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.

Gardening in the rain, by Tony Parrott - December 1994

An instructor lectures to aircraft apprentices on the working of an aircraft hydraulic system, in the workshops at Halton, 1940-1945. © IWM (CH 1028)And yet again, another Tony Parrott Tailpiece, for the Airframe and Armourers - Hippo Knox (Flt Sgt)

One day when it was pouring with rain, Hippo stated "All out on gardening". An intelligent apprentice then said, "But it is raining Flt!" Response, "Well you've got groundsheets!".

A little later Hippo was issuing gardening equipment; he patiently wrote 'fork' and issued one. By this time all the apprentices had picked up any tool and then queued for Hippo to book them out. "Next" - spade written: then an apprentice presented a scythe, after several attempts at writing "scythe" Hippo turned and said, "F--- off and get a fork".

• RAF Halton and the Brats
• The Aircraft Apprentices Scheme
• Clubs, Societies and Sports at Halton
• RAF Halton's goats
• Tributes to Halton and the Brats
• The 69th and the Apprentices Network, 1951
• The Presentation of the Queen's Colour, 1952
• Summer Camp, RAF Formby, 1953
• The 69th and the Queen's Coronation, 1953
• The 69th's Graduation Review, 1954
• The Senior Entry - a graduate's letter, 1954
• A full list of 69th Graduates
• Halton days: stories from the 69th
• The 69th's Burmese Brats
• The 69th's commemorative window
• 69th Entry Reunions