artist and rafca member mike barnard (m718) painted this ... · artist and rafca member mike...

INCLUDING HQFEAFIssue No42

RAF CHANGI ASSOCIATIONSpring 2010

Artist and RAFCA Member Mike Barnard (M718) painted this picture ofRAF Changi Airfield, Singapore, as it was in 1954-5 . See letters page 15.

Changi ite newsletter 42_Changi ite newsletter 42 03/03/2010 10:53

RAF Changi AssociationRAF Changi AssociationRAF Changi AssociationRAF Changi AssociationRAF Changi Association(Including HQ.FEAF)(Including HQ.FEAF)(Including HQ.FEAF)(Including HQ.FEAF)(Including HQ.FEAF)

FFFFFounded Mounded Mounded Mounded Mounded Maaaaay 1y 1y 1y 1y 1996996996996996The aim of the RAF Changi Association is to bring together all those who were stationed at RAFChangi (including HQ FEAF) Singapore, so they can renew old friendships and make new ones

The Team’s E-mail AddressesMike James (Chairman) [email protected] Attoe (Secretary) [email protected] Collins (Treasurer) [email protected] Flack (Membership Secretary) [email protected] Nash “The History of Changi” Book sales [email protected] Lloyd Publicity Officer & Press [email protected] Dennis (Newsletter Editor) [email protected] Dicks (Archivist) [email protected] Haylock (Almoner & Medal Advisor) [email protected] James (Regalia Officer) [email protected] Gould, Liasion Officer, Australasia, [email protected] Graham Liaison Officer (Iberia) [email protected]

COPYRIGHT WARNINGNo part of this Newsletter may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, graphic, electronic ormechanical, including photocopying without the prior permission of the Chairman, or secretaryeither by writing or telephone.

Our new website: www.rafchangi.co.ukTHE TEAM

President -- To be appointedChairman: Mike James 12, Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4BY. Tel: 01934 833170Vice Chairman/Archivistand Webmaster John Dicks, 4 Langley Crescent, Kings Langley, Herts. WD4 8EW Tel: 01923 400221Secretary: Peter Attoe “Maesteg” Morfa, Llangain, Carmarthen, Dyfed SA33 5AS Tel. 01267 241757Treasurer Richard Collins, “Sandhurst Cottage” Corsley Heath, Warminster,

Wilts. BA12 7PW Tel: 01373 832789Newsletter Editor: Ken Dennis, 1 Warwick Close, St. Merryn, Nr. Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8L. Tel: 01841 521038Membership Sec: Malcolm Flack, 14 Highfield Close, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 6HG Tel. 01494 728562Publicity /PressOfficer Brian Lloyd 32, Redwood, Burnham, Bucks, SL1 8JN Tel: 01628 661005

Other MembersAlmoner/Medal Adviser: David Haylock, 37, Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. RG31 6RB Tel..01189 425753Regalia Officer: Dolores James, 12, Shiners Elms, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4BY Tel: 01934 833170‘History of Changi’ Sales:Mike Nash, 42, Covert Mead, Handcross, Haywards Heath,

West Sussex. RH17 6DP Tel. 01444 400435

Liaison Officers (Australia): Peter Gould , 1/17, Albatross Circuit, Tweed Heads West,

New South Wales, Australia 2485 Tel. 0061 75 599 7752(Iberia) Malcolm Graham, Calle Sibelius, 82, E03180 Torreveicja, Spain. Tel. 0034 96 6785769

Changi ite newsletter 42_Changi ite newsletter 42 03/03/2010 10:53 Page 2

Mike James

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT EDITORIAL

PAGE CONTENTSPg. 2 RAFCA Team contactsPg. 3/4 Team ReportsPg. 4 Changi Memorial Plaque. PJMsPg. 5 Changi Radio Disaster on Sunday.Pg. 5 Changi Farewell song. ENSAPg. 6 Aircraft at Changi picturesPg. 7 Bidan - My Paradise IslandPg. 8 Changi Village revisitedPg. 9 Thoughts of a Changi-itePg.10/11/12SearchlinePg.13 My Scariest EventPg. 14/16 Your Letters & PhotosPg. 17 Notice: AGM 2010Pg. 18 Forthcoming eventsPg.19 New Members. ObituariesPg.20 Regalia. New Catalogue.

3

Ken Dennis

Press & Publicity Report

BACK ISSUESAll Back Issues ofChangi-ite Newsletterare available fromRAFCA ChairmanMike James @ 50peach, plus a donationfor postage

MIKE JAMES

To everyone whohas tried to get intouch with mesince beforeChristmas myapologies.

ON behalf of all the Committee, may I take thisopportunity to thank all members who sent SeasonalGreeting cards and E-cards. There were so many, thatit was impossible to return the compliment. However,the Committee very much appreciated your kindthoughts.

As you will see from the pre-ceding page, I have moved toCornwall. Unfortunately ittook three months before Iwas able to take possessionof my new home and get setup with a permanent tele-phone line. Thanks to our Chairman,Mike James, and our Public-ity Officer, Brian Lloyd, Ihave been kept informed onevents for inclusion in thisNewsletter. A special thank you toMike Barnard (M718) whoresponded so well to the ap-peal for any more aviationartists, by sending in threeof his paintings. One is onthe front page and the othertwo are with the letters onpage 15. Thanks also to MargaretRichards (M314) who re-sponded to the call to formerWRAF members to send intheir reminiscences. She sentin a group picture of WRAFgroup at Frazers Hill (seeSearchline page 12) and a pic-ture of the AOC’s inspectionat Changi Hospital in 1956which appears on page 14.

By now, I hope you have all got over the cold weather: it was a bit harsh duringthis winter to say the least, and hope most of you escaped the Flu.

I understand that quite a number of you have already booked up for our AnnualReunion at the new venue in Coventry. As usual, I am sure it will be a brilliantsuccess as it always has been in the past. I look forward to meeting you there,and if you haven’t booked up yet, there’s still time to do so.

If you have lost your application Form, and still wish to come for the week-endof May 14th to17th. Please inform me ASAP, and I will send an Application Formto you either by post or down-line if you are on the old computer.

Some members will have visited Changi, Singapore for the inauguration of theRAF Changi Memorial, which was erected in Changi Village in late February.Hopefully, a report and photos of the Memorial will be inside the Summer Editionof the Magazine. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, so John Dicks took myplace as Vice Chairman.

Look after yourselves.

Brian Lloyd

WE continue to advertise in the well tried avenues and arealways finding new locations for our posters. Don’t forget to get that Changi poster put up in your cornershop, library or other local prominent place or a note to the“Letters Column“ in your local press which does not cost anythingThese do produce results for the individual and the Association.

If there is a charge you can claimfrom us for reasonable expenses viamyself. We will be “on show” atAbingdon Air show in Berkshire: EastKirby, Lincolnshire,Air Show (homeof the BBF); at Shoreham, Sussex,and possibly some others as part ofour recruitment drive.

Many old pals Changi links have takenplace within the last twelve months.We have also to remember theimportance of public relations withinour membership.

B.W. LLOYD


OFFICIALRAF TARTAN -UPDATEAfter the article regarding the OfficialRAF Tartan (Changi-ite Edition No.38page 10) a lady member asked for moreinformation about it, and possibly witha view to making a purchase of someof the material. The Royal Air Force tartan was de-signed by Arthur Mackie . Initially tar-tan products were sold as the Air Forcetartan until the RAF pipe bands adoptedit in 2002, when it was formallyrecognised as the Royal Air Force Tar-tan. Arthur’s links with the RAF wasthrough his service career as a pilot ofa wide variety of aircraft. Following his service with the RAFhe became an internationally respectedtartan designer during which time hewas also the Officer Commanding theATC in Angus

N 27th February I attended with othermembers the unveiling of the RAF

and I take this opportunity to clarify it isnot our policy to let members pay twice ina year ! The Forthcoming Events list on page 18contains a selection of venues where theAssociation will have a presence and if bychance you are in the vicinity on the daydo please come along for a chat. Many thanks for all the greetings cardsand compliments sent in with theChristmas post, they really are appreciatedand I do pass them on to the committee indue course.

PJM Medals Regarding the PJM Medal situation, Iam still forwarding a small number of newclaims on a regular basis. However, at thetime of going to press I am informed bythe NMBVA Co-ordinator that by the timeyou read this, those still waiting for a PJMMedal and who claimed in 2006 may havebeen contacted or are about to be for apossible issue and presentation. Those that applied after 2006 will becontacted once the MHC receive a furthernew shipment of medals. Please thereforeif you are in either of these categories, beprepared to be contacted probably withthe option of having it sent to you or toattend a presentation ceremony at aregional venue.

MALCOLM FLACK (M 119)Membership Secretary

RAF CHANGI MEMORIALUNVEILING CEREMONY

oMalcolm Flack

Changi Memorial in Changi Villagewhich was arranged by the ChangiMerchant Traders. Consequentlythis report was written before weleft on 22nd February. For all the stages of our journey wechose to fly on the A380 Airbus withSingapore Airlines. During 2009 we had contact with 149 “Ex-Changi-ites” which has produced 55 newmembers to our Association. This is areduction on previous years, but then noneof us are getting any younger. The bestline of introduction is still through ourexisting membership. So I would ask youall to keep a watch out for anyone who hashad been at Changi. We have variousmethods of advertising available uponrequest. The renewal of subscriptions went verysmoothly this year and I thank you all formaking this possible. At this time I amestimating that we will still have a totalmembership of around 1150 as there are stillsome whose renewal, as usual, arrives late.Nevertheless, there are a few kind people,probably in haste to catch the post that aresending cheques as well a paying byStanding Order through their banks. Can I ask you once again to please put anote on your calendar or diary that youhave in fact arranged to pay by this method

Almoner’s Report

Membership Report

MORE ON THE PJM MEDALSMy job description as “Medal Advisor” has brought mesome enquiries lately on the GSM . PJM applicationsare dealt with by Malcolm Flack but I am very pleased todeal with any others, including questions on all medals,uniforms, badges and all militaria queries.

Following on from this I would mention the recent provision by the government of“The Elizabeth Cross” together with a scroll to be awarded to next of kin to servicepersonnel killed or died as a result of operations from 1st Januaruy 1948 to date. A GSM or Operational Medal is a pre-requisite. The NMBVA web site gives furtherdetails. I am applying in respect of my cousin in the Gloucestershire Regiment, who waskilled in the Imjin battle in Korea. There have been changes in allowances for pensionersin general circumstances and service pensioners lately - see www.veterans.uk. forinformation or telephone me for details. DAVE HAYLOCK

Dave Haylock

A Spitfire pilot crash landedafter an engagement with en-emy fighters, and was rushedto hospital with critical inju-ries. The surgeon said hewould have to amputate hisleft leg and left arm. “Will Isurvive the op?” the pilotasked. “After the amputationsI guarantee you’ll be all right!”was the reply.


Terry Sweeney (M419) Recalls when...

Disaster Struck on Sunday One Christmas I was the lucky recipient of a CD of “Fats” Wallerrecordings, which sent my mind back to 1953 at Changi. Every Sunday morning at 11.00 Tommy Dorsey and his band played “Onthe Sunny Side of the Street” as the intro to a regular programme. You mayask, “Why the connection between Fats Waller and Tommy Dorsey”? Well, “Sunny Side of the Street” meantit was time for Hospital Favouriteswhich was presented, I think, by RickyPratt at that time. One day Ricky (or whoever) was notavailable, and I was volunteered bysomeone to stand in. I was never goodat talking unscripted, but nevertheless Idid the show that week, and as ithappens, that week only.

TALKING TO PATIENTS The format was for the presenter towander round a ward talking to patientsand staff. The first thing was to introducethe person and then ask for a choice ofrecord. While the studio manager dashedround the record library trying to find therequested record, the presenter wouldchat to the patient. Sounds easy, doesn’tit? Well, I suppose so - but not whenTerry Sweeney was standing in.

It was one of those days! First of allthe land line to the studio was more thana bit iffy. Then I discovered several ofthe records requested couldn’t be foundin the record library – we probably didn’thave them anyway. Finally there were theproblems I was having trying to think ofreasonably sensible questions andcomment filling in time for the record toget from the library to the turntable. After the first half hour on air I wasin a complete frazzle. Then I started tointerview one of the Nursing Sisters -and what a good-looker she was! Sherequested “Fats” Waller playing andsinging “When Somebody thinks you’reWonderful”. My heart soared. I knew wehad it in the library; something was goingto go right at last ...... and then disaster!

Muggins put his foot in it in a bigway! I intended to say, “I wouldn’tmind being tucked up in bed byyou.” Fairly innocuous, you wouldhave thought. Only it came out ratherdifferently - “I wouldn’t mind beingtucked up in bed with you.”

Yes, you’ve guessed it! Firstthing Monday morning, I get atelephone call at the Squadronoffices. “Report to StationCommander’s office at once”.

I reckon I was lucky to getaway with a fairly mild rollickingfrom the Group Captain and warnednot to do live interviews in the future.“Your little brain can’t cope withit!”he said.

SAID WRONG WORD

The ChangiFarewell

Sung by Scouts, Guides,Brownies and Cubs in

1971 - just before RAFChangi was closed.

(Sung to the tune Dolly Gray)

Goodbye Changi, we must leave youThough it breaks our hearts to go.Something tells us we are neededTo pack our bags and go.See the VC10 is leavingAnd we can no longer bide,Goodbye Changi, we must leave you.Goodbye Changi, Goodbye.

We’ve been everywhere in Singapore,

Eaten at the makan stall;Fed the monkeys in the gardens -Seen Tiger Balm and all.Now we know that we shall miss youAnd we must be on our way,Goodbye Changi, we must leave you.Goodbye Changi. Hooray!

Changi, Changi, Rah Rah RahChangi, Changi, Rah Rah Rah,Love it, leave it, eat it, breath it,Changi, Changi, Rah Rah Rah.

Entertaining Service men and womenIncluding RAF Changi

The Entertainment National Service Association (ENSA) was the brain child ofBasil Dean, a leading stage and film director. ENSA entertained the troops for over50 years and the first concert took place on 10th September 1939 at CamberleyArmy camp.. ENSA was often dubbed “Every night something awful” but by the timeit was finally wound up it had given a staggering 2,500,000 performances worldwide. With the arrival of peace, ENSA was slowly phased out and replaced with theCombined Services Entertainment (CSE). This organisation is still going strong andproduces around 140 shows every year. Currently Claire Sweeney is the “Forces Sweetheart” but some of you might remem-ber Dame Vera Lynn. From previous Newsletters members will have seen variousreferences to the entertainment groups who performed at Changi and elsewhere inthe Far East. The Association has a number of current members who were part of thisgroup - Ron Kane (scripts and scenery), Johnny Johnson (singer) and Jill Clark(dancer) M1539, Fighter Plotter, Ops Control 49/51. Recently, Jill met up ith someChangi members and recalled some of her experiences as a dancer with the Group. Inaddition to shows in Singapore they travelled elsewhere in the Far East by RAFDakota. They also travelled up country in Malaya by train and lorry to a location inthe jungle. Stages were constructed of bamboo and erected by the soldiers.


REMEMBER THESE AT CHANGI?

The Handley Page Hastings. Picturefrom John Brittain (M.1024)

The De Havilland Dove. Picture submitted by Mike James (M0001)

The Avro Shackleton. Mk2 Picturesubmitted by David Goodman (M1112)

The Vickers Valetta. Picturesubmitted by Geof Lunn (M1346)

The Avro York. Picture submitted byJohn Cooper (M.0910)

The Blackburn Beverley. Picture submitted by Mike James (M.0001)


Following an article which was published in the Changi-ite Newsletter sometime ago aboutthe RAF Station at Car Nicobar, one of our members sent a copy of it to a former RAF friend,Brian Banks, who is not a RAFCA member, because they had both visited the station duringtheir RAF Service. The article concluded by asking readers if they had memories of “cushypostings.” This prompted BRIAN BANKS (the non Member) to send us the following article.

Bidan:my paradise island Don Brereton, from Liverpooland I were based at Butterworthfrom early 1956 to late 1957 asoperations clerks working in AirTraffic Control.

The aircraft from there used a targetrange which was based on a groupof islands about 17 miles north and 5miles from the coast. This required, asmall detachment of men to bestationed there, two of whom wereoperations clerks. Having heard a little about the place, Idecided to do the unthinkable andvolunteer to go there. In due course I wasposted- off. The base of operations wason the first island you reach — Bidan.

The launch which carried us there couldonly get within 200 yards of the beach anda rowing boat, which was kept there forthe purpose, came out to take us and thesupplies to shore. The site was composedof two huts in a small fenced compound,just above the high tide mark.

There were four main islands in thegroup, Bidan, Telor, Song Song andBunting. Bidan and Telor were used astriangulation points to locate the positionof flash bombs dropped on a target mooredat sea. Song Song was used for gunneryand rocket practice. These exercises werecarried out every six weeks or so. The restof the time was ours to do as we pleased.

Up in the-morning and run out for aquick dip in the sea. Whose turn to makebreakfast?

The launch came twice a week withrations and supplies. This always includeda joint of Meat from which we would cutthin slices to fry on the Primus Stove —our only means of cooking. The rest wewould throw away — it wouldn’t keep.

If we had only known, putting it in asealed tin, and leaving it in the sun all daywould have cooked it perfectly.

We had a table tennis table, a bookcasefull of books, a record player with a goodselection of up to date records — courtesyof the W.V.S

Power was supplied by a dieselgenerator, 100 yards from the huts. Thishad to be started in the evening, andswitched off last thing at night.

A bit of advice from the locals: alwayswalk upwind of the palm trees to avoid anyfalling coconuts and always wear your flipflops so that snakes would sense youcoming and move away. The snakesincidentally were black cobras- andpythons.

We had two dogs and the bitch becamevery adept at dealing with cobras. If shefound one in the compound, she wouldcircle round it in its coiled strikingposition. Eventually it would try to uncoiland she would jump in and, grabbing it bythe back of the neck, would throw it in theair.

The SNCO in-charge was a Sgt. who livedat Butterworth and only visited us twice aweek, courtesy of the supply delivery. Ithad, therefore, become standard practicethat the airman who had been there thelongest, was in charge.

FISHING FOR FUN There was a small fishing village on theisland. The fishermen would row out andlay a large circle of net around a shoal ofsmall fish and then pull it in. The boat theyused was long with about six oarsmen eachside and sometimes for fun we wouldvolunteer to help row the boat. Theywelcomed our help and would sit us at theend to act as stroke. The fish they caughtwere then boiled and spread on mats todry in the sun.

Sometimes a large shark would becaught in the circle and would be drawnas close as possible to the beach. Thefishermen would then all jump into thewater and throw the shark up onto thebeach (No Health & Safety rules here!)

These were real monsters up to 8 feet long..

Other hazards in the sea were seasnakes, extremely venomous and seaanemones which were numerous justbelow the low water mark and whosespines would stick in your foot and breakoff. Impossible to get out because they wereso brittle. There were also jelly fish whichthe fishermen would pull off the nets withno apparent discomfort to them but if asmall piece touched you while swimmingit would cause a nasty sting.

On a fairly recent visit back there, thelocals tell me that there are no longer anylarge sharks and the fishing village hasgone. Perhaps, like us, they are alsosuffering from depleted fish stocks.

In one of the huts there was a medicinechest full of all sorts of potions and pills.Fortunately, a visiting medical orderlyobliged by writing out a list of the contentsand their purpose. There was evenmorphine in containers like toothpastetubes with a needle on the end.

The idea was to stick the needle in thepatient then roll up the tube to inject themorphine. It was common knowledgeamong the fishermen that we had thismedicine stock so we were their local clinic.Their ailments and how we dealt with themwould make another story.

Female turtles often laid their eggs onthe neighboring island of Telor but onenight, one came up our beach and wasobviously preparing to lay. We got a torchand dug a hole behind her. We were thenable to watch her lay. Something we’veseen many times since on film but we sawit live. I retrieved one and fried it —horrible, it tasted like cod-liver oil ! Whenit came to disposing of rubbish, we wouldput the dustbins in the boat and row outto sea about quarter of a. mile and tip themover the side. Not very environmentallyfriendly but the local birds of prey enjoyedpicking out titbits. I was there for ninemonths and looking back it was the bestholiday of my life. If ever you visit Penang,look north and you will see Bidan and Teloron the horizon.

EARLY MORNING DIP

LEISURE FACILITIES SEA SNAKE HAZARD


CHANGI VILLAGE REVISITEDBy PETER

ATTOE

RAFCAHon. Secretary

ON the way to and from afamily wedding in Aus-

tralia, Deidre and I had somedays in Singapore. We had the usual tourist tripsto Orchard Road, the Buddisttemples, Chinese and Japa-nese gardens and the Botani-cal and Orchid Gardens.These orchid gardens were afavourite visit over 40 yearsago and I still have a passionfor orchids. One day we went to Changi vil-lage. It was November 11th and anappropriate day to go to the Mu-seum. There was a group therefrom the UK on a Remembrancetour and I had the opportunity to talkwith a gentleman who had been aPoW at Changi. Deirdre’s son waswith us and he found the Museuma very moving experience. We wenton by No.2 bus to the village pastHalton Road.

THE OLD RAF HOSPITAL We had a good ‘bimble’ round theold RAF Hospital. I found the Pa-thology Laboratory with the workbenches and even the fume cup-board. There was the path to thebackdoor of the laboratory whichwas overgrown with trees. Someservicemen would wait out here tobe called in to a certain ‘clinic.’ Sayno more! The old Hospital is now a sorrymess, broken windows, a lot of rub-bish about and some very crudegraffiti sprayed on some of the whitewalls. Warn the ladies before yougo!. The lift doors have been damagedso the shafts are open; it is dark andpotentially dangerous. It was quitenostaligic seeing my old “dutysleep-in room” when I was on-callfor the path lab. The rumour in the village is thatthe hospital is haunted so the younghave sleep-ins to prove their man-hood. You can see the litter fromtheir fires and drinking.

LUXURY SPA PLANNEDWe were told that the hospital is tobe leased and possibly convertedinto a luxury spa hotel.I understandthe authorities are insisting that anywork must retain the old colonialstyle building and verandahs. The other news is that followingcomplaints from the Formula 1 driv-ers at the Singapore grand prix,where the circuit uses ordinary pub-lic roads, they are to build a newgrand prix circuit for cars and mo-tor-cycles at Changi. This will bein an area between the village andnorth of the new Changi Airport. Idid not realise there was sufficientland there, but it was in the papersand Lim Tow Soon knew about it. There is now a 2 km boardwalkwhich runs from the completed newChangi Creek port right round thecoast northwards, past the Padangand yacht clubs, cliff top andTemple Hill. This is an excellentwalk with good views of the islandand boats in and out of the creek. Itis also a good spot for watching theplanes coming into Changi Airport.

A TEMPLE HILL HOTEL Part of Temple Hill has been de-molished and there is to be a newhotel there as well. This is some ofthe work that was mentioned in anarticle in the Straits Times in 2006.I think the character of the villagewill really change as the ‘Changi re-sort’ develops. I hope it continuesto be a relatively quiet place and notbecome another Sentosa. Finally we called in at ’Jacob’sCafe’ to a warm welcome from LimTow Soon. We took some pictures,signed his guestbook and had a

good meal and chat. Before leaving we went to see theprogress on the new pedestrianmall and memorial plinth. There isa semi-circle of concrete, outsideGeorge’s old photo shop by thecrossroads. This is for the memo-rial plinth, a model of a Comet 4c inTransport Command livery. TheMoD has given permission for aplaque bearing the RAF Changi andHQFEAF crests. The Village Upgrading Committeeis anxious for a plaque that showstheir appreciation of the contributionto village life by forces from the UKand Commonwealth. The walkway is almost complete:a wavy path with plenty of newlyplanted trees. Most of the shopshave had a new face, but I waspleased to see some of the originalshop-fronts and notice boards.New flats are being built abovesome of the shops.

A Changi Ghost? Some years after the war areport appeared in a Sinaporenewspaper about touristguides who took visitors toChangi Gaol, being afraid ofa certain cell because theycould hear ghostly voices. A book entitled “Changi Pho-tographer” first published in1984 and written by TimBowden, recalls the experi-ences of photographerGeorge Aspinall, who was aprisoner of war at Changi . He tells how he repaired abroken valve radio which hesmuggled into Changi Gaoland bricked it up in a wall cav-ity in one of the cells, linked itto the electricity supplying celllighting, and attached a timeswitch which would come onwhen BBC News broadcastscame on. Could it possiblyexplain the “ghostly” voices?


Where are you, lads of yesteryear?You Changi lads, whose friendship we held dear?Forgotten now by all, - except the fewWho treasure photographs of mates they knew,Who shared with them their hopes and fears,Now, sadly, in their twilight years.

Some died, but shall not be forgotBy Oppos who did not.Johore’s where Ginger Nicholls diedWhile honeymooning with his bride.Shot to ribbons, so they said -Well anyway, he’s dead.

And Yorkie copped a packet too:Seven bullets ripped clean through.Seven bloody holes they mended -Well. fourteen double ended!Talk about a pepper-pot -Go home, Yorkie, that’s your lot.

Empty beds, with lockers still ajar.And loved one’s photos pinned upon the door.Best pack their kit, and get their bedding back to store -They won’t be needing pit-space any more.(Our Bearer, Pakhar, sat and criedWhen someone in our billet died).

I hear that Wally ‘s gone, and Clarky Dunn.(Though he was knocking seventy-one),And “Topper” Brown, and Reggie High.All gone; don’t ask me why.It seems like just the other dayMy old pal Woody passed away.A nicer bloke you couldn’t know -He left a widow. Flo.

I’m still in touch with Colin Bowey,Owen. Bonzo, Brian Hoey;Oh, and then there’s Ken –I see him now and then.But what became of Scottie, Ron,And Brian Kemp, and Don?I know I should have kept in touch -But then, I never did write much.

And what of we, who reached a ripe old age ?Have WE remembered? Could we fill a pageWith names of those with whom we served ?And could we, hand on heart, say we deservedRight to the end?

THOUGHTS OF ACHANGI-ITE

From Ivor Hayward

In August 2005 Reg Wheeler (M 1431) sent usthis recollection of his journey to Changi in 1949.We reprint the story as it will be of interest tothe many who have joined the Association since2005.

IN 1949, I embarked on the Aircraft Carrier “HMSOcean” at Glasgow, which was taking two squadronsof aircraft to Singapore and Hong Kong. As wedeparted it was pouring with rain and the Band wasplaying at the time “There’s no place like home !” As we approached Sicily the carrier’s own aircraft,which was based at Malta came out to greet us with awelcome Hello, stalled and crashed into the sea.

On arrival at Singapore, I was posted to RAF Changiand as a young NCO was detailed to take over theground floor of Block 151, which had been recentlyconverted from a storeroom into a barrack room.

At that time we did not appreciate that the muralpaintings, on the walls had been part of a chapel, (StLukes), during the Japanese occupation. Our BearerJohnny Lee pointed out the significance of the Muralsto us.

A year elapsed, the Maria Hertog riots occurred anda gentleman came visiting Block 151 and identifiedhimself as Mr. Stanley Warren, telling us that he had sleptover in the corner when he was a POW and that he hadpainted the Mural paintings on the wall.

It was a very painful experience for him and a lastingimpression for us all that were present. He also put mein touch with a Mr Wally Hammond in Southamptonwho gave me the history of St Lukes Chapel, theoriginal of which which I passed to the Association.Reg Wheeler (M1431)

Are there any other AssociationMembers who have a memoriesabout their draft to Changi. Pleaselet us have your story forpublication in a future edition of theChangi-ite Newsletter. Ed.

MY JOURNEY TOCHANGI IN 1949


SEARCHLINE Number 42April 2010

(All responses please direct to B.W. Lloyd, who compiled this feature)1. The wedding photograph (below) is that of two members, Stuart MacKay M.0805) Police 58/60 and Kathy MacKay (Nee Dymond) telephonist, on 7th November 1959. Can anyone identify names andfaces?

3. ARCHIE SMITH, two tours 53/5, 56/60. HospitalDietician and Chef. Picture below shows Archie in Hospital foot-ball team, second left at back. Does anyone have any memories ofArchie or his family? Wife Catherine, known as “Smithy” “Gi-Gi”or Rena, who is an Associate member of the Association and whowas a civilian nurse at the hospital for both of his tours. In thepicture below WO Brewer appears. Are there any other names orfaces recognised?

2. DAVE FERRIS (M.2097) Ground Wireless fitter atATC, 56’7, is searching for anyone in the picture belowtaken at Changi. Front row: David Ferris himself and“Taffy”? Back row Trevor? Charlie? and another?

4. BRIAN HIGGINS, circa 57/60. Does anyonerecognise this name or have memories? Family mem-ber enquiring.

5. COOK S GT J.L. Circa 51/3. Enquiry from daugh-ter, Mrs Morrell.

6. DID YOU KNOW? New and existing members areencouraged to write to the Letters column of their localnewspaper about their memories. There is no cost to the“Letters columns” as it is not an advert. Local newspa-pers are put on the Internet by the publishers so every-thing in an edition is on line. This therefore brings Internetreaders’ attention to everything contained in the paperand not just to the public who buy the newspaper in thelocal shop. Through this we have received new mem-bers so please drop a line to your “local.” Sometimesaddresses are published, otherwise the paper will on-pass the response to the originator. We are not going tointroduce a “Bonus Points” programme but give it a try.Use your own words or we can provide a draft whichyou can edit to suit your own memories. Ensure there isno misunderstanding with Ex-PoWs who were jailed atChangi.

7. SWITHINBANK, ERIC, MT, at Hospital 49/51.Block 34. Does anyone remember Eric, who would bedelighted to hear from his old pals.

8. TONY BECKLY, MEDICAL atHospital 58/9. Does anyone have anymemories or know his whereabouts? Seepicture right.


9. DEREK NORTH, M2103. Clerk GD 49/50, playedStation 2nd Rugby XV. Did any other members play inthis team and have memories or names?

10. MORE ON RUGBY AT CHANGI, Circa 1964.Member M1382 Derek Maughan, Airframes ASF, pro-duced a rugby picture of a match Changi v.SCC 3rd Oc-tober 1964 on the Padang. Through this picture link upshave occurred with Bryan “Milly” Millington, M2077,Band Musican 63/66, Richard Collins M299, Pay Ac-counts SHQ, and Member AM2081 Tony Fairbairn, sonof Douglas deceased, GD pilot with 215 Squadron 63/65. The names Geoff Walker and Roger Annett. Wehope to identify others in the picture which came from abook, History of RAF Rugby 1919 to 1999.

11. HMSS “EMPIRE HALADALE” en route toSingapore, April ‘51. TOM BLACKWELL (M2102).Tom played the drums in the ship’s band. In the ConcertParty was a talented ATS lady who did a Hula Hula dancein a Grass Skirt. Two Matlots got onto the stage with a firebucket and box of matches and set fire to the skirt but noinjuries occurred. Were you a witness to this show orhave any humorous memories whilst travelling by ship?Do you recognise anyone in the picture below of the Cook’sCourse held at Changi?

12. CHANGI GOLF CLUB 1956. The Captain wasWing Commander George Jamie, surveyor. He is fea-tured in the picture below holding a trophy. Does anyonerecognise themselves or names? This picture is displayedat the Club and was provided by his son, Kenneth Jamie,AM2095, who was on a family posting at the time.

14. ASTRA CINEMA, 52/4. Member ALBERTWARD, known as Ray/Wardy, Clerk Org. worked atthe Astra. Did you also work there and do you rememberhim? He’s also looking for Cyril Webb, Ray Powell, Fox,WOP Kiley. If anyone has any news let us know. Albertplayed football with SHQ people. See picture below ofthe team when they played against Changi Prison inmatesin 1953.

15. HENLOW FITTING PARTY, 1957/9. The pic-ture below shows three members who were based atChangi with Member SIDNEY WILSON M.1912. Doyou recognise them or know their whereabouts? The pic-ture, supplied by Sidney Wilson, was taken at his marriedquarters in Old Sarum Road. From left is Sid’s wife Jean,Tug Wilson (not related), Geordie Faddy and “baz” White.

.

16. LEN WALLIS (DECEASED) 1952, W.O. atStores. Does anyone have any memories? His daughterPam Wyatt is interested. Len was a member of the RAOBLodge 7312. This item also appeared in Seletar Associa-tion Newsletter. (continued on page 12)

13. IMPERIAL LODGE of the RAOB. A. TAYLOR(M.2073). Please note part of item seven in the Decem-ber’09 Newsletter was incorrectly reported. It shouldhave read: A member of the Imperial Lodge No.1750which formed pre-war, has advised that the Lodge’s artifaxwas buried before the Japanese arrived and recoveredafter the War.

Page11


17. SINGAPORE MOTOR CAR GRAND PRIXheld at Changi Airfield June 1957. We have received areport of this and some pictures from a researcher inSingapore. Did anyone help at this event, as the researcherwould be very pleased to receive memories. The eventheld at the Airfield was sanctioned by Air CommodoreGeoffrey Nicholas Ernest Tindal-Carill-Worfsley, CBE.,commonly known as “TCW” President of the Forces’ Mo-tor Club of Singapore.

18. NETBALL, 65/7. The picture below, submitted byLaura Charlton, M212, wife of a RN Member. Do yourecognise any names? Laura is holding the small cup inthe middle row and alongside her is Jill Martin, both Navalwives.

19 WRAF at FRAZERS HILL. The picture below isof a group on their way to FH leave centre and “Jungletraining”. It is supplied by Margaret Richards (M314)Accounts. Any faces spotted? Margaret Richards is in theback row centre.

(SEARCHLINE - continued from page 11)

ACTUALLY there was one. In 1952, when I hadfinished my staff training, as a Radar Operator, Iwas sent to Malaya. When I got to RAF Changi, Iwas informed that my posting was 487 Signals Unit.This unit was in Penang, but was part of RAFButterworth (on the Malay mainland). It was a small unit of approximately 20-25 Officersand airmen. We lived in what was probably a former largeprivate house on a triangular plot of land on the corner ofPeel Avenue in the residential area of Georgetown. Therewere three buildings on the plot with a garden in front. Themiddle building housed the admin. Offices, the officer’saccommodation, the social area - a bar with separate areasfor Officers and other ranks, and the cooking and eatingfacilities. We had a Badminton Court behind that. The building to the left of the main one, housed on theground floor a civilian police station, with a Chinese run-eating house behind it. The upper floor was where the NCOsand airmen lived. We each had a bed and a locker. Therewere several rooms each holding four, although I believethe NCOs each had a separate room. The other building was used at weekends, when one ofour duties was to train the Penang unit of the MalayanAuxiliary Air Force in the use of radar equipment, but ondummy equipment!

A WAR TIME AIRFIELD On the other weekdays, the radar-trained staff went tothe airfield on the island by ghari, a journey of about 14miles down the east coast of Penang. In a corner of theairfield was an ex-WWII mobile radar installation carriedon several trucks. The radar mechanics worked on theequipment, trying to get it to work, but in my time at the unit(6 months) they never achieved this - the equipment wasnot built for the heat and humidity of the region. Being aradar operator, with no working radar, I had to do odd jobsor read and sunbathe! Our “time off” was on Wednesday and Sunday afternoon.Leisure time was great, every Wednesday we could go tothe Leave Centre at Tanjong Bungah, a great place forbeach activities, and we could use any of the other facilities.We could go out in the evenings - the “entertainment” quarterof Georgetown was just 10 minutes walk away. One of theduties of the “other ranks” was to be the barman. We tookit in turns to do it for a week. Each morning one of thesenior NCOs would do stocktaking, calculate what youshould have taken, and anything over was yours. Therewas always something over because it was a tradition forthe senior NCOs to buy the barman a drink, they knew youdid not drink them all.

RAF HAD A SIGNALSUNIT IN PENANG

In response to a letter from Member John Haywardstating that there were no RAF bases in Penang,Ken Laken (M.811) wrote to say


SPENT six months at Changi in the first half of 1955. I was a fighter plotter at the Southern SectorOperations Centre which was an impressive name for a basic radar station. We were required to sign the

THE SCARIEST EVENT OF MY LIFEBy Richard Crow (M.1577)

IOfficial Secrets Act about the centre and its remarkable radar. I still keep the secret but I have to say thatthe radar presented a very modest service and a negligible threat to potential enemies, as well as a relaxedoccupation.

I loved it very much and so I was rather peeved, at first,to be posted to RAF Kuala Lumpur, to join the newly setup Air Control Centre Malaya, not least because it is nosecret that it had no radar. But actually I enjoyed my yearthere just as much.

Modestly staffed, it operated -twenty four hours a dayin the most cordial manner, co-ordinating and monitoringflights by a few Navy helicopters and Army Austers aswell as several RAF Pioneers, Sikorsky S55s, Lancasters,Valletta’s and Dakotas, most, but not all of which werebased at KL.

JUNGLE FLIGHTS

The flights were supply drops, leaflet drops, andjungle fort visits, including evacuation of ill andinjured troops and aborigines, and even CT bodies,ferrying VIPs around and occasional bombing.

The twenty-four hour shift system meant every thirdday off and this gave the opportunity for, at one extreme‘pit-rotting’, or at another, the chance for some reallyinteresting flights as an ‘observer’. That was the extremethat appealed to me.One could ring the Ops Room to askif they had any flights and one could almost guarantee anexhilarating and sometimes nail-biting trip. These couldvary between:

1. A flight in a Valetta with the rear door taken off,exposing one to the fresh air so that over DZ (droppingzone) Victor for example, the supplies could be droppedby parachute to the troops in the jungle.

2. A flight in one of the three Dakotas with a largegenerator on board and two loud speakers slung underthe wings. It would circle a target area inviting CTs toself-renew (surrender), or...

3. Fly in a helicopter or Pioneer which would land on asparingly small strip in the middle of the jungle to meet asmall group of soldiers and some jungle dwellers.

It was on one of these trips I experienced one ofthe most daunting and character-forming experiencesof my life.

It was in a door less Valetta on a supply-drop mission.The other ‘observer’ on the flight was a rather haughtyguards officer who, as soon as we took off, started tellingus about how you RAF chaps have no idea what it is liketo be down there in the jungle, leeches on your legs,wading up to your neck through swamps, terrorists behindevery tree, mosquito’s... etc.

The crew greeted this seemingly endless tirade withsilence and the supply drops were carried out in the usualmethodical way. But when they were all over, I saw thepilot look at the navigator and they nodded gently to eachother.

THE SCARIEST EVENT

Then began the scariest event of my life. As if itwas all in a day’s work we shot past the only multi-storey hotel in Malacca, almost scraping a wingagainst it. Then: we dive-bombed a Malay fishing boat sothat the crew jumped into the sea. Next, moving inlandwe did the thing, which I, to this day, still findincredible - we flew under the cables between two,admittedly tall pylons. For the grand finale we flew up the steep valley orcanyon between two sets of mountains and I looked ahead,only to see that ahead of us the valley ended with themountains joining up and we were heading straight for them. Here I learnt to resign myself to my fate - there wasnothing I could do about it, so what’s the point in worrying?At the last minute the pilot jerked us up and over themountain top as our bodies were forced down and. up inreaction.We then returned calmly to KL, and nothing wassaid but the face of the guards officer had turned a delicategreen as he walked off looking totally gutted.

MOST DAUNTING EXPERIENCE

At Christmas a Dakota flew over the RAF stationbroadcasting carols


A trip down Memory Lane with...

...Your Letters and photosARBORETUM CHECK The following rquest has beenreceived from Peter Nunn, (M.209)110 Sqn. 1947/8. I am unable to travel far thesedays and am especially sorry not tobe able to get down to the Arbore-tum in friendly Staffordshire, whereI worked in the 1960’s. So, I would be grateful if anyone vis-iting the Memorial would look for men-tion of D.K. Hayes, CO of No. 110Squadron. He had faced a big task intaking over from the charismatic J.S.Higgins, AFC.,DFC., but managed itwell. Len Maybanks and I were Or-derly Room wallahs popping in and outwith pieces of paper and messages andhe always had time for us. He was agentleman and not only because of theEmployment reference he gave me. That is signed and dated 10 May,1948, very good and small handwritingand obviously after some thought. Infact, I couldn’t have put it better my-self. Tragic then that he was the Squad-ron Commander who on 12 Novembercrashed over Fraser’s Hill, killing all onboard, as described on page 61 ofHenry Probert’s History. All the moretragic, if my memory is correct, thathe had been a PoW in Germany whenWW2 ended. It would be good to know that he andthe others are remembered at the Ar-boretum and I am sorry I did not writeearlier so that members going to theKeresely Reunion might have lookedfor it on the optional excursion.PETER NUNN, (M.209) 110Sqn.1947/8

CHANGI AS IT WAS Hello there. Just thought I’d write aword or two about the book “THE LASTINTAKE” by Mike Baker. It’s excellent and should be read by allex-Singapore/Changi people. I really en-joyed it. It brought back so many memo-ries: of Bugis Street, and RAF Changi it-self. Also fascinating was the last chapter,telling about changes in Singapore itself.Singapore is no longer the place I remem-ber (sob...) I remember that road to Jurong,for example - a narrow road with jungle ei-ther side: also the road towards/past Bedoc- all multi-lane highways now. Highly rec-ommend read for all ex-Singapore people.SIDNEY WILSON (M.1912)

ST. CLEMENT DANES THE RAF CHURCH APPEALThis letter from the Trustees of St. Clement Danes - the Central Churchof the RAF which stands opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, in theStrand, London - was sent to our Association’s Hon. Secretary, PeterAttoe: This year is the 50th anniversary of the re-consecration of St. Clem-ent Danes Church and in order to maintain the Church and its facilitiesfor another 50 years, the Trustees hope to raise a significant endow-ment. A Church has stood on the site for over 1000 years and tradition holds that the firstChurch was built by the Danes expelled from the City of London by King Alfred in the9th century. The Church was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and later was in the care of theKnights Templar for near 150 years. It was enlarged by Sir Christopher Wren. Incendiary bombs gutted the building in 1941. In 1953, the Diocese of London handedSt. Clement Danes into the Air Council’s keeping and an appeal was launched to recon-struct the building. Bequests and dontations were generous and within two years therestoration work began. The refurbished Church was re-consecrated in 1958 as a perpetual shrine of remem-brance to those members of the RAF and Allied Air Forces killed on active service in theSecond world war. It has Books of Remembrance that record the names of all those whohave fallen whilst on duty with the RAF. It is also a place where serving and retiredmembers of th RAF and their families can find peace and tranquility in the midst ofLondon. Given the spiritual importance of St. Clement Danes to the RAF, the Trustees hope thatyou will feel able to support this worthy cause. Contributions can be made through a legacy, or on line at www.st.clements-danes.co.ukor by writing to St. Clement Danes Fund, Strand, London, WC2. 1DH.(Editor’s note: I had the privilege of working just opposite St. Clement Danes Churchfrom 1956-72. It is beautifully designed and is distinguished by its bells which ringout daily at noon the famous tune “Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St. Clements.”RAF Parades are held there each September in memory of those who died in theBattle of Britain.)

AOC’s INSPECTION CHANGI HOSPITAL The AOC, Air Commodore A.E. Clouston, DSO, DFC, AFC andBar, is pictured here on his Inspection of Changi Hospital in 1956. The picture wassubmitted byM a r g a r e tR i c h a r d s(M.314).Does anyonerecognise theWRAF Officerand the HospitalMatron standingbeside him?Please let usknow.


The Little Ships of DunkirkTHE picture (left) was sent to us byArthur Taylor, Treasurer of theBournemouth, Poole & Districtbranch of the Veterans of Dunkirk.It was taken at the Annual Sailingof the “Little Ships” of Dunkirk inSeptember. Arthur Taylor is thirdfrom left and his two sons who wereeducated at RAF Changi are firstand third from the right. Mr. Taylorsays he was invited to a recordingby the BBC on 1 December 2009 andasked about his experiences at thebeaches the Mole. He adds thatVeterans and carers are also return-ing to Dunkirk for the final time -the 70th anniversary - on 28 May 2010by courtesy of the Lottery Fund.

Dear Ken, Any more Aviation Artists? Re-quested in Changi-ite NewsletterNo.40 I enclose a copy of my in-terpretation of my National Servicetime at RAF Changi. The scene(front cover) depicts FEC Squad-ron dispersal just after one of thosemonsoon storms, the C-in-C’sHastings W3 325 sucking up thewater from the PSP! Anson WV354 in the foreground. ‘B’ Flighthangar just shows th AusterWV613. Outside is Harvard FE 415and Percival Pembrioke WV 709whilst flying in circuit is York AsconaII M295. The Sunderland Flying Boat (pic-tured right) IL2160 is shown taxi-ing - wrong side of Seletar - Artistslicense to show old Singaporeharbour. I hope these pics will beof some amusement. I sent Mike James a copy of theDispersal in card form some whileago. It would make aChristmas or anytime card I think -I understand I would need copyrightpermission to add the Changibadge though on the reverse sideif acceptable. I look forward to your comments, un-fortunately as an old perisher I am noton the Website (yet). Best regards.MIKE BARNARD (M.718) (As Mike has invited comment Iwould say as an amateur artist my-self the paintings are superb.Welldone!! Ed.)


MORE ON THE 1956SINGAPORE RIOTS

I read Ken Dennis’s article with interest in the Changi-ite Newsletter, issue No.41. Perhaps I can add a fewfacts as to what happened at that time, which othersmay remember. As an SAC I was doing my National Service at RAFChangi 1955/6. H.Q Signals, wireless operator (144 top)specialising in Tokyou Met, which were high speed morsesignals about the weather. The students riots were,according to Inche Jumat, Singapore’s Minister for localgovernment “the work of Communist elements.” The Chief Minister of Singapore at that time was Mr.Lee Yew Hock. The People’s Action Party Leader wasSecretary General Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, who was seekingto overthrow the government. Malay’s Federation ChiefMinister was Tenku Abdul Rahman, based in KualaLumpur. He assured the Singapore government of hisfullest support during this conflict. On October 27th, 1956, Lee Kuan Yew of the P.A.Psaid “The Government is unfit to govern,” and hecalled on it to resign. Later followed Singapore’sIndependence - Merdekka.

STUDENTS UPRISING The student’s uprising was inspired by Middle Roadtrade union leaders who encouraged the rioting. Mr.Lim Chin Sione, Secretary General of the Factory andShop Workers Union, was the P.A.P’s assembly man atBukit Timah. During that week the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit was tobe cancelled because of the troubles, but later Mr. LimYew Hock said it would take place as planned. Casualties during the riots were: 8 dead (students),70 wounded (24 police), 333 arrests in one day.. OnSunday, October 28th, 1956, 600 Gurka Troops werearriving from up-country to support the police and thingsquickly calmed down. At the outset some off-duty RAF personel at Changiwere aroused from their beds in the middle of the nightof Friday, October 26th, 1956, to train quickly as RiotSquads at Fort Canning, for action the next day. Armswere drawn from the armoury. I was one of them and, as a 1st class shot (not boast-ing), held centre ground in a Squad. Quite exciting, butI missed a day at the beach. Ah well!

MIKE FANKISH (M.1614)

IT IS just over 33 years ago that 41 (Transport)Squadron RNZAF - motto ‘Korero Ka Oti ‘ (Speakand it shall be done) - was disbanded at theTengah Air Base of the Republic of SingaporeAir Force.

The Unit was formed in 1944 at Whenuapai inresponse to the heavy demands of supplying men andmaterial to NZ Forces during the Pacific campaign.

However, for 22 years from 1955, the Squadron wasbased in Singapore, initially at RAF Changi then atRAF/RSAF Tengah (from 1971) and with attachmentsto other areas as circumstances required. This wasthe longest period of continuous service overseas everundertaken (then or since) by a NZ military unit.

RANGE OF AIRCRAFT The Squadron was equipped with a range ofaircraft: Lodestar and Hudsons initially, then thereknowned Dakota, in turn replaced by Hastingsand Bristol Freighters from 1951 (the Hastings werepassed to the reformed 40 Sqn in 1953). Iroquois(UH1D) helicopters joined the Freighters in 1971and provided excellent short-range support toANZUK Force and then NZ Force, SE Asia.

On disbandment in December 1977 theFreighters returned to NZ for later disposal (theIroquois flight and support functions becameRNZAF Support Unit, Singapore.) Squadron history and recollections from 41Squadron Association newsletters and otherpapers disclose some noteworthy events. Amongthem is the fact that the Squadron deployed toSingapore in 1955 to become part of the RAF FarEast Air Force.

Tasks were flown extensively throughout anarea that spanned from Japan and Korea toAustralia, New Zealand to the Maldives, Nepal toNew Guinea; only China, North Vietnam and NorthKorea were excluded from the ‘been there - donethat’ aircrew banter.

The disbandment ceremonies in 1977 were precededby a tribute to fallen comrades. The Freighter aircraftflew in formation over the Cameron Highlands crashsite and dropped a wreath to honour those who hadperished as the NZ Force padre recited aremembrance prayer over the common aircraft link

Memories of 41 Sqnin Singapore

Continued on page 17, Col 1.

THE GOLDEN GATES Two bank robbers were killed when their get-away car crashed. St. Peter met them at theGolden Gates and directed them to hell’s fire.“There must be a mistake,” they insisted. “Wehave led a good life.” St. Peter went to check the files to see if therereally had been a mistake. When he returnedsometime later the Golden Gates were missing.


RAFCA ANNUAL MEETINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF THE EIGHTH ANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CHANGI ASSOCIATION (Including HQ FEAF)

To be held at 10.00 on Sunday 16th May 2010, at the Royal Court Hotel,Tamworth Road, Keresley, Coventry, in order to conduct the following business:

1. Welcome and introduction by the Chairman. 2. Apologies received for absence. 3. Approval of the minutes of the seventh AGM on 10th May, 2009.

(copies will be available at the meeting). 4. Matters arising from the 7th AGM on 19th May, 2009. 5. Chairman’s Report. 6. Vice Chairman’s, Archivist & Web-master’s reports. 7. Secretary’s Report. 8. Treasurer’s Report. 9. Membership Secretary’s Report.10. Events & Publicity Officer’s Report.11. Continuity of Officers.12. Informal discussion.

Members are requested to note that in accordance with the constitution any newitems for discussion must be sent in writing to the Secretary not later than tenclear days before the meeting, in order to give the Committee sufficient time forany necessary research.

By order of The Committee.Peter Attoe, Hon. Secretary.

Today 41 Squadron is but a memory, however, thereare various symbols still to be seen - a Bristol Freighter(NZ503) resplendent in the camouflage of its latter yearsis cared for in the Air Force Museum at Sigram.

The Museum also houses Dakota NZ3551 in its 42Squadron fit-out (the Queen flew in this aircraft during aRoyal Tour), however, this aircraft earlier served with 41Squadron from 1945-53 and made many flights to Japanin support of J Force.

The intricately carved Gate of Welcome presented bythe Maoori Queen to commemorate the 25th anniversaryof the unit which was a focal point at Changi then Tengah,and is now the gate through which passengers pass onarrival at Whenuapai.

From page 16 SQUADRON SYMBOLS REMAIN Royal Court Hotel, CoventryRAFCA AGM venue

Book soon - see notice below


The BillingshurstReunion

Pictured on the left is the Black-smith Arms at Adversane, nearBillingshurst, West Sussex, whichis the venue for this month’s SouthEast Area local reunion. It is an historic inn on the A.29 route toPulborough and Bognor Regis. It is in apicturesque setting and has been beauti-fully maintained, making it an ideal venue. If you have not already booked contactorganiser John Jones (M.238) by telephone01403 783392. The event is on Saturday10th April.


KEN BAYFIELD (M.109)A Tribute from Ivor Hayward (M44)

My wife Phyl and I were very sad to learn of the death of our old friend Ken Bayfield in his home town of Sheringham,Norfolk, in December 2009. Ken and I were in Block 81 Ground in 1952, where he was affectionately known as The Gentle Giant.Although he stood over six feet and was well built, he was never without a broad grin on his face and a friendly word.

One evening we were enjoying a meal in The Malcolm Club when a drunken airman went berserk with a knife. As he passedour table he threatened us, but Ken slowly put down his “irons”, stood up, and in his slow Norfolk drawl said: “Well don’t think thassa good idea boy,” and so saying he took hold of the back of drunk’s collar and waltzed him out of the door. Then he sat down, to thecheers and applause of the other customers.

By an amazing coincidence we discovered that my wife also came from Sheringham, knew Ken several years before he joinedthe RAF, when they were members of the same Youth Club. Ken was always well liked and respected, not only by the landlords of afew pubs and the Bookies, but also by many other residents in Sheringham. Sleep well, Ken.

OBITBUARIESIt is deep regret and sadness that we have to report the deaths of the following members.

A Condolence Card has been sent to their relations on behalf of the Association.MemNo.

FirstName Surname Service No Trade Sqdn/Section/School Arrived Departed

01.06.4501.11.4701.01.5401.10.4501.04.5101.05.5001.10.5701.02.5101.09.5701.06.62

01.04.5001.11.5901.11.5201.12.6401.10.5101.09.48

5005 Squadron. (M.T. Section)AHQ MalayaHQFEAF215/48 Sqn.(Radio Serv. Sectn.)HQFEAF - (P3)SHQFire SectionComcen ChangiM.T. SectionCCS (Systems control)

70th205 SqadronAir Traffic ControlSafety EquipmentHQFEAF - BAOStation Stores

F.M.T.Clerk secretary

W.O.M.Clerk personnelSigs. (Air) & Clerk GDFiremanTelephone Op.Motor MechanicElectronics fitter

Instrument technicianEngine MechanicOperations ClerkSafety EquipmentClerk - AccountsEquipment Assistant

16422801151758

57633931309211868869N40886832747316241893881928717

403921419294042566270213135325150033045256

HaroldHarold

WilliamKennethRalphDavidIanJohnAnne

BernardIanBrianIvyRayPeter

WELCOME . . .WELCOME . . .WELCOME . . .WELCOME . . .WELCOME . . ....to all our new Members who have joined our A ssociation since Newsletter No. 41

MemNo.

First Name Surname MaidenName

ServiceNo.

Trade Sqdn/Section/School

ArrivalDate

DepartDate

20982099210021012102

2103210421052106

2107210821092110

MaureenTonyJimGeorgeThomas

DerekKennethRay (Albert)DavidDavidJohnDerekNorahAlan

SansomeWoodingGodsellPymanBlackwell

NorthHartnellWardWilsonWilsonStevensHollandHollandBullas

Brockie

Avis

J1950062502795023288423113061

3119128B41290783138864J1928635

423783041267482826655050569

A.A.T.C.TelegraphistWireless OpEngine FitterCook

Clerk GDM.T.D.(Op.)Clerk Org.M.T.D.(Op.)M.T.D. (Op.)TelephonistTelephonistTelephonistTeleprinterOp.

A.T.CComcen SingaporeChangi Comms.48 SqadronNo.7 Adv. Schoolof CookeryHQFEAFMT SectionS.H.Q.Changi HospitalMTChangi HospitalMTSignals PBXSignals PBXSigals PBXCCS

01.10.6601.02.6601.06.5601.07.4701.04.51

01.06.4901.06.6001.06.5201.10.5601.06.6701.04.5901.11.5401.01.5601.11.59

30.09.6831.08.6830.06.5831.08.5830.06.51

31.08.5030.06.6230.06.5430.11.5631.07.6930.11.6130.03.5731.10.5730.06.61

15 42

74 109 505 527 638 9281228

1275170320303156762032

RickettsFarrow

JacksonBayfieldJefferyHutchinsonHarmerChanceAmos (widow)NunnMcCloudTaylorBaileyDeckerSaunders

30.06.4630.04.5031.08.5631.08.4731.12.5231.11.5231.12.6130.03.5231.10.5930.06.65

31.10.5230.06.6231.05.5430.06.6731.04.5330.03.48


artist and rafca member mike barnard (m718) painted this ... · artist and rafca member mike...

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