Pen Portraits: what happened next
Pen portraits of post-graduation life, as submitted to the 69th Association newsletter over the period 1994 - 2011
Gordon Hocking - 'The Brat in a White Hat'
Initial posting to St Athan where he became Drum Major of the station band. On to Colerne until the unit was posted en bloc to Leeming. Two and a half years in Gibraltar led to spare time work with Radio Gibraltar and the chance to interview personalities passing through. Back to Hullavington in Wiltshire and the turning point in RAF career.
Oil dermatitis forced remustering (the RAF would not contemplate medical discharge) and the first - and only - ex-apprentice snoop was born. From Wivton and a three month detachment to Townsville, Australia, to Steamer Point, Aden, where he was employed on criminal investigation dealing with all three services.
Final posting was to Upavon on Salisbury Plain, Left the RAF as a corporal in December 1965 and on the next day entered the Civil Service as an Executive Officer with Social Security. Was employed the first few years as a fraud investigator then after a number of management posts he went to HQ in London and headed a special unit working on the streets to combat large scale fraud by professional gangs. Eventually had responsibility as a Principal for all fraud investigation work in the Depai iinent.
Took voluntary redundancy in 1991. Heavily involved with amateur theatre as an actor, director and writer and has had some bit parts in films and on TV. Currently winding up a small gardening business to concentrate on writing. Is a Caseworker and Divisional Secretary for SAFFA in north Herts. Two daughters, three stepdaughters and six grandchildren
- 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