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November 2011 Newsletter ‘The Flying Paperclip’

CLUB OPENING TIMES Monday 1900-2300 (subject to the Quiz League playing)

Tuesday 1900-2300 (subject to the Quiz League playing)

Wednesday 1930-2200 (Only on the 1st and 3

rd Wednesdays of the month)

Thursday 1900-2300 Friday 1900 – 2300 Saturday 1200-1500 and 1900 – 0000 Sunday 1200 – 1400

Grimsby & Cleethorpes Branch Registered Charity No 501145

5 Alexandra Road Cleethorpes

North East Lincs DN35 8LQ

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A Historic Day for the Branch & North East Lincolnshire by Bill McCann

11/11/11 - Remembrance Day

There will be a service of Remembrance on Friday 11thNovember at the Strike Wing Memorial opposite the Branch, starting at 1045hrs. The Club will be open from 0900hrs and all members are asked to come along and support this special occasion. For the first time in the Branch’s history our President Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, KBE; and Jane Easton, Secretary General of RAFA, are coming along to be with us. Our President - Air Commodore Neil Gammon; Area Director Ken Clarke and Area Welfare Officer Paul Davies will also be here. Attending the Service will be the following comprehensive list of dignitaries – The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire - Councillor Susan Pickett On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen - The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire - Tony Worth The Reverend the Bishop of Great Grimsby - The Right Reverend David Rossdale The Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby - Austin Mitchell The Member of Parliament for Cleethorpes - Martin Vickers

The Chief Constable of Humberside Police - Chief Constable Tim Hollis CBE QPM On behalf of the Royal Navy - Commander David Mealing, Royal Navy, MSc BEng(Hons) CEng MIET MRAeS On behalf of Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Yorkshire and the Humber - Major General David S Jolliffe CB On behalf of the British Army - Colonel Sam Sykes TD, Deputy Commander (South) 15(North East) Brigade On behalf of Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee - Colonel (Retd) Tony Phillips MBE On behalf of the Royal Air Force - Wing Commander A Sandilands From RAF Cranwell Deputy Leader North East Lincolnshire Council - Councillor Mick Burnett North East Lincolnshire Council, Strategic Director - Rob Walsh Chief Executive Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust - Karen Jackson Director NHS Military Health Yorkshire and the Humber - Claire Jones Chair - Shoreline Housing Partnership - Karen Rastall Director - Humberside Probation Service - Kate Munson Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire - Paula Grant For Chamber of Commerce - Simon Brett Deputy Principal Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education - Alan Bird Franklin Sixth Form College - Trevor Wray For Communities Together - Caroline Spence

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Regional Director Balfour Beatty Workplace - Caroline Hopkins

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Phew! a long list and took even longer to put together for the day. We also have coming along the schoolchildren from the following schools, St. Peter’s Primary, Bursar Street, Barcroft Street, and the Principal of Oasis Academy (Jane Bowman – Our President’s wife) with 6 Prefects. The North East Lincs Pipe Band will be playing at the memorial prior to the service, it is believed that the local and National Press and Look North will be coming to report on the morning. RAF Marham may hopefully be providing a flypast at 11.25am, but still awaiting confirmation There will be a Reception in the Club after the Service. Also, on that day, the Armed Forces Community Covenant is being signed at Cleethorpes Town Hall by members of the Armed Forces mentioned above and by senior members of NELC and its partners. This will be a historic day for North East Lincolnshire. For those of you that are unsure of what the Covenant is, the following may explain Aims of the Community Covenant The Armed Forces Community Covenant complements the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which defines the enduring, general principles that should govern the relationship Between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces Community. It aims to encourage all parties within our community to offer support to the local Armed Forces community and make it easier for Service personnel, families and veterans to access the help and support available from the Ministry of Defence, from statutory providers and from the Charitable and Voluntary Sector.

Bill’s nomination

Bill McCann, Branch chairman, has been nominated by the Branch to stand as a member of the RAFA Central Council. This is a huge honour and will mean a lot of hard work, but we all know how hard Bill can work so he should be able to take it all in his stride if he is successful. Good luck, Bill! Cleaning party needed, please! To get the Club all spick and span for Remembrance Day, it would be appreciated if anyone could come and help with the cleaning and tidying of the Club on Wednesday evening, 9th November, from 7pm onwards please. We all had a good laugh when we did this last time for Armed Forces Day, so please turn up if you can help. Thank you.

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Tuesday 11th October – Card, jewellery and handbag evening Phoenix Trading came in and brought some great items! Thank you to everyone who came and supported this event; we made a little bit of commission and money on the raffle as well, so it was well worth doing. I saw some beautiful handbags disappearing out of the door, with some very happy customers! Our thanks also go to everyone who donated a raffle prize. It is very much appreciated. Thursday nights Numbers drawn out this month on Thursday nights in the Membership Draw were: Thurs 29th September – Z Aisthorpe would have won £150 Thurs 6th October – A Greenhurst would have won £155 Thurs 13th October - C Chaplin would have won £160 Thurs 20th October - J Storey would have won £165 Thurs 27th October – M Reah would have won £170 Unfortunately, none of the above were in the Club when their numbers were drawn, so the prize money rolls over into November with £175 to be won on Thursday 3rd November. The prize money will increase by £5 every week up to a maximum of £200. Don’t forget the rules for the draw; you have to be IN the Club at 9.30pm and have your membership card with you!

Welfare Services Do you need help? The RAFA is there to help serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their dependants, providing friendship, advice and support, respite care, general welfare and signposting. Contact details for our Branch welfare reps are at the end of the newsletter. Wings Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd November we are collecting in Asda, Grimsby. Please give some thought to helping to collect for the Wings Appeal and promoting the Branch. There is a sheet up in the Branch for any volunteers to put there name to, or please contact me on 01472 596745. Thank you. Committee meeting The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 16th November at 8pm. This will be a combined Branch and Club meeting and the bar will be open from 7pm for everyone.

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Branch website The branch website is http://rafassociationgrimsbyandcleethorpes.webs.com for information, contacts and messaging. Need a carpet?

For a prompt and reliable service in choosing and fitting your carpets, contact Kevin

Bryant on Home: 01472 235704, Mobile: 07980 286663, or email kevin@carpet-fitter.co.uk. He also has a website, www.carpet-fitter.co.uk Kevin is a regular RAFA Club member; please mention you read this advert in the Branch newsletter when you contact him.

Thank you, EON! We would like to thank EON energy very much for their very generous donation of £2000 to the Branch. This has been used to repair the roof at the Club, which was leaking quite badly. Thanks go to Matt Capes (who works there) for nominating us for this money and for the staff who work there for their generosity. Graham’s Race Night There will be one of Graham Malster’s (in)famous Race Nights here at the Club on Saturday 5th November. Graham, your ‘honest bookie’, will host an evening of fun and laughs, starting around 7.30pm. These nights are always very popular, so come early to guarantee a good seat! Christmas Hamper raffle We have a fabulous Christmas Hamper to be won at the Club. Tickets are 5 for £1 – just ask behind the bar. Again, this will be drawn on Saturday 17th December. Air Sea Rescue Marine Craft Sections Club Humber Branch by Graham Chaters (Branch Secretary) Some of you may have wondered exactly who this group is that advertises its monthly meetings in the Flying Paperclip, and what have boats got to do with the Royal Air Force? In the words of the Club website. (www.asrmcs-club.com)..........

From 1918 to 1986 the Marine Branch of the Royal Air Force supplied waterborne support, rescue facilities and services for the Royal Air Force throughout the world.

Inaugurated as the Marine Craft Section just eleven days after the Royal Air Force itself was founded, it initially provided back-up for the flying boats but it also developed a rescue service which during and after the second world war became the largest in the world. During the war years alone over 8,000 lives were saved by the crews of the high speed rescue launches who faced enemy action and all weathers to uphold their pledge of "The Sea Shall Not Have Them".

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In 1951, at a meeting of several former wartime crews, the Air Sea Rescue & Marine Craft Section Club was formed and membership is open to all who have served in the Royal Air Force on marine craft in any of the recognized marine branch trades. The Club is recognized by the Ministry of Defence (Air) and each year on Remembrance Sunday wreaths are laid at sea from Newhaven and Bridlington whilst at Gorleston a service is held at the new memorial in memory of those of our comrades who gave their lives during the Second World War. The Club is also represented at, the official opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, and the Cenotaph Parade, each November and at the annual Commonwealth Air Forces Commemoration Service at Runnymede in May.

The Club has an active membership of over 1000 and an annual Reunion is held in the Spring of each year. The club actively seeks members and in particular would be pleased to hear from those who served in the Branch in the 70’s and 80’s.

Locally there have been strong links with air sea rescue operations – Grimsby Dock basin was the home to 22 ASR MCU during the war years (operating in tandem with the Royal Navy’s 69th Flotilla of Rescue Marine Launches based at Immingham), whilst post war there was 1110 MCU at Immingham between 1949 and 1959 as well as (slightly further afield) 1109 MCU at Boston and 1104 at Bridlington. Bridlington was the wartime home to 21 ASRMCU and going back pre-war had at one time TE Lawrence attached to the unit to evaluate new designs (TEL is better known to the wider public as Lawrence of Arabia) 22 ASRMCU’s ‘patch’ spread across the whole of the North Sea and by the end of the war its launches had been responsible for saving 107 aircrew (Allied and German) from an otherwise watery grave. Some successes were in sight of the Dock Tower whilst one was as far away as the Terschelling Bank – a round trip of 400 miles and on the limits of the endurance of the High Speed Launch involved. The Humber Branch was set up in 1997 to provide a local contact for the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Sections Club. The ASR/MCS Club and originally been formed in 1951 to perpetuate the spirit of comradeship engendered within the Marine Branch both in peacetime and in times of war.

Inaugural meeting RAFA Club, Saturday (?15th)

) February 19977

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At its inception the Humber Branch had a healthy membership size in the mid-thirties, including a number of Webfoots (ASR slang for motorboat crew) spread across the UK. Many of the members had served at Grimsby and Immingham as well as far afield as the Far East, Africa, Europe and the UK. A number are wartime crew, whilst other ‘younger’ members have served post-war - one right up to the disbandment of the Marine Branch in 1986. As Secretary, yours truly was a civvy in the ‘wrong’ place at the ‘wrong’ time showing an enthusiasm for the history of ASR as well as chronologically lagging behind the Webfeet by around 30 years. Over the years the Branch has attended many open days and functions promoting the role of ASR in the wider history of the RAF. Whilst the membership numbers were healthy regular meals out were had at Wrawby (three members, at that time, living in Scunthorpe.) Visits to an oil refinery, the Evening Telegraph offices, Scunthorpe steel works, and an arctic research ship all complemented a day at RAF Waddington and a day with the Red Arrows.

Visit to RAF Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows Friday 8th March 2002

On a more practical level the Branch has attended ASR memorial services at Bridlington and provided materials for display at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and Immingham museum. The Branch was also accorded a civic reception in 2003 to celebrate the first use of an Air Bourne Lifeboat when, on the 5th May 1943, a Grimsby launch rescued the 7 crew of a 102 Squadron Halifax bomber which had ditched 90 miles off Spurn. National we are represented by Cyril Monks, who for many years has served on the committee of the ASRMCS Club. Meetings today are more informal – we manage anywhere between 3 and 8 members at any one time – but we are a friendly and sociable crowd who welcome any new faces to assist in our lamp swinging – webfoot slang for putting back a few drinks. Whilst there are some reflections on their ‘antics’ and duties, generally we will share conversations with anyone about anything. Bottle Draw Yes, it’s that time of year again! Numbers for the annual Bottle Draw are on sale behind the bar at 3 numbers for £1. Lots of bottles to be won and if anyone would like to donate a bottle for the draw, it will be gratefully accepted. The draw will take place on Saturday 17th December in the Club. Thank you.

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Staying in Cleethorpes?

The Jedburgh Guest House is owned and run by membership secretary Graham Malster and his partner, Cheryl. Situated at 26 Albert Road, this lovely 7-bedroomed

B&B is a 3 minute walk from the RAFA Club and an ideal place to stay if visiting the local area or coming to a Club event. Some rooms are en suite and Graham and Cheryl can be contacted via their website, which is jedburghguesthouse.co.uk, or via bookings@jedburghguesthouse.co.uk or phone 01472 508092. More information can be found on their website or see Graham and Cheryl at the Club.

II (AC) Squadron Reminiscences by Ken Clark

I arrived on II Squadron at RAF Gütersloh in Germany at the time of its 50th

Anniversary in May 1962. I was a corporal instrument fitter (gen). My first duty was as NCO in charge of hangar security whilst the parade was taking place. During the anniversary, Princess Alexandra of Kent should have visited the Squadron, but was unable to; her place was taken by a member of HM Government, Mr Peter Taylor. As part of the anniversary celebrations, aircraft from the Shuttleworth Collection were brought to the camp and assembled in a hangar prior to giving a flying display.

We had eight Hunters on the Squadron with their call sign letters on the nose-wheel flaps, spelling SHINYTWO (sometimes misinterpreted!) The CO always flew ‘S’. My senior NCO was Chief Tech John Payne; SAC Ian ‘Ena’ Sharples was one of the mechanics – he also drove the tractor and the aircraft towing. Other ‘bashers’ who I can remember were Pete Kitchen and Fred Wright, who was promoted to corporal and posted to 45 Squadron. I soon settled into Squadron life. My wife and family came out to join me in July 1962, but in August the airfield was closed for runway resurfacing and we went to Brüggen and Chivenor. When we returned to Gütersloh, life settled into a routine; S/L Thornton was CO, F/O (Boots) Gordon the EngO and Flight Sgt Woolley the SNCO. I learned to drive around the airfield perimeter in a Maggi 10 tonne, which was standard procedure as everyone had to be able to drive, and I then became the CO’s driver. Many interesting things happened on the Squadron; some were little accidents, like F/L Tatem scraping the tailskid along the runway on take-off (he was later presented with it, mounted on a wooden plinth!); then two pilots touched wing-tips; on a multiple take-off along with Javelins and other aircraft, the Javelins at the front threw

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back so much grit and dirt that our four Hunters had to have engine changes because of the damage done to them. A visit took place by a Russian General and one of our aircraft took a photograph of him on the steps of the Officers’ Mess (before this, an airman had cleaned the General’s shoes). The photograph was presented to him at lunch! Russian General on the Mess steps

Another highlight that I can recall concerned the Station Commander, Gp Capt Evans, who had come to top-up his flying hours and parked his car in front of the hangar doors. One of the trolleys somehow became detached from the tractor towing the oxygen cylinders and rammed his car!

I was promoted to Sergeant in July 1963. We went to Leeuwarden for 3 weeks of air-firing and every morning we would check our gun sights with the gunnery officer. Each pilot’s ammunition had a different distinguishing colour. We went on exercise with half the Squadron to El-Adem, where we lived, worked and slept in tents. Wg Cdr Conway i/c flying

Lining up to form the ‘2’ squadron

came on exercise and I don’t know who he upset, but he finished up in the waste water pit at the ablution lines with people throwing water at him! In the middle of the exercise we were given a break, so we took our truck down to Tobruk – a hair-raising experience as we were all standing in the back – to swim in the bay. When we got back, the Sgt’s Mess was having a ‘Tramp’s Ball’ so we all went as Arabs with our harem! S/L Thornton left the squadron in December 1963 and S/L Walpole took over; we also had a new EngO, F/L McGarvey. During November 1964 we went on detachment to GAF Eggebeck in Northern Germany with half the Squadron, where we spent three weeks, but without much flying due to bad weather. At the entrance to the station was a figure of a black panther, which the officers of the squadron decided to decorate with pink toilet paper. The other half of the squadron stayed at home and entertained the Yanks. I was to be posted to RAF Coningsby, to the TSR-2 project, but when it was cancelled I was posted to St Athan instead. In 1965 my tour with II(AC) was coming to an end but I was one of the lucky ones as the RAF extended the tour of duty to 3 years. In May, there was a Royal visit to the camp, and I was selected to sit with my family in the stands as the Queen and Prince Philip drove past. The Queen had been

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delayed by the people in Gütersloh, and arrived at the dias as the fly past took place, which was quite exciting! That night, the Queen and Prince Philip stayed on the camp in the Royal Train. S/L Walpole asked me if I would stay on for an extra 6 months, for the annual firing practice, but I had to refuse as I had arranged to hand over my quarter and for us all to return to the UK. My time spent on II(AC) Squadron was some of the happiest in the RAF – we were a close knit family who worked and played hard.

Armed Forces Day 2012 It might seem a long way off, but last Christmas was only 5 minutes ago and AFD will soon be here! Plans and preparations are well under way and so far, for Saturday 30th June, it includes: the parade; military vehicles; the Vulcan (giving a full display); Spitfire from the BBMF; The Blades Aerobatic display team; bands and much more! On Sunday 1st July, there will be a Military Tattoo at Meridian Point, near Pleasure Island, bids are already in for the RAF College Band from Cranwell; RAF Regiment band; RAF Falcons parachute display team; The Royal Signals ‘White Helmets’ motorcycle display team and much more that is still being negotiated. It will cost just £10 a ticket, which will include a 20-minute firework display at the end. More details as and when we get them, but it sounds like a great weekend in Cleethorpes is coming…! South East & Eastern Area News The South East and Eastern Area newsletter can be downloaded from www.rafa.org.uk/areas-southeast.asp or there are some copies in the Club for you to look at. The newsletter hadn’t been published on the RAFA website as this went to print, but I did receive this from Chris Osborne: The Armed Forces Art shop in Uxbridge (suppliers of our nostalgia merchandise) are looking to expand their business over the Christmas period by hiring Retail Mobile Units (RMU) in ten shopping centres. They are looking for willing volunteers to help run the RMU’s and RAFA, RAFBF and Bomber Command will provide their own merchandise for sale on these units. I see this as an excellent way to sell our end of season merchandise plus ‘Wings’ merchandise. The RAFA merchandise would be provided centrally through CHQ. The centres are as follows: Castle Point -Bournemouth Festival Place- Basingstoke The Mall -Camberley Sovereign Centre - Eastbourne The Centre MK- Milton Keynes The Oracle -Reading West Quay -Southampton DLR Station London – Canary Wharf The Chimes shopping centre - Uxbridge

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The dates run from the 14th Nov – 23rd Dec covering seven days a week. I think this would be an excellent opportunity for some of the Branch members to volunteer their services to promote the RAF Association in these centres not only to sell our products but also to promote membership and welfare. The dates run from the 14th Nov – 23rd Dec covering seven days a week. I think this would be an excellent opportunity for some of the Branch members to volunteer their services to promote the RAF Association in these centres not only to sell our products but also to promote membership and welfare. I would be grateful if you would seek assistance in this venture through your Branches in relevant surrounding areas as we cannot support this with permanent staff. There is not a lot of time to recruit volunteers and time is of the essence but I think this an opportunity that we should take up. Caption competition This month’s picture was Graham Malster on a club visit to HMS Brocklesby. We’ve had some great captions, so thank you very much everyone who let me have their thoughts! (Though I’m not sure will Graham will feel the same….!)

From Kevin Hotson: “Jedburgh Security a tad zealous…” and “So that’s non-payment of rent and late Subscriptions sorted….” From Myra Cunliffe: “Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, Baker’s man….!” From Brian Cunliffe: “Nice to sea you, to sea you…BANG!”

From Tony Walker: “Hmmm, this looks like it’s worth a few bob….wonder if they’ll miss it?” and “Once again, Group Captain Malster stands alone, fending off the enemy in a selfless act of self-sacrifice!” From Malcolm Robinson: “What happens if I press this button on here?” From Pat Howard: “I used to have a big one like this…!” Thanks everyone, brilliant! I’m sorry, I don’t have a picture for a caption competition this month, but I’m sure that there’ll be one next month.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS All the usual meetings and some different events that you might like. Any suggestions for future events are very welcome!

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Club Committee meeting - Every 1st Wednesday in the month at 2000hrs. The bar is open for the evening and everyone is welcome. Branch Committee meeting Every 3rd Wednesday in the month is the Branch Committee meeting at 2000hrs. The bar is open for the evening and everyone is welcome. Humber Branch of the Air Sea Rescue Association meet at the Club every 1st Friday in the month. Contact Secretary, Graham Chaters, for any further information on 01354 694825 or email grchaters@btinternet.com Royal Armoured Corps meeting Every 2nd Friday of each month. For further information, please contact Richard Lent on 07773 790111 or by email at richard.lent@uwclub.com The Veterans-in-Humberside RAF Regiment group have changed their meetings to the THIRD SATURDAY IN EVERY MONTH from 13.00 - 15.00 hrs commencing on Saturday 19th November. All serving or ex-serving Regiment are invited. Contact Graham Smith on rocksreunion@hotmail.co.uk or 01472 505030. North Lincs. Air Crew Association meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month Any serving or ex-serving Air Crew are invited to attend meetings of the North Lincs. Air Crew Association, chaired by Air-Vice Marshal Martyn Gardiner. They meet at the Louth Indoor Bowling Club, off St. Bernard’s Avenue, Louth at 11am for lunch. For any further information, please contact Tony Anderson on 01507 606398 or by email haselbury124@tiscali.co.uk First Friday in every month – Children are welcome to stay later on this Friday. Come and play the games here or bring your own. Pool and darts available. Saturday 5th November – Graham’s Race Night. An evening of fun and entertainment with your honest bookie, Graham Malster. Saturday 19th November Act still to be negotiated with. Friday 25th November - Friendship at Home group at the Club for a quiz evening. Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 28th November - Collecting for Wings in Asda, Grimsby. Same as before, if you can spare an hour or two to stand and collect and promote the Branch, it would be really appreciated. Saturday 17th December – Bottle draw and Hamper draw. Everyone welcome.

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New Year’s Eve – You are very welcome to dress up in fancy dress costume if you wish and Jeanette will be singing. More details nearer the time. Armed Forces Day 2012 Put the date in your diary, it’s Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July 2012. More details as and when we get them ourselves. More events are being planned, but if you have a suggestion, please let the Committee know. CONTACTS If you would like anything included in the next newsletter or would like it emailed free of charge, please contact Donna Flint on either 01472 596745, 07801 440862 or by email donnaflint2@ntlworld.com. If you would like it posted out to you, please send an A5 SAE (or several to cover several months) to the Club, marked for the attention of Donna Flint. The printed newsletter can be collected from the Club around the 5th of each month. For any comments or enquiries about the Club or Branch, contact Bill McCann (Chairman) on mobile 07904228477 or you can email bill.mccann2@virginmedia.com. You can also contact any Committee member. Membership enquiries to Trish Fisher on07904228477 or email trishf.rafa@gmail.com Welfare enquiries to Bill McCann, details above, Andrea Shepherd on 07963975650 or Trish Fisher 07717028941. Wings Appeal enquiries or suggestions to Donna Flint on the above numbers, thank you.