Rest in Peace,
Charles Henry Anderson DFC

We have just received the sad news that Charles Henry Anderson DFC passed away on the 12th November.

Flying Hurricane IIc’s in 1943 and 1944 for XI Squadron

Charles had taken part in a large number of operational sorties in India and Burma.

He always showed great courage and pressed home his attacks with determination and vigour. Charles had often penetrated deep into enemy held territory seeking out and destroying vehicles and supplies and returning with valuable information. At all times he set a very inspiring example to the other members of the squadron.

The Distinguished Flying Cross award was presented to Charles on 11th July 1949.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10.30am Wednesday November 27th at St. Mary's in Whitekirk

(East Lothian Scotland).

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Rest in Peace, Colonel (Retd)

Harold Edward "Dutch" Holland

DFC, CD, P.Eng.

We have just found out the sad news that Harold “Dutch” passed away peacefully on the 28th September at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre.

Dutch was born in Winnipeg where he enlisted in the RCAF at age 18. He defended Canada’s west coast as a fighter pilot until the threat from the Japanese subsided and then flew 187 missions with the RAF XI Squadron as a fighter-bomber pilot in the WW II battles against the Japanese in Burma, now Myanmar. After the war, he earned a degree in engineering at UBC and then re-enlisted in the RCAF for a full career. Once retired, he continued to work for several years on projects in Asia and Africa for the Canadian International Development Agency.

In 2012, Dutch was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the Burma Star Association and the veteran’s community as a whole.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre,

280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Tuesday, 8th October from 1.30pm to 3pm a graveside service will follow in the National Military Cemetery, at Beechwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the Rideau 1 South staff of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for the excellent care they gave to him during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dutch’s memory to the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated.

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Message from the Secretary.

I’ve been advised that Peter (Percy) Proctor received an excellent send off yesterday in Southport (23rd September 2019).

The Chapel, where the Funeral took place, was full to the brim and he also received a Guard of Honour from the local Air Cadets and UAS.

I attempted to arrange and had hoped that a flypast of some sort could be provided involving a Squadron aircraft and BBMF........two of Percy’s great loves. Unfortunately that was not to be, but I did learn via personal messages from OC BBMF and the Hurricane Display Pilot that their Display at the recent Southport Airshow was dedicated to Percy and the Hurricane’s wings were “tipped”.

A serving Air Rank Officer, had also attempted to get BAE Warton to lob one of their Typhoons in the direction of Southport but, again, that wasn’t possible.

The funeral was attended with excellent representation from the Royal Air Force, RAFA and our Association. Percy had also served on 41 Squadron. I advised their Association (albeit at short notice) but am not aware whether or not any of those chaps could attend.

Many Thanks to all who attended!

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Please click this link or the image above to view a tribute found on the Veterans Honoured Group to Peter.

Peter’s memories of flying Spitfires and Hurricanes can be read here.

Rest in Peace, Sqn Ldr Jock Byrne

We have just received the sad news that Sqn Ldr Jock Byrne has lost his fight with cancer on the 26th of August. He loved flying the Lightnings at Binbrook and was a member of XI Squadron, V Squadron and the LTF whilst he was there.

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Rest in Peace, Peter “Percy” Proctor

John Cliffe has recently informed me that, Retired WW2 Squadron Pilot, Peter “Percy” Proctor has recently passed away.

Peter had recently had his 97th Birthday.

Peter’s funeral will take place at 12.30on 23rd September at:

Marshside Road Methodist Church

1, Marshside Road

Southport

PR9 9TL

If you have any enquiries please contact the Secretary.

He is pictured here receiving an Award from RAFA with ACM Sir Mike Graydon at the Annual Association Reunion in 2017.

For anyone interested, Peter’s memories of flying Spitfires and Hurricanes can be read here.

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Help raise £35,000 to purchase a 'RUBB' hanger
to cover our Tornado F3 aircraft.

Tornado Heritage Centre are raising £35,000 to purchase a 'RUBB' hanger to cover our Tornado F3 aircraft. This protects the air-frame from the elements and ensures long-term preservation.

This iconic fighter jet, the Tornado F3, protected our skies for 25 years and although 172 were built for the Royal Air Force, this is 1 of only 7 that remain. ZE966 is a rare beast by not only being a 'Trainer' variant but is also 95% complete. Our aim is to preserve the aircraft for use as an 'Instructional' airframe for 'Air Training Corps' cadets & 'Aeronautical Engineering Degree' students. In order to use & preserve the aircraft, we need to provide cover to protect it from the elements and allow access to it all year round.

The F3 in question is also ex 11. It is hoped, at some stage, to be able to redo the markings to Double Eagles etc.

If your would like to help please click on this link.

This will take you to the JustGiving.com page, any donations would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Rest in Peace, Ted Battams

We have just found out the sad news that Ted Battams has passed away peacefully in Grantham Hospital on Tuesday 13th August.
Ted, aged 78 years of Sleaford. Much loved Husband of Val and a loving Dad and Grandad.

Funeral Service on Friday 6th September at St Denys' Church Sleaford at 11a.m. followed by burial. Family flowers only please. Donations are invited for ULHCT, for the benefit of ACU Grantham Hospital c/o Colin Ward Funeral Services, 14 Boston Rd, Sleaford NG34 7ET. 01529-300123

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Vice President.

We have just heard that AVM Gavin D. A. Parker CB OBE, has accepted the invitation to become a Vice President, which is great news.

Gav will be replacing AVM John Price (RIP) as Vice President.

A big thank you for everyone's get well wishes from Frank Proctor.

Frank has not been too well and had to spend some time in Hospital, he's now back at home recovering from surgery.

Frank would like to thank everyone for their get well wishes and appreciates all the support and friendship.

Everyone on XI(F) Squadron and the association would like to send their best and wish Frank a speedy recovery.

Meritorious Service Medal.

Warrant Officer
David N. Thorp.

AOC 1 Group Commendation.

Three Squadron members including

Corporal Carl E. Brennen.

Rest in Peace, Air Vice-Marshal John Price CBE DL - passed away

peacefully on 26th April 2019

We have just received the sad news that one of the Association Vice President’s passed away in April.

Having suffered a serious stroke he passed away, peacefully at home, on the 26th April with his funeral held at Hereford Cathedral on the 10th May. He was aged 89.

We have managed to find the following information on him from the RAF Museum;

Air Vice-Marshal John Price CBE DL

John joined the RAF as a cadet at Cranwell in 1948 and his early flying tours were with 11 Sqn in Germany and then 77 Sqn RAAF (Meteors) in Korea. He later switched to helicopters as OC 110 Sqn, returning to the fixed wing world when he commanded RAF Laarbruch.

He was DofOps (Strike) during the Falklands imbroglio and finally ACAS (Ops). Since retiring from the Service in 1986 he has worked in the oil industry.

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Rest in Peace, Air Commodore David Allen Cowley. AFC RAF (Retd) - passed away

peacefully on 5th March 2019

Aged 82 years. Loving husband of Rosalee, much loved father and grandfather.

He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Thanksgiving service on Thursday 28th March 2019, 2pm at St Mary’s Church West

Chiltington RH20 2JW. All welcome

Any queries please contact: H.D. Tribe, 19 West Street, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4DZ

Tel 01903 742585 or online via www.hdtribe.co.uk"

They shall not grow old

as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of

the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.