Dispersal: recollections of the 69th in the wider RAF

Stories from 69th Entry apprentices, after graduation, in the wider RAF

The Halton noticeboard keeps apprentices up to date on Halton activities around the world, circa 1945. Source: IWM © CH 16402

8 Squadron at RAF Khormaksar, Aden

Good morning 8 Squadron! Waiting for the first cup of tea after the dawn patrol gets airborne - the time would have been roughly 06:45, which meant another 13 hours until knock-off time. More...

The first Beverleys

John Trevor recalls his first sight of a Beverly, some time in the late 1950s when the aircraft first appeared. It had guards all around it, but no-one was allowed to look around as it was considered something of a government secret. More...

Incident at Swanton Morley

The East Dereham fire brigade arrived and I told them the fire was out. However they insisted on getting on the roof and putting water down the chimney 'just to make sure' as they could see a wisp of smoke issuing from the chimney. More...

The Aeronautical Inspection Unit

Over 100 boy apprentices of the 69th ended up at RAF St. Athan in Wales as their first posting. This was one of several Maintenance Unit stations, where it was common to see NCOs of the Aeronautical Inspection Unit. More...