Jun 07 2007
200 Squadron RCT (Hovercraft)
Over the past few day’s I’ve been looking for information relating to 200 Sqn, a Hovercraft Squadron that was part of the RCT in the mid 60′s early 70′s, reason being that my father was part of this Squadron, in fact he was one of the first members of 200 Sqn and I’m curious to learn more about this period in my fathers life.
Now that’s were the problems arise, trying to find out information relating to 200 Squadron on the net is a near impossibility, only reference’s I can find relating to 200 Sqn are a piece in one of the newsletters the Hovercraft Museum has on-line and all that really tells you is about the example of the craft they have on show, I have been lucky enough though to get in contact with the daughter of another member of the Squadron, though it looks like her father may have been in the 2nd batch of RCT members to be trained on the Hovercraft, so he may not have known my father, I’ve also been in contact with the RCT/RASC Association who have kindly put me in touch with a James Hutchinson, who it seems may have known my father. I’ve now managed to get some photo’s from my mum showing the hovercraft on exercise’s in the far east possibly Singapore and Hong Kong, anyway my investigations continue.
FootNote :
I’ve now got a copy of my fathers Citation/Record which details that on his return to the UK from Aden in 1966 he was selected for the first Hovercraft Navigator Course and joined 200 Hovercraft Sqn in Singapore in 1968 as Master Navigator, he worked on local Hovercraft Operations, the Japanese Expo, and when the unit withdrew to the UK, did Hovercraft Ops in Turkey, Denmark and Norway.
On completion of his Hovercraft tour he joined 17 Port Regt where he was employed as Ops WO 51 Fort Sqn.
Hopefully this might job a few memories amongst those of you who may have served with Harold.
Click on the Above image for a full-size version
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My apologies for being a slow learner, I left a response to your home page regarding 200 Hovercraft Trials SQN.
Rob Pearce
Hi,
I was one of the founding members of 200 Hovercraft Trials Sqn, (the Trials part was later dropped) although I was REME. I served with the Sqn at Browndown, Singapore, Hong Kong, with exercises in Australia & Borneo before going back to Gosport in 1969.
So if your father was also a founding member I would no doubt remember him.
Hi Al, I’ve sent you an email with some pictures attached showing the 200 Squadron in action and also at what I believe to be a meeting of NATO Officers viewing the Hovercraft, are’nt sure where they were taken.
Hi All
My fsther served with 200 hovercraft squadron.
He was a pilot stattion at Browndown and also went on many exercises.
I also have first day cover stamps from some of the places they went too.
Kind regards
Peter
Hi just found this blog my brother was in 200 sqn when it started (mick o,brien)
Hi,
I have no idea if this is going to be useful or relevant or anything…!
I was down at Lee-on-the-Solent today, (having a nose around outside the hovercraft museum area, as you do…), and took a photo of a small green hovercraft (can you tell I’m not an expert?!), which had ’200 Squadron’ printed on the side of it – so I googled it to see what the ’200 Squadron’ was, and came across your blog… so, as it could randomly be useful… I’ve added the photo I took to flikr (it should be here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27983664@N07/2610476575/ …sorry its not brilliant – I was outsmarted by a chain-link fence!)
I don’t know if it is the one they are referring to on this page: http://www.hovercraft-museum.org/muscc7.html ? or anything… or, as I said, if it is anything relevant to what you are looking for…/if you already knew about them, etc.. as its not a SRN6… but thought I would post a comment anyway…
All the best!
Calvin
Cheers for the picture Calvin, nice to see my blog post is bringing people here to do with 200 Sqn RCT.
I beleive this was on the early models used by the RCT, though don’t know alot of details about it myself, but every little bit helps cheers mate
I have a copy of the Squadron Photograph [with names] that was taken in Singapore sometime between Apr 67 ~ Nov 69.
What was your father’s surname? I will check if he is on it.
Hutchinson was presumably ‘Scouse’ Hutchinson – R Sigs attached.
Never imagined for one moment that he had a Christian Name – ‘James’? – Well I never !!
Hi Bernie,
thxs for dropping by and leaving a comment, my fathers name was Harold Elgey WOII
Thought I believe he may have made it to WOI by the time he left 200 Squadron.
He was originally with the RCT working on Logistic Landing crafts Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram and I believe he was possibly Navigator on the SRN6′s.
You can see some of the photo’s I have of the Hovercraft here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsablognotalog/sets/72157602793698534/
Hi Vince.
Sorry.
He is not on the photo that I have. Indeed it is the same as the last one in your batch.
I do however recall your father, but I cannot recollect the precise time that he was with the Squadron. He must presumably have left have left before (or maybe joined later than) the 1969 photo was taken.
I have a feeling that it was later rather than earlier.
Bernie.
Hi to any one who is still looking at this site i was with 200 hovercraft squadron in singapore my memory is not that good these days but i think i have some phtoes about some where .that i may be able to find, i did see my name was up in lights in one of the photoes put up by this site that was taken in 1969, i will look out for any reply to this
The craft in the photo is XX102 cushion craft 7. It was aquired by 200 Squadron in 1972.
On my arrival in June 1967 the squadron had one craft an SRN5 XT492. It was on loan and later kept by the squadron in exchange for SRN6 XV614.
The three main craft arrived a short while later. All SRN6 MK.II. Tail numbers XV615, XV616 and XV617.
Just before I left the Squadron in June 1972, Hovercraft SRN6 MK.V. XT493, XT657 Plus CC7 XX101 and XX102, were taken on the Squadrons strength.
Anyone remember the first hovercraft accident, when Monty Poyntz demolished the fire point.
Glad to see that this post is bringing 200 Sqn into contact with each other, wish my dad was still alive to join in all the banter.
Hey Scouse, are you sure it was the first accident attributed to Monty Poyntz?
I recall a situation that caused some angst amongst the ‘Great & the Good’ when even before we went to Browndown Camp in 1967, Monty Poyntz’s craft collided with a motorcycle combination [a sort of 'Wallace & Gromit' thing] as he crossed the road running past HMS Daedalus whilst transiting from the camp to the Solent shoreline.
The situation was somewhat legally complicated because apparently Monty didn’t have a road vehicle driving licence and yet he was at the controls of a vehicle [of sorts] using the highway at the time of the collision.
My dad was in 200 Hovercraft Sqdn. He was a Senior Navigator instructor ,and also toured from singapore to Australia and Borneo.we left Singapore early in 1969 due to illness. i have some photos of dad at the helm of a hovercraft,and a group pic with names.
The National Archives now hold details of the Squadrons activities. Under the 30 year rule they have been released to the general public. The details are :-
Reference TitleOrScope CoveringDates FormerRef
BT 268/916 200 Hovercraft Squadron: Royal Corps of Transport Formation Report 17 Oct 1966 to 10 June 1968 Dec 1968
DEFE 70/130 200 Hovercraft Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport (RCT): reports on hovercraft trials and exercises in the United Kingdom and Far East 1968 Jul 31 – 1969 Feb 24 D/RCT/28/3/9A
I have been unable to access them on the net. Does it take a trip to London to read them ?.
OMPITA I forgot about the other incident, it happened before I arrived. I took a photo of the damaged fire point to send it to the Waggoner, but because of the wallace and gromett incident I was advised by Gerry Bradman not to. Who was the wag who made the new sign “Fire Poyntz”?.
Hi Vince,
Not only did Monty Poyntz demolish the fire point he went through the side of the hanger and into the REME workshop, luckily, as usual, all the blokes were outside hard at work.
Is the “Bernie” who mentioned the 1969 photo one Bernie Guinard?
Hi, i was with 200 at browndown 1972-74
My father, Dick (Tug) Wilson was a navigator on the LCT’s and we lived in Milldam Bks, Portsmouth in 67. I was engagaged to Monty Poyntz (but it fizzled out when he was posted to Singapore) !!!
Our neighbour was Les Hickling and they went off to Singapore as well.
Great to see the memories.
If anyone remembers us from Pulau Brani then please get in touch.
Vince dad was in Tokyo on the Hovercraft, it was some sort of “Expo”.
Pre 1966 we were out in Singapore and we lived on Wessex Estate. We adopted the camp dog Tops from Paula Brani I think. Both Jacky and myself went to Pasir Panjang School. The 2nd time we were in S’pore was after 1966 and we lived on Chic Bee Estate, I went to school at Gills ??? It has over 100 steps to get to it. Dad I am sure was on the Hovercrafts in Singapore and Gosport when we lived at 21 Peronne Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth. They were army houses. I know that dad also served in Borneo to the Sultan of Brunei, he was also in Aden and did a stint in N.Ireland. He came out of the Army in Oct 1973 after 20+ odd years. He will have been other places too. He was always going to Norway on excercise.
I remember the name Ron Little, if I remember other names I will let you know
For those of you who were out in Singapore here are a few websites I found that brought back memories of my childhood there.
http://rogerthomas.me.uk/index.htm
http://www.singas.co.uk/
http://warrenssingapore.com/
The 2nd site is excellent and looking at the pics brought it all home, those care free days at school, Changi Beach, The school buses, White Army Buses taking you on day trips. Those were they days.
Hi Lynne and welcome to the blog, hopefully someone will recognise your name and that of your fathers, I’m sure that my father may have know yours as he to served on LCT’s, these being Sir Tristram and Sir Galahad, he was also posted to Singapore around the same time as your father and from what my sisters have told me they attended the same school as you, though don’t know if this was at the same time
The site http://www.singas.co.uk is excellent, and I also helped set up a site http://www.alexandragrammar.org which is now for all Singapore Schools.
Did anyone go to Pulau Brani primary school. (I was there on my first tour and then Alexandra Grammar (with the hundreds of steps). It became Bourne School when I went on to St Johns, the new comprehensive school for the senior pupils. (The first and second year secondary pupils stayed at the old buildings, which were re-named Bourne.
I lived on Pulau Brani from 58-60 and 63-66
I was at the 2nd time we were out in Singapore Bourne School with those 100 of steps. I also attended Wessex School and Pasir Panjang Schools.
I will look at the other site. chears Lynne
My friend Jean Penney lived in Peronne Road on her return from Singapore, about 1967. Did you know her or her parents Barbara and Alec?
We lived near there, in Bapaume Road, in 57-58. (Portsmouth)
We were at Golden Hill, Isle of Wight, before then.
Names I am in contact with from the Water Transport days are Hopping, Cooper, Quick,Brading, Sinclair, Webb, Hatton, Walling
Does anyone else remember them.
Anyone know where the Thomas’s ended up? Ted and Muriel’s children were Hayden and Beverley, and Bill and Dot’s daughter was Jacquie.
(Afraid they weren’t hovercraft, just LCT’s).
Maybe it’s time to toss a few more names from 200 Sqn’s Halcyon days of the late ‘60s into the pool – and see just how many other distant memories are evoked by the ripples.
Bob Meades
Gus Boag
‘Bomber’ Brown
Ivor Rees
Ivor Hellberg
Dave Caldwell
Stuart Mason
Ted Johns
Ken Turfrey
Pete Henderson
Ron Bland
Colin Sturgin
Colin Evans
Frank Weyman
‘Snatch’ Stevens
Roger Dawson
I’ve add a footnote to the above post, its a photo of my fathers service record which had details of when he was in 200 Sqn
Very interesting to read the citation. I shall forward it on to my friend Ann (nee Brading). We were together at Freshwater (IOW) approx 1954 and again in Singapore (Pulau Brani) 63-65. Her father is still alive, so may remember your father.
We were on Pulau Brani (37 Coy) from March 58 – Dec 60, so possibly your father was my father’s replacement. We went back again to Pulau Brani in Nov 63, until June 66.
When did the Sqn first go out to Singapore? I remember going to a Christmas dance in the Sgt’s Mess at St George’s Bks in Gosport with Monty, and everyone was amazed that he had a girlfriend. I think that it must have been Christmas 1967.
I had some good photos of LCT’s unloading stores at Tanjong Berlayer which I donated to the RCT Museum.
I also have a good photo of the LST’s Sir Galahad and Sir Lancelot berthed together near Pulau Brani.
Re Lyn Copping’s query above:
Sqn went to Singapore in March 1968.
Craft were carried as Deck Cargo on the MV Benalbanach.
Was the Benalbanach one of the Ben Line ships?
My uncle was a captain on the Ben Line and we saw far more of him when we lived in Singapore, as he passed through two or three times a year, en route to Japan.
When he berthed opposite Pulau Brani at night him and my dad would pass a few messages to one another in morse code, my dad by switching the upstairs verandah light on and off.
Glynis,
Did you know any of the families on Pulau Brani? When were you in Singapore?
(Sorry chaps, I’m digressing from the main purpose of this blog, but it has been interesting to read the bits about it).
Was the Sqn mascot Dougal, from the Magic Roundabout?
Yes Dougal was the ‘Magic Roundabout’ dog.
When he was presented to the Sqn at Browndown Camp before embarking for Singapore in early 1968 there was one of those delightfully hilarious moments of ‘military humour’ when the presenter (a lady from the BBC I seem to recall) quite seriously told all the soldiers on parade for the event that although he was know in England as Dougal, his real name was ‘Pollox !’ (from his French provenance).
There were countless heaving shoulders as everyone tried not to weep with laughter as the squaddie sense of humour kicked in at hearing this unintended pun by the straight faced guest of honour!!
I was on the trip to Japan. It was called “British Week in Tokyo”. We sailed to Japan on HMS Fearless. We where accompanied by the RFA Stromness which was loaded with equipment that we were trying to flog to the Japanese. Princess Margaret opened the week on 26th September 1969. Can only remember a couple of names. We also had a trip on the Bullet Express.
Also went caving to the Batu Caves, K.L. Our leader was Bernie R.E.M.E, who supplied us all with safety equipment.
Another jaunt I went on was a raft trip down the River Pahang, with Gerry Bradman and Mick O’brien. We built a bamboo raft up river during the monsoon season, then headed towards the South China Sea at a great rate of knots. Quite an adventure!!.
Glynis- i also lived at 21 Peronne Road, but in 1969 when 200 H/craft returned from Singas.The website for singas is brilliant for anyone who was there in the 1960′s.Loved the photos.
My father was Alan hodson.would love to hear from anyone who remembers him.
For Lyn Copping mainly………
The Benalbanach was a Ben Line ship.
I am pretty sure that the Captain of the Benalbanch at the time was named Murray. Was that perhaps your Uncle?
Hi Vince.
I remember Harold. I joined 200 about 66/67 when there was a hanger at Browndown and no H/C. I was one of the first seaman crew. Brian Halliwell, Frank Skene were two others.
I did two tours with 200, 66/67 to 69 and then as Navigator 73/4.
I remember many of the names listed plus many others.
Ron D.
Vince. Here are some photo’s taken during my hovercraft days.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35026125@N06/
Cheers for sharing these with everyone, I’ve added you as a contact on flickr now as well if you don’t mind, hopefully while I’m at my mothers this weekend will see what other photo’s I can find from my dads time with 200 Sqn
Benalbanach – I don’t think my uncle had this ship.
His name was Ken Wilson.
Do any of the RCT chaps remember my father, WO1 Dick Wilson (not hovercraft, he was a navigator on the LCT’s – had Glider Pilot wings – from Arnhem – on his uniform).
Discovered this site while browsing for personal “ancient connections” as you do!
Most of the chat is of a time before I knew 200 Sqn, however there may be others out there who remember the rather less glamorous times when, while based at Browndown, we spent winters off the coast of Norway.
I was OC of the REME Workshop who with a small band of hybrid technicians/mechanics tried to keep the carft from going “AOG”.
Glynnis
It would appear we were in Singapore at the same time. My dad was a REME Tiffy with the Hovercraft Sqn, we were there for a year until they returned to UK. We also lived on the Chip(?) Bee Estate (16 Taman Warna as I recall) then moved to 26 Peronne Rd/Close in Hilsea.
We went to Alexander (Manners Maketh Man, ISTR I was in Montgomery Hse), then to Northern Parade in Hilsea. My dad has passed on so I can’t ask him about this time with the Sqn, though I may have an odd photo or so in his album. Another name I remember is Siobhain Quinlan in Hilsea, her dad was REME attached as well (poss the ASM?).
Hello,
My name is Tony Smith, ex CPLRCT. I served with the sqn from May 1969 – Jan 1973.
Joining the sqn in Singapore, WOII Elgey and his wife were the first people from the sqn that my wife and I met at the hostel for new arrivals and they were a great help.
I enjoyed my time with the sqn and later as the MT CPL doing exercise in Norway 3 times, Alderney Scotland, Wales, Turkey and Denmark.
Before being posted to 2 Div Regt. Germany, I had the sad task of being in the firing party at the funeral of WOI Matt Dowson.
Some more names i remembered:
Maj Macindo
Capt. Macmillian
Capt. Branch
Capt. Tout
Lt. Squires
Jerry Bradnam
Les Hickling
Matt Dowson
Ken Armstrong
Randy Wright
Pete Bandy
John Matyear
Bob Scott
Mick Burns
George Mullins
Pete Mercer
Ray Marshall
Sooty Sutton
Dicky Goucher
Ivor Rees
Mick Grimshaw
Jock Bushell
Paddy Brown
Harry Chillingworth
Scouse Squires
Dane Patmore
Jock Lang
Welcome to the Blog Tony, Derek & Tony, hope you come across some friends on here from the time you server with 200 Sqn, and glad to hear you met my mum and dad, you may have even met me, I was the cute little blonde haired son all of 3 years old when you joined in Singapore
A bit disappointed that no-one from the Browndown days has responded, however it’s early days! Strictly speaking I was part of 200 Hovercraft Squadron Workshop REME, which provided the engineering support for 200 Hovercraft Squadron RCT. From a military engineering point of view it was a unique experience and a memorable job in more ways than one!
Are there any VMs (Hovercraft Trained) or Avionics Techs (Hovercraft) out there who remember?
Hi Vince,
I remember your father but time has dulled my memory a little. I was on the same trip to Japan with him. Skouse Huthinson also.
Branch was the detachment commander as I remember.
Hi to Al Crawford. We could tell a tale or two about Hong Kong couldn’t we! Was Bernie Guignard on 200 with us?
Hi to Dereck Dobson, son of my great friend F/Sgt Dereck Dobson. Many great hours with your Dad, both in S”Pore and UK. I called at your flat in ChipBee a couple of times. Sad to hear of his passing.
For those that didn’t know, Mike Mcindoe was killed in an aircrash some years ago.
Paddy Quinlan was the ASM at Browndown. Stu Mason was ASM in S’Pore. (I think).
Don’t remember anything about the “Dougal Saga” at Browndown?? Maybe that all happened on the other side of the hanger!!
The craft were tended by Frank Weyman on board ship for the trip to S’Pore.
Skouse, I still contact Gus but lost your address.
Enough for now. Great to see all these names again.
Happy Days
Colin S
Hi again Vince,
Have waited a while with no response from yourself or anybody else. I feel a little like Tony Griffin.
I was browsing some of yours or Skouses photo’s and recognised your Father, who I remember well after some memory jogs. I believe it was him on the ramp of the HC talking to a young lady. I was a corporal at that time so didn’t mix much socially with the SNCO’s. (Frowned on).
Being a founder menber of 200 Sqn (and a REME avionics technician) my tour included Singapore, Hong Kong, Ambon (on board HMS Triumph) Alderny and Browndown. I returned to the Army Air Corp on return from Singapore. and after a period of time joined the Royal New Zealand Airforce. I am retired now and live in Auckland NZ.
Of interest to some of your other contributors I also spent some of my childhood in Singapore. I lived in Pepys Rd, Pasir Panjang and attended Alexandra Secondary Modern, Gillman Barracks. (Oh those steps) from ’54 to Jan ’56. I was there during the riots, with armed guards on school Bedford lorries. Others more lucky used Changi bus company buses!
I returned to Malaya in ’59 and did a tour of 3 years with the Gurkahs.
Best Regards
Colin
Hello Colin.
Ron Dawson here. I was same, no response.
I was with 200 from the start as one of the seamen crew, generally with Les Hickling and Colin Kantharia.
We lived in Sembawang Hills Drive for the first few months then moved down to Jalan Tarum. Do you remember “Charlie’s” eating place down by the taxi rank.
We live in the New Forest area nowadays. My daughter and family live in Oz and in April my wife Vivienne, and I were down there. Only just recovered from living upside down!!!!!!
You may remember before we left “Singas” I bought a Radiogram from you. Funnily enough still got the receipt. but alas Radiogram has gone to that big secondhand shop in the sky, guess it must have been faulty.
I’ll leave my email address in the hope of a reply from you ,or anyone else, for catchup info?
rwmd0418@yahoo.co.uk
Regards
Ron Dawson.
Apologies gentlemen for not replying sooner, just been lazy of late, its nice to see that my blog is still attracting former members of 200 Sqn, theres been quite a few posting on here, though of late its only been you 2, best thing to do is just keep popping back and seeing who’s posted here.
If anyone wants me to forward email address to each other let me know, that way your not putting your email address on here for all the spam mailers to find.
Regarding the man kissing the young lady on the front of the hovercraft, that is indeed my dad, would love to know who the woman was ?
How does one send a picture to this BLOG?
Hi yet again,
Just a very brief question and allow me a senior moment, but who is hiding behind the name Ompita?
Thanks for the info re email addresses. Good idea. I have mailed Ron and await a reply.
Regards Colin
Ompita send it to admin@elgey.co.uk and it’ll get to me
Lynne Copping has asked me to let you all know that there will be a reunion in March 2010 of ALL SINGAPORE SCHOOLS in Hatfield
Some of you may have had children at school then, and it would be
great to see them. Email singaporeschool.reunion@googlemail.com for details, or
look at http://www.singas.com and http://www.alexandragrammar.org (now for all schools).
I see that Colin Sturgen was at school in Singapore in the 50′s, we do
have some ex pupils from then, so he wouldn’t be alone, though I suppose that
most of us were there in the 60′s and early 70′s.
Hi everone
Been looking for a site for 200 Squadron for ages.
I was a pilot from about 1972 to 1974.
Names I rememmber are.
Paul Nunn
Capt. Bellinger
Tom Buchan
Nav. Ron Dawson( we got stuck on a sandbank in the Solent)
and the W011 in the REME who gave me a right going over for not putting the craft in the right position for servicing.
D’oes anyone remember Paul Nunn desroying my craft on a round the I.O.W. race?
Or me nearly killing two fishermen on the beach at Browndown after the ‘hump’
Please keep this going, we need to Know more
Regards to everone
Hello Reg.
I am the Nav. Ron Dawson, you mention.
Have to say I’m not able to place you nor do I remember the incident in the Solen. However I do remember in the closing years of 200 there were several personnel from other Arms posted into 200. I seem to remember two members of The Blues and Royals. Were you perhaps one of those?
Regards
Ron Dawson
Gentleman I thought seeing as there are quite a few of the members of 200 Hovercraft Squadron here now that I’d start an Official group on Flickr dedicated to the photographic history of the Armed Forces use of Hovercrafts, I’ve already added a few from my fathers days and wondered if any of you had photos you’d care to add to the group.
Main reason for setting this up is that as far as I can tell there is very little on the internet in text or photo about the use of the Hovercraft by the British Armed Forces and I feel that all of you rightly deserve a place you can share your photos and your memories of what I’m guessing was an exciting time.
You can find the group here
You may need to join Flickr to post photo’s to the group and also request to join the group (did this to prevent internet idiots joining)
Hope you like it and enjoy it.
regards
Vince
Hi Ron
I’m not surprised you cannt place the name.
I joined 200 in ’73 and some prat decided to send me on a SQMS course in the late spring of ’74. So wasn’t with the unit very long.
When I got back I was told the unit was closing down.
The incident in the solent must have been about april ’74
Regards to all
Reg
Hi again
There is a scouse back there. I was known as scouse morgan.
My craft tail number was xv 617 written off by Paul Nunn spring 1974
Hope the links work. First Army pilots training.
Ihtu in the Falklands Islands.
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=44532
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=73560
Hello again Reg.
Great to hear from you, but I’m afraid the Solent issue is still a Mega “Senior Moments.”
Anyway Reg, you may like to get back to me on the email address posted at the end of my comments dated 1 June 09, to see if we can release this “Senior Momemt log jam.
Ron Dawson.
Hi Ron
Your not the only one having ‘senior moments’.
I’m not good with computers and having all kinds of problems with
my e-mail.
When it’s sorted I’ll let you know.
I did check my log book from the squadren and my dates do seem to be right.
Where you there when the unit closed down? I think it went to the Marines.
Regards
Reg
Me again
Message for Vince.
Photo’s a good idea, I have some but not competent to upload them( that the right term).
When my e-mail is sorted I’ll get someone to do it for me.
Regards to all
Reg
Reg an email came into me from Ron, think he thought he was replying to your post and sent it to me by accident, see below
Hello Reg.
I have looked in my log book and the only entries recorded for April, are 25 & 27. The first being with my pilot, Roy Stokes = collection CC7 from BHC Cowes the second with the then OC, Major Simon Salter = Collection SRN6 Mk5 from RFA Baccus at Netley, which was as a result of the unit deployment to the Middle East.
I left 200 Sqdn in May ’74, returning to the Maritime Regiment at Marchwood.
However, I do not doubt your word, or your log book. At the time, like many other members of thr Sqdn, I knew my days in 200 Sqdn were numbered, due to government cutbacks, so I most probably “Switched Off” as there probably seemed no point in continueing to follow the Military Dictat.
Even in 1974 a Labour Government was “Screwing Up” and, as the passage of time has proved, nothing has changed. Re; the quote, “Everyone, in life, has a cross to bear” and regrettably ours is a Labour Government!!!!!!
Is it possible to send a photograph of yourself from that period, then perhaps a penny might drop? I do remember Paul Nunn, as I served with him in the Maritime unit at Gosport, but I guess your adventure with him “writing off” your craft must have occurred after I left 200.
Regards.
Ron Dawson.
Hello Pete Drabble.
If memory serves me wright you replaced “Taff Shepherd in Singapore as it was discovered he had suffered perforated ear drums, and joined the rest of us seamen Brian Halliwell; Frank Skene, and myself. I recognise you from the Squadron Photograph taken at Jap Slip. Have to say that, like many of us retired types, is all I can remember. Get back to me my email address is shown after my June message, or post a message on the blog.
Ron Dawson
hello all does anyone know or remember the following names of the old sqn scouse squires…..dickie goucher…..mick grimshaw…..ray marshall……ivor rees as i would like to get iin touch for a possible re-union regards tony smith
Tony,
Mick Grimshaw has just been made redundant from the job of QM, Royal Signals Coldhams lane Cambridge. Has not taken up the offer of a farewell drink.
Ivor Rees on leaving the Royal Signals was going to open a bar in Thialand with his Nepalese other half.
Scouse
Hello Scouse.
As you may well be aware quite a few of the original 200 members are no longer with us so it’s good to to hear about Mick G and Ivor R. Do you know if Ivor did open a bar in Thailand and if so where? Reason I ask, is that my brother in law is off to Thailand on holiday next month.
Regards
Ron Dawson
Hi Ron,
Remember you well from the Squadron. Ivor was serving in the Far East when he left the services. His last words to his friends where that he would not return to the UK, probably liked the sunshine and the stress free life. His plans where to open a bar on a beach in Thialand. No further news of him.
Scouse
Thanks for getting back Scouse.
Have been in touch with Colin Sturgin who now lives in New Zealand, and I think he’s in touch with Gus Boag.
I of course remember all the original “Sigy” guys and also a great many other members from the Sqdn, though I have to admit it is on account of your photo’s which, of course, jogged my memory.
As you will see I have left a message for Pete Drabble but nothing received back yet, still time usually has a desired affect.
I am in touch with George Mullins and speak on the phone with him about once a month, and I’m also in touch with “Wee” Davy Squires, and “Digger Morefoot, who were both MT Drivers. Do you remember them? We exchange Christmas Cards with Mike O’Brien to keep in touch but that’s about it.
Good to hear from you Scouse.
Regards
Ron Dawson.
Hi Ron,
Have also been in touch with Colin and Gus. George Mullins in the stores brings back the more humorous memories. When the clothing for Singapore arrived in Gosport, I was one of a merry gang sent to assist in unpacking. Most of the boxes were full of womens clothing. oops, when ordering the clothing from the catalogue, the page blew over to the WRAC section. George never invited us back when the correct clothing was re-issued.
When leaving Singapore our hosts the RN were getting rid of all their stores. George duly ordered some paper towel dispensers and paper towels, the towels were ordered in thousands, but the Naval wags turned the quantity into boxes. A convoy of trucks loaded with paper towels duly arrived at Jap Slip.
Mick O’Briens brother left a message on this blog. Did a raft trip with Mick. Give him my regards.
Pete Drabble was a seaman as I recall. Yes remember Davy and Digger( HGV Driver soon to retire !).
Scouse
Hi Ron Its good to hear about the old members of the sqn, I would like to get in touch with george mullins, scouce hutch, pete mercer,mick grimshaw,or as many members as poss Tony
Hi Tony,
I have the email addresses for Pete and Mick.
James.hutchinson@ntlworld.com
Feel free to contact me.
Scouse
Oops correct email is :-
james.hutchinson57@ntlworld.com
Scouse
Hello Tony.
Have to say I recognise the name but can’t picture the face.
However, if you contact me at my email address which appears in my message of 1 June this year, I will give you George Mullins contact details. I’m afraid George does not own a computer.
Ron Dawson.
To All Those who knew ken Armstrong, sadly ive just found out that he died two years ago…..regards…..tony s
sorrey about late reply but have been very busy just latley as i now live in spain and seem to have a lot of faimily visits,as a follow on when i left singapore i was osted to marchwood to sit on an old tug but very boring so sked to go back on landing craft but was turned down so left army and have no regrets.am now a moaning oldy but having a good life here in spain.have found some photoes but no sure how to post them so you will have to bear with me on that but will try to asp.
Pete Drabble
Hello again Reg Morgan.
Have been going through my log book again and I have found an entry on 29th January that shows we went on a training sortie from Browndown to Hurst point, which is of course at the Western end of the Solent, and return return to Browndown.
The entry also shows the craft to be SRN6-617, so I am wondering if this was the trip to which you referred in your recollection of us getting stuck on a sand bank in the Solent??.
Hope you are well Reg.
Ron D.
Hello Tom Buchan (TB)
Saw your comment in the earlier messages Tom.
Do you remember being a member of the Stokes/Dawson crew?
I seem to remember when you first joined Roy and I, we were the crew of one of the SRN6s, then latterly “Progressed” to the CC7 XT102. I think someone must have had it in for us as the Cushion Craft were small, and we three were 6ft +. If you remember, CC7 XT101 was crewed by Pete McGregor and Brian Halliwell, but I can’t remember who the seaman was, but I do recall they were rather shorter than us.
I also remember there was a bit of a joke about the “NO STEP” signs stenciled on various parts of the SRN6s. I also seem to recall you bought my Fiat1100 off me when I bought my Renault 1100.
If you’d like to get back Tom, my email address is shewn at my June entry.
Ron D.
Nothing to do with Hovercrafts I’m afraid. I noticed that your father whose surname like mine and my father’s is Wilson was called ‘tug’ when in the forces. My father was in the British army and similarly was known as ‘tug’ Wilson. Do you know the derivation of this nickname ( tug) for those named Wilson.
“Tug” Wilson
Derived from the nickname of a former First Sea Lord (1909-11) Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur Kynvet Wilson, also awarded the VC when fighting with the Naval Brigade at the Battle of El Teb in 1884 in the Sudan during the Mahdi rebellion. Admiral Wilson’s nickname reputedly comes from an incident when he repeatedly ordered a battleship to try and come alongside and in exasperation offered her Captain a tug to assist.
Hi Ron
Glad my old grey cells are still operating. Thats the sortie, I’ve also got that logged, but for some reason I hav’nt named Nav. or seaman. Where you with me when we took the C.O. to Cowes during a storm. that was hairy. Do you remember Capt Beltcher and a trip to Aldershot?
Regards Reg
Hello Reg.
Can’t say I ever remember doing a sortie to Cowes in a storm.
I remember Tony Belcher. Saw him a few years back at Brockenhurst, the village in the New Forest where he lived. I regret to say he is another one of 200′s members’ who has passed away.
Have been in touch with Tony Smith though. We had a long chat on the ‘phone the other evening, and swung a few lamps into the bargin!!
Glad we got the mutual sortie, sorted out, beginning to think I was losing my marbles.
Regards
Ron D.
Off the record, saw the name Pete Bandy in the list above. He transferred the the LCT’s of the Mar Regt RCT based in Gunwharf after the disbandment of the 200 Sqn…When I joined the HMAV Audemer (L4061) in 1977 he was the Navigator (WO1), the day I joined we provisioned up and sailed for the sunny climate of Faslane for 4 months, then came bak for the Fleet review at Spithead for the Queens Silver Jubilee.Lost track of PB after I was transferred to the HMAV Ardennes when the Audemer was de-commissioned in 1978′ish.
Great times & greater stories to be told !!………Someone should contact all the “old Salt’s” from the Maritime Regt RCT for there stories and anecdotes.
Hello Ron. I joined 200 in ’71 I think, I am away from home at the moment but will check my log book on Friday. We were navigators together at Marchwood and I was with 200 to the end. My first craft was the SRN 6mk11 617 with Lt Everingham as pilot. You must remember Alan Manning who was one of the only navigators who became a pilot. He is now retired and works at Beauliu restoring the cars. Remember Eddie Thompson? He was another navigator. We went on to tours in Cyprus later. I eventually retired from the army in July 1987. I have lots of photos and will gladly share them with anyone interested. We spent time in Norway, Turkey, Germany, Denmark and loved the life. I live in Gosport now and would be pleased to catch up with the old gang. I regret that Pete Bandy passed away soon after he left the army.
Hello Rick.
Great to hear from you, and of course I remember you, and all the guys you mention too. Both Alan and Eddie live within a few miles of me.
Send me your email address and I’ll get back to you. We live in the new Forest area, so not a million miles away.
Ron.
Hi Vince and all the bloggers, I first saw this site earlier this year when I was looking at first day covers.
It has taken a while to get down to this but I was in the REME and served at Browndown from 70 to 74 as a VM, before leaving on a Tiffy course just before it all closed down.
Comments on crashes brought back memories, we dreaded the 100 hour “flying” point as all pilots seemed to have a prang at that point!! Oh the joy of 12 on 12 off for a week in Norway getting a SRN 6 back to normal, not to mention the others that needed TLC.
Must say though I had a fantastic time traveling all over europe and the UK, Norway in particular was stunning, who remembers the trip to Tromso from Andenes, I was the fitter on the one that broke down in the Fijord, quite hairy in the Fan well in that hooly.
I remember some of the names, Tony Griffiths our boss for a while, Paddy Quinlan, Ray Marshall who joined the Sqn with me, we still keep in touch by xmas card, Frank Weyman who worked on the I O W hovercraft ferry after he left the Army, John Matyear, Les Mortimer, Ken Armstrong, Clary Galbraith the welder. Also remember the Stokes Dawson crew, acted as “seaman” on many a sortie, for most of the guys, can’t remember who thought of the baby mug for coffee but he was a genious. One of the guys was brave enough once to let me fly one of the beasts round the IOW, he chickened out at me threading the needles though, still it was great, any of the pilots willing to admit to this?
Too many memories to put down here but a reunion at Browndown ??
It would be good to hear from anyone who can remember me.
Eddie
Eddie, Rick and all the others who have recently left comments, just like to say welcome to the blog and I’m glad to see its putting people in touch with each other.
From reading all your posts it shown me what a great bunch of guys 200 Squadron were and still are, seeing some of the stories and photo’s from that time, have let me see and hear about a part of my fathers life I did’nt really know all that much about, the only parts of his army life I can recall clearly where his time on the Logistic Crafts Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram and living in Singapore.
Its a shame there is’nt more on the internet about 200 Squadron as I think more people should know about you lads and your efforts in utilising what was then a very futuristic veichle.
Its nice to see this post I made over 2 years ago has taken on a life of its own and I hope you all keep posting to it as I’m sure theres other out there who like me find reading the comments educational and enjoyable.
Vince
At last someone else from the later, Browndown, days and from the black hand gang too – great!
Good to hear of you Eddie. I remember you very well and you succeeding to get on a ‘tiffy’ course. Good to hear more names I recognise too – your list has jogged my memory to remember Roy(?) Holliday, REME Clerk and bird (feathered type) watcher extraordinaire.
You mention those trips to north Norway; do you remember when the lifting gear flew off the LSL’s crane hook and landed across the N6′s engine with the chains punching holes in the decking? I have a load of slides somewhere – must dig them out.
I also remember the trip to Pendine Sands in Wales and the problems we had with erosion of the leading edges of the props – we did a trial for Dowty on titanium edge protectors I recall – - – better stop beginning to sound like a REME anorack!
Tony
Hello ed i remember you and all the other names, ray,clary,john,etc, you lived in the quarters behind ward block,clary john and myself lived in ward block.. i remember the exercise,s n, devon alderney,scotland,wales,norway three times,turkey denmark great days.. I left the sqn jan 74 before it closed down, did get a letter from ken armstrong about a leaving dobut was in the n, ireland at the time!! john matyear is in lincolnshire, george mullins in cumbria i still send the a xmas card… Would like to get in touch with any ex members, and a reunion great put me down for that…… regards … tony [smudger] smith ex CPL MT NCO RCT.
Hi Vince,
you have certainly started something, your father’s name is vaguely familiar, though I cant put a face to it, we must have known each other if he was there until 72.
Its nice to see so many from the past coming out of the woodwork, also sad to hear that quite a few have passed on.
I think it would be a good idea to try for a reunion at Gosport where a lot of the history happened, I would be happy to help co-ordinate it , we would all need name tags I am sure to jog memories (and save embaressment)
keep up the good work
Eddie
Hi Tony,
good to hear from you (anorak or not !) you jogged my mind, I certainly do remember Roy a true twitcher but very nice guy.
The best bit about the Pendine trip was the journey home, it took about three days I think, maybe four a huge portion of that being spent storm bound at Beer in Devon having to sample the beer in Devon ! God it was a hard life sometimes. The journey round Lands End was actually a great experience as well.
I could go on for ages reminising but we would all get bored, it would be good to try to get a reunion going, so many tales to exchange, would you be up for it ?
I live in Woking Surrey
kind regards
Eddie
Hi Tony S,
Living in Ward block you may remember being woken up at the weekends by my son thundering round on his plastic tractor ? little red job (the tractor that is)
You certainly remember more names than me
regards
Eddie
Hi Ed
a reunion good idea ill help as much as i an , as you can s ee im a bit new to this thing …….feel free to in touch my e mail is Tonysmith865@hotmail.co.uk……regards tony
Hi Crew….
I will make time over the break to put together more 200 HC notes and photos. I hace been checking my log book and find that I joint the Sqn in November 1972. My first training was on XV615 with Alan Manning. I also note there was Sqn Ldr Stapeton pointing the craft in the right direction, no that was me, he was driving! There was also S Sgt Mick Mooney who was my pilot for may trips. Brian Leach was another good friend. We went off to Norway on 5 Jan 73 and later were involved with Ex Coldwinter and returned to UK on 25 March.
There was Ex Symphonie in Germany in May 73 then Ex Deeep Furrow in Turkey in September. This was in the ZT 657 the SRN 6 Mk5. She is still on display at Daedlous.
We were next off to Denmark loaded as deck cargo on the LCT Andalsnes in November for exercise.
Pilots names remembered, Sgt Morgan, Nunn, Hutchings, Capt Belcher, Capt Tucker, Capt Green and the OC Maj Salter.
More detail to follow.
I do hope we can organise a get together soon. Let me know if you need any support. I live about 1000 yrs from St Geogre Barracks!!!!
Hi,
I was there at the begining (browndown) ask Ron Dawson who I have just recieved a Christmas card from.
Remember all,was on the first trip to Singapore.
Monty Poyntz did distroy half of Browndown.
And so did one of the O/R drivers at RAF Chivanor(Pilots).
I joined the Sqn as a regimental signals/Lcpl Driver, left the Sqn as a seaman/ signals/Lcpl Driver.When I and my family were posted to RAAF Butterworth as MTO to run the Transport side of things at 65 Groung Liason Section.Working with the Australians.
P.S Iam in the Sqn photo on the slipway 1969,row three.
Hello Stephen, I joined the in singapore 1969 in the MT sec with mick o,brian i was only there 4 months as the sqn were moving back to browndown, i can only just remember you, went as a seaman with scouse sqires and sooty sutton if i remember. have got in-touch with ron dawson and george mullins and remenber all the names on this blog, ed wheeler mentioned maybe a reunion good idea. as you can see still a novice on this machine……… regards tony Smith
Interested to read the various accounts of Pulau Brani.
Flotilla commander there 1962/1965. 37Coy RASC (WT)
I read the name Harold Elgey. I remember him well at Golden Hill on the Isle of Wight.
I was with first group with the Workshop when Major Ball was the O.C of the unit I do remember Ron Dawson as my wife (Doris and I also lived at Sembawang Hills estate. I now live in Australia but I do have very fond memories of the unit and all the perdonel that worked there. I have just made contact with Alastair Crawford who along with his wife lived opposite me in Singapore. We have been back twice to Singers since but it has changed out of recognition. Love to hear from anyone from the same era as the start of the unit. I still have the founders dark gree tie
Hello Ken.
Great to see you’ve found Vince’s website. Long time no hear.
Funny enough I was talking with George Mullins a few days ago and your name ‘popped’ up, and George said he thought you had gone ‘down under.’
As you can see from from the foregoing, I’m in touch with Colin Sturgin and several other Squadron members as I was fortunate to have two ‘bashs’ with 200. You must remember ‘Digger’ Morfoot and Eddie Wheeler, who both left a message before Christmas.
My daughter and family emigrated to Oz and live near Brisbane.
Vivienne and I were down there March/April 2009 shame we didn’t know you and Doris were there, where abouts are you, perhaps on our next visit we can meet up?
As you can see from one of my previous ‘posts’ I have left my email address so you can always contact me on that if you wish.
This is aimed at all who remember me but I do remember Derek Dobson. If memory serves me well he was a very both keen and superb cotor cyclist who used to practise in an old well tuned ex Army motor cyclist with mane medals and awrds. Colin I would love to hear from you again as I have heard from Alasair and hope to meet in the not to distant future. I was won of the first of the squadrons foundation members and along still having the green foundation members tie I too still have the stamps signed by the crew. My e/mail is kendor@picknowl.com.au. I am now in Adelaide South Australia and have been since Oct 1976. to all who remember me please male contact .
All the Best to one and all
Hello fellow ‘Hovernauts’
Can anyone out there provide me with an email photo of the Squadron plaque.
I alway intended to purchase one before leaving the Squadron, but of course never got around to it.
If someone is able to help, my email address is rwmd0418@yahoo.co.uk.
Regards
Ron Dawson.
Interested to hear more fom Paddy Harrison about Pulau Brani.
My father (Dick Wilson) was with 37 Coy RASC (WT), then later became RCT.
He was on the Landing Crafts, not hovercraft.
We lived at Golden Hill (IOW), Bapaume Road and then Milldam Barracks & Burnaby Road in Portsmouth, and of course two tours on Pulau Brani.
Anyone know where Monty Poyntz is now?
Regards,
Lynne
Hi Lynne, Google “Major John Poyntz”. He has now retired, but still active in railway circles. I managed to find an address, but don’t know if it is the “Monty”
Thanks Scouse, just curious, as I was engaged to Monty for a brief period, before the unit went to Singapore !!!!
Met some of his colleagues at the Christmas dance (I think) at St George´s Bks just before the unit left to go to Singapore.
I lived with my father in Milldam Barracks, in Portsmouth, near HMS Vernon. We should have moved into a house in Burnaby Road but as I was on my own a lot (my mother having died) my father (Dick Wilson) reckoned that living in a block of flats was safer for me.
Well, I must say it’s a bit spooky at my age when you’re looking for something totally different and your past leaps out of the PC! A lot of familiar names (and faces in the slipway photo). Sorry to hear of those who have made their last logbook entry – to which I’m afraid you must add Richard Macmillan who passed away a couple of years ago. He had a lovely life after the Army and finished up looking after a string of chateaux for an unnamed Middle Eastern royal. I’m glad to hear George Mullins is still going strong – the biggest “fixer” I can recall meeting!
Some names of course are equally familiar to me from 10 Port Sqn days, but I will try and blow the dust off my 200 logbook and find some anecdote to report. No photos I’m afraid – too many house moves in the past. Strangely enough I have 2 founder member (green) squadron ties in original wrapping. A bit slim for today and wife wouldn’t let me wear it anyway, so if anyone wants one (free), let me know.
For Ron Dawson I’ve got a plaque in the attic somewhere, but don’t hold your breath for a photo as it will require a major excavation. By the way were you the squadron member who nearly got us disbanded for wearing civvie socks for a VIP inspection??
I have never communicated this way before, so I hope this gets to where it should. I look forward to hearing from someone – or anyone!
Mike welcome to my blog & welcome to my post about 200 Hovercraft Sqn, which seems to have taken on a life of its own thanks to people like you and the rest of the lads and lady who have stumbled across it while searching the net.
I’m sure pretty soon you’ll have a few more messages appearing welcoming you also.
regards
Vince Elgey
(Son of Harold Elgey W02)
Hi Mike,
Good to see you found the site.
My memories are confined to our trip to Japan, I believe, and your kind offer of my participation as the mechanic/technician support person on the exped from Tokyo to Myzzaroo by navy bus. Most enjoyable trip but was glad to get back on board Fearless at trips end. Thank god the bus didn’t break down!
I am now a New Zealand citizen, retired, with many Kiwi grand children and life is pretty good.
I have responded to others on this blog as I am sure you will.
Hope all goes well with you and yours.
Regards
Colin
Hello Mike, long-time no hear. If you recall the last time we met was about 1987 at the 200 Sqdn 21st Anniversary at Browndown, organised by Major Tony Belcher, a second generation member.
Thanks for the offer of a photo of the 200 Sqdn plaque, but as you suggest I’ll not ‘hold my breath.’ Have to say I do not recall the incident of the ‘civvies socks’?
As you will note from all the comments, many Ex Sqdn Members’ are now located all around the world. My daughter and family emigrated to Australia a few years back, so on our next trip ‘Down Under’ I am hoping to visit those member now living in ‘Oz.’
As you will of course realise, you are the first commissioned rank to contact the website of this illustrious band of ‘Hovernauts,’ who have, via the modern age of IT technology, re-established and rekindled friendships formed all those years ago whilst serving in that unique Army Unit of the 1960s/70s. I am delighted that you contacted Vince’s website.
From my early days in ‘200’ I remember Cap’t Flood; Lt Hellberg; Cap’t Squire my namesake Cap’t Dawson and of course Major Ball, are you in contact with any of them?
Ron Dawson.
Hi everyone – sorry about the delay in response, but been elsewhere.
Found logbook – held together with rusty paperclips – a bit like me!
For Colin – remember it well. Logbook says Tokyo, Maizuru, Amanohashidate and Tsuruga all in June 1968 – lovely trip, a long time ago. Glad life is good in NZ. One of the few places I’ve not made it to.
For Ron – not in touch with anyone until you lot called. Had a super time in the Army, but moved on to Securicor and had an equally good time with them and Army life is now just a happy memory.
John Flood, no idea. Ivar Hellberg was commanding Commando Logistic Regiment when I last saw him which was just after Falklands. Mike Squire also finished up with the Marines. I think he made Brigadier and was looking after all the deer on military training areas after retirement! Roger Dawson left early and was last seen as, I think, chief engineer for Wiltshire County Council. Stan Ball was married to Jan, a doctor and they lived in Highworth. Stan commanded 17 Port Regiment.
For Vince – remember your dad, but not, I think from 200. Bet you didn’t realise what you were starting!
For anyone – I now look across Torbay towards Brixham and my logbook says I took XT 492 into the harbour in July 1967. I seem to recall that we went there because one of the boys had some connection there – anyone remember who it may have been?
All the best
Mike Branch
Hello Mike, i remember you only just, myself and alan mason flew back to the u k on the same flight as you and your family, you were looking after three children, on landing me and alan look arfter them on the train to london where they were met by some nuns…A few years later i saw you on a team doing the yearly inspection at browndown…. in 74 i was posted to germany i had been with the sqn since 69 so i had a good run travelled to norway turkey denmark and all over the u k with the sqn. Been in touch with old george mullins though thi site and hopfully a few more, as you can see i havent got the letter writing properly right yet, i hope get plenty of replies and that all is well with you all the best tony smith Ex M T nco
For Tony Smith – Where in Germany were you in 1974?
I was there then as a WRAF and an army wife (my husband was a REME helicopter engineer with 669 Sqn AAC at RAF Wildenrath. We then got posted to Celle and Detmold.
hello lynne, i was ni 4 sqn 2 div regt rct bunde jan 74 did a tour with ato in belfast, returned to bunde, but after 8 years in maritime then stuck inland so to speak i did not think much of it,in march 75 my time was up, so i decided to leave and settled in clacton-on-sea………regards tony s
Message for Colin Sturgin:-
I have a Singapore schools reunion site, email me at singaporeschool.reunion@gmail.com for a list of former pupils. Also look at http://www.singas.co.uk for photos of various schools.
Regards,
Lynne
For Mike Branch and Colin Sturgin.
Regarding your last Mike.
I’m 99% sure you called in at Brixham during the 492 sorte because Dave Robertson hailed from there and most probably was the onboard Navigator as he was one of the Sqd’n's Sgt Navigatiors. Don’t remember whether I was on the trip but I do remember Dave commenting about it.
I see the earth has been moving for Colin Sturgin down in New Zealand. Hope you are all safe and well Colin.
Ron Dawson.