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York Branch and Club
Annual General Meeting
The Branch
& Club AGM took place on Thursday 5th March at the HQ on
Aldwark, York. Visiting speakers for the evening were Brian
Wilkie (Northern Area Councilor) and Chris Naylor (North
East Fundraiser).
Chairman,
John Allison, opened the meeting by reading the Obituaries
from 2008, and the Dedication, before proceeding to read the
standing Club Resolution, which was passed by members. The
Honorary Treasurer reported that the Club finances were
good, but that the Club needed to review the Bar
profitability.
Before going
in to the Branch AGM, the President, AirCdre W G Gambold,
presented a 50 year Service Badge and Tie to FltLt 'Mac'
Mathieson, also 3 special certificates (See other item).
The Chairmen
then reviewed the 2008 Annual Report, asking writers if they
had any further updates. The report was then put to the vote
and approved by the AGM.
The Honorary
Treasurer gave a very in depth report on the Branch
Financial situation indicating that the Branch was in good
order.
The new
Committee was then voted in, after the Chairman announced
that a new Life Vice President had been proposed and
seconded (Mr K D Whitfield) who had served the Branch and
Club for over 50 years Also a Vice President was proposed
and seconded (Mr H R Kidd OBE) for all his work for the
Branch and the Air Training Cadets over many years. Both
were passed unanimously by the AGM
At this
point the Chairman handed over to the President who presided
over the nomination of Chairman. As there had been only one
nomination, John Allison, he was asked if he accepted the
nomination, and was voted in to post by the AGM. John
Allison thanked the members for their support, but advised
the AGM that he would be standing down at the 2010/11 AGM,
if he was lucky enough to be voted in again next year. This
would be 4 year term when completed, and he felt that
someone else should be taking up the post at that time.
Moving on,
the following were all nominated, seconded, and approved en
bloc by the AGM:
Vice
Presidents already in post - Mr Eyeington and Mr Mawson Vice
Chairman - Sue Richmond Honorary Secretary - after the
resignation of Ken McGowan, Sue Richmond offered to return
to the post, but only for 1 year. Chairman advised the
Meeting that is was important that someone came forward to
take on the role from the 2009 AGM. Honorary Treasurer -
Alan Rambsottom Deputy Treasurer - Les Quigley Committee -
Mrs J Forrester, Mrs G Woodhall, Mr A grice, Mr G Woodhall,
Mr R Boulton, Mr R Webster, Mr G Murgatroyd, Mr F Ullathorne,
Mr D Wall. Full Associates - Mrs K Allison and Mrs G
McCarthy.
The Branch
Standard Bearer, Mr Robin Boulton was voted in to post.
Annual
Conference and Area Conference Delegate, Mr K D Whitfield
was voted in to post, as was John Allison, as Region
Delegate.
The Area
Guest speaker gave us information about the future of the
Association, whilst Chris Naylor gave members an insight as
to what his role is within the wider Association. Both
speakers gave excellent reports.
FltLt Andy
McIntyre also gave an excellent update on what was happening
at RAF Linton on Ouse.
Closing the
AGM, Chairman John Allison, thanked all those at the Branch
and on the Committee for their support over the past year,
and reported that the year ahead would be exceptionally
busy, looking at the list of events, which would also be
posted on the York Web Site. The Chairman also reported that
the next Chronicle will be sent out to members during early
April.
The Annual
General Meeting closed at 2140hrs
Launch
of Wings Appeal 2009
The
official launch of the Annual Wings Appeal has taken
place at the superb location of Royal Air Force
Coningsby on Wednesday 2nd September. The event was
linked with 'Brew for a Few' also Scottish &
Newcastle's 'Wings' Beer 'Finest Hour' - a limited
edition beer, giving 10p for every pint sold to the
Wings Appeal.
A
wonderful occasion was made complete, not only by
excellent weather, enjoyed by all, but by the
excellent welcome speeches given by RAFA President Air
Marshal Philip Sturley, support by the Commanding
Officer of Coningsby Group Captain Stu Atha. The RAF
Music's 'Shades of Blue' completed the day with some
music for all ages.
This
short report cannot be compete without the mention of
the fabulous air display by a Mk19 Spitfire from the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and one of the many
Typhoon aircraft based at Coningsby. Just to see both
aircraft in line astern made the hairs on the back
your next stand up. Speaking of the BBMF - their
hangar was open to those who were lucky enough to
receive tickets for the event, around 500 people.
Seeing the Lancaster up close on the tarmac was
fantastic, alongside a Typhoon Eurofighter, and
Spitfires in the background, was a sight not to be
forgotten.
The
event was also a chance for some people to renew
friendships. From a personal aspect it was a great
opportunity to meet many members I had not seen for
some considerable time.
Obviously
a great deal of time and effort by RAFA CHQ,
particularly Sharron Needham, and the CHQ Staff, also
many Service Personnel from RAF Coningsby, including
the Co and his staff, had gone in to providing a
perfect launch day. Thank you to everyone involved in
the organisation for putting on a superb event, all we
need now is the support from the Press to back up all
the hard work, to ensure Wings Appeal is the winner….
Report
by:
John H Allison
Chairman Annual Conference Committee
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York
Branch - Annual Dinner 2008
The
York Branch Annual Dinner 2008, took place on Friday
October 10th at the Officer's Mess, Royal Air Force
Linton on Ouse. Guests and members met in the Ante
Room for pre dinner drinks. Including Guests, 75
people attended this, the Branch's premier event of
the year. The Branch Standard was customarily Marched
In by the Branch Standard Bearer Mr Robin Boulton, who
is also the Branch Honorary Welfare Officer. This was
followed by Grace given by Mr Ken Whitfield, one of
the Branch Vice President's. Prior to Official
proceedings getting under way the Chairman, John
Allison, welcomed everyone, including the Guests,
SqnLdr Helen Gardiner, who attended on behalf of the
Station Commander, AirCdre Ed Jarron, RAFA Secretary
General and his wife Sue, and Roger Stanton, Secretary
of the Escape Lines Memorial Society and his wife
Jackie. In his opening remarks before the official
programme got under way the Chairman announced that
John Sloan, a Vice President of the Branch, who had
organised the Dinner, had had an accident at home, and
was in Leeds General Hospital.
A very
good dinner was served, followed by the first toast to
'Her most gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second'
given by AirCdre W G Gambold DI FCMI RAF, President of
York Branch. After the customary break, coffee was
served by the very attentive officer's mess staff, and
the Passing of the Port, a tradition held by Messes
far and wide.
The
MC, David Bull, then announced AirCdre Ed Jarron, to
propose the toast 'The Royal Air Forces Association -
Coupled with York Branch'. AirCdre Jarron, in his
speech gave in insight in to the future of the
Association, saying that we were now in a strong
financial position, after failings some year's ago,
and should go from strength to strength. Then, after a
couple of topical jokes, the AirCdre proposed the
toast, followed by generous applause.
The
response was given by the Branch President, who
highlighted the Branch achievements over the past
year, and thanked the Committee for all its hard work.
The President complimented the Wings Organiser on
having collected over £6k, finally giving the toast
'The Royal Air Force'.
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David
Bull then announced SqnLdr Helen Gardiner Deputy Chief
Flying Instructor, who responded on behalf of the
Station Commander, giving details on where the Royal
Air Force were today, and the extraordinary work the
service was doing in Afghanistan and Iraq. SqnLdr
Gardiner then went on to report on the Station
activities, speaking of the fact that the unit was the
major basic training station for Pilots and
Navigators. Finally SqnLdr Gardiner complimented the
RAF Association for its achievements, and in
particular the Welfare Operation and the joint work
with the Station RAFALO Team. Finally SqnLdr Gardiner
handed over a cheque for £800, which was part of the
proceeds from the Gala on the Green, to the Branch
President, who then handed it to AirCdre Ed Jarron to
go towards RAFA Funds.
After
a toast given by the Chairman to the Guests for the
evening, Roger Stanton Founder and Secretary of ELMS
gave an insight in to what the Society does and has
achieved over many years, and giving cases of
personnel that the Society has helped over the years.
Particularly interesting was his description of the
various Escape Lines that had been set up during the
War.
Finally,
the Chairman, once again thanked all for their
attendance, and proposed all retired to the Mess Bar,
where a Raffle took place and raised £158.00.
A very
good evening was had by everyone.
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Gala
on the Green - RAF Linton on Ouse
On
Friday 1st August, RAF Linton on Ouse opened its gates
to about 1000 people from all over the area, to their
Annual Musical Gala. From 6pm to 7pm the York Railway
Institute Band took the lead, whilst people streamed
on to the 'Green' then at 7pm, an ATC Band from Yeadon
excelled themselves, playing for about 20 minutes.
After a short break, the Carlton Main Frickley
Colliery Band, one of Yorkshire's award winning bands
began their three sessions with some wonderful
entertaining music. Finally a fantastic firework
display was given to the 1612 Overture.
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The
Association Stand at the Linton on Ouse Gala
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The
RAF Association was very well represented, with the
York branch Marquee selling children's toys, and
memorabilia, whilst the RAF Association Trailer was
put to good use, selling 'T' Shirts, Goodie Bags for
the kids, Britain's Aviation Heritage Books, and with
a BMW Mini on display, members, including Bob
Hounslow, his wife Liz, and Anne Henson, all from CHQ
Leicester, Branch Chairman John Allison, who is on the
Gala organising team, and his wife Kath, along with
Branch Secretary Ken McGowan and his wife Yvonne, sold
well over £500 worth of Grand Draw Tickets.
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Bob
Hounslow and Liz in serious business mode
with Chairman of Ryedale Branch Cyril Shreeve |
Early
crowds at the Gala |
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Lucky
winners from Thirsk!
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| Mable
and Gordon get strapped in |
Gordon
& Mable in the car park at The White Heather
Hotel
after the biggest Sunday Lunch you could
imagine.
Certainly no wartime rations here!
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Heading North along Lake Windermere
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The
1st prize at the Annual Dinner Dance which was held at
the Officer's Mess at RAF Linton-on-Ouse was lunch
for 2 in the White Heather Hotel Kirkbride
courtesy of Les Quigley.
The
winners were Gordon and Mable Burrell (left) who were
guests from the Thirsk Branch of RAFA. Gordon is both
the Chairman and Standard Bearer of the Thirsk Branch.
He served in the RAF from 1953 to 1958 as an MT
driver, and although he covered a lot of ground on the
road he didn't get too much flying. This prize made up
for it, for Les Quigley flew them to lunch!
Les's aircraft is a 4 seat Gardan Horizon GY 80.
A little French built aircraft that, although a tourer,
was originally designed as a basic trainer for L'Armee
de l'Air. It therefore has excellent handling
capabilities despite its age. It was built in 1963 (a
year after Les got his pilot's licence) and was
number 13 off the production line - but who's
superstitious?
The White Heather Hotel is located in what was the
Officers's Mess at RAF Kirkbride and is an ideal place
to visit for lunch by air, as you can park your plane
in the car park and walk straight in to the
restaurant. RAF Kirkbride was opened in 1939 as part
of 41 Maintenance Group and housed No 12 MU. It was an
enormous airfield and handled virtually every aircraft
in the wartime and immediate post war RAF
To make the trip interesting Les waited for a day with
excellent visibility so that Gordon and Mable could
enjoy the delights of North Yorkshire and Cumbria from
the air. Their route took them from Bagby, near Thirsk,
across the Vale of York, up Wensleydale, over the
Pennines above Hawes and then down to Kendal. From
here they flew up Lake Windermere, through the
Kirkstone Pass along Ullswater and then on to
Kirkbride. Gordan managed a few interesting
photographs on the way.
Our only worry on
the way home was had we exceeded our "weight and
balance limits" with all the food we had eaten?
A
quick walk around the airfield to lose some weight and
we headed off, following the Carlisle to Settle
railway before turning left down Wensleydale, straight
over Gordon and Mable's house at Carlton Miniott, and
home! |
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Heading down the
Kirkstone Pass towards Ullswater
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Heading
down the valley towards Ullswater
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This
aerial photograph taken in 1946 show 1200 aircraft
parked at Kirkbride for disposal!
They range from
Tiger Moths to Lancasters - what would they be worth
today?
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'Must have
been an interesting AGM, or was it? Fred Ullathorne looks as
if he needs his bed....'
'Sadly, 3 of
the six people on these three pictures have all passed away.
Alan Bott, Dave Dando, Dennis Murphy. All extremely well
known people'
Visit to RAF
Scampton
16th May 2001
A large party
from York visited RAF Scampton, the Red Arrows and the
"Dam Buster" pub on 16th May.
The visit was organised by Fred Ullathorne on the
anniversary of the Dam Busters raid and was a tremendous
success ....
Some of the party
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The
base itself looked very sad, run down and dilapidated.
It did not give the impression of an efficient RAF
station, let alone the home of one of Britain's top
international ambassadors! (See
Les Quigley's comments at the foot of this article)
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The inscription on
Nigger's head stone |
A
Folland Gnat - one of the original Red Arrows,
being refurbished as a gate guardian
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Marianne
gets to sit in a Red Arrows Hawk |
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The
visit to the Red Arrows' hanger was interesting and
was followed by a visit to Nigger's grave - surely the
most impressive dog's grave in the world? Whilst
viewing the grave, the visitors were also given the
treat of a well timed "air test" when a solo
Red Arrow demonstrated the capability of the Hawk with
a very entertaining aerobatic display within the
confines of the airfield.
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After the
visit to the Red Arrows the visitors went to the small
Scampton
museum to view some interesting artifacts from
Scamptons history ....
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A model
of a Lancaster at Scampton |
Robin
Boulton and Dave Taylor examining some of the
artifacts in the Scampton museum
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| Members
of the York Branch try to live up to the reputation of
the wartime "Brylcream boys" - they
chat up any woman who'll stay around long enough to
listen ....
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Mel
Smith getting to know a pretty sergeant
- she stayed! |
Fred
Ullathorne and John Sutherland
chatting up a WAAF - she stayed! |
Les
Quigley achieving a life long ambition,
a WAAF on each arm!! - they stayed!
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Lunch
was taken in the "Dambusters" pub
which
was itself a museum with many very interesting
artifacts relating to the Dambusters, 617 Squadron and
RAF Scampton.
The
highlight of lunch turned out to be having George
Chalmers, DFC, DFM, sign our bottles of "Dambuster"
house wine. George is the last surviving "Dambuster".
As a Flight Sergeant he was the wireless operator of
AJO the last aircraft to return.
He was
also the last of the "Dambusters" to leave
RAF employment. George lives in Harrogate, and
started his war in 1939 as an AC1 Wireless Operator
Air Gunner flying Whitley Bombers out of Dishforth.
He was one of the original "bumfleteers"
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George
re-called doing his LAC exams in early 1940 before
going on leave, and on returning to Dishforth from
leave was very apprehensive about the results.
He says he was called in by his Flight Sergeant and
was amazed to be told to report to stores to collect,
not his LAC propellor, but, Sergeant's stripes.....
During his leave the Air Ministry had decided that all
aircrews should be senior NCO's.
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Les
Quigley's Note - Surprisingly it was the Germans who
had persuaded the Air Ministry - the Germans treated
senior NCO and officer prisoners much better than they
did other ranks - so because of the increasing numbers
of aircrew being taken prisoner Air Ministry decided
aircrews should be at least senior NCO's - How
thoughtful!!) |
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| Robin
Boulton pointing to one of the original "Dambuster"
bomb sites (made of wood!) |
The
members enjoyed good traditional beer and an excellent
lunch that was efficiently served in very interesting
surroundings by pleasant staff. |
George
Chalmers and Les Quigley have a chance meeting after
over 10 years - George hadhis
retirement party in
Les's "Bunker" Restaurant in 1989 |
We highly
recommend the "Dambusters" pub in Scampton village
and were amazed to find that it has only been open for 2
years!
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Les
Quigley's comment - Housing the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton
seemed a bit like housing the Minister of Defence on a run
down council estate - He could wear his best suit, drive his
"jag" and look OK in public, but he wouldn't want
to invite anyone home!
I ask the
questions.... Why not utilise some of the base as a
weekend/vacation camp for the ATC and other youth
organisations? I'm sure some of the enthusiastic youngsters
would be more than happy to help smarten the place up by
restoring and maintaining buildings.... Why not use the
Officer's Mess as a RAFA retirement and short stay rest home
before it becomes completely derelict and is sold to a
property developer for peanuts? The retired RAF types could
then help, advise and supervise the youngsters!
A bit of
government money, some RAFA money, a little sponsorship and
good leadership could create a joint RAF, Red Arrows, ATC,
RAFA base which could become a true ambassadorial home for
Britain and the RAF!!!
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National
Annual Conference Bournmouth
11th - 13th May 2001
The branch
was well represented at the Annual National Conference in
Bournmouth and all had an enjoyable weekend meeting old
friends and comrades in other branches.
Turning
of the Page Ceremony
in
York Minster
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In a quiet corner of York Minster, under the Astronomical Clock lays a book containing the names of over 18,000 airman from over 15 countries who died flying wartime missions from Yorkshire RAF airfields. Every day of the year a page is turned to expose a list of names of young men who fought and died so that Europe could be what it is today - free. They are long gone but not forgotten. The page is normally turned by the Minster police, but on special occasions it is turned with full ceremony when either the RAF or RAFA or both take part in the "Turning of the page ceremony". Except for special anniversaries and visits, the RAF/RAFA contingent turn it just 4 times a year. New Year, 1st April (the anniversary of the formation of the RAF), June 6th (D-Day in Europe), and 15th September (Battle of Britain Day).
The report below is of a typical low key ceremony held on 2nd April 2001 to mark the 83rd anniversary of the formation of the RAF.
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The RAFA York contingent form up in the
Minster under the command of Flt. Sgt. Young
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Led By Sqn.Ldr.Cornish the RAF & RAFA contingent march to the North Transept
and form up in front of the "Astronomical Clock" beneath the "Five Sisters Window" |
The ceremony was headed by a Squadron Leader Chris Cornish and eight officer's from RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Flight Sergeant Glenn Young, also from Linton-on-Ouse, read the commemoration and commanded the joint parade of RAF and RAFA.
The York branch of RAFA was well represented with the York Branch Standard and 20 members on parade, including the Branch President, Air Commodore W.G.Gambold RAF(Rtd.) and immediate past President Rev.Canon J H Armstrong.
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 The ornate astronomical clock was created by craftsmen at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and was given to the Minster to commemorate the 18,000 Allied airmen who lost their lives in World War II when flying out of bases in Yorkshire and the North East. A book containing the names of all these airmen is located below it. A page is turned every day of the year. This is normally carried out by a Minster Policeman, but 4 times a year the RAF & RAFA turn out in full ceremony to honour their fallen comrades.
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 The Five Sisters Window. Glazed with 'grisaille' glass, it the largest of its type to survive anywhere in the world. It was completed around 1250 when coloured glass was only manufactured in Europe and would have been prohibitively expensive to import in such quantities. Each lancet is 16.2 metres high and 1.5 metres wide with the entire window containing over 100,000 pieces of glass. The window is dedicated as a memorial to the women who lost their lives in the two world wars.
The Five Sisters Window dominates the North Transept
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More than 100 UK & overseas visitors to the Minster watched the ceremony and could not fail to be impressed by the bearing and conduct of all on parade. The reading, by Flt.Sgt.Young, of the commemoration to the over 18,000 allied airmen and airwomen who died operating from Yorkshire and the North East, & who are listed in the book of remembrance, could not fail to move the audience. It brought home to all, especially the visitors from overseas, exactly how many nationalities operated from Yorkshire between 1939 and 1945 and how many made the ultimate sacrifice in order that their countries could be free. In addition to British airmen, there were Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, American, South African, Rhodesian, Polish, Czech, Slovaks, French, Belgian, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish and many other countries aircrews operating from Yorkshire's airfields, many never returned to their homes....
To them we owe a never ending debt
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Sqn Ldr Cornish turns the page
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Standard Bearer Fred Ullathorne in front of the RAFA York contingent
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York Branch Standard Bearer Fred Ullathorne
lowers the standard for a minutes silence |
The Royal Air Force escort contingent
From left to right: Sqn.Ldr. Chris Cornish, Flt.Lt. Rob Jackson,
Flt.Lt. Mike Duffy, Flt.Lt. Jerry Woodward, Plt.Off. Charlotte Faratian,
Plt.Off. Ben Hawkins, Fg.Off. Kev Terrett,
Fg.Off. Stephen Tucker, Fg.Off. Mark Wilson
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The Royal Air Force Memorial - York Minster
In 1950, following upon an initiative by Eric Russell-Jones of the British Legion, a Joint Committee of members of the Legion and of the Royal Air Forces Association was set up to consider creating a Memorial in York Minster to honour all those who had lost their lives serving in No's 4, 6 and 7 Groups of Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force.
The scope of the Memorial was eventually extended to include all who had died whilst serving with the Royal Air Force and the Forces of the Commonwealth and their Allies, in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland during the Second World War 1939-1945.
The Memorial was unveiled by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, at a Special Service held on the 1st November (All Saints Day) 1955, by which time the main burden of organisation had fallen upon the Royal Air Forces Association and the British Legion thereafter took no further part in its history.
There is record of the work of the York Minster Thanksgiving Memorial Committee (as it came to be known), the details of the Unveiling Service, and all the events which have taken place since, culminating in the complete refurbishment of the Book of Remembrance, which holds the names of 18,000 names of those who have died, and the donation of a Replica Book in 1994.
A Turning of the Page of the Book of Remembrance takes place four times every year, April (Anniversary of the Royal Air Force), June (Her Majesty the Queen's Official Birthday), September (Battle of Britain), and January (Turning of the Year). The Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse alternate with the York Branch Royal Air Forces Association, in Turning the Page, when between 12 and 20 personnel from the RAF and RAFA take part in this important ceremony.
One person who was deeply involved with the Memorial Committee was Mr Alan Bott, who, until he passed away recently, was a Life Vice President of York Branch. Alan was a Member of the RAFA National Council and North East Area Council at the time, and along with Air Marshal Sir Robert Saundby KBE CB MC DFC AFC, the Chairman of the National Council of RAFA, Lord Deramore, Group Captain R Caley MC (President of North East Area RAFA), and Mr G Booth (Chairman of NE Area Council RAFA) were all Representing the RAF Association.
Alan Bott, over many years, as Historian of the Memorial, produced many books on the subject, copies of which are held at the York Branch in Aldwark, York.
In memory of Alan Bott.
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