No 206 Squadron Association

Newsletter - December 2007

President:   Air Commodore Bob Joseph CBE BSc RAF (Retd)

Chairman: Air Vice Marshal Stu Butler RAF

Secretary:  Wing Commander Derek Straw MRAeS MRIN RAF (Retd)

Life Vice Presidents: Mrs Alix Donald & AVM David Emmerson CBE AFC RAF (Retd)

(e) derek.straw@which.net

Old Dominion House

Kent End

Ashton Keynes

Wiltshire SN6 6PU

(t)  01285-869437 

Dear Members,

I hope that you all enjoyed a Very Happy Christmas. May I wish everybody a Healthy & Peaceful 2008.  I apologise that this newsletter has not reached you until January but delays were unavoidable I am afraid.  Looking back, 2007 was a busy year for Association activities. Many thanks to all of you who attended or otherwise supported the various get togethers and visits. Without that support we would not have such a strong Association. You will find short updates from all of those events later in the letter. You will see also in the Newsletter the dates for the next reunions and functions that are planned; please make a note in your brand new diaries and continue the support. (Hopefully, you all either spotted my deliberate mistake last newsletter or received my erratum letter with the correct dates of the 2008 Reunion weekend, which, of course are: 25-27 April 2008!)

I must also apologise for other mistakes in the last Newsletter - clearly I had some several senior moments during its composition!! The prime apology is to the memory of Fred Weaver, to whom I erroneously attributed a broken radar scanner; I gather it was Fred's rear crew but the flight deck perpetrators were visitors to that crew. The clue to the real culprits lies in the doggerel poem. Also, my thanks to those readers who were alert to wrong labels against some aircraft photos.

One of the disappointments in this late Newsletter is that my book reviews will not have been received in time for Santa's little helpers to be primed for the Christmas stockings. But perhaps there will be time now to use any book token presents. The stream of queries and questions about Squadron personnel and history continue unabated. A few more are published for your consideration - your help and memories are invaluable. The AGM will take place next April during the Reunion weekend as usual; any agenda items would be welcome.

 Derek Straw 

2007 Activities

Since the AGM & Reunion in May the Association been active, in both small affairs and larger gatherings; well done to those who joined in or were able to represent the Association.

RAF Davidstow Moor Memorial Museum. A memorial was unveiled on 11 August 2007 near the site of the former RAF Davidstow Moor airfield. Unfortunately, short notice precluded us finding a representative to lay the 206 Squadron Association wreath, along with a representative from 404 Squadron RCAF/CF. We are grateful to a local ATC cadet who laid the wreath on our behalf, and to the local RAFA who organised the unveiling ceremony. The Museum is a small affair close to Camelford on the A39 towards Bude. But clearly, interest in Davidstow Moor remains alive and strong.  Among several websites with some useful information there is: www.wartimememories.co.uk/airfields/davidstowmoor.html  and www.britishaircraft.co.uk/museumpage 

 

RAF Docking Memorial.  Continuing with the theme of memorial unveiling and hot on the heels of last year's RAF Bircham Newton memorial unveiling, is a memorial at the former satellite airfield of RAF Docking. The unveiling was conducted by MRAF Sir Michael Beetham on 8 September 2007 to the accompaniment of a pair of WWII Stearman biplanes from the Old Buckenham Aero Club. The Association was represented by Frank Goff. Well known to many members, Frank, flew two wartime tours on Hudsons from Bircham Newton/ Docking with first 206 then 279 ASR Squadrons.  Remember that the Heritage Room at Bircham Newton is available as a repository for any of your artefacts or memorabilia; it is also a memorable place to visit. Dates for open days in 2008 are to be published - but one off visits can be negotiated separately. More information is available from the website: www.rafbnmp.org.uk     

RAF Aldergrove Visit. The Commanding Officer, resident helicopter squadron and staff of RAF Aldergrove hosted a vist by our Association. Sadly numbers were less than hoped for but a very warm welcome was extended to Ted & Ona Nelson. Little was visible of the former wartime airfield that will be remembered by many. But perhaps the ghosts of past times are still in evidence? Considering how stretched our colleagues are in today's Air Force, it was a splendid effort on their part to look after Ted so well. Such opportunities do not arise often - and who knows how long Aldergrove will remain on inventory? Aldergrove Station Church is below...

 RAF Club Lunch.  It was decided at the May AGM to hold a get together over lunch at the RAF Club in the Autumn. This duly took place on 17 November and the occasion was enjoyed by a large turn out of members and their guests. All comments since have been positive and to the effect that this was a successful venue and style. It will be proposed at the next AGM to hold a similar get together in Autumn 2008.

***********  Future Activities  ***********

Please put a note in your diaries and reserve the following dates to support your Association's activities:

25-27 April 2008 --AGM and Weekend Reunion -- Details at end of this Newsletter.

22 November 2008 - Lunch at Royal Air Force Club - Details to be announced in Summer Newsletter, but expect similar to Nov 2007.

Parish Notices

St Eval Pinnacles Appeal.  The Church at St Eval has long been a prominent and well known land mark for generations of Coastal aircrew winging their way back to Cornwall - or as I more usually recall it - as a compass swinging datum from St Mawgan! Those pinnacles so useful for aligning the Watts datum compass are now in a poor state of repair and need imminent restoration. The Association has been asked to advertise and support the appeal for funds to help the necessary repairs. An Association donation will be addressed at the next AGM in April, but in the meantime anybody wishing to support the appeal can send donations to:

Mrs Vera Martyn, St Eval PCC Treasurer, Little Trevisker Farm, St Eval, Wadebridge PL27 7UE (Cheques should be payable to St Eval Parochial Church Council Tower & Fabric fund)

 

                                                     Place of Pilgrimage - Armed Forces Memorial

You will all have doubtless seen by now or heard of the new Armed Forces Memorial set in the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffs.  The appeal is in being still for this major memorial to all of our colleagues who have died in the service of country. At the next AGM in April ideas will be sought to see whether 206 Sqn Assoc should or could have it's own space and what form it might take? Any ideas over the next few months would be appreciated. For more information see: www.forcesmemorial.org.uk

Subscriptions

The New Year is upon us and with it the annual appeal for subscriptions! The secretary would be very grateful if those who pay annual subs could send their monies before the June newsletter!! It will save extra work sending out reminders. Remember that Life Subscriptions are a great value for money, and less work for the secretary. Many thanks.

AGM Agenda Items

In addition to those items mentioned in articles throughout the newsletter, any further agenda items should be sent to the secretary. Included will be re-election of Chairman and Sec/ Treasurer; any nominations should be sent to the committee.     

Enquiries

Many thanks to those who helped me out researching and answering diverse queries about the Squadron history this year. John Lowe, grandson of (ex 206 WWII Ken Bass) has created a website which continues to generate as many questions as it provides answers; those interested see: www.coastalcommand206.com  Help is needed on the following:

Nimrod XV259. David Price is anxious to obtain photos of XV259. The aircraft was at the Silver Jubilee Display at Finningley in Jul '06 apparently with a 206 Sqn crew; she went on to be converted to an AEW3 - with results we all know - scrapped early! The nose and flight deck are in David's ownership and are on display at Solway Aviation Museum, Carlisle airport. Any photos of this early MR1 would be most welcome to support the display at Carlisle.

Liberator B24 Photos. A Czech B24 buff, Pavel Turk, is also on the lookout for photos. He seeks any B24 photos, especially in 206 or CC colours. His interest is focused on RAF CC Liberators because Czech crews flew with 311 Squadron, currently the topic of a book he is writing. Pavel sent two photos of 206 crews; any recognition or any anecdotes about the individuals named?

 

(H Reid & A Shamas from Dundas' crew ……..    L MacKinnon, J Nadeau, & A Cleland)

Sgt Geoffrey Arthur Turner. Any and all Information is sought on Sgt Turner by his grand-daughter and family. Sgt Turner flew Hudsons with 206 Squadron but was lost on 18 May 1940 during (or in passage from?) a raid on Hamburg. 'Naught Escapes Us' records little about his or his crew's demise.

Fg Off. Bob Cowey.  Robert Stitt would be grateful to learn of the whereabouts or any knowledge of relatives of Bob Cowey who flew Fortresses with 206 Squadron.

LAC Redvers George Selby. Family seek news of 'Red' Selby who was an engine fitter who served with 8224 Servicing Echelon and was possibly attached to 206 during 1941 probably at St Eval and Aldergrove. Older than the average, he had previous WW 1 service with the RNVR.

Any 'answers', anecdotes, clues, responses or photos concerning the above queries can be channelled through the secretary.

Book Reviews

This season there has been a wide choice of books to review, with a common theme of squadron aviation, but widely differing in style and content. The first two are an autobiography and biography both written by Association members (we do seem blessed with the number of authors in our midst) Graham V Donald and Andrew Collins respectively. Copies of both books have been kindly sent to the Association and are in the care of the secretary.

Title: "Without Fear"                Author: G V Donald

Publisher: Athena Press in softback

ISBN: 1-84401-996-9

This autobiography is a meander throughy the author's childhood and schooling in New Zealand, a recitation of his RAF training at Yatesbury & Brize Norton among others, his operational training at Thorney Island and Silloth, and a vivid recollection of time on 206 Squadron at Bircham Newton before moving on to 200 Squadron in Africa where ultimately the story concludes.

The author's time in the RAF and RNZAF is memorably covered; the civilian experiences seem more humdrum by comparison. But there is no doubt this author's life has spanned much of the globe. A good read if only for the early memories of 206 Squadron and its Hudson times.

 

By the end of WWII nearly six thousand RAF & US aircrew had been saved by the Air-Sea Rescue Service from around the UK. Many had reason to thank No 279 Squadron for their safe return from those bitter seas. Another Bircham Newton squadron, 279 helped develop several survival aids such as Lindholme Gear, the Bircham Barrel and the Thornaby Bag. The latter two aids sadly are never fully explained in this otherwise excellent and most readable book.

Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation

ISBN: 978-1-84415-482-1

 

 

In 1942 a Catalina crew of 210 Sqn based at Sullom Voe was selected to carry out a series of highly secret operations, including a flight to the north pole! The flights were frequently in excess of 24 hours endurance and were associated with a Norwegian expedition from Britain to Spitzbergen. The crew navigator, Ernest Schofield, explains in riveting detail the new techniques in navigation and equipment that became necessary in those high latitudes.

Publisher: William Kimber

ISBN: 0-7183-0660-0

 

206 Squadron Association Sales

'Naught Escapes Us' - The History of 206 Squadron - £18 inc p&p

206 Squadron Ties - £14 inc p&p

206 Squadron Metal Lapel Badges - £2.50 inc p&p

All items are available from the Secretary - address as at header ……

Details of the Reunion weekend can be found overleaf. We will be staying at the Queen's Hotel in Southsea. The Hotel is near the sea front within short walking distances of many of the local historic or military attractions and museums. Portsmouth dockyard, with HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior need little introduction and are handily placed for a tour. There is also the D-Day museum and Spinnaker just a few minutes walk from the  Hotel. Within  a short drive are Tangmere's Military Aviation Museum and the Museum of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop. More than enough for the most avid aviation buff.

Coach Visit -Sat 26 April @ 1000

A coach visit to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport is planned. Please let me know if you wish to join this coach visit; costs will be approx £6 pp to cover entrance and coach charges - and will be collected on the day.

2008 REUNION & AGM

Where?

Queen's Hotel, Clarence Parade, Southsea, Hants PO53LJ

When?

25-27 April 2008

Contact Details?

Queen's Hotel - Tel  02392-822-466 

Members should make their own reservations and quote

"206Squadron Association Weekend" at the time of booking.

There is adequate parking. If you have any mobility problems please inform the Hotel when making your reservation.

Costs?

£78 pp/night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

For Single Room occupancy there will be a supplement of £10

Saturday Reunion Dinner Only Costs =  £30 pp (inc Drinks)

There will be a modest charge of £10 pp to cover Dinner & Meet'n Greet drinks (inc non-alcoholic)

Programme?

Meet & Greet - 1800 Friday 25 April - Queen's Hotel Bar

Coach visit to the Submarine Museum at Gosport - Sat 26 April @ 1000.

AGM - 1600 Saturday 26 April

Reunion Dinner - 1930 for 2000 at Queen's Hotel

Guests, Spouses and Partners are most welcome as are all ex 206 Squadron personnel. However, only members may vote at the AGM.

******************************************************

If attending all or part of the 2008 Reunion & AGM weekend please send the following to the Secretary - postal address as at header:

I ………………      and ……………  will attend the Reunion, Dinner & AGM & enclose £10 pp for Dinner/ Meet n Greet Drinks (Wine & non alcoholic) ……..£ ____

I ………………      and ……………  will not stay in the Queens Hotel and will attend the Dinner only & Enclose £30 pp    ……………………………………………. £ _____

I ………………      and ……………  will join the coach visit to the Submarine Museum at Gosport (Monies collected on day)

NB

1.     Please state name(s) clearly

2.     Cheques should be payable to 'No 206 Squadron Association'