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For ex and Serving RAF PTI’s, PJI’s, ATI’s & ERI’s
A Loo To Far I had just passed out as an RAF Parachute Instructor, having been presented with my wings by Wing Commander Turnbull the Commanding Officer of No 1 Parachute School. My first job was to be a Dispatcher on a Beverly Aircraft that was to take VIP’s from RAF Abingdon to RAF Benson, for the local Mayor to open the Battle of Britain celebrations for the weekend.
We took off from Abingdon at about 1330 and were due to land at Benson at precisely 1400 hrs. All the VIP's comprising of two Air Marshals a collection of MP’s, the Mayor and Mayoress of Abingdon along with an entourage of local worthies. Dressed to the nines, the ladies in their best Ascot hats and frocks, all were seated in the boom section of the aircraft facing the rear. We were flying along smoothly, the Beverly was a large four prop aircraft used by the Parachute School on a regular basis, these aircraft belonged to a squadron based at RAF Abingdon. The crew consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, engineer and quartermaster and on parachuting duties three quartermasters and two Parachute Instructors. We were in Para role for this occasion looking steely eyed and confident. One of the quartermasters decided he wanted to use the loo, these were situated at the rear of the passenger boom and consisted of two chemical toilets in a rather restricted cupboard like recess the
Edition 16 – June 2017 Editor : Ron Houghton
entrance of each facing the passenger seating area. I was handing cups of coffee to the VIP’s and making polite conversation when the aircraft gave a sudden lurch as if it had met with a level of extreme turbulence. I was immediately aware of some plumb in the mouth lady screaming “Oh Dear, the poor man!” I glanced towards the rear of the passenger bay and to my horror one of the doors to the chemical toilets had opened and what seemed like the action of a large cuckoo clock the loadmaster in the process of communing with nature, still seated with overalls round his ankles had slid forward some three feet beyond the compartment. This surreal pantomime lasted for a few seconds as he ended up opposite the Mayoress who as you can imagine was at a loss as to what to do. The loadmaster being an experienced aircrew person although defecating in front of the Mayor and Mayoress along with some twenty other VIP’S must have been a new experience. He reached back grasping the edges of the cubicle still in the seated position attempted to pull himself back in. As the chemical toilet slid back it snagged on a floor protrusion and he toppled sideways dumping four gallons of excrement that flowed across the passenger floor in a surfable wave. The smell took over and once again like a surreal cartoon, the whole area was enveloped, it appeared at the time like a dream sequence in slow motion. Nearest to me was the wife of an Air Marshall who had taken her shoes off to rest her feet, these were now overflowing with the liquid and as they were a form off sandal the liquid was held in by faeces blocking the toe hole. I along with all available aircrew were using as many paper towels as we could find to mop up this diabolical mess.
All the VIP’s were led down through a hatch to the freight bay, the one picture that will be forever etched in my mind is the mayoress sitting in the freight bay with a steady drip of excrement that she was unaware of filling the brim of her hat. When we landed, the awaiting crowd were forced back with the smell.
Ron Houghton
Farewell Bob
May I pay a very humble tribute to one of the most outstanding gentlemen I have served with and played with during my service career. Teamwork is a great bond in any situation and early in mine I was teamed up at Lyneham as a Cpl with two colleagues, BOB STEVENSON and HENRY MACDONALD. Their dedication to our Branch was inspirational to me in my early years . Bob was a strong dedicated man of outstanding leadership qualities and a great humility hid his many talents. In those days the way to become a SNCO was to become an instructor at the Parachute School at Abingdon, so three of us myself first, followed by Henry and then BOB became instructors in the mid 60's. BOB was an outstanding instructor who inspired the many recruits to become Airborne trained to the highest standards, whilst his rugby skills were legendary as captain of the successful ABINGDON cup winning team over many years, which was further reflected representing the Combined Services and the Royal Air Force. His pre match briefings cannot be done justice in this missive however we were left in no uncertainty as to his expectancy.
I was posted to 44 Brigade in Duke of York and later on posting back was
replaced by Bob were he was highly respected by all of the Brigade.
Please pass my sincere and deepest condolences to his family .
Bob you are now along with those other great friends and ABINGDON STARS ,
recently passed John Mace, John Kirk and Bobby Souter, may you all rest in
peace.
George Long __________________________
I would also like to pay tribute to Bob. I had a high regard for him, on and off
the Rugby field - he was a robust character and I was always glad to see him in
our line-up. He was a rock in defense and had a knack of shrugging off tackles.
Attached is a picture of the successful Air Support Command team in the late
sixties (Bob is last but one, front row) and I remember lobbying hard to have
him in the side in preference to a well known centre of that period! As usual
he didn't’ let us down. Many of you will recognise some other PJIs in the
photo - John Cole (2nd, front row) and Bob Souter behind him. The first player
in the front row is Peter Glover who later played for England.
Although I hadn’t spoken with Bob in recent years, I have fond memories of
our playing days………..I’m sorry he’s gone.
Lynn Samuel ______________________________
John Doran – North East Rep Sadly I have to inform you of the passing of John Doran. He was such a lovely
man, a stalwart member and so proud of his military background and
membership of the RAF PTI Association. Mal Broom has been supporting him
over the last year or so and will be taking over as the NE rep. If there is anyone
who would like to pen some memories of John please email or surface mail it
to me ([email protected]) and I will include it in the next edition of The
Badge.
Terry Hagan has penned this tribute to his very good friend:-
Sgt John Doran
John and I were friends since circa 1955 remembered because it was the year
I bought my first car on the Hire Purchase or for short 'HP'. We met at St
Athan, South Wales, the then School of PT and my car facilitated transport to
various pubs and being helpful to giving lifts to Welsh young ladies distressed
at missing the Coach home to the Coal mining towns. John was an incredible
flirt and the life and soul of our group and a laugh a minute.
John's RAF Service included representing Stations at Football and was a stylish
Basketball player. He was dedicated to his job teaching survival skills to
aircrew where he was held in high esteem. When a young Pilot asked how he
could teach this without ever doing a parachute drop himself he replied “You
are right sir, I will remedy that” and he volunteered and completed the four
jump AMO course At Abingdon's No 1 Para Training school, which is again
where I was stationed. He returned triumphant to the applause of his Aircrew
pupils. John and I kept in touch after leaving the Mob attending practically all
PTI Association Reunions except the 2017 where he was unable due to the
illness which took him away. He was the kind of friend you could confide in
and trust. One of the few I would choose to have beside me in an emergency
or a life and death predicament. He is missed by many and for me life won’t be
the same.
Terry Hagan
Do you know Tony Adams? We have received a query about the whereabouts of PTI Anthony James
Adams known as “ Tony Adams”
He was born 19th Mar 59
Served at : RAF Cosford
RAF Catterick
RAF Laarbruch
RAF Brize Norton
The earliest he could have joined would have been 19 Mar 1977 (aged
18), though possibly may have been a little later maybe around 1980? He is
not registered with the PTI Association so if anyone knows of his whereabouts
please could you get back to me.
Anyone who has information on Tony please email our Sec
Denise Street Brown
or
Ron Houghton
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The Roebuck Memorial Cycle Challenge – 17/18 June 2017
A big thank you to all the cyclists participating along with what every event
requires - a good support team in raising funds towards The Roebuck
Memorial Statue to be placed at the National Memorial Arboretum near
Lichfield commemorating 100 years of the Physical Education Branch.
Participating cyclists as follows – Kristie Harper (only lady), Andy Rose, Tony
French, Mick Carter, Dominic Sullivan, Richard Gammage, Paul Renton, Peter
Golding, Steve Davies, Kev Redstone, Dave Allcock,(one of company sponsors),
Charlie Quinn, Olly Hill, Ronan Archibald, Ian Kevan. Our back up team – Paula
Watts, Andria Shaw, Geoff Snelling, Daryl Jones, Tony Betteridge, Tom
Hardman & Gary Round(Company Shirt Sponsor), Jake Skinner (bike mechanic
from Nova Cycles). The meet up point will be the School of PT crew room at
0900hrs on Saturday 17 June 2017 with refreshments provided along with
short brief on planned route. How Support Team will provide all aspects of
inspiration, direction and preparation of drinks and food on our challenge. The
planned departure time will now be 1030 to enable all to maybe have a couple
of hours sleep on the return to Cosford in the Crew room along with having a
well earned shower and refreshments. This will also enable those with long
return journeys home earlier on the Sunday. The total distance of the
challenge is 255.87 Miles with total ascent of 11,388ft with the different route
on return from MOD St Athan to roundabout of A4042 and A472(McDonalds
and KFC as Landmarks), then returning to RAF Cosford as route out. A
Comprehensive route plan of all junctions and roads will be passed to the back
up teams at the morning brief. The route can be viewed on Mapometer -
https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4538680.html
https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4542963.html
Garmin - Lights will be compulsory front and back for safety reasons and all
individuals are asked to carry mobile phones. Mudguards are advisable as well
just incase of a light shower! Contact sheets with details of cyclists, back up
team members and hospitals will be provided at the Saturday morning briefing
which is planned to be around 0930hrs. Outline of planned refreshment points
on route will be discussed at brief to determine everyone’s thoughts and
preferences. All individuals are asked to bring along personal flasks with their
name on to assist in preparation of hot drinks on route. Tea, Coffee, milk,
sugar will be provided along with bottled water and a selection of fresh fruit
(supplied by one of our Sponsors). It is also hoped to have a supply of gels,
energy bars and electrolyte powders available. Personal spare clothing/food
will be stored in plastic boxes in back up vehicles along with individuals spare
cycling accessories. Commemorative cycling shirts will be passed on to cyclists
on the Saturday morning along with the back up team having commemorative
T-shirts. It is also planned to have a Fluo Orange Craft Gilet with special heat
press print of The Roebuck Crest at a cost of £15. Picture of Gilet will be
forwarded to all and individuals are asked to forward size order to
[email protected] , payment in cash is requested on the Saturday morning
briefing.
A Just Giving/Crowd Funding has been set up-
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/RoebuckMemorial along with
sponsor sheets which will be forwarded for this most worthwhile piece of
history within The Physical Education Branch. Many thanks for your kind
participation and support on this event.
Yours in Sport Ian & Archie
Polo shirt suggested by Martin Longdon ( Ex PTI )
Cost would be approx. £25 + postage ( this would include a small donation to
the PEd Fund).
Interested personnel should deal direct with Martin
The Badge DIY section, somehow skill shines through!
RAF PTI Association Area Reps
Scotland
George Whitecross [email protected]
Wales:
Ron Houghton [email protected]
London & SE
Ian Swindale [email protected]
North West
John Gallagher [email protected]
North East
Mal Broom [email protected]
West Midlands
John Weedon [email protected]
East Midlands
Vacant
South West
Graham Hughes [email protected]
East Anglia
Overseas
Terry Hagan
Sue Zwart
Woodward
If anyone would like to take on the vacant East Midlands role please get in touch with Denise at [email protected] 07737192103
……………………………………………………..
Latest News from our Standard Bearer Roy Rigg Loyal supporters of The Final Turn John Radcliffe
There were 12 Standards on Parade (8th April). Eight Local Royal British
Legion. Also The RAF -PTI Association, (Windsor) Guards Div(Newbury),
Coldstream Guards, The Parachute Regt (Oxon) and The Banner of The Royal
Dragoon Guards Regt Association.
Apologies from;
Peppard & District RBL and the Royal Tank Regt Association (Oxon).
Also 4 other RBL Branches and Regiments that were sadly unable to be with
us on this day.
On Parade:
The Lord Lt of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson OBE.
Deputy Lord Lt Brigadier (Rtd) Ian Inshaw.
Lord Mayor of Oxford City.Cllr Khan.
Lt/Col (Rtd) C. Kebble DSO, The Parachute Regt
Col(Rtd) Tom Hall CVO. OBE, 11th Hussars ( PAO)
Col (Rtd) Bruce Duncan MBE, Royal Tank Regt.
WO1 Terry Young MBE.RGJ.
Mr John Kelly MBE.
Mrs Lynda Atkins Chairman Oxfordshire RBL.
Mr Jim Lewendon Vice Chairman Oxfordshire RBL.
Reverend Graham Choldcroft Chaplain to The Thames Valley Police.
The Very Rev R Wilkes.
Father Augustus, St Anthony of Padua.
Father Aldo, St Teresa of Lisieux.
C/Inspector Cellia Agger, Thames Valley Police.
Several Staff representing The John Radcliffe Hospital.
Three Buglers from The Buglers Association (Light Division & Rifles).
We thank Mr Anthony Bishop. (Media Coordinator), Mr John Tierney former
Queen's Dragoon Guards & RAC Para Sqd (John being The Tribute writer and
who also wrote the words for The Memorial Plaque and also designed The
Program ).
I add here that Graham Whelan had the Plaque made and also did the
printing you see there on.
Further, I add Brian Crossin who ordered the bulbs and organized the planting
back in October last.
Again a good turnout on the day for that operation by loyal supporters of The
Final Turn and also the John Radcliffe Hospital admin staff and Garden Dept.
---------------------------------------------------
Parade cont,
There were many vets and their families and friends in berets, these being
mostly from the loyal group that have paraded here over the many years,
but many others joined us on the day from the Oxfordshire area. We even had
a lady Jill Stone drive up from West Sussex representing her local RBL and did
in fact place a wreath at the base of the plaque.
Thank you Jill.
The RBL Riders were out in force under the watchful eye as always of
Clive Latham from Carterton, I counted 14 bikes in all.
They also helped on the day with the marshalling, we thank them all.
St John's Ambulance were with us ...always so reassuring, many thanks.
John (caretaker from the Church), organized the hoisting of The Union Flag
early in the Morning and saw that the side gates and rear hall was opened for
us, thank you John.
The Ceremony began at 1100hrs with an address by The Lord Lt thanking
various people for organizing the Gathering and spoke in depth about The
Final Turn; he then unveiled The Memorial Plaque. The Dedication and
Blessing was then given by Reverend Graham Choldcroft, Chaplain to Thames
Valley Police, followed by a Bible reading by Father Aldo and further Prayers
by Father Augustus. Thereafter the Dedication was given by the Revd Graham
Choldcroft . The Blessing was followed by The Last Post - Silence ...then
concluded by Reveille.
Dismiss.
All this took place in glorious sunshine.
The Gathering were then reminded that all were invited back to The RBL
Marston Branch for light refreshments.
I am pleased to report this a was a success and we thank Secretary Ann Rowles
and her staff.
This Ceremony was covered by in full by The Oxford Mail.
-----------------------------------------------------
A Little Light Humour “Bruce and Jenny”
Little Bruce and Jenny are only 10 years old, but they know they are in
love. One day they decide that they want to get married, so Bruce goes
to Jenny's father to ask him for her hand.
Bruce bravely walks up to him and says, "Mr Brown, me and Jenny are in love
and I want to ask you for her hand in marriage."
Thinking that this was just the cutest thing, Mr. Brown replies, "Well Bruce, you are only 10, where will you two live?" Without even taking a moment to think about it, Bruce replies, "In
Jenny's room. It's bigger than mine and we can both fit in there
nicely."
Mr. Brown says with a huge grin, "Okay, then how will you live? You're not old
enough to get a job. You'll need to support Jenny."
Again, Bruce instantly replies, "Our allowance, Jenny makes five bucks a week.
And I make 10 bucks a week. That's about 60 bucks a month, so that should do
us just fine."
Mr. Brown is impressed Bruce has put so much thought into this. "Well Bruce,
It seems like you have everything figured out. I just have one more question.
What will you do if the two of you should have little children of your own?"
Bruce just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well, we've been lucky so far." Mr.
Brown no longer thinks the little ***** *is so adorable.
W/O Eileen Beasley BEM MBE
The funeral of W/O Eileen Beasley BEM MBE Wed 3rd May 2017at Telford Crematorium. The attendance of family and friends, serving members and PTI Association members over 200 people. The crematorium was packed, not an empty seat and standing room only. The coffin bearers were serving members from RAF Cosford led by the SWO
who performed the ceremony impeccably. The last post was played, the RAF
PTI Association Standard and the RAF Association Standard were dipped for
the 2 minutes silence. A fantastic send off for a legend in the PT world and a
lovely lady.
Eileen rest in peace
A Message from the Editor:
Would all members in Wales email me at : [email protected]
How to keep entertained in retirement:
1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on, point a hair
dryer at passing cars and watch them slow down!
2. On all your check stubs, write, "For Sexual Favors"
3. Skip down the street rather than walk, and see how many looks you get
4. With a serious face, order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat.
5. Sing along at The Opera
6. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream 'I Won! I Won!'
7. When leaving the Zoo, start running towards the car park, yelling, 'Run
For Your Lives! They're Loose!'
8. Pick up a box of condoms at the pharmacy, go to the counter and ask
where the fitting room is.
9. Go to a large Department store's fitting room, drop your drawers to
your ankles and yell out, "There's no paper in here!"
Open All Hours
PTI Memorabilia
Sgt Ronan Archbold 01902 704576 [email protected]
Payment should be made in Cash or Cheque to : “Service Funds RAF Cosford” R Archbold,TSF(D) S of PT, RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX, West Midlands
Tie Pin £4
Cuff Links £10 Blazer Badge £15
Tie Slide £3
PTI Hoody £26 T Shirt
£16
PTI Wall Plaque £30
Statue £95 Tankard
£30
Cummerbund ?