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EVENTS
& NEWS |
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FAABA EVENTS /
NEWS |
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Page last updated
01 March 2018
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REQUEST
FROM BBC REGARDING 'TORREY CANYON BOMBING' |
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Mario Cacciottolo has sent a letter to various
FAA organisations as he is trying to contact
veterans involved in the Torrey Canyon Bombing
during 1967. If anyone can offer advice on tracking
down veterans involved in this incident, or they
themselves were involved please contact him at
mario.cacciottolo@bbc.co.uk A full copy of the
letter can be downloaded or viewed by clicking on
the image.
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Those who weren't at Lossiemouth but were involved
at Brawdy or Yeovilton may also want to contact
Mario with their experiences. |
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CENOTAPH
CEREMONY 2014 |
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LATEST
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If you would like to join
the Association at Horse Guards Parade on
the 9th November we have a few spare
tickets, please contact Brian Stanley, first
come first served (Contact details at bottom
of page). Tickets for anyone who has already
requested one have been sent out, only
contact Brian if you don't receive them this
week. |
If you are intending to join other like minded
people and march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance
Sunday (9th November) then Brian Stanley would like
a list of names prior to the end of October in order
to finalise all the details. On the day he will have
spare tickets in his pocket for a RV with any late
bookers, currently 13 people have let him know they
expect to attend. |
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The rough plan.....
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Saturday evening RV in the U.J.C. for drinks and informal supper
with the Sea Harrier contingent
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Sunday morning having had... meet up in Trafalgar square southwest
of Nelsons column at 08:45 ish (There are a
couple of coffee shops across the road) and hand
out any latecomers tickets
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09:00 I have to go around to Horse Guards Parade Ground (HGPG) to
collect our Platoon marker flag and fall in as
the FAABA RH marker in RN/FAA column
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09:30 Platoon forms up/mills about/shares a nip or two on HGPG
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10:00 Parade falls in
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10:10/10:50 march out of HGPG into Whitehall and form up on the
road facing the Cenotaph – throw some
abuse at the Crabs/Pongos
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11:00 - 2 min silence
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11:05:11:30 March past Cenotaph, “Eyes left” to the Queen, present
wreath, march on down and around and back onto
HGPG after giving “Eyes right” to the Royal (TBA
on the day) on the Dais. (I only have to give
a few orders but getting those two correct last
year eluded me....) right wheel at the
Citadel onto HGPG
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On arrival await for the parade to end
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12:40 ish Form up as the Fleet Air Arm Column and march out of HGPG
back across Whitehall to the Embankment and the
FAA memorial for a short Ceremony and
presentation of the association wreaths
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Fall out. In the past we have gone down to the Tattersall Castle
(Gin palace) which is moored against the
embankment about 200 yds away for lunch and
drinks.
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NEW CARRIER
BUILD 2013 UPDATE |
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View from the
dockside on 28th June 2013 |
Twin Islands seen on 29th June
2013 |
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Aerial view
of the Dry Dock at Rosyth showing both Islands |
820 Squadron
get impatient |
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Both Islands
are now in place, the Ski Jump is being fitted
together with the catwalks. Accommodation has been
found at the ex HMS Caledonia in Rosyth for the crew
as they start to arrive and prepare the ship. Work
continues within the ship to complete the
connections between the various modules |
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Click on
pictures to view full size |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbiY3I2LmS0 |
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Click here to Read/Download the May 2012 edition
of Carrier Waves |
Click on the
link above to see the Main Bow Section LB02 being
brought into the dock ready for the bulbous Bow to
be installed. |
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS |
| CENTENARY
RECEPTION |
COMMANDO DINNER |
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click on image to see full size or to download and
print |
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BERT STUBBS |
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This
message from Jimmy Andrews has been passed to me in
case any members of the FAABA remember him.
One of our Field Gun
Association members has recently Crossed the Bar,
his name was Bert Stubbs who was a few days short of
his 75th birthday. As far as I know he did not serve
on Buccaneers but was on 800 Sqdn Scimitars in the
early 60's. He is probably best remembered for being
a top Squash player, having achieved RN, Combined
Services and England B status.
His funeral will take
place at St Faiths Church, Lee on Solent, at 1330 on
Thursday 22nd January.
More
information is available from Jimmy Andrews (Number
on request from Phil Glover) |
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THE COULARD |
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12th Jan 2015. Wee Maclauchlan has
recently posted a message on Facebook to state that
"May", the Wife of Douggie Jones (Coulard Landlord
in the 1960's) has passed away in the last few days
at the grand old age of 85, people have been posting
their memoirs of May on Facebook, it's amazing what
trivia we remember. RIP May and I'm sure our members
will raise a glass to you. |
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RON
'COWBOY' PARSONS |
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The
Buccaneer Association have been made aware that ex
Buccaneer Chief Tiff 'Armourer' Ron Parsons has
recently Crossed the Bar. For those who may wish to
attend his funeral or the Wake please email
philglover@faaba.co.uk
by the 24th May and I will ensure the message gets
passed to Jim Moulson who is co-ordinating. |
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The
funeral is being held at The Oaks Havant Crematorium
at 15:15 on the 30th May (The Oaks details, Postcode
P09 5NA,
http://www.havantcrematorium.co.uk/ ) |
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A
Wake is being held at the Brookfield Hotel, Emsworth,
Hants (Details, Postcode P010 7LF,
https://brookfieldhotel.co.uk/ ) |
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The
family have asked for No flowers, but donations to
be made to the RNBT. |
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BILL
COPELAND |
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I have just heard that ex 800 Squadron engineer &
Field Gun Crew Member Bill Copeland has Crossed the
Bar.
His funeral will be held at 1000 on Friday 6th
February at Salisbury Crematorium. There will be a
short service followed by a Celebration of his life
at St Michael's Church at the Army Aviation Centre,
Middle Wallop. Refreshments after in the Sergeants
Mess. RIP Bill. |
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SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION - 13TH APRIL |
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Tina Cullen, Verger at the FAA Memorial Church has
posted the following message:
Following on from last year’s successful get
together of Associations, we would like to invite
you and your members to join us on Palm Sunday (13
April) for a service of Holy Communion which will
include the traditional Palm Sunday Procession, the
blessing of any Standards present and prayers for
members who have died in the year since the last
service. In good, Church of England tradition, there
will be tea and cake available after the service!
Last year we had good attendance due to the Junglie
Association being in the area following their AGM.
This will not be the case this year so we would
really appreciate your support in sending
representatives of your Association to this, YOUR
church.
Below are images of the ceremony held on Sunday 13th |
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FAABA REUNION COVENTRY
JUNE 2013 |
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The 2013 Reunion was held at the Royal Court Hotel
at Coventry from Friday 7th June until Sunday 9th
June.
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IVAN
TOWNER |
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A Humanist Service without Hymns
was held at Yeovil Crematorium on Friday the 16th
May for ex Buccaneer Engineer & FAABA Member Ivan
Towner. |
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served in the Fleet Air Arm and of being a member of
the FAABA and his family invited all his ex
colleagues to take part in the service to remember
him. The family have
allowed the association to post a copy of the Order
of Service on the website for those former
colleagues and friends from across the world. who
were unable to attend.
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J D BROWN |
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announce that Ex 809 Engineer and FAABA Member J. D.
Brown has Crossed the Bar. He was found passed away
in his accommodation in Ilchester recently after the
Police forced entry to the premises. |
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ON EAGLES
WINGS |
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The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church
Presents
"On Eagle's Wings"
To mark the centenary of the Royal
Naval Air Service
and to
commemorate the centenary of WW1
featuring
HMS HERON Volunteer Band |
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To be held at the Fleet Air Arm
Memorial Church
Pyle Lane, Yeovilton, Somerset,
BA22 8EX
Thursday 19th June 2014
Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start
Tickets £10 per head to include a
glass of wine and nibbles
All proceeds to the FAA Memorial
Church
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A PHOENIX
RISING FROM THE ASHES |
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809 NAS
is to be resurrected as the first Royal Navy
formation to fly the Lightning II Joint Strike
Fighter aircraft. |
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809 Naval Air Squadron, whose motto is simply
‘Immortal’, is to be reformed to operate the
fifth-generation stealth aircraft that will fly from
the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers from
2018.
The Lightning II aircraft will be jointly operated
by pilots from the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Air
Force.
Earlier this year, it was announced by the Chief of
the Air Staff that the famous 617 ‘Dambusters’
Squadron would be the first RAF squadron to fly the
jets. Both Royal Navy and RAF pilots are already
training on the Lightning II aircraft alongside the
US Marine Corps at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
809 Naval Air Squadron, which dates back to the
Second World War, has been selected by the First Sea
Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, because of its
history of striking at the enemy in operations
across the globe. In previous incarnations, aircraft
from the squadron supported an attack on Hitler’s
flagship, supported the invasions of North Africa,
Italy and southern France during the Second World
War and saw action in Suez in 1956.
It was last reformed to support operations in the
Falkland Islands; the squadron also flew the Navy’s
last Buccaneer, a low-level strike bomber flown in
the 1960s and 1970s.
Admiral Zambellas said:
I am delighted to announce that the name of the
second Lightning II squadron, when it forms, will be
809 Naval Air Squadron. This squadron number is
chosen to link with and reflect the proud and
distinguished history of embarked carrier strike,
from the Second World War to the Falklands.
The early naming of 809 alongside the RAF’s 617
‘Dambusters’ Squadron is a very visible
demonstration of a joint ambition, spirit of
collaboration and shared equity in the Joint
Lightning Force.
When not at sea as part of the UK’s carrier strike
force, the squadron will be based at RAF Marham in
Norfolk. The joint nature of the squadrons means
naval personnel will serve with the Dambusters, and
their Air Force counterparts will do likewise on 809
Naval Air Squadron. (see
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-air-squadron-reformed-to-fly-new-jets
for more information.
To read the full speech by the First Sea Lord to
RUSI
click here |
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'ASSOCIATIONS OF THE FAA' SUNDAY - 24TH MARCH |
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Members of FAA Associations and
members of the FNF around the country
attended 'Associations of the FAA Sunday' on March
24th (Palm
Sunday)
The ceremony was well attended and
the pictures below of the ceremony were supplied by
Alan Breward. Click on images to view full size.
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REMEMBRANCE DAY AT THE CENOTAPH & FAA MEMORIAL |
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FAABA Contingent taken by Mick Gowan at the
Remembrance Day Ceremony in London on the 11th
November and also the at the FAA Memorial
afterwards. |
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It was excellent to see so many association members
in London today on such a glorious Remembrance Day.
The gathering at the FAA Memorial on Embankment was
a fine event once again.
There was feedback about the long wait whilst
associations gathered to march to Embankment, and
whilst some waiting is inevitable at such an event
it is unfortunate nonetheless. This will be
discussed at the next meeting, but overall I am sure
an excellent day was had by all.
Attached are some poems written by the children of
Windale Primary School, which sum things up very
nicely. Many thanks to the children, and to their
Deputy Head Teacher Mrs Vicky Williams for bringing
them to London to be shared with all.
Regards,
Phil Carpenter
Secretary, Fly Navy Federation |
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Childrens Letters 1 |
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Childrens Letters 2 |
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Click on images and hyperlinks
to view pictures and the childrens' letters |
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IAN "PINCHER"
MARTIN |
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Ian "Pincher" Martin, a
founder member of the Fleet Air Arm Buccaneer
Association has passed away whilst on a visit to the
north of Scotland. He was instrumental in setting up
the Faaba website and encouraging ex Buccaneer
squadron members to join the association. |
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Ian had suffered ill health for
some time but after an improvement was looking
forward to the reunion at Coventry this year and a
chance to renew old friendships.
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Ian was Buccaneer through &
through having served on 736, 800, 803, 809 and the
RN Unit at RAF Honington. |
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I'm sure we speak for all the
Buccaneer people who knew Ian during his service in
the Fleet Air Arm that he will be sadly missed. |
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A family-only funeral took place at Aberdeen
Crematorium on Friday 27th May; the family have
asked that any charitable donations are made out to
the British Heart Foundation. We will also have a
collection for the British Heart Foundation at the
Coventry Reunion in June. |
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BORNEO
VISIT 4-15TH MARCH BY 845 SQUADRON |
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20 members of 845 Naval
Air Squadron (NAS) are heading to Borneo 4-15 March
to visit a memorial at Nanga Gaat, dedicated to
comrades who fell there in the 1960s. A group of
mixed ranks and rates will be taking off for a
battlefield tour of Borneo as part of the squadron’s
commitment to honouring their heritage, and as the
finale to the 845 NAS 50th Anniversary
celebrations of becoming a Commando helicopter
squadron.
For more information and detail of contacts please
read or download the pdf file
here |
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FAA Memorial Stone at the National Memorial Arboretum
Update on the FAA Memorial at the NMA
Repairs:
Paddy Clark (FAAOA) attended the last meeting of
the FNF and gave a comprehensive brief on the
completion of repairs to the frost-damage, and
for detailing the proposals for the placement of
logos and crests. It has been decided to
monitor the paintwork, which is ‘ageing’ as
opposed to looking tatty. Currently finance for
the day-to-day upkeep of the memorial is not
considered an issue, but this will continue to
be monitored over the coming years.
Logos and crests:
A proposal for the placement of logos and crests
was discussed, and a general plan for uniformity
of design agreed in principle involving the
placing of sandstone ‘paving’ stones separate
from, but surrounding the memorial, with
association logos and squadron crests
sand-blasted on to individual stones. This was
closest to plan ‘B’ from the original 3 options
and was agreed by the majority because it was
cost-effective (requiring sandstone rather than
expensive Portland stone), offered the greatest
uniformity, excellent longevity, minimal
maintenance, and the largest number of
logos/crests to be placed (up to 78 initially,
with room for expansion in the future). Initial
ground-works will need to be completed and blank
sandstones placed. The stones will then be
removed by associations /squadrons for their
specific logo/crest to be sandblasted on to
before being formally ‘placed’. Bronze plaques
were discussed but considered too expensive due
to each having to be individually cast.
Funding for the ground-works needs to be found
(cost approximately £8000) and, if all
associations agree to assist, will be in the
region of £750-£1000 per association.
Although it is a fairly large cost to bear it
must be remembered that it is a memorial for the
entire FAA that will last for many generations,
and will be a great legacy to the generosity of
the associations of the Federation.
Association representatives agreed to discuss
this with their members at the first available
opportunity, and to let the Secretary know the
outcome and amount of funds willing to be added
to the ‘pot’, in order that the ground-works can
be started as soon as possible. The FAAOA
has generously agreed that once it is apparent
that funds will be forthcoming from other
associations it will underwrite the initial cost
in order that work can begin – hopefully before
the end of 2010. Each sandstone block will then
cost approximately £200 per association/squadron
for (in due course) removal, sandblasting with
logo/crest and final placement. We intend to
raise this money from the raffle at our 2011
reunion but of course anyone who cannot make the
reunion is welcome to send a donation to the
Treasurer.
The FAABA also will be launching an appeal for
donations for the ground works in 2011, but we
are also looking at the viability of holding a
fund raising charity dinner at Yeovilton in 2011
which will be an open invite to any serving and
ex FAA personnel. We have two ideas, one being
the WO & SR Mess the other a dinner under
Concorde at the FAA Museum. Any feedback on
support for either proposal most welcome. (see
other article further down this page)
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency
The
services of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency is
available to all former members of HM Armed Forces. Full
details of the agency can be found on
www.veterans-uk.info You can also call the free
helpline on 0800 169 2277, send an Email to
veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
The
Veterans Advice Team
Service
Personnel and Veterans Agency
Tomlinson House
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
FY5 3WP
Best regards
Dave Clark
FN100 Newsletters
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COVENTRY REUNION JUNE 2010 |
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800 Squadron Aircraft Maintainers from 1970 -
1972 aboard HMS Eagle attended the recent FAABA
10th Reunion
40 years later to catch up and have a drink
together (Click on images to see them full size)
1. Mario DeMarco, 2. Nigel Garbett, 3. Tony
Wiffin, 4. Chris Walsh, 5. Dave Morgan, 6. Gary
Perkins |
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More 800 Squadron Maintainers meet again
Alistair Gilbert and Allan (Jimmy) Green decided
to recreate their pose of sitting on the edge of
a Buccaneer cockpit previously carried out
during HMS Eagle's Far East Tour during 1967/68.
Thanks go to Guy Hulme who supplied a
Buccaneer at Bruntingthorpe on Saturday
afternoon 19th June for the two friends to
recreate the photo.
A
Health & Safety risk assessment found they were
too old to use the ladders without falling off
so we had a platform provided. |
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| COVENTRY 2010 DECLARED A
RESOUNDING SUCCESS |
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All FAABA Members and Guests who attended the
10th Annual Reunion at the Royal Court Hotel at
Coventry voted it a resounding
success; many new faces were seen and found to
be enjoying themselves. The price of drinks had
risen to £2 a pint but even that was not enough
to put a damper on the weekend as can be seen
from the happy faces of drinkers in the photo
below. |
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On the left are another group of
happy faces (from the 'Happy Hermes' of
1967/68); these are some of the aircraft
maintainers from the Fleet Air Arm's longest serving
Buccaneer Squadron (809).
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| Taff Davis +
Don Cockle |
Johnny Tuke + Mal Drinkwater |
Left to Right: Jimmy
Andrews, Johnny Tuke, Don Cockle, Alex
Muir, Billy Boyd. Missing is Mal
Drinkwater who must have been sent for
the next round of drinks; he was
definitely at the reunion having
travelled from Texas two years running. |
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Three FAABA
Members who
joined up together at HMS Ganges
in 1964 as part of Frobisher 781
Class also got together over the
weekend to remember how long ago
they had first met and to drink
to 46 years as friends.
Left to Right: Jim Reynolds,
Al McGurk, Phil Glover |
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AIRCRAFT CARRIER ALLIANCE |
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| If you are interested in how
manufacturing of the new Aircraft Carriers is
progressing the new 'Aircraft Carrier Alliance'
website has images and videos that explains how they
plan to manufacture and assemble each sub-assembly.
Follow this link >>>>>>> |
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FAA CONTINGENT AT THE CENOTAPH / FAA MEMORIAL IN
NOVEMBER 2010 |
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THE
PUZZLE OF THE "CAIRD CHALLENGE CUP" HAS BEEN
SOLVED |
Peter Caird
(the Half Brother of Midshipman Alexander J. Caird) has
written to the RAF base at Lossiemouth giving further
details about his life. He was the son of
Alexander Peter Caird (an officer in
the Royal Artillery) and Doris Jarvis Caird (Both
now deceased and previously divorced). The Midshipman
was listed as Missing presumed killed whilst flying on
the 24 June 1952 from HMS Fulmar. We still do not have
any idea what the cup was awarded for although it was
presented to RNAS Lossiemouth by Lt. Col. and Mrs G A
Haward in memory of her son and his step-son.
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Further
Research has now established the following
details;
Pilot of 766 Squadron
Firefly Mk1 DK569
Flying from HMS Fulmar his
aircraft crashed into the sea at Logey Head.
Whilst carrying out a quarter attack he spun off
a steep turn and failed to recover. |
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Chris Adams (Ex Lossie &
849HQ/B Flt) has passed on a story that appeared
in the Northern Scot Newspaper in January
& February this year; has anyone heard of this
cup?
Sergeant Tony Carlin, station
historian at RAF Lossiemouth, is appealing for
help to solve a puzzle. In November, a trophy
arrived in the post in a package addressed to
the station museum. There was no letter
accompanying it, nor any information about who
had sent it - the only information available was
the inscription on the trophy and its name - the
“Caird Challenge Cup”.
Sgt Carlin says: “I have done some research and
found out that Midshipman Caird died in a flying
incident at RNAS Lossiemouth in 1952; his plane
crashed into the sea. But I don't know anything
about The Caird Challenge Cup. If we could find
out a bit more about the trophy we could decide
if the cup should stay in the museum at RAF
Lossiemouth. Also, it would be interesting to
know who sent me the trophy.” |
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The
trophy, which is silver and stands 22cm high,
was sent in a package that was postmarked
Thetford (Norfolk). The inscription on the lid
reads: In memory of Midshipman A.J. Caird from
his parents Lt Col & Mrs G.A. Haward and Family
24th June 1952.
On
one side of the trophy is the inscription: The
Caird Challenge Cup, RNAS Lossiemouth.
And on the reverse side is a list of
recipients/winners from 1952 to 1962 including
RAF Kinloss, Sgt Parsons, CPO Cox, CPO Moore and
CPO Lillington RNSA. |
Click here to
view
Article 1 &
Article 2 |
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PICTURES FROM THE FIXED WING REUNION AT
YEOVILTON |
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Pictures by Alan Breward taken at the FAA Fixed Wing Reunion
Dinner; click on a picture to enlarge |
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FAA MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL
ARBORETUM |
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We have been asked to provide a plaque to
commemorate the FAA Buccaneer Association that will
probably be positioned on the memorial plinth and the FAABA
have already donated £500 to
help with this project, with further funding coming from
the sale of whiskey. We are now asking for donations for the
final phase which is the outer groundworks and siting of the
stones. (updated, see article at top of this page)
Please
send your donations to Dave Clark making the cheque
payable to the FAABA and marking the reverse of the
cheque 'Nat. Arboretum Fund'. If everyone in the
Association sent £5 we would meet and exceed our target
and send out a clear message of support to the FNF.
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FAABA 9TH ANNUAL REUNION
- COVENTRY 2009 |
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FAABA Members outside the Royal Court Hotel on
Saturday 6th June. Another successful reunion was held with many new
faces enjoying the Royal Court Hotel facilities on the Friday and
Saturday. More details will be published over the next few days.....
Pictures can be viewed by clicking on the button below
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Pictures from 2009 Reunion |
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CENTENARY SERVICE AT ST PAULS
CATHEDRAL |
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A service of thanksgiving and remembrance was held on the morning of Friday 8th May 2009 at St Paul's Cathedral to commemorate One Hundred Years of Naval Aviation. The service was open to anyone who had served with the Fleet Air Arm or who has/had close connections with the Service. Alan Breward attended this event and has made some pictures available..............
Click here to view a selection |
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The Swordfish Centenary Beer
was launched in London on Wednesday 20th May and is now
on draught in Weatherspoons and in bottles at
Tesco, Please see attached image of Swordfish
Beer... the bottle has changed (it is bigger now) and
the label is slightly larger with more Fairey Swordfish
on it. A portion of the profits goes to the Heritage
Trust so get drinking with a clear conscience. A launch
of FN100 stamps was also made available from the launch
date. |
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THE LIMES CHARITY BALL - 17TH
NOVEMBER 2012 |
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This event will be held at The Limes Country Lodge,
Earlswood (just off the M42) on Saturday 17th
November, Up Spirits at 1830. The Black Tie event is
held at the premises of one of our members, Dave
(Birdie) Morris with all proceeds going to Service
Charities. Last years event was a fantastic night
out with a packed entertainment package from comedy
to music with a casino and late night dancing for
“The Stayers”!!! The association has booked two
tables of 10 so first names received will get the
tickets. |
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For those of you who did not attend the Elgin Reunion
this year why not come to the Limes Charity Ball
instead.
Those who wish to attend this excellent
Ball please give their expression of interest to
either Les Smith, Dave Clark or Brian Stanley.
We have provisionally booked two tables. |
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Picture from the
2011 ball
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Presentation of
an Engraved Bell to the WO & SNCO’s Mess HMS Fulmar |
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Dave Clark, the secretary of the FAABA, returned to
the WO & SNCO Mess on the 23rd July 2008 and presented WO
Dianne McLeish, the CMC, with a beautiful brass hand bell as
a thank you to the mess for allowing them to hold this
memorable function here. Dave once again acknowledged that
the mess had been excellent hosts for the evening and the
members of the association had been delighted at having the
opportunity to return to RAF Lossiemouth after such a long
period. Mr Hughie Williams the Chairman, of the recently
reformed HMS Fulmer Association also attended the
presentation. The CMC rang the bell to celebrate its arrival
and to signal “Toofers” before placing it behind the Top Bar
(the old Petty Officers Mess) where hopefully it will be
rung many more times by the members of the mess |
|
Dave Clark, Diana
McLeish (CMC RAF Lossiemouth) and Hughie Williams |
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SEA VIXEN
XP924/G-CVIX UNDER THREAT |
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| Have you
thought of providing help to keep the Historic
Flight Airborne by joining the Fly Navy Heritage
Trust? For £25 a year (you can donate more) you
will become a member and have access to a number of
benefits including substantially reduced entry fees
to the FAA Museum. Interested? read the leaflet
attached here
You even get reduced price entry to
Yeovilton Air Day.
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BUCCANEER
ASSOCIATION AT THE CENOTAPH NOVEMBER 2013 |
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A selection of pictures provided
by Mick Gowen taken whilst the contingent awaited
their turn to march past the Cenotaph |
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THE BARRACUDA PROJECT
(SUSPENDED) |
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The Fleet Air Arm
Museum currently have a project underway to rebuild
a Fairey Barracuda from a pile of damaged parts and
other items recovered from crash sites over the
years. There is no example of this aircraft anywhere
as all examples have been destroyed with no
survivors. As Captain Eric Brown says;
“Here is news to stir all naval
aviators, a Fairey Barracuda is to be
restored to rise phoenix-like form the
wrecks of others. The once prolific
Barra – some 2,600 were built by the
Fairey, Blackburn, Boulton Paul and
Westland factories for the Fleet Air
Arm, where the aircraft received a mixed
reception. It was never a pleasing sight
in flight, and a positive eyesore when
in the landing configuration. However,
to be fair to the Barra it was not all
bad news, for although it did not
perform at all well in the
torpedo-dropping role, it could lay
claim to being an effective dive-bomber.
Most indisputable of all, it was the
easiest aeroplane to land on an aircraft
carrier, and so with the help of rocket
assistance, for take-off. It was able to
operate from small carriers and give
valuable anti-submarine protection to
convoys in the Battle of the Atlantic.
All in all, a welcome will await this
orphan of the storms when it finally
re-appears as the only one of its type
in the world.”
-Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, CBE,
DSC, AFC, MA, Hon FRAeS, RN
The Buccaneer
Association would like to publicise this to help
bring it to the attention of all who could donate
funds to the project, regardless of how little that
is.
LATEST NEWS
CLICK HERE |
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How it looks now |
How it could look like (with TLC) |
|
How to donate?
Donate online via the Just
Giving website page at
http://www.justgiving.com/Fleet-Air-Arm-Museum-Barracuda-Project
Need more information? Use these links;
http://www.barracudaproject.co.uk/
http://www.fleetairarm.com/barracuda-restoration-project.aspx
To
download a poster to help publicise this
Click Here |
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HMS QUEEN
ELIZABETH |
| Here are some recent pictures released by the
Aircraft Carrier Alliance of HMS Queen Elizabeth
hurriedly being prepared for her naming ceremony at
Rosyth on the 4th July, 2 of these are CGI but I'm
sure you can spot them. |
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Click on mini-images to view full
size |
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JOHN KEENAN'S SELF BUILD
PROJECT |
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The culmination of John Keenan's 3
years of hard work in New Zealand building his own
aircraft, whilst the rest of us were down the pub he
was getting energy from somewhere. For those who
don't know John he was on 801 Buccaneer Squadron at
an early stage of his career. |
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DEREK
WAIN |
|
We are sorry to announce the
passing of Derek Wain ex EA1(A) who Crossed the Bar
at the end of August after suffering from Motor
Neuron Disease. Derek never served on a Buccaneer
squadron (he was a Vixen, Phantom & Sea Harrier
Engineer) but he was well known aboard the Ark Royal
as he lived in 4R0 Mess with 809 Squadron. Quite a
few who later served on the SHAR will also know
Derek from his time on the Sea Harrier Project
between 1975 & 1979 and later when he served on 800
or 801. |
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FLY NAVY
HERITAGE TRUST |
|
Sea Fury VX281 Model Offer
Clevelands Diecast have worked with Sky Guardians to
produce an excellent diecast 1/72 scale model of Sea
Fury T20 VX281.
The Fly Navy box has been signed by pilot Lt Cdr
Chris Götke AFC RN - known as ‘Goatie’ to his
friends.
The model is assembled, painted and features:
- Moving
propeller
- Lowered
and locked undercarriage
- Display
Stand
We only have a limited number of these specially
signed ones available. They can be obtained at
www.fnht.co.uk/shop.html for £37 including
postage and packaging in the UK. Help support the
Royal Navy Historic Flight and get this mighty
aircraft back into the sky.
Please phone the FNHT on 01935 842005 whilst stocks
last.
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LES BIFFEN |
|
A relative of ex POEL(A)
Leslie Biffen L/FX 931517 who was based at HMS Fulmar at
one time is trying to contact him. If anyone knows
Les Biffen and is available to help please contact
Dave Clark at the email address at the bottom of
this page. |
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MRS JOY
STANLEY |
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It is with deep regret that I have to inform you all
that Joycelyn (Joy to all of us) Stanley, wife and
soul mate of our Chairman Brian has Crossed the Bar
following her battle with Lymphoma
Her funeral service will be held on Friday 30th
October, 1300 for 1345 start at Street Parish Church
(on Strode Road) followed by a committal service at
Yeovil Crematorium. Brian and his family invite you
to join them in a celebration of her life at the
funeral services and afterwards at the Unity Club,
Street for refreshments.
Donations will be shared between Ward 9 Musgrove
Park Hospital Taunton and other charities yet to be
nominated.
Joy was herself a former Leading Wren who served on
Wessex & Sea King helicopter Squadrons in the 1970's
at Yeovilton & Culdrose. RIP Joy, you will be sadly
missed by all who knew you. |
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Picture of Joy helping with the
Raffle at the Market Bosworth Reunion in 2015 |
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JOHN
STEVENSON |
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John & Wendy Stevenson at the
2014 Reunion |
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The association has been informed
that one of our long serving members John Stevenson,
has Crossed the Bar. John passed away at 1.30am this
morning (12th January 2016); John who lived in
Nottingham has been struggling lately and he is
thought to have died of heart failure. |
|
John as PO |
Bruntingthorpe 2006 (John far
right) |
John & Wendy at 2014 Market
Bosworth Reunion |
|
John's funeral has been arranged
at Bramcote Crematorium for 10:15am on Friday 29th
January. (Coventry Lane, Beeston, Bramcote,
Nottinghamshire, NG9 3GJ) and afterwards the wake is
at the Broad Oak Pub at Strelley. |
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BUCCANEER ASSOCIATION 17TH ANNUAL
REUNION - 2ND - 4TH JUNE 2017 |
|
The FAABA Reunion will be held from Friday 2nd
June until Sunday 4th June at the Royal
Court Hotel near Coventry (CV7 8JG).
The
Association are inviting all Ark Royal and other
carrier Air Groups (any commission) as well as the
892 & SHAR Associations to the reunion who wish to
attend. |
 |
| Prices: (all prices per
person) |
£ |
| 3 Nights (Friday, Saturday,
Sunday) |
150 |
| 2 Nights (Fri/Sat or
Sat/Sun) |
120 |
| 1 Night (Saturday Only) |
80 |
| Thursday night prior (if
required) |
50 |
| Friday Carvery (non hotel
guests) |
18 |
| Sat Gala Dinner (non hotel
guests) |
25 |
|
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| Entertainment will be provided by
the Royal Marine Association Dance Band & Singers.
To cover the cost of the superior music provided at
the Gala Dinner; a one off charge of £10 will be
levied on all guests including members. Any
shortfall will be met from association funds. |
 |
The usual one-off charge of £10 for
pre-dinner drinks will be levied on all persons
attending except Full and Life Members of the
association. This covers Friday & Saturday night's.
Drink Prices (Our Bar Only):
| £ |
|
| 2.50 |
House Wine, Bitter, 2 types of Lager,
Cider |
| 3.00 |
Guinness |
|
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| Due to a change in
policy by the Britannia Hotel Group, all hotel
bookings have to be made direct with them using the
attached booking form; please print it out then
complete it and scan it. On completion email it to
the hotel using the address given on the form (or
put it in the post). For your security, the form
requires you to pay by cheque or Credit Card only
(No debit cards), you type/write in only the first
four and last 4 digits of your credit card number.
When the hotel receives the form they will email or
write to you for the other numbers on the credit
card to complete the transaction. I asked Brian
Sharrock (Event's Organizer) if the hotel could
confirm that the card details would not be used
until two months prior to the event and this is the
answer I received. “I have spoken to the Royal
Court Hotel this morning ref question raised by Phil
on payments for reunion, the hotel say that once
they receive the booking form they contact the guest
and ask them if they want to pay up front or if they
want payment made 8 weeks prior to event (2-April).
As for cancellation they will give full refund up to
48hrs before the event.” |
 |
Once a month we will receive
details of bookings from the hotel and we will
prepare a list of members and guests attending. If
possible would all those attending inform Brian
Sharrock at
sharrockb@hotmail.co.uk with details of their
booking.
We will send out a form nearer to
the event to all those attending with details of
payment required to the association for pre-dinner
drinks and for the RMA Dance Band. |
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