Masirah.
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Masirah.
I've just come across this photo, which I believe was taken in Masirah circa '69-'70? But I'm not certain. Can anyone shed any light? Does anybody recognise anyone in the photo? My Dad is pictured, front row second far right, sitting. Thanks.
Last edited by Akrotiri71; 24th Apr 2017 at 08:47.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
SD, concur, definitely IX, we went the following year IIRC.
Definitely recognise the walrus moustache, knew him at Waddo, his name just came to me, Ray Leach. He was big on CS.
Looks like a small Det, just two crews.
Next to your father is, I think, Roger Greenwood. Was your father an engineer then, his badge does seem different.
Definitely recognise the walrus moustache, knew him at Waddo, his name just came to me, Ray Leach. He was big on CS.
Looks like a small Det, just two crews.
Next to your father is, I think, Roger Greenwood. Was your father an engineer then, his badge does seem different.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Threeputt, that depends on Akrotiri71's father. If he was a crew chief then that makes 2 crews with crew chiefs. If he was an AEO - previously an AEOp - then I agree three crews.
We await Akrotiti's feedback.
We await Akrotiti's feedback.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
SD, not a full sqn then as I flew a day/night at Akrotiri on the 8th. However on 17th Jan 72 we did a hi-lo-hi over southern Iran, on the 19th over Oman, 21st RTB.
I had flown directly from UK to rejoin the sqn at Masirah.
I had flown directly from UK to rejoin the sqn at Masirah.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
SD, no, my mother had just died, I was compat home then 10 back to Akrotiri, rushed off, collected my kit, then on to Masirah.
Anyone remember where we got the paint from to paint squadron numbers on the turtles' shells when they came up on the beach to lay their eggs ? Also the Arab kids with their plastic buckets stealing the eggs as soon as they were laid, to take them home to eat them- anyone remember that ?
ISTR there was someone who had a little garden on base with a gate to keep the local deer out. One day the gate was left open 
Still remember walking across the sand to the shower al fresco.
Still remember walking across the sand to the shower al fresco.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Basil, probably the PSA garden with a water system to keep it irrigated.
TTN, actually Masirah was not bad at all. Large Twinam huts with more than enough beds for a crew in each room. Good bar with TV room off. Nightly all-ranks film shows by the RAFP where the P stood not only for Police. The films were in monochrome blue.
Then the fishing by night with the catch flown home in the recuperator bays in the wing - deep frozen at -70. And golf. Also in '72 we had Mustapha Aliqueen on his moped trying to get off the camp.
To keep the donkeys off the run (donkeys Basil, not deer) PSA set out two cattle grids on the two roads and then set up fences between the two grids.
Mustapha, at the end of his shift hurtling down the track he had used that morning and every day for the last many years almost drove in to the new fence. He backs off, tries a different line, same result, more fence. Backs off once more and goes hurtling along the fence line - to gap. Turns round, comes hurtling back, still no gap.
He did this several times until eventually he gave up and used the road. We had fully expected that he would try and jump the fence.
TTN, actually Masirah was not bad at all. Large Twinam huts with more than enough beds for a crew in each room. Good bar with TV room off. Nightly all-ranks film shows by the RAFP where the P stood not only for Police. The films were in monochrome blue.
Then the fishing by night with the catch flown home in the recuperator bays in the wing - deep frozen at -70. And golf. Also in '72 we had Mustapha Aliqueen on his moped trying to get off the camp.
To keep the donkeys off the run (donkeys Basil, not deer) PSA set out two cattle grids on the two roads and then set up fences between the two grids.
Mustapha, at the end of his shift hurtling down the track he had used that morning and every day for the last many years almost drove in to the new fence. He backs off, tries a different line, same result, more fence. Backs off once more and goes hurtling along the fence line - to gap. Turns round, comes hurtling back, still no gap.
He did this several times until eventually he gave up and used the road. We had fully expected that he would try and jump the fence.
If I remember correctly the dhobi in Masirah was free as the 'washing/showering ' water was saline. We cheapskate Tanker Trash often saved our washing to take it with us.I also remember that guys in Aden would volunteer for a RSM (Riyan/Salalah/Masirah ) trip to get a 'hot' shower, albeit saline as opposed to the 'warm' Aden fresh(ish) water showers. I also remember the Masirah TV room was ,ahem, very large(when you opened the door). Happy days!
Last edited by NRU74; 24th Apr 2017 at 20:49. Reason: sp
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After a little more digging, I found a photo of my Dad at Butterworth 1969, XM608. So I'm guessing the Masirah photo could be a couple of years later whilst on detachment there. My Dad was stationed at Akrotiri, as Crew Chief.
Originally Posted by NRU74
I also remember the Masirah TV room was ,ahem, very large
PN, I'm sure there was a little deer hanging around when we transited, in the Argosy, to/from Gan in the sixties.
Saw it during the day, not returning from bar - honest!
Last edited by Basil; 25th Apr 2017 at 12:44.
I remember that there was a very tame gazelle on the camp in the early 70's, used to follow you around! The TV room was very useful for newbies! Incidentally, the door to the room was still there when I was with SOAF/RAFO in the mid-80's, although TV was available! Good times!!
Bill
Bill
