The Long Lead
JOHN GRAHAM
I have been advised by his son, David, that John Graham passed away on 18th November 2023. David tells me his dad was strong and independent to the very end and enjoyed an extremely social 90th birthday just days before.
I have in my records that John served at Coningsby, Cottesmore and BWSS.
His "favourite" Vulcan was XM605, pictured below.
Queen Elizabeth II
The passing of our beloved Queen whom we all had the honour to serve during our Royal Air Force careers is sad news for all - in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and much of the world at large.
We join the new King and all his family in mourning her loss. She has been our revered monarch for most or all of our lives and holds our everlasting respect for the manner in which she conducted her reign. The likes of which we are likely to never see again.
Bless her, may she rest in peace.
God save the King
CHARLES (CHAS) BLAND
Chas sadly died on 24th October 2021 aged 96. I understand he was one of the first Crew Chiefs who ploughed the furrow we all followed.
In Chas's words:
"Please give my apologies to everyone for ‘skiving’ off but I hope that this will be accepted as my ‘sick chit’."
THE PEOPLES MOSQUITO
A message from Ross.Sharp@peoplesmosquito.org.uk
For those wondering why I might be posting a message here, it is just to let you all know that Wg Cdr Bill Ramsey (Ret'd) is now a very active member of The People's Mosquito team - we are restoring a De Havilland Mosquito to flight status. Bill is our Director, Ops. Do please visit our website and take a look around. Thank you! Ross Sharp, Dir. Eng, TPM (and formerly Dep. Air Show Co-ordinator, Finningley & Waddington)
Armistice Day 2019
Len Hewitt, myself, Bob Hine and my wife Pauline attended the National Memorial Arboretum to lay our wreath (Kindly donated by 655MaPS) on the "6th Seat" sited in the area of RAF Bomber Sqadrons' memorials.
Edward Evison
Gordon Barrow
Peter Atkins
We will remember them
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VCCR Floral Tribute at Des's Funeral. (Not our spelling...)
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Continuing the poem theme of WHO? below this, Peter Harcourt kindly sent me this poem written by ex Crew Chief John Hodson.
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2016 VCCR REUNION
The 14th VCCR Reunion was held at the Ardencote Manor Hotel, near Warwick on 21st & 22nd of October 2016. A relaxed evening on the Friday ensued, some, having booked tables in the restaurant, enjoying an excellent 3-course meal. Others enjoyed much of the same menu ordered from the bar. Positive comments all round as to the quality of the fare! The Saturday morning gave us an excellent informal breakfast on reserved tables before some 15 of us set out to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon which was enjoyed by all who attended. The Jaguar collection display was not to be missed! - There was all from SS to XJR!
Saturday evening saw 36 members attend the Arden Suite with private bar where an excellent 3-course gala meal was served. With no guest speaker this year, Bob Hine, as acting PMC, gave a Reunion Address to remember those no longer with us and advise of the whereabouts of others unable to join us. All agreed the hotel had “done us proud” with excellent friendly service, immaculate rooms and superb facilities. Not a negative comment was heard all weekend!
Bob Hine
October 2016
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