ARRIVED AT R.A.F. SWINDERBY IN 1978. 6 WEEKS OF BASIC TRAINING AND MEMORIES THAT WILL NEVER LEAVE ME TILL THE DAY I LEAVE THIS LIFE . NOW RETIRED AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE . I THANK ALL MY OLD MATE'S THAT HOPEFULLY ARE ALL STILL OUT THERE AND HAPPY. ALL THE BEST GUY'S.

Passed out in March 1974 brought back some amazing memories of great times. Cheers

That video brings back happy memories of my January and February 1976,.

Lovely to see the old place again .When I was stationed there in 1961-62 I was a SAC working on Vampires T11 ,which was a two seat trainer ,we were training pilots for the cold war situation . I remember that the station had a wing/co as the CO ,and that there was a main road dividing the station domestic side from the air field . I remember that there was some lovely old country pubs ,and that had lovely roaring fires in the hearth in winter ,fond memories ! Nottingham ,Lincoln etc.to visit

1980 a great year S8191643 airman Morgan - great memories - a great time - hi to all those who passed out of there.

@danc1579

Ай бұрын

We must have been there at the same time T8191215, Jan - Mar 80 doing press ups in deep snow on the peri-track. I was in Zinzan (?) block opposite Gibson listening to the drone of the vacuum cleaner while we dragged fat bloke in a blanket to buff the lino!

I was there in Feb 1976 in the old blocks it was cold DI'S were Sgt Taylor and Cpl Stewart scary but great people.Loved the place would do it all again tomorrow T8124681went on to St Athan after passing out parade on St Patricks day after a massive p***up in the Naafi The Rockapes were a good laugh Sgt Bill Halligan was a scary man met up with him at RAF Catterick when i was posted to 58 Squadron he has passed away but a great gentleman Respect to all that entered RAF Swinderby God Bless

reveille, reveille the time is 0600 hours, good old bedpacks & bulling those bloody toe caps, memories of 1980

"How could I possibly have great memories of Swinderby?" some might ask. I had left home where I was totally repressed and arrived Newark North Gate station at 0605 on the 23rd March 1965. My companions on the overnight train were from all over Scotland and in our reserved carriage compartments we had bonded before being met by a certain Cpl. Dewsbury who's mercy we would have to rely on during our first week of recruit training. The whole seven weeks was an experience that was dear to me and a helluva ride with the guidance of Cpl Wood whose bark was worse than his bite. Memories of 3rd party bed packs doing flying lessons out of the window on a rainy day propelled by Sgt Jackson always amused me. I loved every bit of it with perhaps the exception of my introduction to boots,"RAF pattern". This first day of wearing them was on the occasion of a 10 mile route - March. Would I do it again? You bet! To see individuals from all walks of life develop their character and learn about teamwork and reliability was a blessing. Sadly, I have lost touch with many of them over the years. Thanks for the memories although we didn't have fancy billets like those introduced later. It was the old "H" blocks for us.

@maljohn6584

2 жыл бұрын

My BED PACK TOOK FLYING LEASON AS WELLL IN MARCH 1978. BUT LOOKING BACK ON IT WOULD NOT OF CHANGED IT. AS I SPENT MANEY HAPPY YEARS IN THE R.A.F. AND HAVE NOW LONG RETIRED WITH NO REGRETS FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE IN THE RAF . AND NOW RETIERED.

@maljohn6584

2 жыл бұрын

SAME HEAR MY FREND I WAS IN A (H) BLOCK BACK IN 1978 18 FLIGHT.

@scousemouse69

2 жыл бұрын

My bed pack was pinned so tight when SGT Fosbury threw it, well it just bounced He picked it up by the corner and spent the next 2 mins shaking it until it fell apart thought he was going to have a stroke!

@1tonyboat

2 жыл бұрын

Your comments have triggered so many memories of RAF Swinderby..i was there in 1971 and we were billeted in the old wooden huts . i was the only one in our intake to have the old style uniform with the pockets on the outside of the jacket just like the officers uniform.. Just loved doing parades.....what a time....now 69 ......

@robaspinall988

Жыл бұрын

i got back flighted the Pt instructors ruined any chance of me at a passing out parade .. i hope they are all buried there.

Was there 80... Who remembers sleeping on floor and bed packs still going through the window lol .. Dave Miller anyone remember me .

@cmck3267

3 жыл бұрын

G’day Dave........I was in either 3rd or 11th September 1980. A Kiwi who everyone called ‘Roo (Go figure) Slept in my sleeping bag. Every one tried “breaking the Bromide Barrier” 🤣 I was in Red Flight with the red terry towelling scarves. The PTI’s .....”climb to the top of the rope........ARE YOU READY? nnnGO!” Cannot remember what block, but I was on the ground floor with a bunch of hilarious Scouses. Chris McKearney

Blimey, a blast from the past, I did my basic training Oct 1980.

October 1976 I was there Gibson block! I cant believe its been flattened 😧 When there it was awful but now as an old man if Dr who came along and he asked me if I wanted to go back and do it all again🤔 TOO RIGHT I loved my time in the RAF!

Was there in 1973 , sad to see it run down like it is. Bill Marney

Remember it well. Attestation Tuesday 10 June 1975 in Cardiff. Train from Newport Wednesday 11 June to report to RAF Swinderby. Met up with a couple of other lads on the train. Arrived Newark, and was met with our taxi, (the big blue bus). Then it all began. Haircuts & more haircuts. Early starts, marching, early starts, marching, ironing, and more ironing. Bedpacks and more haircuts. Cross country runs. 2nd every time. A trip out to Lincoln, singing in an OAP care home. Plenty of laughs in the Newcomers Club. Pass out Parade. Proud parents. Great memories

@Michael-hv8uo

7 жыл бұрын

Hi yes I remember all that too.Good days but not at the time haha.

@moodyguymick

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds about right !

Thank you BB, so many memories indeed… I joined up in Febuary 1968…. Served for nine years.

Very Nostalgic and thanks for posting. was there in 1976, remember it all from gas chamber to newcomers club new airmens mess, I was in a new block too. luxury but still early mornings to rise to and get out on the parade ground. The cinema during training to view training and sexual healt n wellbeing movie on the screen... it was something like 07.30am.... hard work not to fall asleep. Great experience back then. Sadly nowadays we hardly have a RAF....

@hatfieldgatehouse7179

3 жыл бұрын

1982 for me under cpl Stephen Wells

Fantastic memories. Very hard training regime when i was there in Jan 1979, how rewarding though on pass out parade with fly past. Bring back national service, it would sort out the youth of today and give them a sense of pride.

@Michael-hv8uo

7 жыл бұрын

Hi gps.I am glad you enjoyed it.Yes very true I think national service would be a good thing.

I was there in 1971 ( 15 flight ) N.COs Sargnt Petrie, Corporal Clouston, great blokes although early on we didnt think so!

I was there in 1971 thought i would hate it,but once i got into it really had a great time,happy days.Anybody remember the bus trips to the WAAF training camp,and i think they came to Swinderby once a week.

@JohnSmith-ei2pz

Жыл бұрын

WRAF'S were at Swinderby in '83

@fredharper1539

4 ай бұрын

I may be wrong but didn't the waaf become wraf in 1949

That brought back some memories of Mid-1977. Not the "luxury" of Gibson block but the older H Blocks behind it in my case. So sad to see the state of it now, but it is the same with several other units I was on.

Brings back good and bad memories, hated the marching and PE in those one size fits all big blue shorts and bed-packs best memory visiting RAF Spitalgate one Saturday night the Women's recruitment base!!! Was there Sep-Nov 1970 never to be forgotten.

Good memories. I was their in July 1972, Eddie Cordner. Spent 12 good years in the air force ...now living in Canada.

November 1976 in Gibson block. Cpl Taylor as I remember. This was a real memory jerker, Thank you!!!

@scopex2749

5 жыл бұрын

76 Gibson Block, Tick Tock Taylor!! HELLO BROTHER I WAS THERE!!!

Mind you, we had it rough at Cosford! Try Fulton Block for a few years!!!

@JAmediaUK

4 ай бұрын

had a lot of fun there! Even went up on the roof of Fulton Block.

Newcomers club now that brings back memories.walking in there for the 1st time nervous as hell and everyone singing virgins virgins, that was way back in summer of 1985 . Thanks for putting that on.

@hatfieldgatehouse7179

3 жыл бұрын

We got your only just begineers from duty flight

Very good brought back some fond memories. I was there in Aug 1978 and had a great time. Not sure I would want to do it again tho.

Just caught this video whilst browsing. It certainly brought back a few cherished memories. Incidentally, I was Gibson block on the middle floor on the left but in December 1978 to February 1979 (5 Flight). Great times and a great 18 year career were had.

@Michael-hv8uo

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, Glad it brought back some nice memories.

great video nice to see the old place again some happy memories i passed out from here in july 86 stayed in gibson block ground floor sgt cooling and cpl mckay more like the two ronnies thinking back now.....oh the yellow dusters on your feet my kids just dont believe me now...

@127cmore

3 жыл бұрын

Cooling i remember. I was there 84 . No Corp. He was getting tried for being a bad boy. Sun newspaper had him front page

Watched this a few times, makes me sad actually and with song...where has all that time gone ? November the 11th 1965 I was there.Frightening change from civvy street as a young lad.Great memories now. Bloody good video...

Wow this brings back happy memories I. Did my square bashing April 1964 (Feb.)we were then transferred to RAF Hemswell Trenchard block for the 6 weeks square bashing the base was reopened 😊

great video loved it .brought back a lot of memories although i was there in 1972.many thanks

@nigelcornelius8319

7 жыл бұрын

was there in november 72 16 and half boy entrant left raf in 76 became a teacher!! g8103066 service number something none of us ever forget

@jeffpatton2758

3 жыл бұрын

I was there in 1972 also😊 I still have a present I bought my parents, who sadly passed away. It was a novelty lighter. I have it in front of me now.

"Swinditz" Ha ha ha, I was there in November '76. 8 flight with Cpl Bradford, and a soft spoken Sergeant, whose name I can't recall. I can't remember the H block...3 maybe? The place was full of nearly psychopathic drill instructors and inadequate officers. The CS chamber was awful, the dreaded aero run wasn't too bad. Bed packs and bull nights are still a haunting memory. Would I do it again? You must be joking!

Crikey!. Just seeing those puddles took me back to 1980 and the smell of mothballs fills my nostrils as we march in the rain. Thanks for posting.

@Michael-hv8uo

7 жыл бұрын

You are welcome and thank you.I am glad you enjoyed it.

excellent michael..........memories..from the 60's...............

I was there Jun 1984 for six weeks and I wish I could do it all over again. Thank you so much for this video and song, I listen to it often.

I was there in 1970. Hard going right up until the last two weeks then fell in love with it lol. Of to St Athans for trade Training then A/mech/A. (Airframe Mechanic) If I remember correctly it was either 225 or possible 252 Entry but my gut says it was the former. Did 6 years at Little Rissington until they shut it down. Then my last 4 at Lyneham on Hercs. All gone now. There were 96 Hercs at Lyneham in laste 70's C130J's the stretched version 'K' was just coming in at the end of my time there. At Swinderby, I remember running around the peri track with a dummy (3x the weight of the real thing) rifle over my head. Up and down bunker hill there in freezing cold fog. We had two WAFS in withg us for the CS Gas chamber. They were in skirts and absolute agony poor lasses. You have to think on that one. CS affects any moist areas. Women had to wear Battle Dress Pants after that.

@iancoulthard8188

8 ай бұрын

When in 1970? I was there in June / July 1970, 14 Flt.

I was at Swinderby, in Sept 1965. Flat-roofed blocks - and Sgt, Jessop. Even met him, again, when on detachment in Lusaka. Lovely man! My good mate was Mick Kelham...where is he now? Our intake was selected for the Remembrance Commemoration, televised from Albert Hall, and I was 'marker'. Leading the Royal Air Force contingent down those stairs, was a proud moment, for me. I left the RAF, to study and become a Chartered Surveyor, but I remember many good times - and faces. I just wish I'd taken a commission. I'm very sad to hear, it's all gone. At least Laarbruch, Germany (another of my 'detachments') still has an RAF museum; it was great to go back there, just a month ago.

I was there in 1978 . Sgt Lillywhite and Corporal Loaney were my instructors. I was 18 at the time. Found it bloody hard but made it to passing out. Had our final drink with our instructors over the road at ( I think ) the Halfway House pub. From there went to St Athan . Great bunch of fellow recruits and some great laughs !

@shaungilmartin1505

6 жыл бұрын

Nicholas Davies I was intake Nov 78.

@jaywalker3087

Жыл бұрын

Ah St. ATHANS. Llantwit Major and the Valley Commandos.

Fantastic memories, passed out in 82....

There 1983 on 11 Flight DI’s were Goldthorpe and Barnes, never forget them 😂

I trained there April 1967, before going to RAF Mountbatten for Air Sea Rescue training. It seems so long ago now, but then I was 18...now 72.

Went through Swinderby in June 1980 for what was the start of a 30 year career. Would do it all again in a heartbeat, I only live a few miles from what little remains of the place but the memories flood back every time I pass what used to be the main gates.

Nicely done, I was there September '86. some great pictures that have brought back a lot of happy memories, thank you.

‘82 for me, sad to see it all run down. The hotel I was in when stationed in Riyadh in ‘85 has been knocked down, they even knocked down my old school!!! Luckily videos like this bring it all back - thanks.

Wow,I was there in 75, the memories came flooding back, thank you that was great.

I was Born in the RAF Hospital at Swinderby in 1968. When my dad left the Royal Horse Artillary he was a Prison officer at the Borstal in Swinderby until we moved when they closed it and Vietnam Refugees moved in. My Family were all from Lincoln. Very Fond Memories!

I was. There Oct 75 1 flight Gibson block

Just discovered this. I note that you were there in Sept 1975, me too! I arrived at Swinderby on 17th Sept. Happy days!

Great video, brings back very good memories for me, Dec 1980 - only seems like yesterday after watching this. Thanks very much, Andy Rowley

I was there from Sep 10th 1975, also in the Gibson block. Shame it's all gone now.

Those 6 weeks at Swinderby were probably the best 6 weeks in my life!

@peternunns8442

3 жыл бұрын

Mine too. The best experience i had in life it taught me discipline.

@maljohn6584

2 жыл бұрын

Must admit NOT THE first week. BUT YES MY FREND AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE. AND NOW RETIERED AND 63 YEARS OLD R.A.F. SWINDERBY ARE WHERE SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES ARE HELD .

@1tonyboat

2 жыл бұрын

@@peternunns8442 I must agree with you there ,,bring back national service let all the kids today do 2 years .it never hurt me..i still go around the house running my finger along the tops of door frames and pictures making sure there isn't any dust, a favorite one from bull nights!!!!!

great song and music I entered the gates of Swinderby September 1964, never forget the experience.

I arrived a year later 76 and thought Gibson Block was ACE!! Remember standing in line for our jabs? There was a door open on the left with lots of red [paint] on the walls we thought it was blood!! Then back to Gibson and we all shivered with the yellow fever jab! G8124298!!! Oh happy days!!

ahh the memories but we all mucked in together and won

Our service No are very close (Q8122106) my attestation was 19 Sep 1975. I got back flighted due to laryngitis but my first block was to the right of the airman's mess. The block I finished up in was just up from the medical centre most of the entry I finished up in were apprentices. So I was the old man of the entry having just turned eighteen. I do remember after the entry piss-up rugby tackling Sgt Crew on the roundabout outside the medical centre. I got the impression that night that he lived for those piss-ups...god he could drink. Happy days.

great video, I was there Nov 70 and passed out Jan 71 great days

Brings back memories of my six weeks at Swinderby and our camp in the snow in sherwood forest, Jan to Feb 1967.

Thanks for sharing. My Dad went through about 12 mth before you but it was great to watch as i lost him recently and nice to see where he was when he first joined up

@williamdhughes6039

3 жыл бұрын

Just noticed how many likes you had... 252 lol

Jings, Thanks for that, what memories came back, I was there June 1975...

Well I was there in 1979 (I think, if memory serves) no luxury of accommodation blocks for my intake, I was in one of the wooden' huts on the right as you went in... When your there, you're so young and naive you don't really know what to think, just try and keep your head down so as not to get noticed.... well I didn't do too well on that score and ended up doing all sorts of 'punishments'. However, its all some 45/46 years ago and I would go back and do it all again in a heart beat..... They really were part of the best years of my life.... that and the following couple of years in RAF Halton... great memories, great.

@mikestone7300

4 жыл бұрын

What month my D.I sgt G (god) Evans ?? 1flt snr man 5 wks then cpl stone arrived.

@stdavidboy

2 жыл бұрын

I was in the same huts (billets) on the right, no luxurious buildings for us EH! 8 flt corperall Garstang in August 79?

Great film, brought back a lot of memories. I arrived on the 6th September 1973. I did not do the passing out parade as I was sent on to start trade training after five weeks due to a shortage of dog handlers.

Swinderby in 1967 (prior to first posting to RAF Scampton (VULCANS)). Our drill instructor was CPL Saville, ex guardsman with a powerful stick !! We used to line up our 12 man room beds with a long length of string for morning inspection, put floor polish on the door so it was the first thing he smelt on entry, it worked !!

I was there in Nov 79 in Ward block, part of 12 flight. Our OC was Flying Off Field with Sgt Parry and Cpl Wooluff. I had great memories of there. Enjoyed it a lot. Went straight to Halton after passing out but left shortly after. Went back with family in the 90's and took some phots

The 6 week Swinderby miracle they called it 1973 Sept i think i was there best time of my life,Sgt Highman i seem to remember him,still got my passing out parade photos good times in the NAAFI lol,

There in 1971, enjoyed it ,as long as you realized it wasn't to be taken to seriously, great video

@Michael-hv8uo

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, Thank you glad you enjoyed it.

Was there a bit later in mid-76, recall a DeHavilland Vampire on a pole at the parade ground but never got close to it, always drill inside, even passing-out parade inside, due to rain, no flypast. I only really recall the mess and the NAAFI, as I was permanently hungry back then!

August 16th 1977 H8135900 Bunker Hill after a cross country run Great stuff CS gas Square bashing Down and give me 20 SLR gave me a black eye first round fired , eye too close to rear sight NAAFI Newcastle Brown 36p a bottle Couldn’t wait to Pass Out. Thank you Great memories?!

@kevindevlin6287

Жыл бұрын

Me too...remember you getting the black eye...😀🥃

@jaywalker3087

Жыл бұрын

@Kevin Devlin really. Wow. What are you up to now? What trade were you. Were you in my flight ?

@kevindevlin6287

Жыл бұрын

I was store's so went on to Hereford... got a medical discharge....worked in the Post Office/Royal Mail til I retired.

@jaywalker3087

Жыл бұрын

@Kevin Devlin thanks. I hope you enjoy many years of well earned RnR. I'm proud to say that I survived the ' beastings" we got during Basic Training. It's not like that now. They are molly coddled now. Being allowed to wear trainers as their feet are not used to wearing shoes or boots. During my trade training I once got 200 press ups for farting in the gym whilst on parade waiting to start PT. 50 in each corner of the gym , 'Go'! I managed it too. I have great memories of being able to take the bullying from the DI's as well as the sarcasm and brutality. Recruits these days have a much softer time of it. Stay well mate.

I was there in June 84. So many memories, so many friends. Anyone remember Sgt. Cooling

Brilliant, I was there in Sep '75, top floor Gibson Block, I visited many after that to play at the passout parades of thousands of airmen, I joined the Band!! Many thanks Mally Leivers

Crikey! Just as I remember it. I was there June - August 1975. Windsor Davis and Don Estelle 'Whispering Grass' and 10cc 'I'm Not In Love' on the Newcomers jukebox. Trying to pass for 18 to get a beer from the NAAFI barmaid - 12p a pint if I recall! DI's were Sgt Herbert and Cpl Lobb - 'bags of swank, bags of swank you wasters!'

Did my basic here starting in Dec 71 at 17 years old. Went back there the other day, Aug 2016, 45 years later with my daughter. Walked around whats left, mainly the hangars and the outlines of other buildings that once stood there. Strange how the memories return, and the yearning for a time machine, just to go back and see it and myself as we used to be.....Hence I ended up here viewing this video....Thanks for the memories.

I went through Swinderby in March-April 1980, learning to march and keeping the fact I was an ex "Space cadet" (ATC) very quiet. Happy Days..

Oct. 79 til Dec. 79, how we envied those who lived in the new barrack blocks, they actually had carpets on the floor.

@stdavidboy

2 жыл бұрын

Curved Billets then I take it? I was there in April - June 79 no 8flt Corperal Garstang.

@millycarrington

2 жыл бұрын

Not the 10th of October by any chance (appo entry?), if so we were there on the same entry! Seem to remember Sgt Rose as our DI

@mrjockt

2 жыл бұрын

@@millycarrington I arrived Oct.24th, if I remember correctly our DI was Sgt. Jones.

@millycarrington

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrjockt So we were there the same time, just a couple of weeks apart

@mrjockt

2 жыл бұрын

@@millycarrington Were you there for the “official” re-opening of the Newcomers Club? I think it was about the first or second week of November.

Brings back memories! I was on the April 76 intake; interesting pass out parade with that summer's heat. We all realised very quickly, just do what you are told, when you are told to do it - and it was almost a six week holiday... lol. 'Dixie' Dean was our SNCO and I remember a Cpl Smith in the Guardroom, encountered one particular evening (lesson learned? 'I know my place!'). And as for bed packs, mine was one of the ones launched out of the window; as it contained two coat-hangers and several safety pins, it survived the drop... but I had to make my bed every day for the next week and it was was checked.... The career that followed was uneventful, but it lead to 12 years instructing in Saudi, a couple of years at Uni and a final career teaching (much harder that the military!)

Many thanks for the slides brought back memories the dreaded cs chamber the cinema with training films collecting your rifle from the armoury marching everywhere fond memories sad to see the old place demolished and gone

I enlisted and arrived at Swinderby on the 11th November 1966.. great days... but have never drank tea ever since (Tea Wagon)

Takes me back Good times August 76 Many thanks

Joined 4th July 1978,great memories jogged from this video

Top man, excellent vid and sounds. I got there on the 15th July 1980, I was in 13th flight... long, long time ago now. Thanks for the memories man.

Can't remember the details but was there in March 1972, happy days! Went on to RAF Bawdsey to train as a then ASOp...

I was there from 10th August 1971 and just before passing out i got German measles and was put into quarantine with another bloke for a week and we missed our passing out parade, very sad about that.

@huelgoatwellgwat8765

3 жыл бұрын

hi brum kid i was there from august 19th 1971 . great times ! spent the rest of my raf career in 2 squdron raf regiment even better times good luck . cov kid

Training in 1973 for a start of a great 4 years in the Regiment. Happy days

Its daft, I know, but I'm filling up watching that. We were are shit scared to go there, but it is now a happy, if distant, memory. I was there March 83.

@Michael-hv8uo

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Simon, It's not daft at all. I really enjoyed making the video and looking back at it now i fill up a little too remembering my time there and the friends i made. My singing could be improved though but i was trying to impersonate Clive Dunn though rather badly haha. I am glad you enjoyed it though :)

I was there from 24 Sept 75 but in one of the old blocks, cant remember the name.

Wow , great vid BBK . Our service numbers are scarily close to within 6 numbers. Was there from 22Oct75 no. 3 Flt Sgt Herbert ( grey matter not what is was, only remember from diary & other comments! ) . Saw the place on way back from last Waddo air show , very sad , all overgrown . Remember the Vulcan take offs nearby and there was always one daft tw*t with one left ' up the spout ' on the range. Hated the enforced running but like doing it now I'm older ? Have a photo with our flight and the old static Canberra . God , really 40 yrs ago , thank goodness the Eagles are still playing ....... F8122384 Mart.

@Michael-hv8uo

9 жыл бұрын

Martin Emery Hi Martin you were in the same flight as me.Sgt Herbert was my flight Sgt too.Get intouch micksl@ntlworld.com I have some pics of me and some of the guys I was there with.I do recall someone called Emery too.

@robmccarthy2343

5 жыл бұрын

My number was G8122385 and arrived the same day, must have bumped into each other at some point.

I am so jealous of you lot that served, was in the ATC wanted to join the RAF but got an apprenticeship in civvy street, who knows might have hated it but will never know. Too old at 59 still had a good working life good jobs.

Arrived in Swinderby in October 68. Cpl Topping and Sgt Haliday were our instructors. Enjoyed my 9yrs in the RAF but Swinderby was special. Great memories from there.

I went there as a recruit in early 73. I must take my hat off, because I cannot remember a bloody thing about the place

@Trevdeclune

Жыл бұрын

They delete your memory when you leave, so you wont remember any secrets, like polishing your shoes and bed pack making and saluting offcers.i

Thank you all for the kind comments. I am glad you enjoyed my small offering.

@cldecade6

Жыл бұрын

Are you sure on the dates of these photos? Look like September79?

@Michael-hv8uo

Жыл бұрын

@@cldecade6 Hi, Sorry for the late reply. Yes i am certain of the picture of who i said i was there with but i took other pictures from the internet.

I was there in Dec and Jan 1980/81. Happy memories.

When I was at Boarding School it was compulsory to become an Army or Air Cadet. I chose the latter going to RAF Laarbruch (sorry if misspelt) Germany in the summer (1974- 1976) and I have to say despite making friends with Flying Officer Gary Smith (Jaguar Pilot) I thought the whole base was utterly depressing. There was a Navigator also who wasn't talking to Gary at all on (but much higher rank) ATC Tower Duty obviously personal reasons who looked about 50 yet he was wearing a flying "G" Suit.

I remember it well. There in Sept '69. Long time ago now. Didn't opt for purchasing the group photo. Boy do I regret it now. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Forty five years ago now.

@gerardking4333

9 жыл бұрын

***** Hi Barry, I remember a Cpl Rowlands and Sgt Hanson as DI's in our troop. I remember a tubby Cpl on one of the other intakes. He always seemed to have a 5 o'clock shadow. Rowlands party piece was the one handed press up. He was an RAF Regiment man. I joined on 14th Sept '69. Was 17 years and 3 months old at the time. Left in April '79.

Great posting......Swinders April to June 83, flight 5, Cheshire Block ground floor, trained as a plumber.....Happy memories from back in the day. Çheers!!!!!

I arrived 8 July 1978 for my 6 week stint.

Arrived in late Novwember 1969 and was caught up in the Flu epidemic. Ended up backflighted and passed out in ealry 1970. The only names I can remember are 007 Bond, James (Who left the RAF pronto!) and David Casson, who left after being posted to St Athan for Mechanic trainng.

@raymondmainwaring5860

2 жыл бұрын

I was there in Nov 196 we were in the old wooden billets

@cyclesgoff9768

2 жыл бұрын

There was a huge flue epidemic 😷 in Dec 78 So big that one of the H blocks quarantine for the stricken. The pandemic brought it back to mind.

@robaspinall988

Жыл бұрын

i got back flighted too the PT instructors ruined any chance of me doing a passing out parade . i hope they are buried there

I was there in 1967 when we were on of 2 support flights for the service flight passing out parade. This was held in one of the hangars due to bad weather. The Chief drill instructor was a flight sergeanta short man with lungs like blacksmiths forge bellows.I could just see him out the corner of my eye walking round one of the senior flight airmen. Then stood in front of him and roared, DO THAT AGAIN AND I WILL F... YOU!!! Not surprisingly it boomed around the hangar. We all started to laugh, but were rapidly silenced by a, discreetly growled "Quiet!" from Dave Little, our corporal. Even all these. years, I can still hear that booming voice blasting round the hangar and I smile at the memory.

@samuelbrown3189

6 жыл бұрын

sam Brown I was there in 1967 I seem to remember a F/S Penman with a big handlebar moustach, Oh happy days seems like yesterday.

Blast from the past back row second from left on photo of I was there with these guys

Great memories, would do it all again, I was there Dec 1978 Gibson Block 5 Flt - Mike Swales

Was at Swinderby in 1976. Our corporal was corporal Thompson and l remember our lieutenant was flight lieutenant Whittier.

Hi out there I Steve best was at swinderby 1979 July 15 years well service this camp was great at that time lots of good people miss this place

The NEW blocks!! Fitted wardrobes,carpets, ironing boards,duvets! Try REAL bull!!