Author: asrmcsclubcom

Some of those attending the Cenotaph parade on behalf of the Club are shown on the photo; Jack Graves, Michael Graves, Peter Birch, Arthur Ellis, Bill Amos, Stephen Dance, the latter attends at Wooton Bassett every time a service cortege from Afghanistan passes through the town. Others attending at the Cenotaph were Cliff Burkett, Bill Sloan, Nigel Simmons and Stan Fountain.

A Day of Honour for brave RAF Seamen – Memorial unveiling at Gorleston – 23/04/2005

On the Saturday afternoon of the AGM/Reunion members were taken by coach to the quayside at Gorleston
to join with the large crowds gathered for the unveiling ceremony. With the RAF Regiment Band in attendance
and contingents from the ATC, ACF and Sea Cadets all was ready for the RAF and USAF Servicemen to
take their place as honour guards. Just before 15.00 hours Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham
with two Air Chief Marshals, two American Air Force Colonels, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Mayor
of Great Yarmouth and other guests assembled.

Precisely at 15.00 The full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster and two Spitfires) flew over the site
from South to North and then turned out to sea and came back over from East to West. This was the start of
the unveiling ceremony. The Club Padre conducted the service, inviting Sir Michael Beetham to unveil the
Memorial. There were speeches from Sir Michael, the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and John Leech Chairman
of the Anglian Branch. Wreaths were laid and Jack Graves representing the Club laid a wreath on our behalf.

There were Lifeboats from the local Lifeboat stations, an ex-RAF Pinnace 1830 now operated by the MVT and
SMIT Spey representing today’s Aircraft support fleet. All stationed themselves on the River Yare which is the
other side of the sea defence wall beside the Memorial.

Photographs below show various views of the event.

Bill joined the Royal Navy in 1939 at the age of 17 and in 1946 he transferred to the RAF Marine Branch. His career then took him through 1100 MCU Dec 47 to Jan 48 then RAF Pembroke Dock until Mar 51. He was promoted to Cpl whilst serving at 1104 MCU Bridlington until Mar 55 when he moved to RAF Mountbatten for a year.

April 56 saw him fly out to RAF Kai Tak until Oct 58 when he returned to 1100 MCU Alness. In July 60 he moved to MCS Khormaksar for a two year tour returning to 1114 MCU Ramsey for twelve months. Back to RAF Mountbatten then detached to Tenby until Mar 64 when abroad again to Gibraltar. He then served at Newhaven Oct 66 to Nov 67 when RAF Gan beckoned him for the following 12 months. Returning to 1102 MCU Falmouth until May 69 when he returned to 1105 MCU until Dec 70.

His last posting was at 1104 MCU Bridlington where in Sept 73 he retired after 27 years service. Bill married his dearest wife Marie in 1952 at Bridlington where his daughter Leslie was born. He passed his Cox’n 2 on the 8th Nov 54 and became a Cox’n on the 12th Dec 62. Finally becoming a Master Cox’n on the 16th Oct 69 and retiring as a Flt.Sgt.

Bill never forgot his service life and made so many friends.

He passed away aged 83 on 16th September 2005.

His beloved wife Marie sadly passed away on 21st September 2007 aged 90.