Dear Friends.
Quite a lot of changes have taken place during the time from the last reunion. We have said "Goodbye" to Wing Commander Matthews who is now flying a desk at the MOD in London.
Perhaps he will find time in his busy schedule to visit us now and then. We hope so and perhaps bring his family.
We now have Wing Commander Garry Crosby who came to the last reunion for the first time and tells me he really enjoyed meeting veterans and guests and getting to know them. He is very keen to be involved in all we do and we appreciate his enthusiasm.
We welcomed Gp Capt Sharpe and his wife Caroline back again since he retired from the Force. They have promised to keep in touch and come to the reunions. Caroline was presented with a bouquet by Isabel as she missed out last time when she was unable to join us. She was delighted. Gp Capt. says he wants to be treated with the same respect as the other veterans but is not holding his breath as no doubt he will still be giving me trouble.
Gp.Capt. Paton is still enjoying life in the far reaches of Scotland with his family and keeps in touch e-mail wise and the occasional telephone call.
We were sad to hear that Group Capt Jones was moving on from 51 squadron but he and his wife, Liz, are hoping to still be living in the Lincoln area and have promised to keep in touch and visit us.
The icing on the cake is to hear that he has been promoted to Air Commodore from 27th April 2012. so we now have our very own Air Commodore. Congratulations ! We hope he can make it to the reunion in May. Please !
Quite a lot of changes have taken place during the time from the last reunion. We have said "Goodbye" to Wing Commander Matthews who is now flying a desk at the MOD in London.
Perhaps he will find time in his busy schedule to visit us now and then. We hope so and perhaps bring his family.
We now have Wing Commander Garry Crosby who came to the last reunion for the first time and tells me he really enjoyed meeting veterans and guests and getting to know them. He is very keen to be involved in all we do and we appreciate his enthusiasm.
We welcomed Gp Capt Sharpe and his wife Caroline back again since he retired from the Force. They have promised to keep in touch and come to the reunions. Caroline was presented with a bouquet by Isabel as she missed out last time when she was unable to join us. She was delighted. Gp Capt. says he wants to be treated with the same respect as the other veterans but is not holding his breath as no doubt he will still be giving me trouble.
Gp.Capt. Paton is still enjoying life in the far reaches of Scotland with his family and keeps in touch e-mail wise and the occasional telephone call.
We were sad to hear that Group Capt Jones was moving on from 51 squadron but he and his wife, Liz, are hoping to still be living in the Lincoln area and have promised to keep in touch and visit us.
The icing on the cake is to hear that he has been promoted to Air Commodore from 27th April 2012. so we now have our very own Air Commodore. Congratulations ! We hope he can make it to the reunion in May. Please !
You will probably all know by now that the new beer, The Red Goose, is a great success. Mr. Wetherell of the Old Mill Brewery in Snaith very kindly donated 5p from each pint sold for the first three months to the chosen charity of the Wing Commander who decided on Bomber Command. Hopefully, along with the collection from the last reunion, it will help to swell the funds for the new Bomber Command Memorial. The amount raised from the reunion was made up to £100 plus £25 TAX.
The beer was launched at the Brewers' Arms one lunchtime by Wing Commander Crosby who brought along with him 3 members of the squadron, namely, Fl/Lt Ged Kilkenny, Fl.Sgt Craig Miller and Cpl.Danny Glover.
A squadron crest was presented to Mr. Wetherell and one to Chris, the manager of the Brewers' Arms by the Wing Commander in appreciation of their support. Andrew, the husband of Kelly Wood of the brewery, saw a goose ornament on the internet and bought it, then painted it red to present to the Wing Commander. That was a very nice touch. I should mention that Paul Simpson was actually the brewer of the beer and very fittingly, lives at Pollington. Thank you Paul, you did a good job. Kelly has been a great help in organising the event and chasing up the squadron and has now turned her job over to Kim as she is about to produce her first baby. How about Waddington for a name, Kelly !
Just to end the episode on the beer, the squadron enjoyed a sample at a special event at Waddington having paid for buy one get one free. Recently, the Red Goose went on a flight with the Wing Commander - the ornament, not the beer !
As a news flash, our MP, Andrew Percy was invited by the brewery to a visit by CAMRA. He enjoyed the Red Goose and has offered to try to get it into Westminster. It worked. It will be on sale at Westminster in July.
Al Pinner, who I am sure some of you will remember was a fighter pilot, is now helping to raise funds for the BC memorial. He is looking into the possibility of having The Red Goose at the day of the unveiling. Nothing confirmed as yet.
Andrew Newton is a new friend who has just recently come to start a business in Snaith, and has done very good work for us and also for the Brewers' Arms. Chris from the Brewers has made one of his rooms into a gallery of pictures of 150 and 51 squadrons and Andrew has been heavily involved in it. Wing Commander Crosby presented him with a silver plaque in appreciation of his work. Thank you Andrew. Perhaps you will consider visiting Andrew if you want any printing doing. FileLeaderGraphics -email ajn@fileleadergraphics@co.uk
The gallery has become a focal point at the Brewers' and is causing quite a lot of interest which also causes interest for Chris with the beer. Feedback received is very favourable, so much so that he ran out of it one weekend. Chris hopes to bring some to the reunion for veterans and guests who missed the chance last time. This, though, is the real mcoy whereas it was not quite ready last time. We must stress that no beer should be consumed until after the food has been eaten as it is too dangerous if trays of hot tea and coffee are being served.
Jim Gardner has been spending time in hospital recently but is now on the road to recovery and hopes to join us in May at the reunion. Well done Jim.
Derek Oliver has sent me information which he has obtained about a Veterans Lapel Badge. I will add a special page to this newsletter in case anyone wishes to apply for one. Thank you Derek.
HM Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge
To promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public the unique and unifying symbol of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces. The HM Armed Forces Veterans' Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 by the then Minister for Veterans, to raise the profile of veterans by assisting the wider public to recognise them. The first veterans badge was issued to Lord Healey, a veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino, on 10 May 2004, which initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since then eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all veterans are eligible to apply.
The badge is an enamelled, engraved, and pinned, lapel badge featuring the words "HM Armed Forces - Veteran", which encompass the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif. Its symbolism is intended to unite all veterans in recognising the commonality of their service, to encourage a sense of unity and community between surviving veterans and to ignite public recognition of our veterans and their continuing contribution to society.
Eligibility 3
Criteria
All those who have served in HM Armed Forces, including Volunteer and Regular Reserves
Exceptions
Veterans who served in Armed Forces of other Countries and those who served alongside HM Armed Forces are not eligible (e.g. Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force).
Posthumous requests
The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not issued posthumously.
The only exception is for War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This also includes those who have received an award of Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is in recognition of the fact that their death was due to their military service.
How to apply
You can apply by any of the following methods:
Click on one of the links below to access the application form.
Application Forms
" See attachment
Please ensure you complete the form including your service details as fully as possible.
You may post or fax your completed form to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.
Another option is to download the form, complete it electronically, save the form and return to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency by email.
If you wish, you may call the Freephone number to apply. Please ensure you have to hand all the details asked for on the application form.
Postal address:
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency,
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys,
Lancashire,
FY5 3WP
Fax:
01253 330561(UK Only)
+44 1253 330561 (Overseas)
Email:SPVA-VeteransBadges@mod.uk
Freephone Helpline
Free: 0800 169 2277 (UK only)
Free: 0800 169 3458 (Minicom UK only)
+44 1253 866043 (Overseas)
Eddie Hilton has recently had a fall and a car accident. He is recovering slowly and hopes to be at the reunion.
Mr. W. Ball, of Thorne is to be congratulated on his several poems and a dvd which he kindly sent to me (and Jim Gardner) Thank you Bill.
Thank you to Mr. Graham Render who kindly allows us to park on his land.
Another thank you is for Simon Stretton who, without fail, sends lots of photos at his own expense for me to forward to veterans and supporters. He also sends dvds to our Web Master in Canada, policeman, George Stewart. George has had major problems with the web site recently but has almost built it up again and is well worth viewing. www.51squadron.com
Renee had an opportunity to nominate a veteran from each squadron to attend a banquet in London which was to raise money for the Bomber Command memorial. It was difficult as several things had to be taken into consideration e.g. health, distance to travel, accommodation etc. For 150sqn, Bob Frost was nominated as he often travels to London and stays with a friend who was an SOE in wartime so it seemed to be a suitable nomination.
Jim Gardner was nominated for 51 sqn but was taken ill and in hospital at the time required. Several other members were considered but unable to fit the bill for various reasons.
So, back to Bob. I had to write a little resume on his war and he was chosen to be sent through to the next section for selection. In the meantime, he decided to pay a visit to Belgium to the Escapers' Society's reunion and also visit a friend in the Ardennes. Then I received a call from B.C. to ask me to tell Bob to contact them as he had been chosen.
I was desperate to find Bob and had all the Belgian lads looking out for him. Eventually, Mr. Stanton from Malton who had been to the reunion also, filled me in with details where to locate him. Urgent messages were left in several places and lo and behold, it worked.
There were to be 10 tables with 10 guests at each one together with 1 veteran. Each guest had paid £400 for the honour. After the event, Bob told me that instead of 10 tables, there were 32 (£400 each guest). The guest on Bob's right was the sculptor of the memorial and the guest on his left was surprisingly, a 51 member, Louis Wooldridge from Fife. A good time was had by all and Bob was so thrilled to have been chosen.
Many thanks to Sandy Colley for bringing this to Renee's attention.
John Hetherington, Vicar of Monk Fryston asked me to nominate someone who had been a POW and who would attend a function on the evening before our last reunion. As Bob Pickford and family stay in a local hotel, he was also a POW, he seemed a certain choice. Bob agreed to attend and apparently he, and others, answered questions about their war and the collection which followed was sent for the RAFB Fund as the Vicar used to be a RAF padre.
Bob was keen to tell me about his evening and the ATC, which we claim as our ATC, helped out and one was delegated to take care of Bob for the evening. He did a very good job and Bob was surprised to see him again at the our reunion next day.
Well done Bob for carrying the 51 sqn banner and well done to the ATC for all their help and support. We could not manage without them.
The new feature in the garden which was Mick's idea is taking shape after a spell of inactivity.
First, Mick was in hospital and then he was let down by several people who had expressed interest and then changed their mind. Mick knew what he wanted and was not prepared to put up with anything substandard. We then had a wonderful surprise when a gentleman donated money to allow us to continue with the project and to Mick's delight he found the answers. Mr. Welburn from Carlton was the benefactor and we are so grateful to him for his generosity. Together with donations from the Mobsby girls, the Millett family and exors of Jim Nicholson we will be well on the way to a finished product. Watch out for it.
The plaque project is coming along nicely and Alan, who is i/c has sent this little piece for your information.
Plaque renewal programme.
"In horse racing terms we are coming round the final bend with the home straight ahead. Many of the gravel beds are now populated exclusively with silver and black plaques which carry the larger typeface for the lettering. A new secret weapon has been found for those plaque plates which have a perishing plastic film attached - a toothbrush ! It is now in the toolkit and used on every garden visit. We can't rush the process but when we are down to shiny metal, the plates will get the WD40 treatment and shine like new."
We have asked for a flypast by the BBMF and the Lancaster has been allocated to us. Let us hope that we manage it this time as last time it broke down on the run way as it was about to take off. Fingers crossed, - again. A former pilot of the Lancaster, Al Pinner, is now busy raising funds for the new memorial for Bomber Command in London and was in contact when Bob Frost was attending the banquet. We did ask for The Red Arrows but were unsuccessful.
Hylda George.
We are so sorry to tell you that Hylda George, widow of Henry George, DFC, has passed away after a brief stay in hospital but after a spell of poor health for quite a while. She died in the small hours of Saturday 31st. March. She will be missed at the reunions as she was always so busy selling raffle tickets and chatting to everyone.
Ken Davies
Sadly Ken passed away on 7th March.
Steven Bridges, his nephew, sent this little story for you.
Ken Davies was born in August 1924, the youngest of six children in the family home at Chesterton Street, Garston, Liverpool.
Ken joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 training as aircrew and finally ending up as an air gunner flying out of Snaith in the Mark 3 Halifax bomber as a rear gunner. He and his friend Denis "Curly" Bowthorpe would visit the local pub, The George and Dragon where Curly, who was a good darts player, would play darts against the local chaps for beer. Ken told me they had many a night when they did not have to pay for the drinks, all down to Curly. He also told me that during his time between flying on raids he would often find time to hitch a lift home to Liverpool so that he could spend time with his then girlfriend, Lily and his family. Unfortunately, he and his crew were shot down on a raid over Berlin, Germany on the night of March 24/25th 1944.
For Ken, this would be the start of life in German captivity which must have been a very painful one because as a result of being shot down and bailing out, he hung up in a tree in a forest in complete darkness, very close to where the aircraft came down. He explained that he was so close, he watched it burn. When he released his parachute harness, his leg got caught up in the leg straps and as he tried to pull himself up, he then dropped a long way to the ground and broke his back. He remembered that he laid there for about two days until he was found by who he thought was a local gamekeeper who transported him on a pony and trap to the nearest local military hospital. You can imagine it was a very painful trip but luckily for him, he was sent to the German Luftwaffe hospital to which he always said the German staff looked after him very well and praised them highly for doing a great job with so little. Luckily for him and us, the Allies liberated him and he could look forward to freedom and his demob and later his marriage to his wife, Lily.
Lily said that after returning home he was a changed man and sometimes had very sombre and quiet moods, presumably still remembering the horrors of the air war and the what he and his fellow prisoners had to endure.
Ken was to go on proving he was a survivor for in later years he suffered with several medical problems including having two very big lung operations, multiple heart attacks, a quadruple heart bypass as well as many other complications. If I asked Ken how he was he would always say "Oh, OK Stephen" in his cheerful voice although I always knew he felt awful.
BUT after all this, Ken was a giant of a man and a true gentleman. To me, personally, he was one of my heroes in life.
In his later years, if he was healthy enough, I would take him over to the Memorial Garden at RAF Snaith in Yorkshire for Remembrance Day where he would lay his memorial to his friend "Curly" who was killed when they were shot down.
Yes, Ken was a quiet man but a man that I and my family would look up to and who had lived a life that he loved along with his dear wife, Lily, a couple who did not like being apart too long as they cherished the home and the life that they had built together over many years.
Ken is going to be missed by a lot of people and none more than me and he has left a void that will be impossible to fill, but he has left us all with some wonderful memories.
My last words to Ken before he went to sleep for the last time were "Stiff upper lip eh, Uncle Ken" and he replied "Yes, Ste" before closing his eyes.
A good man, a nice man and a very loving man.
John P.P.Pohe
Our DVD of John P.P.Pohe has been well used recently and Renee, Isabel and Mick went to the local Mens' Group to show it last week. It is very popular and everyone is always so interested.
Also last week, a group of Canadians visited the airfield to take pictures of the old buildings.
We obtained permission for them but they came on Saturday when there was nobody working. They did look at the Sergeants' Mess and the fireplace and they were also very taken with the propeller in the garden too.
The Village Hall.
We are very concerned about the Village Hall. It has been announced that there is to be a meeting in the near future and if there are not enough people interested to form a committee then it will probably close.
Apparently there are lots of bookings but the hours of the caretaker have been cut to a minimum and she is unable to continue to do the work in the time allowed. We must say that we have been very satisfied with the standard of cleanliness since she took over the job and she has been very helpful and co-operative, but there is no way she can continue to do the level of work she has been doing with so few hours. Let us hope things turn out well.
Living in Nottingham, John soon became aware of the existence of the National Tramway Museum and in 1961, accompanied by his wife and two young daughters, his first visit to Crich took place. Fleetwood 2 was conveying passengers to about where the depot gates now stand. Some months later, as a special treat for mother-in-law from Roundhay, Leeds, a further visit was made when to he great delight, Leeds 180 showing 'Roundhay 3 Circular' was running, which really made her day. Also on that occasion, when leaving Town End, Southampton 45 dewired and by the time the tram stopped and the trolley pole had swung round and attached itself to the adjoining wire. The driver and conductor looked at each other in total disbelief!
By-annual visits to review the developments at the museum were made for a time until family illness and bereavement necessitated their suspension, but eventually regular visits were resumed until Harry Barnett suggested he became a member. Induction Day saw him introduced to Peter Johannson, then manager of the gift shop and his assistant Celia Williamson. It seems, there and then, that John decided that was where he felt happy to assist. So began a regular and seemingly happy association and contribution to the museum.
In addition, long ago, seeing a lonely Andrew Willis struggling with preparations for Santa's grotto, he offered help, from which developed his assistance at various special events on which he has left his mark.
As part of the Retail and Catering department and taking part otherwise as required, John says he has enjoyed every moment and hopes to continue his duties at least for the time being subject to his ability and willingness of the Society.
I hope you liked the little story of John Rose of 51 sqn whose hobby, apart from keeping the prop. In good shape, is helping at the National Tramway Museum at Crich. He turns 91 in July and is still as fit as a fiddle and this story tells you a little bit about his life. He can still fit into his RAF uniform too. I may remind you that he was awarded a Mentioned in Despatches medal - story in Snaith Knights. (Now I shall be in trouble again for mentioning it)
Bob Pickford will be 90 years old too on March 15th and we shall join him for a meal when he comes to put flowers on his crew's plaque as it is the anniversary of being shot down. John Rose will also be there - 2 x 90 year olds and 1 who feels 90 - ME. Roly Guest and her
husband, Ken, regular supporters, will also be there and Roly is the niece of Bob's pilot, Roland Seaman, another pupil of Goole Grammar School who sadly lost his life.
We hope to have a special event on 22nd. April which will be to give the Freedom of Snaith to 51 squadron. This will have taken place of course before the reunion but this is just to tell you about it. Nothing has been decided as yet but it will include a church service at Snaith, a visit to the Memorial Garden, exchange of souvenirs and a visit to the Brewers Arms. Bob Frost has kindly sent money for a wreath to be placed on the 150 tablet in Snaith church. We had hoped to have a parade but numbers available at Waddington are low due to overseas duties so that will not now take place, but there will be a good presence.
Still on 150 sqn. a man who grew up in Pollington and now lives in Copmanthorpe, York, sent me a photograph of the wedding of Ricky Pearce. ~Geoff Ellin, who went to Goole Grammar School at the same time as me was the little boy in the picture. He told me that he gave a lift to a lady who also lives in Copmanthorpe and on the journey he discovered that she was a WAAF in 150 sqn based at Snaith. She was Mary Brockway. You can imagine that they had plenty to talk about and we sent our love to her via Geoff.
I was asked to visit a 93 year old lady living in Pollington who wished to speak to me about the village in wartime. She came to live there in 1937 from South Kirkby where her father was a miner suffering from emphasemia./ The doctor told him to move into the country to improve his health
Her name is Eliza Elcock, the middle child of a family of seven, namely Dorothy, John, Eliza, Daisy, Edwin and Sheila
She eventually married and had a family. Her husband was called up into the army and served in South Africa, Italy, and Austria, being away from home for four years. As with most people, she needed to work to keep her family fed and she worked on the land doing all types of work - chopping sugar beet, picking potatoes, pea pulling and harvesting.
On one occasion she remembers working on the land approaching the main railway line and men were following up constructing the airfield behind the land workers.
She later worked in a canteen on the airfield and also did washing for soldiers at the army camp..
One night, she recalls hearing a lot of noise and thought they were being bombed. Next morning on her way to work very early, there was a large crater on the roadside near the waterworks. The explanation they were given was that a Messerschmitt had followed aircraft returning from a bombing raid and dropped a bomb at the roadside. The German aircraft was apparently shot down at Hatfield,
Sometimes, wives and families came to lodge in the village so that they could be closer to their husband. One of the little boys was knocked down and killed by a fire engine, presumably from the airfield.
When "C" Flight moved to Burn, Mrs. Stocks went with them to work in the canteen and she was given a lift each day by a RAF vehicle.
Mrs. Stocks still lives in the village in one of the little bungalows opposite her son and with several family members nearby. She has a lot of memories about Pollington in wartime, some happy and some very sad.
Thank you Mrs. Stocks for sharing your memories with us all.
On Sunday 1st April, a plaque was placed in Veterans' Row for LAC Cyril Swales. Cyril played the drums in the Station Band and can be seen in the photo of the band in Snaith Days. He knew "Tex" McQuiston very well. His widow, Joan was well supported by her family including great grandson, Alfie. The weather was superb which made the garden look lovely.
Alan and Mick helped with the proceedings.
Help please. 150 squadron.
Can anyone help Mrs. Caukill from North Duffield, who is trying to find information about a padre to Canadian servicemen stationed at Snaith. His name was Jim Fargey from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was one of the last people to be repatriated at the end of the war and often stayed with her family.
She is also interested in Pilot Officer A,F,James (RCAF) Air Observer, also of Winnipeg and is buried in Pollington churchyard along with the Pilot, N.Clerwill and Flt Sgt N.K MaCleod. She also wishes to know if the story she has heard that the aircraft mistook the road for the runway was responsible for their demise.
If anyone can help please contact any committee member or Mrs. Caukill on 01757 288151.
All for now folks so hope to see you at the reunion 20th MAY 2012
Best wishes to you all. Renee and Co
The beer was launched at the Brewers' Arms one lunchtime by Wing Commander Crosby who brought along with him 3 members of the squadron, namely, Fl/Lt Ged Kilkenny, Fl.Sgt Craig Miller and Cpl.Danny Glover.
A squadron crest was presented to Mr. Wetherell and one to Chris, the manager of the Brewers' Arms by the Wing Commander in appreciation of their support. Andrew, the husband of Kelly Wood of the brewery, saw a goose ornament on the internet and bought it, then painted it red to present to the Wing Commander. That was a very nice touch. I should mention that Paul Simpson was actually the brewer of the beer and very fittingly, lives at Pollington. Thank you Paul, you did a good job. Kelly has been a great help in organising the event and chasing up the squadron and has now turned her job over to Kim as she is about to produce her first baby. How about Waddington for a name, Kelly !
Just to end the episode on the beer, the squadron enjoyed a sample at a special event at Waddington having paid for buy one get one free. Recently, the Red Goose went on a flight with the Wing Commander - the ornament, not the beer !
As a news flash, our MP, Andrew Percy was invited by the brewery to a visit by CAMRA. He enjoyed the Red Goose and has offered to try to get it into Westminster. It worked. It will be on sale at Westminster in July.
Al Pinner, who I am sure some of you will remember was a fighter pilot, is now helping to raise funds for the BC memorial. He is looking into the possibility of having The Red Goose at the day of the unveiling. Nothing confirmed as yet.
Andrew Newton is a new friend who has just recently come to start a business in Snaith, and has done very good work for us and also for the Brewers' Arms. Chris from the Brewers has made one of his rooms into a gallery of pictures of 150 and 51 squadrons and Andrew has been heavily involved in it. Wing Commander Crosby presented him with a silver plaque in appreciation of his work. Thank you Andrew. Perhaps you will consider visiting Andrew if you want any printing doing. FileLeaderGraphics -email ajn@fileleadergraphics@co.uk
The gallery has become a focal point at the Brewers' and is causing quite a lot of interest which also causes interest for Chris with the beer. Feedback received is very favourable, so much so that he ran out of it one weekend. Chris hopes to bring some to the reunion for veterans and guests who missed the chance last time. This, though, is the real mcoy whereas it was not quite ready last time. We must stress that no beer should be consumed until after the food has been eaten as it is too dangerous if trays of hot tea and coffee are being served.
Jim Gardner has been spending time in hospital recently but is now on the road to recovery and hopes to join us in May at the reunion. Well done Jim.
Derek Oliver has sent me information which he has obtained about a Veterans Lapel Badge. I will add a special page to this newsletter in case anyone wishes to apply for one. Thank you Derek.
HM Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge
To promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public the unique and unifying symbol of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces. The HM Armed Forces Veterans' Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 by the then Minister for Veterans, to raise the profile of veterans by assisting the wider public to recognise them. The first veterans badge was issued to Lord Healey, a veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino, on 10 May 2004, which initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since then eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all veterans are eligible to apply.
The badge is an enamelled, engraved, and pinned, lapel badge featuring the words "HM Armed Forces - Veteran", which encompass the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif. Its symbolism is intended to unite all veterans in recognising the commonality of their service, to encourage a sense of unity and community between surviving veterans and to ignite public recognition of our veterans and their continuing contribution to society.
Eligibility 3
Criteria
All those who have served in HM Armed Forces, including Volunteer and Regular Reserves
Exceptions
Veterans who served in Armed Forces of other Countries and those who served alongside HM Armed Forces are not eligible (e.g. Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force).
Posthumous requests
The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not issued posthumously.
The only exception is for War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This also includes those who have received an award of Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is in recognition of the fact that their death was due to their military service.
How to apply
You can apply by any of the following methods:
Click on one of the links below to access the application form.
Application Forms
" See attachment
Please ensure you complete the form including your service details as fully as possible.
You may post or fax your completed form to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.
Another option is to download the form, complete it electronically, save the form and return to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency by email.
If you wish, you may call the Freephone number to apply. Please ensure you have to hand all the details asked for on the application form.
Postal address:
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency,
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys,
Lancashire,
FY5 3WP
Fax:
01253 330561(UK Only)
+44 1253 330561 (Overseas)
Email:SPVA-VeteransBadges@mod.uk
Freephone Helpline
Free: 0800 169 2277 (UK only)
Free: 0800 169 3458 (Minicom UK only)
+44 1253 866043 (Overseas)
Eddie Hilton has recently had a fall and a car accident. He is recovering slowly and hopes to be at the reunion.
Mr. W. Ball, of Thorne is to be congratulated on his several poems and a dvd which he kindly sent to me (and Jim Gardner) Thank you Bill.
Thank you to Mr. Graham Render who kindly allows us to park on his land.
Another thank you is for Simon Stretton who, without fail, sends lots of photos at his own expense for me to forward to veterans and supporters. He also sends dvds to our Web Master in Canada, policeman, George Stewart. George has had major problems with the web site recently but has almost built it up again and is well worth viewing. www.51squadron.com
Renee had an opportunity to nominate a veteran from each squadron to attend a banquet in London which was to raise money for the Bomber Command memorial. It was difficult as several things had to be taken into consideration e.g. health, distance to travel, accommodation etc. For 150sqn, Bob Frost was nominated as he often travels to London and stays with a friend who was an SOE in wartime so it seemed to be a suitable nomination.
Jim Gardner was nominated for 51 sqn but was taken ill and in hospital at the time required. Several other members were considered but unable to fit the bill for various reasons.
So, back to Bob. I had to write a little resume on his war and he was chosen to be sent through to the next section for selection. In the meantime, he decided to pay a visit to Belgium to the Escapers' Society's reunion and also visit a friend in the Ardennes. Then I received a call from B.C. to ask me to tell Bob to contact them as he had been chosen.
I was desperate to find Bob and had all the Belgian lads looking out for him. Eventually, Mr. Stanton from Malton who had been to the reunion also, filled me in with details where to locate him. Urgent messages were left in several places and lo and behold, it worked.
There were to be 10 tables with 10 guests at each one together with 1 veteran. Each guest had paid £400 for the honour. After the event, Bob told me that instead of 10 tables, there were 32 (£400 each guest). The guest on Bob's right was the sculptor of the memorial and the guest on his left was surprisingly, a 51 member, Louis Wooldridge from Fife. A good time was had by all and Bob was so thrilled to have been chosen.
Many thanks to Sandy Colley for bringing this to Renee's attention.
John Hetherington, Vicar of Monk Fryston asked me to nominate someone who had been a POW and who would attend a function on the evening before our last reunion. As Bob Pickford and family stay in a local hotel, he was also a POW, he seemed a certain choice. Bob agreed to attend and apparently he, and others, answered questions about their war and the collection which followed was sent for the RAFB Fund as the Vicar used to be a RAF padre.
Bob was keen to tell me about his evening and the ATC, which we claim as our ATC, helped out and one was delegated to take care of Bob for the evening. He did a very good job and Bob was surprised to see him again at the our reunion next day.
Well done Bob for carrying the 51 sqn banner and well done to the ATC for all their help and support. We could not manage without them.
The new feature in the garden which was Mick's idea is taking shape after a spell of inactivity.
First, Mick was in hospital and then he was let down by several people who had expressed interest and then changed their mind. Mick knew what he wanted and was not prepared to put up with anything substandard. We then had a wonderful surprise when a gentleman donated money to allow us to continue with the project and to Mick's delight he found the answers. Mr. Welburn from Carlton was the benefactor and we are so grateful to him for his generosity. Together with donations from the Mobsby girls, the Millett family and exors of Jim Nicholson we will be well on the way to a finished product. Watch out for it.
The plaque project is coming along nicely and Alan, who is i/c has sent this little piece for your information.
Plaque renewal programme.
"In horse racing terms we are coming round the final bend with the home straight ahead. Many of the gravel beds are now populated exclusively with silver and black plaques which carry the larger typeface for the lettering. A new secret weapon has been found for those plaque plates which have a perishing plastic film attached - a toothbrush ! It is now in the toolkit and used on every garden visit. We can't rush the process but when we are down to shiny metal, the plates will get the WD40 treatment and shine like new."
We have asked for a flypast by the BBMF and the Lancaster has been allocated to us. Let us hope that we manage it this time as last time it broke down on the run way as it was about to take off. Fingers crossed, - again. A former pilot of the Lancaster, Al Pinner, is now busy raising funds for the new memorial for Bomber Command in London and was in contact when Bob Frost was attending the banquet. We did ask for The Red Arrows but were unsuccessful.
Hylda George.
We are so sorry to tell you that Hylda George, widow of Henry George, DFC, has passed away after a brief stay in hospital but after a spell of poor health for quite a while. She died in the small hours of Saturday 31st. March. She will be missed at the reunions as she was always so busy selling raffle tickets and chatting to everyone.
Ken Davies
Sadly Ken passed away on 7th March.
Steven Bridges, his nephew, sent this little story for you.
Ken Davies was born in August 1924, the youngest of six children in the family home at Chesterton Street, Garston, Liverpool.
Ken joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 training as aircrew and finally ending up as an air gunner flying out of Snaith in the Mark 3 Halifax bomber as a rear gunner. He and his friend Denis "Curly" Bowthorpe would visit the local pub, The George and Dragon where Curly, who was a good darts player, would play darts against the local chaps for beer. Ken told me they had many a night when they did not have to pay for the drinks, all down to Curly. He also told me that during his time between flying on raids he would often find time to hitch a lift home to Liverpool so that he could spend time with his then girlfriend, Lily and his family. Unfortunately, he and his crew were shot down on a raid over Berlin, Germany on the night of March 24/25th 1944.
For Ken, this would be the start of life in German captivity which must have been a very painful one because as a result of being shot down and bailing out, he hung up in a tree in a forest in complete darkness, very close to where the aircraft came down. He explained that he was so close, he watched it burn. When he released his parachute harness, his leg got caught up in the leg straps and as he tried to pull himself up, he then dropped a long way to the ground and broke his back. He remembered that he laid there for about two days until he was found by who he thought was a local gamekeeper who transported him on a pony and trap to the nearest local military hospital. You can imagine it was a very painful trip but luckily for him, he was sent to the German Luftwaffe hospital to which he always said the German staff looked after him very well and praised them highly for doing a great job with so little. Luckily for him and us, the Allies liberated him and he could look forward to freedom and his demob and later his marriage to his wife, Lily.
Lily said that after returning home he was a changed man and sometimes had very sombre and quiet moods, presumably still remembering the horrors of the air war and the what he and his fellow prisoners had to endure.
Ken was to go on proving he was a survivor for in later years he suffered with several medical problems including having two very big lung operations, multiple heart attacks, a quadruple heart bypass as well as many other complications. If I asked Ken how he was he would always say "Oh, OK Stephen" in his cheerful voice although I always knew he felt awful.
BUT after all this, Ken was a giant of a man and a true gentleman. To me, personally, he was one of my heroes in life.
In his later years, if he was healthy enough, I would take him over to the Memorial Garden at RAF Snaith in Yorkshire for Remembrance Day where he would lay his memorial to his friend "Curly" who was killed when they were shot down.
Yes, Ken was a quiet man but a man that I and my family would look up to and who had lived a life that he loved along with his dear wife, Lily, a couple who did not like being apart too long as they cherished the home and the life that they had built together over many years.
Ken is going to be missed by a lot of people and none more than me and he has left a void that will be impossible to fill, but he has left us all with some wonderful memories.
My last words to Ken before he went to sleep for the last time were "Stiff upper lip eh, Uncle Ken" and he replied "Yes, Ste" before closing his eyes.
A good man, a nice man and a very loving man.
John P.P.Pohe
Our DVD of John P.P.Pohe has been well used recently and Renee, Isabel and Mick went to the local Mens' Group to show it last week. It is very popular and everyone is always so interested.
Also last week, a group of Canadians visited the airfield to take pictures of the old buildings.
We obtained permission for them but they came on Saturday when there was nobody working. They did look at the Sergeants' Mess and the fireplace and they were also very taken with the propeller in the garden too.
The Village Hall.
We are very concerned about the Village Hall. It has been announced that there is to be a meeting in the near future and if there are not enough people interested to form a committee then it will probably close.
Apparently there are lots of bookings but the hours of the caretaker have been cut to a minimum and she is unable to continue to do the work in the time allowed. We must say that we have been very satisfied with the standard of cleanliness since she took over the job and she has been very helpful and co-operative, but there is no way she can continue to do the level of work she has been doing with so few hours. Let us hope things turn out well.
Living in Nottingham, John soon became aware of the existence of the National Tramway Museum and in 1961, accompanied by his wife and two young daughters, his first visit to Crich took place. Fleetwood 2 was conveying passengers to about where the depot gates now stand. Some months later, as a special treat for mother-in-law from Roundhay, Leeds, a further visit was made when to he great delight, Leeds 180 showing 'Roundhay 3 Circular' was running, which really made her day. Also on that occasion, when leaving Town End, Southampton 45 dewired and by the time the tram stopped and the trolley pole had swung round and attached itself to the adjoining wire. The driver and conductor looked at each other in total disbelief!
By-annual visits to review the developments at the museum were made for a time until family illness and bereavement necessitated their suspension, but eventually regular visits were resumed until Harry Barnett suggested he became a member. Induction Day saw him introduced to Peter Johannson, then manager of the gift shop and his assistant Celia Williamson. It seems, there and then, that John decided that was where he felt happy to assist. So began a regular and seemingly happy association and contribution to the museum.
In addition, long ago, seeing a lonely Andrew Willis struggling with preparations for Santa's grotto, he offered help, from which developed his assistance at various special events on which he has left his mark.
As part of the Retail and Catering department and taking part otherwise as required, John says he has enjoyed every moment and hopes to continue his duties at least for the time being subject to his ability and willingness of the Society.
I hope you liked the little story of John Rose of 51 sqn whose hobby, apart from keeping the prop. In good shape, is helping at the National Tramway Museum at Crich. He turns 91 in July and is still as fit as a fiddle and this story tells you a little bit about his life. He can still fit into his RAF uniform too. I may remind you that he was awarded a Mentioned in Despatches medal - story in Snaith Knights. (Now I shall be in trouble again for mentioning it)
Bob Pickford will be 90 years old too on March 15th and we shall join him for a meal when he comes to put flowers on his crew's plaque as it is the anniversary of being shot down. John Rose will also be there - 2 x 90 year olds and 1 who feels 90 - ME. Roly Guest and her
husband, Ken, regular supporters, will also be there and Roly is the niece of Bob's pilot, Roland Seaman, another pupil of Goole Grammar School who sadly lost his life.
We hope to have a special event on 22nd. April which will be to give the Freedom of Snaith to 51 squadron. This will have taken place of course before the reunion but this is just to tell you about it. Nothing has been decided as yet but it will include a church service at Snaith, a visit to the Memorial Garden, exchange of souvenirs and a visit to the Brewers Arms. Bob Frost has kindly sent money for a wreath to be placed on the 150 tablet in Snaith church. We had hoped to have a parade but numbers available at Waddington are low due to overseas duties so that will not now take place, but there will be a good presence.
Still on 150 sqn. a man who grew up in Pollington and now lives in Copmanthorpe, York, sent me a photograph of the wedding of Ricky Pearce. ~Geoff Ellin, who went to Goole Grammar School at the same time as me was the little boy in the picture. He told me that he gave a lift to a lady who also lives in Copmanthorpe and on the journey he discovered that she was a WAAF in 150 sqn based at Snaith. She was Mary Brockway. You can imagine that they had plenty to talk about and we sent our love to her via Geoff.
I was asked to visit a 93 year old lady living in Pollington who wished to speak to me about the village in wartime. She came to live there in 1937 from South Kirkby where her father was a miner suffering from emphasemia./ The doctor told him to move into the country to improve his health
Her name is Eliza Elcock, the middle child of a family of seven, namely Dorothy, John, Eliza, Daisy, Edwin and Sheila
She eventually married and had a family. Her husband was called up into the army and served in South Africa, Italy, and Austria, being away from home for four years. As with most people, she needed to work to keep her family fed and she worked on the land doing all types of work - chopping sugar beet, picking potatoes, pea pulling and harvesting.
On one occasion she remembers working on the land approaching the main railway line and men were following up constructing the airfield behind the land workers.
She later worked in a canteen on the airfield and also did washing for soldiers at the army camp..
One night, she recalls hearing a lot of noise and thought they were being bombed. Next morning on her way to work very early, there was a large crater on the roadside near the waterworks. The explanation they were given was that a Messerschmitt had followed aircraft returning from a bombing raid and dropped a bomb at the roadside. The German aircraft was apparently shot down at Hatfield,
Sometimes, wives and families came to lodge in the village so that they could be closer to their husband. One of the little boys was knocked down and killed by a fire engine, presumably from the airfield.
When "C" Flight moved to Burn, Mrs. Stocks went with them to work in the canteen and she was given a lift each day by a RAF vehicle.
Mrs. Stocks still lives in the village in one of the little bungalows opposite her son and with several family members nearby. She has a lot of memories about Pollington in wartime, some happy and some very sad.
Thank you Mrs. Stocks for sharing your memories with us all.
On Sunday 1st April, a plaque was placed in Veterans' Row for LAC Cyril Swales. Cyril played the drums in the Station Band and can be seen in the photo of the band in Snaith Days. He knew "Tex" McQuiston very well. His widow, Joan was well supported by her family including great grandson, Alfie. The weather was superb which made the garden look lovely.
Alan and Mick helped with the proceedings.
Help please. 150 squadron.
Can anyone help Mrs. Caukill from North Duffield, who is trying to find information about a padre to Canadian servicemen stationed at Snaith. His name was Jim Fargey from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was one of the last people to be repatriated at the end of the war and often stayed with her family.
She is also interested in Pilot Officer A,F,James (RCAF) Air Observer, also of Winnipeg and is buried in Pollington churchyard along with the Pilot, N.Clerwill and Flt Sgt N.K MaCleod. She also wishes to know if the story she has heard that the aircraft mistook the road for the runway was responsible for their demise.
If anyone can help please contact any committee member or Mrs. Caukill on 01757 288151.
All for now folks so hope to see you at the reunion 20th MAY 2012
Best wishes to you all. Renee and Co
