit blister he recalled seeing the wing root change colour as the
wing burned. Two days later he recovered consciousness to find he was
being tended by the Germans. After his wife died after suffering for
some time with Alzheimers, he raised a considerable sum for the
Alzheimers Research Trust by doing a tandem
parachute jump over Langar, the 207 base he was shot down from.
Our condolences go to his family, especially his daughters Penelope
and Felicity.
George's funeral is at 1.30pm on Friday 15 February at the Crown Hill Crematorium, Dansteed Way, Crown Hill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0AH: family flowers only; donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Research Trust. An Association Memorial Card is being provided.
If any members are able to attend please contact our Secretary, Kevin Mapley.
- Del Williams, Nav 3/59-9/61 thinks Leigh Gothard is in photo 52 in the Comms Album - see Memories > Devons > Comms
- Pam Woodcock is a friend of Sgt George Thompson's family. George was kia with the Broad crew EM-M DV371 on Berlin 30/01/44. He has a simple memorial in the grounds of Cragside, a National Trust property. Pam solves the mystery of how it came to be there - see Memorials > 207 crew members > Broad crew
January 2008
- A Happy and Healthy 2008 to everyone
- John Pearl, Air Gunner 2/45-4/45, has written a book We Wanted Wings which is available from Lancfile Publishing. John was one of the six survivors when Flt Lt Peter Anderson's crew (ME472 EM-O) was lost on Leipzig on 11th April 1945. The pilot's grave is in Brussels War Cemetery. He was 207's last wartime casualty. Please click the link for information on how to get the book - see also 207 Books
- Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses in the Second World War: Bill Chorley is an Honorary Member of the Association and has been of immense help over the years with his knowledge of losses. In late 2007 the final volume - Volume 9: Roll of Honour 1939-47 - of his monumental series on Bomber Command's losses was published. The series is an outstanding and invaluable record of the massive sacrifice that was Bomber Command in WWII - see 207 Books
- F/O Wales to train at Linton: see 207R's What's New page for the story: Flt Lt Robbie Lees of 72 Sqn will be instructing on the Tucano phase of Prince William's four month period with the RAF during which he will be at Cranwell, Linton and Shawbury: unlike his father and uncle he will not be training as part of a Course.
- We welcome Sqn
Ldr Richard Rich
Saunders as the new OC 207R Sqn - he took over from Sqn
Ldr Jack Christen on 23 November 2007: Jack remains at
Linton as Deputy Chief Instructor. Sqn Ldr Saunders has previously
served on 617, 72 and XV Squadrons and was OC Standards Flight at CFS.
Flt Lt Matt Marshall, Dep OC B Flt, is our new Association Liaison/History Officer, replacing Flt Lt Shaun Kimberley.
We wish Rich, Jack, Matt and Shaun all the best in their new posts.
We also welcome George Chandler, Aircraft Electrician 3/52-3/53 & 11/53-11/54, from Kent, as a new member.
- Ken Cook, Air Gunner 11/44-6/45 in Larry French's crew, died in the South of France on 16th January 2008 at the age of 82. His brother in law, Friend member Tony Delaney, was instrumental in getting Ken signed up to the Association and he and Anne brought Ken to the 2006 Reunion. The funeral takes place in France on 23rd January and a Memorial Card has been provided. Our condolences go to Anne and the family
- Grp Capt Eric McCabe OBE CEng MRAes RAF(Retd),
Engineering Officer 10/40-5/42 died aged 93 on 17 November 2007, we
are informed (31 Dec 2007) by his old friend and former minister Rev
Maurice Weatherup. The funeral, which took place at Hardres Street
United Church, Ramsgate, was attended by the Commanding Officer of RAF
Manston. Maurice will be writing something for the forthcoming
newsletter and adds that Eric had been an ADC to HM The Queen.
If you have any recollections of Eric, please contact the editor.
- Sgt Kenneth Ottewell who was the sole survivor of the Perez crew, NE168 EM-F, lost on Houffalize 5-6 January 1945 died on 23rd March 2007. I am grateful to Frank Cleary, nephew of F/S Bill Cleary who was Bomb Aimer on that flight for news that Ken had died. It is hoped that more information will be provided by Ken's daughter Sandra in time for the forthcoming Newsletter.
- Fred Butcher, Pilot 9/72-5/76, adds some names to
the Communications era album photo 8 - see Memories > Devons
> Comms Era Album
Is anyone in touch with Chris Gibbons (Nav)
- Items for the Newsletter - to the editor as soon as possible please
- Members who pay their subscriptions annually rather than by Standing Order are reminded that the new membership year began on 1 Nov 2007. Mrs Nikki Mapley is now our Treasurer on the retirement of David Green - see your Newsletter for the Mapley's address.