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.

Questions from Richard Hladik (Engines)

An RAF apprentice working on a jet engine at RAF Halton, 1950-1969. © IWM (RAF-T 6406)Not having contributed anything to 'The 69th Newsletter' and not yet started a potted Pen Portrait, I wondered if the following might bring back some memories to the engine bashers (such as myself).

Who remembers the first 'go' at bending throttles when we ran those 'clipped wing' Magisters out on the playing fields behind Workshops. It was fairly early on as I don't believe we had been taught prop swinging then and luckily for us our instructor did the swinging - I remember that the grass seemed a little wet and that swinging might have its moments - aircraft slid around a bit when the power came on. Weren't the Maggies kept in the corner of Workshops (the New Workshops end and the Power Station end)? I remember pushing one out over the railway tracks onto the playing fields. Does anyone have a record of them or photos? Did they wear their 'M' numbers, and were they not all silver doped? They were disposed of in our time, and if not I wonder how long they would have lasted after us.

Does anyone remember the Oxford that was burnt on our first B of B day. I saw the aic in the New Workshops and was told it was en route to the Airfield to be burnt. Anyone know of the aircraft and 'M' number?

At the end of our time, down on at the Airfield in the Bessoneau Hanger - hope that's spelt right - there were two Sea Otter machines in camouflage marks. Anyone remember them and has a record of them. In the engine shops, during 2nd year, didn't one get a Tiger Moth and have to remove the engine and fit a replacement which had been overhauled by the class? Where did the Tiger come from - the airfield or the airframe shops? Anyone any recollections?

When we did our first airfield spell, the prop swinging instruction was on the Tiger Moth on Station Flight. There was also a Percival Prentice on Station Flight - anyone remember if this was used by apprentices for training - again any photos? Has anyone photos of the aircraft the we were let loose on, including the Ansons of SF, and has anyone the negs still? - mine went several house moves back.

Down at the airfield near to Geordie Hendersons Beaufighter classroom (across the track and nearer to the hangers) there was a single piston engine (in - line) mounted on struts. Does anyone know what this was, and did it ever run in our time?