SWIFT REPLY

THE NEWSLETTER OF No 72 SQUADRON ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9

JUNE 2008

EDITORIAL

Well, another year a sped swiftly past. The Squadron at Linton continues to push out high quality pilots for both the RAF and the RN and has a new boss, Sqn Ldr Mewsey Mewes at the helm. If you meet him you will discover he is larger than life and hates being called Sir or Boss, call him Mewesy. The reunion at North Weald went extremely well with an extremely interesting visit to a private museum collection owned by the owner and publisher of the excellent historical magazine After the Battle. Membership numbers have risen above 200 for the first time in quite a while; long may they continue to rise. The Squadron Open Weekend is looming on the horizon and for those of you not already booked in there is an application form in this issue. I highly recommend it where else can you get accommodation, all meals, a formal dinner, visits and great company for 55 all in for the weekend? Be there or be on jankers! Tom Docherty

SWIFT REPLIES

Our president, Rodney Scrase, send us the following. I am sure many will agree with his sentiment. I can only say Whats new?. On doubt all of the 41,000 currently serving in the RAF will echo the comments attributed to the Chief of the Air Staff. Turn your thoughts instead to the pleasure we have in meeting our colleagues, members of No 72 Sqn Association. That is something I very much enjoy.

HELP WANTED: Historian and author Roger Lindsay, who was of great assistance in the preparation of the 72 Sqn history manuscript has a request he hopes we can respond to: I wish to take the opportunity to ask Association members if they have any photographs of the Meteor F.8 assigned to Sqn Ldr TD Sanderson when he was CO (from Nov 1952 until July 1955) which apparently had Red/Blue stripes or a lightning flash on the fin? If you can help with a photo or even confirmation that the CO had an aircraft marked in this fashion please contact Roger at: 7 North Meadow, Hutton Rudby, N Yorks, TS15 0LD. (PS the newsletter Editor would also be interested in receiving this information.)

MINUTES OF THE AGM Held at North Weald Saturday 10th May 2008 27 members attended, including the Committee. 1. 2. Apologies were received from Des Gorham, Tom Gailey, Bert Sweetman, Michael Foster- Williams, Diana Foster Williams and Mike Druitt. Minutes of the last AGM were accepted, proposed by Duncan Kennett-Wise, seconded by John Meddows. It was noted that Bob Needham had actually recorded the minutes. Nigel Brewerton recognised the spirit of the Association especially Jim Barton. He covered the issue as to whether or not the Squadron was to be reformed, and explained why 78 Sqn was being reformed with Merlins at Benson (they had disbanded in the Falklands). Clearly it was not sensible to reform 72 Sqn from a training squadron and therefore although not operational the Association would not suffer irrevocably. It raised the issue of new members because it was felt that the first meaningful Squadron was the first front line unit of its members. It did however raise the issue of finding a corps of new members. The Chairman went on to introduce the Battle of Britain Memorial on the Embankment near the Houses of Parliament, recalling it is an excellent memorial with 72 Squadrons badge displayed. The meeting was temporarily disrupted by a flypast of a Spitfire and the meeting resumed with the Chairman explaining the previous concerns of the Chairman being a serving member of the RAF and in raising this issue of continuity he believed that it was appropriated and indeed he was more than happy to continue in the Chair. He recorded one or two new faces and welcomed Sqn Ldr Mewes to the AGM. The Treasurer submitted his report and accounts which were accepted, explaining that there was a healthy surplus, meaning there was no requirement to increase subscriptions; namely a surplus of 300 as opposed to 6 from last year. He explained that there was less expenditure in this last year and ties were still available at 15 for a silk Squadron tie. The coach hire remained the same as was catering and there had been a refund of overpayments. There was a slight alteration in the accounts in that the printing and postage were shown separately, but ultimately amounted to the same. There had been a step up in advertising as the President had increased the publicity. The accounts were accepted unanimously being proposed by Keith Woodger and seconded by Tom Hughes. A vote of thanks was passed unanimously for Sydney Hyams efforts.

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In the welfare report Dicky Bird explained that he had had a couple of enquiries on long term care, but pointed out that contacts with the various organisations, including RAFBF was becoming somewhat difficult as his contacts , like him, were getting a bit older. In his Publicity Report Rodney Scrase explained developments in that money was being saved with various articles being placed in Flypast and the RAF News. Also editorial content of such things as the Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters Club and Bentley Priory had been utilised. In his membership report Tom Docherty explained that membership had for the first time for some time climbed above 200 with 169 Full members, 13 Friends of the Association, 20 honorary members giving a total of 202. Of the 189 members and friends paying subs 152 paid by standing order which was a great help in bringing in the subs on time. 12 members were overdue subscriptions as at 10th May. The newsletter continues to meet our 50 page A4 target for twice a year production. As always Tom Docherty is grateful for articles and photos from members and would be grateful to receive articles from helicopter members as they have been sadly lacking in the last two years. Helicopter members make up over half of the membership but provide very little to the newsletter in terms of articles. In fact members from that era leave the Association as they found little of interest about the period they served, so please send your helicopter tales in to him.

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Members will be interested to hear that the history of 72 Sqn from 1917-1961 has now been written by Tom Docherty and is due to be published in 3 volumes. Volume 1 1917-42 due out in March 09, Vol 2 1942-47 in Sep 09 and Vol 3 1947-61 in Mar 10. The books cover the fighter years of the Squadron and are profusely illustrated with a large number of colour photos in Vol 3. Cost will be around 20 per volume, but I am sure we can negotiate a special Association price with the publisher. The Squadron Historian at Linton, Erik Mannings, who provided tremendous assistance with information from the Squadron archives, is making initial moves to help arrange a book launch and signing at Linton for Vol 1 and it is hoped to have some Association members at the launch to sign copies. Hopefully further signings can be arranged for the following volumes. Tom Docherty would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the Association Members who provided so much in the way of reminiscences, documents and photos for the book. They have certainly told a good story. Tom Docherty reported the death of Wally Wilson a former helicopter boy who suffered a bad illness but then survived, but died recently and he believed

that many helicopter members would remember him and the wealth of information that he was able to impart, and that he would be sadly missed. There then followed a general discussion on whether the newsletter could be the subject of an internet pdf file copy and e-mailed to members, and that it would save considerable expense if that could be achieved. It was agreed that it would be investigated, and it was put to the floor as to a general view, and it was generally accepted that e-mails could be sent to those wishing to receive the newsletter in that way, but otherwise the normal newsletter would be sent through the post. Tom Docherty urged the Helicopter members to provide news and articles. A vote of thanks was given to Tom Docherty for his efforts. 9. 10. The Committee agreed to stand for another year, and was unanimously reelected. Sqn Ldr Mewes addressed the meeting having brought two Tucanos to North Weald. He thanked the Chair and the Committee for the invitation, and apologised for not being able to come the previous year. He explained that he didnt fully understand the ethos of the Association prior to his appointment and as a result of the Linton on Ouse weekend it opened his eyes to the ethos and ideals of the Association and upon meeting members of the Association he was galvanised by his experience and believed that 72 was the only Squadron which sat down with its Association to eat and brought to him the importance of Dining In in this way and would do all that he could to ensure its continuance. He agreed with the Chair with regard to the first Squadron to be adopted is the first Front Line Squadron, but he was anxious to promote the ethos of 72 being the best Squadron and continued to expound this. Three courses had graduated (32 pilots) and he currently received texts and e-mails calling him Boss and that all leave for Valley and he felt sure that they would all join 72 Sqn Association eventually and that he was very proud to have My Squadron as he saw it and he felt that it was and would be in the future the best Association in the RAF as well as the best Squadron. Sqn Ldr Mewes went on to explain events throughout the 90th Anniversary of the RAF, with prints done and aircraft formations flying around various airfields associated with the Squadron including Biggin Hill and Aldergrove. At the Squadron itself there had been a 30% change in staff with extra Naval staff and a Royal Marine. Matt Alcock was shortly to leave for New Zealand and he believed Sqn Ldr Mewes successor would be a lady, who he believed he would be able to introduce in July. The Squadron was therefore happy and healthy with 14 QFIs, 22 graduates in June and he believed that the size would increase possibly with more Naval pilots. Sqn Ldr Mewes gave special thanks to Jim Barton as a standing example to the Squadron and the Association (whether on one or two legs). Again he extended an invitation to everyone present to attend the July weekend at Linton on Ouse. Subscriptions as above were not changed.

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In any other business Duncan Kennett-Wise again reinforced the Sqn Ldrs recommendations for people to attend Linton on Ouse saying that the simulator was an experience not to be missed. Reference was also made to the possibility of visiting the National Arboretum and the possibility of planting a tree for 72 Sqn. The Air Loadmaster Association had this in hand. There was a unanimous vote of thanks given to Sqn Ldr Mewes and to other former COs for their continued support. It was recorded that the RAF Museum was holding a Veterans Day on 20th May with a new Typhoon in its ceiling display. Tom Docherty emphasised the discounts for serving personnel also available for Veterans. There was also discussion over Tom Dochertys launch of his book about 72 Sqn, which could possibly be launched during the Linton on Ouse assembly in 2009. He expressed that it could not have been written without considerable help from members and expressed his thanks to all. Particular thanks were expressed to Matt Alcock for his contribution to the Squadron and the Association. The next AGM was fixed for North Weald on 9th May 2009.

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BOOK REVIEWS

OURS TO HOLD
RAF ALDERGROVE AT WAR 1939 1945
BY T G DOCHERTY

Aldergrove can trace its history back to 1918 when it was first used for the testing of Handley Page V/1500s built by Harland & Wolff . Closed not long after but retained by the RAF, the airfield was used occasionally before expansion began in 1925. The airfield was used continually between the wars supporting several bomber squadrons before becoming an Armament Training Station in 1936. Anti-submarine patrols were fl own from Aldergrove during the early years of the Second World War, mainly with the Anson. Blenheims and Hurricanes provided both maritime and air defence for Ulster and Belfast. The Hudson was a common sight from 1941 and was followed by the Beaufighter. Together the aircraft provided an air defence and a coastal strike capability. Operational squadrons had departed by mid-1942 and Aldergrove briefly reverted to a training role. However, by early 1943, Liberators of 86 and 120 Sqn and Flying Fortresses of 220 Sqn brought operations back to the airfield. The airfield played a key role during the Battle of Atlantic with many attacks on U-boats recorded. 1674 HCU followed, its main role being the training of crews for anti-submarine and meteorological reconnaissance, flying the Liberator, Fortress and Halifax. Post-war, a large number of units were based at Aldergrove until the airfields role changed at the end of the 1960s. Anti-terrorist operations brought 72 Sqn with the Wessex. Pumas arrived in the 1990s followed later by 230 Sqn who also operated the type. With half of the airfield now operating as Belfast International Airport, the presence of aircraft at Aldergrove is assured for many years to come. Ours to Hold is a day-by-day account of operational life at Aldergrove during the Second World War. There are many personal reminiscences included in this book which bring the realities of living and working on this RAF Station to life. 20.00 Published by Old Forge Publishing

BY T G DOCHERTY

72 SQN OPEN WEEKEND AT LINTON ON OUSE 25-27 JULY 2008

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Guess what? Yes, it is time to renew your subscription for another year. Details of your subscription state are listed below. If it notes S/O you are paying by standing order. If it states (12) you are paying the right amount. If not please update your standing order. If you see anything other than NOV 08 SO (12) or November 2008 (12) against your name YOU ARE DUE TO PAY YOUR SUBS.
F001 F002 F003 F004 F005 F007 F009 F010 F011 F012 F013 F014 F015 1 3 5 7 10 11 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 34 44 46 49 50 51 53 54 56 65 November 2008 (12) T SHERWOOD November 2008 (12) C HALL November 2008 (12) PF METCALF NOV 08 S/O (12)D PERRY HONMEM LL KING November 2008 (12) D LANE NOV 08 S/O (12)AP POOL November 08 (12) G BARTON November 07 (12) EA GREEN NOV 08 S/O (12)ACR MANSFIELD NOV 08 S/O MP KEATS NOV 08 (12) A WOODS NOV 08 (12) DR CROMPTON NOV 08 S/O (12)KJ PARKES NOV 08 S/O (12)TG DOCHERTY NOV 08 S/O (12)JAI BOLTON NOV 08 S/O (12)PF O'BRIEN NOV 08 S/O (12)GP ANDREWS NOV 08 S/O (12)CA CARTER HONMEM B LONGARETTI HONMEM L TWEEDIE HONMEM LADY SAUNDERS HONMEM R McNULTY HONMEM N LYNCH HONMEM S/O M BRODIE MBE HONMEM RH LILLEY HONMEM G BURNEY HONMEM M NICOLSON NOV 08 S/O (12)RA BICKERS NOV 08 S/O (12)RJ BARLOW NOV 08 S/O (12)JW PRICE NOV 08 S/O (12)DE LLOYD NOV 08 S/O (12)MED MOON NOV 08 S/O (12)AWD PEACEY NOV 08 S/O (12)RD SCRASE NOV 08 S/O (12)D McDOUGALL NOV 08 S/O (12)TAK WOOD HONMEM S HUTTON HONMEM A HUTTON HONMEM J POCOCK NOV 08 S/O (12)AE SWEETMAN 70 72 75 77 78 80 81 84 89 91 95 98 100 105 106 109 111 114 118 120 121 122 124 127 128 129 130 135 142 145 151 159 161 163 167 168 171 174 182 193 November 08 (12) FM TURNER NOV 08 S/O (12)B SHARP November 2007 (12) WJ CORBIN NOV 08 S/O (12)J LANCASTER November 2008 (12) DE SCOTT NOV 08 S/O (12)S HYAMS NOV 08 S/O (12)BR MERRY NOV 08 S/O (12)VJ SMITH NOV 08 S/O (12)JD MAYES November 2008 (12) LS BALL NOV 08 S/O (12)J BIRD November 2009 (12) LJ BARTON NOV 08 S/O (12)TB HUGHES NOV 08 S/O (12)MJ BELL NOV 10 S/O (10)KC WELLER NOV 08 S/O (12)TG GAILEY HONMEM MRS J BROWNE JR NOV 08 (12) AF COOK NOV 08 S/O (12)FR JAMES NOV 08 S/O (12)ML McCAUL November 2008 (12) JA HOWARTH November 2008 (12) P WARE November 2008 (12) JA LUCIA NOV 08 S/O (12)RW NEEDHAM NOV 08 S/O (12)VJ RAINBOW HONMEM MRS KR HALL HONMEM ME SMITH NOV 08 S/O (12)DM PRICE November 2008 (12) LA FRAMPTON HONMEM JM STALLY NOV 08 S/O (12)MR COE November 2008 (12) MR GAMBLE NOV 08 S/O (12)H THOMAS NOV 08 S/O (12)MP DOUGLASS November 2008 (12) JR ADAMS NOV 08 S/O (12)MW ADAMS HONMEM J SMITH NOV 08 S/O (12)AG HOPPER NOV 08 S/O (12)RE TURNER NOV 10 S/O (12)A SMITH

195 200 211 213 215 218 219 223 224 236 258 260 271 273 274 276 277 278 279 280 285 294 299 300 303 308 310 311 312 313 323 324 325 331 335 339 341 343 344 347 348 349 353 354 356 358 359 360 366 367 371 373 376 377 379

November 2008 (12) DEV GRAVENEY HONMEM J ORRELL NOV 08 S/O (12)PA BURLINGHAM NOV 08 S/O (12)GM MONAHAN November2006 (12) LR VINCE November 2008 AL WILLINGS Nov 2006 (12) B EGGLETON NOV 08 S/O (12)D WHATLING NOV 08 S/O (12)R FOSTER NOV 08 S/O (12)SS STIRRAT NOV 08 S/O (12)MK JOHNSON NOV 08 S/O (12)GW PAUL NOV 08 S/O (12)JRA WHITNEY November 2008 (12) RN BROOKS Nov 2007 (12) RH GREGORY NOV 08 S/O (12)DJ GORHAM NOV 08 S/O (12)JD KENNETT-WISE November 2008 (12) MP MEECH NOV 08 S/O (12)JP SYDES November 2007(12) IA WRIGHT NOV 2009 (12) J CLEGG NOV 2008 (12) RH HURST NOV 08 S/O (12)T FOSTER NOV 08 S/O (12)JR DAY NOV 08 S/O (12)N BREWERTON NOV 08 S/O (12)A CHATER NOV 08 S/O (12)RK WORRALL NOV 08 S/O (12)DWR CRAIG NOV 08 S/O (12)KRJ DEARY November 2008 (12) JA BELL November 2009 (12) RH MITCHELL NOV 08 S/O (12)GM RUSSELL NOV 08 S/O (12)MG LLOYD NOV 08 S/O (12)RJ HINDS November 2008 (12) DA METCALF NOV 08 S/O (12)K HOWELL November 2006 ARD WELHAM HONMEM K SUMMERS NOV 08 S/O (12)CC MACLACHLAN NOV 08 S/O (12)IR JONES NOV 08 S/O (12)JE HUREL November 2006 CW NUGENT November 2008 (12) JW MEDDOWS NOV 08 S/O (12)SJ HEIGHWAY NOV 08 S/O (12)AWJ McAULEY NOV 08 S/O (12)MG DUDGEON November 2008 (12) KA BOYD November 2009 (12) K WOODGER November 2008 RB WEBBER November 2007 J BROWN NOV 08 S/O (12)JC DADE NOV 08 S/O (12)GS BURNETT NOV 08 S/O (12)NCW EASTHOPE NOV 08 S/O (12)SJ MEAKINS NOV 08 S/O (12)TGW HAMILTON

380 381 382 383 384 386 388 389 390 391 392 393 395 406 412 413 414 416 417 419 420 421 422 424 425 426 427 429 430 432 434 435 436 437 440 441 442 443 444 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462

NOV 08 S/O (12)GT MORGAN NOV 08 S/O (12)RSH IRWIN NOV 08 S/O (12)G LLOYD NOV 08 S/O (12)RP HARRIS NOV 08 S/O (12)GJ BRYANT NOV 08 S/O (12)AJ DAWSON NOV 08 S/O (12)DL BREESE NOV 08 S/O (12)PJR WARMERDAM NOV 08 S/O (12)WJ ROSSER NOV 08 S/O (12)CR WEST NOV 08 S/O (12)MW DRUITT HONMEM A MORETON NOV 08 S/O (12)LD SUMNER NOV 08 S/O (12)JG BEATTIE NOV 08 S/O (12)CJ TOMLINSON NOV 08 S/O (12)MG FISHER NOV 08 S/O (12)JS CARRINGTON NOV 08 S/O (12)IC DUGUID NOV 08 S/O (12)DP KIVLEHAN NOV 08 S/O (12)P DAVISON NOV 08 S/O (12)C RHODES NOV 08 S/O (12)R WILSON NOV 08 S/O (12)WA FOWELL NOV 08 S/O (12)D BRYSON NOV 08 S/O (12)S McCANN NOV 08 S/O (12)MN WARING November 2007 (12) MG BROWN NOV 08 S/O (12)RG ALLAN NOV 08 S/O (12)JM WATSON HONMEM M PARK November 2006 (12) D KENYON NOV 08 S/O (12)NJ GROSE NOV 08 S/O (12)KCW MARCH. HONMEM D FOSTER-WILLIAMS NOV 08 S/O (12)PR WILSON NOV 08 S/O (12)BJ WATKINS NOV 08 S/O (12)SA VERNON NOV 08 S/O (12)A MORE AFC NOV 08 S/O (12)JM MAGUIRE NOV 08 S/O (12)D BRIGGS NOV 08 S/O (12)JGP YOUNG NOV 08 S/O (12)J TELFER NOV 08 S/O (12)R MYLES NOV 08 S/O(12) B DOUGHTY NOV 08 S/O (12)JA GROOM NOV 08 S/O (12)BW JOHNSON NOV 08 S/O (12)MJ CLAGUE NOV 08 S/O (12)PJ WRIGHT NOV 08 S/O (12)S HUTCHINSON NOV 08 S/O (12)DJ McCANN NOV 08 S/O (12)KN MUNDAY NOV 08 S/O (12)ID JENKINS NOV 08 S/O (12)JFW DOLDER HONMEM A CROUCHMAN November 2008(12) RS HAWKINS NOV 08 S/O (12)TJ SAMWELL

463 464 465 466 467

NOV 08 S/O (12)DC WILSON NOV 08 S/O (12)LJ HUMPHRIES NOV 08 S/O (12)JE HUREL November 07 (12) NB McLOUGHLIN NOV 08 (12) ML ALCOCK

468 469 470 471 472

NOV 08 S/O (12)EJ MANNINGS NOV 08 (12) EN BOAKES NOV 09 (12) TK McGOWAN NOV 08 (12) JV JONES NOV 08 (12) JW NORRIS

OBITUARIES

PETER (WALLY/TUG) WILSON Wally Wilson passed away suddenly in March 2008. He was possibly the longest continually serving member of 72 Sqn in recent years. He served at least 15 years at Aldergrove which gained him the ACSM with gold rosette. He left the service and went to Shawbury with SERCO. He survived a serious brain trauma several years ago while out in South America on SERCO business. He recovered well from that and was able to return to work. He appears to have suffered a recurrence of the brain injury. He leaves a wife, Margaret, two grown up daughters in their early 20s and a 5 month old grandchild.

CITATIONS FROM HISTORY Compiled by Hugh Halliday

Historian Hugh Halliday has kindly provided the citations below which list a number of awards to 72 Sqn personnel in the First and second World Wars:

Story provided by a well known solicitor and certified lunatic who lives on a small island where he is paid by his customers in chickens and vindaloo curries. His masterful defence of cases has seen many of his customers end their days serving at Her Majestys pleasure in a first class palace of detention (also on the same small island). (The editor denies having written this last paragraph, by the way a big boy did it and ran away.).

REUNION 2008

Once again a number of members attended the annual reunion at North Weald. This year our accommodation was at The Green Man Hotel in Old Harlow. A good number of members turned up there on Friday and the staff was kind enough to put a number of table together to allow us all to dine in good company. The ceiling in the dining room was a low beamed affair, which caused some problems for our tall vice-president Dick Brooks, who managed to almost knock himself out, not once but twice during the weekend!

Having parked their Tucanos the CO and Matt Alcock hit the bar with Arthur Moreton and Johnny Meddows. A bright and sunny Saturday morning saw our members clambering on board the clack to begin our day of visits. First stop was at the HQ of the publishers of After The Battle, which is a quarterly magazine contrasting the battlefields and airfields of WW2 with the same scene in the present day. They also publish an excellent selection of books such as The Battle of Britain Then and Now. The HQ is also home to a large private collection of WW2 aviation and military memorabilia and

The old guard Jack Lancaster and Laurie Frampton, show some sign of relief that the two COs Mewesy and Kev March have managed to support the roof of the bar in the Green Man. items recovered from aircraft crash sites and battlefields. Tucked away behind the HQ are some more big boys toys in the form of military vehicles and a variety of vintage cars and sports cars. We only had a couple of hours to spend there but could easily have stayed all day. During the visit the opportunity was taken to sign a photograph of 72 Sqn pilots scrambling to their Vampire at North Weald and our WW2 models once again elbowed everyone else out of the way to get in all the best photos!

Reluctantly leaving After The Battle behind we moved on to the North Weald Museum where the new CO, Sqn Ldr Mewesy Mewes laid our wreath to absent friends. Arthur Moreton presented Jim Bader (oops I meant Barton) with a montage print showing the activities of 72 Sqn at North Weald with Jim as the centrepiece. The intention is that the print will be placed in the museum in a room dedicated to 72 Sqn. Following the wreath laying we clambered back onto the coach to go to a hangar 50 yards away, but involving a circuitous drive through the Saturday Market of about 2 miles! Once there we were treated to a sneak preview of a mock up Hurricane which will be placed at the entrance to the airfield as a memorial. Once again the

WW2 models demanded to be in almost every photo, claiming that there was a clause in their contract which demanded it!

WW2 couldnt stop them and neither could we as Tom Hughes, Jack Lancaster, Rodney Scrase, Laurie Frampton and Dicky Bird dog-fought their way into yet another group photo. (courtesy After The Battle). Next stop was lunch and liquid refreshment at The Squadron, where many took advantage of the fine weather to sit outdoors and watch the wide variety of aircraft using the airfield. Following lunch the AGM was held, minute of which are in this issue. The AGM was interrupted shortly after it started by a shout from outside of Sorry to interrupt guys, but there is a Spit about to do a flypast. The Committee, seated nearest the door, were nearly trampled in the rush of members stampeding to see the Spit, which was from the Battle of Britain Flight. Later the members were sitting on the coach just prior to leaving for the hotel to wash and brush up, when another Spit taxied past on its way to its hangar. Much pleasure was derived from viewing two Spits in one day. The evening function went exceedingly well, with a wide variety and number of prized donated for the draw, most of which seem to be won by Tom Hughes every year (must find out what his secret is). The CO gave an enthusiastic and very humorous talk on the activities of the squadron at Linton and all too soon we were

John Hurel playing with the big boys toys. being ushered out onto the coach for the hotel, though some did manage to catch the barman at the hotel for a nightcap ( and the odd snooze in the corner we know who you are!). Sunday morning saw the members slowly drift away; many planning to continue the festivities at Linton in July and others thinking even further ahead to NW 2009.

Vampire scramble at North Weald signed by all at After the Battle HQ (courtesy After The Battle).

The squadron did not fly Hurricanes, but its any excuse for a photo opportunity for our WW2 members!

Jim Barton shows of his big stick to an impressed Carol Brewerton and Linda Merry.

The Spitfire taxies past 72s present mount the Tucano.

Arthur Moreton, Jim Barton, Matt Adams and Carol Brewerton admire the 72 Sqn print at North Weald Museum.

Tom Docherty grins at the thought of the hours of fun he will have playing with his draw prize an empty wine carrier. The Chairman is gutted he wanted it.

THE ROAD TO CAP SERRAT

By Darryl Briggs

It was an inauspicious introduction to 72 Sqn. Just prior to departure I was languishing in the RAF Police cell at Ouston. I was going to phone my dad but fizzing as the phone had been smashed. I reported it to the police, who accused me of the damage despite my saying that if I had done it I wouldnt have reported it. However I was missed (by the Sqn) so I was reluctantly released. We got our first glimpse of our cruise ship and like the John Masefield poem it was a salt encrusted relic of a glorious past. SS Staffordshire of the Bibby Line with a single stack. What caused rumours as to our destination was a huge snow plough on her sharp end. It was really packed. Brown Jobs and RAF. Cooks package tours had really earned their cash! We were given a long table but I cant recall if food was a free for all or if someone at the table top was detailed. The menu card was missing. Owing to over booking our cabins were missing, instead eight hammocks for 12 men. Failing to get one I was on the deck away from the route to the toilets. There was more consternation when we slipped our moorings on Friday 13th for where? Norway? Russia? Some lads could even see their homes from the Clyde. My biggest shock was the toilets for washing we were issued a bar of salt water soap, no hot water. The toilet was communal and believed origin was ancient Rome. It consisted of a very long plank with holes along its length suspended above a long torrent of rushing water. The days so far were uneventful on calm seas and we had acquired quite a big collection of ships; tankers, tramps and some lovely, grey-painted, liners. Nearest to us was a Canadian Pacific three-funneled Empress class. Once we hit the Bay of Biscay life on board was more lively. Complexions turned from rosy to grey, vomit was everywhere, some spending long periods on the plank, which was extremely busy. If bacon was on for breakfast it caused a renewed rush to more contemplation of the torrent. We did lose one overboard but the ship was not allowed to stop so just guess as to his fate. The weather and the sea got warmer and calmer. The torrents clients got fewer. Our immediate escorts, a pair of dolphins. Occasionally depth charges were fired accompanied by a great wall of water. Destroyers dashing up and down the convoy. I was detailed to break coal in the depth of the ship, which was not to my liking. Gradually we got our sea legs and at night, sleeping on the deck, watching the graceful arc of the tip of the mast against the stars and looking at the phosphorescent wake was indeed the stuff of dreams. Then one night the lights of Morocco on the right and of Spain on the left as we threaded the Pillars of Hercules a lovely target for U-boats. So,

Algiers, Arabian nights, romance and magic beckoned us from a heavy sea and a grey day. On the 22nd we disembarked from SS Staffordshire. Heavy sea running. One of our lads was tied to a rope and he endeavoured to get a huge tire from the sea. Why? We hadnt even got transport. We assembled and Tiny le Peppit told us to report on the morrow. So in dribs and drabs we went to sample the fleshpots of Algiers. I bought some Evening in Paris; well wed be back by Christmas! Later fortified by wine, and considerably sobered after seeing the toilets; a square with two places for feet and a pile of crap resembling a termite structure, was somewhat disheartening. Three of us thought we would get a good nights rest on some stone steps leading to the beach. It was cold and in the small hours the tide came in and flushed us out. Soon dried out in the hot sun, we met up and marched to HMS Bicester, a Hunt Class destroyer. So, with two other destroyers we were on our way again. I was impressed by the speed. In the stern we seemed to be below the seas surface on account of the huge bow wave as she sliced through the sea. We landed at Phillipville much nearer the front and from here joined the excursion at the railhead. We got into the cattle trucks; 40 Hommes, 8 Chevaux. A Frenchman armed with a knife who was in the van tried to knife one of our lads but was soon overpowered and presented to the gendarmes. Not relishing being one of the Hommes I decided to travel in one of those quaint sentry box-like things at the back of the van, which served as lookout along the train. On the way to Souk el Arba, at the stops we piled out to the engine to get boiling water for a brew. One sobering thought remains in my mind; we waited for an ambulance train from the front to pass by, coaches marked with the Red Cross. We had one coach with the adjutant and other officers on board. The next stop was most embarrassing for me. We were formed up and I was singled out for a public washing, as I stood out like a sore thumb. I was the only coloured person in the Squadron, spending so long exposed to the smoke from the locomotive. From then on I was one of the Hommes! At Souk el Arba, during an attack, we watched as a goat grabbed a freshly washed shirt off the line and ate it, despite the strafing! The motorbikes were a bad choice for campaigns; Matchless with telescopic forks that after a few weeks became jammed on the lower half and split; result a rigid frame. Christmas Day was held in the barn-cummess. The menu card had the Swift on the front and the menu inside. It was a very good meal. Jan 25th we move to Souk el Khemis not too far from Arba, only big problem was mud. Just possible that we influenced the cancellation of an offensive on Longstop Hill. In his book General Eisenhower stated his mind was made up by seeing several motor cyclists struggling with the mud. The car road was on the Medjez el Bab to Mateur highway and the Top Brass was often seen on their inspections of the front. The mud was really bad. Many a time I had to take the rear wheel off as the mud had built up so thickly that the wheel wouldnt turn.

February 24th was a Panic Day. Field Marshal Rommel launched his attack through Kasserine Pass and Tiny assembled us all in the mess with the immortal words; If Rommel continues his offensive we will all be up shit creek without a paddle. Hint of destroying everything and be prepared. However, it didnt come to that the usual strafing, the odd bomb, in fact, normalcy. Darryl Briggs passed through Sedjanane on the way to Cap Serrat shortly after the battle for the town: I met a solitary Arab going my way, and so against rules and regulations I gave him a lift. After many miles and somewhat near to my destination I told him as best I could he was on his own, and this was true. It was a bleak landscape, no signs of life. He was OK though, but it did puzzle me as to how he had endured the ride; no footrest, only a carrier instead of a seat and a hot exhaust pipe the blighter was also barefoot! Coming to Sedjenane I saw signs of a recent battle, dozens of Italian sun helmets with feathers as decorations were strewn around; I believe they were a Bersagliari unit. German tanks, half tracks and trucks were burnt out courtesy of 72? I again disregarded the rules and decided to inspect a half track which looked like an old charabanc as regards seating; it was also very badly burnt out. Inside the drivers side was a type of slit pocket from which I got a huge revolver, a knife fork and spoon in a neat metal holder which incorporated a bottle opener (think of everything these Germans) which was much more practical than our loose irons and two pay books. One of these was for Paul Wiegers, who was my age, but born the month previous. Well, I got to Cap Serrat but they were not a very hospitable lot and I was glad to shake the dust off and ride into the sunset. About half way back disaster struck; a flat rear tyre. With no grass to stuff in the tyre I did attempt to carry on but in the end could go no further. The tyre shredded and as I had not been issued with a carrier pigeon I was really up the creek. After an hour, smoking and thinking, an American jeep pulled up. Whats up buddy? They hoisted the bike on the jeep and took me to their camp, Go get some chow, buddy. One of our guys seen a French bike down a ravine, well go take a look. What a meal, loads of coffee, food as you only dreamed of, not a sign of bully beef and biscuits. If there had been a recruiting officer there I would have been a GI. Well, they got the wheel and as luckily it was the right size. They even fitted it; great guys. I cannot remember if I told Chiefy Arthur or Sgt Calver of my journey, but much sand and mud has passed since then! When we finally reached Tunis we had a field day in an aircraft graveyard. Several Ju 52 mail planes full of mail. Got some really valuable postcards showing Hitler, Mussolini and the Duke of Aosta, later taken by burglars back home. In Tunis, in the queue for brothels were, amongst others, certain of our officers still who knew what lay

ahead. Another interlude was the great line of prisoners with hardly any guards. Men of the Afrika Korps.

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