Halton Apprentices - The State Awards and Honours

Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB)

The name derives from the elaborate medieval ceremony for creating a knight, which involved bathing (as a symbol of purification) as one of its elements and is awarded by the Sovereign for duties which have merited royal favour. Appointments to the Military Division are restricted by the minimum rank of the individual; for the Royal Air Force GCBs must hold the rank air vice marshal.

Air Vice Marshal Sir Thomas Shirley KBE CB (8th Entry)

Air Vice Marshal Sir Colin Scragg KCB AFC (10th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Marshal Sir Norman Coslett KCB OBE (13th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Marshal Sir Kenneth Porter KCB CBE (17th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Vice Marshal Sir Bernard Chacksfield KCB CBE (18th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Marshal Sir Peter Wykeham KCB DFC AFC (26th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Keith Williamson GCB AFC (50th Entry)

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Armitage KCB CBE (56th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

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Companion of the Bath (CB)

Awarded for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, in providing a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Air Vice Marshal L W Cannon CB KBE (2nd Entry) First Apprentice to be appointed to Air Rank

Air Cdr John Wesley McKelvey CB (3rd Entry)

Air Marshal Sir Herbert Spreckley CB KBE (3rd Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Vice Marshal C G Lott CB CBE (5th Entry)

Air Vice Marshal H V Satterley CB CBE (7th Entry)

Air Vice Marshal Sir Thomas Shirley CB KBE (8th Entry)

Air Cdr Sir Frank Whittle OM CB KBE (8th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Chief Marshal Sir Alfred Earle CB KBE (11th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Vice Marshal N C S Rutter CB CBE (14th Entry)

Air Vice Marshal John Clifford Pope CB CBE (17th Entry)

Air Marshal Sir Kenneth Porter CB KBE (17th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Vice Marshal W D Disbrey CB CBE (18th Entry)

Air Marshal Sir John Lapsley CB KBE DFC AFC (27th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Marshal Sir Eric Dunn CB KBE BEM (48th Entry)

Air Marshal Sir John Fitzpatrick CB KBE (56th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

688995 Air Vice Marshal Cliff R Spink CB CBE (104th Entry)

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Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE)

Awarded for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, in providing a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Thomas Ulrick Charles Shirley (12th Entry [8th Entry Flowerdown])

Air Marshal Sir Norman Coslett KBE OBE (13th Entry)

"Sgt" Sir John McGregor KBE OBE ISO (41st Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller KBE (210th Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

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Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)

The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch of the Commonwealth realms,[1] members of the monarch's family, or to any viceroy of the monarch.

573003 Captain Charles A Owens, (37th Entry)

LG: 1971 Awarded after retiring from the RAF when as Flight Operations Director with British European Airways (BEA) Charles Owens commanded Royal Flights carrying her Majesty the Queen on tours of Turkey and Yugoslavia.

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Royal Victorian Medal (RVM)

Awarded for personal service to the Sovereign or the royal family and is the personal gift of the sovereign.

363298 Ch.Tech Norman Francis West (2nd Entry)

LG 1.1.62

561266 WO W G Johnston (15th Entry - transferred to Flowerdown)

Announced in AMO N.544/1947

566640 A.W/O Leslie Arthur James (27th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 58

567094 W/O Robert Henry Norris (30th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 70

571101 Cpl Oswald Hastings Carine (35th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 54

573748 F/Sgt Cyril Henry Webb (38th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 58

574189 Flt Sgt A W Cousins (38th Entry)

Announced in AMO N.73/1952: LG 1.1.52

574594 Ch.Tech David Kenneth Hicks (38th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 61

574554 Cpl John Mackay (38th Entry)

Announced in AMO N.544/1947

576611 P/O Alan Redvers Marshall (40th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 58

578006 Cpl Jack Parker (41st Entry)

Announced in AMO N.62/1949

578267 Cpl Herbert Mark Bulled (42nd Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 54

685385 Chf Tech Ray Seal (92nd Entry)

LG: tbn

WO686264 Chief Technician Reginald John Welch, (94th Entry)

LG: WO686264 Chief Technician Reginald John Welch, Royal Air Force, for meritorious service with The Queen’s Flight.

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Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Awarded for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, in providing a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

Air Vice Marshal L W Cannon CB CBE (2nd Entry)

361911 Group Captain Alfred Victor Bax (3rd Entry)

LG: 06 Mar 53

361688 Air Commodore C M Heard (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

Group Captain L T Card (5th Entry [1st Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain E C Kidd  (5th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 54

Air Cdr C W Cooper (5th Entry [1st Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Air Cdr L P Moore (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain F F Wicks (10th Entry [6th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Air Vice Marshal H B Wrigley (12th Entry [8th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Air Cdr A D Messenger (14th Entry [10th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain G F Corden (17th Entry [13th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Air Vice Marshal John Clifford Pope CB CBE (17th Entry)

LG: tbn

566065 Group Captain Robert Thomas Frogley (26th Entry)

LG: 1960

568213 Sqn Ldr Cliff Michelmore (32nd Entry)

LG:

585655 Group Captain Min Larkin (63rd Entry)

LG:

684280 Air Commodore Peter C Ayee (89th Entry) LG:

688995 Air Vice Marshal Cliff R Spink CB CBE (104th Entry)

LG:

8010513 Junior Tech Lawrie Haynes CBE (216th Entry)

LG: June 2022 - For voluntary service to the serving RAF and for veterans.

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Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Awarded for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, in providing a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.

335308 Sqn Ldr C T Davies (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335517 Sqn Ldr D Edwards (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force. 335347 Sqn Ldr C V Guest (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force. 335516 F O P F Hudson (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335341 Wg Cdr H S King (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force. 335392 Group Captain M Lowe (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335516 Air Commodore H E Nowell (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335441 Flt Lt E F Ockenden (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335498 Flt Lt J W S Smith (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335361 Sqn Ldr H Tilzey (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force. 335282 Flt Lt G M Wiles (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335321 Wg Cdr H C Witts (1st Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335729 Air Commodore Rowland E Coates (2nd Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force. (Note: Coates changed his name by Deed Poll from Costa)

335651 Wg Cdr G S J Gibbs (2nd Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335725 Flt Lt A B Haskell (2nd Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335613 Flt Lt E Johns (2nd Entry) LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Force.

335653 Wg Cdr F M Veasey (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

335734 Sqn Ldr F W Worley (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

335688 Wg Cdr H Wright (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

335846 Flt Lt R W Ashford (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

335747 Flt Lt M G Burke (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

335903 Wg Cdr S J Field (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

361644 Flt Lt J F Viveash (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

361741 Wg Cdr A L Whittaker (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

335914 Group Captain L R S Freestone (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

361754 Sqn Ldr W R Hardeman (3rd Entry)

LG: tbn

Group Captain L R Ridley (5th Entry [1st Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr E C Kidd  (5th Entry)

LG: 14 Oct 42

Wg Cdr C C Howes (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain H P Johnstone (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr E M Smith (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr N A Smith (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr J E Holliwell (7th Entry [3rd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Sqn Ldr A E Jaquemet (7th Entry [3rd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr A J Wild (7th Entry [3rd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

363944 Wg Cdr Richard Alexander Robert Falconer (8th Entry [5th Entry Cranwell]) LG: tbn - (known to be the instructor who taught Guy Gibson of Dambuster fame how to fly!)

Wg Cdr J H Woffinden (10th Entry [6th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

363771 Air Vice Marshal Walter C Sheen (7th Entry)

LG: tbn

Group Captain W Corden (8th Entry [4th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Sqn Ldr H C Molyneux (8th Entry [4th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr A J Mott (8th Entry [4th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr G F E Loveridge (11th Entry [7th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain N F Simpson (11th Entry [7th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr G M Macintosh (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain W T H Nichols (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

561331 Group Captain Gordon William Price (15th Entry)

LG: 1956

Group Captain A F Ward (16th Entry [12th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Air Marshal Sir Kenneth Porter CB KBE (17th Entry)

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr G Thripp (19th Entry [15th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

563480 Gp Capt Arthur Reece (20th Entry )

LG: tbn

566065 Group Captain Robert Thomas Frogley (26th Entry)

LG: tbn - For services to the Royal Air Forces (at RAF Manby)

566493 Air Commodore Vic Willis (28th Entry) LG: 01 Jan 51 - For services to the Royal Air Force Mission to Greece.

566957 Wg Cdr Melville Harry Scott Innes-Jones (29th Entry) LG: 01 Jan 65 - For services to the RNZAF.

568778 J H Ramsden (33rd Entry) LG: 11 Jun 66 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

569349 Air Cdre Denis Harry Payne (33rd Entry)

LG: tbn

570611 Wg Cdr Donald Biltcliffe (34th Entry)

LG: 1971 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

569897 Air Cdre Harry Jenkins (34th Entry)

LG: tbn

Group Captain I Whittaker (37th Entry)

LG: NY 01 Jan 62 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

"Sgt" Sir John McGregor KBE OBE ISO (41st Entry) paver at the Halton Grove

LG: For Diplomatic Services

579470 Wg Cdr Walter Vincent 'Taff' Holden (47th Entry)

LG: tbn

585111 Sqn Ldr Cyril Robert 'Pop' Miles (60th Entry)

LG: tbn

585955 Wg Cdr Gary Donald Mitchell (67th Entry)

LG: QB 17 Jun 89 - For services in connection with setting up the NATO element of UKAIR.

Squadron Leader Gerry Honey (70th Entry)

LG: New Years List 73 - Dhofar campaign Oman Oct 71 to Aug 72. (Generally known as 'The Secret War'). Gerry was Station Commander RAF Salalah.

Wing Commander Anthony Gerard Hayes (91st Entry)

LG: 29 Jun 91 - Gerry was a 91st Armourer. Among his many interesting appointments was as the Assistant Military Attache in Tehran during the time of the Shah. OBE awarded for his outstanding efforts as the MOD staff officer for procuring Munitions of all kinds for the RAF during the first Gulf War.

585955 Wg Cdr William John Taylor (113th Entry)

LG: Dec 90 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

Group Captain Tony Keeling (149th Entry)

LG: New Years List 2014 - For his leadership of Engineering and Logistics at RAF Lossiemouth; delivering success on operations and establishing a contingent Expeditionary Air Wing.

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Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Awarded for a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community. An MBE is also awarded for local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as an example to other people.

563485 Sqn Ldr John Wesley McKelvey (3rd Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 45 - For services to the RAF

363389 - WO Robert William Ellis (6th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 46 - For services to the RAF

363528 WO Reginald William Avery (7th Entry)

LG: 1946 New Years Honours List - For Services to the RAF

W M Goddard (8th Entry [4th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr A J Mott (8th Entry [4th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Flt Lt F R J Gunn (10th Entry [6th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Group Captain C K Street (11th Entry [7th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

365988 FO John Peter Whitehead (11th Entry)

LG: 09 Jun 55 - For Services to the RAF

Flt Lt J E Tompkins (12th Entry [8th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

R A E Underhill (12th Entry [8th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

J E Cooper (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

C A R Gilbert (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

Sqn Ldr J B S Robertson (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

560256 Fg Off Terence Lawson Reeves (13th Entry [9th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: 01 Jan 42

Flt Lt G A Francis (14th Entry [10th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

560649 Wg Cdr S W Lane (14th Entry)

LG: tbd - For Services to the RAF

Sqn Ldr F E Murphy (17th Entry [13th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

564490 WO Henry 'Doc' Watson (21st Entry)

LG: 01 Jun 42 - Citation reads: "This Warrant Officer has been in charge of the Armament Section since February 1941. It has been due to his untiring efforts that operations have never been delayed despite short notice of bombing up or last minute changes of bomb load. During recent weeks when the squadron has been re-equipping from Hampdens and Manchester, in spite of bad weather conditions and grave shortage of equipment he has always managed to have the aircraft ready in time for take-off. He has at all times set an outstanding example of keenness and efficiency. On a recent occasion when an aircraft crashed on the aerodrome, he was immediately on the spot and rendered great assistance to the Station Armament Officer by rendering the bombs safe without regard to his personal safety."

565313 Flt Lt Wyndham G Rogers (23rd Entry) LG: tbd - For Service in North Africa. 1945

565961 R D Stevens (25th Entry) LG: 1971 - For Services to the RAF 566028 Flt W G Rogers (26th Entry) LG: tbn

567853 Wg Cdr Charles Warren (31st Entry) LG: 1947 - For Services to the RAF

567574 Sqn Ldr Jimmy Harrison (31st Entry)

LG: 1968 - For his role in developing the Avro Vulcan.

568569 Flt Lt Thomas Vincent John Boughton (32nd Entry) LG: tbn

569194 Flt Lt Frank Frederick Butler (33rd Entry)

LG: June 1944 - For services in the Middle East in WW2. Also mentioned in Despatches

569349 Flt Lt Denis Harry Payne (33rd Entry)

LG: tbn

569468 Sqn Ldr John Tilleard-Lorraine (33rd Entry)

LG: tbn

569897 Air Cdre Harry Jenkins (34th Entry)

LG: tbn Flt Lt Dennis White (34th Entry)

LG: tbn

DO573253 W/O Eric H. Lloyd. (37th Entry) 1970 June Honours List - for services to the RAF.

Wg Cdr Ron(ald) Courtney Bowers. (38th Entry)

LG: tbd

574497 Sqn Ldr Alan Newham Dawson (38th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 72 FX.75226 (Navy) D R Whittaker (39th Entry)

LG: tbd 576139 K Horner (40th Entry)

LG: 1981 - For services to the Motor Transport Industry.

579161 Sdn Ldr J F L Pearce (45th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 85

Sdn Ldr Charles Long (45th Entry)

LG: 01 Dec 81

579239 Sdn Ldr Gordon Sweetlove (46th Entry)

LG: tba

579470 Wg Cdr Walter Vincent 'Taff' Holden (47th Entry)

LG: tba

583570 Flt Lt WE Kelley (55th Entry)

LG: tba - For services to the RAF Halton Apprentices Association. 584056 Sqn Ldr H H Woolley (56th Entry)

LG:Queen's Birthday honours list 1981

C0584613 Sqn Ldr Alick Brown (58th Entry)

LG: Queens birthday honours list 2010 - For services to SSAFA in Hampshire.

585111 Sqn Ldr Cyril Robert 'Pop' Miles (60th Entry)

LG: tbn 585433 David Gibbings (62nd Entry)

LG: New Year Honours 2014 - For services to Aviation Heritage and Defence Industry (Helicopter Flight Test)

587983 WO Eric Waterfall (72nd Entry) LG: Queens birthday honours list 1986. (Awarded by the Queen on 5th Nov 1986) - Awarded for services provided as the Engineering Warrant Officer in charge of the planning team forming the very first RAF Tornado Sqn No IX (B) Sqn at RAF Honington in 1982. RAF Honington was also the very first Hardened aircraft hangar (HAS) site to be built in the UK so it was new aircraft, new buildings, new personnel and all of the on-the-job training that went with it to generate the Squadron to a deadline. Eric went on to serve with the Squadron for over 7 years doing the job all over again when the squadron transferred to RAF Bruggen in Germany in 1986.

588705 J M Young (74th Entry)

LG: TBA

LO680342 Sqn Ldr Brian William Birch (79th Entry)

LG: 1994 - Whilst serving with 46 Squadron at RAF Thorney Island. 680356 Malcolm Mason (81st Entry)

LG: - For services to the Royal Air Force Association. T0681569 WO Charles Dewar (82nd Entry)

LG: 1986 - For services to the Royal Air Force. 684620 Wg Cdr Francis M Denton-Powell (90th Entry)

LG: tba - For services to the Royal Air Force Association.

685699 Sgt Tony Lark (93rd Entry)

LG: Queen's Birthday Honours 1985 - Awarded in recognition of service with the Air Training Corps as OC 866 Sqn (Immingham).

685704 Sqn Ldr Ian McKay (93rd Entry) LG: Queen's Birthday Honours 2005 - Already holding the BEM from 1978, this award was in recognition of service whilst chief Flight Engineer examiner and instructor on Royal Air Force Lyneham’s Hercules Standards Unit. An example of his dedication and commitment was one occasion when he was contacted via a satellite link in the middle of the night by a crew who were caught in hostile territory with an engine that would not start. Squadron Leader McKay guided the crew through a procedure to start the engine, enabling them to escape from an extremely perilous situation and fly to safety. A man of great honesty and integrity, he was at the forefront of the RAF's assistance programmes to several foreign air forces, including those of our middle-eastern allies, forging warm relationships with their airmen based on respect and trust. He has played a vital role in guiding the Austrian Air Force in every aspect of operating their newly acquired Hercules fleet, even accepting the offer of extended service in order to see the project through. His involvement with this prestigious project has assured its success and, undoubtedly, Squadron Leader McKay has triumphed where lesser men would have failed thanks to his immense drive. 685855 Wg Cdr Phil Mitchell (93rd Entry) LG: Queen's Birthday Honours 1981 - Awarded in recognition of service at RAF Brawdy. Phil tells us he can't recall the exact wording of the citation but relates, "It was following a busy and interesting tour at RAF Brawdy from 1977 to 1980 and came as a complete (and pleasant) surprise. I arrived at Brawdy on promotion to Sqn Ldr, it was a Sunday night following the arrival of the first Hawk on the previous Friday. All the RAF Hawker Hunters were at Brawdy in the Tactical Weapons Training role and I was in my element, remembering our advanced airframe training on them at RAF Halton and also doing a tour at RAF Chivenor as a Sgt on the line. Anyway, less of the waffle, I eventually moved from Hunters to Hawks and was heavily involved in their build-up to become weapons trainers finishing up as OC Hawk Servicing Sqn. I was also very involved in moving aircraft to Lossiemouth and Chivenor because Brawdy had such an awful operating factor, sitting on top of a cliff with regular fogs; only the Navy could build an airfield in such a place! I assume that these tasks were included in the citation because I can't recall seeing an actual one. 685885 Sqn Ldr Andy Wilkinson (93rd Entry)

LG: 1986 - Awarded in recognition of implementing changes to NATO War Reporting and, additionally, for charitable work in both Germany and the UK.

686566 Colin R Woodland (96th Entry)

LG: 2012 - The citation reads: “For services to the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association” 687059 Sqn Ldr John A Tisbury (97th Entry)

LG: 1994 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

H0688116 Chief Tech Robert 'Robin' Henry Wilson Diver (101st Entry)

LG: 2006 - For 'Charity work with Oxfam', in Oxford. B0688110 Sqn Ldr Graham George Cooke (101st Entry)

LG: 1991 - In the Gulf War Honours List.

BO688593 WO Anthony John Chaplin (103rd Entry)

LG: 31 Dec 94 - Awarded No 1 Fighter Squadron

689079 Wg Cdr William John "Taff" McCarthy (105th Entry)

LG: 15 Jun 96 - Citation reads: Squadron Leader McCarthy was posted to the Joint Maritime Operational Staff as Staff Officer Electronic Warfare and Intelligence in February 1993. Quick to settle in, he has worked with outstanding zeal throughout his tour to raise overall awareness of electronic warfare among participants in Joint Maritime Courses. Additionally, he has displayed uncompromising determination to extend the scope, depth and frequency of intelligence support; in parallel, developing an up-to-date scenario that has won universal praise. Despite the many unsocial hours of his primary duties he has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of rugby at Royal Air Force Turnhouse and to the Service at large. He began his Service rugby career while still an aircraft apprentice in 1963. Squadron Leader McCarthy continued to play for the next 20 years, representing the Service against club sides on many occasions and was awarded three Inter-Service caps. In 1982 he began coaching at Royal Air Force Kinloss and was instrumental in establishing the Station team as a powerful force both in Scottish Leagues and Service circles. He continued with this task until 1990 when he took on the duties as coach to the Royal Air Force Colts team. Through inspired tutelage, dynamic leadership and distinguished example he produced an excellent squad that maintained a steady flow of strongly motivated players for the senior team at a time when recruit intakes were much reduced. With the reorganization of youth rugby, Squadron Leader McCarthy applied himself wholeheartedly to the changes as Head of Coaching of Youth Rugby. He is now a member of the Royal Air Force Rugby Union Full Committee and Chairman of Selectors. His many activities notwithstanding, he has displayed exceptional management skills, admirable flexibility and focussed energy in accommodating his commitment to Service rugby without detriment to his demanding primary duties. His outstanding professionalism, dedication and dynamic example, combined with selfless contribution to Service rugby for over thirty years, have been in the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force. I strongly recommend, therefore that Squadron Leader McCarthy be appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

1962109 Sqn Ldr Christopher Anthony WYNNE (113th Entry)

LG: New Years List 2009 - For services to the Royal Air Force.

Group Captain Tony Keeling (149th Entry)

LG: New Years List 2009 - For services to the Royal Air Force. H1960094 WO Pete Hurt (201st Entry)

LG: 2000 New Year Honours List - For service at RAF Laarbruch.

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British Empire Medal (BEM)

The British Empire Medal (formally British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service) is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal which had been established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire.

335303 Plt Off A E Greentree (1st Entry)

LG: 08 Jun 44

335598 Flt Lt A A Hay (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

335596 Flt Lt F J Poulter (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

335765 Flt Lt W C J Starling (2nd Entry)

LG: tbn

Wg Cdr R H Abrook (6th Entry [2nd Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

364123 H H King (8th Entry)

LG: 1941

Flt Lt H E Gundry (9th Entry [5th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

365125 W J Moon (9th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 43

Sqn Ldr W N Gibson (10th Entry [6th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

560209 Flt/Sgt Albert Thomas Smith (13th Entry)

Whilst serving on 617 Squadron (The Dambusters). The citation reads "This airman is employed as Non-Commisioned Officer in charge of a flight. Both during the period when the Squadron was in reserve and whilst it has been engaged on operations, Flight Sergeant Smith has displayed the greatest keenness and efficiency and the zealous performance of his duties is exceptional. The squadron recently passed through a very difficult stage when being re-equipped with Manchester and, later, Lancaster aircraft, and innumerable difficulties had to be surmounted.&nmsp; The fact that the re-arming was carried out so easily and smoothly was due in no small measure to this airman. He applied all the knowlege and skill accummulated during 17 years in the Royal Air Force to the task and his services were invaluable. The skill and conscientiousness which characterises his work have resulted in the smooth running of a flight which in turn had had a considerable bearing on the Squadron's high operational effort."

560481 Flt Sgt I W Thomas (13th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 42 Sqn Ldr K A Bennett (15th Entry [11th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

F W Parsons (15th Entry [11th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

561229 Flt Sgt Thomas William Tyler (15th Entry) LG: 01 Jan 44 - Citation reads: "Went with the first party to Wunstorf, where his application to duty during this most arduous and difficult phase of the Berlin airlift earned high praise. He displayed a high standard of technical skill and organisation, working long hours in all weathers and under field conditions, and as a result of his concern for the airmen’s welfare, he headed a most efficient maintenance team. He set the finest example and worked extremely hard through the three months he was there. In the initial stages of the Operation he excelled as an N.C.O. who brought great driving power to bear and controlled his shift with a maximum of ability. At that time, before reinforcements had been sent, each shift was working twelve hours a day, but this N.C.O. not only worked the twelve hours but carried on for hours more in the general effort to get things going.”

562045 Flt Sgt Leonard Edwin Cowan (17th Entry) LG: 11 Jun 42

Flt Lt W R C Frame (17th Entry [13th Entry Flowerdown])

LG: tbn

562184 Francis Raymond Lucas (17th Entry) LG: 1943

562991 Flt Sgt John Francis Thomas (18th Entry)

LG: 02 Jun 43

562390 Wallis Thomas (18th Entry)

LG: 01 Jul 41

563156 Flt Sgt Harry Goulding (19th Entry)

LG: 01 Jan 45

564263 Flt Sgt John Felix Moore (21st Entry)

LG: 09 Jun 55

565961 R R Stevens (25th Entry)

LG: 1956

566698 WO RF Glover (28th Entry)

LG: tbn

572301 Fg Off B G Ashton (35th Entry)

LG: tbn

574497 Sqn Ldr Alan Newham Dawson (38th Entry)

LG: 09 Jun 49

FX.78299 (Navy) D Hullah (39th Entry)

LG: 11 Jun 60

Chief Petty Officer J Yeatman (39th Entry)

LG: - For services to 806 Sqn RN

576935 Sgt Robert William Carr (40th Entry)

LG: 23 Apr 53 - For distinguished service in Korea

RO583491 Chief Tech Derek W Bird (54th Entry) LG: Dec 1970 - For services to Engineering when serving at RAF Muharraq Bahrain; presented by the Political Resident of Bahrain. (Derek - aka Dickie - previously served at RAF Lyneham where he was involved with solving a particular technical problem with the Britannia.)

584181 Derek Frank Garrett (56th Entry)

LG: June 1956 - Derek (Nobby) tells us that: :Unfortunately my copy of the citation has been lost over time, but this is the background. I was Corporal i/c electricians at 99 MU RAF LITCHFIELD at the time when Colonel NASSER (OC EGYPT) took it into his head to nationalise the Suez canal which was currently run by UK and FRANCE. This upset the current holders and in retaliation they sent the requisite gunboat and loads of other military stuff. This put a tremendous load on 99 MU, which was a vehicle storage unit, and we worked our little socks off to meet demand. Our neighbouring “friends “ didn’t agree with what we had done and put pressure on us to stop. This we did and we withdrew with our tails between our legs. In January 1957 I was promoted to Acting Sergeant and posted to 54 MU RAF Hucknall. What a joy, I was back working on aircraft again, and as NCO i/c E&I there was plenty. 54 MU was a repair and salvage unit so there was plenty of variety of aircraft. About May 1957 I was told by the Station Adjutant about my award and a quick trip to HQ MAINTENANCE COMMAND and a presentation by the AOC was the highlight of my service to date.

Sgt Robin Cooper (58th Entry)

Jan 1956 Honours List - Robin tells us: I was 23 year old Cpl and was awarded the BEM for making an (illegal!) repair to a Generator of a Valetta which was stranded in RAF Labuan and by my actions had saved aircraft and crew aircraft a forced 3 day stay before spares could be flown from Singapore. The award was made by ACM Harry Broadhurst who was wearing black felt boots as he was still recovering from injuries caused by his ejection from the Vulcan crash at London Heathrow. He commented as he pinned the medal to my chest that he had been expecting to be making the award to a "Hairy old Flt Sgt" not someone as young as me; a newly promoted Sgt! I was by then 24; the youngest age to whom such an award had been made.

Sid Lord (60th Entry)

1965 New Year Honours List - awarded for duties carried out with 225 helicopter sqn RAF Kuching 1963-1964

KO585509 Chief Tech Peter James Dowler (63rd Entry)

1969 New Year Honours List - Citation reads "Chief Technician Dowler has been employed as Servicing Controller at RAF Tern Hill; a most demanding job requiring strict liaison between Engineering Wing, Aircraft Servicing Squadrons, and both of the Flying Squadrons. By his determination, he has helped to improve the Whirlwind serviceability ratio by 20% and has been instrumental in the phasing in of the Sioux Helicopters. He has shown diligence and understanding well beyond that normally expected of a non commissioned officer.

588267 Victor Truluck (73rd Entry)

2013 New Year Honours List - for services to charity in Hastings.

588341 David W Lock (73rd Entry)

?? Honours list mm yyyy. Awarded post-RAF for the many years spent as a civilian employed by the RN on submarine aerials.

588300 Frederick William Newton (73rd Entry)

LG: Jan 82 - Bill tells us, "The award was presented to me on 4th May 82 by the British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Jock Taylor, at his residence on the Rhine. The presentation was followed by drinks on the terrace overlooking the river. The award was given for services to 3(f) Squadron Harriers and for my services to the Combined Cadet Force Unit at Windsor Boys School in Hamm. The RAF representative present was Air Commodore Chandler the Air Attache. As the only RAF recipient on this day my family and I were treated like royalty and it was a most memorable occasion.

680342 Sqn Ldr Brian William Birch (79th Entry)

LG: 1994 - Awarded for Voluntary work for the National Trust in Derbyshire. 686264 Chief Technician Reginald John Welch (79th Entry)

LG: Jan 74 - Awarded for work at RAF Shawbury. The award has been made in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the forming of the Wessex Squadron and in particular the adoption of the unfamiliar Naval Servicing system. 682351 Chf Tech Ken Kenny (84th Entry)

LG: 1982 - Awarded for work with the Victor Flight Refuelling Force Ascension Island, Falklands conflict 1982. 680183 WO John MacKenzie (84th Entry)

LG: Queens Birthday Honours list 1980 - Awarded for work as the Flight Sergeant in charge of the Radio Servicing Section at 399 Signals Unit based at RAF Digby. The citation was classified.

T0682502 WO Jim Groves (85th Entry)

LG: 1982 - Flight Sergeant Groves served for almost 8 years as a VC10 Ground Engineer with the Royal Air Force Strategic Transport Force at RAF Brize Norton. During this tour of duty he used his outstanding skill as an engineer and his loyalty and devotion to the Service to full advantage. This was best demonstrated whilst as a Chief Technician and detached to Luanda Airport from 8th September l975 to 30th October 1975 in support of 10 Squadron VC10 evacuation Air Bridge to Lisbon, Portugal. His skill and ingenuity in coping with many unusual problems in varying circumstances, made a vital contribution to the overall success of the operation. His dynamic perseverance and stubborn determination during the servicing of 42 aircraft rescue flights in an adverse climate, using inadequate support equipment, was a rare and memorable example for all who served with him in what was recorded as a 100% departure rate. A total of 5,660 Angolan and/or Portuguese refugees were transported to safety during this task. In reward for his outstanding ability and the exceptional enthusiasm and determination that Flight Sergeant Groves brings to bear on all his tasks Her Majesty the Queen graciously approved the award of the British Empire Medal. CO683514 Flt Sgt T.J. O’Neill (87th Entry) LG: 1982 - Awarded for work on the Harrier Force 3 and 4 Squadron RAF Gutersloh. V0683893 Flt Sgt 'Nobby' Cobb (90th Entry)

LG: 1987 - Awarded for service issues relating to crash recovery at 431MU and Service football in RAFG.. EO685365 Chief Technician Richard Nordberg (92nd Entry) LG: 1981 New Years Honours List - Citation reads, "being closely involved with the introduction of Laser ranging equipment on Jaguar aircraft of 31 squadron at RAF Bruggen enabling a 31 Sqdn pilot to be judged overall winner in the Strike Command Tactical Bombing Competition". Also an organising & working member of RAF Bruggen Karnival Club "Der Adler" raising thousand of Deutschmarks for local charities.

685704 Sqn Ldr Ian McKay (93rd Entry) LG: Queen's Birthday Honours 1976 - Chief Technician I J Mckay was presented with this award in recognition of service in Angola with 10 Sqn when together with another RAF Ground Engineer he worked closely with the Movements team in Luanda to evacuate 5660 Portuguese Angolan refugees from Luanda to Lisbon. Operating under most unusual circumstances - Communications between Airport officials and themselves were difficult because of the language problems; sanitation, food and drink were non-existent at Luanda Airport; very hot and unhygienic conditions - when each VC 10 arrived in Luanda for its turnround, both engineers would meet the aircraft and really throw themselves into the task of getting that aircraft turned round. No job was too big for them and they would put their hand to anything that needed to be done. Both engineers were also instrumental in developing most useful personal contacts with key Angolan Airport officials to the extent that the VC10s sometimes were the only aircraft to receive aviation fuel while the civilian airliners parked nearby were unable to obtain any – this feat was due solely to the ingenuity and determination of these two ground engineers. Their sense of humour and esprit de corps were also a vital factor in maintaining the highest level of morale amongst the RAF detachment in Luanda as a whole.

EO687420 Flt Sgt David Rowe (99th Entry) LG: 1982 - For services as Chief Technician on 8 Sqn RAF Lossiemouth.

UO688570 Chief Technician Roger Flitter (103rd Entry)

Queen’s Birthday Honours list June 1986. - The award was based on three aspects: 1. Contributing with industry and other team members to the development of computer software to assess the post build performance of the Adour Engine in the Hawk aircraft and the RB199 Engine in the Tornado. 2. The introduction of computer literacy training at CSDE RAF Swanton Morley for station staff. 3. PTA Committee and Governor at school in East Dereham, Norfolk.

N1961873 Flt Sgt Thomas Robert Hand (113th Entry) LG: Dec 92 - For service with the Royal Air Force H1960094 WO Pete Hurt (201st Entry) LG: 1990 New Year Honours List - For service with the Kuwait Liaison Team during and after Iraq invasion.

C1960251 WO Jim McKee (202nd Entry) LG: 1991 Jim tells us, "I was awarded my BEM for my modest efforts during the first Gulf War whilst serving as a Flt Sgt on 29(F) Sqn, Tornado F3s. My Sqn was detached, along with our sister Sqn 5, from Akrotiri where we were on APC, to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, soon after the invasion of Kuwait in Aug 90. We only stayed 3 weeks and were replaced by uprated jets from Leeming. However, sods law dictated that my Sqn returned to Dhahran, this time in the company of 43 Sqn in Dec 90 and remained this time until the end of the war in March 91. Although containing a lot of flowery language and complimentary and rather embarrassing comments, the gist of my citation was that I made a valuable and outstanding personal contribution to the F3 Det at Dhahran. I didn't actually receive the medal until March 92 as Sqn detachments kept getting in the way of scheduled presentations, I mean, who wants to go to London when Las Vegas beckons?. H8008036 Chief Tech D C Wilson (213rd Entry) LG: 1989 Awarded for service in Northern Ireland.

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Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

The Meritorious Service Medal is a silver medal for distinguished service, or for gallantry, principally by non-commissioned officers of all of the British armed forces and of Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service.

566848 Capt Eric L R Poole (29th Entry)

LG: 1976 - Awarded the Queens Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air in recognition of his employment with British Airways (European Division) as Chief Technical Pilot responsible for testing and evaluation of new aircraft. In 1965 he piloted the first automatic landing in the world with fare paying passengers. 585915 Gordon Berry (59th Entry)

LG: tbn

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Queen's Commendation

The Queen's Commendation is awarded for bravery entailing risk to life and meriting national recognition and is also awarded for Valuable Service (or King's Commendation for Valuable Service). It is a British civilian and military award that recognises meritorious service during, or in support of, operations.

566848 Capt Eric L R Poole (29th Entry)

LG: 1976 - Awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air in recognition of his employment with British Airways (European Division) as Chief Technical Pilot responsible for testing and evaluation of new aircraft. In 1965 he piloted the first automatic landing in the world with fare paying passengers.

567574 Sqn Ldr Jimmy Harrison (31st Entry)

LG: 1976 - Twice awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air in recognition of his employment as a test pilot with Avro and Hawker Siddeley.

568567 Flt Sgt Thomas Douglas Lewis (32nd Entry)

LG: Dec 1965 - Awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air whilst serving with the Hong Kong Auxialiary Air Force. Citation reads: "In recognition of the success of the gallant rescue operation from the SS Nam An in appalling weather conditions could only have been achieved by outstanding teamwork, not least of which was your skill in positioning the aircraft and operating a faulty winch. You should feel justifiably proud of the part you played in saving so many lives."

583275 Sqn Ldr Bernard James Noble (54th Entry)

LG: 1960 - Awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air in recognition of valuable service at Boscombe Down as a test pilot.

690279 Sqn Ldr Michael Parkin (109th Entry)

LG: 31 Dec 86 - Awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service In The Air in recognition of landing a very ‘sick’ F4J into Decimomannu whilst serving on 74(F) Sqn.

8008019 J/T Damien O'Reilly (213th Entry)

Awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct on the 3rd Nov 1971 following his actions whilst on detachment in Denmark (RDAF Skrydstrup) with 11 Sqn when on 23rd June 1971 a fire broke out in the wing of EE Lightning XR723 whilst taxying. J/T O'Reilly climbed onto the wing and with a hand-held extinguisher tackled and contained the fire.

Damien tells us, "When I received the award I was 19 years and nine months of age and 19 years and 6 months old when the incident took place. At the time I was told I was the youngest member of the Royal Air Force to receive the award".

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Foreign Awards and Honours

Légion d'honneur

The National Order of the Legion of Honour (French: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802. While membership in the Légion is technically restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive the honour.

587735 Greg Hayward (44th Entry)

Greg tells us this was awarded by the President of France for his part in the liberation of France in 1944.