Dickie Duke
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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Dickie Duke
I am saddened to report the passing of my very good friend and PPL instructor, Dickie Duke. Dickie undertook his flying training in Rhodesia and subsequently flew Vampires and Sabres with 112 Sun. On one occasion he dead-sticked a Vampire into Bruggen at night. Dickie subsequently flew Canberra’s and instructed at both Syerston and Cranwell. I believe he returned to 112 Sqn as a Bloodhound controller before joining the Flying Selection Sqn and completing his military career as an instructor at Middle Wallop. For some years he was a stalwart of the RAF College Flying Club, travelling from deepest, darkest Norfolk, to impart his passion for flight to people like myself.
Dickie’s funeral will take place in Belaugh (near Coltishall) on 19 Feb. His family would love to meet his old friends at what Dickie instructed should be a party. However, and those who knew Dickie will recognise this, he was no record keeper and the family is struggling to get in touch with those friends. A particular name that they have found is Barry Gould. Does anyone know of his whereabouts? Most importantly, if you would like to help Dickie’s family celebrate his life, please PM me and I will provide further details.
Dickie’s funeral will take place in Belaugh (near Coltishall) on 19 Feb. His family would love to meet his old friends at what Dickie instructed should be a party. However, and those who knew Dickie will recognise this, he was no record keeper and the family is struggling to get in touch with those friends. A particular name that they have found is Barry Gould. Does anyone know of his whereabouts? Most importantly, if you would like to help Dickie’s family celebrate his life, please PM me and I will provide further details.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Axminster Devon
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It might be worth mentioning that the event on 19 February is a memorial service, the funeral taking place earlier.
Dickie was Flight Commander on 45 Squadron at Tengah May 1962 to November 1964. He might have been an instructor on Canberras at Bassingbourn immediately before that.
Dickie was Flight Commander on 45 Squadron at Tengah May 1962 to November 1964. He might have been an instructor on Canberras at Bassingbourn immediately before that.
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Dickie was the Squadron QFI on 7 Squadron at RAF St Mawgan from 1973 until 1975, maybe longer. At some stage (late 70s?), he left the RAF but had rejoined by 1981. He completed a refresher course with the Refresher Flying Squadron at RAF Leeming and probably a CFS refresher course before going to RAF Swinderby as an instructor on the Flying Selection Squadron.
Flight Lieutenant R.C. E. Duke (I think) was a gifted pilot and instructor and a gentleman through and through.
PM sent.
Flight Lieutenant R.C. E. Duke (I think) was a gifted pilot and instructor and a gentleman through and through.
PM sent.
Shame, Dickie was one of my instructors at EFTS. In fact checking my log book my first ever flight in anger was with him in May 1986 in WD331 a Chipmunk T10.
There were some great characters Pete Frame, Thud (Ted Hudson), George Foster and Bob Miller. A top bunch who instilled standards for many young men that held them in good stead throughout their careers. RIP Dickie
There were some great characters Pete Frame, Thud (Ted Hudson), George Foster and Bob Miller. A top bunch who instilled standards for many young men that held them in good stead throughout their careers. RIP Dickie
Join Date: Nov 2003
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I too was fortunate enough to have been Dickie's stude at Wallop.
As has been said, a tremendous instructor with a lively sense of fun - I remember him holding the Chipmunk inverted until fuel started to hose all over the canopy and him giggling like a schoolboy....
I still only fly with brightly coloured pens on his advice that they were easier to find if you dropped them in the cockpit.
Blue skies
As has been said, a tremendous instructor with a lively sense of fun - I remember him holding the Chipmunk inverted until fuel started to hose all over the canopy and him giggling like a schoolboy....
I still only fly with brightly coloured pens on his advice that they were easier to find if you dropped them in the cockpit.
Blue skies
Sad news! I knew Dickie in the RAF and quite a bit later at Middle Wallop on the Chipmunks. A gentleman, character and accomplished QFI/pilot in all respects!
Keep flying, my friend!!
Bill
Keep flying, my friend!!
Bill
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A true gentleman and a great instructor. I was his student on chipmunk at Middle Wallop. I have very fond memories and some lovely photos with Dickie at my wings parade. Would be happy to share with his family. Such a great character and it was a pleasure to fly with him. Fly high Dickie x
