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.

Boom Dawn, by John Stroud - September 1996, Wendover

In newsletter no. 6 Adrian Thorpe wondered why we called Dave Dawn "Boom". I too was in the choir and heard of Boom's very sad death as soon as we passed out. Although I knew Boom well I do not ever remember knowing his name was Dave. To everyone he was just Boom.

He got his name very quickly because of a rich, deep, booming bass voice when some of the younger one's voices still had to break. I am fairly sure Boom was the oldest person to come in with our entry and remember this useless piece of information as I was the second oldest (Born 22.2.34). That is if you don't count the Burmese.

It was rumoured that one, who shall remain nameless, was 27 and had been a sergeant in the army. My lasting memories of the four Burmese in our room was their good manners and very developed sense of fair play - though they would knock seven bells out of someone in the boxing ring.

The death of "Boom" Dawn, who slipped off a boat and drowned in the River Severn whilst on a cruise celebrating graduation, was mentioned in the Halton Magazine, 1954

Church Notes - St. George's

THE departure of the 69th Entry was commemorated in the usual manner by a special preacher and graduation service on the previous Sunday, conducted in this instance by Padre Cocks, the Assistant Chaplain-in-Chief of Bomber Command. Both the sermon and service were most inspiring and the choir excelled itself.

It was altogether a very happy occasion to mark the departure of so many good friends to their respective stations. But even as these notes are being written, the sad news of the death of David Dawn has come to hand. He was drowned whilst on graduation leave. He was a faithful server and helper in the church here and his death has been a great shock to us all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his mother in her sad loss.