| TOPLESS
WAITRESSES
During a conversation between
two "inmates" in Fontainebleau during the early 50's
one asked "do you know of a good restaurant in Paris where
I can take my wife for a meal as we are going to Paris for the
day tomorrow?”. The answer came back "Well if you go up
the Champs to the TWA (Trans World Airways) office and turn
left down the side street you will find a door about 50 yards
down on the left hand side above which is a sign "Restraunt"
“Good we will give it a try - thanks.”
A few days later the same "inmates" meet up with the
introduction "You are a right b......d aren’t you” and
showing signs of being confused asked why to which the reply
was "You could have told me that the waitresses were topless.”
To this statement the reply was "Well you didn’t ask did
you." However a few days later whilst shopping in the NAAFI
the instigator of the information received a severe tap on the
shoulder and when he turned round came face to face with a female
he did not know. However all was revealed when asked "Do
you know of a restaurant in Paris where the waitresses are topless?”
– “Oh yes go to the TWA Offices etc.”
Dickie Rogers (Gloucester)
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF
WWII
During the war of 39 to 45 we
kids were taught to hate the Germans. We were told that they
ate babies and killed little children for sport. It's strange
isn't it that the German kids were told the same thing about
the British. However, this incident that happened to me towards
the latter part of the war, left me with a very vivid thought
on the meaning of 'Man’s Inhumanity to Man' especially in times
of war
I knew little about Germany and even less of its geography.
All I knew was, my mother's brother had been wounded in the
'Great War of 1914- 1918 and died as a consequence of weakness
from his wounds and contracting the terrible Spanish 'flu in
the epidemic that was rife in 1918.
I did know that Hamburg was
a place in Germany that was bombed by the RAF on frequent occasions
and Mrs Thompson who lived in the next street had lost her son
Ralph on a bombing raid earlier in the war near there, but its
strategic importance was a source of mystery to me and I would
venture to say, to many other children also, anyhow! They were
Jerries weren't they? …..and we had been given the idea that
they were all bad people.
During weekends early evening
and school holidays we kids used to go to the end of our street
and sit on a low wall and watch as our army convoys trundled
past, or RAF 'Queen Mary' lorries with damaged aircraft would
go past from the airfields some miles along the road. Also quite
often we would see German prisoners of war being marched to
the POW Camp, two and a half Miles from where we lived.
One day, it was late September
1944, a group of nine German prisoners were being marched
along towards the camp when the British Army sergeant, who was
obviously in charge with four soldiers escorting, called upon
the group to halt. The sergeant walked across the road to a
fruit shop and came back with a couple of brown paper bags containing
plums which he proceeded to offer to the P0Ws as well as his
own men.
As the POWs were all seated
on the same low wall that we were sitting on, but a little further
away, we decided it was time for us to get a better look at
these “Baby Eaters” and see if they did have “Square Heads”
(another piece of ridiculous rubbish that we had been brainwashed
with). I must state here, that as a boy I was blue-eyed and
very blonde, it was in my teens that my hair turned dark, now
it's just grey. One of the German prisoners spoke to me in very
good English, “How old are you boy?" He asked, "Nearly
eleven sir" I replied, we were always told to be polite
no matter to whom, when, or where. "I had a son just like
you, at my home in Hamburg." He turned away, and as he
did so, one of the other prisoners put an arm around his shoulders
and I could see that the man was very upset.
The British Army sergeant came
up to us and quietly told us to go away which we did. When I
walked in to my home, I told my Mother and Dad what had happened
and I got a clout around the ears for talking to a “Jerry.”
And my “thruppence” a week pocket money was stopped. I had committed
the unforgivable sin of speaking to a German prisoner of war.
After the war had ended I saw photographs of the results of
the conflagration of Hamburg and realised what that poor wretched
man had said and why he was so upset, and strange as it may
seem I still, to this day, in my seventies, get choked with
emotion when I recall. “I had a son just like you at my home
in Hamburg”, words uttered by one of my country's then, enemies.
I also often wonder if that
poor German prisoner of war, way back in late 1944, made it
back to Germany after the conflict was over and rebuilt his
shattered life.
Ken Harriman ~ (Wigston Magna,
Leics.)
TOURING CANADA
Here in Canada and have so far
visited Toronto and Ottawa and now here at Niagara Falls. Everything
has changed so much since my last visit 44 years ago and not
for the better. Will go north in a few days time to visit Ellie,
Peter Taylor’s wife. We met up with them in Portugal last March.
Peter and Ruth Fryer
MEMORIES OF FONTAINEBLEAU.
I arrived in late August or
early September 1962 having just returned from a Bomber Command
Climbing expedition to East Africa I travelled from London with
a WRAF called Francis, I remember she came from Southend-on-Sea.
During the first few months we became good friends., but it
didn't last. I was an LAC and for the first few months I worked
on the busses, collecting English children to and from school.
My driver was Dave Adams. I then took a trade test and eventually
became a SAC Clerk GD. I spent the rest of my time working in
the Central Registry with a Cpl Cole and SAC Brasley. I used
to spend most of my spare time climbing. I joined the Paris
Chamonix section of the French Alpine Club. One of my regular
Wednesday afternoon and week-end climbing partners was a French
Army Colonel with the name of Maravell. I have since met him
at his home in Barbizon, he is now retired but reached the rank
of General. I also spent a lot of time climbing with a French
lady called Denise Escand. She was perhaps one of the world’s
best female Climbers/Mountaineers and went on to lead many International
Expeditions.
My wife and family have since
spent many happy hours with her, both in Paris and at her summer
home in Chamonix. Unfortunately she passed on last year. I also
did a lot of skiing, entering the RAF Germany ski championships
representing HQ AAFCE in 1964 and 1965; 2nd overall was my best.
I played a bit of Rugby and enjoyed Motor Racing. I remember
going to the LeMans 24 hr race at Spa for the Belgian Grand
Prix and Monthery in Paris and with a Jun. Tech Bob Ludgate
in an old Lancia Arullia B20. What a car. Some other names which
come to mind are Graham and Ann Cox. He was a Cpl in the RAF
Police and she was a teacher at the English school. They took
me out for a meal on my 21st birthday, I recall. I think they
came from the York area. Sgt. Doug Armour who worked in the
Dental Surgery; the last time I heard of him was in Bristol.
Cpl Foley who ran the bedding store, LAC Taff Jones who must
have been 60 if he was a day and the only work I ever saw him
do was wash and iron the rugby kit. WO Watkins, a Welsh Man
who loved his rugby and of course ACM Sir Paddy Bandon.
Two other items which come to
mind, under the "I want 6 volunteers! You, You and You
four. On the few occasions I was caught, I remember one was
to carry the coffin of Yeo Thomas ( The White Rabbit) a very
famous War time Agent in Paris And the second was to form a
Guard of Honour at the Palais de Chaillot for the world premier
of the film Le Jour a Plus Longue. (The Longest Day). I left
Fontainebleau in March 1965 and was posted to RAP Valley on
full time Mountain Rescue Duties. I was demobbed in 1966 having
completed my 5 years service.
Since finding out about the
Association many memories have come back. Other members who
may remember me are Lawrie Page, Ron Sperring, Colin Maclean,
Tony Almond and the late Dave Adams. I hope to meet some of
them at the reunion. Remember the jambons from the Hotel round
the corner? They were to die for. I will say that the three
and a half years I spent at Fontainebleau gave me a deep love
for France and the French People. I still have my Certificate
and the booklet which was given to al1 new arrivals, unfortunately
I don't have any photographs.
Kevin Price ~ Sheffield
Members Snippets
In May Brian Williams
retired after 40 years of loyal service at Roy O'Brien Ford.
Below is
a tribute from AUTO Motion Dealer Bulletin Board.
When he visited the new car
showroom at Roy O'Brien, Inc., back in November 1965, the management
there immediately recognized Brian Taylor-Williams as a potential
salesperson. After nearly forty years of continuous employment
at Nine Mile and Mack, that prophecy has proven most astute.
Brian Williams, as he is known to most of his many customers
and friends, has decided to retire from the automobile business.
capping a stellar career spent exclusively at Roy O'Brien Ford.
His many awards and recognitions include the Top Hatter Club
and the 300/500 Grand Master's Club, which recognize "The
Highest Level of Sales Achievement and Dedication to the Finest
Standards in Customer Service".
Brian's success as a car salesman (he once sold 20 Galaxie Convertibles
in one month, on a challenge from then President. Roy E. O’Brien,
Sr.) eventually led to his promotion as new vehicle business
manager, a position he has held for the past six years.
Being a former policeman in the British Royal Air Force, Brian
has affectionately become known “TheSenator" always sporting
his dashing blue blazer and sporty club ties.
When asked what he and his charming wife, Anne, plan to do in
his retirement, his immediate response was, "To travel
and visit family and friends in England, Arizona parts unknown".
We will miss Brian at Roy O'Brien, Inc. and will fondly recall
his alluring British accent, especially his famous line to the
women in his life, "Thanks, love!"
Dickie and Shirley Rogers
are off in November for a holiday in New Zealand.
John and Barbara Higgs
celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in September
John Day and Gwenda
moved to Angmering, West Sussex. Unfortunately during the move
Johnnie injured his back which required treatment in hospital
as an out patient.
Bob Drewett
is recovering from a period in hospital after he went down with
a chest infection and serious heart condition.
Brian Moulding
recently had surgery to repair a double hernia.
Jean Goddard
was admitted to hospital for treatment to her neck.
Barbara Chennell
is recovering from a hip replacement operation and will not
be fit in time to attend the Warwick Reunion.
Alma Kemp is
having treatment for an eye problem and had to pull out of Warwick.
Peter Taylor
has relocated from Canada to the UK and is living in Weston-super-Mare
Brian Gibbons, Les Hills
and Ron Pole met up at the Weymouth Veterans Service
& Parade. They met a French Eurocrat & his wife (on
a walking holiday from Brussels). He serves on one of these
“think-tanks” & was certainly interested in our views on
Europe……..especially Ron’s, as he had been both at Dunkirk and
the Normandy landings !!! They told him of the good times they
had at AAFCE when they were younger…………they all loved the food,
the wine, the relaxed way of life, the sunshine and the women………it’s
just the men that they are not so keen on !!!
We wish all those on
the sick report and injury list a speedy and full recovery.
IN MEMORY OF CHARLES
COLLYER MBE ~ Flight Sergeant RAF (Retired) ~ A TRIBUTE
Who do we think of when talk
is of gentlemen?
Who rode his trusty cycle round Guynemer and town?
Who was known for miles around by locals and forces?
Who gave a cheery smile and wave, very rare a frown?
Who stood on ceremony straight
and so upright?
Who revered the RAF and said so voice aloud
Who instilled in those who knew him, deep respect
Who treasured every moment in uniform so proud
Who lent an ear when things
weren't right
Or when the day went wrong
Who helped to make us what we are
And helped to make us strong
Who guided us through our early
service days?
Young people we were then
Some far from home the first time
The only contact with family, by pen
Who helped the married find
a home to rent?
A comfortable abode in which to live
And helped with moving problems
Boy, did he know how to give
Who spent his RAF career a trusted
faithful cop
A man you could rely on in any situation
This man who loved the country where he served
Returning infrequently to the place of inauguration
What name would you recall with
this bold description?
How many do you know who could fill this mans shoes
Where may you ask is this man's final destination
This man we knew as Charlie, I know where I would choose
Terry Bryant (Cpl RAF Police
Retired)
RAF WEST KIRBY ASSOCIATION
Having done his basic training
at West Kirby, Bob James attended last April’s reunion of RAF
West Kirby Association (est.2001) when a Memorial Plaque at
the entrance of the old camp was unveiled by the Deputy Mayor.
The RAF was represented by Squadron Leader Andy Bolt and the
memorial was blessed by the Rev. John Bates. The final icing
on the cake was a fly past by the University Air Squadron who
gave two sweeps over the assembled crowd, dipping their wings
as they did so. Money for the Memorial Plaque was raised by
generous donations, including one from the local mayor.
If anyone would like any further
information about the West Kirby Association please contact
Mr Cliff East on 01509 414303
THE SIMPSON DIARIES
A further extract from Brian’s
Diary makes a welcome return to our pages. Here Brian records
his Christmas Day on the camp in 1953.
25 December 1953
0001------
Having recovered from both the Logistics party (exercise self-support)
and a last minute half day shopping trip to Paris dozed on the
AAFCE bus between the station and the camp.
0015------
Half an hour reading late arriving Christmas cards before falling
into bed.
0730------
Woken by three sergeants bearing rum and tea rather than three
kings bearing gifts.
0745------
Despite the rum managed to fall out of bed and get dressed.
0830------
Outstanding breakfast on grapefruit, TWO eggs and bacon, toast
and marmalade and tea.
0900-1245------
'Christmas Resting' in room with wireless tuned to BBC. Delighted
to receive Christmas parcel containing Colonel Hunt's book 'Ascent
of Everest'
1300------The
'Big Event' - Christmas Dinner, a very fine one, served by the
officers and senior NCOs of the RAF and Royal Signals. Sir Basil
had a word with me and I was pleased to allow Flt. Lt. Strange
to clear my dirty plates. Each diner was provided with two bottles
of beer and a packet of cigarettes. I managed to scrounge two
helpings of both the soup and main course.
1430-1700------
After all that excitement and heavy eating lazed around in room
111 with the BBC in the background.
1715------
Recovered sufficiently to do justice to a splendid tea with
many unusual delicacies in unprecedented quantities
1800-1915------
Back to room and BBC.
1930-2200------
With LAC Kingdom went to club and on to cinema to see Hans Christian
Andersen.
2230------
Finished the day in room 111 with Kingdom and Christmas cake.
(The weather that day was 'cold
and wet', which might explain why so much time was spent in
room 111 (not 101!) rather than walking off all that food!).
MERCHANDISE
You will note from the Financial
Statement that there are still a few blazer badges and ties
in stock. There are plenty of tablemats, coasters and computer
mouse-mats available. All items will be on sale at the Reunion.
A CD ROM of all the Newsletters 1 – 31 can be made to order
for the bargain price of £3.00.
FINANCIAL
REPORT
Income and Expenditure Account ~ 12 months to 30 September
2004
Cash Balance at 30th
September 2003 |
|
£182.39 |
£119.31 (2002) |
Income |
|
|
|
Subscriptions |
£186.00 |
|
|
Reunion Wine |
£338.00 |
|
|
Reunion Raffle |
£315.00 |
|
|
Merchandise Sales |
£279.90 |
|
|
Total Income |
|
£1118.90 |
£1454.89 (2003) |
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
Postage & Telephone |
£166.20 |
|
|
Printing, Stationery
& Copying |
£22.35 |
|
|
Donations |
£72.17 |
|
|
Other |
£706.12 |
|
|
Total Expenditure |
|
£966.84 |
£1153.19 (2003) |
|
|
|
|
Cash Balance at 30th
September 2004 |
|
£334.45 |
£182.39 (2003) |
|
|
|
|
Merchandise in
Stock at Cost |
|
|
|
10 Ties |
£60.22 |
|
|
3 Blazer Badges |
£27.21 |
|
|
36 Table Mats |
£109.44 |
|
|
63 Coasters |
£91.98 |
|
|
22 Mouse Mats |
£102.08 |
|
|
Total Value of
Stock at Cost |
|
£390.93 |
£513.11 (2003) |
| |
|
|
|
| Balance - Cash & Stock |
|
£725.38 |
£695.50 |
We are keeping our head above
water. The cash balance is marginally higher than 12 months
ago and will be enhanced by the proceeds from the raffle at
the Reunion. There is no need to make a further call on the
members for subscriptions in the foreseeable future.
POETS CORNER
Ken Harriman has submitted a collection of his
poems one of which is printed below.
Grandpa’s Will
My Grandpa was a travelled
man,
And we believed, quite wealthy.
His bold adventures thrilled us all
But! He was too danged healthy.
We loved him for his many tales,
Some serious and some funny.
But! Truth to tell, we loved him more
Because, we believed he had money.
He promised me, that when he was gone,
I'd travel far and wide.
He never said where I would go,
But then,--- he never lied.
I counted all his money mine,
And in day dreams, the world I spanned,
Seeing sights that few had seen,
Along with other joys I had planned.
Then came the day that Grandpa's toes
Turned upwards towards the skies,
And all his relatives and friends,
Had wet but hopeful eyes.
I knew they wouldn't get any cash,
Because Grandpa's dosh was mine.
I smiled just to think, how I would bask
|
Beneath the Palms
and the Pines
Then we went to hear the will,
Read by a Lawyer, Grim and Grey.
He said "I'm Sorry, no one gets a thing,
'Cept Joe, this very day"
My fingers twitched, my heart went thump,
I smiled in sheer delight,
To see anticipation slump
On every face in sight.
Oh! what a pleasant thought,
To be the richest of the lot.
They'd all be very nice to me
But they’d get nothing, not a single jot
The Lawyer sighed and took a breath
And scratched his balding head.
Then reading slowly from Grandpa's will
This is what he read-
"I leave my money and my goods to
the dogs home
It's such a deserving cause,
Except for you, Joe, the means to travel,
My old Motor bike is yours.
© Ken Harriman |
AND FINALLY…………
We are always looking for ways to increase the
membership and Mike Capon has suggested that some members who
served in the Police in civvy street may have contacts in the
service who may have access to registers etc which may lead
us to erstwhile colleagues and friends from our service careers.
|
