From: Jack Riley, Hervey Bay, QLD
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:20 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Christmas is such a special time (especially when you’ve seen 86 of them and counting!).  It horrifies me that, in countries where they should know better, some schools are forbidden to acknowledge the Christ in Christmas!

It is a family time, especially when there are ankle-biters about! It is a time to look back, a time to be thankful, and a time to look forward to the coming years.

And so I say a special thank you to Tony who has kept us all together for so many years.  I say welcome! to those who have recently joined our ranks, and I send all best wishes for a happy Christmas to you and to your families, especially to those of you still fighting the good fight.
  
Take care out there

Jack
 

NZ Aid to the Philippines

In a video posted to YouTube, members of the 24-strong team share their experiences of giving aid to those who need it most.  "The relief we see on their faces when we're able to deliver them aid or evacuate them is amazing," an unidentified person at the start of the video said.

The Philippines was ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan at the start on November, with more than three million people displaced and the official death toll at more than 5500 but still expected to rise.
The RNZAF said it has also evacuated around 1300 survivors from the typhoon-wrecked island communities of the eastern Philippines.

"For us to do that in such a short amount of time is an amazing effort," Squadron Leader James Anderson said.

Philippine authorities have thanked the New Zealand government for their contribution to the international humanitarian aid operation, RNZAF said.

Fairfax NZ News
Flight Lieutenant Dan Hook said they were moving the most freight of any country for the personnel they have.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) team have delivered more than one million pounds of aid to the Philippines.
 
From: Graham Lockwood, Leyland, Lancs 
Sent: Friday, November 29, 2013 6:22 AM
Subject: Scrap C130's at Hixon

Tony

Thank you for the latest fantastic news letter.

Following up on the pictures of the scrap aircraft at Hixon…  When travelling by rail between Stoke and Stafford the aircraft can be seen on the left hand side of the train.

Cheers

Graham Lockwood ( Locky )
All is not lost Locky - see the following item for some surprising news!
 

RAF C130K Hercules in Storage

Following last month’s retirement of the Lockheed C-130K Hercules from RAF service, Global Aviation Resource visited MOD St Athan to view the Hercules aircraft stored within the Defence Support Group’s vast ‘Super Hangar’.

Having made their last operational flights on 25 October, the final two of 66 Hercules C-130K transport aircraft delivered to the RAF - Hercules C3As XV177, callsign “Reynard 1” and XV214 “Reynard 2” - touched down at MOD St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, on Tuesday 29 October 2013 for storage and potential onward sale.

The arrival of these aircraft brought to an end an exceptional 46 years of RAF C-130K service and the two aircraft joined a further six examples that had earlier entered storage. Notable amongst the eight aircraft is XV177 which, despite being the second aircraft in the initial batch of aircraft ordered, was the first of 66 examples to be delivered to the RAF, being handed over on 19 December 1966, and as such, it is fitting that she was one of the last pair to be retired.
The numbers of C-130Ks in RAF service had slowly dwindled over the last 12 years with early disposals to Lockheed Martin in part exchange for new C-130Js being some of the first to leave the RAF; a small number of these subsequently saw service with the Mexican Air Force, whilst later disposals entered service with the Air Forces of Austria and Sri Lanka.

The eight stored aircraft (XV177, 188, 196, 200, 209, 214, 295 and 303) comprise a selection of C1s, 3s and 3As, a number of which had been modified for a range of special operations with provision for an array of defensive aids, sensor systems and Enhanced Vision System modifications evident on the airframes. Whether these airframe modifications will have an effect on the viability of a future operator adding any of the ex-RAF examples to their fleets, or whether they are subsequently broken down for spares use, remains to be seen.

In addition to the aircraft stored at St Athan, XV208, ex-converted Met Research Flight W2 and latterly test airframe for the A400M’s EuroProp TP400 turboprop engine at Cambridge and C3 XV202 are the only remaining C-130Ks in the UK. XV202 was accepted by the RAF Museum, Cosford on the 19th September 2013 and is now on external display. Clearly the task of maintaining an aircraft of this size is a substantial one and as such it is doubtful that any others of the marque will be preserved in the UK.
Global Aviation Resource
 
From: Wade Seymour, Kingston, NS
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:40 PM
Subject: Merry Christmas

I would like to wish all Movers throughout the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Also I am retiring from the military 31 Dec, 2013 after 33+ years of service (20 Reg and 13+ Reserve), all as a Mover. I would just like to say it was great being a Mover for all those years.

Cheers!
1976 Basic Training
2013 Retirement
Sgt V.W. Seymour (Wade)
Air Movements Section
14 Wing Greenwood, NS
Canada
 
From: Penny Bowen, Chisholm, ACT
Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 3:52 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Tony,

Noticed a couple of your entries involved retirements.  Thought you might like to know that Len finally hangs up his blue uniform on Friday 13 December this year after a mere 50 yrs in blue - 13 with the RAF and 37 with the RAAF.  Since the break between his leaving the RAF and joining the RAAF was less than three months (or a long service leave break) I reckon that should count as continuous service!

Cheers,

Penny Bowen (Len's long suffering wife of 41 years!)
MATU1 Circa 1970
VIP Duties Circa 2012
 

Maiden flight for Australia's C-27J Spartan airlifter


The first Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan transport aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) made its maiden flight on 19 December.

The twin-turboprop airlifter departed Alenia's production facility in Italy for its inaugural sortie, marking a major milestone in Australia's AUD1.4 billion (USD1.2 billion) contract for 10 aircraft.
Procured under Phase 2 of the Project AIR 8000 requirement to replace the RAAF's now-retired DHC-4 Caribous, the C-27J will augment the Beechcraft King Air 350, Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in providing Australia's fixed-wing air mobility.

Janes.com
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), Warren King, the C-27J programme remains on budget and on schedule for delivery of the first two aircraft to the RAAF in 2015.

The air force has reformed 35 Squadron to operate the C-27J out of RAAF Richmond in South Australia, and expects to declare initial operating capability for the type in 2016.
 
From: David Stevens, Bangor
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2013 5:54 AM
Subject: Off again!

Dear Tony,

Many thanks for yet another tremendously interesting newsletter.

There I was keeping low profile about my deployment to the Philippines… We fly this upcoming Weds, 3rd December, and we should be back by the middle of Jan.

Season’s greetings to you and all your family. 

Kind regards  

David
I came across the following item from June 2006 all about our dear Len:

Not easy being green


IN his own words, SQNLDR Len Bowen was about “as green as a turbo-charged chainsaw” when he first embarked on his present job in environmental matters.

Yet the steep learning curves he scaled and mastered were recognised when honours were presented at the Secretary and CDF’s Environment and Heritage Awards for 2006 in Canberra on June 15.

“The annual awards recognise, encourage and promote excellence in environmental and heritage management in Defence,” CDF ACM Angus Houston said.
Secretary of Defence Ric Smith with SQNLDR Len Bowen
An operational logistician for 35 years, SQNLDR Bowen spent 13 of those with the RAF and the balance with the Royal Australian Air Force. He was recognised for his excellent commitment and contribution to Air Force environmental management.

“I had retired about six years ago and at that time I was working for the Air Force Infrastructure Development Agency as a desk officer for air weapons ranges and several bases.
“But when the new Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was made law around that time, everybody had to comply, so I was kept on to kiss koalas and hug trees for the company,” SQNLDR Bowen said.

“When I started I was about as green as a turbocharged chainsaw but I have learnt much through on-the-job training over the past six years,” he said.

On a less jocular note, SQNLDR Bowen sees his role as maintaining capability.

Throughout his six years of service as Air Force Environmental and Heritage Officer, SQNLDR Bowen has ensured that environmental matters have been included in Air Force strategic planning and promoted environmental training and awareness.

“I see my role as balancing between CSIG Environment and Heritage people and our operational capability, making sure we can maintain operational capability to the fullest extent.”

SQNLDR Bowen helped develop the Air Operations Environmental Management plan and assisted with environmental clearance certificates for air ops, particularly fly pasts. He also assisted in the review of Air Force procedures to include environmental considerations.

Defence.gov.au
 
From: Dick deCaires, Ruislip
Date:   12/5/2013, 4:45 am, EST
Subject:  Guestbook entry

Hi,

Am trying to trace ex Cpl Mover Steve Chapman. Appreciate if anyone has Steve's email address ?

Dick
 
From: Murray J Smith, Blenheim
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 2:18 AM
Subject: RNZAF Mystery Photo 031910

Hi Folks,

Looks like an Air Movements refresher/senior course. Most likely held at RNZAF Base Hobsonville at No 4 TTS (Technical Training School).
 
Back row:   Cpl Grant Ellis, Cpl Paul Reid, N/K,  Cpl Budgie Baigent

Front row: Cpl Stewart, F/Sgt Dennis Searle (Instructor), Cpl Hymie Hindman

Cheers

Murray Smith
Senior Supplier
RNZAF 1972-9
 

UK still assessing cost of Afghan hail damage


The picture at left shows an RAF C-130J Hercules seen coming in to land at Kandahar Airfield. Five C-130Js were reportedly seriously damaged by a freak hailstorm at the base in April, along with several other aircraft types from the UK and other nations.

The UK government is still calculating the cost of repairing the multiple aircraft that were heavily damaged by a freak hailstorm in southern Afghanistan earlier in the year, it was revealed on 28 November.
While Dunne did not say how many aircraft were affected by the storm at Kandahar Airfield, in which three Afghans were killed by hailstones, he did disclose the UK aircraft types affected. These comprised the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, BAe 125, and BAe 146 transport/liaison aircraft, as well as the Westland Sea King and Lynx helicopters.

Details pertaining to the C-130J repair effort were disclosed at the recent international Hercules Operators Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Five C-130Js reportedly suffered serious damage to their upper surfaces and flight controls, and four aircraft had to be recovered back to the UK for repair work under Operation 'Weatherman', as the Lockheed Martin-led effort was dubbed (the fifth was repaired in-theatre).
BAE Systems had previously confirmed that one of the two Royal Air Force (RAF) BAe 146 transport aircraft had been caught out on the open apron during the storm, and had also suffered extensive impact damage to its wings and upper surfaces. This aircraft also had to be transported back to the United Kingdom for repairs before being returned to operations in theatre.

No details pertaining to the other aircraft types have been forthcoming, and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has previously told IHS Jane's that it would not comment on the incident due to "operational security reasons".

The United Kingdom was not the only coalition partner affected by the hailstorm, with United States and Afghan aircraft also reported to have been seriously damaged. IHS Jane's understands that several US Air Force (USAF) Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules were caught up in the event, although the service did not respond to a request for comment. In early October the Department of Defense awarded Cessna a USD8.4 million contract to repair five Afghan Air Force (AAF) 208B Grand Caravan utility aircraft that had been parked on the apron when the storm hit.
The hailstorm at Kandahar Airfield arguably caused more damage to coalition aircraft in the space of a few minutes than the Taliban have managed in 12 years of warfare (notwithstanding the attack on Camp Bastion in which seven US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier jets were destroyed), and is a salutary reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safeguarding against unexpected weather occurrences.

Given the UK experience at Kandahar, it was very surprising to read in Hansard that on the same day that Dunne was answering questions in parliament on the damage caused by the Afghan hailstorm he answered another question on the basing of the new Airbus Military A330 Voyager tanker-transport aircraft in the Falkland Islands, in which he said that he was satisfied that the aircraft not being able to fit into the hangar at RAF Mount Pleasant on the islands would not be a problem.

"Voyager aircraft do not fit in hangars currently available at RAF Mount Pleasant. We have considered any associated operational risks and are satisfied that the aircraft will deliver the capability required without the need for a hangar. Our operational effectiveness is not affected by this," he said.

The Falkland Islands are among the most weather beaten in the world, and are regularly affected by hail. With this in mind, one has to question whether the lesson of Kandahar has truly been learnt.

Janes.com
Answering questions in the House of Commons Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology said that it is still too soon to give an estimate of the cost of repairs following the meteorological event in April as some aircraft are still being assessed.
 
From: Jim Marchant, Cupar, Fife
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:49 PM
Subject: Christmas Greetings

Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all Movers, old and new!

Regards

Jim and Mary Marchant
 
From: Paul Weir, Leighton Buzzard
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:03 PM
Subject: More very unusual commissions as a basketmaker

Hi Tony,

I thought those Movers out there who know me may like to see what I get up to in my business as a basket maker.
You may recall I sent some pictures a couple of years ago of unusual commissions that I have had as a English Willow Basket Maker.

Well I have attached some more pictures of very rare cars/motor cycles where I have been honoured commissions this year to make rather unique baskets/chairs for a 1912 Phelan motor cycle & side car, willow umbrella tube for a 1913 Adler, white willow side panniers for a 1904 Cadillac and a full set of seats for a Fiat Jolly mini car all woven in centre cane.

Myself and my wife Diane would like to wish you and all of the movers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the best in 2014.

Regards

Paul
(Paul and Diane Weir are partners in Bedfordshire Basketmakers.  Tel:  01525 210834.  Paul Weir is a Yeoman member of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.  A mark of quality and excellence.)
www.bedfordshirebasketmakers.freeindex.co.uk
 

RAF evacuates Britons from South Sudan

RAF aircrew made a daring precision landing at an airfield in South Sudan to rescue British citizens fleeing turmoil in the African state
The pilot of a giant C-17 Globemaster aircraft safely touched down earlier today (Thursday, 19 Dec) despite a crashed civilian airliner obstructing the runway.

At just after 3am the 266 tonne transport took off from RAF Brize Norton at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) who are coordinating the evacuation of UK nationals and others.
Earlier, a civilian 737 airliner had slewed to a halt 2 thirds of the way down the runway after its nose wheel collapsed.

The crashed aircraft was in the process of being made safe by airport emergency services as the RAF C-17 made its approach.

Officer Commanding 99 Squadron, Wing Commander Stuart Lindsell, said: “We practice short landings in training but getting down on a runway with a crashed aircraft taking up a large part of it would really concentrate the mind and is way outside what we would normally expect.

“I think it’s fair to say that this C17 captain and his crew have had one of the toughest days anyone on this squadron has had since we were stood up 12 years ago.

“It’s not just the aircrew but the RAF Regiment who provided protection on the ground, the Movers who helped get the passengers on board, the Medics and the Engineers, all of them have all performed brilliantly and I’m extremely proud of them.”
Wing Commander Lindsell, himself a C17 pilot, said 99 Squadron were used to being on high alert but that the South Sudan mission had come at very short notice with the aircraft successfully completing its first flight within 24 hours of the order being issued.

On board the RAF aircraft were Medics, Force Protection and Air Movements personnel, and FCO officials whose job was to assist people wanting to leave the country.
These capabilities, and its long range, make it ideal for humanitarian missions which it has proved in the past year delivering aid to Typhoon victims in the Philippines and transporting military equipment to Mali and the Central African Republic.

The aircraft picked up 182 passengers including Britons, Commonwealth and EU citizens, who were quickly loaded before the short onward flight to Entebbe in Uganda.

The RAF’s Chief of Staff for Operations, Air Vice-Marshal Sean Reynolds, said:  “This again demonstrates the Royal Air Force’s ability to react swiftly and effectively to protect and assist British people worldwide.

“Throughout 2013, wherever there has been an issue demanding a UK response, there has been an RAF aircraft.”

Gov.uk
However, after a 9-hour flight, covering nearly 3,500 miles, the aircrew faced an unexpected challenge when approaching the airport at the South Sudanese capital Juba.
The C-17 is designed to carry out high angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds, which allows it to operate into small airfields in austere conditions with short, narrow runways.
 
From: Fred Hebb, Gold River, NS
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:46 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter

Wishing all the Movers of the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  A very special wish of happiness and good will to those who are unable to be with their family and loved ones during this special time of the year.  God bless you one and all.

Fred Hebb
RCAF Retired
 
From: Michael V. O'Brien, Corinda, QLD
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:16 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Thanks Tony,

All the Best to all for the Festering Season!

Spare a thought for us poor retirees doin' it tough in GodZone with prawns, and ham, and chook, and Guinness and Irish Whiskey to contend with, unlike what I had to put up with 2 years ago in Mongolia (pic)

Cheers!

OBie
 
From:Vic Smith, Brassall, QLD
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:55 AM
Subject: RE: Christmas Newsletter

Tony,

To you and to all in the Movements World wherever you may be serving or now resident, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Cheers,

Vic Smith
 

Most significant airlift in CAF history: commanding officer

A new chapter in the Canadian Armed Forces' history book has been written in the skies between CFB Trenton and the Philippines.  While commuting from a Waikiki hotel bound for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a rest day Saturday, Lt. Col. Jean Maisonneuve, commanding officer of 429 Transport Squadron, stood up in the bus to congratulate his Bisons on reaching a C-17 airlift milestone during Operation Renaissance 13-1.

Between Monday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, 429 Sqn. has flown nine loads (or chalks) of C-17 Globemaster to Panay Island, with a maximum load exceeding 100,000 pounds on day one. 
When the operation took off on Remembrance Day, 429's CO mentioned to his fellow Bisons the operation was going to be one for the history books.  "I firmly believe it is. This a milestone" he said. "This is the most significant airlift in Canadian Armed Forces' history. Before the C-17, there is no way we could have done that."

Through 19 days of constant air-bridge operation between 8 Wing and Iloilo Airport, seven 429's air crews have flown the same distance as traveling around the world nine times. "18,500 nautical miles is the roundtrip distance. Flying around the world is just a little bit over 20,000 miles (21,500). We kept two jets moving with crews stationed all along the way."

Maisonneuve added each aircraft went around the world in less than three days to deliver "much needed" goods to Iloilo, the Canadian Force's logistic hub in the Philippines.

"Here we are right now (Saturday) on our way back from Hawaii on the last leg of the ninth chalk with the seven crews that were involved in the mission on board," he added, once flight 'CFC 4009' reached the Hawaiian skies around 2 p.m. local time.
After ending this initial surge phase of Op Renaissance 13-1 this weekend, next on the Bisons' agenda is a transition period to a "sustained phase" until the government asks 429 Sqn. to bring CF personnel and equipment back east.

"I am very proud to be the commanding officer of such a fine unit. My guys did an unbelievable job," he said.

He added his Bisons have been calling him, volunteering to cancel their leave so they could be part of the mission. "We have not done a mission of this scope that I can remember in my 27 years in the armed forces. Gulf War 1 was significant, but it was only 6,000 miles away (two-thirds the distance of Op Renaissance 13-1) and Haiti (2010) was also significant, but was only 2,500 miles away."

The squadron's motto is 'One team, one mission'. "And it is certainly the case here," Maisonneuve said.  "It's not just me as a commanding officer and pilot, I've got aviation technicians and loadmasters who did a fantastic job. And let's not forget the support staff back home, as well as our maintenance contractors."
Cpl. Chris Blanchette, 26, has been an avionics systems technician with 429 for four years, while Cpl. Eric Betts, 25, is fairly new to 429 with only four months of service as loadmaster.

Blanchette was born in Quebec, but with his father being a military police officer in the air force he continually moved from air base to air base across Canada while growing up.

Betts, a New Brunswick native, was on duty on the flight to Hawaii. He's proud to have been part of Op Renaissance.  "It means a lot. It's a lot of work, a lot more than I was expecting, but I am very happy to be here," he said. "We had some really complex loads and thanks to the teams at the DART compound readying the loads we could get the most on the jet at each time."

Blanchette put his skills as avionics systems technician to test only once in 19 days of high-tempo air lifting when one of the engines on a C-17 sustained serviceabilities.
"I was lucky enough to launch the first aircraft of the mission out of Trenton (Nov. 11)," he said.

"Our maintainers at home worked really hard to make sure these jets could turn and make it back."

Following a short stop at CFB Comox, BC for refueling, air-bridge flight CFC 4009 touched home soil at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton just after 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Nineteen days in, seeing 429 Sqn. carrying the load so more Filipinos can get back on their feet, 8 Wing's commanding officer Col. Dave Lowthian couldn't wait to welcome his Bisons back home.
Maisonneuve noted approximately 900,000 pounds of equipment, vehicles, medical supplies and food from non-governmental organizations were delivered to the Philippines in 19 days.
"Welcome home guys. Fantastic job to all of you," he said, while shaking each crew member's hand.

Trentonian
 
From: Terry MulQueen, Hastings
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 3:41 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Dear Tony

Wishing all who remember us a Very Happy Christmas and A Peacefull New Year

Terry & Wendy Mulqueen

(Breakfast in Langkawi/Dinner in Hastings!)
 
From: John Bell, Desborough
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 4:04 AM
Subject: Have a good Christmas

Tony,

Here in Middle England the signs are that there will be no white Christmas this year. The weather is quite mild and the skies are blue as I write.  Currently recovering from a hip replacement operation but otherwise all is good.
This photo was taken at Malham Dale in Yorkshire earlier this year when some of the winter snow still survived and I was a bit more mobile.

Merry Christmas to all movers everywhere, with special thought to those separated from their families over the festive season.

May you all have a great and prosperous 2014.

John & Jean Bell
 
From: David Powell, Princes Risborough
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 5:52 AM
Subject: Christmas Greetings!
Dear Tony

Best wishes to all of you and your families and friends, and especially to you Tony for producing the newsletters which bind us together. 

Can anyone explain why Christmas seems to be ever more frequent?  Can't believe that it is over 50 years since I worked as a mover on my first real aircraft, helping out at Lyneham during a Cyprus panic, 1963. 

Then a Flight Cadet, we had been on a visit from Cranwell just before the Easter break when the balloon went up, and I stayed on as a spare pair of hands. Memories of helping to drag a load in the cargo shed one night for a PCF scheduled Britannia with just the SAMO, 'Dad' Owens, driving the Fork Lift, when everyone else was stuffing army units into Brits deploying Medwards.

David Powell
F Team Abingdon 64-67.
Gulf MAMF 1971
 

RAF Hercules detachment hands over Philippines role

The RAF C-130 Hercules detachment involved in humanitarian inter-island aid transport has handed over to the Philippines Air Force (PAF).

The C-130 transport aircraft from RAF Brize Norton has been in the Philippines for 10 days. During that time it has transported over 230 tonnes of aid to some of the islands worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan.

PAF Major Santiago, co-ordinating the air ops at Cebu airfield, said:  "It has been really good to work with the UK C-130 team. They have given us their full support. We will be very sad to see them go."
Flight Sergeant Stuart Wright, air loadmaster for the RAF Hercules detachment, said:  "As we flew into Roxas for the first time there was nothing but devastation and flooding. But when we flew in over the next few days we could see the tents that we’d delivered being used. That’s the most rewarding thing about being here."

The Hercules then flew on from Roxas to Manila, to deliver the main rotor head from a Filipino search and rescue helicopter for repair. The assistance rendered to the PAF was critical, as every working helicopter means more relief aid for those affected by the typhoon on Panay Island.
The RAF’s military C-130 Hercules was sent to assist the United Nations and national Philippines authorities in the initial phases of the crisis response. However, civilian capabilities are better equipped to deal with the longer term recovery and regeneration efforts and will be used by the Department for International Development as required.

The RAF C-130 Hercules detachment commander, Squadron Leader Calvin Bailey, reflected positively on the departure of his aircraft: "Today we flew our last aid mission into Roxas and indeed in support of the Filipino relief effort.  We always got a good reception on the ground, and all of us savoured the last few moments as we were mobbed by the Filipino helpers, who were all after a last photograph."

The British aid effort will continue when we leave but, as we depart, the sea of white and blue domed tents is a visible manifestation of the relief the RAF Hercules team has provided, and it is very rewarding.

Gov.uk
The RAF detachment concluded their part in the relief operation with a 2-phase flight. Firstly, the team delivered tentage and family welfare boxes to Roxas airfield on Panay Island, where they were struck by the progress that has been made in the short time since their arrival.
 
From: Charlie Marlow
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:14 AM
Subject: Christmas greetings

Merry Christmas and a successful and Happy New Year to our worldwide Movements family.  Those currently serving are in our daily prayers and thoughts. 

Keep up the good work and stay safe,  and remember "out of sight does not mean out of mind"

Charlie & Patsy Marlow
 
From: Bruce Oram, Alicante
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:27 AM
Subject: Christmas Message

Hi Tony,

Shirley and I would like to wish all friends past and present a really Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. To everyone who is deployed overseas and in dangerous and difficult locations, we wish you a safe and speedy return to your loved ones.

Cheers the noo

Bruce & Shirley Oram
Christmas at RAF Gutersloh, Germany 1972-75
 
From: Richard Lloyd, Dalgety Bay
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:28 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
May I take this opportunity to wish all Movers past & present & everywhere a very
Happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.

Special thanks to you, Tony, for the newsletter!

Best,
Richard
 
From: Howard Firth, Mossel Bay
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:32 AM
Subject: RE: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

Wishing all Movers past and present a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous 2014.

Regards

“H” and Pat Firth
 
From: Hugh Thompson, Swindon
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 8:36 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony,

Seasons greetings to Movers all over the world, whatever Air Force you serve in, or have served in!

To those in “harm’s way”, may you stay safe and come home to your loved ones and family.

Hughie Thompson
Ex-RAF & RAuxAF Mover
 
From: Steve Perry, Royal Wootton Bassett
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:04 PM
Subject: Christmas Greetings


Hi Tony

Best wishes to you and all movers across the world.  Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year.

Steve Perry
 
From: Mike Perks, Lutterworth 
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 1:27 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony,

The compliments of the season to all Movers and their families.  May we continue to enjoy life now as much as we did when we served.

Best Regards

Mike Perks
07885 600257
 
From: Thomas Geoghegan, Folkestone
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 4:31 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

I'm afraid everything concerned with my time in the Royal Air Force is but a fond memory.  Sadly the generation prior to mine are beginning to get light on the ground.

Delighted to be able to say that we have a few WWII heroes who are treasured members of our local RAFA; our president was shot down in the vicinity of Rangoon and found his way to India on his own through the jungle with Japanese troops at his heels. I believe he was aged around twenty and a seasoned Hurricane pilot.
Folkestone Christmas Lights
Sad sight to see the C130's, that we were introduced to all those years ago during the Aden withdrawal, rendered to scrap. Believe the newer generation will be something else to behold, but the Herc will always remain a good friend to a Mover.

Excellent reading throughout the year and as well as wishing you the very best for the festive season, a big thanks Tony and please keep up the good work.

Regards,

Tod
 
From: Tony Street, Buffalo, NY
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 8:10 PM
Subject: Christmas Greetings
"To all the movers, new, old and bold,
And all the stories, yet untold.

Let's lift a cup of Christmas cheer,
And wish us all a damn good New Year.

Let's hope next year will bring us cheer,
And that we'll all be back this time next year." 

Anon.
And, as my Jewish Air Mover friend used to say as he celebrated Christmas with us, "Peace on earth, goodwill to many, you can hock your suit with my uncle Benny!"
 
From: Graham Flanagan, Stafford
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 4:53 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

A very Merry Christmas and an even Happier New Year to you and all movers past and present.

Stay safe and enjoy the festive period.

Graham (Geordie) Flanagan
 
From: Keri Eynon, Newbury
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:58 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Tony,

Thanks again for the excellent newsletter; it is good to hear from old friends.
Attached is a photo of me with RBL Branch Committee members and the Newbury Mayor at this year's Remembrance gathering at the RBL after the service etc.

Once again we have said farewell to old friends who have departed this life, yet it is good to have other news from others we served with all those years ago as the memories come flooding back.

Wishing all those who remember me as well as everyone linked together by this newsletter a blessed, peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Keri (Taff) Eynon
.
 
New members joining us recently are:
RAAF
John Brackin, Amberley, QLD, Australia
RCAF
Ray Beauchemin, Spencerville, ON, Canada

Rob Swatsky, Red Deer, AB, Canada
RNZAF
Murray J. Smith, Blenheim, New Zealand
RAF
Dave Abrams, Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom

Colin Easdon-Smith, Ingham, QLD, Australia
Welcome to the OBA!
 
From: Bruce Oram, Alicante
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 2:13 PM
Subject: Jack Dunlop

Hi Tony,

Just to let you know I have just had a quick chat with Jack Dunlop. He had just been back from the hospital after suffering a heart attack. He is very weak, but in his words soldiering on and as long as he takes it a bit easier he should be ok. Margaret his wife will make sure he takes his medicine and doesn't do too much.

Cheers the noo

Bruce
 
From: Babs Sugg, Swindon
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:17 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Tony,

Would you please pass on Seasonal Greetings to Howie Bumford and Kenneth McKinstry, and anyone else who may remember me, not forgetting yourself.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and all the Best for a Fantastic New Year.
                               
Fondest memories of UKMAMS

Love Babs Sugg, xxx
 
From: Ray Beauchemin, Spencerville, ON
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 10:14 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Movers around the world.

Special thoughts go the Movers that are deployed away from their families during this Holiday.

Ray and Angie Beauchemin
 
From: Bill Girdwood, Carlisle
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013 2:56 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

To all members of the association who were once serving in FEAFMAMS, I send particular greetings. This year has witnessed the passing of several old friends and we remember them fondly at this time. To their family members we send particular good wishes.

To you and yours, Tony, once again my sincere thanks for all that you do to keep everybody in touch.

My happiest days in the RAF were spent in Movements and I suspect that this is true for the vast majority of those lucky enough to have experienced the camaraderie, loyalty and integrity of this company of friends. All the very best to all for 2014,

As ever,

Bill Girdwood.
The "Fellsman" arrives in a snowy Carlisle
In passing, Tony, I was delighted to see that Sammy Mold is still kicking hell out of everybody! He ponders whether anyone remembers him from our basic Movements Course in 1958: Unforgettable! He was the experienced mover, doing the course really for refreshment because he evidently knew most things anyway! Our instructors were John Davis and Harry Corrie.

Harry was an active member of equity, the Actors union, and never missed an opportunity to perform. My mate was, and still is, Tom Watters, who was transferring from GD, flying Hunters at Biggin Hill, and I from the RAF Regiment. Each day we would grace the Princess of Wales, a Charringtons pub on Blackheath Green, where we would meet up with Brendan Behan, have lunch - half a pint of shrimps and brown bread for 1 shilling and 3 pence - and then meander over to Blackheath rugby club, where Brendan was a member, for the balance of the day!

Occasionally we had to return to Kidbrooke for some reason, but more often than not, we stayed at the bar! Tom and I both got 'A' passes on the course so we must have done something right! Tom went to Maralinga and I to Shift Officer at Lyneham. Perhaps that was our penance!

Bill.
 
From: Donald Milburn, Swindon
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013 7:52 AM
Subject: Christmas
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members. Keep on trucking!

(The photo was taken in the Dominican Republic last September)

Best regards

Don Milburn
 
From: Andy St Laurent, L'Ile Bizard, QC
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013 10:36 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Good morning Tony,

Here is a picture taken in 1950 at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.  L-R:  Andy St-Laurent (Loadmaster), Jack Blowers (Flight Engineer) and Bob Cummings (Radio Officer).

Our Squadron, 426, was moved in 1950 from Montreal to McChord AFB in Washington State to participate in the Korean airlift flying US and Canadian troops to Tokyo. Many of the movers reading this article were probably still in diapers and asking themselves what is a North Star or DC3?
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE READING THIS NEWSLETTER.
Thank you Tony for your hard work in keeping the newsletters coming. All the best to you and family for the coming years

Sincerely

Andy
On the airlift we used the North Star and our route to Tokyo was via Anchorage, Alaska, Shemya in the Aleutians Islands then on to Tokyo. The aircraft was not pressurized and the engines were 4 x 12 cylinders Roll-Royce that were extremely noisy (that probably explains why I need hearing aids nowadays).
 
From: Sam Mold, Brighton & Hove
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2013 2:51 PM
Subject: Seasonal Greetings!
Hi Tony,

Here's wishing you and all our UKMAMSOBA members...

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY 

With kindest regards and best wishes at this time of good cheer, 


Sam
 
From: Tony Last, Huntingdon
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 6:25 AM
Subject: Christmas Message

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Movers everywhere!   Let’s all raise a glass on New Year’s Eve to those who have passed away and for their families spending their first Christmas without them.

Also for those who, for one reason or another, cannot be with their friends and loved ones at this time, to wish them well and a safe and speedy return.           

CHEERS!

Tony & Pat Last

Thanks Tony to you and your TEAM for your excellent work.
Mayor of Huntingdon, Bill Hensley, with Santa
 
From: Peter Clayton, Wroughton
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 12:15 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
 
From: Clive Price, Brecon
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 2:20 PM
Subject: Xmas Greetings
Just like to wish everyone MAMS at home and abroad a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.  Stay safe to those who may be in Afghanistan or even the Philippines.

I often remember my last Christmas in Gan on 'standby' and then in Hong Kong after Gan had closed, they were great trips but certainly a lot easier than the tasks of today.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, Tony.

And to all of the old and bold Movers out there.

From Taff Price (the fat one who drank with Bob Turner!).
Foxtrot Team UKMAMS
Abingdon 1966-70
I attach some photos from the Christmas reunion in Swindon at the Blunsdon Arms on Friday 13th Dec.  It was great to see old friends, in particular Guss Cobb who is doing well with his fight against Cancer, also Merv Corke who told us several times that he is now age 83. 

There appears to be a lot of interest in the next big 'reunion do' near Wroughton next May, but it looks like I could be away in France for that one.

All the best Tony, have a great Christmas and thanks for all the great work on the OBA Newsletters.

Regards

Peter
 
From: Frank Lightfoot, Glasgow
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 4:07 AM
Subject: Xmas 2013
Hi Tony,

You do really well with the site, long may it continue.

I have not been in touch due to advancing years and old age.  I’m just sitting here remembering my stint with FEAF MAMS A Team Changi 67 - 69 and my last posting to Brize 72 - 74 as a Movements Controller.

I haven't met any of my old muckers as most events are down south; can’t think of any in the Glasgow area.

Please send my season’s greetings to all Movements personnel old and new.  I watched some of  Inside Brize Norton, it was OK but lacked the old atmosphere and the days of doing the trim sheets by hand are gone.

Frank
 
From: Alan Potts, Temecula, CA
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 1:30 PM
Subject: CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Now is the time of the year that our thoughts turn to those who will be away from home

And for those who have lost a loved one in the past year.

Let us pray and wish all of our comrades around the globe a joyous and peaceful Christmas.

Alan Potts 
 
From: Dougie Betambeau, Swindon
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 1:18 PM
Subject: Seasons Greetings
Tony,

Thank you for the opportunity to pass on my sincere season`s greetings to all past & present Movers & their families.

A glass will be raised to those who are no longer with us… followed by another to those who will spend time away from their loved ones.

A Happy Xmas & Prosperous 2014 to you & all your readers.

Warmest wishes

Dougie B
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