The senior entry - a graduate's letter from 1954

The Halton LXIX, or 69th, crest. Nosca Aut Face Viam roughly translates as know it, or figure it outAt last we of the 69th are in our passing out term. It has been a long time but has certainly been well worth waiting for.

Perhaps, we will be remembered in the future for our wide range of sporting personalities, both in Station and School activities, although Wednesday afternoons may soon provide less scope for the imaginative types who specialise in cross country running through the hills.

Or, perhaps, it will be for our technical and educational achievements. Or, perhaps, just for the number in the Entry. But we ourselves will remember Halton for the people we have met and the good times we have had here.

Who will forget Summer Camp, and the battle royal we had with our rivals from Locking? Their banner was never the same again afterwards. Another outstanding event was Coronation Night when the Entries Band led community singing in Trafalgar Square to the tune of 'she wore a yellow ribbon' - the spectators joining in with greater zest than the Apprentices.

Since we have lived together for a long period, naturally much close and friendly rivalry has arisen, and the various trades refer to themselves as the 'Kremlin Guards', the 'Dustbin Bashers', and the 'Holiday Campers'. This rivalry was particularly noticed during the Final Airfield Training when each trade depended on the other and mistakes were quickly commented on.

A ticket for the 69th Entry graduation dance, held at Watford Town Hall, 27th July 1954But who will blush when we record the fact that one Engine Fitter walked down a ladder backwards straight into a bucket of oil? We also noticed that the Instrument Fitters found other uses for silica gel, it even came in several calibres.

We do not claim that our NCO's have been unusual. Perhaps the word should be 'eccentric'. It is whispered that a certain Corporal Apprentice (lucky fellow) holds a season ticket to 'The Windmill', whilst another has suffered from finger trouble since he demonstrated the triumph of matter over mind by pointing inside a revolving display engine.

Yet another, hastily vaulted over a wall in search of who knows what, is said to have found himself waist deep in a green covered pool of water.

In lighthearted conclusion we say 'Au Revoir' to Halton and recommend to those that follow us the motto of the 69th Entry:

NOSCE AUT FACE VIAM

Wendover Clock Tower, near RAF Halton, by A/A Shah, 71st Entry, 1954

The Graduation Dance

From the Halton Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, 1954

On July 27th, the 69th Entry held their Graduation Dance in the Watford Town Hall. This palatial building, most unlike a Town Hall, proved a splendid setting for the Dance. Don Smith and his Orchestra from the Wimbledon Palais were engaged and they certainly made a great hit with the boys, who at times stopped dancing to go up and listen to the band as they played some intricate jazz number. Air Commodore and Mrs. Tindal-Carill-Worsley honoured us with their presence and we hope that they enjoyed the occasion.

The Wing was [also] successful in winning the Barrington Kennett Trophy for its sporting activities, and this Trophy was presented to the Flight Sergeant Apprentice by the Com-mandant at the Dress Rehearsal for the Graduation Parade on July 23rd.