Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
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Yes, I believe his name was Chris, I wish I could remember his surname. He took me flying in his Jodel, rather old and creaky, but full of character,... just like an Albert!
Anyway, back to photos and this one was inspired by those old photos of aircraft manufacturers checking the bending stress of wings by all the workforce standing on them. I persuaded the 1312 boss Sir Matt (who was a famous Man Utd manager in his previous life) to get us up all on top for the team photo rather than just in front. Hopefully the resolution will be enough for you to enlarge and spot faces as required.
Cheers
Steve
Anyway, back to photos and this one was inspired by those old photos of aircraft manufacturers checking the bending stress of wings by all the workforce standing on them. I persuaded the 1312 boss Sir Matt (who was a famous Man Utd manager in his previous life) to get us up all on top for the team photo rather than just in front. Hopefully the resolution will be enough for you to enlarge and spot faces as required.
Cheers
Steve
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Lyneham Ramblings
Alcazares48, I have some nice photos of my time on 1312 back then, which I will post when I can spend some quality time with my scanner.
I went to a really good talk last night given by retired Sqn Ldr Pat Fitzgerald about the C130K and his time as a pilot at Lyneham including Op Bushel. Lots of photos and stories akin to here, I did mention this thread to him, but I am not sure if he has posted on pprune. I was particularly intrigued by his recount of returning from an ASI run in 1982 when fuel contamination caused the initial loss of 3 engines over the sea. Managed to get two going again at a lower level and landed at Faro on three, definitely a day anyone would remember vividly!
Returning to my memories of C130Ks, I have some potted reminisces of maintaining old Albert that I can bring back, but in no particular order.
The fleet at Lyneham back in the 80s was split into half between A-line and B-line. Each line covered the first line servicing needs 24 hours a day, all year round with 4 flights working a 12 hours shift pattern of 4 days on, 4 days off, 4 nights on ad infinitum.
I remember the cigarette smoke in the crew room and control, like a London pea souper, I must have been on 20 a day as a passive smoker! The shift pattern destroyed my body clock, ever since then I can sleep anywhere at any time and never suffer jet lag either, can't have done me good in the long run.
The officer's name badge originates from the predilection by the aircrew in the mess to enjoy breaking ours in half every happy hour, all the eng junior officers decided to change their name to reflect the fact that we were regarded as the bottom of the food chain and had a job lot of Pond Life badges made up for beer calls, much to the amusement of all and thus the badges survived.
Some of my flight around 1987. We were a real family with all the ups and downs that entails, clashing personalities, high jinks, wind ups, but always getting the job done. Sending a small team downroute to fix a broken Albert was always a welcome task, especially if somewhere exotic.
There were two electrical relays that others here can remind me of the details that caused a smile regularly. One just behind the Capt's seat below the floor, where after the crew called up for a start snag, a cheeky Corporal would rush out to the aircraft and stamp hard on the flight deck floor in just the right place, "Try it now" would be followed by a disbelieving shake of the aircrew heads as the engine duly fired into life. Another sticking relay was located in the pig's trough above the cargo bay. This would involve the leckie, armed with a large broom, heading out to a hold full of wide eyed passengers. Hitting the appropriate box with the head of the broom would unstick the relay and he would smile and wave to the pax as the engine started, many who by now had their head in their hands at the thought of flying in this aircraft! Happy Days!
We also had a few young SACs who would do turn around checks and assist with the rectification under the supervision of the technicians of the various trades Riggers, Sooties, Leckies and Fairies as they built up some experience prior to being sent on a "fitters course" to become specialised themselves. This was an alternative to the Apprentice route where you would receive a Junior Technician (JT) after their thorough initial training from the hallowed halls of Halton or Cosford.
Pleased that I can remember their names after 30 odd years! That's Phil on the left and Ros on the right,.. wonder where they are now?
Finally, a bit of a trick of the light out on the Lyneham apron one day had me believing that the RAF had introduced a secret counter to the Russian helicopter gunship. I believe it was a "Pumaleese".
Cheers for now
Steve
I went to a really good talk last night given by retired Sqn Ldr Pat Fitzgerald about the C130K and his time as a pilot at Lyneham including Op Bushel. Lots of photos and stories akin to here, I did mention this thread to him, but I am not sure if he has posted on pprune. I was particularly intrigued by his recount of returning from an ASI run in 1982 when fuel contamination caused the initial loss of 3 engines over the sea. Managed to get two going again at a lower level and landed at Faro on three, definitely a day anyone would remember vividly!
Returning to my memories of C130Ks, I have some potted reminisces of maintaining old Albert that I can bring back, but in no particular order.
The fleet at Lyneham back in the 80s was split into half between A-line and B-line. Each line covered the first line servicing needs 24 hours a day, all year round with 4 flights working a 12 hours shift pattern of 4 days on, 4 days off, 4 nights on ad infinitum.
I remember the cigarette smoke in the crew room and control, like a London pea souper, I must have been on 20 a day as a passive smoker! The shift pattern destroyed my body clock, ever since then I can sleep anywhere at any time and never suffer jet lag either, can't have done me good in the long run.
The officer's name badge originates from the predilection by the aircrew in the mess to enjoy breaking ours in half every happy hour, all the eng junior officers decided to change their name to reflect the fact that we were regarded as the bottom of the food chain and had a job lot of Pond Life badges made up for beer calls, much to the amusement of all and thus the badges survived.
Some of my flight around 1987. We were a real family with all the ups and downs that entails, clashing personalities, high jinks, wind ups, but always getting the job done. Sending a small team downroute to fix a broken Albert was always a welcome task, especially if somewhere exotic.
There were two electrical relays that others here can remind me of the details that caused a smile regularly. One just behind the Capt's seat below the floor, where after the crew called up for a start snag, a cheeky Corporal would rush out to the aircraft and stamp hard on the flight deck floor in just the right place, "Try it now" would be followed by a disbelieving shake of the aircrew heads as the engine duly fired into life. Another sticking relay was located in the pig's trough above the cargo bay. This would involve the leckie, armed with a large broom, heading out to a hold full of wide eyed passengers. Hitting the appropriate box with the head of the broom would unstick the relay and he would smile and wave to the pax as the engine started, many who by now had their head in their hands at the thought of flying in this aircraft! Happy Days!
We also had a few young SACs who would do turn around checks and assist with the rectification under the supervision of the technicians of the various trades Riggers, Sooties, Leckies and Fairies as they built up some experience prior to being sent on a "fitters course" to become specialised themselves. This was an alternative to the Apprentice route where you would receive a Junior Technician (JT) after their thorough initial training from the hallowed halls of Halton or Cosford.
Pleased that I can remember their names after 30 odd years! That's Phil on the left and Ros on the right,.. wonder where they are now?
Finally, a bit of a trick of the light out on the Lyneham apron one day had me believing that the RAF had introduced a secret counter to the Russian helicopter gunship. I believe it was a "Pumaleese".
Cheers for now
Steve
Last edited by Flyer Flier; 9th Mar 2016 at 14:11.
48 Squadron Origin of Badge
On return to the UK from Changi early in 1972, Bass Brewery were reminded of this connection and were very generous in donating barrels for Sqn piss-ups and hosting visits to the brewery. Shame MOD did not consider this before disbanding the sqn.
The 48 Sqn Centennial Reunion is taking place on 15th April 2016 with, I believe over 130 members attending. If you are interested contact Colin Eames by email: [email protected]
The 48 Sqn Centennial Reunion is taking place on 15th April 2016 with, I believe over 130 members attending. If you are interested contact Colin Eames by email: [email protected]
Last edited by DeanoP; 20th Nov 2020 at 14:23. Reason: Reinserted photos deleted by photobucket!
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Flyer Flier
This would involve the leckie heading out to a hold full of wide eyed passengers with a large broom.
Philrigger.
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Following an AOC's semantic inspection of grammar, I have made a correction which hopefully meets with your approval, Philrigger. Cheers!
Mr A, nice to hear from you (Andy?) Expect to see some photos of yourself and crew appearing next week or so.
All the best
Steve
Mr A, nice to hear from you (Andy?) Expect to see some photos of yourself and crew appearing next week or so.
All the best
Steve
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Bass Visits
I vividly recall one particular visit to the Brewery when a certain Loadies, one T**** F******, and myself decided to "borrow" a Bass Charrington flag from the roof of the building. A day or so later we were advised by the CO that it would be a good idea to return said flag to preserve the good relationship between 48 and the brewery and preserve the beer supply!! We did of course but I still have the two pint beer pots given to us on the visit, in fact I used them just a couple of days ago.
I was 48 from December 69 until May 73 when I left the service, flew with both you gentlemen.
I was 48 from December 69 until May 73 when I left the service, flew with both you gentlemen.
Sounds like a typical T F and G M stunt! I remember some of the tales from Changi, including his (and yours!?) 'dodgem' parking in Singapore 
.
If you are G---- M----- , I lived next door to you for a while in Suicide Village. We were also on 24 Hastings in the mid 60s.
IIRC the above-mentioned Loadie left the trucking business and eventually made it big time in the TV world - well, he appeared in a documentary when he was a winch dangler at Valley!
.If you are G---- M----- , I lived next door to you for a while in Suicide Village. We were also on 24 Hastings in the mid 60s.
IIRC the above-mentioned Loadie left the trucking business and eventually made it big time in the TV world - well, he appeared in a documentary when he was a winch dangler at Valley!
Gumpied
I have a single survivor beer mug from those halcyon days.
TF did indeed end up as an SAR winchman. I recall one rather over indulgent Xmas bash in Changi which resulted in my taking TF home on his motorbike.
What state I was in to agree to do it I now shudder to think. Quite rightly Mrs TF gave us both a clip round the ear and I retired hurt taking a cab home.
The follies of youth.
I have a single survivor beer mug from those halcyon days.
TF did indeed end up as an SAR winchman. I recall one rather over indulgent Xmas bash in Changi which resulted in my taking TF home on his motorbike.
What state I was in to agree to do it I now shudder to think. Quite rightly Mrs TF gave us both a clip round the ear and I retired hurt taking a cab home.
The follies of youth.
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That's me but it is JM and not GM. The car saga in Singapore was the "Nudgers Club"; as there was no sell on market due to the pull out 
a group of us decided that for scrap value only we'd have some fun with it. I recall arriving off a trip and offering the Loadie a lift home. As I was about to back out from the parking spot a saw, in the mirror, another Nudger across the car park. Hit reverse and straight into him with laughs all round except for my passenger who jumped out screaming "you're all *^%#@ing mad!".
I also flew with the infamous J** T****** on the trip down from Kuantan!!
a group of us decided that for scrap value only we'd have some fun with it. I recall arriving off a trip and offering the Loadie a lift home. As I was about to back out from the parking spot a saw, in the mirror, another Nudger across the car park. Hit reverse and straight into him with laughs all round except for my passenger who jumped out screaming "you're all *^%#@ing mad!".I also flew with the infamous J** T****** on the trip down from Kuantan!!
Sorry Jeff (spelt the same way as my No 1 son - how could I forget?).
Forgot the name of the Nudgers, thanks for the reminder.
My particular 'dodgem' was a Mk II Consul with a dodgy gearbox and three holes in the floor - my kids soon became used to the pre-start check: "Feet off the floor". Gearbox was fixed at 48 Sqdn, using a couple of Herc chocks as axle stands - tool store was a handy and well used facility.
My 'best' nudge was actually unintentional (Mrs Null & kids as pax) on the Bukit Timah Road when my bald front tyres contributed to my failing to negotiate a slight curve on the damp (!) road surface and ended with my car striking a glancing blow against the front wing of an oncoming Kiwi's Vauxhall Velox. As he was almost tourex, and his car was also junk, with no injuries in either vehicle we parted amicably, with him suggesting that, as the chrome strip on his bonnet was actually mine, would I like to take it with me?
Forgot the name of the Nudgers, thanks for the reminder.
My particular 'dodgem' was a Mk II Consul with a dodgy gearbox and three holes in the floor - my kids soon became used to the pre-start check: "Feet off the floor". Gearbox was fixed at 48 Sqdn, using a couple of Herc chocks as axle stands - tool store was a handy and well used facility.
My 'best' nudge was actually unintentional (Mrs Null & kids as pax) on the Bukit Timah Road when my bald front tyres contributed to my failing to negotiate a slight curve on the damp (!) road surface and ended with my car striking a glancing blow against the front wing of an oncoming Kiwi's Vauxhall Velox. As he was almost tourex, and his car was also junk, with no injuries in either vehicle we parted amicably, with him suggesting that, as the chrome strip on his bonnet was actually mine, would I like to take it with me?
Following the 'completely off-thread' trend, one of my memories of the Bukit Timah road is watching from a taxi held up by traffic of locals betting on rats. Squirted with an inflammable substance and set on fire then released with bets going on which one would go furthest before expiring...
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No 47 Sqn Centenary Dinner
I would be so bold as to opine that all units contemplating the Centenary celebration of their old boys honour and glory would do no better than the recent 47 Sqn dinner in London. It was worth standing in a train full of Welsh rugby supporters all clutching their six packs of Brains beer as far as Reading, to attend this memorable evening in one of the halls that the guilds of the City enjoy the fruits of our labour. It's a shame that centenaries only come once every 100 years because the spectacle must be the high point of all association dinners and huge praise to the organisers. Only 300 or so friends and associates there but a fantastic evening. Nili nomen.
Flier Flyer #4204,
Sorry for the late reply, been a bit busy. Your second photo of your "flight" contains a few memorable characters, who I regularly saw on shift handover (I was on B shift) as it must have been C or D flight you owned. Certainly one Mick Rans*n was a regular at shift change. And Simon Hanl*y later joined me in becoming an AGE. Nice to see some old faces, and thanks for posting them.
Doug, looks like 47 managed a good night out, as usual. Nice to see.
Smudge
Sorry for the late reply, been a bit busy. Your second photo of your "flight" contains a few memorable characters, who I regularly saw on shift handover (I was on B shift) as it must have been C or D flight you owned. Certainly one Mick Rans*n was a regular at shift change. And Simon Hanl*y later joined me in becoming an AGE. Nice to see some old faces, and thanks for posting them.
Doug, looks like 47 managed a good night out, as usual. Nice to see.
Smudge
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Fin Art
Sorry to go off message but found a few pics and you often ask for them so here goes
A couple to follow of impressive fin art.
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
A couple to follow of impressive fin art.
Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting
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47 Centenary
Smuj
Not only the venue was outstanding. It was good to see that now the Sqn has its own engineering support staff, they were also present at the dinner. Senior and junior ranks were asked to stand for appreciative applause from Air Chief Marshals downwards. It was definitely an all inclusive event. When eventually I flagged down a black cab to return to the hotel, the cabbie said "I've had a lot of business tonight from this corner. How many of you lot are in there?"
Not only the venue was outstanding. It was good to see that now the Sqn has its own engineering support staff, they were also present at the dinner. Senior and junior ranks were asked to stand for appreciative applause from Air Chief Marshals downwards. It was definitely an all inclusive event. When eventually I flagged down a black cab to return to the hotel, the cabbie said "I've had a lot of business tonight from this corner. How many of you lot are in there?"
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