Birmingham Branch information updated by the Birmingham Branch Secretary Malcolm Baldwin who can be contacted by telephone on 0121 608 3791 or by e-mail at baldwinmalc@blueyonder.co.uk.
Birmingham Branch Roll of Honour
2010
Former Sergeant Derek Bucklow of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Derek Bucklow of Derby, Derbyshire. Derek who was born on 4th August 1929, passed away at the age of 81 on 11th January 2010. Derek enlisted on 12th March 1947 and after his Basic Regiment Training at RAF Wombleton, attended a Gunner/Armourer’s Course at RAF Kirkham. He was then posted to 58 Rifle Squadron and served with that Squadron in Egypt and Aden until in 1950 he was posted to Number 1 Armoured Car Squadron. He served that Squadron at RAF Luneburg and RAF Wunsdorf until 1952 when he was posted to RAF Catterick where he completed his service as an Instructor on Officer Training, until his discharge on 21st December 1952.
2009
Former LAC Reginald Burton of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of ex-LAC Reginald Burton of Enfield, Middlesex. Reg, who was born on 29th October 1932, passed away at the age of 78 on 9th November 2009. Reg enlisted on 1st January 1951 and after his Basic Training at RAF Padgate and his Regiment Training at RAF Dumfrries, was posted to 23 Squadron at RAF Fassberg in Western Germany, where he completed his service until his discharge on 1st June 1954.
Former SAC John Docker of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of ex-SAC John Docker of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, West Midlands. John who was born on 30th October 1933, passed away at the age of 75 on 1st October 2009. John enlisted on 10th January 1952 and after his Basic Training and Regiment Training at RAF Dumfrries and Driver Training at RAF Weeton, he was posted to 533 Rifle Squadron at RAF Credenhill, Hereford. He also served at RAF Thornaby with 533 Squadron until he was posted via RAF El-Hamra Transit Camp in Egypt, to 58 Field Squadron at RAF Khormaksar, Aden. Later, he was detached to 1340 Flight at RAF Eastleigh, Kenya and served at Marrians Farm on anti-Mau Mau terrororist duties. John completed his service there until his disharge on 31st December 1954.
Former Corporal Ken Langley of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of ex-Corporal Ken Langley of Ashmore, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Ken who was born on 28th June 1921, passed away at the age of 88 on 12th July 2009. Ken enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 21st February 1941 and after the RAF Regiment was formed served with 2788 Squadron that was on board the SS Strathallan when it was torpedoed in the Meditteranean on its way to Oran in North Africa. Ken served with the Squadron throughout the North African Campaign sometimes operating ahead of the Army in order to seize airfields. In Italy the Squadron took part in the Battle of Cassino with Ken’s Squadron going into the front line in October 1944. In July 1944 2788 Squadron was detached from 1320 Wing to take part in “Operation Dragoon”, the invasion of the south of France and subsequently landed on the beaches of St Raphael. Ken continued his service with 2788 Squadron in Greece and Palestine until his discharge on 14th February 1946.
Former Corporal Fred Ringham of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of ex-Corporal Fred Ringham of Solihull, West Midlands. Fred, who was born on 31st March 1934, passed away on 11th June 2009. He was kitted out at RAF Cardington before being posted to RAF West Kirby for his Basic Training. Later in 1955, he was posted to RAF Catterick for his Regiment Training and then to RAF Watchet onto a Junior NCOs course. In 1955 he was then posted as a Corporal to RAF Hednesford as a Recruit Basic Training Instructor. In 1956 he was posted to RAF Kinloss as an Instructor taking the permanent staff on refresher courses until his discharge on 10th July 1957.
Former Sergeant Norman George Moir of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Norman Moir of Cannock, Staffordshire, who joined the Birmingham Branch on 18th May 1992. Norman, who was born on 13th May 1926, passed away on Saturday 21st March 2009. He enlisted at Aberdeen on 12th June 1947 and after his Basic Training and Regiment Training, in January 1948 he was posted to 56 Rifle Squadron serving at RAF Gutersloh, Western Germany. He served with that Squadron until July 1950. There is then a gap in his service history but in October 1950, he was posted to No 11 School of Recruit Training, RAF Hednesford, where he completed his service and was discharged on 3rd February 1953.
2008
Former LAC Charles Barter Dodd of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Charles Barter Dodd (known as Bart) of Bedford, Gloucestershire, who joined the Birmingham Branch on 4th June 1992. Charles, who was born on 26th December 1920, died peacefully on 28th December 2008 at Greville House Nursing Home, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. He had reached 88 years of age two days previously on 26th December 2008. Bart is survived by his daughter Mrs Liz Conibere, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was cremated privately at Cheltenham on Thursday 8th January and afterwards, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at Northleach Church, Gloucestershire. Bart enlisted at Exeter on 8th May 1941, and after being kitted out at Penarth, carried out his Basic Training at RAF Bridgnorth. He was then posted onto 754 (later 2754) Squadron at Limavady, Northern Ireland. He served with 2754 Squadron there and at various other postings in the UK until 1943 when he was posted onto 2760 LAA Squadron at Tangmere. He served there with the Squadron and at various other UK postings until in February 1945, the Squadron was sent to Belgium. He continued serving with the Squadron as it made its way into Germany. Bart completed his service with 2760 LAA Squadron at Hamburg until he was discharged as a LAC on 22nd June 1946. He was awarded the Defence Medal, the France and Germany Star and the Victory Medal.
Former Group Captain Kingsley M Oliver MA RAF (Rtd) of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Sunday 5th October 2008 of Group Captain Kingsley M Oliver MA RAF (Rtd). Group Captain Oliver, who was the unofficial RAF Regiment Historian, was born on 12th December 1928, died peacefully on 5th October 2008 aged 79, following a short illness. He was commissioned on 13th July 1947 and was then trained at the RMA Sandhurst from January 1948 to July 1949. He then joined 61 (Rifle) Squadron at Fassberg before moving to the Light Anti-Aircraft Gunnery School (LAAGS) at Watchet in Sep 1949. He was then posted to 19 (LAA) Squadron at Guetersloh on June 1951, returning to the LAAGS in July 1952. He was then posted to the RAF Regt (Malaya) at Changi in February 1955 before moving within the force to 91 Squadron at RAF Kai Tak in Hongkong. He moved to the RAF Regiment Depot, Catterick in 1958 before being posted to the Aden Protectorate Levies (APL) on promotion to Squadron Leader that year. In 1961 he was posted to the RAF College Cranwell as Senior Regiment Instructor (SRI) and then moved to HQ Far Eeast Air Force at Changi, Singapore in 1965. He returned to the UK in Jan 1966 to go to RAF Staff College at Andover and, on completion of the course, moved to HQ Fighter Command at RAF Bentley Priory. In 1968, he became GD1 in the Directorate of Ground Defence at MOD UK in the rank of Wing Commander. He then went to the JS Staff College Course at Latimer before assuming command of 33 Wing RAF Regiment at Catterick in May 1970, where he coordinated the RAF Regiment response (48 Squadron Tigercat) to the threatened Guatemalan invasion of British Honduras (now Belize) in January 1972. He was promoted to the rank of Group Captain on 1st July 1972, when he assumed the appointment of Senior Ground Defence Staff Officer (SGDSO), HQ Support Comd at RAF Upavon. He then became the Command Regiment Officer at HQ RAF Germany in Jun 1972 before becoming the Commandant at RAF Catterick in November 1974. In Dec ember 1977, he moved to become Deputy Director Ground Defence (DDGD) in the Regiment Directorate in MOD before retiring, at his own request, in December 1978. He then went to work for the British Aircraft Corporation Guided Weapons Division on the Imperial Iranian AF Rapier Project in Tehran, before the downfall of the Shah curtailed the mission. He returned to the UK as BAC’s Project Manager for Overseas Rapier Contracts. In 1980, he then became the Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, one of the ancient Liveried Companies of the City of London, before finally retiring in 1994. He published the Corps’ ‘Short History of the RAF Regt’ in Feb 70, ‘Through Adversity’ - the definitive history of the Corps from 1942-92 – in 1997 and ‘The RAF Regiment at War’ in 2002, the latter being privately funded by him. He was the unofficial RAF Regiment Historian for most of the last 38 years and most deferred to his deep and passionate knowledge of the Corps history. A Service of Thanksgiving for his Life and Work was held in the City of London, on 30th October 2008.
Former Corporal Edward Duggan of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of ex-Corporal Edward Duggan of Telford, Shropshire. Edward, who was born on 28th June 1930, died on 19th September 2008. Edward enlisted on 2nd July 1951 and after his Basic Training at RAF Wilmslow, he was posted for small arms training to the Small Arms School at RAF Watchet. During his training there, the School was transferred to RAF Dumphries where he completed his training and he was then posted back to RAF Watchet for Bofors Gun Training. In January 1952, he was posted to RAF Yatesbury where 37 Squadron was then being formed. The Squadron was then posted to Abu Suir, Egypt. In May 1952, he was sent back to RAF Watchet where between May and August, he completed a Junior Gunner Instructor's Course. On completion of the course, he was sent back to Egypt where he completed his service and was discharged on 2nd July 1954.
Former Ground Gunner and Regiment Corporal Arthur Greathead (later Army Staff Sergeant) of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Saturday 16th August 2008 of former Regiment Corporal Arthur Greathead of Redditch, Worcestershire. Arthur, who was born on 17th August 1921, died after a short illness a day short of his 87th birthday. He enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 5th July 1940 and served at various postings in the UK. He was then posted to 2951 Squadron RAF Regiment upon its formation at Longcross Radar Station. Further postings to radar stations at RAF Pen-Olver, RAF Fairlight and RAF Drytree followed. On 13th March 1945, he transferred to the Army and was posted to the Royal West African Frontier Force. Later, he transferred into the REME and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was discharged from the Army on 23rd May 1956.
Former SAC Gordon Turner of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you that former SAC Gordon Turner of Bewdley, Worcestershire. Gordon, who was born on 10th March 1937, passed away on Sunday 13th April 2008. Gordon enlisted on 13th September 1955 and after his Basic Training and Regiment Training was posted to 85 Squadron, 55 Wing at RAF Bruggen Western Germany, where he served until his discharge on 12th September 1957.
Former Ground Gunner and Sergeant Albert Worton of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of former Ground Gunner and then Sergeant Albert Worton of Warley, West Midlands. Albert, who was born on 30th July 1921, passed away on Thursday 10th April 2008. Albert enlisted into the Royal Air Force at No 3 Recruitment Centre,Padgate, on 1st May 1941 and after his Basic Training was posted to 114 DRF Squadron as a Ground Gunner. On 22nd December 1941, he was posted to 836 D Squadron which on the formation of the RAF Regiment on 1st February 1942 became 2836 Squadron, RAF Regiment. Albert eventually volunteered for overseas service and on 10th November 1942, was posted to 333 Group which was destined for North Africa, where Albert on 22nd November 1942, joined 152 Fighter Squadron at Souk El Arba. This was followed by a posting on 20th February 1943 to 4347 Anti-Aircraft Flight. He was then posted to 2864 Squadron and then on 21st June 1943 to 2867 AA Squadron then at Constantine, Algeria. On 20th October 1944, Albert was posted to 2788 Squadron at Osigliano in the River Po valley,Northern Italy. He served with 2788 Squadron in Italy, Egypt and Palestine until on 9th July 1946 he was posted to 102 Personnel Reception Centre to await his release. Albert was finally discharged on 16th October 1946.
Former LAC Roy Passey of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you that former LAC Roy Passey of Brierley Hill,West Midlands, who was born on 29th May 1931, passed away peacefully after a long illness,on Thursday 20th March 2008. Roy was called up into the RAF Regiment for his National Service on 29th August 1949. After his Basic Training and his RAF Regiment training, was posted to 60 Rifle Squadron at RAF Fassburg in West Germany and served with this squadron until his discharge on 29th August 1951.
Former Sergeant Kenneth Cotterill of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of former Sergeant Kenneth Cotterill of Worcester. Kenneth, who was born on 27th April 1933, passed away some time in early 2008. No further details of his death are available. Kenneth enlisted on 1st January 1952 and after his Basic Training at RAF Bridgnorth and his Regiment Training at RAF Dumfries, was posted to 2 Wing, 80 LAA Squadron, at RAF Geilenkirchen, Western Germany where he completed his service until he was discharged on 1st January 1955.
Former Ground Gunner and LAC Thomas Bond of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of former Ground Gunner Thomas Bond of Birmingham. Thomas, who was born on 8th April 1921, passed away on 7th January 2008 aged 86. Thomas enlisted on 26th May 1941 and after his Basic Training at RAF Padgate, joined 729 Ground Defence Flight, V Group, Bomber Command at RAF Waddington. On the formation of the RAF Regiment on 1st February 1942, 729 Flight became 2729 Squadron, RAF Regiment. In 1942 the Squadron was posted posted to 11 Group, Fighter Command at RAF North Weald and then in 1943 to RAF Tangmere, where theSquadron remained until the Squadron was allocated to the D-Day Landings in 1944. After landing in Normandy the Squadron fought its way through France, Belgium - where it took part in the liberation of Brussels - and Germany. The Squadron eventually arrived in Berlin where it was stationed at Gatow Airport, where in March 1945, the Squadron was disbanded. Thomas continued his service with the Regiment at 85 Group 2nd Tactical Air Force Headquarters until his discharge on 8th April 1946. He was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the War Medal and the Defence Medal.
2007
Former Gunner Harry Phillips of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Harry Phillips of Birmingham, on the evening of Tuesday 4th August. Harry, who was born on 3rd December 1922, enlisted on 15th October 1942 and served in the UK with 2749 and 2770 Squadrons at various locations. On 20th October 1945 he was posted to 11th TAF India, where he served at Janauri, Bombay; Allahabad and Madras until his return to the UK and his discharge on 1st November 1946. He was awarded the Defence Medal and the General Service Medal.
Former (rank unknown) Thomas Evans of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Thomas Evans of Nottingham, early in 2007. (No further detains of his death are known). Thomas, who was born on 26th November 1922, enlisted in 1942 and served with 2834 Squadron until his discharge in 1946. 2934 Squadron landed in Normandy on D-Day Plus One and fought its way through Europe until it reached Germany. No other details of his service are known.
Former LAA Gunner David Upton of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of David Upton who passed away on Friday 25th May 2007. David enlisted on 3rd July 1953 and after his Basic Training at RAF Hednesford and his Regiment Training at RAF Dumfries, he was posted to 80 LAA Squadron, 25 Wing at RAF Geilenkirhchen, West Germany. He was one of the first National Servicemen to join the Squadron, as previously they were all Regulars. He served with the Squadron as a MT Driver, carrying out several detachments to RAF Gatow, West Berlin, until he was discharged on 3rd July 1955.
Former Ground Gunner Francis Bull of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Francis Bull who passed away on 3rd May 2007. Francis enlisted in October 1941 and served with 2788 Field Squadron throughout the Second World War until his discharge in December 1946. His service took him from the UK into North Africa in "Operation TORCH" where the Squadron - after being torpedoed in the SS Strathallen on the way - landed in Algiers Bay on 8th November 1942. He then served in the forward areas of the North Africa Campaign, taking part in the fierce fighting there. Awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star with Clasp, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 Medal.
Former SAC Anil Kunar Desai of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Anil Desai who passed away on 7th April 2007. Anil enlisted in June 1962 and served with 48 Squadron at RAF Upwood, Huntingdon; 24 Squadron, 33 wing at RAF Catterick and 15 Field Squadron at RAF Seletar, Singapore. During his service he served in the following locations. Ghan, Singapore, Malaysia. Cyprus, Aden and the Middle East. He was awarded the GSM Borneo Medal and was discharged in June 1967.
Former Ground Gunner Henry Parry of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of former Ground Gunner Henry Parry on Sunday 6th May 2007. Henry enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 15th May 1941 and served with various AA Flights throughout the UK. In May 1943, he was posted to 2871 Squadron RAF Regiment at Pevensey Bay and served with that unit in the UK with 2nd TAF until September 1944 when the Squadron moved to Germany. In December 1945, 2871 Squadron RAF Regiment was disbanded and he was posted to 2731 Squadron RAF Regiment at Altona, Hamburg, Germany. Henry was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the France/Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal. He remained in the RAF Regiment after World War II ended, serving with 15 Squadron in the UK and with 20 Squadron at RAF Sundern, at 2 Group HQ BAOR. Later, 20 Squadron, together with 19 Squadron, formed 16 Wing RAF Regiment at RAF Gütersloh, Germany. In January 1952, he was posted to 16 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk, where he completed his service. He was discharged in July 1952.
Former Ground Gunner Alf Pullen of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Alf Pullen who passed away aged 84 on Tuesday 22nd May. Alf enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 17th July 1941 and first served at HQ 15 Group. In 1942, he was posted to 2857 LAA Squadron. The Squadron landed in Sicily on 19th July 1943. As the advance into Sicily continued, the RAF Regiment became the first troops to occupy the airfield at Catania on the east coast of the island. Here and at Palermo, the LAA squadrons were in action against enemy aircraft and suffered losses of sixteen men killed and thirteen wounded by enemy action. Once the invasion of Sicily was completed, ten of the eleven RAF Regiment squadrons, on the island, including 2857 Squadron, prepared to move into Italy. The Squadron landed in Italy in late September and fought its way north through Italy, operating in the front line on many occasions. In July 1944, the Squadron returned to the UK where Alf completed his service and was discharged on 12th September 1946. He was awarded the General Service Medal, the 1939-45 Star and the Italy Star with Clasp.
Former Ground Gunner Tom Samuel of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of tom Samuel who passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday 10th May 2007. Tom enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 19th June 1941 and first served with 4357 AA Flight, later being posted to 2744 Field Squadron RAF Regiment. He served with 2744 Squadron, first in Northern Ireland and then in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Austria and Greece, until his discharge on 5th July 1946. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, the Italian Star and the Victory Medal.
Former Sergeant Desmond Marshall of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Desmond Marshall who died on 3rd April 2007. Desmond enlisted in May 1947 and served in the RAF Regiment for five years. After his Basic Training at RAF Cardington and his Regiment Training at RAF Catterick, he was posted to 62 Squadron in the Middle East. He served with the Squadron in Palestine, Egypt and Jordan until his discharge in May 1952. He was awarded the Palestine Service Medal.
2006
Former Ground Gunner Benjamin Sackfield of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to announce the recent death at the age of 85, of Benjamin Sackfield who was taken ill on Christmas Eve and died on Christmas Day evening 25th December 2006 without regaining consciousness. Benjamin enlisted as a Ground Gunner in April 1941 and served in the UK and Norway until his discharge in 1945. During his service in the UK, he served at Blackpool, South Devon, Edinburgh and Scotland, where he helped to form 2949 Squadron, RAF Regiment. Later the Squadron was posted to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. In May 1945, the Squadron was sent to Oslo and Stavanger in Norway where Benjamin completed his service as a LAC and was posted back to the UK for his discharge.
Former RAF Regiment Gunner/Driver John Vallender of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of John Vallender who died on 30th October 2006. John enlisted on 20th January 1954 and after Basic RAF Training and RAF Regiment Training, qualified as a Gunner/Driver. In June 1954, was posted to 51 Field Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Celle, West Germany, which converted to LAA during his time there. John also served also on 15 Squadron RAF Regiment and at RAF Castle Archdale, NI. (1957) until his discharge in 1957.
Former Sergeant George Chapman of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Wednesday 9th August 2006 of former Sergeant George Chapman of Machynlleth, Powys, Wales. During his long membership of the Birmingham Branch, he was a consistent benefactor to the Birmingham Branch in particular and to the RAF Regiment Association in general. George began his military career in the 1930’s when he joined the Irish Guards. On 6th July 1940, he joined the Royal Air Force and served, first as a Ground gunner and later, as a member of the RAF Regiment. During his service in the RAF, in 1941 he became an Instructor and a member of the Demonstration Team at Filey. In addition, in that year, he also became the RAF Southern Area Lightweight Boxing Champion. George later served in South East Asia Command (SEAC) and in addition to his other medals, was awarded the Burma Star. George served throughout the Second World War and completed his service on 2nd May 1946 when he was discharged.
Former Gunner Norman Wildbore of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Thursday 4th August 2006, of former Gunner Norman Wildbore of Enderby, Leicestershire. Norman enlisted on 13th June 1947 and after his Basic Training at RAF Padgate and No 6 School of Recruit Training, RAF Innsworth, he was posted to RAF Credenhill to complete an Equipment Course where he qualified as an Equipment Assistant. He was then posted to RAF El Hamra in Egypt where he joined A Flight, 2 (Armoured Car) Squadron. He served with that Squadron in Jerusalem, RAF Amman, Transjordan, RAF Habbaniya, Iraq and back to RAF El Hamra. Norman was posted back to the UK on completion of his service and was discharged on 25th July 1949. He was awarded the General Service Medal (Palestine).
Former LAC Geoffrey Sant of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Monday 24th April 2006, of former LAC Geoffrey Sant of Wordesley, West Midlands. Geoffrey, who was born on 12th March 1930, enlisted in 1951 and after his Basic Training and RAF Regiment Training, was posted to Demo Flight at RAF Catterick where he served until his discharge in 1954.
Former SAC Benjamin Pratt of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Friday 21st April 2006, of former SAC Benjamin Pratt of Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Benjamin, who was born on 18th April 1935, enlisted in 1953 and after his Basic Training and RAF Regiment Training, was posted to A Flight, 24 Squadron at RAF Wildenrath where he served until his discharge in 1957.
Former Ground Gunner George House of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Sunday 12th February 2006, of former LAC George House of Bromley Cross, Bradford. George, who was born on 27th March 1923, enlisted in 1941 and after his basic training was later posted to 2772 Squadron. He served with that Squadron in the UK and South Est Asia throughout the war until his discharge in 1946.
2005
Former (rank unknown) Ron Beard of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Saturday 5th November 2005, of Ron Beard of Bloxwich, West Midlands. Ron, who was born on 2nd July 1929, enlisted in 1947 and after his basic training was posted to 60 Rifle Squadron which he served with until his discharge in 1949.
Former Group Captain David Bremner RAF (Rtd) of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Thursday 18th August 2005, of former Group Captain David Bremner of Newmarket, Suffolk. David, who was born on 11th September 1945, enlisted on 11th September 1965 and had a long and distinguished career in the Corps. During his service he served with 16 Squadron, the Queen's Colour Squadron and 11 Squadron and GDT at RAF Coningsby. His service career also included the Ministry of Defence, the RAF/USAF Exchange Programme, 501 TMW Greeham Common, the Advanced Training Squadron and various staff courses. He was also Commandant of the Joint Arms Control Implementation Group at RAF Scampton. He completed his career at RAF Honington before retiring from the service on 11th September 2000.
Former (rank unknown) Bernard Wiggins of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Sunday 20th March 2005 of Bernard Wiggins of Carmarthen, Dyfed. Bernard, who was born on 16th September 1923, enlisted in 1942 and served with 2883 Squadron in the UK and France and with 2828 Squadron in Germany until his discharge in 1946.
Former Ground Gunner Harold Jones of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Thursday 17th March 2005 of former Ground Gunner Harold Jones of Penarth, South Glamorgan. Harold, who was born on 5th June 1922, enlisted in 1940 and served at RAF Aldergrove and in Sierra Leone and Gambia West Africa, until his discharge in 1943.
Former (rank unknown) James Topping of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Monday 7th February 2006, of James Topping of Bangor, County Down. James, who was born on 31st July 1935, enlisted in 1953 and after his Basic Training and RAF Regiment Training, served with 62 Rifle Squadron, 16 Field Squadron and 15 Field Squadron until his discharge in 1958.
2004
Former (rank unknown) James Harkins of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 8th September 2004 of James Harkins of Telford, Shropshire. James,who was born on 18th April 1934, enlisted in 1952, served in the UK and Germany until his discharge in 1964. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Jack Eastwood of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 30th October 2004 of Jack Eastwood of Knowle, Solihull. Jack served in the UK as a Drill Instructor until his discharge in 1945. No further details of his service are known,
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Fred Wyatt of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 21st September 2004 of Fred Wyatt of Birmingham. Fred, who was born on 12th March 1912, enlisted in 1940 and served as an Instructor until his discharge in 1945. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Keith Wright of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 11th September 2004 of Keith Wright of Burton on Trent. Keith, who was born on 21st August 1937, enlisted in 1956 and served in the UK until his discharge in 1958. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Ted Cahill of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 8th September 2004 of Ted Cahill of Birmingham. Ted, who was born on 23rd June 1922, enlisted in 1942 and served with 2897 and 2710 Squadrons until his discharge in 1947. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Leonard Whitfield of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Leonard Whitfield on 4th August 2004. Leonard, whose date of birth is unknown, elisted in 1941 and later served with 2815 Squadron until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Joseph Russell of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 29th July 2004 of Joseph Russell of Dudley West Midlands. Joseph, who was born on 19th June 1921, enlisted in 1941 and later served with 2862 Squadron in the UK, Africa and Europe until his discharge in 1945. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Chris Potter of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 2nd July 2004 of Chris Potter of Preston, Lancashire. Chris, who was born on 5th April 1929, enlisted in 1947 and served with 51 Rifle Squadron in Germany, until his discharge in 1949. No further details of his service are known.
2003
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Don Sperrin of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 17th November 2003 of Don Sperrin of Birmingham. Don, who was born on 21st December 1921, enlisted in 1941 and later served with 2865 Squadron in the UK, Africa, Italy and north-wets Europe until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Ivan Boon of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 10th November 2003 of Ivan Boon of Birmingham. Ivan, who was born on 8th March 1918, elisted as a Ground Gunner in 1940 and served during the Battle of Britain at RAF Biggin Hill. He later served in the Azores and back in the UK before his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Charles Gardiner of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in October 2003 of Charles Gardiner of Gloucester. Charles, who was born on 17th November 1920, enlisted in 1940 as a Ground Gunner and later served with 2933, 2935 and 2788 Squadrons until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Terry Jones of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 5th September 2003, of Terry Jones of Cardiff, South Wales. Terry, who was born on 28th September 1933, enlisted in 1951 and served with 58 and 66 Squadrons in the UK, Aden and Kenya until his discharge in 1956. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Syd Bayley of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 10th August 2003 of Syd Bayley of Corsham, Wiltshire. Syd, who was born on 14th April 1914, enlisted as a Ground Gunner in 1941 and later served with 2795, 2821, 23, 104, and 28 Squadrons in the UK, the Aden Protectorate Levies, Germany and the Middle East until his discharge in 1954. No further details of his service are known.
Former Sergeant Bernard Pettitt of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 3rd February 2003, of Bernard Pettitt of Birmingham. Bernard, who was born on 21st April 1924, enlisted as an Air Gunner in 1943 and later transferred into 2 Armoured Car Company, later merged with and became 2702 Squadron, RAF Regiment, until his discharge in 1947. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Jack Gallager of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 17th February 2003 of Jack Gallagher, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Jack, who was born on 12th September 1922, enlisted as a Ground Gunner in 1941 and later served with 74, 2941, 1, 63 and 15 Squadrons in the UK and the Aden Protectorate Levies until his discharge in 1972. No further details of his service are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Edward Nash of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 20th January 2003 of Edward Nash of Worcester. Edward, who was born on 4th July 1920, elisted as a Ground Gunner in 1941 and later served with 2854 Squadron in Iceland, the UK, Burma, Malaya and Borneo until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
2002
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Ted Cooke of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in November 2002 of Ted Cooke of Birmingham. Ted, who was born on 1st January 1922, elisted as a Ground Gunner in 1941 and later served with 2913 Squadron in Africa, Italy and the UK until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Will Honour of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 12th June 2002 of Will Honour of Coventry. Will, who was born on 27th July 1922, enlisted in 1942 and served in the UK and Europe until his discharge in 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) John Davies of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 3rd February 2003, of John (but always known as Jack) Davies of Warley, West Midlands. John, who was born on 10th July 1923, enlisted in April 1946 and served with 2829 Squadron in Germany at Celle, Lubeck and Buckeburg, with a detachment to Sylt, before being posted back to the UK to RAF Bridgnorth where he served until his discharge in January 1948.
2001
Former (rank unknown) Vic Tomlinson of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in September 2001 of Vic Tomlinson of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Vic enlisted in August 1947 and after his Basic Training and then his RAF Regiment Training at RAF Skipton on Swale and RAF Catterick where he also completed an Armoured Fighting Vehicle Course, he was selected for the 1948 Royal Tournament. Afterwards, he was posted to RAF Sundern, Western Germany and later to RAF Gutersloh and then RAF Lubeck, where he was involved with the defence of the airfield during the Berlin Airlift. He was later posted to RAF Luneberg where he completed his service until his discharge in October 1949.
2000
Former Corporal Maurice Roberts of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Friday 24th March 2001 of Maurice Roberts of Warley, West Midlands. Maurice enlisted in January 1946 and after his Basic Training at RAF Grantham and RAF Wombleton, was posted to 120 MU at Liddya in what was then Palestine. He was later posted back to the UK and he completed his service as a Corporal Drill Instructor at No 6 School of Recruit Training, RAF Innsworth until his discharge in January 1948.
1999
Former (rank unknown) Len Hartley of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in November 1999 of Len Hartley of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Len enlisted in June 1942 and served with 2736 LAA Squadron at Cottesmore and Feltwell in the UK and on the continent from D-Day Plus 11 when he landed in Normandy. He fought with the Squadron all through France, Belgium and Holland until they entered Germany, crossing the River Rhine at Cleves on 12th April 1945. Len served with 2736 Squadron until November 1945 when it was disbanded at RAF Wunsdorf and he was posted to 2848 Rifle Squadron at RAF Gatow, Berlin. In March 1946 he was posted to 2880 Squadron at RAF Wunsdorf until June 1946 when it too was disbanded. Len was then posted to 2770 Rifle Squadron at RAF Gutersloh where he completed his service until his discharge in October 1946.
Former (rank unknown) Peter John Francis of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 14th April 1999 at the age of 60 of Peter Francis of Heath Hayes, Cannock, Staffordshire. Peter enlisted in December 1955 and completed his Basic Training between then and March 1956 at RAF Hednesford, RAF Catterick and RAF Watchet. In June 1956 he was posted to 19/104 Squadrons, 38 Wing at RAF Wahn, Western Germany and then to 30 Squadron at RAF Laarbruch, where he served until September 1957 when he was posted to 15 Squadron at RAF Innsworth, near Gloucester. In 1959, he was posted to 2 Squadron, then stationed at RAF Takali in Malta. He later returned to the UK with the Squadron to RAF Felixstowe where he finished his service and was discharged in Decmber 1960.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) William Henry Jones of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in April 1999 of William Jones aged 88. William enlisted in August 1941 and served throughout the war in the UK and Europe. During his service in the UK, he was based at camps all over the south of England, before service in Normandy in 1944 which continued through Europe in France, Belgium and Germany. William finsihed his service at RAF Celle, Western Germany and was discharged in May 1945.
1998
Former Flight Sergeant Norman Dodd of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 26th December 2008 of Norman Dodd of Quinton, Birmingham who was aged seventy-four. Norman enlisted on 11th November 1941 and served as an Air Gunner throughout the remainder of the Second World War, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer. Norman completed his service as an Air Gunner with 422 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force and was discharged in 1945. He soon felt the pull of the services again for in 1947, he joined 2605 Squadron, RAuxAF Regiment, based at RAF Honiley, near Kenilworth, Warwickshire. He served with 2605 Squadron, rising to the rank of Flight Sergeant, until the Squadron was disbanded in 1957.
Former (rank unknown) Walter Frost of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 22nd December 1998 of Walter Frost who was aged seventy-seven of Smethwick, Warley, West Midlands. Walter enlisted on 13th August 1942 and served in the UK, Italy, France and Germany until his discharge in September 1946. No further details of his service are known.
Former (rank unknown) Ron Humphries of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Wednesday 23rd July 1998 of Ron Humphries aged sixty-seven of Wrexham, North Wales. Ron enlisted in February 1946 and after his Basic Training at RAF Padgate, was posted to RAF Wombleton for his Regiment Training. He was then posted to 2770 Squadron at RAF Gutersloh, West Germany. 2770 Squadron then changed its number to 56 Rifle Squadron. He completed his service with 56 Rifle Squadron and was discharged in June 1948.
Former (rank unknown) Maurice Bull of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Friday 3rd June 1998 of Maurice Bull of Stretton, near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire. Maurice enlisted in July 1947 and after his Basic Training at RAF Wilmslow, was posted to RAF Wombleton for his Regiment Training. Unfortunately, whilst under training at Wombleton, Maurice suffered an severe injury and lost his right eye, causing him to be discharged on medical grounds in July 1948.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Horace Parsons of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in May 1998 at the age of seventy-seven of Horace Parsons of Burntwood, Walsall, West Midlands. Horace enlisted as a Ground Gunner in July 1940. In 1941, he was posted to 2823 Squadron at RAF Burnaston near Derby. The Squadron was then sent to RAF Lympne near Felixstowe where in 1943 it became a LAA Squadron and was attached to the 2nd Tactical Air Force for the invasion of France. In April 1944, the Squadron was sent to France and Horace served with the Squadron through Europe for the remainder of his service, until the Squadron was disbanded at Stade, near Hamburg in Germany, in May 1946 and Horace was discharged in that month.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Larry Parsons of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Monday 2nd March 1998 of Larry Parsons aged seventy-seven of Solihull, West Midlands. Larry enlisted as a Ground Gunner and served with 2883 Squadron in the UK and then 2740 Squadron in Europe until his discharge in September 1946 when the Squadron was disbanded t RAF Gatow.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Tom Herbert of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Tuesday 3rd February 1988 of Tom Herbert aged eighty-five of Nuneaton, Coventry, West Midlands. Tom enlisted as a Ground Gunner in August 1940 and was posted to RAF Feltwell operationg PAC Units. He later served with 5028 Squadron in the Azores and in the central Mediterranean until his dicharge in October 1945.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Wilson Dixon of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Monday 2nd February 1998 of Wilson Dixon of Birmingham, West Midlands. Wilson enlisted as a Ground Gunner in August 1940 and served in the UK and North Africa with 2861 Squadron, throughout the North African Campaign and in Corsica and Sicily until the Squadron was disbanded in 1944. At about that time, Wilson auditioned for and was accepted into an entertainment group called the Meditteranean and Coastal forces Entertainments, in which Wilson, as a fine singer, formed a classical singing group called the Knightsbridge Trio. The Trio completed three musical tours of Italy and Wilson served with it until his discharge in January 1946.
1997
Former (rank unknown) Dave Ball of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Monday 29th September 1997 of Dave Ball of Birmingham, West Midlands. Dave enlisted in January 1951 and after his Basic Training at RAF Bridgnorth and his Regiment Training at RAF Catterick and RAF Watchet, was posted to 22 LAA Squadron at RAF Gutersloh, West Germany. He served with 22 Squadron there and at RAF Fassburg for the majority of his service and took part in the Queen's Coronation Parade in West Berlin, He was discharged in January 1954.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) John Dayman of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death in April 1997 of John Dayman. John enlisted as a Ground Gunner on 9th July 1940 and was posted to 734 Defence Squadron at RAF Bicester. On the formation of the RAF Regiment, The Squadron eventually became 2734 Squadron. In May 1943 the Squadron was re-roled as a LAA Squadron and in April 1944, in preparation for the invasion of Europe, it became part of 2nd Tactical Air Force. On 17th June 1944, eleven days after D-Day, John landed in France with his Squadron. The Squadron fought its way through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Denmark. In November 1945, the Squadron was disbanded at Lubeck, northern Germany and John was posted to Bonn and then Langanfelt to guard radar posts, until his discharge on 5th May 1946.
1996
Former Corporal Eugene Victor Babb of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Friday 10th May 1996 of Eugene Babb. Eugene enlisted into the Royal Signals Regiment in 1941 and served throughout the Second World War in the UK, North Africa and Italy attached to the 1st Armoured Division as part of the 8th Army until his discharge in 1946. In February 1850, he re-enlisted into 2605 RAuxAF Regiment Squadron as a Ground Wireless Fitter and served with that Squadron as a Corporal until it was disbanded in December 1957.
Former Sergeant Instructor Eric Russell of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Tuesday 9th April 1996. Eric served with 2861 Squadron Tunisia and the Middle East. No further details of his service are known or discharge date are known.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Edwin Freeston of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Tuesday January 1996 of Edwin Freeston. Edwin enlisted in September 1941 as a Ground Gunner and served with 2859 Squadron in the UK and later through Europe, taking part in the campains in Italy, France and Germany until his discharge in 1945.
1995
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Robert James Beazley (known as Pat) of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Saturday 7th October 1995 of Pat Beazley. Pat enlisted as a Ground Gunner in July 1940. His service took him from the UK where he served with No 5 Maintenance Unit at Kemble, Gloucestershire until July 1942, when he was posted to HQ 205 Group in the Middle East. In October of that year, he was posted to 245 Wing, Middle East, where he served until joining 2918 Squadron in June 1943 and then in September 1943, to 2935 Squadron, both still in the Middle East. In July 1944, he was posted to Italy joining 2788 Squadron in October 1944. He served with that Squadron in Italy and the Middle East until January 1946 when he was posted back to the UK, to await his dicharge in April of that year.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) William Henry Lapworth (known as Harry) of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Friday 19th May 1995 of Harry Lapworth. Harry enlisted as a Ground Gunner in June 1940 and in 1940/1942 served with 2796 Squadron at Invergordon and in 1942/1943 at Stornaway. He was a Physical Training Instructor for a part of his service and served at various UK stations until his discharge in 1946.
1994
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Tom Baker of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Wednesday 30th November 1994 of Tom Baker of Tupsley, Hereford. Tom enlisted as a Ground Gunner in July 1941 and later served with 2849 Squadron at RAF Belton Park, Grantham. He was then posted to 2749 Squadron and served with 11 Fighter Group at various UK stations around the south and east coasts. His service with the Squadron took him to Europe in Brussels and then into Germany, finishing his service after the war at RAF Detmold, RAF Gutersloh and RAF Wahn, until his discharge in July 1946.
Former (rank unknown) Raymond Barr of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Saturday 8th October 1994 of Raymond Barr of Birmingham. In 1942, lying about his age in order to do so, Raymond enlisted into his father's old regiment the Royal Fusiliers. From there he was trained as a commando and was then posted to No 8 Commando in the Middle East. In December 1942 he joined the Special Air Service and served with them in North Africa and throughout the Italian Campaign. He was with the SAS when they were the first Allied troops into Berlin. Ray was demobbed as a Corporal in June 1946 and in October of that year, he enlisted into the RAF Regiment, partly in order to continue parachuting, and signed on for five years. Ray served in Palestine, Malaya and Germany and being stationed at RAF Wunsdorf, was amongst the first troops to be used in the Berlin Airlift. He remembered being "crashed out" at 02.00 hours to help set up a Blind Approach Beam System (BABS) to assist the Airlift. He was demobbed again in October 1952 but re-enlisted again on a nine-year engagement in August 1958. This time his service took him to Cyprus and Aden. Whilst serving at Aden and having only four days of his service to complete, he was posted "down country" which meant that he would have another year to do. He finished his service at RAF Benson and was finally discharged on 21st August 1967.
Former Ground Gunner (later rank unknown) Douglas Lewis of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death of Douglas Lewis of Swanley, Kent on Monday 26th September 1994. Douglas enlisted as a Ground Gunner in June 1941 and after his initial training, was posted to 775 Defence Squadron. On the formation of the RAF REgiment, the Squadron was renumbered to 2775 Squadron and in that year, the Squadron was posted to Newtownard in Northern Ireland. Later, Douglas was posted to 2867 Squadron which in June 1942, became a LAA Squadron. He then served with that Squadron in the UK at Hibaldston, Kirton In Lindsay, where it was attached to No 253 Spitfire and Hurricane Squadron, 2867 Squadron was then posted overseas to Algeria, arriving on 12th november 1942. Douglas then served withn the Squadron throughout the North African Campaign in Algeria and Tunisia and eventually, the Italian Campaign, from Tranto, through Naples and Rome. He was medically regraded at the Bellavista RAF Hospital in Italy from Grade 1 to Grade 3 and was then transferred out the RAF Regiment into the RAF, where he served until his discharge in October 1942.
Former Ground Gunner (later Sergeant) Alan George Morgan of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on 24th May 1994 of Alan Morgan of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Alan enlisted as a Ground Gunner in August 1940 and served throughout the Second World War first on Ground Defence at RAF Sealand and RAF Ballykelly before attending a gunnery school on the Isle of Man. He then served at Filey and Belton Park before being sent to France with 2791 LAA Squadron in August 1944. He saw service there and in Holland and Norway before competing his service as a Sergeant and was discharged in April 1946.
Former (Flying Officer) Ken Laurence of the Birmingham Branch. I regret to inform you of the death on Saturday 9th April 1994 at the age of eighty-eight, of Ken Laurence. Ken enlisted into the RAF in 1939 and joined 916 Ballon Squadron at RAF Wythall. He was then posted to Coventry and promoted to corporal in September 1941. In December 1942 he was commissioned into the RAF Regiment and posted to 2817 Field Squadron. The Squadron converted to the LAA role and in September 1943 was attached to 2nd Tactical Air Force and sent to France on D-Day + 2 8th June 1944. Ken was appointed as Squadron Adjutant in Normandy in June 1944 and served with the Squadron as a Flying Officer until the Squadron was disbanded at Uetersen near Hamburg in northern Germany in December 1945 and he completed his service in the same month.
THIS BEGINS THE BIRMINGHAM BRANCH ROLL OF HONOUR AS BEFORE THIS DATE, OBITUARIES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE BRANCH NEWSLETTERS AND NO OTHER RECORDS WERE KEPT.
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