Pen Portraits: what happened next

Pen portraits of post-graduation life, as submitted to the 69th Association newsletter over the period 1994 - 2011

John Nelson

After being educated in Chiswick and Finchley he joined No 1 School of Technical Training, RAF Halton on 28th August 1951(Yes that was the date!) and passed out with the 70th. His initial posting was to St Athan and subsequently to Wickenby, Morton Hall, Stradishall, Newton, Goch, Gutersloh, Thorney Island, Middleton St George and Syerston. Promoted to corporal in Feb 1957 and had an "undistinguished career".

Following his departure from the RAF he spent periods of time with Harvey's of Bristol, British Legion Poppy factory, Airwork Services Ltd and Trico Ltd.

Later John entered the Civil Service at A&AEE Boscombe Down. and then followed a posting to the Army Cataloguing Agency at Didcot. Subsequently transferred to Quality Assurance Directorate, now Defence Clothing and Textiles Authority, Quality and Product Support Division. Retired at the end of last March [1994] but still works there!

Hobbies - Member of the Air Training Corps since 1971 - Model Railway and making models in general Photography and philately (first day covers from RAF Museum)

• 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
• A 69th Pen Portrait
• The 69th's commemorative window
• 69th Entry Reunions