Reunions of the Rhodesian Forces

Hedley and June Giles in New Zealand

2012-02-24T16:41:00.002+02:00

By Hedley Giles

June & I have just had a great week with Tyrone Chisnall & his wife Wendy in Napier New Zealand.

I went over to play in a seniors golf competition. Chis was too busy with his farm duties "deknackering" his sheep & picking tomatoes to caddy for me so without his continued support I lost in the final match play round.

End

Thanks to Hedley for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Terry Bennett in South Africa (2012)

2012-02-24T14:19:00.004+02:00

Terry Bennett (UK) visited South Africa during January and February of 2012. He made these photos available to ORAFs of his trip.

Rod Smith and Ken Jackman (Gauteng)

Trouble makers, Tasker and Fyfer (Gauteng)

Rod Smith and Dave Shaw (Gauteng)

Hugh McDulling (Gauteng)

Brian Strickland

Ken De Goveia (Cape)

Liz Armitage and Ross Robertson (Cape?)

Noleen and Johnny Green (Natal)

Mike and Yvonne Ongers (Natal)

Neville Mare, Avril (Maughan), Terry Bennett (Natal)

End

Thanks to Terry for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Shumba Taylor and Wally Barton Lunch

2012-02-12T14:14:00.002+02:00

Shumba and I spent a wonderful afternoon in Summerland (Canada) with Wally Barton. Readers might know that Wally Barton farmed tobacco in Centenary East and was a PRAW pilot. We had an exceptional lunch, (Wally raised the lamb), and we met his daughter Gill, who is married to ex Umtali resident Dennis Brown, we also met Wally's grandson Daniel, whom is pursuing an aviation career following in his granddad's footsteps. Wally also mentioned he flew the Mosquitoes during WW2.

Wally regaled many a fond Rhodesian memory, and I certainly hope that Wally writes into ORAFs with a story about rescuing sandwiches and cokes after being shot down. It was lovely to sit and chat and remember places and names and both he and Shumba knew a lot of the same people. Shumba says unlike many, Wally is one of the few who could still fit into his camouflage kit !!!! It was super to see some of Wally's photos of his PRAW plane and farm.

Shumba and I have plans to have Wally over in the summer for a braai and sadza - and will send an update then.

left to right- Shumba Taylor - Daniel Brown - Gill Brown - Wally Barton

End

Thanks to Denise for sharing her memories with ORAFs.

Comments are always welcome please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

Mike and Liz Faint Visit to Gauteng (2012)

2012-02-08T09:47:00.002+02:00

By Rob Sweeting

Here some photographs of the troops and ladies that came out to meet Mike Faint on his Holiday from the UK. We had a few beers and Braai, and went down pretty well.

· Ken Turner and Jean
· Ted Barnard and Sandie
· Ryk De – Cock Yvonne
· Roland Charles Wendy
· Mike Faint Liz
· Steve Russel Titch
· Clive Chard Betty
· Rob Sweeting Elaine

Thanks to Rob for sharing these photographs and memories with ORAFs.

Comments are welcome send them to orafs11@gmail.com

AFA (Natal) December 2011

2011-12-27T09:07:00.000+02:00

The AFA (Air Forces' Association of Zimbabwe)held there 2011 end of year bring and braai at the Durban Wings Club.

Following photos were made available by Prop Geldenhuys, Neville Mare and names provided by Neville Mare and Dave (Unk) Stone. Thanks to them all.

Bobby Knott was on holiday from England and Rob Sweeting is currently on contract work in Durban from Gauteng.

Those attending the braai.

Pete Woolcock giving his talk.
Seems as if Johnny Green is trying to catch the attention of the Barman
Bobby Knott patiently waiting for a cold one

Left: Mike Ongers - Lofty Hughes - Norma Hughes
Right: Neville Mare - John Whitehead - Yvonne Ongers

Front: Guy Pearce - Noleen Green
Middle: Joan Stone
Back: Pete and Ellie (with the shades) Woolcock

Pete Woolcock - Neville Mare

Left: Dave (Unc) Stone - Guy Pearce - Neville Mare
Right: Pat Lockhart - Johnny Green - Pete Woolcock

Elaine Sweeting - Dave Stone

Durban Wings Club.

End

Comments can always be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com and they will be appended to the blog.

New Zealand Christmas Get-Together 2011

2011-12-19T10:54:00.004+02:00

By Danny Hartman

Greetings from New Zealand!

Attached: First photo L-R; Danny Hartman (SAS), Felicity Hart, John Graham (SAS), Wendy Graham, Jackie Kesby, Eileen Hartman, Steve Kesby (RhAF), Winston Hart, (BSAP/Selous Scouts).

Taken at the Crooked Door Restaurant in Taupo, owned and run by Leon Steyn also ex SAS; an early Christmas dinner.

The second picture is captioned "Is it a plane? Is it a bird? No, Its Father Christmas coming to get his four little helpers!!!"

L-R, Steve
Kesby, John Graham, Winston Hart, Danny Hartman; just before 'rounding up
the sheep!'

Season's greetings to all from the four of us.

End

Thanks to Danny fr sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Ray Cox Visits Durban in May 2011

2011-05-08T18:37:00.005+02:00

Prop Geldenhuys Writes:-

Ray Cox, who lives in Empangeni, came through especially for the Monthly gathering at the NMR (Natal Mounted Rifles) Club on Friday night (May 6, 2011), so it was great to meet up with him again. We did not have a good Air Force turn-out that night, but Neville Mare did send everyone an e-mail to remind us!!] the reminder was a week earlier - and most, like me, had already forgotten about it. Luckily Neville phoned me to refresh my ageing memory!!

Prop Geldenhuys (16 PTC) - Ray Cox (17 LAR) - Neville Mare (16 LAR)

Thanks to Prop for sharing these memories with ORAFs.

Comments can be sent to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

Lunch With The Prime Minister

2011-04-03T14:57:00.006+02:00

A photograph of a lunch held in Durban on 25 July 1997, arranged by Pete Hean, with Ian Smith as guest. He was down here on holiday at the time.

Standing :Robin Tarr, Pete Maunder, Steve Walters, Hobo Hobson, Arthur Kegel, Terry Griffin, Richard Wood,
Mark Hume, Mick Walters, Ian Scott, Barrie Jones, Lynn Combrink, Rod Smith, Boet Swart.

Seated : Tony de Bruyn, Hillary Squires, Ian Smith, Pete Hean, Mike Pelham.

End of Article

Thanks to Terry Griffin for sharing his photo with ORAFs.

Comments can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Cape AFa March 2011 Bring 'n Braai

2011-03-19T12:45:00.013+02:00

We had the pleasure of the company of the following Gentlemen who will be part-taking in the Argus cycle race this Sunday at the monthly Cape AFA last night.

Chris Bradshaw, Mike Mulligan, Alan Ferguson and Derek Mengel.
(Those that rode in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour on Sunday , 6 March, 2011)

Back: Tess du Toit - Penny Ness
Middle: Claire Jefferies - Marlene Micklewood and Maureen del la Rue
Front: Caretha Randall.
Gents right at the back: Brian Daykin and Mick Dunwell (?) and spoiling our view.

Back: Pete Honeywill, Geoff Simpson, Caretha Randall.
Front: Conrad Honeywill . (Glass of Diet Coke in Hand)

Mike Mulligan, Maureen de la Rue, Johnny Ness and Tess du Toit

Derek Mengel, Alan Ferguson. Des Ferguson and Jean Mengel

L to R
Tony Cowell, Brian Daykin, Johnny Ness, Mike Mulligan, Mike Dunwell and Peter Micklewood

Tess du Toit, Maureen de la Rue & Penny Ness

End

Thanks to Andre Sely (Cape ORAFs Photographer) for sharing his photos and memories with us.

Comments can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Ron and Lorna Williams Visit Oz

2011-03-12T17:02:00.005+02:00

June Giles Writes:-

I thought it could be of interest for fellow friends to know that at 82 Ron is still travelling around the world. They stopped off to visit us, in March 2011, while spending 6 weeks in Oz. They are on their way to South Africa then on to Zim to visit more friends & hope to hire a house boat on Kariba.

Lorna and Ron Williams - June and Hedley Giles with "Pooch."

They are both looking well & certainly proving one is never too old to want to catch up with old familiar faces around the world.

Good on them

Cheers June Giles
End of Message

Comment by Eddy Norris
Lorna and Ron reside in the United Kingdom.

Ron was a Direct Entry member of the Carpenters Shop and Hedley attested with 20 LAR (Photographer) in the Rhodesian Air Force.

Thanks to June for sharing her photo and memories with ORAFs.
Comments can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Johnny Moore Visits Harare

2011-03-10T08:08:00.003+02:00

Clive Ward (RhAF) Writes:-

Here are a couple of photos of a small gathering held at my house in Harare for Johnny Moore (32 PTC) and his new wife Gilda, in March 2011.

They are here from Mocambique visiting Gilda's sister, Angela Barnard who was Angela Cross ex Air HQ Salisbury. Also in attendance were Gaye and Spider Webb (Direct Entry Pilot), Mick (25 PTC) and Elsie Delport (RWS RhAF) and my wife Louise and I.

A great time was had by all with me shovelling Johnny into his car at 3am!

Johnny Moore - Spider Webb - Mick Delport - Clive Ward

Johnny Moore - Gilda Moore - Spider Webb - Mike Deiport - Clive Ward
Gaye Webb - Elsie Delport - Louise Ward

End of Message

Thanks to Clive (25 PTC) for sharing his photos and memories with ORAFs.

Comments can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Bill Gregory Visits Cape Town

2011-02-28T15:23:00.006+02:00

In February Bill Gregory (24 LAR) visited Cape Town, from the UK, and managed to attend the monthly social held by the Cape ORAFs.

André Sely (24 LAR) sent in these photos to share with ORAFs.

L to R: Bill Gregory (24 LAR) - Tony Cowell (17 LAR) - Richard Palmer (24 LAR) - Johnny Ness (15 LAR) and the grey hair of Archie Watt (Direct Entry) At the back is Carl Lawrence and ORAFs has no idea as to who has hand up.

Carl Lawrence's partner Lesley - Sam Goveia (brother Ken and civvy) , Ken De Goveia (8 LAR) and Marlene Micklewood.

Archie Watt (on your left), Bill Gregory, Rich Palmer, Alan Ferguson (17 LAR) & Brian Daykin (19 LAR)

End

We hope that Bill and Lesley enjoyed their evening with the Cape ORAFs.

Thanks to Andre Sely for sharing these photos and memories with ORAFs. Thanks to Tony Cowell for identifying the faces. If there are errors then please blame Tony.

Comments can be directed to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

14 LAR Armaments Reunion

2011-02-21T14:06:00.005+02:00

George Firmin Writes:-

An Attached Pic of the three of us that were able recently (February 2011) to have a get together for a few drinks and dinner.

In the photo is Eric Bell, Piet Badenhorst and myself George Firmin. All ex Armourers No 14 course RRAF 1963

George Firmin - Eric Bell - Pete Badenhorst

We are all in good health and pass on our regards to ex RRAF & RhAF members who remember us.

End of Message

Please visit http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=276388#272662
to see the Group Photo of 14 LAR in 1963

Eric Bell participated in aero modelling - please view
http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=249466#232561 for an article on him.

Thanks to George for sharing this photo and information with ORAFs.

Comments can be directed to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Cocky Beneke & Rick Singleton Visit the RLI Museum

2011-02-13T16:08:00.002+02:00

Rick Singleton (23 LAR) Writes:-

Just a quick note to share a photo of myself & Cocky Beneke (25 PTC) when he & his partner Chrissie came to visit the RLI Museum in Bedford, UK on Saturday 12/02/11

We spent a couple of hours going through the museum, reminiscing & having the regulation chibulie. (beer)

End of Message

Thanks to Rick for sharing this photo and information with ORAFs.

Comments and correspondence can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Cape AFA Christmas 2010 Dinner

2011-01-05T12:31:00.010+02:00

The members of the Cape Air Forces Association held their Christmas dinner at the Galley Restaurant on the Fish Hoek Beach in Cape Town on the December 4, 2010. Reports indicate a fine time was had by all and the food was great.

Andre Sely and Tony Cowell sent in these photos from the event. Thanks guys

Left Column: Johnny Ness - Penny Ness - Mrs (?) Holmes - Mike Holmes
Right Column: Unknown - Gregg Todd - Unknown

Left Column: Caretha Randall - Angelia Lewis - Norman Lewis
Right Column: Dennis Croukamp - Dick Randall - Archie Watt - Lynn Watt

Left Column: Lynn Watt - Des Ferguson - Penny Ness
Right Column: Angelia Lewis - Pam Cowell - Marlene Micklewood

Rich Palmer - Tan Palmer - Alan Ferguson - Des Ferguson

Left Column: Tess du Toit - John Bulpitt- Claire Jeffreys - Alan Jeffreys
Right Column: Tony Cowell - Pam Cowell- Marlene Micklewood - Pete Micklewood

Penny Ness - Mrs. (?) Holmes

Front Table
Claire Jeffreys - Johnny Ness - Penny Ness - Mrs. (?) Holmes
Those heads in the front I do not not know but the one on your right could be Archie Watt

Peter Micklewood and Alan Jeffreys

Gregg Todd - Unknown - Alan Ferguson

A few group photos follow and I am not going to identify anyone in them other than
Andre Sely who is hardly in a photos as he is always busy taking them for the AFA.

Man in the middle with right hand extended and talking to Caretha Randall is Andre.

End

Hope you enjoyed seeing friends of time gone by .
Eddy Norris

Christmas Dinner in New Zealand

2010-12-14T14:05:00.002+02:00

Danny Hartman Writes:

Last Friday, December 10 2010, we celebrated an early Christmas dinner together as we are all heading for different parts over the festive season.

Attached please find a fine looking group of ladies and the men scrubbed up pretty well too!

L-R Eileen Hartman; Danny Hartman (SAS); Felicity Hart; Winston Hart (BSAP/Selous Scouts); Jackie Kesby; Steve Kesby (RhAF); Wendy Graham; John Graham (SAS)

End of Message

Thanks to Danny for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Just love those multi-coloured ties

Correspondence/comments can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Pete and Noreen McCabe Visit Cape Town Dec 2010

2010-12-14T09:58:00.002+02:00

Pete and Noreen McCabe recently visited Cape Town from Australia. They visited the local "Watering Hole" and André Sely had his camera available and sent in a couple of photos of the special visitors

Ian McCullough (18 LAR) - Pete McCabe (20 LAR) - Dennis Croukamp (RLI & Selous Scouts)

Pam Cowell - Noreen McCabe - Marlene Micklewood

Others that attending were Tony Cowell (17 LAR) , Dick ( 26 LAR) & Caretha Randall, Pete Micklewood (95 Halton) and Greg Todd (24 PTC)

Thanks to André for sharing these memories with ORAFs.

Personal thanks to Peter McCabe for the phone call I got from him, greatly appreciated Peter

From Cape Town, Pete and Noreen headed off to Natal to visit Peters brother and also to meet up with other Air Force members, then they are off to Gauteng and leave to visit their grandchildren in Bali , back to Australia and on the next day Peter heads off to China for work reasons

We hope they enjoyed their stay in South Africa.

Comments and correspondence can be sent to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

Natal AFA 2010 Year End Social

2010-12-03T15:59:00.006+02:00

Prop Geldenhuys, made these photos available to ORAFs, of the Air Force Association (Natal) social at the Durban Wings Club on November 21, 2010

THE LADIES
Liz Archibald, Noeleen Green, Joan Stone, Jacqui Kirrane and Brenda Fergusan
- Barbara Barnham, Janet Jackman, Yvonne Ongers, Vern McKelvin and Liz Armitage
- Jill de Beer, Ellie Woolcock, Pat Lockhart, Erica Edward and Rina Geldenhuys

OUR AIRMAN

Roy Barnham, Alan Jackman and Dave Stone

- Neville Mare, John Whitehead, Brian McKelvin, Johnny Green and Bruce Edward

- Mike Ongers, Peter Woolcock, Prop Geldenhuys and Eddie de Beer

Alan - Brian - Roy - George

At the Braai

Ellie and Pete
(Pete is the Chairman of the Natal Branch of the AFA)

Brian and Vern

Pete - Bruce - Johnny

Graze Time

Thanks to Prop for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Rumour has it that Neville Mare went home with a headache - the result of everyone tripping on his hair!

The folk of Natal send the Christmas Greetings to each and everyone of ORAFs.

GFL Natal 2010

2010-11-27T14:43:00.006+02:00

Natal November 26 , 2010

Terry Griffin has made a few photos and information of this event to ORAFs and as such I would like to share them with you all.

I did not know what GFL represented and as such I requested Terry to elaborate and his reply is included in his article:

"GFL - is basically an abbreviation for "GET FIRED LUNCH" started some years ago by a few Army guys and held annually on the last Friday in November. Today, it is pretty much all Services, but still arranged by Brown Jobs (Rhodesian term for Army members). Often with Cape Town, Johannesburg, Harare and UK hosting their own lunches when we then get in comms via cell phones and verbally abuse each other for old times sake !!

This year was organised by Rich Blaylock.

Several guys came up from Cape Town and Pat Lawless came down from Maputo where he is now based. Pat retired as a Brigadier from the Brit Army a few years ago. Neill Storey, came over from the UK, as he always does. Richard Wood, well known author.

Late arrivals included Keith Spence, Kevin Woods and a few others - what can you expect from a Blue Job (Rhodesian Air Force) and a Policeman !!!

There were about 8 folk who did not make this year, who are normally there - work pressure sighted as a "lame excuse" !!

Front : Ian Scott, Rod Smith, Neill Jackson, Iain Frazer, Rich Blaylock.
2nd Row : Pat Lawless, Mike Rich, Mark Adams, Pete Hean, Brett Robertson, Andrew Blaine.
3rd Row : Neill Story, Mark Hume, Dave Greenhalgh,.
4th Row : Mick Walters, Terry Griffin, Travis Sletcher.

Neill Storey also did a collection for the RLI Association Welfare Fund."

ORAFs also received the reminder for this event and many will appreciate it.

Reminder

Stand by to standby. Roll call at 12:32 hours or thereabouts. Troops to ("face your front you") form up in any order. Guards to be aware of infiltratees from Cape town, London, Maputo, Zambia and the Bluff. These partisan forces should be allowed to mingle on the start line and will be permitted to spearhead the advance.

Note: All uniformed men to be treated with respect.

No lizards pse, just be there.

Yours in DIBUA

Mention is often made of DIBUA in comms, as opposed to FIBUA (fighting in built up areas - army abbreviation) DIBUA being - drinking in built up areas !!

End

Below are a few additional photos received

Thanks to Terry for sharing his photos and memories with us.

Comments and correspondence can be directed to Eddy Norris on orafs11@gmail.com

NZ Annual Get-To-Together ~ 2010

2010-11-22T10:02:00.003+02:00

John (JP) Pringle (RhAF) Writes:-

Yesterday (Sunday 21st) saw yet another get-together of ORAFs in Auckland. Attendees were, in no particular order: Bob and Jann Hattle, Blake and Jane Few, John and Moya Michalakis, Pete and Viv Jameson, Ashley and Helen Stober, Dennis and Patricia Mawhinney, John and Bernie Pringle.

The weather prophet forecast rain however we invoked the spirit of Harvey Quail an once again the morning cloud dispersed and we enjoyed a fine, sunny day.

Plenty of beer disappeared, bags of steak and wors was cremated and many dubious stories were told. The venue, once again, was “The Command Post”, an historic piece of Auckland’s WWII defence installation. For something different we took thirty minutes out of drinking time and toured the recently re-opened tunnel complex between the gun emplacements. Tour guide was JP who felt this justified him having another beer during the photo shoot! Picture was taken by John Michalakis, skilfully using the camera timer function...

End

Many thanks to JP for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Buchan and Mann

2010-11-21T21:11:00.003+02:00

Charlie (Denis) Buchan (Para Training School) Writes:

Visited Alec Mann ex WO Dog Section (Rhodesian Air Force) in Flame Lilly Village where the SAS memorial is. He attended the Memorial service with us.

Alec Mann and Charlie Buchan

If anyone would like to contact Alec to cheer him up, please contact me on eMail denis.underberg@gmail.com
Alec only has a cell and they must call him. I can give out his number to anyone who is interested.

Yours aye
Charlie Buchan.

End

Thanks to Charlie for sharing his memories with ORAFs

AFA (Zim) Xmas 2009

2010-11-10T16:18:00.004+02:00

Kelvin Byrne, Glen Flaxman, Ian McLellan, Trevor Bonham, Sam Symes, Ox Heron,
Derek Utton, Chas Keanley & Cliff Tyson

Thanks to Cliff Tyson for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Bill and Jean Teague Wedding

2010-11-10T12:55:00.005+02:00

Bill & Jean got married to-day (Nov 07) at 1 PM our time (Vancouver, Canada) !! It was a small private affair, and we plan to have a bigger bash for everybody sometime next year; we will keep you posted.....

Love & hugs from us, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Teague.

End of Article.

ORAFs sends it love and best wishes to two special folk.

Thanks to Shumba for sharing this wonderful news with us all.

Bill and Ivan Holshausen were Course mates on Pilot Training in the South African Air Force, later Bill served with the Canadian Air Force and Ivan ventured North to join the Rhodesian Air Force.

Canada October 2010

2010-10-21T12:46:00.006+02:00

Bill Teague Writes:-

On Saturday (16th) we had a bunch of ex Rhodesians around for lunch and a get together. You may recognise some of them?? A lot of memories and nostalgia ensued.

From the left; Trish d'Hotman, late husband was Bob, RRAF; Ivan Holshausen, RRAF;
Adrienne Elliot, formerly Roughhead (Alec Roughead was RRAF & KOAS Canberra accident);
Allan Schrag, SAS; Bill Teague, SAAF; and Darrel Elliot. (I think a Rhodesian civilian)

End of Message

Trish and Ivan are visiting Canada from South Africa (Natal)
The balance are all resident in Vancouver, Canada.

Thanks to Bill for making this photo and memories available to ORAFs.

AFA (UK) Reunion

2010-10-11T19:50:00.005+02:00

On 25th September 2010, and arising from recommendation by Tom and Jane Chalmers, the AFA in UK met at South Witham Hall. We were joined there by the McClurgs from Natal and Peter Cowan from Madeira. It was a small gathering (49) though very successful, thanks to the organising efforts of the Chalmers. Those attending were:

John and Jill Barnes, Terry Bennett, Ken Bowie, Tom and Jane Chalmers, Keith and Sue Corrans, Peter Cowan with son Peter, Ian and Jenny Cruikshank, Bill Donaldson, Eddie and Cecile Flawn with son Tim, Bill and Maureen Galloway, Bill and Charmaine Gregory, Cedric and Pauline Herbert, (Brown Jobs) Hobo and Jenny Hobson, Wally and Lorraine Joyce, Peter and Helen McClurg, Paddy Gleeson, Rod Packer, Dave and Dayle Panton, Peter and Beryl Petter-Bowyer, Ed and Pauline Pietersen, Richard Proctor, Cliff Potter, Betty, Allan and Eleanor Ramsay, Dennis and Mary Read, Ginger Scatcherd, Stan Stanford, Rusty, Shirley and Sarah Theobald, Vic and Shirley Wightman,
Ron and Harriett Stevens.

These group shots were taken with Rod Packer’s camera. The first is of those who actively served in the RhodAF and the second is of family and friends.

Back Row: Stan Stanford, Paddy Gleeson, Ken Bowie, Peter Cowan,
Pauline (Rawnsley) Pietersen, Lorainne (Moss) Joyce, Keith Corrans,
Ian Cruickshank, Allan Ramsay, Bill Donaldson, Cedric Herbert,
Terry Bennett, Bill Gregory

Middle Row: Dave Panton, Ron Stevens, Dennis (Ginger) Read,
Eddie Flawn, Cliff Potter, PB, Ginge Scatcherd, Bill Galloway,
Peter McClurg

Front Row: Tom Chalmers, Wally Joyce, Vic Wightman, John Barnes,
Rusty Theobald, Rod Packer

Back row: Hobo Hobson, Harriet Stevens, Cecile Flawn, Charmaine Gregory,
Helen McClurg, Mary Read, Pauline and Ed Pietersen, Lorraine Joyce, Maureen Galloway,
Sue Corrans, Jill Barnes, Eleanor Ramsay, Jenny Cruikshank, Peter Cowan (Jnr)

From row: Beryl Petter-Bowyer, Jenny Hobson, Jane Chalmers,
Shirley Theobald, Pauline Herbert, Shirley Wightman, Betty Ramsay,
Dayle Panton

End of Article

Thanks to Peter and Rod for making these photos and memories available to ORAFs.

Anyone wishing to contact Eddy Norris are requested to mail him on orafs11@gmail.com

Cape Air Show 2010

2010-09-27T15:28:00.004+02:00

Tony Cowell, Geoff Simpson and André Sely attended the Air Show at Yesterplaat Air Base in Cape Town on September 25, 2010 and Tony writes:-

As usual we walked our legs off but enjoyed chatting to Rob and Jimmy whilst seated at the Goodyear Stand. Rob was visiting from Gauteng and Jimmy from the U.K.

Rob Blumeris - André Sely - Geoff Simpson - Tony Cowell - Jimmy Jamieson

Whilst watching the aerobatic display, we accidentally overheard a conversation between Wing Commander (Zimbabwe Air Force) and a colleague who was a visiting pilot flying the Chinese K8. We chatted and he mentioned that he was based in Thornhill. We mentioned that we had been in the Air force and Geoff, Andre and I had been at both Sarum and Thornhill. He said that if we wanted to visit Thornhill we were to ask for him and he would personally show us around the base for old time sake. A more pleasant chap you couldn't wish to meet.

Steve Bailey made these photos available of the Zimbabwe Air Force aircraft.

Additional photos made available by Tony:-

End

Thanks to to Tony and Steve for sharing their photos and memories with ORAFs

Should anyone with to make contact with Eddy Norris then please mail him on orafs11@gmail.com

Kiwi "RV" 2010

2010-09-25T07:33:00.003+02:00

John Graham Writes From New Zealand:-

Last Sunday, September 19, 2010, we had a lunch at home at which three former SAS guys were present who had not seen one another for at least 30 years. Fletch Jamieson was visiting New Zealand from Montagu in the Cape, South Africa, staying with Winston Hart and Danny Hartman who lives up the road in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Fletch, Danny & John

Danny, Fletch, Winston, John

End

Thanks to John for sharing his photos and memories with ORAFs.

Danny must be the bravest chap in New Zealand. If you look at his Rugby Jersey you will know why. The game that Rhodesia beat the mighty All Blacks.

Some may not know that Winston was Special Branch and Selous Scouts and the golf shirt he is wearing, above, indicates he was also South African Navy, Operational Diver.

John lives in Te Awamutu, New Zealand

Terry Last Vists Cape Town

2010-09-20T19:33:00.004+02:00

Tony Cowell, Writes:-
Just had a visit from Terry Last who was visiting Cape Town from the UK.

Peter Gunning (seated) and Terry Last

Terry attested as a Airframe Fitter with 11 LAR Course in February 1962 and left in 1972 at the end of his 10 year stint.
Peter attested as a Armourer with 12 LAR Course in April 1962 and left in 1972 at the end of his 10 year stint.

End of Message.

ORAFs is uncertain to where Peter resides, he was in Cape Town a few years ago but was thinking of moving to the UK.

We trust that Terry enjoyed his stay in the Cape.

Thanks to Tony for sharing his photo with ORAFs.

24 LAR Mini Reunion

2010-09-13T12:52:00.002+02:00

Three 'A Class' tradesmen from 24 LAR at Jenkies daughters wedding on an island at Vic Falls. (28th Aug, 2010.)

The guy on the left spent the week keeping the brides father out of trouble.[ Don Wagner]

When did you last see the smart, well dressed fella in the middle wearing a pink tie ? [Dave Jenkins]

The only youthful looking chap (on the right) forgot his glasses so sadly couldn't sing the hymns ...... or shave. [Rich Palmer]

End of Article

Many thanks to Dave Jenkins for sharing the photo with ORAFs.

Cedric & Pauline Herbert

2010-08-28T15:53:00.005+02:00

Cedric and Pauline have left Zimbabwe and now reside in the UK.

Iain Harper (Rhod. Army Assoc) visits these folks, and makes the ORAFs material available to them.

Iain has made this photo available of them.

Cedric is one of the originals of the Rhodesian Air Force having attested with 1 LAR (Local Area Recruit) in May 1955 and was later commissioned as Officer in Charge of Photographic Section at New Sarum.

Nice to see Cedric reading without the aid of glasses.

Thanks to Iain Harper for sharing this information with ORAFs.
Thanks to Cliff Tyson for his assistance
Thanks to Paul Mroz for the image hosting sponsorship.

Visit to Savo

2010-08-05T16:45:00.004+02:00

Mike and Yvonne Ongers, Neville Mare, Don Wagner recently visited Savo Mikellides at at his home in Durban.

Mike kindly made these photo of the visit available to ORAFs.

Back - Neville Mare (16 LAR) and Don Wagner (24 LAR)
Front -= Mike Ongers (20 LAR) and Savo (15 LAR)

Mrs. Savo - Don and Savo

Front: Yvonne - Mike and Savo
Back: Neville - Mrs. Savo and Don

Special thanks to Mike, Yvonne, Neville and Don for visiting Savo.
Please pass on the best wishes of all ORAFs to Savo and family
Thanks to Mike for the photos.

Buchan and Bond Reunion

2010-08-03T15:52:00.002+02:00

Charlie Buchan Writes:-

Stopped off for the night at Natures Valley Guest House. Well looked after by Pat and Ian Bond. Highly recommended for both comfort and long chats.

Yours aye

Charlie Buchan

Charlie - Pat and Ian

Thanks to Charlie for sharing his photos and memories with ORAFs.

Natures Valley Guest House is in Plettenberg Bay and further information can be obtained from visiting this link below:
Natures Valley Accommodation Guest House in Plettenberg Bay

"The Famous Five" Jam Stealers

2010-07-26T11:14:00.003+02:00

I served in the Rhodesian Air Force from 1968 to 1980. During this period I started off with a five year stint at New Sarum then May 1973 I was, thankfully, posted to Thornhill commonly known as the Southern Air Force. I was posted back to New Sarum (shame) in May 1978 into Provisioning and Stock Control Office (PSCO)

I had the great privilege of working with some great guys, most where bloody naughty, some being good sportsman. I would like to share with you a photo of some of these guys. Other than Walter George Joyce I worked with these blokes at both Sarum and Thornhill and the great enjoyment for me was having these blokes with me when I was promoted to WO1. Originally it was frightening having them with you but they proved very fine friends and we continue to correspond with each other after all these years.

Alan (Sgt) Readings - Colin (Gonzo) Steven - Jerry Tasker - Wally Joyce (Walter George) and
Dave (Rommel- Square head) Rowley.

Why no nick name for Jerry - believe you me, don't muck with him, his a mean mother!.

Looking at the photo, I notice Alan, Colin still playing marbles, Wally playing with two hands, so he must have gons, Jerry standing as good airman should and I suspect Dave is trying to hide his beer behind his back?

Spot Wally still wearing his "Vellies"

Thanks to Gonzo for the photo and hoping some of the other Jam stealers send in their faces

Some may wonder where the term "Jam Stealers" came from? All Stores staff were Suppliers on attesting, but the more acceptable and trusted they became to the Technicians they became Jam Stealers. A term of endearment. Those five your looking at were all and still are Jam Stealers

Believe this photo was taken at the AFA (UK) annual get-together in 2009

Sgt, Gonzo, Jerry, Walter George and Rommel - thank you for your friendship.

Regards

Eddy Norris

Johnny Green Visits Tete

2010-07-14T14:43:00.004+02:00

July 2010

As you are aware I do a lot of travelling into darkest Africa these days being Malawi , Tanzania and now lately Mozambique. My work these days is in the consultancy business primarily in Hydraulics and Pneumatics. I have been doing this for a few years now and really enjoy doing it all ,and even with the travelling to the different African countries, I find them all so responsive towards me, and they are always chuffed to see me , and show me where their problems are. They are all very keen to learn about all the different aspects and upgrades of their equipment and take everything in that you report on.

However my good friend Bob Manser contacted me and mentioned to me that Tete in Mozambique was a buzz with the discovery of very large coal deposits being found in the area and it would be easy to mine as it would all be open cast mining [ apparently the biggest deposits found in the world . ] He informed me that everybody and his dog was descending on the Tete area to get a bit of the happenings there, and they were all from RSA /Australia/Zimbabwe etc. He told to get my butt up there, and to find out what was going on in the area before it was too late.

I had always intended to go to Tete , as a new Tobacco Co was set up a few years ago by Universal Tobacco Co. This was because I had been dealing with the tobacco industries in both Malawi and Tanzania and generally had leant a lot about the this industry ,and knew this was happening. So I decided to make contact with the tobacco co there , and let them know I was coming to see them rather sooner than later .My next problem was where in the hell was I going to stay in a place like Tete! However Bob came to my rescue and said he had a very good friend Donald Charles who lived up there operating a very good trading business and was well set up in the place. with a Partner being Peter Bekker’s son Brendon, Peter being in the Air Force with us all. Donald offered to put me up at his place, and he would show me what goes on in Tete.

I duly booked my air ticket to Tete via Maputo and had a stop over there to see what happens , capitalizing on the stop over and visiting the aluminium smelter Mozal, Maputo is a bit of a dive! too many cars and funny people , although a good taxi driver I had, who knew a bit of kitchen k and did not rip me off. I had really good food at the Hotel where I stayed, Rock Cod Portuguese style, was great. Very nice Hotel called the VIP they collected me from the airport and took me back the next day a real bonus.

Had a very good experience flying with LAM Mozambique airlines Boeing 737 200 series ,most impressed ,no reverse thrust on landing cool and calm good old Portuguese style! On embarking and collection of my case a bun fight insured as there was only one conveyor that came to a dead end with little space for any body to operate in, and one Italian oke unloading everybody cases waiting for his to come, I think his came last ! I met up with Donald and finally got out of the place. We had to cross the Zambezi river by a bass boat to Don’s house [pozzi ] as the suspension bridge was being repaired ,and only allowed traffic across it ,on one side of the bridge as the cables were being repaired one side only , this has been going on for a year, some trucks wait totalling 70 odd per side, which takes sometimes 4 days to cross over to the other side. However another bridge is being built down steam to accommodate this expected boom of industry ,together with a new railway line ,and road from Beira, they are also looking at dredging of the Zambezi river to put barges on it for transportation of coal down the river.

The most amazing thing is Bob decided to drive up from Chimoi 400km’s away to stay with me for two days, at Donald’s place so we could all have a good get together. That evening we went off to the local pub amongst the shanty town shacks of Tete called the "Why Not" for supper and drinks, and lo and behold who should we meet there but Peter Bekker and his wife Bev who had just left Malawi on their way back to live in Marendellas Zimbabwe and to catch up with their son Brendon who lives in Moz, he could not believe seeing me there! The game was on with all the old times etc. Donald and his wife and in-laws are all Zimbabwean’s and there were a lot of other ones I met there as well. I happened to mention Neville Mare’s name to someone, and this lovely young girl came up to me and said I know you ,I stood back dumb founded as I did not know who she was, and was so happy to know finally she was the late Joe Cameron’s daughter Caren who lives there, she has twin son’s who have just recently played in the Craven week boys rugby in Cape Town. This was very special for me as Joe and myself had great respect for one another when we were together in the Air Force, and she of course was a very young girl then. Her husband Bryan Moodie is huge, no wonder their boys are rugby players! We all had a nice evening and all the cervejos that went with it.[ The pictures taken in the pub were of Peter Bekker, myself, Bob Manser , Peter’s son Brendon, and just the head of Donald Charles peeping in at the back]

Donald organized our accommodation in his guest house on the banks of the Zambezi river ,in the outback of his property, we had a generator or three for electricity , as they tended to stop every now and then. The generators had to function to have any water to operate the shower, and the toilet, due to a pressure switch being installed in the water reservoir system. So if you needed to go to the loo you had to turn the generator on!! this also to clean your teeth. Our bedding facility was two mattresses on the newly laid concrete floor and one blanket each, next to each other. The Mozzies (mosquitoes) were kept at bay with SA Doom spray and it was very dark, however Bob and I had some good long night chats of the past and who was a big puss , and not! until we fell asleep to the sound of the Zambezi river flowing past us , we then were served with tea in the morning by Don. With magnificent sun rises in the morning over the Zambezi river, some 3 kms wide at this point..

Donald and his wife Nettie were most Hospitable and went out of their way to help me with anything that I needed, I saw my tobacco associates with the aid of Don’s Jeep and business went very well there. They went out of their way to let me know what was happening in and around the Tete area , and even took me running with their friends , and I met more people I knew amazing. The next time I go up, I will do some fishing with Don , as he loves fishing, lots of tiger there , 5 kg mother’s.

Photo’s Next to Donald’s other boat Self ,Bob Manser , Donald Charles , and Brendon Bekker. Photo other Me arriving on the boat on day of arrival cases and all !

To Bob , your friends Don and Nettie I really enjoyed the great experience that I had with all of you ,on my visit to Tete Mozambique.

Thank you very much for all your efforts.

Johnny Green

Couple of photos from John and Bob

Johnny Green - Bob Manser - Donald Charles - Brendon Bekker

Johnny Green landing in Tete

Party Time

Bob Manser - Donald Charles (just!)_ Johnny Green - Brendon and Pete Bekker

Suspension Bridge

Donald's Pozi

To assist you with remembering who is who in this zoo the following is advised
John was 13 LAR (August 1962)
Bob Manser was 16 LAR (January 1964)
Pete Bekker was 15 LAR (January 1964)

Thanks to Johnny for sharing his memories and photos with ORAFs.
Thanks to Bob for his photo and assistance

For those that do not know the word "Pozi" represents home

The Hammonds' And The Pink Lady

2010-06-03T12:45:00.000+02:00

Eric Hammond Writes:-

We thought this might be of interest.My wife Jenny and I with Jessica Watson's Pink Lady in the back ground after she arrived back in Sydney.

Although it was a calm day, it was bobbing around, just imagine it on the high seas in a fierce storm.I know it wouldn't be me doing it!!

Footnote by ORAFs

ORAFs believes Eric attested with 2 LAR in August 1956 and left at the break-up of the Federation in December 1963

I have also attached a bit on Jessica's achievement:-

Sixteen-year-old Jessica Watson has spent the past seven months in a self-imposed solitary confinement of sorts.

For 210 days, the avid sailor skippered her 34-foot yacht, the Pink Lady, around the world, a feat few others, let alone teenagers, have accomplished.

But on Saturday afternoon, her solo trip ended in dramatic fashion as tens of thousands of cheering spectators and hundreds of boats turned out to welcome her home to Australia's Sydney Harbor, according to CNN affiliate Nine News.

"I haven't seen a person for almost seven months and suddenly there's just people everywhere -- you know, faces, so much color, so much noise, so much everything," she told a news conference. "All I've seen for so long is empty waves, so it was amazing and very overwhelming. At the same time, I achieved what I set out to."

That achievement -- her team claims she's the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world -- is not without controversy.

Visit http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/australia.global.sail/index.html?eref=rss_world&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+rss/cnn_world+(RSS:+World)&utm_content=Google+International

Thanks to Eric and Jenny for sharing their memories with ORAFs.

Hippy Birthday Party

2010-05-30T19:59:00.003+02:00

Ken Jackman, turned 65 on the 29 May, and a few of Ken's air force friends joined him to celebrate the occasion.

Ken as a youngster

Ken at 65

The Woodstock Boys
Rob "The Nest" Sweeting - Roland "The Baldy" Charles - Peter "Nitro Watson and
Ken "On Cloud Nine Jackman

Elaine "Honolulu" & Rob "The Nest" Sweeting, Wendy "Peace my Man" & Roland "The Bald One" Charles, Joan "Of Arc" & Pete "Nitro Watson, Vee "Blue Eyes & Ken "Still on Cloud 9" Jackman

A Big Birthday Cake for a Big and Great Guy
Happy Birthday Ken from all of ORAFs.

Ken's son also celebrated his 40th on the same day as Ken. Best Wishes to him

Thanks to Roland Charles for sharing these photos and memories with us all.

Air Force Reunions in April - May 2010

2010-05-19T10:53:00.002+02:00

A "All Forces Bash" was held at the Dickie Fritz Shellhole in Edenvale on May 8, 2010 and a number of former air force families attended.

Roland Charles has made this photo available to ORAFs for distribution. Thanks Roland.

L>R
Roland Charles (15 LAR) - Ken Jackman (D.E.) - Rob Sweeting (28 LAR) Chris Shewell (D.E.) - Charlie Gibbon (D.E.) Dave Whalley (D.E.) Fyn Marcussen (11 LAR)

D.E. = Direct Entry.
Dave Whalley was a Supplier leaving at the break-up of the Federation.

Previously but on the other side of the pond Nigel Lamb was in Perth participating in the Red Bull Air Race. Geoff and Aldene Oborne wrote:-

"Nige Lamb came to stay with us during the Red Bull Air race in Perth. He was stuck in Perth after the race because of the volcano in Iceland, so we had the pleasure of his company for four extra days."

Nigel - Aldene - Geoff

Many thanks to Roland, Geoff and Aldene for sharing their photos with ORAFs.

Rusty & Shirley Theobald Golden Anniversary

2010-05-05T14:08:00.001+02:00

Rusty and Shirley Theobald celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on January 30, 2010, in England..

Photo of the golden couple, holding cards from daughter Sarah and son Kent.

On the 4th May, 2010 Rusty wrote:-

Yes, Shirley and I have hit the 50 mark and we had planned for a quiet dinner party in the local very posh International Hotel. My Best-man and his wife Mary were invited, so with the four Theobalds there would be six of us.

The new International Hotel has been built on the site of the old Aldershot Officer's Club, retaining the 1850 Victorian pub and bar in it's original condition. But things do not always work out as planned.

Kent and Sarah had other secret ideas and had invited 58 people to lunch at our house.
In the attachments is a photo of the 14 Rhodies who attended together with a list of their names. I got my own back; I sent the pair of them to their beds that night with no dinner.

From Reunions of the Rhodesian Forces

The 14 Rhodies at the Golden Wedding Anniversary

Back Row: Dennis Read (Best man RRAF Electrician), Rusty Theobald, Bill Munday (RAF Radar), Shirley Theobald, Barry (Airframes) and Paddy Whiteley, Jane Chalmers, Garry (M.T. Fitter) and Vi Jones,

Front Row: Kent Theobald (ComCen), Terry Bennett (Navigator), Tom Chalmers (Instruments)

Missing from the shot - Sarah Theobald was behind the camera, and Jacqueline Jones was AWOL at the time.

Sincere thanks to Rusty for sharing this special day with us all.

Visit to the RLI Museum by V.I.P's

2010-04-27T10:06:00.000+02:00

British parliament members visit the RLI Museum in April, 2010

Bob Ainsworth the secretary for Defence and Patrick Hall our local Labour MP arriving

VIP's signing the Visitors Book

VIP's viewing some of the display items

Thanks to Martyn Hudson for sharing his memories and photos with ORAFs.

Kiwi "Brew Up"

2010-04-26T20:14:00.003+02:00

John Graham Writes:-

We had a bit of a get together on 7 April, 2010.
Iain and Vera (Bourne) ex UGHS had dinner with us along with Danny & Eileen Hartman and Wolf and Alison Hucke. It was a good SAS catch-up, as Wolf and Iain hadn’t seen each other since 1979. Iain and Vera had just been to an air show in the South Island, “Wings over Wanaka” and were on their way back to Queensland in Australia

Danny Hartman - Wolf Hucke - John Graham and Iain Bowen

Hobsonville Anzac Parade

2010-04-25T10:27:00.003+02:00

April 2010

John Pringle Writes

Four Blue Jobs were part of a contingent of some sixty members of the Rhodesian Forces Association at the Hobsonville RSA, Auckland (New Zealand) for the traditional ANZAC Day parade.

RSA is the Returned Servicemen's Association, the DownUnder equivalent of the MOTHs and ANZAC stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is our equivalent of Poppy Day.

The photos are:

Forming up behind the banner. Hugh Bomford doing the honours, while the Blue Jobs
were down
at the back, with the rabble!

Forming up and attempting some resemblance of military order are
L to R: John Pringle, Blake Few, unknown Brown, unknown Brown and John Michalakis.

After the service. L to R, Blake Few, John Michalakis, Hugh Bomford partly obscured
by his banner, Chuck Osborne and John Pringle.

Thanks to John Pringle for sharing his photos and memories with ORAFs,
HTML clipboardLinks detailed above are to the New Zealand Association.

Gauteng ORAFs Social

2010-04-22T17:15:00.003+02:00

From Reunions of the Rhodesian Forces

Back left to right - John Baard; Clive Chard; Steve Russell; Clive Dutton;
Steve Prophet;
Front – Pat Galleymore; Fyn Marcussen; Roland Charles; Frans Fyfer; Ken Jackman;
Rob Sweeting.
Kneeling – Tom Crook.

Social was held at the Dickie Fritz Shellhole in Edenvale, in Gauteng, South Africa on
9 April, 2010

Photo made available by Pat Galleymore. Thanks Pat

Sarge (Ian) and Tarryn Light Wedding

2010-04-13T15:31:00.006+02:00

Debbie Jenkins (nee Light) Writes:-

Ian Light (Sarge) and Tarryn Johnson got married on 20th March 2010 at Backsberg wine estate in Paarl, South Africa

Sarge - Tarryn and Jim

Congratulations to Sarge, Tarryn, Jim, Debbie and also the rest of the family.
HTML clipThanks to Debbie for sharing this special memory with ORAFs

Eddie and Cecelia Flawn Golden Anniversary

2010-03-26T11:46:00.002+02:00

Photo of the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Eddie and Cecelia Flawn which was held in the UK on April 18, 2009.

Sincere congratulations to Eddie and Cecelia from all ORAFs.

Eddie attested with 1 LAR in May 1955 as an Engine Fitter with the Service Number of 889

Thanks, to daughter, Melanie for making the photo and information available to us to share.

27 LAR Wedding and Reunion

2010-03-21T07:43:00.004+02:00

David Steele has made these photos available to ORAFs.

The first photo is the happy occasion of Ian and Di Scott's wedding in Perth, Australia in March 21, 2010.

A couple of 27 LAR Course mates joined Ian and Di and David writes:-
Great occasion & opportunity for some of us to meet again after 24 years.

Dave Steele, Steve Palmer, Ian Scott & Colin Anderson

Congratulations to Ian and Di from all of ORAFs.
Thanks to David Steele for sharing his memories with ORAFs.
27 LAR attested into the Rhodesian Air Force in February 1971

Geoff Foley, Dave Steele and Tony Viegas Reunion

2010-03-19T07:18:00.004+02:00

Photo taken by Geoff Foley of Dave Steele and Tony Viegas.

Dave Steele and Tony Viegas

Dave was in South Africa, from Australia, on a business trip in
March 2010

The 3 of us were all radio techs. Dave and I spent some time in the
IS (Internal Security) Hangar at New Sarum where we became
rather good friends.

I had not seen Dave or Geoff for close to 35 years.
When we met it was as if it had been only a mere number of weeks
that had passed.

Other than the 3 of us getting a bit grey, not much else has changed.

Comment by ORAFs
Tony Viegas was 30 LAR (Local Area Recruit) Dave Steele from 27 LAR)
and Geoff Foley being 32 LAR

Thanks to Tony for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Baldy and Barbara Baldwin Visit Napier

2010-03-14T20:10:00.002+02:00

Baldy (Malcolm) and Barbara from Hermanus in visited Trisha and I in Napier and took us to lunch. A marvellous time was enjoyed by us.

Sincere thanks to Baldy and Barbara for their visit and to those that remember Baldy, be assured he has not changed and remains a fun filled chap.

Reunion in Cape Town

2010-03-11T07:05:00.005+02:00

Charlie Aust, last Commanding officer of the First Battalion Rhodesian Light Infantry (1RLI) and Neill Storey visited South Africa to attend the 1RLI birthday party in Durban in February 2010, and thereafter they visited Cape Town to visit friends that they had served with.

This photo was made available, by Neil Jackson, of that visit.

Trevor DesFountain, Charlie Aust, Mike Rich, Neill Storey

Thanks to Neill Jackson for sharing these memories with ORAFs.

Ken Salter 80th Birthday

2010-03-08T13:34:00.004+02:00

Howard Parker has made these images available of Ken celebrating his 80th birthday and Christmas 2009. Ken resides in Northern Ireland.

Ken served in the Rhodesian Air Force Security Section.

Thanks to Howard Parker for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Rhodesian Air Force Reunion in Hobsonville

2010-03-04T15:11:00.003+02:00

Prop and Rina Geldenhuys are currently on holiday, visiting family and friends, in New Zealand and they sent in this photo with these words:-

Another memorable evening in Auckland at the Hobsonville RSA with personalities as follows.

John Pringle (11 LAR), Prop (16 PTC) and Rina Geldenhuys, Blake Few (18 PTC) , Berni Pringle, Jane Few and Pey Geldenhuys

ORAFs does not know what the abbreviation RSA represents - but I do not think it represents The Republic of South Africa?

Thanks to Prop and Rina for sharing their memories with ORAFs.

Paddy and Val Morgan

2010-02-25T17:28:00.005+02:00

Paddy and Val Morgan are currently on a holiday, from Germany, associated with some business, like seeing the taxman and bank manager, stopped in to visit us, Napier in the Southern Cape of South Africa, on their way from Cape Town to Riversdale and then onwards to Gauteng and finally back to Germany.

They say they are enjoying Germany but miss their friend from South Africa.

They also send their love and best wishes to all that remember them.

Paddy earned his Navigators Wings with 25 PTC and attested in 1971

Herewith a photo of them.

Thanks for the visit folks - hope you had a lovely holiday and safe trip home.

RLI Birthday Party 2010

2010-02-15T13:35:00.004+02:00

The RLI celebrated their 49th birthday in February 2010 and Neill Jackson has kindly made these photos available to ORAFs.

Front Cover of the Programme

Back Cover of the Programme

Neill Storey, RLIRA (UK), handing the Colours to Bill Wiggill, RLIRA (SA) Chairman.

Traditional toast to the Colours before unfurling.
From L to R: Bill Wiggill, Chairman RLI RA (SA), Neill Jackson & SkippyMitchell, Ensigns to The Colours,Lt Col Charlie Aust, last CO of RLI, Former RLI RSM Robin Tarr,
Lt Col Ron Reid-Daly, Rick Passaportis, Lt Gen Peter Walls, Kerrin Cocks, photographer.

Colours being marched in for Remembrance Service.

RSM Robin Tarr reads out the Roll of Honour of the RLI.

Lt Col Charlie Aust lays a wreath for those who died on active service with RLI.

Some memories from the celebration of the 49th Birthday of the RLI.

Assault Pioneer Troop, Support Commando. From L to R;
Ron Byng, Shane Stringer, Neill Jackson, Mick Jeffery, John Buckle

Band of Brothers. L to R;
George Dempster, RLIRA (SA), Martyn (Pudding) Hudson, RLIRA (UK),
Neill Storey, RLIRA (UK),Mike Rich, Rick Passaportis, Mick Walters, Neill Jackson,
Chris Ras, RLIRA (SA)

Neill Jackson and Juno Groenewald, sister of Joe du Plooy

Support Commando's Clive Dredge. Some characters never change!

Thanks to Neill Jackson for sharing this very memorable day with ORAFs.

Mike & Liz Faint in South Africa

2010-02-14T16:10:00.002+02:00

Mike Faint, and partner, Liz visited South Africa, from the UK, in December 2009 and January 2010.

Liz kindly made these photos available to ORAFs of their visits various Air Force friends.

We start off Paarl (Mike can vouch for the red wine)

Johnny Ness (15 LAR) and Mike Faint (Direct Entry)

Next it was off to Port Elizabeth but decided to stop and visit Eddy and Trisha Norris in Napier

Mike - Trisha and Eddy Norris (Direct Entry)

Mike, Liz & Eddy Norris

Next they crossed the Orange River and found themselves in Benoni on the East Rand up in Gauteng and visited the "local watering hole" and found a couple of airmen there.

Steve Russell (24 LAR) - Mike and Rob Sweeting (28 LAR)

To conclude the show we have

Elaine & Rob Sweeting.

Thank you to Liz, who kept her promise of sending photos, it is appreciated.
The term LAR represents Local Area Recruit and is the Course Number that the person concerned attested into the Rhodesian Air Force.

RLI Museum in the UK

2010-02-07T15:15:00.007+02:00

ORAFs recently distributed photos taken at the opening of the RLI in the UK.

Chris Myers kindly forwarded some of his private photos of the opening and they are included here to illustrate that this must be a rewarding museum to visit and I hope that it goes from strength to strength.

The museum is located at 93 Ashburnham Road, BEDFORD, MK40 1EA.

Thanks to Chris Myers for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Thanks also to Neill Jackson for his assistance.

Gauteng ORAFs Social

2010-02-07T13:17:00.005+02:00

A Bring 'n Braai was held at the Dickie Fritz M.O.T.H. Shellhole, in Edenvale, Johannesburg, on Saturday, January 31^st ,2010

L-R: Cyril Ziehl, B.J., B.J., Ryk de Kok, Ken Turner, Roland Charles,
Geoff Dartnall, Clive Dutton, Johnny Valentine, Hugh Mc Dulling, B.J., B.J., Rob Sweeting,

Sitting/kneeling. Bert May, Bruce Harrison, Jerry Tasker, Fynn Marcussen, Wally Ferreira, Frans Fyfer

B.J. = Brown Job.
Johnny Valentine is George Merrimans (A/Force) brother & was a B.J.
Wally Ferreira is a member of Dickie Fritz Shellhole, his son (Wayne) was on 7 and now living in Paarl
Footnote by ORAFs
Geoff Dartnall (with headgear was on holiday from Zimbabwe) we trust he is having a enjoyable holiday
ORAFs believes Fyn Marcussen was living in Durban so not certain if he was on holiday or now residing up in Johannesburg.
If anyone can help with the missing names please mail orafs11@gmail.com with the details.
The photo has many "Menders" present and one can only assume that the "Benders" must have been bending things elsewhere? Others might say there was a lot of "Power" here but no "Air"

Thanks to Roland Charles for sharing his memories with ORAFs.

Opening of the RLI Museum

2010-02-02T19:46:00.003+02:00

Ken Reed Writes:-

Attached a couple of photo's taken at the opening of the RLI museum in Bedford, UK, held on Saturday 30 JAN 2010. There was a good turn out of 40 members and families. It is very small at the moment and is not strictly confined to 1RLI artifacts. The photo of the flag is the flag that was on the flagpole at Bn HQ which I removed the last day we were the 1RLI and became CDO.BN. 30 Sept 1980

Ken Reed

Part of the Display

Thanks to Ken Reed for sharing his memories with ORAFs.
Ken was the RSM of the RLI (Rhodesian Light Infantry)

Reunion: 10 SSU

2010-01-24T21:01:00.003+02:00

10 SSU commenced their training January 2, 1957 and earned their coveted Wings on August18, 1958 in Royal Rhodesian Air Force.

Peter Petter-Bowyer has made the following photos of the various reunions/celebrations that they have enjoyed over the years.

1958 Left to Right - Ian Law, PB, Gordon Wright, Eric Cary, Murray Hofmeyr, John Barnes,Bill Galloway, Ian Ferguson, Dave Thorne and Keith Corrans.

1976 Ian and Helena Ferguson - Dave and Val Thorne - Ian and Pricilla Law
Keith and Sue Corrans - Murray and Meriel Hofmeyr
Bill and Maureen Galloway - John and Jill Barnes - Peter and Beryl PB
(Gordon and Faith Wright chose not to attend)

2007 at Keith Corrans home.
Note same order from list above from Corrans to PB

2008 - 50th anniversary of Wings - Standing:- Gordon Wright,
Murray Hofmeyr, Bill Galloway, Ian Law.
Sitting :- Keith Corrans, John Barnes, Dave Thorne, PB

Thanks to PB for sharing these memories with ORAFs.

Army Lunch in Kloof (South Africa)

2010-01-23T22:02:00.005+02:00

Terry Griffin Writes:-

A lunch held at Stokers Arms in Kloof on 22 Jan with Gen Hickman as guest, whilst on holiday here.

Back L/R: Ian Bell , Robin Tarr , Prof Richard Wood , Tom Davidson ,
Mick Mc Kenna , Bruce Rooken - Smith , Dave Mc Laren , Terry Griffin.
Front : Tony Bent , Pete Maunder , Gen Hickman , Tony de Bruyn.

Thanks to Terry Griffin for sharing his photo and memories with ORAFs.

Reunion: Brisbane (Australia)

2010-01-23T11:21:00.005+02:00

Clive and Beryl McLaughlin at the Umtali High Schools Centenary Reunion in Brisbane on September 12 2009.
(Clive was a Direct Entry MT Technician.)

The reunion was to celebrate the Schools centenary.

Click Here to visit a website of interest on Umtali.

Thanks to Ray Thorne for sharing his photo and memories with ORAFs.

Reunion: New Zealand

2010-01-23T10:22:00.005+02:00

John Pringle Writes:-
Greetings from New Zealand! Sunday 15 November, 2009 saw a gathering of ORAFs at “The Lookout” in Kennedy park on Auckland’s North Shore. The venue is part of an historic WWII defensive installation that has been carefully restored by the local council. Having declared ourselves to be an organization of elderly ex-military comrades, we get to hire the facilities at peppercorn rates!

In spite of some cancellations due to work demands and some rather grey weather, twelve of us (augmented by the Mawhinney extended family) had a very happy day. Plenty beer flowed, lots of rolls of "wors" cremated, and many stories were told.

The weather managed to clear sufficiently for the obligatory group photo, so from left to right:

John (23 PTC) and Moya Michalakis, Dennis (16 LAR) and Marilyn Eltringham, Jane and Blake(18 PTC) Few, Bob (17LAR) and Jan Hattle,
Bernie and John (11 LAR) Pringle, Pat and Dennis (26 LAR) Mawhinney.

Thanks to John Pringle for sharing his photo and memories with ORAFs.

Reunion: Napier (South Africa)

2010-01-22T15:18:00.009+02:00

On the 29th December, 2009 two men with black leather lumber jackets arrived at our home in Napier (South Africa) on their B.M.W. motor cycles (beautiful machines )and they taken a ride out from Cape Town and would be returning to Cape Town via Hermanus
We enjoyed a cuppa and Brian his usual coke and a good chat and then they left.

Thanks to Alan and Brian for the visit.

Alan Ferguson - Trisha Norris - Brian Daykin and Eddy Norris

Alan was 17 LAR
Brian was 19 LAR
Eddy was direct entry

Thanks to Alan for the photo.

Reunion: Durban (South Africa)

2010-01-21T13:23:00.001+02:00

Prop Geldenhuys Writes:-

I was at the German Club (ex-Shamwari/German) where the SAS Regiment was having their meeting. Herewith some pics which I am sure some of the ORAFs readers would enjoy.

Tol Janeke - Prop Geldenhuys - Hugh Slatter - Harold Griffiths (Griff)

SAS tee-shirts with the message

Griff in discussion with Graham Wilson - GCV SCR BCR
GCV (Grand Cross for Valour ,Rhodesia) - SCR (Silver Cross of Rhodesia
BCR (Bronze Cross of Rhodesia)

Hugh Slatter in discussion with George Galbriath

Footnote
Tol Janeke was 11 SSU (Short Service Unit)
Harrold Griffiths was 15 PTC (Pilot Training Course)
Hugh Slatter and Prop Geldenhuys were 16 PTC
Graham Wilson and George Galbraith were SAS (Special Air Service)

Thanks to Prop Geldenhuys for sharing his photos and memories with ORAFs.