The 49 Squadron Association

No.13 February 2009 This issue has a colour photograph on the front cover showing the remains of the Squadron's Hampden P1206 arriving back at RAF Scampton after 67 years. Details of the last flight and the crew are in earlier magazines.
This issue was delayed from the intended publication date of January by the sad news of the death of Geoff Stubbins. His obituary ends with the following:-
"We shall be ever grateful for our memorial which Geoff gave to us so that we could have a focal point to remember and honour those who served at RAF Fiskerton".
Sadly we also record the passing of seven 4T9ers of whom five served with 49 Squadron during WW2.

Now just a few more extracts:-

1. We welcome all those who have recently joined us amongst whom are Members John Galloway, John McMahon, Michael Dinsmore and Paul Deakin. New associate members, Mhairi Galloway, the neice of pilot F/L Somerville Galloway, FTR 8th February 1945; Paul Gaunt whose father was a pilot on Hampdens at Scampton; Madelaine Atkins, the daughter of the late Jackie Clulow and Bill Baird's widow, Bettie. We also have two new Friends, Trevor Arnold and Philip Cole the sons of Members James Arnold and Bert Cole respectively.
   
2. A booking form for the 2009 Reunion was included and hopefully we will see you at the Petwood Hotel at some time during the 7th to the 10th June.
   
3. Our Webmaster has again been travelling Europe photographing cemeteries and the graves of 4T9ers and gives an account of his visits on pages 10-11. There are still graves and cemeteries in England that are not yet photographed. Can you help?
   
4. The Association strongly supports the proposed Bomber Command Memorial. If you wish to make a donation please contact the Bomber Command Association.
   
5. Already mentioned above is the return of Hampden P1206 to Scampton. We have several photographs of the event. News is that in March 2009 it is planned to hold an official opening of a section of the RAF Scampton Museum containing the wreckage to which relatives of the crew will be invited.
   
6. We are once again very fortunate to be able to reproduce a copy of a letter sent by a 49 Squadron crew member the day before his last flight. This letter was posted on March 7th 1945. It was the crew's 13th operation. Three members of the crew survived to become POW's. The remaining four, including Ralph Bairnsfather the writer are buried side by side in Becklingen War Cemetery.
   
7. An article with photos from her flight in a DH Rapide reminds us all that there are still many flying vintage aircraft! News of a new venture, the Classic Flight Club, launched on the 4th December 2008, will hopefully enable many more people to have a similar experience.
   
8. Ed Norman, our Archivist, has found another remarkable story contained in the Supplement to the London Gazette. It details the award of the M.C. to Warrant Officer David Young, RAFVR, 49 Squadron, the wireless operator of a Hampden that crash-landed near Courville in December 1940. Four times did he escape from POW Camps, only to be recaptured. His fifth escape found him ultimately liberated by the Russians on 4th May 1945.
   
9. The visit by Jim Flint, Eric Clarke, Bill Pyrah, Ted Cachart and John May to the workshops at Cosford where they are restoring the Hampden proved to be a most enjoyable visit as the article and photographs demonstrate.
   
10. Can't miss out mentioning the article about the Fairey Battle - did you know there were 508 aircrew who died flying this aircraft compared to 544 aircrew killed in the Battle of Britain?
    
11. Once again our Reader's Letters (8 in this issue!) have come up with more comments, observations, memorabilia from the war and photographs. If you come across anyone trying to sell a Caterpillar Badge, please let us know.
    
12. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more interesting requests. With luck we will be able to identify those photographed with Stuart Keay at RAF Upwood after the AOC's inspection possibly in 1955.
    We would like to make contact with the relatives of the crew of Wellington R1397 of 103 Squadron from Elsham Wold that crashed in Holland. They were P/O Mervyn Sydney Lund from Auckland, NZ; Sgt John James Cox of Knowle, Bristol; Sgt. Alfred Le Poidevin, Channel Islands; Sgt. Arthur Edward Owen of Birmingham; Sgt. Frank Gordon Walker of Hornsea, Yorkshire; Sgt. Ray Williams of Bridgend, Glamorgan.
    We would also like to make contact with relatives and friends of the crew of a 49 Squadron Lancaster EA-K, JB714, shot down on the night of 9th June 1944. They were P/O T.S.Smiley; F/S L.A.Hinch; Sgt. D.V.Blaikie; Sgt. L.J.Rainbow; Sgt.D.Sanderson; Sgt B.F.Webb; F/Sgt. R.D.Stuart, RAAF.
    

No.12 October 2008

1. This issue has a colour photograph on the front cover of the memorial at Boerdonk, Holland, to the crew of Lancaster ED497 lost on 17th June 1943 and inside is a write-up by Erik van der Meiden of the unveiling of the memorial. With more colour photos inside including a page from a WW1 logbook, (yes, a First World War logbook!) it really has a lot to offer.
   
2. A welcome to our new member, Anthoni Hollinsworth and two new associate members, Dawn Webb and Mike Alexander. We also have three new Friends, Steve Pepper, Ivan Ford and Collin Beesley and two new Honorary Friends, William Chorley and Mervyn Hallam.
   
3. News that the next Reunion will be held as usual at the Petwood Hotel from the 7th to the 10th June 2009 is a flyer for the details and a booking form that will be in the next issue of the magazine, due out in February.
   
4. Our Webmaster has expanded the website even more and includes a WW1 and Post WW2 Roll of Honour, including where available, photographs of individuals, graves and cemeteries.
   
5. The Association strongly supports the proposed Bomber Command Memorial. Our veterans intend to be at the fund raising event at Duxford on the 29th November 2008.
   
6. Already mentioned above is the page from a WW1 logbook. This belonged to Harry James Bennett, kia 1918 whilst with 49 Squadron. It was sent to us by his nephew, Ian Bennett, who also provided us with details of Harry's career which is reproduced as well.
   
7. Two future events are mentioned - the move of the Red Arrows to Waddington in 2011 and the liklihood that the flying Vulcan may be grounded due to not having a major sponsor.
   
8. Details of Nicolas Trudgian's new book, Aviation Sketchbook, are included, which was launched at the Flying Legends Air Show at Duxford on the 12th and 13th July.
   
9. A report based on the feature in Flypast magazine, November 2008, describes how Hampden P1344 then of 144 Squadron, was shot down on the 4th September 1942 whilst in transit to Russia. The wreckage was discovered by the Russians in 1989, returned to the UK and is now being restored at Cosford. A Workshop open week is being held from the 24th to 28th November and other visits are possible by arrangement.
   
10. An interesting story by one of our Honorary Friends, Jorgen Jorgensen, tells how he investigated a crash at Visgard of ZN-S of No. 106 Squadron. Details are also at his website.
    
11. Our Webmaster also goes into print with details of his travels to photograph 49 Squadron headstones.
12. Once again our Reader's Letters (8 in this issue!) have come up with more comments, observations, letters written during the war and photographs. The wide range of subjects is very encouraging.....from a painting showing the bomb aimer's position in a Lancaster, to the Valiant that dropped Britain's first H bomb; a description of a second tour on Liberators with 99 Squadron to memories of Lincolns; a letter from 1942 describing life on the squadron to a question about the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
    
13. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more interesting requests. With luck we will be able to help the French Primary Schoolteacher who is setting a project for his pupils to investigate aircrew who crashed in the Oise District of northern France. One correspondent flew with P/O Dod and we have also passed on details of a French contact who may be able to help. Do we have any information about medal ribbons? Below the signallers brevet, Ed Norman's father has a ribbon consisting of two white outer bars with a purple/maroon/dark blue centre bar. What was it for?
    

No.11 July 2008

1. A welcome to our new member, Lionel Ayling, an Engineer on Lincolns at Waddington, Wittering and Upwood. A new Honorary Member for services rendered, Malcolm Brooke, our Webmaster. Eight new associate members, Mike Ling, Vivienne Mengham, John Scott, Rosemary Howard, Dominic Howard, Greg Burton, Ray Wilde and Graham Inns.
   
2. The funerals, with full Military Honours, of the two gunners, Sgts. Kehoe and Mullinger, who were recovered from the wreakage of Hampden P1206 last September took place on May 7th in Holland. A full illustrated report of this and the dedication of the new memorial at the crash site appears in this issue. The remains of the aircraft are now to be returned to Scampton in November.
   
3. Another reunion has come and gone, but the memories linger on. The write-up runs to three pages and there are seven colour photographs.
   
4. Ted and Alan were invited to RAF Wittering to see the presentation organised by 'Friend' Tony Stannage to raise money for the school and children of Christmas Island. The visit coincided with the 90th Anniversary celebrations of the RAF and they were able to watch a display put on by the Red Arrows and four Typhoons and to get a close-up look at the inside of a Harrier. Lucky lads.
   
5. Having mentioned one flypast, Alan goes on to mention Trooping the Colour on TV and the flypast of the 52 aircraft being led by the Lanc, two Hurricanes and the two Spitfires of the BBMF. Still out in front!
   
6. Once again our Reader's Letters (11 in this issue if you include the emails!) have come up with more comments, observations - and plaudits. Very interesting to read about the Australian Lincoln that the former corporate jet and bush medical services pilot Bob Barnes had a trip in while an ATC cadet in January 1958. He's not the only one to have been scared by the antics of a Sergeant Pilot! Eric Clarke has again posed a very interesting question concerning the second navigation light switch on the early? Lancasters that could accidentally be knocked on by the parachute harness of passing aircrew. Does anyone remember it being permanently wired in the 'off' position? Jack Shearing wrote to say that he and John Ward have made progress on naming the personnel on the Squadron photographs taken at Syerston in May 1945 and Mepal in April 1946. But they do need help from anyone who was there then were you?
   
7. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more interesting requests. Perhaps the most interesting was from a French Primary Schoolteacher who is setting a project for his pupils to investigate aircrew who crashed in the Oise District of northern France. A 49 Squadron Lancaster PB195 EA-P was one of these. Does anyone remember F/O H.F.Dod, Sgt. V.A.Keen, F/S N.Gordon, Sgt. L.Horner, Sgt. B.R.Scott, F/S H.Cox and P/O L.R.Truscott RCAF? If so, however remote, please get in touch.
   
8. We do get answers to some of our queries as the following will demonstrate:-
   
   1. Ted Cachart has researched the Hinds and concluded that none served with 49 Squadron and neither did the Mosquito.
      
   2. The yellow circle painted on the armour plate on the pilot's seat has been confirmed as a gas detector.
      

No.10 April 2008

This issue has many articles but best of all is the colour photograph of RF398 on the front cover. Yes, it's the last Lincoln and it's at Cosford. And no, it did not fly with 49 Squadron, but it was at Waddington with 61 Squadron.

1. A welcome to our new members, G. 'Bill' Evans, James Arnold, Noel 'Taffy' Thomas and Harry Wilkinson. Six new associate members, Heather Burton, Tony Randall, Joy Jordan, Richard Bartlett-May, Judy Rudham and Josephine Williams have joined. We also welcome two new Friends, Leslie Pyrah and Richard Evans. More details of their involvement with the Squadron and the Association are included in the Editorial. The Newsletter runs to 28 pages with many colour photographs.
   
2. Hampden P1206 is in the news again. It is due to be returned to Scampton and could already be there by the time you read this. More importantly, the funerals, with full Military Honours, of the two gunners, Sgts. Kehoe and Mullinger, who were recovered from the wreakage last September will take place on May 7th in Holland. In the afternoon a new memorial is to be dedicated at the crash site. The Association will be represented at both of these events.
   
3. Ed Norman, our Archivist, has described another amazing case where relatives have been reunited after unknowingly being separated for many years. The link - was the pilot of JB 413, Phillip Ackroyd Taverner - who held the stricken Lancaster steady while the crew (including Ed's father) bailed out, but it blew apart before he could follow them. His daughter was born six months later, unaware of the existence of a half-brother who grew up on the other side of the Atlantic.
   
4. Once again this magazine has united old friends - Reg Woolgar spotted Eric Clarke's photo in the February issue and realised they were together at Scampton in '41. They are now exchanging emails, sixty-six years later!
   
5. If you read a particular morning newspaper you will have been as upset as our Editor was at the omission of any mention of Bomber Command's part in delaying the V2 onslaught. His letter in response did get published, but it only goes to show that while 'We Will Remember Them', others don't.
   
6. Congrats to our Chairman - sales of his autobiography 'Ted the Lad' have already exceeded 700 copies. Have you got your copy yet?
   
7. An article from one of our members will be of interest to many who were on the squadron with Lincolns. Some of his stories remind us what interesting times they were - as an engine fitter he worked on the famous Merlins and went to Norway, Kenya, Mombasa, Entebbe, Zanzibar and even the Seychelles with the Squadron - and he only signed on for three years!
   
8. We are fortunate that each issue of our magazine contains some colour photographs, thanks to the efforts of our Editor and friends. This issue contains a number of black and white photographs from individuals that are priceless. They range from the cast photograph of the camp entertainment at Scampton in 1941/2, a Canberra with Lincolns in Kenya and a post-war Mosquito with a '49' ident.
   
9. Once again our Reader's Letters (14 in this issue if you include the emails!) have come up with more comments, observations - and plaudits. Now that we are getting more enquiries (and new members) from those who were at Upwood and Christmas Island, we are able to fill in some of the gaps in the unofficial squadron history. Do you have anything to contribute?
   
10. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more interesting requests. With the recovery of several former RAF Hawker Hinds from Afghanistan, their return to southern England has highlighted the possibility that for a time they may have been allocated to 49 Squadron. Who knows anything about these serial numbers K5409, K5462, K5554, K6618, K6833 and L7191? Once again we are on the lookout for colleagues who were in the right place at the right time. Do you remember the late Sgt. James Christopher Parkinson, a Flight Engineer on the squadron from 1945 - 1947?

No.9 February 2008

1. A welcome to a new member, Jim Lowry and two new associate members, Madeleine Barnett and Keith Tarrant. We also welcome some new Friends, Maurice Clapham, Georgina Crookes and Mandy Browning. More details of their involvement with the Squadron and the Association are included in the Editorial. The Newsletter runs to 32 pages again with many colour photographs.
   
2. The Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, commemorates the 16,000 service personnel who have died while serving their country since 1945. Our Editor visited it in November to take photographs of the Memorial and the names cut in stone of the six members of 49 Squadron who died in February 1955 when their Lincoln SX984 clipped a building in Kenya.
   
3. As well as building the Association website Malcolm Brooke has been photographing cemetery headstones and has written about his recent travels.
   
4. We are also greatly pleased that more friends and relatives have written articles for the magazine and there are several in this issue. Also we have what must be a first, a transcript of the last letter written by an air gunner to his four year old daughter in April, 1944.
   
5. The story of Hampden P1206 has already resulted in many photographs and two detailed write-ups in previous issues. Thanks to the efforts of Dick and Annet Schilder who live near to the crash site and those who have dug it up, all that remains at the site now is a wooden cross with the details of the aircraft and the two missing crewmen. (Photo of it included in the magazine). Plans to erect a permanent memorial at the field and in Scampton Church are at an advanced stage.
   
6. Two articles from our members will be of interest to many. A former Lancaster pilot, Eric Jones, has written about a trip he made to Berlin last year. Bill Pyrah tells us of his days as a rigger on Hampdens at Scampton.
   
7. Have you read 'Ted the Lad' yet? Following the publication of it, Ted was invited to give a television interview that went out on Central TV-East and on Yorkshire Calendar and then later was interviewed live on Radio Derby.
   
8. We are fortunate that each issue of our magazine contains many colour photographs. In addition to those included with the articles listed above, there are several recording recent events and some from the archives in b & w.
   
9. Once again our Reader's Letters (8 in this issue!) have come up with more comments, observations - and plaudits.
   
10. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some requests - more information wanted on Sgt. Norman Myer Goldberg kia 22/23rd May 1944 and F/O Richard Bailes in the last flight and crash of ND553 in April 1944.
    

No.8 November 2007

1. A welcome to several new members, Ted Flavell, Roy Money, Bill Smith, George Cook, Bill Claydon, Jack Jones, Henry Graham and new associate members, Sandy Fairhurst, Peter Jones, Anthony Gawthrop and Terry Atkinson. We also welcome some new Honorary Friends, Colin Smith, Capt. Paul Petersen RNAF (Holland), Derek Vanstone and Dr. Theo Bolten (Holland).
   More details of their involvement with the Squadron and the Association are included in the Editorial as well as in the body of the Newsletter that runs to 32 pages with many colour photographs.
   
2. Once again our Secretary and Newsletter Editor is happy to report the rising level of interest in the Association. On the 1st November the membership in all categories was 283 and of these 157 are full members.
   News too, of more Lancaster bits for Scampton and pictures to be mounted on the wall in Fiskerton Village Hall.
   
3. Much activity at the site of the crash of Hampden P1206 has resulted in many photograps and two detailed write-ups.
   
4. News of our planned reunion in 2008 is included with a booking form for the Petwood Hotel.
   
5. Those of you who were lucky enough to see the first flight of the preserved Vulcan on the 18th October, as did our Scretary, will have shared some of the emotions that we others experience with the roar of the "Merlins".
   
6. Good news from the Duxford Air Show where the Association was ably represented. The magazine has a good article with photographs of the wonderful day.
   
7. The Remembrance Services have come and gone and once again we were involved up and down the country.
   
8. Do you remember the wartime broadcasts? The magazine has a transcript of one of the most famous - F/L Learoyd's after the raid on the Dortmund-Ems canal.
   
9. Once again our Reader's Letters (12 in this issue!) have come up with more comments, observations - and plaudits.
   
10. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more requests - including more questions about logbooks and that yellow disc on the back of the pilots seat!
    

No.7 August 2007

1. A welcome to several new members, Fred Vening, Bob Petty, Archie Ross, Mac Winterburn, Robert Hogg, Bob Hayward, Derek Austin, Neil Brown, John Miles and new associate members, David Clarke, Graeme Routledge, John Arnold, Helen Grindy and Graham Bairnsfather. We also welcome some new Friends, Ralph Gray, Cyril Hunter, Eric Molenaar, Jan Uithol and Paul Strong.
   More details of their involvement with the Squadron and the Association are included in the Editorial as well as in the body of the Newsletter that runs to 32 pages with many colour photographs.
   
2. Once again our Secretary and Newsletter Editor is happy to report the rising level of interest in the Association. We are extending our Archive to include ground crew and putting together a photographic archive. A further project will cover post WW2 personnel.
   
3. Much activity on the part of our Members is reported on in this issue. Notably the Petwood Reunion, but also the unveiling of the memorial at the William Farr School, built on a part of the Dunholme Lodge airfield.
   
4. Our thanks go to the Red Arrows and the BBMF for their involvement in various activities linked to 49 Squadron. No, it's not just the flyovers at Petwood and Lincoln, but included a "small" detour for the Lancaster flight over Holland, the Missing Man Tribute at Scampton and the visit of the Spitfire to Geoff Barnett who was unable to attend the Reunion owing to ill health.
   
5. We are always pleased to publish articles written by members, associates and friends and this issue of the Newsletter has several. A report by Ed Ijsbrandij of the flyover of BBMF Lancaster at the crash site of Hampden P1206 at Berkhout, Holland. The Service of Remembrance for the crew of P1206 and the Red Arrows Tribute on May 19th was witnessed by relatives and next of kin and some of our Scampton veterans. The 11 pages (with photographs) about the Reunion was provided by our Editor and our new 'Friend' Ralph Gray. Jo Cockburn has made her trip in the Lancaster at the Canadian Warplane Museum and writes with feeling about the noise from the four Merlins as they flew around Toronto and the CN tower.
   
6. Once again our Reader's Letters (more than 10 in this issue) have come up with more comments, observations - and moans. At least the Bomber Command Memorial is now more accessible as a result of our members' complaints.
   
7. Our 'Can You Help' pages have some more requests - including more Lancaster bits and pieces to be identified!
   
8. Last, but not least, is Geoff Stuffins write-up and photograph of his flight in the East Kirkby two seat TR 9 Spitfire.
   

No.6 May 2007

1. A welcome to several new members, David Gibbs, Peter Velasco, Jim Robson and new associate members, Joyce Bailey, Jan Gambling, Matt Marshall, Paul McLocklin and Jack Scott.
   
2. An update to the Membership List, including the above.
   
3. More successes reported in the "Can You Help" section - two of the new associate members.
   
4. Bill Carman has updated us on the crash site near Heusenstamm, (see the last issue), where there are plans for a permanent memorial to be set up next year.
   
5. Valiants feature extensively in this issue - photographs, articles and crew news. Our Editor certainly gets around and his picture of XD818 is on the front cover of this issue.
   
6. News of the planned flights of the BBMF Lancaster to Holland in remembrance of Operation Manna is given - hopefully you saw it on the TV News.
   
7. Also featured is the first article by our Researcher, Colin Cripps. His knowledge of the ways of the PRO and what there is at Kew is already helping to assist Association members in their search for information.
   
8. A very interesting extract from the Lincolnshire Echo of Monday, April 16th 2007, tells of the presentation to ex-WAAF Dorothy Smith, crew transport driver, of a print of a crew setting off to their Lancaster at Fiskerton. As mentioned before, this is the print of the painting 'Nancy Pants Last Flight' by John Ward depicting JB231 EA-N at its dispersal at Fiskerton.
   
9. Once again our Reader's Letters (more than 12 in this issue) have come up with some interesting answers and of course, more questions.
   
10. Our 'Can You Help' pages have at least 6 more requests - including a photograph of Lancaster bits and pieces to be identified!
    
11. Last, but not least, are some chuckles and a photograph of a Trabant car - now can you guess where our Editor snapped that?
    

No.5 February 2007

1. A welcome to John Gunn who made contact with us via an email from the USA.
   
2. The latest edition of the Membership List, which now includes our Associate Members, Honorary Members and Friends.
   
3. More successes reported in the "Can You Help" section - Frontline and Bullseye exercises were apparently night exercises for trainee crews.
   
4. After completing his tour with 49 Squadron, Bill Carman went on to 83 Pathfinder Squadron, but was shot down on the 26th August, 1944. He returned to Heusensstamm, near where he was shot down in November, 2006 and the magazine includes a translation of a piece from a German newspaper reporting his visit.
   
5. A further article on the visit to the Dutch village of Berkhout, near to the site where Hampden P1206 crashed in November 1941. A more detailed article about the Memorial Service on November 8th 2006. Don't forget to look at the excellent website that details these events at http://www.wkdankbaar.nl
   
6. Also featured is the first article by our Archivist, Ed. Norman. This is already generating a lot of interest.
   
7. A very interesting article about fund raising for the children of Christmas Island includes a centre-fold montage about the years 1956-64, which should appeal to our 'Valiant' members.
   
8. Once again our Reader's Letters have come up with some interesting answers and of course, more questions. So much so that it now takes up seven pages!
   
9. Our 'Can You Help' pages have four more requests - see below.
   
10. Last, but not least, are some chuckles and a poem for our senior citizens.
    

No.4 Christmas 2006

1. A colour photograph of the Fiskerton Airfield Memorial showing the new flagpole.
   
2. Reports of the various Remembrance Day activities that were attended by 49 SA members, with four colour photographs.
   
3. More successes reported in the "Can You Help" section - Ted Sims, the Mid Upper Gunner has responded to the request by Jack Kermode's son. But the last two pages include some more requests.
   
4. The arrangements for the 2007 Reunion are going well with the available rooms at the Petwood already booked. Places are still available at the banquet and other events.
   
5. A sequel to the article "Missing in Action" published in Issue No.2 (August 2006) with the title "My Search for my Mother's Fiancee" again by Sheila Hamilton, tells how the efforts by many people resulted in her visit to the Dutch village of Berkhout. The site where Hampden P1206 crashed in November 1941, had been cared for by the Schilder family for many years. Two of the crew, Sgts. Kehoe and Mullinger were buried with the plane and so on November 8th 2006 a memorial service was held at the site. (Colour photographs in the magazine). There is an excellent website that details these events at http://www.wkdankbaar.nl
   
6. The need for a Bomber Command Campaign Medal after all these years has again been raised and what you can do about it is spelt out.
   
7. The answer to a question posed in the last issue about an apparent 49 Squadron Lincoln surprised everyone. It only goes to show what unusual activities RF337 was put through - did you fly in it or see the film?
   
8. Once again our Reader's Letters have come up with some interesting answers and of course, more questions.
   

No.3 November 2006

1. Alan feels comfortable enough in the job to provide an introduction describing his relationship to 49 Squadron.
   
2. Our new Associate Member, Valerie Seal, has written a very interesting article about her search for information about her half-brother, Sgt. Leslie John Philips, kia 22nd March 1944. We are fortunate that as more and more relatives come forward, Association members and associates are able to help them.
   
3. News that our Archivist, Ed Norman, is compiling a Photographic Archive will set you thinking about what to do with your treasured photographs of your link with 49 Squadron. We are not asking you to donate these, but to let us copy them.
   
4. Alan also makes a plea that relatives should not destroy or discard records and mementoes of service men and women. Please request that they are passed to the Association so that we can ensure their survival.
   
5. News that the Vulcan XH558 will fly again thanks to the £500,000 donation from Sir Jack Hayward will be of interest to those who moved on from Lincolns and Valiants as aircrew and crew chiefs.
   
6. Jo Cockburn has written of her very exciting visit to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, Canada. Not only was it an opportunity to look inside their Lancaster but it included a flight. Alas, after taxying down the runway the trip was cancelled. But she has high hopes for a return visit in 2007.
   
7. Nine colour photos in this edition - the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial Stone in Lincoln Cathedral on the 27th August, Alan Morgan at the 65th Anniversary of the Guinea Pig Club with Dame Vera Lynn and the bird box, as well as snaps of other events.
   
8. B & W photos of Lincolns (RF340, RA666, RE323) at Eastleigh in 1955 from Dave Harrison and a catch question from John Ward about a photograph of a Lincoln with wartime markings EA-S.
   
9. Lots of feedback from readers letters (Trevor Jennings, Jock Irving, Eric Clarke, Anton van Tonder, "Nobby" Clarke and Ted's comments about logbooks.
   
10. 'Can You Help?' on the last page has six questions but only one answer to a previous question - we need your help, so why not join us if you have any link with the Squadron.
    

No.2 May 2006

1. Alan Parr has written his first editorial. As the Association Secretary and the Newsletter Editor he has his hands rather full at the moment since he has also been busy making the final arrangements for the 2006 Reunion, to be held from the 20th - 23rd June at Petwood. As in previous years the Service of Remembrance will take place at Fiskerton Parish Church at 11.00 am on the Wednesday followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the Airfield Memorial. Watch out for the BBMF Lancaster due to fly over at 12.15 hrs, weather permitting. Afterwards we have a buffet lunch at the new Village Hall and the Banquet at Petwood in the evening. Visits to the BBMF and East Kirkby have been arranged for the Thursday.
   
2. There is news of an important change in the categories of Association membership to include"Friends of the 49 Squadron Association". They will receive the magazine but will not at present be able to attend the Annual Reunion in their own right.
   
3. Further news of the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial is that the Cathedral authorities have agreed in principle for it to be in the building by the end of the year.
   
4. The Fulbeck Memorial is now in the care of the Fulbeck Parish Council.
   
5. Geoff Stubbins has arranged for the Bill Blackstock Memorial Seat to be made and installed at the Fiskerton Airfield Memorial.
   
6. Ed Norman has taken up the post of Archivist while Colin Cripps will be our man at the PRO.
   
7. Included in the Newsletter is Tom's last piece. It is well worth reading, covering every aspect of the activities and interests of a man who will be greatly missed
   
8. An extract from the obituary of Wing Commander Peter Ward-Hunt in the Daily Telegraph of Wednesday, 14th December, 2005 has been included. He joined the Squadron at the end of 1938 and completed 32 operations in Hampdens before going on to fly Lancasters.
   

November 2005

1. Alan Parr has been busy making the arrangements for the 2006 Reunion, to be held from the 20th - 23rd June at Petwood. It is already over-subscribed with a waiting list This is unavoidable as now we have some 225 members and only a limited number of rooms available in this hotel. There are other hotels in the area however.
   
2. Tom mentions that he will be unable to attend the Remembrance Service at Runnymede owing to his knee problems, but Leslie Hay will lay the wreath. At Bransby where Dot Smith has laid our wreath for many years, this year it will be laid by her husband, Stan. Mrs Janet Allin and her son are laying our wreath at the Fulbeck Airfield Memorial. On Remembrance Sunday the Church service included Ted Cachart laying the wreath on the memorial, followed by the short service at the airfield memorial. Also present were other Association members, wives, friends, representatives from 576 Squadron and the village.
   
3. The Lincoln Echo of the 25th October, 2005, carried an item about the campaign they are supporting to put a Bomber Command Memorial in or around the Cathedral. You can support this by emailing them at their office. The article also mentions the fact that 10,000 aircrew died in training accidents during 1939-45, many of them from airfields in Lincolnshire.
   
4. The rebuilding of Fiskerton Parish Hall is going ahead, thanks to donations and support from many sources, including the Association and Members. If it is finished by June 2006, Alan Parr will try to arrange a visit during the Reunion.
   
5. Half of Bill Blackstock's legacy to the Association will go to the purchase of a seat at the Fiskerton Airfield Memorial. It should be there by June.
   
6. Colin Cripps has been busy with his camera - he has been to each of the 26 cemeteries in Holland where 4T9ers are buried. He has photographed every grave and a picture of the entrance.
   
7. Included in the Newsletter was an article by Alan Parr about two visits made by Danish friends to Fiskerton and East Kirkby. Both of these couples have been actively involved in preserving the memory of those who died in the crash of JA691. They had previously hosted visits made by Association members to Denmark and now the opportunity was taken to show them around. (There is much more to read about in this very interesting article)
   
8. Did you fly from Dunholme Lodge? There is a comprehensive school on part of the site now! Teachers and pupils already knew that 619, 44 and 178 squadrons had flown sorties in Lancaster bombers from there. What they did not know was that 49 had been there as well. But they do now thanks to a chance meeting.
9. Once again there are some additional pages of articles, photocopies of letters and sketches that Tom Gatfield has included. As some of these fall into the 'Can You Help' category, I have included these in the long list that you can jump to as indicated below.

August 2005

1. Alan Parr has been busy making the arrangements for the 2006 Reunion, to be held from the 20th - 23rd June at Petwood. It is already over-subscribed with a waiting list This is unavoidable as now we have some 225 members and only a limited number of rooms available in this hotel. There are other hotels in the area however.
   
2. Tom mentions two more names from the past - Sgt. Thomas Bell Oates, an Air Gunner who flew with F/O Bonnet from Scampton in 1940/41 and  W/C Slee - is there anybody out there who remembers them?
   
3. "Bomber Boys" by Kevin Wilson is a new book  where some of our members get a mention.A good read, with much information.
   
4. Have you been to the 'Dambusters Inn' in Scampton village? On a wall inside is a complete pilots panel with all the levers, controls and instruments. Together with all the other exhibits, makes the place well worth a visit - and the food and drink is excellent.
5. Was your service number between 1802000 and 1802500? Were you attested in London in January 1942? Where was the medical held? 4T9er Eric Read is working hard on his autobiography and would be delighted to meet anyone who was there then.
6. It looks as if Vulcan XH558 is going to get airborne again. Keep in the picture by supporting the  group  behind it and send your donations to Freepost VTS, PO Box 3240, Wimbourne, Dorset. BH21 4ZZ
7. CYH -  does anyone remember LAC Norman Ouston 1270750 an Instrument Fitter at Scampton in 1942-43? His grandson is keen to find out more about his time on the squadron.
8. Harry Palmer went to the Air Gunners Reunion in May and who should he meet there but 4T9er Ed Smith from Canada.
9. Did you watch the Channel 4 documentary  "Britain's Cold War Super Weapons"?  Lots of pictures and mentions of squadron members.
10. Our latest associate member is Laurence Highman (ex RAF instrument fitter) , whose brother Arthur was  the W/Op in F/O Simpson's crew. He completed 30 ops, went out to  the Middle East flying and returned to  RAF Topcliffe  as an Instructor. On his first trip he was killed when two Wellingtons collided.
11. Several members saw in the newspapers the amazing story  of Sgt  W.E. (Bill) Boyd (F/E in Sgt. Robinson's crew), shot down  but broke his neck in the parachute landing and did not find out how serious it was until he went for a scan  - he had been walking about for 62 years with it.
12. Did you fly from Dunholme Lodge? There is a comprehensive school on part of the site now! Teachers and pupils already knew that 619, 44 and 178 Squadrons had flown sorties in Lancaster bombers from there. What they did not know was that 49 had been there as well. But they do now thanks to a chance meeting.

1. Some new members, new addresses, but also sadly a list of names removed from the current list of members since there has been no contact with them for the last 2 or 3 years. If you know of them, please let Tom know what's happened to them. I have listed them on the "Can you help" page here.
   
2. Tom thinks he has found the earliest 4T9er still with us - Bob Carter of Radstock, Bath. He was first posted in during May 1937 on Hawker Hinds at Worthy Down. Beat that if you can!
   
3. Four wreaths were laid on your behalf again this year on Sunday, November 14th at Bransby, Fiskerton (at the Church and the airfield memorial) and at Runnymede. John Beck placed a wreath of poppies on the plaque at Worthing pier on the anniversary of the crash, December 17th.
   
4. News of another crew where 4 of them are still in contact - Len Mellor, Barry Edwards, Jack Shearing and Harry Palmer.
   
5. Tom also mentions that F/O Robson's crew still meet up - R.Robson, W.Claydon, H.Dodds, R.Bridger and W.Gibbs. Are there any other crews who meet up?
   
6. John Ward's new book "The Dunholme Lodgers" has sparked off some more memories. Back in 1941 a field at Dunholme had just a windsock and was used as a dispersal point for our Hampdens. Dave Saxton (4T9er) had to service there and act as perimeter guard. Does anyone else remember being there?
   
7. The last newsletter mentioned the coincidence regarding Len Bradfield's plane ED 625 and that the translator of the German report, Elizabeth Mitchell, was in her house some 100 m from the crash. Sending her a copy of BTD@W with some signatures from members of a local ACA resulted in Ted making contact with an ex POW, same camp, same time as Ted.
   
8. A further link to F/O Essenhigh and the crash at Worthing - he was due to have been married 10 days later. His then fiance recently got in touch with Tom having seen the details on this site!
   
9. Did you know that in the Battle of Britain we lost 537 pilots, but that on one raid on Nurenburg (31/3/44) we lost 545 aircrew.
   
10. Tom has also included the following photocopies:-
    
    • A Flight Engineer's log with entries
    • A navigator's parallel rule (from the crash site of JA 691)
    • Extracts of the following newspaper articles
      • Jo Houlihan's trip to Denmark and the grave of her great uncle Sgt.George Silvester
      • Colin Cripp's story of the memorial to the crew of ED 584
      • Weskappel Cemetery and the graves of F/O Lee's crew
      • St. Martin sur Ouse Cemetery and the graves of F/Lt Powell's crew

October 2004

1. The latest Members & Associates List has been published with addresses as up-to-date as is known by Tom. Unfortunately he has had to include some where the recipient has not made contact for some years. Because of this, Tom has not sent them the last 3 issues of the Newsletter and is now writing to their last known address - no reply - that's it! If you have not received your Newsletters, please get in touch with Tom.
   
2. Plans for the next reunion - Tuesday 28th June to Friday 1st July, 2005 - are going well as it is oversubscribed with a waiting list.
   
3. The Memorial on Worthing Pier has been repaired and covered with a glass panel to keep out the winter storms.
   
4. Dave Harrison has been in touch with some details of the Kenya ops., but with a question about one of the squadron songs he partly remembers. What are the verses that end with 'There's none so rare as can compare with the boys of 49'? To remind you of that period Tom has included 2 photos with a 3rd from Stuart Keay showing all the squadron at Wittering, August 1953.
   
5. The Dunholme "Lodgers" by John Ward is his new book about the time the squadron flew from Dunholme Lodge (Sept.-Oct.1943) when the Fiskerton runways were being resurfaced. Reserve a copy from Ted now and you will have it signed by John and Ted.
   
6. Tom has included a copy of the letter he received from Janet Marsden about the Memorial at the crash site commemorating F/L Powell and crew that was dedicated on 31st July 2004. Although relatives of Sgt Kirkpatrick were found and able to attend, we are still searching for relatives, friends and former colleagues of the rest of the crew. See my CYH page.
   
7. If you have not yet realised how much new information is coming to light about the events of 60 or more years ago, then get in touch with Len Bradfield. A German researcher sent him the details of the shooting down of ED 625 on 10/11 August 1943. What an amazing story!
   
8. It's Dresden again - Flashback TV is gathering information for a German TV documentary about the hour-by-hour experiences of people on both sides throughout 13th/14th February 1945. No, it's not a rerun of the familiar controversy and for this reason James Barker on 0117 906 4300 would like to get in touch with those who were affected by it.
   

July 2004

1. Details of the very successful 2004 reunion are given, including a list of those who attended the dinner.
   
2. Announcement of the 2005 reunion - Tuesday 28th June to Friday 1st July.
   
3. The Fulbeck Memorial is now to be taken care of by Fulbeck Parish Council.
   
4. Has anyone flown in a D/H Hornet? If so please contact Peter Sheppard on 01285 642997. A reunion for those that did is planned on 16.05.2005.
   
5. "Fiskerton" by Naomi Field and M.P.Pearson is the new book about the Roman Villas and earlier Iron Age Settlements around the village.
   
6. Tom has included a copy of the email Chris Ashman sent me concerning W/O Brunt's crew kia 27/11/1943. He has put the information on his web site at:- here
   (We are still looking for relatives, friends, or former colleagues of F/Sgt R.P.O'Dea, Sgt R.W.Norley DFM and Sgt E.D.Wilson).
   
7. If you have not yet heard or seen the story of Skipper, the 49 Squadron mascot that arrived at Waddington in the 1950's, then you had better read Eric Newton's tale.
   
8. Newspaper articles about the Duchess of Kent visiting Marham in 1965 and a Frenchman's search for relatives of the crew of JB 701, kia 29/7/1944 are copied. More information on the latter and the dedication of the memorial to the crew on the 31st July 2004 is given on the CYH page.
   

February 2004

1. The funeral of G/C Kenneth Hubbard, a past O/C of the Squadron and the pilot of the first British aircraft to drop a thermo-nuclear weapon, was held at Blythburgh (Suffolk) Parish Church in January. Seven 4T9ers attended as well as members of the Megaton Club, whose President he had been for more than 25 years.
   
2. Another book has been published about the bombing of Dresden in February 1945. The author, Frederick Taylor, had previously interviewed squadron members and has used recently available material in an attempt to put the record straight.
   
3. News of a move for the plaque on Worthing Pier commemorating F/O Essenhigh and crew - it's now on the east side of the pier with a perspex cover to keep out the elements which had damaged the enamel.
4. While the memorial at Fiskerton is being kept in good condition by our friends there, it does not look so good for the Fulbeck memorial. Currently this is looked after by the Bomber Airfield Society, but they cannot find anyone else to look after it. If you are interested, why not join in our efforts to get the Parish Council to take an interest?
   
5. Sales of "Beware of the dog at war" have reached 1,000 copies and now there is the opportunity to obtain a very special hard back copy in deep red goat skin leather with the complete Roll of Honour at the back and pages at the front containing the signatures of members and guests attending the 2004 reunion banquet. A raffle for Association funds will take place at the reunion with this copy of the book as the prize. Get in touch with Tom for tickets.
   
6. Good news about the Avro Vulcan Restoration project - hopefully the £2.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund with your donations will get it back in the air soon.
   
7. Do you remember Alf Ridpath W/AG in F/O Edgar's crew? His travels in the Far East after leaving the squadron make for interesting reading.
   
8. News of the Australian Lanc in the hangar at the Canberra War Memorial - yes, this is the one that flew under Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1945! It will never fly again and now needs anticorrosion work just to hold it together.
   
9. Once again Tom has included several pages of photographs and copies of letters and articles. A good one is the squadron photo at Shallufa taken in 1951. I can recognise many of those who were still on the squadron in 1952.
   

October 2003

1. The 'Megaton Club' has had its last reunion - but the Squadron associations are carrying on. (See further news below).
2. Do you remember David Pugh? He was a FII/A at Scampton and Fiskerton, working on Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters. He would love to hear from you if you were around at that time.
3. Next years' reunion at Petwood from the 1st to the 3rd or 4th June 2004 is already fully booked with a waiting list for accomodation at the hotel.
4. Geoff Brunton has met up again with crew member Hugh Trimnel, their first meeting in 38 years. As Tom says, its good to know that the Association is able to put old friends in touch.
5. Arrangements for the wreath laying at Bransby, Fiskerton Church and the Airfield Memorial and Runnymede have been made for Remembrance Sunday 2003.
6. Further to the information on the crash of the 239 Squadron Mosquito on 27/10/1944 during fighter affiliation with 49 Squadron, Sgt Ashcroft from F/O G.Lee's crew is now listed in the Roll of Honour.
7. "Lancasters and Lanyards" - Jack Routledge has written down the story of his life in diary form and is highly recommended by Uncle Will. His ops with 49 Squadron and second tour with 405 are factual and his service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police revive many memories for all who trained in Canada.
8. There are two sides of A4 paper devoted to a detailed write-up of the visit to Denmark by relatives and representatives of the 49 Squadron Association in August. On the 60th anniversary of the Peenemunde Raid, a memorial stone was unveiled in the village of Holm on the island of Ala in the Baltic Sea in memory of P/O Tomlin and crew. The opportunity was also taken to lay wreaths on the graves of crew members of the other two Lancasters from the squadron lost over Denmark.
9. Three pages put together by Tom Gatfield, the Secretary, giving some of the stories and pictures he has come across since the previous newsletter.
10. Now here is some news about a reunion for those who were on the squadron with Valiants - the V FORCE REUNION 2004 held at Newark Air Museum on the weekend 22/23 of May 2004. If you served on a V bomber base with any V-Force squadron or OCU, at any time and in any role, aircrew or groundcrew, you may be interested in this event. Around 200 ex V Force personnel attended a successful Vulcan reunion at the museum in 2002, which sparked off the idea for this full scale V-Force version. Those attending will have a focal point at the museum, probably in the form of a large marquee, where there will be reception tables. Here you will sign in and be pointed in the right direction by members of the squadron 'ops' teams. There will be separate tables for Vulcan bases, Valiants, Victor bombers/SR, Victor tankers and V Force ground support. All those "signing in" will get a name badge/squadron ident. Once in, there will be plenty to see and do. You can get full information on the museum and its facilities by visiting its website at www.newarkairmuseum.co.uk, but briefly you can expect to see: Around 50 aircraft and cockpits including a Vulcan, with access for live systems runs, and (hopefully) access to Valiant and Victor cockpits. For the pilots - access to Jet Provost and Canberra cockpits. For the navs and AEO's - access to Varsity trainer and Hastings T5 NBS trainer. Lots of other displays, shop, trade stands, cafe etc. Sat evening event - buffet/drinks reception at Newark Golf Club. If you think that you would like to attend, email Don Chadwick at Foxbarn@btopenworld.com (Vulcans) or Alan McLoughlin at almacmedal@aol.com (Victors/Valiants) or phone Don 01254 771756 or Al 01326 573509. The website is - here  This information is passed on from Alan McLoughlin and I do hope you will support this event.

May 2003

1. A return slip to indicate interest in next years' reunion at Petwood from the 1st to the 3rd or 4th June 2004.
2. Four pages from Tom Gatfield, the Secretary, giving further details about some of the articles included in the 10 sides of pictures and write-ups and passing on information he has come across.
3. Two mentions about Fiskerton. The new owners of the sergeant's mess are interested in what it was, what was there and when! Do you remember? Ted has provided a schematic plan, but there are still a few gaps. Support is also being sought for the rebuilding of the village hall and as well as a contribution from the Association, individual sponsorship is welcomed.
4. Two enquiries from persons interested in speaking to post-war members about the Kenya and Christmas Island tours. Although a number of Association members have already been approached directly, if you were there, why not add your reminiscences? See the request for information below.
5. After some considerable time and effort the grave of F/Sgt G.B.Silvester DFM has been located in the Abenraa Cemetery in Denmark. A ceremony with the unveiling of a memorial stone will take place there on the 17th/18th August 2003, sixty years after he and his crew failed to return from the Peenemunde raid on 18/8/1943. Please get in touch if you wish to attend or obtain further information.
6. Further information on the crash of the 239 Squadron Mosquito on 27/10/1944 during fighter affiliation with 49 Squadron has been provided by G.E.Jukes. The pilot F/Lt J.H.Roberts was accompanied by a 49 Squadron Flight Engineer, Sgt. A.M.Ashcroft. During the exercise the Mosquito stalled and crashed in Stapleford Woods (2 miles ENE of Newark) with the death of pilot and passenger. The omission of Sgt Ashcroft from the Roll of Honour is being rectified.
7. Finally, Tom closes with his thanks to one and all that the 2003 Reunion went like clockwork in spite of some difficulties. Next year is on as above.

January 2003

1. A note of new members and new addresses.
   
2. The first 10 copies of the special edition of "Beware of the dog at War" have been bound and include the signatures of war-time members.
   
3. The enhanced picture (size 16" x 7") of Operation Robinson is now available from Tom at £3 as mentioned in the last Newsletter. This was the low level daylight attack on the Schneider Factory at Le Creusot on the 17th October 1942. It is based on the photo taken from ZN-Y flown by Guy Gibson of 106 Squadron.
   
4. The plaque on Worthing Pier that commemorates F/O Essenhigh and crew was dedicated on Thursday, 12th December. Tom has included photos and details of this event.
   
5. There is an excerpt from a newspaper article about the last Vulcan bomber XH558, now probably sold to America. You can get the latest information on the Vulcan Restoration Trust Appeal Website.
   
6. Tom has also put in the article about flying the Valiant from the BCA Newsletter.
   
7. All the preparations have been made for the June Reunion, with the hotel fully booked and about 80 people planning to attend the dinner.
   
8. New contacts made include H.Mills (W/C Slee's gunner on the Le Creusot raid) and T.Price (gunner in Le Marquand's crew). Another contact was the son of W/C (Buzz) Botting.
   
9. John Street, a postwar 49 Squadron member, has written a short history of 290 Squadron (Martinets) as well as putting his service memories on tape and sending them and a copy of his book to the Imperial War Museum.
   
10. Finally a welcome to our latest postwar member, G.W.Judson, who was an engine fitter on Lancs in 1948.
    

October 2002

1. A note of new members and new addresses. Included in the mailing was the latest Members list showing we have 188 full members, 49 associates, 5 Honorary Members and our Padre making 243 in total.
   
2. A special edition of "Beware of the dog at War" is in preparation which will include signatures of all the Association's current members. This should bring the sales up to nearly 1000 copies.
   
3. The Megaton Club held its reunion recently at which a CD-ROM of photographs was issued that included the Malta and Malaya tours.
   
4. The 'Carpenters Arms' at Fiskerton now has a copy of Nick Trudgeon's picture "Home at Dawn" thanks to Alan Parr.
   
5. The Association is looking for a member of the ACA, BCA or RAFA to act as publicity agent. Any offers to Tom Gatfield, please.
   
6. The October BCA Newsletter has a feature on the Valiant.
   
7. The picture pages include 3 photos of a Waddington 1945 Sgts Mess party and the Cross Country Team from Jack Joslyn - but maybe only you know who they are.
   
8. Also included with the Newsletter is an enhanced picture of Operation Robinson, the low level daylight attack on the Schneider Factory at Le Creusot on the 17th October 1942. It is based on the photo taken from ZN-Y flown by Guy Gibson of 106 Squadron. Not only is the story of the raid very interesting but the history of the hand coloured print and the later addition of larger aircraft (so that you can see them more clearly) shows the steps that have to be taken to get good colouring and definition to today's standards. You can buy a copy size 16" x 7" at cost + P & P from Tom.
   
9. Thursday, 12th December is the date for the unveiling of the plaque at Worthing Pier that commemorates F/O Essenhigh and crew. Tom included with the Newsletter a reduced print of it which gives their names and a brief description of the fatal crash on the beach.
   

June 2002
Note that this issue has a list of those who attended the Annual Reunion on the 8th June 2002.

1. The TV programme in March 2002 "Meet your Ancestors" showed a dig at Fiskerton. Did you know that it was once a thriving Roman district with villas and a market place? Metal detectors have found an Iron Age sword as well as bits of Lancasters and wartime coins.
   
2. 4T9er John Crabb has visited the Kirriemuir Aviation Museum, about 5 miles from Forfar and near to Glamis Castle. Well worth a visit to see the aviation gear. Find out more from the website here - Thanks for that info., Brian Redwood.
   
3. A computer printout of over 4,000 operations carried out by 49 Squadron during WW2 has been prepared giving date, a/c type, serial no, code, duty, target, rank and name of pilot, rank and name and number of every crew member with times and other details.
   
4. The latest Bomber Command Newsletter has two entries from 4T9ers. Ted Cachart's discovery of the photograph of his crew and the story of Eric Clarke's flying boots.
   
5. The subject of an up-to-date address list of Association members has come up again. Every 2 or 3 years this becomes very important as there are still many copies of the Newsletter that get returned marked "gone away" - does Tom have your latest address?
   
6. There is more information on the "Green Ink" entries in some log books. While red for night flying and operations seem to be universal, of those logbooks now held at the RAF Museum at Hendon only a few have green ink entries to show they were daylight flights.
   
7. Items from the old Officers Mess at West Malling have now been moved to the ACA section at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington.
   
8. Memories and Memorabilia - still more information from various sources on past events. Tom has included copies of a number of photographs and articles dealing with the squadron. This time it includes copies of photographs of street names in West Durrington, a suburb of Worthing, which were named after F/O Essenhigh's crew who crashed at the end of Worthing pier on the 17th December 1944, saving the town from a disaster. Photos taken by F/Lt Morely-Brown, the Intelligence Officer at Scampton and Fiskerton have been reproduced with the request that you help to identify the places, faces and aircraft.
   

February 2002

1. The Remembrance Service 2001 at Runnymede was well attended as were the other services at Fiskerton Church, the Airfield Memorial and the Fulbeck and Brandsby memorials
   
2. The book on the Hampden by Chay Bower (Sgt Pilot 83 Sqdn) gives much detail of the part played by 49 & 83 Squadrons from Scampton and 44 Squadron from Waddington in their early operations against military and naval targets in the early years of the war. I have yet to find it in the bookshops, but it does seem to have been very well researched
   
3. Further comments have been made about 'Just Jane' and her tailwheel lifting on the runway at East Kirkby. If you saw the BBC film you will know that the drawing was covered over so as to play the part of the 57 Squadron Lanc.
   
4. Also included is an extract from the Derby Evening Telegraph of a recent visit to East Kirkby by two 76 year olds.
   
5. Memories and Memorabilia - still more information from various sources on past events. Tom has included copies of a number of photographs and articles dealing with the squadron. This time it includes a report of a tribute to four aircrew from 49 Squadron when their Hampden was brought down on the 16th October 1940, near Ambares, south-west France.
   
6. 2002 Reunion - the Petwood Hotel is now fully booked and there should be about 80 at the Reunion Dinner.
   
7. John Ward has been busy putting all of 49's Lancaster sorties onto a database - some 3,800 individual ops.
   
8. 58 years was how long it took one of the Association members to get sight of a photo of him and his crew with EA-N in November 1943.
   

October 2001

1. Fiskerton Airfield - a short paragraph in the Lincolnshire Echo of 30/7/01 says that Leighton Fisher and Paul Holland intend to write a book of memories of the airfield. They are very interested in personal reminisciences of the old days and ask that correspondence is sent to them c/o 42, Foster Street, Lincoln, LN5 7QF, UK.
   
2. Thursday August 23rd 2001 BBC2 Timewatch - Tom Gatfield writes that he felt it was a reasonably balanced programme. Although our John Aldridge only had 3 minutes out of the 45, it came across very well. Both the Daily Mail and his local newspaper gave more of his story.
   
3. Green ink in your logbook? - Who can support the view that it was only in some squadrons that this was used to record ops in daylight?
   
4. Memories and Memorabilia - still more information from various sources on past events. Tom has included copies of a number of photographs and articles dealing with the squadron, as well as a Royal Marine's visit to Walcheren, a POW's experience of the Dresden bombing and the No 5 Bomber Group reunion on 4/10/1975.
   
5. 2002 Reunion - at Petwood again, but Tom is having difficulty in fixing the Saturday visit in the light of current events. He will keep us posted.
   
6. Remembrance Sunday 11th November 2001 - Representatives of the Squadron will be at Fiskerton Church for the 10.30 am service followed by wreath laying at the Airfield Memorial. Other wreath laying at the Fulbeck and Bransby Memorials and at Runnymede.
   

While I realise that this is becoming an archive, it might well be of use to those who come across this site for the first time. So, I will keep adding to it. But please remember, it is only an abstract of the many pages Tom and now Alan, produces.

Latest update: 17th June, 2009