"Main Point"Current Newsletter of News, Views, Comments and Articles.
Andy Anderton Reports on The National Memorial Arboretum.
Last Friday I visited the NMA at Alrewas in Staffordshire, a very interesting day out and thoroughly recommended for those who have connections with the armed forces.
Ginge Simpson - Plumber.
While there I was able to find the name of Little Ginge (Ginge Simpson - Plumber) on the vast list of names cut into the walls (see picture). He must have been one of the first losses from the 74th and I believe was killed in a helicopter crash in the Malayan Jungle in 1957 on our first posting from Halton.
[Editor] There is an entry on the Internet: Corporal R. Simpson - accident Slim River, Padang 20 September 1957. Buried at Cheras Road Christian Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur. Visit angelfire.com Memorials Website.
The name P.A.S Cusens on the memorial also appears to have been a Corporal involved in the same accident. Is the T Garlick an ex-F/S Apprentice (65th entry)?
RAFHAA Halton Grove.
I also went to the RAFHAA Halton Grove, a shrubbery set out in the form of a wheel, still rather inmature but will grow in time.
Andy (Report 11th June 2008)
More about the NMA.
The National Memorial Arboretum is the home of the new Armed Forces Memorial which was opened in October 2007. It is a striking and emotive memorial and is quickly assuming national significance. It gives recognition and thanks for those who have died whilst on duty or as a result of terrorist action since the Second World War and acknowledges the enduring sacrifice of those who mourn their loss.
A Wonderful Sight: A Report by Paul Lampard.
A few minutes ago I was walking Misty, my mutt, up the lane and had the Batttle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, with a Spitfire on one wing tip and a Hurricane on the other, fly at about 500 feet right over head! (Keeping below the murk).
Marvellous sight and sound!
They were on their way to Cranwell to celebrate the 112th birthday of the oldest surviving original member of the Royal Air Force.
We were also treated to their return flight a few minutes later though this was at +/- 1000 feet and a field away.
Really stirs the blood.
Regards to all.
Paul. (Report dated 6th June 2008)
BBC Report 6th June 2008: Extract.
Britain's oldest man, thought to be one of three surviving UK World War I veterans, has celebrated his 112th birthday with a VIP lunch and fly-past.
Henry Allingham is also the last surviving original member of the Royal Air Force - formed 90 years ago.
When asked for the secret of long life, Mr Allingham said:
"I don't think there's a particular reason.
"The only thing I can say is all my life I have lived within my limitations, take life slowly, don't get any stress or strains.
"The more birthdays I enjoy the longer I live."
Message from Paul Lampard (updated).
Fancy a bit of research? Paul has sent me this interesting email about the possible tragic death of Pete Warnett (not Warnock as stated in the previous posting).
[Editor] Apologies from Paul and myself to the families and friends for any distress caused by the mixup of names.
The Tragic DC 10 Crash on 3rd March 1974.
" I am sure that my good friend, Peter Warnett, the Armourer from Tonbridge, Kent was a passenger on the THY DC-10 flight from Paris, Orly to LHR in which all 346 passengers and crew died in the crash. Perhaps you could obtain a passenger list to verify this if you have the time available and add him to the list of the departed ?"
" All the best
Paul Lampard 588660 Plumber."
[Editor] Come on lads get searching. The Web or Record Office - Peter Warnett (deaths) 3rd March 1974?
[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.