RE: Research information

Merlin,

the Air Historical Branch of the MOD has moved, but not to Hendon. I successfully contacted them recently on the following address:

Air Historical Branch,
Ministry of Defence,
Building 266,
RAF Bentley Priory,
Stanmore,
Middlesex.
HA7 8SY.

Tel. 0208 838 7839

Hope this is useful.

Kev35

RE: Help wanted on RAF memorabilia

Roger,

the clock definitely looks to have a King’s crown mounted on top of it as Keith suggests. There is some writing at the bottom of the face of the clock, this could be the makers name and might help to date the piece better. The inscription appears very informal so is probably more likely to be to and from enlisted men and/or NCO’s.

A little information about 204 Squadron. The squadron flew Sopwith Camels from their formation on 1st April 1918 to their first disbandment on 31st December 1919. Reforming in 1929 the squadron subsequently flew flying boats until their next disbandment on 30th June 1945. Equipment included the Southampton, the Scapa, the London I&II and the Sunderland I, II, III and V. Reformed again in August 1947 with Dakotas and then Valettas before flying Shackletons between April 1958 and their final disbandment in 1972.

As the clock seems to bear the King’s crown I think you can discount the period when they were flying Shackleton’s. If you can find out where the silver is from or whether or noy iy is hallmarked it may give you another clue as to the period it dates from. The squadron spent much of it’s servoce abroad.

Finally, ‘Lofty’ may be the shortened version of the surname Lofthouse. Of course, ‘Lofty’ may be a nickname applied to someone who is very tall, or conversely, and somewhat perversely, a nickname applied to someone who is very short.

Hope this might be of help.

Regards,

kev35

RE: Laws you would like to see introduced?

T5.

How about Police Officers using their radios? How much of a distraction is that? Especially when they are in pursuit of another vehicle.

Regards,

kev35

RE: Laws you would like to see introduced?

T5

“That’s the way it is – but one day, passengers might not be allowed to travel in cars.”

Don’t think that is going to happen, especially as people are being encouraged to car share which I would imagine will increase dramatically anyway when congestion charging is introduced.

As for my laws…

Mandatory 15 year sentences for drug dealers with NO possibility of early release.

Burglars to be jailed for their first offence with sentences rising exponentially to the point where if they are jailed three times they stay there for 20 years.

Reintroduction of the death penalty for the most serious crimes where there is proof positive of guilt.

Compulsory retirement of Judges at age 65.

Reintroduction of National Service for a period of say 18 months to try and equip young people with a trade.

Compulsory voting. Everyone eligible to vote should. If the choices are not acceptable they should then spoil the ballot paper. Too many people moan that nothing is being done to put the Country right and to solve it’s problems who then turn round and say they can’t be bothered to vote. Too many people have died ensuring we have the right to vote not to use it.

I’m sure I could think of a few more if I put my mind to it.

Regards,

kev35

RE: Airshow Enjoyment – what do you enjoy about airshows?

I really enjoy the sound of an airshow. The sound of the aircraft obviously, especially when sweetened with the music of the odd Merlin, but it’s more than that. It’s the laughter, the enthusiastic but ill informed debate over whether it’s a Spitfire or a Hurricane when it’s actually a Mustang, the passion of those whose six years of hard work have just put this or that aircraft back in the air where it belongs. It’s the sound of the little boy looking at a Blenheim and saying ‘Grandad, did you really fly in one of those?’ Or the veteran shedding a tear at the memory of the comrades he lost….

But even more so, cliche or not, it’s the sound of freedom. The freedom fought for and gained in the past and the freedom we revel in today.

Regards,

kev35

RE: What Music Are You Listening To Now?

Ashley.

“amd Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Once More With Feeling” soundtrack”

Me too, I went and brought that one as well, it’s just so off the wall it’s great.

Regards,

kev35

RE: The Next Forum Get-together

Just come up with option three. How about something in the Midlands? Cosford one afternoon, Midland Air Museum at Coventry the next morning?

Regards,

kev35

RE: Question for Arthur

Geforce.

Arthur’s not old enough to remember that is he?

BTW, perhaps you shpuld change your signature to ‘Diversity through University.’

Regards,

kev35