Tales from Halton

Stories and anecdotes from the 69th's time at RAF Halton, between 1951 and 1954. Dates shown refer to when the story appeared in the 69th Association's newsletter.

Ancient skills - For Airframe Eyes Only, by Frank Sheppard

Aircraft Apprentices of the 91st Entry at Halton receiving 'Final Airframes' training from instructor Mr Maynall in a classroom hangar containing Hawker Hunter instructional airframes © IWM (RAF-T 1136)An article in a recent edition of the "Haltonian" mentioned that the 61st were the last entry to be taught fabric repairs, hulls and floats and carpentry. "We" [the 69th] all know that was incorrect having been taught all three, though I believe we were the last to do the carpentry. I therefore sent a suitable letter to the editor. The following was the reply from Bill Kelly, 55th:

"It seems that 'fabric bashing' and 'hulls and floats' went on quite some time after the 61st left Halton since in addition to your letter I had one from Roger Matthews, 77th, to say that they did both, but not aero-carpentry. I had experience of both in my service, five years on Sunderlands took care of hulls and floats and, whilst a Crew Chief on Valiants, I made a temporary fabric repair to a flap after a bird strike. Not only did this get us home on time, but suitably impressed the modern day aircrew!'"