Updated: 27 Sep 12
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As of 29th April, Scott Johnstone will be the Association’s new Quartermaster.
Contact details are on the Shop Page.
Despatcher
40s/50s/60s
The Air Despatch Association
47 AD Sqn Open Day
From SSM C.D. Venn, 47 AD Sqn RLC
47 AD SQN FAMILIES DAY 22 JUNE 13: Sorry its taken a while but planning for the Sqn Families Day has not been finalised as yet. I have consulted the QM and we will go for a start time of 1100hrs 22 June 13. The usual BBQ food and snacks will be available from 1200hrs. To give you a feel for the day, we intend on holding the main day events outside the front of Dakota lines (weather permitting) to then run into a night function with a band inside the Hanger. The Crew bar can be utilised for a quieter evening if preferred!
I have been asked previously if it is possible to park camper vans/caravans here for the evening. I have no issues with this as long as I am informed prior to the day, so I can allocate space and ward off any obstruction from the RAF.
As you are aware, it is a little different here at Brize to get visitors onto camp, if you are able to disseminate the info and send all interested names to me, then I can plan ahead. If there are any late comers, please don’t worry, I will liaise with Stn security and do everything I can to get them on camp. If you like they can text or phone me the details:
Full Names
Rank if applicable
Contact number
Car Registration
Please contact Pete Stubbs with all details if you wish to attend. Details will be passed on to the SSM. It’s probably not a good idea to post a serving soldier’s contact details on line.
ARNHEM PILGRIMAGE 2013
The 2013 coach trip to Arnhem will take place on September 19th - 23rd. You do not have to be an Air Despatcher to join the group. If you are interested in going along then download the application form and send it off with your cheque to the address on the form.
Arnhem Reservation Form
LEFT: You do get some funny Despatchers.
Abingdon Detatchment 1963. Joe Venables on the left.
‘Tamar’ accommodation, Labuan 1966
Photo: Peter Roberts
Not quite up to the standard for next year’s reunion. See Below.
Kranji Military Cemetery, Singapore
26th September 2012
The graves of Dvrs D.A. Jones, J.C. Jones, W. Jones and E.H. Muller
Kranji Military Cemetery, Singapore
A wreath on behalf of the Air Despatch Association, was laid at the graves on the anniversary of the crash which occurred near Bertam, Kelantan.
A wreath was also laid at the nearby graves of the Despatchers killed in the Hastings crash in Singapore on
29th May 1961.
Wreaths at the graves
Details of both crashes may be found in the Roll of Honour pages.
Photos: Peter Stubbs
Reunion 2013
The 2013 Air Despatch Reunion will be held at the Quality Hotel, Birmingham Road, Coventry on Saturday 31st August 2013. The change to late August was approved after a consultation with members.
The Quality Hotel is a new venue and it has been inspected by several of the members who attended the last reunion, held at a nearby hotel. The inspecting members found a clean and comfortable hotel with facilities more than meeting the requirements of the Association.
Google Street View of the Quality Hotel. Hotel website .
As usual, rates have been negotiated for members wishing to stay for one, two or three nights. Bill Sunley, who organises the reunion has also negotiated reduced prices on the bar.
Download your application form now.
John W. Carpenter
Did you serve with John W. Carpenter? John served in 55 Coy from 1952-53 at Butterworth and from 1959-1962 at Seletar.
‘Taff’ Lewis (55 Coy Seletar 1962-1965) tells me that John is now in residence at the Star and Garter Home which is at Richmond. Taff thinks that John would much appreciate a letter from old friends to brighten up his days.
The Royal Star & Garter Homes
Richmond Hill
Richmond
Surrey TW10 6RR
Shop Special Offers
Sweatshirts (all sizes) reduced to £10.00.
Association Tie, £5.00 (Free with life membership).
Other Ties, £10.00.
The Story of 55 Company RASC (AD), £5.00.
Air Despatch Mouse Mat now available. This is a high quality Brite Mat ™ , which is hard-wearing and easily cleanable. It works well with all types of mice including optical types.
Help for Heroes
H4H (Help for Heroes) gives solid, practical support to our injured Servicemen and Servicewomen – support not available to them elsewhere. Help them to carry out their vital mission.
H4, working with Erskine will be helping to fund the Pathfinder project for an Army Convalescent Centre in Edinburgh. Once proven successful, seven other similar centres will be set up nationwide. H4H is also a major player in the Help for Heroes Rehabilitation Complex at Headley Court.
Videos
All videos in the website require Apple Quicktime. If you do not have Quicktime, the download is free and installs automatically. Get it from http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.
Google Earth
Google Earth links are in various places in the website. If you have not got Google Earth, it is free and can be downloaded from: http://earth.google.com/
Google Earth requires a broadband connection.
Air Despatch Association
55 AD Sqn RCT
47 AD Sqn RLC