Seen on a recent visit to Duxford

Spring 2015

news

Chairman’s Notes

I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and now suddenly Easter

has been and gone!

Fortunately we had a mild winter and hopefully can look forward to a

mild spring. The gardens needs a lot of attention now (mine

especially!) as the only things thriving well at present is the weeds.

This year is going to be a very busy year with quite a few events to

look forward to - the main event being the ROC banner being

installed at St Clement Danes in October.

I know that some people were not happy about it being taken there,

but it makes sense as it will be housed in the RAF church and also

RAF Cranwell have very limited space for any additional banners to

be displayed. There was also some worry as to what would happen to

our old banner which is already in St Clement Danes. Happily we can

report that it will stay there with the latest banner being placed

alongside. This really is an honour to have two banners at the one

location and it will be a very proud moment to see this happen. We do

need as many of you there as possible for this historic occasion.

OBITUARIES

We regret to report the recent deaths of the following colleagues and

friends and send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the

families of all concerned.

Frank Honeywood passed away on the 22nd October 2014. Frank

served on November One Post, Bungay, Suffolk and followed in the

footsteps of other members of the Honeywood family with service in

the ROC.

His father Chris was Chief Observer during the war years on the N.1

site on the back of the hills in Bungay. He carried on throughout the

50’s and 60’s. Frank’s sisters Megan and Sophie also served on N.1.

during the 50’s and 60’s. Frank came later serving at Bungay and

Flixton airfield site until it shut down. Brother Robert, not old

enough to serve at the time, was the sites’ mascot.

Frank was a keen observer, involved in many large scale exercises

and also the town history recorder. He played football in his early

hears for Earsham and Broome where he also worked at Broome

Fruit Farm for 15 years and met his wife June. After a full life he

was interned in Ditchingham cemetery on 12th November 2014.

My thanks to John Archer Former Leading Observer on N.1 Bungay

for this report.

Observer Phil Bloomfield – We have recently heard of the death in

December of Phil who served on a Post in North Norfolk after serving

for many years in Coventry Group.

At stand-down he was a founder member of the 6 Group ROC

Association.

Regrefully we were not advised of Ph9l’s passing, nor of his funeral

arrangements, but a card of sympathy was sent to Phil’s widow by

the President, on behalf of all members.

Observer Lieutenant Commander Jim Watts

Obs.Lt.Cdr.Jim Watts, 6 Group Deputy Group Commandant, died in

hospital on 23rd January following a short illness, aged 81 years.

Jim came to 6 Group as DGC, on promotion in the mid 70s.He

quickly settled down to his new appointment and gave valuable

service to 6 Group until the Corps was stood-down in 1990.

Jim’s overriding aim was the wellbeing of the spare time members in

6 Group and the manner by which he carried out his duties endeared

him to all members of 6 Group.

In his early ROC service Jim served as a spare time member of a

ROC post in the Midlands and during this time was awarded the

ROC Medal.

The funeral was held on 2nd February at St. Andrew and St. Peter

Church, Blofield. Among the large congregation gathered to pay their

last respects to Jim were a number of former members of 6 Group

and the 5 Group ROCA, including Margaret Baynton, Margaret

Montgomery,

Roy and Christine Garrard, David Hastings, Roger Hopkinson, Eric

and Ann Jarrold, Les and Sheila Mitchell, Linda French, Glenys

Mitchell (6 Group HQ staff), Keith Stilwell (ex. 5 Group Training

Officer) and Harry Teague

Chief Woman Observer Linda Marsh died peacefully at home on

January 29th aged 70.

Linda joined the Corps in 1970, serving on 6 Group Crew 1 part of

that time as Supervisor. At

stand-down Linda transferred to the NRC team at Neatishead for 5

years, until the NRC teams were also stood-down.

Linda's service extended to 25 years, during which time she was

awarded the ROC Medal and the Long Service Clasp. The high

standard of her service was recognised by the award of a Certificate

of Merit by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk.

She was a founder member of 6 Group ROCA and gave good service

to the Group Committee for over 20 years.

Linda's funeral was held at Colney Wood where the meeting room

was filled with those wishing to pay their last respects. Representing

6 Group ROCA were-

Margaret Baynton, April Gaffney, Roger Hopkinson, Adrian Howell,

Eric and Ann Jarrold, Barbara Jermy, Les and Sheila Mitchell, Peter

and Margaret Montgomery, Rodney Scott, Harry Teague, Gordon

Turner and Bruce Williams.

Joan Mills died 2nd February 2015 aged 98. Joan’s' family only

discovered that she was connected to 6 Group ROC when sorting

through some of her papers.Her name was actually Olive but she was

always known as Joan and she was probably secretary to the DGC

from the late 50s. If anyone has any memories of Joan please let me

know, as the family know so little about her life.

Denis Stanley Kirkham died 3rd March aged 86 lived in Wroxham

and served in the Fakenham or Wroxham area. He was a member of

the Fakenham/MxcAully Flying Group, the North Norfolk/Felthorpe

Flying Group and Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum. He was not

a recent member of the Association.

Ivan Alfred Carpenter died 10th March aged 86 lived in Brooke and

served on Loddon Post and on Crew 3 for a while. He was not a

recent member of the Association.

SICK PARADE

Stanley Edge - Our thoughts are with Stanley and we wish him a

speedy recovery after breaking his hip

Andy Harvey – We are delighted to know you are home again and

send our very best wishes to you and Gill.

Social events

Occasionally the Spirit of Coltishall Association (SoCA)

arrange coach trips to various places of interest.

If you would like to be informed of these and other social occasions

please let Sheila know. Phone number 01682 535284 or

lesroca6@gmail.com

If you have any ideas for us to get together please let me or Margaret

know.

THE ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS BANNER

TO BE LAID UP IN ST CLEMENT DANES ON FRIDAY 23RD

OCTOBER 2015

THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OBSERVER CORPS

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN AND

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF STANDDOWN

WILL BE COMMEMORATED DURING THE SERVICE

IMPORTANT DECISION ON THE ROYAL OBSERVER

CORPS BANNER

Message from National Chairman ~ John has written to all

Group Chairman to tell members that at our National

Committee meeting held on 28th February the laying up of the

ROC Banner was discussed at length. Wing Commander Paul

Crook from the RAF Ceremonial Office attended to give us a

short presentation and to answer questions which had been

raised by members of the Association. After a full discussion it

was unanimously agreed to proceed with the laying up. An

important factor for taking the decision is that we were

informed that the Banner cannot remain in the Rotunda in

perpetuity. We all agreed that 2015 is the most suitable year to

lay up the Banner while many of us were fit and able to attend

the ceremony. Wing Commander Crook told us the first

Banner currently on display at St Clement Danes will remain

on display along with our second Banner. The Chairman

appreciates that some members will be disappointed at this

decision but the National Committee and our President, Air

Marshal Spink, feel that this is both the correct decision and

the correct time to lay up the Banner. It will take its place along

with all the others in the RAF Church in London it will help

cement the close relationship between the RAF and the ROC for

many generations to come. We hope that as many members and

ex Corps people will want to attend this prestigious occasion

and we ask all Groups to come together to ensure that the

laying up of our Banner is conducted in such a proper and

dignified manner as befits our proud history.

Planning the Service & Commemorations ~ Hilary Daniel,

Joyce Shrubbs Mick Marks, Diana Mothersole and myself will

on behalf of the National Committee plan and steer the

arrangements with the logistical support of the RAF

Ceremonial Office to ensure that as many people as want may

attend and that it is conducted in a dignified and appropriate

manner. The sub group are to meet on Monday 16th March

following which I will let Groups have more details on the time

of the service and plans for the day.

Visit the Rotunda to view the Banner ~ the next visit is on

Tuesday 30th June at 10am all Groups and individuals please

contact National Secretary, Jenny Morris, to book a place .Visits

last approx. 1½ hours will include the Rotunda and library at

RAF College Cranwell. Dress smart /smart casual ,a maximum

of 30 places .The visit is open to ROC/ROCA members and their

guests. The Curator cannot offer later times during the day for

the tour please do not ask.

Please note the Curator forewarns that due to a College commitment that comes in after the booking a visit may have to

be cancelled and rearranged.

National Arboretum – Saturday 16th May 2015 ~ We will

commemorate 90 years since the formation of the then Observer

Corps in 1925 and all who have served in the Corps throughout its 70

year history to 1995. The annual informal ROCA day at our National

Grove members usually arrive from around midday. At 1300 gather

in the Grove were a short commemorative event will take place. It is

planned that each Group’s representative will plant a small

Remembrance Cross at the foot of each tree with one planted on

behalf of all at the ROC Memorial. The National Standard will be

present and ROCA Chaplain Hilary Daniel and the Reverend David

Simpson will conduct a brief commemoration of reflection and

Remembrance. Berets and medals are to be worn.

National Reunion –2nd to 4th October 2015

The 26th Reunion at The Prince of Wales Hotel, Lord Street,

Southport PR8 1JS details, booking form and directions are with

your Group Secretaries and available at www.rocatwentytwelve.org

The Cost

The cost of the weekend package:

The 2 night package £140 per person for 2 nights in a double or twin

(total £280 for 2 people) £160 per person for 2 nights in single

occupancy (total £160 for 1 person)

The three nights package DBB (Thurs or Sunday) will be for a total

cost of £190 per person double/twin (total £380 for 2 people), £205 for

single. The hotel has 154 en-suite rooms with no restriction on the

number of single rooms. Please send your bookings with £30 per

person deposit to your Group Secretary/ Organiser.

Weekend Programme

Details on the weekend programme will follow the July National

Committee meeting. On Friday a room will be available for our use

to meet, chat purchase light refreshments. It is planned to provide a

meeting room for those who prefer to stay in the hotel Saturday

afternoon to meet, greet and recall ROC times. Note booking closing

date 31 August 2015.

Annual Delegates Meeting on Saturday morning 3rd October have

your say on how your Association functions and evolves. If you cannot

attend speak to your Group Committee/ Area Reps on any aspect of

ROC Association business/policy you seek clarification upon and would

like discussed at the ADM. The National Committee will ensure

sufficient time is made available in the agenda for Delegates and

members to raise and discuss Association related issues. To facilitate

circulation to all Groups for discussion please submit to me

Resolutions for the ADM by 12th June 2015, earlier if possible.

Commemorations 2015 ~ the diary of events listed below show 2015

is a very busy year, the Association continues to contribute to the

many local and national prestigious events. These offer great

opportunities to seek out past ROC members to tell them how to keep

in touch as members of the Association and the support available

through the ROCBF for those in need. We will also remember the

70th anniversary commemorations for the end of hostilities and the

Corps Stand down in 1945 and continued support for National events

to mark WW1.

Heritage ~ Keep up to date with current events, get involved or pass

on any snippets of heritage news contact team members or use

the contact button via the heritage website: www.roc-heritage.co.uk

The National Heritage Display will again support a number of

National events.

Dates for your 2015 diary further dates will be published as events

are finalised. Full up to the minute are available at

www.rocatwentrytwelve.org - For specific heritage related items see

www.roc-heritage.co.uk

9th May - Saturday. Guernsey liberation 70th commemorations - All

welcome

10TH May - Sunday. VE Day Service and Parade London - Details to

be announced

16th May - Saturday. ROC Grove at the National Arboretum Alrewas

meet from 12 noon ~ Commemorating the 90th Anniversary and all

who served..

30th May - Saturday. Stoke Golding Post Open Day for details contact

Diana Johnson 8 Grp

14th June - Sunday. Broadway Tower Museum and ROC Post –

Cotwold ROCA Open Day and National Heritage Display – All

Welcome.

19th June - Friday. RAFA unveil the memorial stone to Murray

Whitcher at the National Arboretum at Alrewas - Details from Jenny

Morris

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June. Weston-super-Mare Air Day -

ROCA Heritage Display – All Welcome Details from Jenny Morris

27th JUNE - Saturday Armed Forces National Parade and ROCA

Heritage Display at Guildford

27th June - Saturday. Plymouth Armed Forces Day on the Hoe.

30th June- Tuesday. ROCA tour of RAF College Cranwell - View The

Banner in the Rotunda

12th July - Sunday. The Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary at RAF

North Weald Parade and ROCA National Heritage Display - Details

from Edwina Holden

12th July - Sunday. The Battle of Britain Parade at Capel-le-Ferne

Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July - Royal International Air Tattoo at

Fairford - ROCA Heritage Display in the Veterans Area.

20th September - Sunday - the Battle of Britain Service in

Westminster Abbey

ROCBF ~ One way the Trustees are reaching out to those in need is

through their Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/RoyalObserverCorpsBenevolentFun.

Area Reps Committee Meeting ~ the next scheduled issue of snippets

will follow the Area Reps meeting to be held 11th July 2015. Regular

updates prior to that meeting will be sent to Groups and published on

the web site. All Group Secretaries and Editors are requested to

regularly browse the ROCA web site for the latest news and

information to pass on to all members.

WARTIME SCHOOLDAYS

During the last two weeks of August 1939 I was a schoolboy on

holiday at Lowestoft with my parents and brother. I was 12 years old.

While we played on the beach we could hear out to sea navy ships

firing their guns for practice. We were staying in a boarding house

overlooking the Lorne Park School.

The children with their mothers were arriving daily by boat and

train. They were being evacuated from London. They stayed at the

school until accommodation was found for them in the Lowestoft

area.

We came home to Norwich on Saturday 2nd September and the

next day we sat around our wireless at 11am and listened to Prime

Minister Neville Chamberlain speaking to the people and saying that

Britain and France were at war with Germany. Our allies Poland

had been occupied. Air raid sirens sounded but fortunately it was a

false alarm

All schools were closed until further notice until air raid

shelters had been built to take pupils and teachers. They were also

used at night for anyone who cared to use them and who did not have

a Anderson shelter in their own gardens. When the shelters started

to be ready, certain classes had to go to school to get home work. I

had to go each Monday returning the previous weeks work and

collecting a further lot. This carried on until after Christmas when

the school reopened for everyone in early January 1940.

At home my brother and I slept in beds on the floor in a

cupboard under the stairs – this we did for about a year then

returned upstairs again. Everywhere we went we had to take our gas

masks with us in case the Germans mobbed us with poison gas.

During the early part of 1940 we heard that Holland, Belgium,

Denmark and Norway had been invaded by the Germans and were

soon occupied by them with refugees everywhere. When this had

happened the Germans started to occupy France, the British were

pushed back to Dunkirk in Belgium and over 350,000 troops and

airmen were evacuated by sea and returned by hundreds of navy

ships etc. The Germans occupied France quickly and when Paris gave

in and was occupied they were quick to surrender. Spain and

Switzerland were neutral and Italy declared war on us and other

countries in Europe were all under German rule. Britain was the

only country not invaded. We were saved by the English Channel.

Everyone listened to all the radio news bulletins.

When the Germans started bombing England during June, July

and August 1940 culminating in the Battle of Britain in September,

the sirens would sound almost daily around 9 to 10am. We would go

down to the shelters with our teachers and have lessons

underground. We came out when the all clear sounded. If it had not

sounded by the end of school we were allowed to leave shelter by

shelter at around 5 minute intervals to go home. From the October

the raids eased off.

After a while a “crash warning” was introduced which was long

blasts on hooters – a different sound. When in class you carried on

working after the sirens sounded until the crash warning sounded

and then you hurried to the shelters. This warning was given when

German aircraft were about 10 miles from Norwich. You then

returned to your class after the all clear sounded.

At night when the sirens sounded we used to get dressed

quickly and go up to the air raid shelters in George White school

playground which was about a five minute walk away. If a raid

started quickly we had to stay together at home hoping nothing

would occur.

After a while they erected strong above ground shelters which

were built almost everywhere - in the city all the parks had

underground shelters and large shops used their basements for staff

and customers and people in the streets.

At the end of October instead of the clocks going back they

remained the same and the following March they were advanced an

hour. This was known as double summer time. This practice ceased

in 1945.

Some of our younger male teachers (we only had two senior

ladies) were called up for the forces. These were replaced by young

lady teachers which were appreciated by all, as we were an all-boys

school!

Every Friday morning we had a special assembly singing

hymns and saying prayers, when the headmaster would read out the

names of the old boys who had been killed or wounded during the

fighting or air raids that he had been notified of during the week. A

sombre occasion. Also old boys visited the school and gave us talks at

the morning assembly on what they were doing in HM armed forces.

On the night of the 27th April, a Monday in 1942, the city of

Norwich was blitzed. Lots of damage was done with many people

killed or injured. A boy, Alan Waters, was killed with all his family

on Helena Road when a row of houses were demolished. Until I left

school in July 1943 I believe he was the only pupil from our school to

be killed, apart from a boy in our class who was injured when his

house on Oxnead Road was hit.

On Wednesday night the 29th April Norwich was fire bombed

and the city centre was virtually destroyed.. I was a pupil at the CNS

school on Eaton Road and used to cycle to school through the city

centre but on this morning I had to wheel or carry my cycle over the

rubble etc. in Orford Place and St. Stephens. It was all smoking ruins

– something I shall never forget.

When I got to school we were all sent home again as it was occupied

by resting police and firemen, some of whom had travelled all the

way from Southend and Chelmsford to fight the fires. It was said at

the time the orange red glow of the fires could be seen as far away as

Ipswich. We went back to school on the following Monday but several

schools were badly damaged and the St. Augustine’s school was

destroyed completely – just a pile of rubble. It later became the site of

a swimming pool but is now shops and apartments.

On 27th June 1942 our house was hit by an incendiary bomb

which was put out by local fire watchers. Our back bedroom was

burnt out and my brother and I lost all our toys, books and games

which were kept in there. It took some two months to be repaired. I

was on duty at the wardens post on our road and also a member of

the Civil Defence Messenger Service, and so after the ‘all clear’ I had

to find my family and tell them.

At the bottom of the school playing field was an unused grass area

which was kept short by a flock of sheep. Part of it was dug up for

food to help with our school dinners and a barrage balloon was also

sited there. They were all over the city and whenever German

bombers were about the balloons were released on a metal cable into

the sky some 2/3000ft about ten minutes before the warning sirens

sounded.

I left school at 16 years of age in July 1943. The war was continuing

and the school roll of honour continued to grow. All the schools used

to compete saving money for ‘War Weapons’ week. A fighter cost

£5,000 and a bomber £25,000 which was a lot of money then as many

people only earned £3 per week.

These are some of my memories as a schoolboy during the war.

Eric Jarrold

As more and more people have access to the internet listed below are

various websites and facebook pages that may be of interest.

Websites

www.rocatwentytwelve.org

www.rocbf.org.uk

www.roc-heritage.co.uk

www.rafa.org.uk

www.raf.mod.uk

www.aviationmuseum.net - Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum

www.radarmuseum.co.uk – RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

Facebook

Royal Observer Corps (All Groups/Posts)

Royal Observer Corps Association

Royal Air Forces Association Norwich branch

ROC Bunkers

15 Group ROCA

Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum

The question is ‘Should 6 Group ROC Association have its own

facebook page?’ Answers to Sheila - lesroca6@gmail.com

The Royal Observer Corps Banner is to be removed from Royal Air

Force College Cranwell where it has been temporarily lodged for the

past twenty years and arrangements made for it to be laid up in the

Royal Air Force Church, St Clement Danes, London on Friday 23rd

October 2015 at 12 noon.

I have received a letter from Joyce Shrubbs requesting Group

Secretaries to circulate this information to our members and also to

any known ex Corps members in our Group so as to give this as wide

a circulation as possible across the Country and afford them the

opportunity to attend this ceremony?

Admission to the church will be by named tickets only and we would

ask for the return to be in no later than 31st July 2015 to allow

sufficient time for these to be prepared. Late applications will be

accepted but they may not be successful in attending the following

gathering.

The sub-committee who is organising the service is looking to find a

venue to gather for a reception and light refreshments following the

service so numbers are required as soon as possible please to give us

an indication of the size of accommodation we need.

In addition to the Royal Observer Corps Banner and its two escorts

there will be an opportunity for the ROC Association National

Standard and Group Standards to be paraded to support the ROC

Banner ceremony.

Joyce stated that the preferred for our members will be lounge suit

with ROC beret, ROCA/ROC tie and medals.

Please let me know as soon as you can and preferably by the end of

May if you would like to attend this service and if you see any former

members of the Corps who are not in the Association please let them

know. They may then wish to swell our numbers in 6 group. I have a

form to fill up with names to forward to the committee.

[Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum] for those who can’t work it

out

During my RAF service I had the honour to serve as Commandant of

the Royal Observer Corps between 1964 and 1986.

The Diamond Jubilee of the Corps took place in 1985 when the major

event was the visit to the Corps by HM the Queen and the Duke of

Edinburgh at its Headquarters RAF Bentley Priory famous as the

Fighter Command HQ during the Battle of Britain. During this

period an initiative by the volunteer Group and Wing

Commandants led to the formation of the ROC Association to provide

comradeship for past and present members. The ROCA was formed

during my time as Commandant and I was proud to have signed the

commissioning document.

Following my move to Norfolk I joined the local RAFA, RBL and

Probus clubs and obtained the contact numbers for those running No

6 Group ROCA in Norwich. During my time as Commandant No 6

Group ROC was in the safe hands of Harry Teague and I was

delighted to learn he was still involved with the ROCA as Group

President. Through Harry Teague I made contact with the Chairman

and general factotum of the group, Margaret Baynton. Fortunately I

was able to meet both of these stalwarts at a Battle of Britain Service

held in Norwich and at this meeting I also learned that there was a

ROC day being held at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum

the following weekend.

I decided to join the throng at the NASAM which is located at Flixton

just outside the town of Bungay some 20 miles south of Norwich. The

museum occupies some water meadows along the Waveney River

Valley behind the Buck Inn [you can have a good pint of real ale

there - Andy]. Although the museums’ activities are well covered on

the NASAM website the location is not easy to find without an up to

date sat nav. It is poorly signposted owing to the expensive demands

by the local authority for signage, in fact I was only one brown tourist

sign and that was on the B1002 4 miles west of Bungay and

immediately opposite the museum site. Entry to the museum, is

FREE as it relies on public donations for its income.

On entry there is plenty of car parking spaces and these again are

FREE. You then have the opportunity to wander round at will to

examine at close quarters a bevy of aircraft ranging from relatively

modern fighters to WWII veterans. The range of aircraft cannot be

covered adequately in a short article but they are drawn from many

NATO countries and include aircraft from the former Warsaw Pact

nations. I feel sure you will be able to pick on a favourite to view in

detail – I was particularly pleased to see a type of the Anson I did my

basic training on and the Javelin, the Mk 9R for air to air refuelling)

the aircraft I flew most hours in during my RAF career. They even

have a Bloodhound Missile from my time Commanding No 25

Squadron in Germany.

The ROC Display is located in its own dedicated building and is well

worth a visit. It is strong on exhibiting ROC personnel and personal

memorabilia. A deal of had work has gone into preparing the exhibits

and of course there is detail of how Corps people went about their

duties. As lyou would expect I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the

ROC “hut” and can strongly recommend that you take time out to

visit the NASAM should you be visiting the area.

There are a number of former Norfolk and Suffolk RAF Station signs

mounted on the walls of the central hall which also houses a NAAFI

which serves tea, wads and cakes at very reasonable prices. There is

also an extensive display area where you can purchase British and

USAF badges and memorabilia together with a wide collection of

aviation books, pamphlets and paraphernalia from the RNAS, FAA,

USAF and RAF.

To crown the occasion those assembled were treated to a concert

given by a ‘Super Swing Big Beat Band’ playing mainly Glen Miller

type music with some more modern numbers. They were excellent

musicians supported by a glamorous lady singer and a lady of

indeterminate years who sang some Vera Lynn numbers. The only

thing missing was a dance floor!!

During my visit I met many former ROC members sporting

regimental ties and badges – long may this sort of activity continue. I

also met up with Huby Fairhead to whom congratulations are due for

working so diligently to mount the ROCA display and keeping it

relevant by supporting the work done by others – by so doing the

display remains meaningful.

Everyone at the museum deserves our combined thanks and best

wishes for the future success of the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation

Museum!

Air Commodore Jack Broughton OBE DL

It seemed to good a chance to miss when the ROCA National

Secretary, Jenny Morris announced that she was organising visits to

the RAF College to see our ROC Banner in situ before it is taken

down prior to its move to the RAF Church, St Clement Danes in

London to join its companion which was placed there in the early 90’s

soon after stand down.

As the tour started at 10.00 it meant an early start from Dilham, we

were going to pick Margaret Baynton up and wanted to avoid the

rush hour traffic in Kings Lynn.

We were lucky to be able to follow an escorted mini bus with another

group that were also on the tour. More of that later.

The College was founded in the early years of WW1 initially as HMS

Daedalus, part of the Royal Naval Air Service. It seemed somewhat

appropriate that our visit coincided with the first air raids in the UK

by Zeppelins at Yarmouth and Kings Lynn something our guides

Hazel Crozier and Flt Sgt Bob were unaware Moreton were not

aware of.

The College building itself is well worth seeing without the added

attraction of the Banner. Some members of 6 Group visited in the

early years of the last decade, from memory it was 2000. We all had

to make sure that we had enough fuel to get from various parts of the

Group to Cranwell. It was in the middle of the fuel blockades and

petrol was hard to obtain. There was also the added attraction of

dinner in the Sergeants Mess and a concert by the Band of the RAF

College in the evening.

We saw the Banner in all its glory in the Rotunda accompanied by

some squadron colours which wait for their squadrons to be

reformed, this was followed by walk through corridors adorned by

photographs of past officer cadets, unfortunately there wasn’t time to

look for people we knew. The dining room is also a magnificent room

with portraits of past Chief of the Air Staff and the current RAF

College Colour. Many famous people have attended the college

including The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Frank

Whittle and Douglas Bader. The library itself is a wonder in itself, so

many books just there for browsing. The library also has some items

from John Hume Ross better known as T E Lawrence or Lawrence of

Arabia.

As previously mentioned we had joined another group and were then

given the opportunity to visit the newly opened, RAFC History and

Ethos Museum which recalls the history of the station during the last

century.

There is another chance to visit the College in June before our

Banner is taken down and moved to London. The tours d last about

an hour and half. Reservations for a place must be made via Jenny

Morris, The details for each visit are as follows-: Tours start at 10am,

you must report to the Guardroom by 0945 with ID, and dress is

smart/smart casual. Tours are of course always subject to College

functions. They may have to be cancelled at short notice and

rearranged if something pertaining to the college comes up.

Jenny’s details are

tel: 01179 424756 e-mail: rocanat.jenny@blueyonder.co.uk.

For those of you that didn’t know I have been in hospital for the last

5 months. It was caused by a side effect of the drugs I’m on for

Vasculitis. To cut a long story short 3 vertebrae at T10 in the spine

collapsed and crushed my spinal chord which means that I am now

using a wheelchair as my legs. Please don’t get me wrong if I seem to

lose my rag when someone says ‘sorry to see you in a wheelchair’. I

may just say something like ‘I’m alive and I’m still the same person

inside and out’.

Andy

From your NEW Editor It would be very much appreciated if copy for future issues of our

newsletter could be emailed to me and any pictures sent as jpeg’s

please. Any comments or ideas as to how to improve our newsletter

would be appreciated.

Thanks

Andy

The ROC Benevolent Fund steps up its efforts to help those in need

The main focus of the Benevolent Fund is to help those former

members of the ROC in need, hardship or distress. In order to do

that it has to make sure that the many thousands of former

members, who are not members of ROCA, are aware of its existence.

The efforts of the Trustees have been paying off, shown by the

increasing case -load in recent years.

But it needs more help.

The Benevolent Fund Liaison Officers (BFLO) are important people

to the Fund. They are now sent their own Ben Fund Bulletin by the

Trustees highlighting initiatives in various Groups that have been

raising the profile of the ROC, and by association, the ROCBF. The

Trustees call the BFLOs: ‘The Eyes & Ears of the ROCBF’! A result

of the better communication is helping to create better results for the

Fund – fact. Group Chairmen and Newsletter Editors can help as

well by ensuring that ROCBF activities get a good airing. There

have been some interesting and inspiring things happening – as

your BFLO will tell you. Get them to tell you all about it.

ROCA 6 Group News

Edited, Designed and Printed By

Andy Harvey ~ ‘Tabaiba’~ Church Road~ Earsham

Bungay ~ Suffolk ~ NR35 2TJ

01986 895040 or email andyharvey154@btinternet.com