205 Squadron
Another of my posts from the RAF Forum
I was going through a box of gash stuff up in my roof when I found the programme of events to celebrate 205's 50th anniversary back in 1966 and thought you chaps might be interested.I remember it was a good party that spread over a couple of days.I also found a photo of the whole squadron posed in front of 2 Shacks.
The guest of honour was Gp Capt G.E. Livock D.F.C. A.F.C. who was the first Squadron Commander in the Far East taking over on 8JAN1929. He was a nice old chap and a bit apprehensive of all the fuss. Earlier in the year, on a detachment to Labuan, I remember we flew over the Spratly Islands and claimed an unnamed triangular reef and named it Livock Reef in his honour.He had an illustrious career beginning in 1914 and seemed to have spent his whole time on flying boats and seaplanes.He was 2nd i/c to Gp Capt Cave-Brown-Cave on the Great Far East Flight in 1927/8 when 4 Southamptons flew from Felixstowe to Seletar and then on to Australia where they circumnavigated the continent and then flew back to Seletar, 23,00 miles altogether.
He was Reviewing Officer for the parade with Wg Cmdr J.V.E.P. Carter as Parade Commander,Adj was Flt Lt L. Bruce, Flt Cmdrs were S/Ls S.W.R.A. Key and G.J.Page,Standard Bearer was F/O M.G.Christy,Standard W/O was Master Signaller B.Collington and the escorts were Sgts H.R.Parkinson and K.J. MacBrayne in case you remember some of them.
We had a celebratory dinner at the Ocean Park Hotel in Katong which I think at that time was on the beach but is now probably a couple of miles inland if it is still there.
There are lots of ads for shops in Changi Village and these may jog some memories--- Khian Whatt Grocers, A.T. Gnanaprakasam Newsagent/Stationer, Tong Sing Bar[ who can forget it], Chew Cheong Jewellers, George Photo Store, Sincere Sundry Shop,Kiam Sin Tailor,Jong Sing Tailor, Sin May Silver, and one for Jackie's bowl at Katong.
There is also a list of all Sqd C/Os and a potted squadron history if anyone wants a look up.
I hope this is of some interest
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