Good Bye To RAF Buchan
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Good Bye To RAF Buchan
Although the Buchan has not been conducting CRC operations for a few month now, it loses its Station status and becomes a Remote Radar Head today. Although the last time I got posted away I was more than happy to leave i'm sure a few of us will have a few fond memories about the old place.
Bye bye
Bye bye
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,684
Likes: 7,368
From: Peripatetic
Fond memories? Lets see now, 2 tours/5 years of:
Fog, wind, snow; aroma of Peterhead harbour and the Crosse & Blackwell factory; maximum security prison and power station; Sound of the foghorn; attitude of locals.
Well, Doc Sutherland was a good bloke.
Fog, wind, snow; aroma of Peterhead harbour and the Crosse & Blackwell factory; maximum security prison and power station; Sound of the foghorn; attitude of locals.
Well, Doc Sutherland was a good bloke.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: UK
As I only spent a weekend at Buchan on a liasion visit from HMS Illustrious I have some very happy memories. At the time (1985) there was extensive rebuilding so most people were accomodated in Portakabins. The accomodation buildings were named after birds and it was refreshing to see that the WAAF ones were named 'Swallow Block' and 'Thrush Block'! Either a strange coincidence, or a crab with a sense of humour, couldn't work out which. Anyway, a spectacular weekend with a lovely memory of a WAAF Flt Flt FC who drank more beer and wine than all the blokes (I stopped at 10 pints and 1 bottle of red) but she kept going. Mind you spending 3 years at Buchan would turn most people into bloody good drinkers/alcoholics!
Red On, Green On
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,490
Likes: 2
From: Between the woods and the water
The accomodation buildings were named after birds and it was refreshing to see that the WAAF ones were named 'Swallow Block' and 'Thrush Block'! Either a strange coincidence, or a crab with a sense of humour, couldn't work out which.
I'll be sending you the bill for the ruined keyboard - just split a mug of tea over it p!ssing myself laughing at that ...
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chiswick
Buchan, bloody !!!!!hole...
3 years spent, with mates, at the bottom of a bottle of Lagavulin trying to forget why we where there.
No pleasant memories for me however, amongst the less painful recollections were; sleeping on a pile of pallets and a skip at Aberdeen Station with Allcroft and Barnes following a drunken night in 'Sad Kens' and once the skip got too cold moving onto the comparative luxury of the lobby of a Lloyds bank cash machine; Spending Q days off in Mecca Bingo with Baz and Albert enjoying cheap beer, chips, bingo and Roughnecks wives; Being escorted off the premises of the Aberdeen A&E ward for time-wasting having spent all my money on beer,and realizing it would be cheaper than a hotel, so thereby asking the staff if they had any spare beds for the night; Swimming in Boddam harbour at god-awful hours of the night after a skinful; Being part of the infamous 'Buchan 6' - banned from every bar in the UKADGE for 30 days just for having some 'light-hearted' fun.
The Nazma was a good curry house but only if you managed to get to the Buffett before Adam Stevens and his flip-top open jaw.
STROBES ON!!!!
As I said, Bloody !!!!!hole....
3 years spent, with mates, at the bottom of a bottle of Lagavulin trying to forget why we where there.
No pleasant memories for me however, amongst the less painful recollections were; sleeping on a pile of pallets and a skip at Aberdeen Station with Allcroft and Barnes following a drunken night in 'Sad Kens' and once the skip got too cold moving onto the comparative luxury of the lobby of a Lloyds bank cash machine; Spending Q days off in Mecca Bingo with Baz and Albert enjoying cheap beer, chips, bingo and Roughnecks wives; Being escorted off the premises of the Aberdeen A&E ward for time-wasting having spent all my money on beer,and realizing it would be cheaper than a hotel, so thereby asking the staff if they had any spare beds for the night; Swimming in Boddam harbour at god-awful hours of the night after a skinful; Being part of the infamous 'Buchan 6' - banned from every bar in the UKADGE for 30 days just for having some 'light-hearted' fun.
The Nazma was a good curry house but only if you managed to get to the Buffett before Adam Stevens and his flip-top open jaw.
STROBES ON!!!!
As I said, Bloody !!!!!hole....
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 8
From: The Road to Nowhere
My visits were few and mercifully brief, but I remember being let out of the Neat bunker to spend 45 mins with a nice 'psychologist' who wanted to understand what sort of (warped) minds were needed by the one in 10 students that passed the Intercept Controller Course at the time. Surveillance personnel (or IDROs and TPOs as they were then) were not interviewed. All sorts of random questions about thought processes and problem solving, but one corker (presumably slipped in by 11 Gp) hidden away in the middle:
"If the UKADGE were to be reconfigured so that CRC Buchan were the only available posting for ground-based Intercept Controllers, would this have any effect on your desire to stay in the Service?"
Apparently, 81% of those asked (and most of us were asked, even those at Boulmer and Buchan) said they would leave at or before their next Option Point. As we were only about 75% manned anyway, the responses had the desired effect.
Of course, if this had any impact on the decision eventually to close Buchan .... I would be very surprised!
I did hear a few years ago that the MQs at Buchan were never included in the disgraceful Portillo sell-off to the Japanese(?) due to an admin error, which presumably means that the MoD, sorry, Treasury may make some cash out of the sale? As for the bunker, I can think of worse places to site a data repository or some such.
"If the UKADGE were to be reconfigured so that CRC Buchan were the only available posting for ground-based Intercept Controllers, would this have any effect on your desire to stay in the Service?"
Apparently, 81% of those asked (and most of us were asked, even those at Boulmer and Buchan) said they would leave at or before their next Option Point. As we were only about 75% manned anyway, the responses had the desired effect.
Of course, if this had any impact on the decision eventually to close Buchan .... I would be very surprised!
I did hear a few years ago that the MQs at Buchan were never included in the disgraceful Portillo sell-off to the Japanese(?) due to an admin error, which presumably means that the MoD, sorry, Treasury may make some cash out of the sale? As for the bunker, I can think of worse places to site a data repository or some such.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh
No happy memories of the Buchan I'm afraid - although I used to go out with an FC lass from there!
As for the MQs - none of the Scottish housing stock was sold to Annington Homes because Scots law wouldn't allow the long lease-back arrangement. They're all still owned by MOD/DE
As for the MQs - none of the Scottish housing stock was sold to Annington Homes because Scots law wouldn't allow the long lease-back arrangement. They're all still owned by MOD/DE
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Marham
Not too many fond memories of Buchan...
The locals were quite frankly a nightmare, biggoted anti English drug taking losers in the majority, it was hard work finding the few normal people there!
The Ops room did have a far better feel to it than Neat's though, more relaxed and more productive but once you set foot outside the wire...
Can't say I was sad to see the back of the place, I simply turned left out of camp, left again an kept my foot down all the way to the border with not even a glimpse in the rear view mirror.
Lets see what Scampton brings...
The locals were quite frankly a nightmare, biggoted anti English drug taking losers in the majority, it was hard work finding the few normal people there!
The Ops room did have a far better feel to it than Neat's though, more relaxed and more productive but once you set foot outside the wire...
Can't say I was sad to see the back of the place, I simply turned left out of camp, left again an kept my foot down all the way to the border with not even a glimpse in the rear view mirror.
Lets see what Scampton brings...
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: UK
Good riddance more like.
Bl**dy awful place, 2 tours, only 2 'fond' memories.
Voting SNP in the elections in the vain hope they would win, gain independance, and then kick us out because there seemed no hope of the English rescuing us and, on the final southbound trip, as the road bends gently right, watching the last traces of Peterhead dissappear in the mirror.
Bl**dy awful place, 2 tours, only 2 'fond' memories.
Voting SNP in the elections in the vain hope they would win, gain independance, and then kick us out because there seemed no hope of the English rescuing us and, on the final southbound trip, as the road bends gently right, watching the last traces of Peterhead dissappear in the mirror.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: UK
...And good riddance should have been the full title to this thread. 1 tour 92-95 (!!!!!hole!) and then another brief sojourn Jul-Nov 01 (even worse if that's possible).
Showtime
Now those were the happy memories, nothing to do with the place - only the people (and the Alcohol). Do you recall the 'gumming' (like a chewing out only not so effective!) that we got from the sqn cdr the morning after the Buchan 6 incident? Do you remember Barnes' reincarnation of the BuchanEars - God I wish I'd seen all those people turn up for the Acapulco Diving contest off the Boddam Light!! And he had the strangest fascination with the jars covered in shells from the Thrift Shop.
If you are who I think you are, good to see you're still alive. Going to the FCA do in May?
Cheers
Spotter
Showtime
Now those were the happy memories, nothing to do with the place - only the people (and the Alcohol). Do you recall the 'gumming' (like a chewing out only not so effective!) that we got from the sqn cdr the morning after the Buchan 6 incident? Do you remember Barnes' reincarnation of the BuchanEars - God I wish I'd seen all those people turn up for the Acapulco Diving contest off the Boddam Light!! And he had the strangest fascination with the jars covered in shells from the Thrift Shop.
If you are who I think you are, good to see you're still alive. Going to the FCA do in May?
Cheers
Spotter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 11
From: Darling - where are we?
Fond memories .....
Yes, I fondly remember the view of the dump disappearing in my rear mirror as I escaped for the last time.
That said, I would be quite happy to go back ..... if PMA supplied a can of petrol and the matches to get rid of the place for good.
Good ridance to a depressing, miserable camp, surrounded by some of the most biggoted, two-faced and generally unpleasant locals it has been my displeasure to meet.
Yes, I fondly remember the view of the dump disappearing in my rear mirror as I escaped for the last time.
That said, I would be quite happy to go back ..... if PMA supplied a can of petrol and the matches to get rid of the place for good.
Good ridance to a depressing, miserable camp, surrounded by some of the most biggoted, two-faced and generally unpleasant locals it has been my displeasure to meet.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Chiswick
Aaah Spotter,
I may very well be who you think I am, it's a small world. Whatever I hope you're well.
As for the 'gumming' as you so nicely put it I don't really remember it specifically as it was just one of many occasions that I seemed to spend in his office for all manner of minor offences. All of which seemed to result in my name being somewhat permanently attached to weekend Orderly Officer and Morning Brief rosters.
Unfortunately I shan't be attending the FCA bash as I will be on a free two week holiday in the Seychelles.
Sorry couldnt resist it.
Showtime
I may very well be who you think I am, it's a small world. Whatever I hope you're well.
As for the 'gumming' as you so nicely put it I don't really remember it specifically as it was just one of many occasions that I seemed to spend in his office for all manner of minor offences. All of which seemed to result in my name being somewhat permanently attached to weekend Orderly Officer and Morning Brief rosters.
Unfortunately I shan't be attending the FCA bash as I will be on a free two week holiday in the Seychelles.
Sorry couldnt resist it.
Showtime
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Worcestershire
I remember living in the portacabins in the late 80's. Kingfisher block, I think.
I remember that we wired a few of the rooms up to a single central video recorder - an early form if cable tv i suppose - so that we could watch videos in the 'luxury' of our own rooms.
Unfortunately, one weekend when my girlfriend came to visit, someone put on a XXX movie and I still had my TV turned on and connected to the video network. Ooops!!
Not so funny was the day the block Chinner's lived in (can't remember the block name) caught fire with Snoopy still in his room. She was never the same after that.
I remember that we wired a few of the rooms up to a single central video recorder - an early form if cable tv i suppose - so that we could watch videos in the 'luxury' of our own rooms.
Unfortunately, one weekend when my girlfriend came to visit, someone put on a XXX movie and I still had my TV turned on and connected to the video network. Ooops!!
Not so funny was the day the block Chinner's lived in (can't remember the block name) caught fire with Snoopy still in his room. She was never the same after that.
Last edited by The Old Snifster; 10th April 2005 at 23:37.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: UK
Who can forget the legendary Officers' Mess staff? The inscrutible Ron, the unintelligible Kath, and the villainous Mr Strachan?
While the place won't be sorely missed (if at all) I enjoyed my time at Buchan (2 years... not as much as some people, but quite enough thank you!). The atmosphere in the pit was far more morale-laden than that at Neat, and Aberdeen - if you could be arsed travelling that far - was a great night out. Peterhead was a nasty dump, though - I remember seeing an England vs Jonny Foreigner match in The Palace Hotel with the locals booing every time England scored a goal, and free drinks when England lost. Not a nice atmosphere.
Who could forget the sticky-floored "nightclub", The G? Or stepping over druggies or beaten people outside the Vodka Bar? Or the Nazma's notorious South Indian Garlic Chilli Chicken (I swear I can still taste the aftertaste to this day!)?
Or you could travel to the Udny Arms for one of their fantastic meals, or pay a visit to Pennan or even get to Aviemore in a reasonable time. What could Norfolk offer? Swamps and Norwich. Nope. Preferred Buchan to Neat. Ah well, we won't have to worry about such variety in the future... Northumberland or RAF Lincolnshire, anyone?
While the place won't be sorely missed (if at all) I enjoyed my time at Buchan (2 years... not as much as some people, but quite enough thank you!). The atmosphere in the pit was far more morale-laden than that at Neat, and Aberdeen - if you could be arsed travelling that far - was a great night out. Peterhead was a nasty dump, though - I remember seeing an England vs Jonny Foreigner match in The Palace Hotel with the locals booing every time England scored a goal, and free drinks when England lost. Not a nice atmosphere.
Who could forget the sticky-floored "nightclub", The G? Or stepping over druggies or beaten people outside the Vodka Bar? Or the Nazma's notorious South Indian Garlic Chilli Chicken (I swear I can still taste the aftertaste to this day!)?
Or you could travel to the Udny Arms for one of their fantastic meals, or pay a visit to Pennan or even get to Aviemore in a reasonable time. What could Norfolk offer? Swamps and Norwich. Nope. Preferred Buchan to Neat. Ah well, we won't have to worry about such variety in the future... Northumberland or RAF Lincolnshire, anyone?
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northumberland, UK
Fair points tablet eraser, fair points. Incidentally, I overheard 2 lads on my watch the other night reminiscing about how a night out in Peterhead was better than a Thursday in Alnwick, on the grounds that the 'heed wasn't always full of fellow bunker dwellers.
I assume you ran the phrase "villainous Mr Strachan" past your lawyer?
I assume you ran the phrase "villainous Mr Strachan" past your lawyer?
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Clouseau's apartment block
A few more memory stirrers:
The Swamp Donkeys Rugby Team - memorable punch ups against local sides intent on seeking revenge on the English contingent. Travelling on the ferry to the Lerwick 7s was also an experience.
Gp Capt Mike S's awful Buchan tartan trousers.
The happy hour when Norman the Storeman was dragged off to his room by a highly sexually aroused 'Newcy' Brown but left his (ground floor) curtains open. A small crowd, armed with decent malts formed in the mess garden to cheer him on as he attempted to fend her off.
The notorious families club, which was once closed down due to the alleged brothel incidents. Before my time, but wasn't OC GD Flt unmasked as the 'Madame'?
Lock ins in The Grange (the only pub with real ale).
Danny and the gorilla suit. After being molested by a certain frightening female cpl for the night, he innocently strolled back to the officers' mess from the WRAF Block in his fancy dress gear. Right past the bus taking the day shift to work.
Playing cricket in the fog. 'Borrowing' Brooksy's sit down lawn mower to cut the outfield when the sports maintenance budget was cut.
Unveiling Max's knackered Mini as the mystery prize at the Christmas Draw.
Coming off Q shifts and straight to the pubs in Aberdeen with Maccers (never again).
Yes we did have fun (at times) up there, but this was due to the siege mentality and what a terrible place to live! My liver has just about recovered and I left some time ago! Thank God for EasyJet and the BA military discount.
The Swamp Donkeys Rugby Team - memorable punch ups against local sides intent on seeking revenge on the English contingent. Travelling on the ferry to the Lerwick 7s was also an experience.
Gp Capt Mike S's awful Buchan tartan trousers.
The happy hour when Norman the Storeman was dragged off to his room by a highly sexually aroused 'Newcy' Brown but left his (ground floor) curtains open. A small crowd, armed with decent malts formed in the mess garden to cheer him on as he attempted to fend her off.
The notorious families club, which was once closed down due to the alleged brothel incidents. Before my time, but wasn't OC GD Flt unmasked as the 'Madame'?
Lock ins in The Grange (the only pub with real ale).
Danny and the gorilla suit. After being molested by a certain frightening female cpl for the night, he innocently strolled back to the officers' mess from the WRAF Block in his fancy dress gear. Right past the bus taking the day shift to work.
Playing cricket in the fog. 'Borrowing' Brooksy's sit down lawn mower to cut the outfield when the sports maintenance budget was cut.
Unveiling Max's knackered Mini as the mystery prize at the Christmas Draw.
Coming off Q shifts and straight to the pubs in Aberdeen with Maccers (never again).
Yes we did have fun (at times) up there, but this was due to the siege mentality and what a terrible place to live! My liver has just about recovered and I left some time ago! Thank God for EasyJet and the BA military discount.