1218 SQUADRON

A little before my time with squadron. George Wagstaff went on to become a warrant oficer. We had a Corporal Geering and a flight Sargent Norman Massey during my time there. There was also a Mr Syd Turner as a Warrant Officer. He was a crane driver for the harbour works at that time.

Syd Turner was my uncle (my father Ray Turner) and he died a couple of years ago. Do you have any photos of my Uncle?

Hello Sylvia. I first met Syd when we both lived at Mount Pleasant. I met him again when he was steam crane driver for the harbour works (and had many a ride on the crane too). I lost contact when I moved house. The last I heard he was in Dover. I am sorry to hear of his passing away.

I was in the ATC 1949 to 52. The missing name 3rd from the left on the bottom row is Ron Short. He worked in Moscow for the cypher dept of the UK. A small correction, Martin Aldrich was the 4th from left back row. Flt Winters was one of our officers.

I recognise the name Martin Aldrich. We were at school together as well as the ATC. I have not seen him since those times. Good to know you are a contributor.

If you log on again Jack, have you any idea who the chap standing behind you is? I have it in my mind that his uncle was Sir Frank Whittle.

Regards Martin Aldridge, South Africa

5th from the left is John "Dinger" Bell. I served with him as an officer from 1967 to 1972.

The officer in the peaked cap is Guy Pearman. The adult officer with folded arms is John "Dinger" Bell.

By Jack Patten (01/05/2008)

Top row Right to Left

2nd right John Greening, 4th from right Chris Bird, 7th from right Rod Baker (now in Canada), 9th from right Chisolm.

Middle Row
3rd from right Instructor Mr Bell, Charlie (rear gunner), 7th from right Pat Nolan, 8th from right, Bill Rogers, 9th from right Ian Herriot

Bottom Row

1st on right, Mike Mayo, 2nd on right Robert Cobden, 3rd on right Derek Smith, 4th on right Rush.

By Rod Baker (09/05/2008)

Re: Martin Aldridge's 1951 photo. That looks very much me 1st left on the front row! I don't remember a Bob Tubb, but I seem to recall being with Martin, Cpl Jack Patten et al around that time with the ATC training in a tent at RAF Thorney Island.
I was grateful for the wireless op training I had at 1218 squadron [it was the only alternative to engine mechanics and I didn't want to get my hands greasy!] It was the start of my career through the RAF and into a similar civilian job with GCHQ.
Does anyone remember a guy [can't remember his name] who used to take us flying at Rochester? He was a used car broker and used to have us scanning the local papers throughout the journey for cars wanted and for sale?
Thanks for evoking some long forgotten memories.

In the first picture c1951; that is definitely Bobby Tubb on the left of the front row.

I think you're (all) right, Jack: On closer inspection, it's not me: I was never so good looking!

I was in the 1218 from about 1947 till July 1952 when I went into the R.A.F. for Nat Service. Was great friends with many mentioned above, would like to hear from them. I remember Jack Patten, at the time, his brother Laurie was the flight sergeant who I think also went to Canada. I was also a flight sergeant when I left. I have some photos of the annual camps we attended.

Does anyone remember Tony Brandon who was in the 1218 squadron in the late 40's, early 50's? I remember Jack Patten and his brothers well. Used to live opposite the old war memorial in Chapel St/Fort Rd.

Hello Brian. Was your Dad George Sloan, if so then I remember you well. We were good friends. I used to enter you house from the back lane of South Road. I spent 4 years of my painters apprenticeship working with your Dad. He used to send me down the "bookies" through the back door of the shoe repair shop on Bridge Street every day with a surefire winner. He was a grand and decent man. Jack Patten Vancouver Island, Canada.

Hello everyone I'm a current SNCO at 1218 and have been for the last couple of years. Reading through the comments it seems that 1218 has always been a big family and its my pleasure to say that it remains the same. I'm wondering if anyone can help me, I recently received a email asking me about a Society of Friends of No 1218 (Newhaven) Squadron Air Training Corps, the email reads as follows Dear Sirs, I wonder whether you might know how I could contact the Society of Friends of No 1218 (Newhaven) Squadron Air Training Corps, by email if possible? My Father Wing Commander Richard Seys was the first to be towed in a glider across the Atlantic from Montreal to Prestwick in 1943 and I would like to commemorate the 70th anniversary of that event if possible. Your help would be appreciated. So if anyone can help or would be interested in getting in contact to commemorate the anniversary please contact me Many thanks look forward to hearing from you all.