"Main Point"Current Newsletter of News, Views, Comments and Articles.
The Tommy Thomas Story.
Report by Tony.
Charles Peter "Tommy" Thomas 588545, 74th Entry
Tommy received his final posting on 3rd November 2011. He had many fond memories of life at Halton and would often refer to the discipline learned there when having to remonstrate with his son Christopher.
After Graduation his first posting was to Pembroke Dock where he worked on Sunderland flying boats. Tommy enjoyed this and would often reminisce about his early experiences. Next came 8 years at Wattisham servicing missiles and various marks of Lightning. There followed a year in Borneo, some time on Christmas Island, and it was back to a further few years at Wattisham.
A posting to Binbrook for more work on Lightnings, elevation to Chief Tech, and thence to Aldergrove and experience on many aircraft types including the Short Skyvan and Queenair. Tommy left the service at the age of 42 and joined the electricity board. A good job for an Engine Fitter!
Retirement finally came to Tommy in 2001 and he was able to persue his hobbies of golf and gardening, visiting his native Cornwall, and generally putting his feet up, reading the Haltonian, in which he had had a couple of articles published, and corresponding with old Entry comrades.
A couple of years ago he was able to bring Rosemary, his wife of 49 years, to visit Halton and to see the Trenchard Museum. It was a trip down memory lane for him, and an insight as to his moulding for Rosemary.
Tommy's funeral was held on November 14th at Grimsby Crematorium, the service having a Royal Air Force theme. A touching tribute was the playing of the Royal Air Force March Past. He leaves his widow Rosemary, two children, Christopher and Petra, two grandchildren and his sister Margaret.
Tony Reports: Dave Meets Birdie Laidlaw in Tazmania.
Some five or six weeks ago Dave Allsep called me to ask for Cyril "Birdie" Laidlaw's e and snail addresses as he and Jean were going on a trip to Australia to see their son and family. As Birdie, one of the 74ths New Zealanders, now lives in Tasmania Dave thought it a good idea to pay him a visit whilst down under.
In the picture Birdie is on the left, Dave on the right.
Cheers Tony.
Googled Again!
Request for Aircraft Sketches.
Our Website often gets a visit from searchers looking for aircraft and RAF articles. The latest from FltLt. Dave Walmsley of the ATC 2214 Squadron [Usworth] near Sunderland. I was a cadet there prior to Halton.
Dave wrote:
Saw your 74th site and wondered if we could use some pages in our new project -
2214 (USWORTH) Squadron - An Illustrated History
Visit the 2214 Squadron ATC Website.
We like the Anson and Dragon Rapide articles and sketches and would like to use them in our new Book. It will fill the 50's part of the timeline.
Sketches supplied to the ATC.
Dragon Rapide.
Read the Dragon Rapide Web page.
Avro Anson..
Read the Avro Anson Web pages.
Tiger Moth.
Have a look at our ATC site - it may be useful for an article in your newsletter.
If you have any contacts with any 'old Boys' please let them know - we need the pictures.
Also details of Reunion and "Alumni".
It's our 70TH Anniversary this year and we'd like to do something special.
Regards
Dave Walmsley FltLt 2214 (USWORTH) Squadron
Let's Have Your Own ATC Cadet Story.
Another Googled Page.
DH110 Crash at Farnborough.
A correction to a Web page suggested by Eric Burrows (Ex 58th Entry).
I just stumbled across your page while mucking about on the net. I am ex 58th. I cannot tell you which entry it was that went to Farnborough by bus but it wasn't 58th. I was there and had been out of Halton for some time as by then I was on flying training at Moreton in the Marsh. We passed out of Halton December 1950 if my memory is correct.
The fuselage landed in front of me and the engines went over my head, I must say that I felt pretty helpless as I watched the situation developing.
I have lived in Australia for many years now and have met a few ex-brats over the years. It's funny how those three years seem to leave an indelible mark on you.
Eye Witness Account from an ex 68th Now Living in New Zealand.
I hope that you find the following eye witness account interesting if somewhat distressing.
Please click on this link to the New Zealand ex- RAF Apprentices Association Website:
Eric Burrows 584588
Any Comments?
News Items and Stories Needed.
[Editor] Please send me any news items or stories that may be of interest to members of the 74th Entry Association or any other visitors to the 74th Entry Website.
Joe Bosher (74th).