September 2014The Last Five Years - 30 years on!
The Magazine of the Royal Air Force Police Association
The Griff
issue 3
30th Anniversary
30th Anniversary Parade at RAF Halton - see page 18Photographs courtesy of Mike Lester, Ian Appleton & Jim Spiers
C
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
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Hon. President Hon. Vice President
Air Cdre Andrew Jonathan Hall MBEMA RAF
Life Vice Presidents: Steve Cattell E Mail: [email protected] Rusling E Mail: [email protected] Wardell E Mail: [email protected] Walton E Mail: [email protected]
Elected Officers
Treasurer: Mike Thornton 20, Thomas Mead, Pewsham,Chippenham, Wilts., SN15 3YSTel: 01249 464787E mail: [email protected]
RAFPA Archivist: John Curtis Editor The Griff: Mitch O'Neill28 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, 11, Florentine Way, Waterlooville,Nottingham, NG4 3HJ Hampshire, PO7 8JYTel: 01159 612662 Tel: 02392 796703 E Mail: [email protected] E Mail: [email protected]
RAFPA E-groups Moderator: Steve Cattell RAFPA Web Master: Steve Cattell
Association Trustees:Steve Cattell: [email protected] Flinn: [email protected] P Shaw: [email protected] Lamb: [email protected]
who’s who in theRAF Police Association - 2014
Membership Secretary: Dave Wardell40, South Western CrescentPoole, Dorset BH14 8RRTel/Fax: 01202 747176 E Mail: [email protected]
Gp Capt Kevin Roy BaileyBA(Hons) RAF PM(RAF)/Cdr RAFP
Secretary: Alan Weeks26 Glen Road, Wadebridge,Cornwall, PL26 7PE.Tel: 01208 813873E mail: [email protected]
RAFPA Independent Accountants:Pearson May
RAFPA Web-site address:www.rafpa.com
Voluntary Posts
Co-opted Chairman: Brian Flinn9 Cleveland Gardens, Trowbridge,Wiltshire, BA14 7LX.Tel: 01225 287501E mail: [email protected]
Co-opted Vice Chairman: Tony Lake24 Trendlewood Park, Stapleton,Bristol, BS16 1TE.Tel: 01179 392755E mail: [email protected]
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The RAFP WF solely relies on income from donations, such as fundraising or sponsoredevents or from tip jars at RAFP Clubs. Any donations towards the RAFP WF are always appreciated; remember you could be benefitting from this fund in the future. If you are considering partaking in an event for a charity, why not donate a proportion of the moneyraised to your own fund?
If you would like to request funds from the RAFP WF please contact Sqn Ldr Dean Davieson Mil: 95237 6077 or Civ: 01296 656077. If you wish to make a donation please contactSgt Claire Nash on Mil: 95381 68954 or Civ: 01462 851515 ext 6894. To purchase one ofthe Afghanistan prints contact Cpl Stacey Stewart-Denyer on Mil: 95381 7094 or Civ: 01462851515 ext 7094.
The RAFP WF has previously purchased items for use at Camp BASTION, such as bicyclesand has also been used to purchase RAFP Rugby and Football strips, help fund personneltake part in other sports and expeditions, as well as subsidising the cost of Dining in Nightsfor JNCOs. The RAFP WF has also recently donated money to the Cpl Brent McCarthyMemorial Garden at RAF Brize Norton. Due to inclement weather the previous fountain wasdamaged and the RAFP WF purchased a replacement. If you have yet to purchase the previously advertised prints showing the RAFP in Afghanistan then now is the time to buy asthe remaining prints are now half price; £12.50 for a 70cm long print and £17.50 for a 100cmlong print. With the 100 year anniversary of the RAFP fast approaching the RAFP WF are currently working on ideas to commemorate the occasion. Early thoughts are to commission acommemorative coin for all serving members of the RAFP; however, if you have any brightideas or simply want to get involved in this project then please contact a member of theCommittee (see the RAFP WF TAB on the RAFP MOSS portal).
The RAF Police Welfare Fund (RAFP WF) exists to provide financial assistance to all currentand former members of the RAFP and the immediate families of such individuals. Loans,grants and donations can be obtained from the fund for things such as:
Improving RAFP welfare amenities
The purchase of articles/equipment for RAFP Clubs
Providing assistance in times of bereavement, illness, disability or financial hardship
The RAF Police Welfare Fund – What is that?
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Chuck Agar liked the photos submitted by Ray Foster of the Police Flight at RAF Habbaniya
c. 1954. I served there as a dog handler and don't remember that many 'bods' on the Flight. I
would like to add the following; Habbaniya opened for business in 1937 having made a 50 miles
'trek' from RAF Hinaidi. A mounted RAF Police Section consisting of 6 horses existed at that time
with Flight Commander Sqd Ldr Stan Morehen and his second in command Flt Lt Arthur Cotterill.
Tony Batchelor writes, once again,
Bomber Command, Bill Cameron,
got together with Transport
Command, David Warner, his wife
Beryl and granddaughter Carly,
and Tony Batchelor and his wife
Valerie, for a little reunion dinner at
the Rusty Cutter Beefeater in
Portsmouth on Tuesday 27th May
2014. A great time was had by all
as is always the case, these
mini reunions do help keep
ex colleagues in contact with one
another. Any one out there that
can remember any of us then do drop us a line, as you can see we are alive and well and would
love to hear from you.
I wonder if you/your members can help. I am
trying to contact Richard (Dick) Ingram. We
met while serving at 33 SU RAF Ayios
Nickolias (1980-1983) in Cyprus. He was in
the RAFP, I was TG11. After Cyprus he went to
RAF Cottesmore, and from there I lost touch.
Submitted by: Glenn Foulds
...But says he does not want to prolong the
discussion about LAC's (page 7, May Griff),
but there were LAC's at RAF Ballykelly,
(Station and Doghandlers) in 1968 and RAF
Laarbruch in 1969, something to do with a
quirk in the Trade Test!
A quirk?... Ed.
editorto theletters
Request from Neil Rusling... Taff Evans was cogitating...
On a fairly regular basis I receive enquires about non delivery of The Griff and Provost Parade. Of
course sometimes it is a genuine error, sometimes it might be the Royal Mail but more often than
not it is because our records show that members elected to receive their copies electronically,
saving the Association postage. To find out what our records show on individual members, please
contact Mike Thornton or Dave Wardell and lets get our records right up to date. Ed.
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editorto thelettersmore
‘Snowdrops’ Pay Their Respects
At Menin Gate Memorial
During a recent visit to the WW1 battlefields in France
and Belgium, four members of the Wiltshire Branch
attended the “Last Post” ceremony at the Menin Gate
Memorial and laid a wreath on behalf of the RAF
Police Association. The RAFPA wreath was laid in
memory of the 54,896 named British and
Commonwealth soldiers who had fallen in the area
around Ypres during WW1, but have no known
graves. Pictured left to right are Ivan Carey, Tony
Lake, Ken Ivie and Jack Sharp.
Submitted by: Ken Ivie
Michael Tucker writes he was interested to read and see the two photographs of ANZAC Day
submitted by Alex Oliver in the May issue of The Griff. As there was no year mentioned, I
assume it must have been last year, as there would not have been enough time to get them in for
this latest issue. Before I say more, I must say how extremely pleased I am with everything you
do as Editor of The Griff. I thoroughly enjoy reading it from cover to cover and the photographs
displayed are excellent.
As you may know, I have marched in the ANZAC Day Parade for decades in Melbourne. A few
months ago I purchased from Tony Lake a white beret and RAFPA badge which I wore with pride
on ANZAC Day, as I carried the Australian Flag. I have enclosed a shot taken of us with the
Australian Training Corps Cadets who kindly carry our Banner. My fellow flag bearer, Michael
Adams, is seen holding the Union Flag. For your information, the Union Flag is paraded on the
left of the RAFA Standard and the Australian Flag is paraded on the right.
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Some of you may recall my article in an earlier
edition of The Griff of my quest, at the
request of a WWII Wireless Operator Jack
Bosomworth, to trace his Pilot, who brought his
crew during WWII, through a full tour of OPS
unscathed. After various enquiries I managed to
find that he had died in a crop spraying accident
in South Africa in 1953. At the time of his death
his daughter was only 11 weeks old, who I also
made contact with in Australia and who obviously
had little knowledge of her father. I was able to
put the pair of them together and I was present at a reunion of the two when she visited UK in
2011. In February 2013 HMG announced, after much public pressure, to reward the efforts of
Bomber Command in the award. Submitted by: Gerry Sanderson
Quest for a medal
Bill and Ali White took their Goldwing to Gloucester Docks Armed Forces Day for the SSAFA
Stand on Saturday the 21st June 2014. It was a brilliant day. The bike was used to ‘crowd pull ‘for
the charity and was advertised as "The RAF have the Red Arrows but SSAFA Gloucestershire
have the Star Trek UK Enterprise, Helping all three Services and their families."Both Ali and I are
Caseworkers for SSAFA in Gloucestershire and are on the ground at the coal face helping our
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and their families directly. Its a rewarding job giving something
back and having regular contact with the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Army Benevolent Fund and
the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust who are all very generous and considerate.
(The Bike has its own page on Facebook NCC1701UK or at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/NCC-1701-UK/577014002352341?ref_type=bookmark
Armed Forces Day - Gloucester
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The Debden entry paying a visit to BlindVeterans UK at Saltdean as part of the RAFwithin the community project. See page 11.
RAFP students showing RAF involvement within the community.
Presentation of cheque for £350.00 from the National AGM to Blind Veterans.
This year the Tower will play a
unique role in commemo-
rative events across the
UK marking the outbreak
of the First World War
when they mount one of
the most stunning artistic
commemorations of the
centenary. On 5 August, The Tower’s moat will
be turned entirely red through the installation of
over 800,000 ceramic poppies, each one
beautifully handmade in the studio of artist Paul
Cummins. I have volunteered for this event,
representing the RAFPA.
I will shortly be embarking on a limited recruiting
campaign in Southern Africa as it is difficult to
believe that Nick Burton and I are the only 2
ex-RAFP living in the region. I have compiled a
limited circulation list of English speaking
newspapers in South Africa and the two former
Rhodesia's (Zam & Zim) and Brian Flinn has
had sight of the draft letter that I will be sending.
Nick will translate the letter into Afrikaans so
that “The Boerers” are not excluded. I will
also be contacting the 4 major ex-service
organisations in South Africa (RAFA, SAAFA,
SA Legion & The MOTHS). The exercise will be
done totally electronically at nil expense to the
Association.
Submitted by: Brian Burgess
Submitted by: Neil Rusling
Overseas Recruitment
The Hants. Dorset & IOW Branch hope that
you will support their efforts in organising the
2015 AGM by entering into the spirit
and purchase a book of raffle tickets to help
offset the not inconsiderable cost of arranging
and organising the event. If those costs are
met and there is a surplus they will make a
donation to the RAFP Welfare Fund. Ed.
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In bright sunshine on Monday
23rd June 2014, over 100
members of the RAFP and
RAFPA and their guests met at
the NMA, Alrewas,
Staffordshire, to celebrate the
7th Anniversary of the
Dedication of the RAFP/RAFPA
Memorial. Marching in this
parade for today’s event were
18 serving RAFP personnel and
19 RAFPA members with the
National Standard and six
Association Branch Standards.
The column formed up in line to
march past the dais where Group Captain Kevin Bailey, Provost Marshal (RAF)/Cdr RAFP took the
salute. As the RAFPA contingent approached the dais, they were instructed by Bill Veazey,
Parade Marshal, to “Mind the crack”. These strange words of command were issued to warn the
marchers that the road surface was deteriorating and
breaking up. The Rev’d Jez Safford, RAFPA member, officiated at
the Memorial Service, followed by a second smaller
Service, at the ADU (NI) Memorial. This was his first
Anniversary Parade on behalf of the RAFPA but
hopefully it will not be the last occasion. The tuneful
Bill Veazey led the gathered congregation in the
hymn singing!! Wreaths were laid at the
RAFP/RAFPA Memorial
by the PM (RAF) and
the RAFPA National Chairman and at the ADU (NI) Memorial by
Garry Hinchliffe on behalf of the North West Branch. In addition to
the marching contingent of the RAFP, we were joined at the Service
by 2 Wg Cdr’s, 1 Sqn Ldr, 2 Fg Off’s, 4 WO’s and a number of
SNCO’s, an excellent and very welcome turn out which added to
this special occasion. Following the parade, many of those attending
gathered at the RBL Club, Alrewas for a buffet lunch. Prior to lunch,
the Provost Marshal gave a short speech, after which the National
Chairman presented a RAFPA wall shield to Mr Ian Green, RBL Club
VC, Bob Green. Bill Veazey also made a presentation to him of a
pennant on behalf of the London Home Counties Branch. It was
good to see so many of the serving personnel attending the informal
gathering and joining in the conversations with the much older
RAFPA members present. Submitted by: John Curtis
7th Anniversary Parade at the NMA
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My grandson AJ, had recently expressed an interest in joining the
RAF Police as a career option. So on an chilly, uninviting morning in
May 2014, I took him to observe the Netheravon Flight, pass out
Parade at the Defense Police College, Southwick Park.
To allow the guests an idea of what some of the training involves, a
couple of demonstrations were given. Examples of arrests, with and
without restraints and some of the fitness training schedules. It
looked arduous!
A motivational address was delivered by Gp Capt Kevin Bailey, PM, in the Garrison Church,
followed by the RAF Police prayer. Although it was chilly and 'gusty' the march past led by Flt Lt
Gavin Brokie was immaculate. The PM issued every recruit with their warrant cards and the
individual awards were made. The Physical Education Certificate went to Cpl Higginbottom,
the RAFPA General Police Duties to Cpl Evans and the Top Student accolade to Cpl Bone. It is
germane to mention that all the recruits have signed up to the RAFPA, a practice that will now
continue.
With all the official business completed everybody repaired to the Goodwood Rooms, to allow
bodies to regain some warmth, an opportunity for families to reunite with their loved ones, par-
take of liquid refreshment and restore their inner selves with a 'curry'. At this point I had to leave
with my grandson to ensure I had him back to school for the afternoon session. I asked him what
he thought now about his career options.' It looks a bit hard to me', he said.
Netheravon Flight Pass out Parade
Submitted by: Ed.
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On Friday June 13th, probably the hottest day of the year, Debden Flight led by Flt Lt
Gavin Brokie passed out with the usual flourish. With the Provost Marshal employed on
other duties, Wg Cdr Dave Wilkinson DPM and Wg Cdr Martin Bland, Commandant of the
Defence College of Policing and Guarding gave 'upbeat' motivational addresses to the
recruits, their parents, partners and family friends. As has become the norm , three awards
were presented to the most deserving members of the Flight. The top student accolade
went to Cpl Sinclair and the Physical Education Certificate to Cpl Lamming. The final award,
possibly the one that interests members of the RAFPA, the General Police Duties Trophy was
awarded to Cpl Stewart.
As part of the recruitment programme all the members of Debden and the previous
Netheravon Flight are signed to the Association for the duration of their service career.
Debden Flight Pass out Parade
Submitted by: Ed.Cpl Bone (L) and Cpl Evans (R) with Ted Hellewell
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RAFPA Collection at Brighton Railway Station
74th Anniversary of The Battle of BritainCapel-Le-Fern, Kent - National Memorial to The ‘Few’
Stalwarts of the South Downs Branch were active recently on Brighton Railway Station shaking
tins on behalf of Blind Veterans UK. Their sterling efforts raised in total £794.24 which I believe
is a record! Ed.
The Centre opened by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in July 1993. Withfree entry and parking, a well stocked visitors shop and cafe, this Memorial is well worth a visit.Submitted by: Gerry Gibbs
Sid Risk talking to Archie Heath
Representing various countries who fought in The ‘Battle of Britain’. National Standard Bearer Nigel Lacey,leading a large contingent of Standards
John Fox, Dave Hilton, Carole Spiers, Tony Harbour, Pete Barr, TerryBryant, Archie Heath, Sid Risk
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continued on Page 14
In the begining...
Reflections from the Cape
If the period 1984-1994 was the “Forming Period” then 1995-2004 was most certainly the
“Storming Period”. Membership in early 1995 was still only around the 250 level and we were
still a very closely guarded secret. We needed to increase in numbers to have a viable
Association and to have one worthy of its name. Before embarking on a national recruiting
campaign it was essential to have in place common admin procedures and the first Association
Administrative Handbook was adopted at the 1995 AGM. Many hours were then spent in
reference libraries to compile a comprehensive circulation list of regional newspapers, “trade”
publications and appropriate organisations (no home pc’s or Internet in those days). In late
Autumn we were ready and some 400+ letters hit the post; hard work but it was worth it; over
the next six months the numbers rose by 600 to 850 members and we have never looked back.
The second Branch (Midlands Area) was formed in November 1995 and by the end of 2004
another 13 Regional Branches had opened their doors. In time for the 1998 AGM the format of
the weekend was changed, it being re-modelled on that of the NWAB Reunion Weekend, the
result being that numbers attending increased greatly. Much more happened during this period
but space does not permit me to be too expansive so I will have to be brief.
The first 10 years of the Association (1984-1994) I regard as the “Forming Period”. Progress
was slow for a variety of reasons with the 1994 AGM being the watershed. At that meeting the
newly written Constitution & Rules were adopted and I never really thanked Tom Simpson for
volunteering me to write them! Additionally, the decision to regionalise was taken with the
Standard Branch Regulations being adopted and permission being granted for the formation
of our first Regional Branch (North West Area). In October of that year, under the guidance of
my late father Alan, the NWAB (Branch No.1) held its Inaugural General Meeting and the trend
was set (not the only trend to be set by that particular Branch, the November Reunions being
another).
I am not a Founder member of RAFPA, that honour goes to Charlie Crossan and
his cohorts who grasped the nettle back in 1984, without whom we would not have
an Association. I have though been a member since 1989 so can combine
my personal experience of 25 years together with the early records to be able to
paint a pen picture of our development.
A Members Directory was introduced as was our newsletter/magazine “The Griff”, both initially
in paper version but later also in “electronic” format. The Website was born as was the e-mail
“Yahoogroup”. On the admin front, the Executive Council was formed and the Serving Member
Scheme introduced. On the ceremonial side, the redesigned Association badge was adopted
as was the white beret; additionally the Association Standard was dedicated at RAF Halton and
RAFPA took part in the Whitehall Remembrance Parade for the first time. A busy 10 year period!
Page 14
30th Anniversary
The G
Founder Alex Flavell
Steve Cattell
David Wise
Alan Millership
Brian Burrows Dave ‘Ginger’ Eldridge
Barrie Clarke
To me, the period since 2004 has very much been the “Consolidation
Period” with membership increasing and more Branches being
formed.We have also seen the dedication of 2 stained glass windows
(Halton & Southwick Park) and of course the dedication of the RAF
Police Memorial at the National Arboretum. Most, if not all, Branches
now have their own Standards which are regularly paraded with pride.
Other progressions have been made and hopefully they will continue.
August sees our 30th Anniversary Commemoration at Halton with, I
hope, pride of place going to those Founder members who are able
to attend. I was fortunate to be able to attend this year’s AGM at
Crawley and was pleased to see that the future of the Association is
being seriously addressed. Our future can only be with those who
have either recently left the RAFP or
are still serving and was heartened
by the obvious support of the RAFP
Command.
Page 15
Commemorative Issue 2
Griff
MembersBrian ‘Dick ‘ Barton John Curtis Ray Orgill
Charlie Crossan
John Bellaby
Rowley Coultas Brian Whitaker
I made mention of a past occurrence at the AGM and a comment of
“that is history” was made (not in derogatory fashion I must add).
My reply to that is the same now as it was at the meeting; history is no
bad thing providing that we don’t live in the past and learn by it.
I deliberately haven’t mentioned many names in this resume as there
are many who have worked long and hard for RAFPA and I don’t want
to overlook anybody.
It is my intention to write a more expansive “Reflection” later in the year
which I will ask the Webmaster to publish on the website should anyone
be interested.
In 1991 when I took over as Association Treasurer I was 39 years old
and an operational police officer in Manchester, now I am 62 and in
happy retirement on the Fair Cape.
Where has the time gone?
Submitted by Neil Rusling Association Life Vice-President.
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The RAF Police Association AGM 2015
15.30 - 17.30 AGM
18.30 - 19.00 Gala Dinner
21.15 - 22.15 Entertainer - Shep Woolley
22.15 - 23.59 DJ Richard McCausland, with the raffle and popular dance selections
Saturday Programme:
07.30 - 10.00 hrs. Horatio's Restaurant, Full English Buffet Breakfast.
09.00 - 1500 hrs at leisure to explore 'Pompey', make full use of your entry ticket to the Historic
Dockyard, valid for a year. Or maybe a chance to go shopping in Gunwharf Quay and 'sight see'
from the Spinnaker Tower.
Friday Programme:
14.00 onwards - Arriving and booking in.
At leisure to explore 'Pompey', make full use of your entry ticket to the Historic
Dockyard, valid for a year. First chance to go shopping in Gunwharf Quay or mix and chat
with colleagues and friends.
16.00 hrs. Executive Council Committee Meeting.
18.00 - 20.45 - (you can eat anytime within this time frame) Horatio's Restaurant -
Chef’s Carvery table d’hote, 3 courses and coffee.
21.00 onwards - After dinner enjoy the privacy of the Victory Bar with it’s reasonable prices
and 10% discount on drinks.
AGM cost for the 2 night weekend will be £140.00pp to include Friday Dinner, Bed & Breakfast,
Saturday Gala Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Plus Historic Dockyard Ticket.
Additional nights before and after the AGM will be £42.00pp to include DBB.
Gala Dinner, Bed and Breakfast only will be £72.50pp.
Gala Dinner only will be £28.50pp.
If you wish to attend the AGM only please advise Mitch O'Neill by 2nd April, 2015.
The AGM will be hosted by the HD & IOW Branch and will take place over the weekend
of 17th-19th April 2015 at the Royal Maritime Club, Queens Street, Portsmouth.
Tel: 023 9282 4231 or email [email protected]
How to Book: Ideally phone Monday-Friday between 0900 – 1700hrs. Inform the receptionist you
are a member of the RAFP Association and have details of your method of payment, credit card,
VISA, etc.. A 10% deposit is required at time of booking. Balance is required on arrival at
booking in. Incidentals incurred during the week-end to be paid on departure.
Your choice of menu for the Gala Dinner to be given to Reception when making your reservation.
Arrival Times: 14.00 hrs onwards. If you arrive earlier, the staff will take your luggage and keep
safe until you officially book in. There is limited car parking available at the Maritime Club, but
directly opposite at approximately 100 yards, there is a secure car park, which is currently £5 for
24 hrs. (Reception will explain the procedure) Council on street parking scratch cards are
available from reception currently £2.50 for 24hrs.
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AGM Gala Dinner MenuEntree: Prawn Salad or Crofters soup with Gammon Stock & Vegetables.
Main Course: Poached Supreme of Chicken, with white wine & Wild Mushroom Sauce
or Roast Leg of Lamb, spiked with Rosemary and served with gravy.
Vegetarian alternatives are available.
Traditional roast potatoes and minted new potatoes with a
selection of fresh vegetables.
Desserts: Chocolate fudge cake with cream or ice cream
or Lemon Meringue Pie.
Dessert course is followed by coffee or tea with chocolate mints.
If you are considering flying to the venue, the nearest airfield is Eastleigh (Southampton). From
there you can travel by rail, your destination is Portsmouth Harbour Station. The Royal
Maritime is approximately 5 minutes walk from the station. Anyone considering travelling by rail
from any point in the UK, your terminus is Portsmouth Harbour Station. Using automobile
transportation, from the North, your own favoured route to South London and pick up the A3(M),
sign posted Portsmouth, from the East and West, the same advice, follow your selected roads to
pick up the M27, from the West turn right onto the M275 from the East turn left onto the M275. If
you have a satnav plot in PO1 3HS. If not follow Portsmouth Historic Dockyard signs.
Iconic Portsmouth imagery!
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Group Photograph
RAF Halton 30th Anniversary Parade
Another great day in the continuing story of the RAF Police and its' Association.
Submitted by John Walton Association Life Vice-President.
Also present were 9 founder members of the Association, including Charlie Crossan, thefirst National Secretary. We thanked the 3 Chaplains, Rev Crispian Acher, Rev KenAppleford (HD & IOW Branch) and Rev Jez Safford (West Anglia Branch) who put the Orderof Service together, but sadly hurt his back and could not drive to Halton.
Special mention was made of 91 years young Mr John Twigger, who landed in France on DDay plus one.
The salute was taken by the Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, His HonourChristopher Tyler and the President of the RAFA, Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KCB RAFretired and watched by the Provost Marshal and Commander RAF Police, Group CaptainKevin Bailey BA (Hons) RAF.
For the first time the Association National Standard carried by Nigel Lacey, was paradedalong with all 12 Branch Standards. Our contingent of some 60 members was lead byAssociation National Chairman, Brian Flinn and commanded as usual by the AssociationNational Parade Marshal, Bill Veazey MBE.
Arrival coffee in the Sgts Mess, Church service, march past, band display, RAF Police vehicleand equipment display, cake cutting ceremony, lunch, group photograph, RAFPolice Dog demonstration and a fly past by a Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of BritainMemorial Flight.
Although the weather before and after the event was poor, on Saturday 9 August 2014, thesun shone all day at RAF Halton, where about 200 members, guests, serving RAF Policeand an excellent band enjoyed a day of several separate events.
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Sir ‘Dusty’ Miller and
His Honour Christopher Tyler
Lunch in the Sergeant’s Mess
The Surrey & Sussex Bugle Band
John Twigger D-Day plus 1 Veteran, leads the March Pass
RAF Halton 30th Anniversary Parade
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Most people know that Braille’s embossed dots are used for reading by many blind people. Also
it’s well known that Louis Braille a bright young French student is generally considered to be the
person to introduce Braille as a method for teaching blind students to read and study the same
subjects as their sighted colleagues.
Of course it has no other possible purpose, right? WRONG! Here follows a few little known
secrets about Braille code and how it is also used today by counter intelligence to protect
economic and military secrets. Braille code is also used as a very effective translator and
a useful tool for gathering intelligence.
Those who have served in areas of Military Intelligence; economics; education or linguistics will
find this information especially interesting. Hopefully the casual reader will also appreciate these
historic facts from the early 19th. century to the present day as at least informative. It could be
argued that Napoleon inspired the idea of “Ecriture Nocturn” (night writing) when he demanded
a code to enable his soldiers to communicate in silence on the battlefield.
In 1821 Captain Charles Barbier de La Serre, an artillery Intelligence Officer promptly devised a
military cryptography using a code of dots and dashes impressed onto thick paper. These
embossed dots and dashes allowed soldiers to share information on the battlefield at night by
using their fingertips. No lights or even whispering were necessary. Barbier’s system was a two
digit code representing a letter. His variant was a 6x6 square of 6 embossed dots arranged to
represent the letters of the French alphabet. Later the good Captain introduced his “night writing”
method to students at the French Royal Institution for Blind Youth. A brilliant blind young lad,
Louis Braille was present at that lecture, and felt inspired to simplify and improve on Barbier’s
embossed system. The rest of course is history.
Submitted by: Dr. Derek Knight-Messenger (retired Braille Specialist)
Final part next issue
Braille secrets revealed Part 1
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Backstage at Bovington
At our Branch Annual General Meeting in July I was elected as your Branch Secretary. On the 29st July
I distributed the AGM Minutes to all Branch members on the e-mail addresses held in our Branch
records. Subsequently I have been contacted and informed that some members have not received the
AGM Minutes or anything else from the Branch for some time. Clearly some of our email addresses are
incorrect and there may well be others that I am unaware of. Likewise with the members who do not
have email facilities, I have posted the AGM Minutes to you, if you have not received them it may be that
we do not have your correct postal address. As all RAFPA members receive The Griff, either
electronically or in hard copy, I believe this is the best method of reaching all the Wiltshire Branch members.
If you are not receiving any correspondence from me, it would be very much appreciated if you would
contact me on [email protected] , or via one of my contact details shown on page 3 of this
magazine, in order for me to rectify the problem. Submitted by: Brian Flinn
Calling All Wiltshire Branch Members
At 09.15hrs on a warm Saturday morning a
handful of Members and Associates of the
H.D.& IOW. Branch, met up with about 200
friends and families of the current basic
course at the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC)
Training Regiment at Bovington Camp, to
participate in their Families Open Day.
Introduced to L.Cpl. Mel Weeks (ex WRAF),
we embarked on a convoy of coaches and
mini-buses (compliments of the RAC), to have
tea or coffee, followed by a short introductory
talk on the function of the Training Regiment
by the Commanding Officer.
Then back on the bus to the “Knife Edge” – a
man made ridge some 50 ft high, with each side about 45 degrees of slope. Several tanks,
including a Challenger, approached the ridge, climbed up one side then over the top to park in
front of us where we could climb onto, into and under them all. All in all most impressive.
Back on the bus we visited the Training and Combat Wings, with demonstrations of various
weapons, etc, then it was time for lunch, again with compliments of the RAC.
Following this we visited the WRVS Club, the Signals Wing, and
for those who dared, had a go driving a tank simulator – I tried
without much success, but needed assistance from the
Instructors to extricate myself! Various other demonstrations
were laid on, but much of it was too high tech for most of us.
Throughout the day our guide and mentor Mel Weeks was with
us answering questions, pointing out the loos and smoking
areas, and altogether looking after us. A most enjoyable and
informative visit, and best of all it was all free !
Submittedby: David Wardell
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 22
Always & Forever
A chance to pause for a minute in quiet contemplation forour friends and colleagues who have ‘passed away’.
May - July 2014
Mr John Chapman - YON
Mr Neville Bowerman - ESS
Mr. Peter Hewitt – NWB
Mr. Ian MacKenzie – Argyllshire
Mr. Peter (Pip) Waller – YON
Mr. Michael Headley – Gwent
Last Post
Welcome to New members
Membership at 31th July 2014 - 1188
EMBMr. Keith Davies – NottsMr. Bill Thompson – Lincs
MABMr. Peter Hartley – West Midlands
NEBMr. Oliver Warren - Durham
WILTSMr. Gordon Oliver - Llantrisant
New Serving MembersMr. David Waddington, Mr. Luke Grimbleby, Mr. Owen ToveyMr. Ben Thatcher, Mr. Dean Southcott, Mr. Stephen Tanner, Mr. Carl Robertson, Miss Kirsty Lewis, Mr. Gareth Forbes, Miss Nikki Williams, Mr. Thomas Higginbottom, Miss Charlotte O'Neill, Mr. Daniel Brash, Mr. Jonathan Todd, Miss Hannah Garfield, Mr. Christopher Nicholls, Miss Stephanie Brandt, Miss Caroline Evans, Mr. Lloyd Weatherley, Mr. Andrew Murphy, Mr. Andrew Craig, Mr. Craig Martin, Mr. Cameron Sinclair, Mr. Michael Hookway, Mr. Richard Dougherty, Mr. Mitchell Harris, Mr. Alex Gabler, Mr. Sam Ingall, Mr. Ashley Forsyth, Mr. Alec Knight, Miss Clare Stewart, Miss Rachel Griffiths,Mr. Stuart Lamming,
Mr. Thomas Bone, Mr. James Benson, Mr. A Castellano, Miss Jessica Feely, Miss Chloe Nash, Mr. Peter Wright, Mr. Alfred Markham, Mr. Gavin Brokie, Mr. Richard Gill, Mr. Wesley Lewis, Mr. Martin Bland, Mr. Stuart Coppard, Mr. Andy Kerslake, Mr. Philip Rodd, Mr. Chris Rose, Mr. Lee Close, Mr. Gary Edwards. Miss Julie Cole, Mr. Liam McGuire, Mr. Joe Duncan
May - July 2014
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 23
A Hippo in the Blue Danube with a Red Beard under a Yellow Sun? Part 1
Whilst witnessing the above event might be a bit of a rarity, or a result of too much Newcastle
Brown in the NAAFI (Bitter shandy in the Sgts Mess or a pink gin in the Officers Mess) how about
a Blue Danube in a Hippo or a Hippo with a Red Beard all bathed with a Yellow Sun........
Whatever caused the vision, the RAF Police
were heavily involved. The initial plans for
Britain’s fist nuclear weapon were drawn up
in 1947, and a bomb casing to contain it was
designed to fulfil two criteria. One was to
house the current large nuclear fission
device (Derived from the ‘Hurricane’
research device), and the other was to
ensure the bomb could be carried in the
bomb bays of the V force soon to come into
service. This was accomplished and the result was the Blue Danube free fall nuclear bomb.
A Blue Danube nuclear weapon was a bit of a beast. It was 24 ft long with a diameter of 5 ft. and
weighed 10,000lbs. Now with this weight and size to move securely and safely, transportation
became a specialist task requiring a specialist vehicle. The answer was a large insulated trailer
capable of carrying a Blue Danube on a bomb trolley. The trailer was fully enclosed with air
conditioning and had a winch to haul the bomb trolley up a rear ramp into the trailer. These
trailers were known as ‘Pantechnicons’.
I wonder if this name was chosen as a security measure? In the ‘old days’ a pantechnicon was
the name given to the large box vehicles used by house moving companies, perhaps the thought
was that if the trailer was the subject of careless talk (Giving our CI boys and girls the
heebeegeebees!), people would presume it ferried furniture around?
The prime mover could either be a Scammel recovery truck or a Leyland Hippo 6x4, but for
obvious reasons, the core was transported in a different vehicle, usually in a different convoy
altogether. Hippos seem to be the main contender as prime mover, although there are reports of
the Scammel using its recovery winch to draw the weapon and trolley into the trailer through a
front hatch, then towing the trailer. Of course if this was true, then in the event of any incident,
towing capability was on hand. Can anyone involved with these convoys in the late 50’s early 60’s
confirm this?
To store and maintain these bombs, two Nuclear Bomb Stores (Permanent Ammunition Depots)
were built. No.94 MU RAF Barnham in Suffolk, and No. 92 MU RAF Faldingworth in Lincolnshire.
No.94 MU RAF Barnham opened in June 1954 and was built on the site of a WWII munitions
dump. Barnham looked after the V force airfields of Cottesmore, Wittering, Marham and
Honington. No.94 MU RAF Faldingworth opened in 1957 and was constructed on a WWII bomber
airfield that was already used for munitions storage. This MU fed the bombs to Coningsby,
Finningley, Scampton and Waddington. As RAF Gaydon only hosted an operational Valiant Sqn
for 6 months, I’m unsure which MU would have looked after that airfield. I presume No.94 MU
was the nearest? As well as runs to these various airfields SSA’s, there would have been runs to
other establishments involved with the construction, servicing and modification of this ordnance
such as ROF Burghfield and AWRE Aldermaston. Submitted by: Brian Burgess
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 24
May 1940 saw the BEF, including the RAFP, evacuated from Dunkirk as the
Germans swiftly invaded France and Belgium. In London the RAF Police were
busy dealing with an assortment of offences committed by RAF personnel –
thefts, assaults, drunkenness, false impersonation, disciplinary offences and
desertions. During this period the RAF Security School was established at
Halton, the RAFP began training in security duties. At this time WRAF Police
were recruited, Sgts George and Moll being the first two. In 1941 the RAFP HQ
was moved from Uxbridge to Hitchen House in Burnham, near Maidenhead
and Sgt George was commissioned as the first WRAF DAPM.
history of the RAF Police
'All information is taken from: Fiat Justitia - A History of the RAF Police, author Stephen Davies
Some brief moments in the
...who trained at the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray. A Mr Tim Savage is writing a history
of the centre and would appreciate a call from QPDs who trained there. His details are: Tim
Savage, Project Officer, Melton Carnegie Museum,
Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1RB.
Tel: 0116 305 2566 email: [email protected] Submitted by: John Walton
Calling all RAF Police Dog Handlers...
Acknowledgments...
The Treasurer is currently trying to balance the Association books following receipt of the 2014 subscription payments. Sadly, two years after the membership subscription was increased to £12.50,payments in the sum of £5, £6.50 and £10 are received. Where valid contact details are held emails orwritten statements are sent to the individuals concerned… but still the unchanged payments arereceived. You are urged to check your bank statements to ensure that the appropriate subscription waspaid to the Association in January this year; if it wasn’t the membership status of those concerned willbe LAPSED!This is especially relevant for those 16 members with the surname of SMITH; Two are life members, fiveare fully subscribed but the remaining nine have either not paid a subscription or paid an amount lessthan the £12.50 required and one of the £10 payments just bears the reference SMITH and to date ithas not been possible to identify who made this payment. If you need to send a payment or a top-uppayment to the Treasurer please make it payable to the ‘RAF Police Association’ and send to it to himat his home address.
Urgent... please read!
I hope you have enjoyed these three editions of ‘The Griff’, designed to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the
RAFPA. As from January 2015 we will revert back to the regular issues. Please bear in mind we still require,
indeed need, your contributions still to fill the pages. Photographs, cartoons, anecdotes and articles always
required! It’s your magazine, over to you! Ed.
The Editor sincerely thanks All contributors for their photographic and article inputs, especially Mike Lester,
Jim Spiers, John Walton, Brian Burgess, John Curtis, Neil Rusling and Ian Appleton. Again many thanks
and please keep those contributions coming in.
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 25
RAFPA SALESSubscriptions 2014
Members Renewal £ 12.50
New Members Joining 20141st January to 30th June Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 12.501st July to 31st December Joining fee £ 8.50Subscription £ 6.50
Serving Members Scheme .Membership for entire service FREE(Does not include Provost Parade or
Members Directory)
NOTE: Joint membership mayapply to eligible spouses of existingmembers and to those joining asServing Members.One normal joining fee plus £ 1.00
B1 Unbleached White Beret* £11.00Please send beret size with order
B4 RAFPA Lapel Badge £ 3.00
B5 Beret Badge (RAFPA Crest) £ 7.00
B6 RAFPA Blazer Badge £ 8.00
C1 RAFPA Cufflinks £ 7.00
T4 RAF Police Bow Tie Black & Red Diagonal Stripes £ 8.50
T5 RAFPA Clipon TieBlack/Red Diagonal Stripes with RAFPA crest £ 9.50
T6 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal Stripeswith RAFPA Crest £ 8.50
T7 RAFPA TieBlack & Red Diagonal StripesNO CREST £ 7.50
Please Note The plain Blue Tie with a
single RAFPA Crest is no longer available
P1 RAFPA Wall Shields, screen printed, light coloured wood base, 150 x 175 mm (5" X 7") £31.00
All items inc. postage and packing are available from:
Mr. AK Lake, (Tony) 24 Trendlewood ParkStapleton Bristol BS16 1TE
Please make cheques payable to: RAFPA(to accompany your order) and write your name & address on the reverse of your order.
Depending on stock availability orders will be dispatched within 5 working days of receipt of order.
For those wishing to purchase items from ProvostParade shop a list of merchandise can be found on the main RAFPA Site at,http://www.rafpa.com/ppms.htm
*A note for those purchasing berets, it is best not to shrink them, because they are not made with the same amount of material as the Service Blue issue beret. It is best to lightly spray with water, fit and shape to head and then let dry on an upturned basin, or similar.
STOP PRESS
Guide Deadline for the Jan 2015 Editionof “The Griff” will be Nov 31st 2014!.ED. (It can change!)
Any item from RAFPA Sales will beactioned by: Tony Lake on Tel: 01179 392755
Subscriptions: Treasurer, Mike Thornton,
wishes to remind all members that
subscriptions were due on the 1st January
2015. Please ensure your payments are
made promptly and the correct information is
with the Banks if paying by direct debit, etc..
Thank you in advance.
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 26
Walk Downmemory lane
rem
em
be
r
remember
The two photo’s are held in Jamie Rankin’s personal photo’ collection – Gp Capt James Rankin DSO
DFC – taken at RAF Duxford between January 1953 & December 1954, when Jamie was the Stn Cdr
there. The two photo’s show the Earl of Bandon outside the Guardroom on 8 September 1953.
Credit line: Gp Capt James Rankin collection, courtesy of Mrs Sheila & Mr Malcolm Eggleton.
Do you recognise
any of the
RAFP personnel?
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
The Griff2014 Page 27
At Tidworth Military Cemetery on Wednesday 30th July
a Commemorative service took place in order for
everyone in Wiltshire, or with a Wiltshire connection, to
show their respects and pay tribute to the brave men of
Wiltshire who fought for our country during the First
World War. A special Wall of Remembrance, which
had 10,000 crosses on it, with each cross representing
a fallen soldier from Wiltshire, had been made by local
school children from across the county. The RAFPA
Wiltshire Branch was represented by Brian Flinn and
David Budd who had an opportunity to meet the senior
RAF officer present, Air Vice-Marshal Martin Clark RAF.
Submitted by: Brian Flinn
Wiltshire First World War Commemoration
Scenes from 30th Anniversary!
30thViews expressed in The Griff are those of the Editor and individual contributors and do not necessarily represent RAFPA policy.
No part of this publication may be reproduced by any person, at any time, by any method,
without the express permission of the Editor or originator in writing.
The Griff
30th Anniversary Commemorative Issue 3
Standards on Parade
John Twigger reflects on 70 years!
RAF Halton 30th Anniversary
C