83KB62

2187 SQUADRON, East Essex Wing, Canvey Island. RAF Debdon was our Wing H.Q. home of 617 (?) Gliding School and then RAF Police Dog Traing School. I was a Civilian instructor at 1312 Southend, Woodham Ferrers and Leigh in later years so I gave something back. As an adult we had some good times in the Sargents mess too! Unfortunately the 'politics' got in the way of the cause, the adults act worse than the kids!!! In '68 the Battle of Britain film was partially shot at Debden, we had all the Hurri's, Spits, Hienkel 111's (Casa 111)* and Messerschmitt 109's (Casa)* lined up for our parade, also that year we appeared in the Royal Tournement, I performed a drum solo, never been so scared in my life!!! Some of older ones got took on as extra's, I was one, I got shot up by a 109 twice! Met some of the great actors too, including Kenneth Moore! The ATC gave me a lot, I learnt a lot, and will never forget the times I had. *these were Ex-Spannish Civil aircraft, with ironically, Rolls Royce Merlin engines, in some of the shots in the film you can still see the roundels under the camouflage and crosses. This film was responcible for getting so many of the Spits back in the air, gate guardians and stored aircraft brought back to life for the film, many still fly today. My dad and I were 'custodian' to the 111 that ended up at Southend Museum (joke!) until it closed and was bought by Raymond Someoneorother, the strip king, it ended up in one of his strip joints, and now in the U.S. and is being re-built to flying condition. The film makes me feel old, Micheal Caine (real name Maurice Micklewhite) was an up-and-coming actor, and Ian McShane (Lovejoy) was hardly known.

Thanks for that info Andy, I pressume you have the Ferret on an auction site? I have just found this link on there: http://www.ferret-fv701.co.uk/intercoms_&_radios.htm There is a picture in the Clansman black label section, but still no name or mark no. or date. I dont want it in my '84 FFR 109 if it is wrong, so more research need. Getting there.....................

I joined as a cadet in '67 (ish), we were issued with the battle dress blouseon and hairy trousers, shirts with detacheable studded collars that needed starching, (Robin brand starch as I recall) and the fantastic Great coat and beret. The uniforms were genuine RAF complete with albatross flash's on the shoulders, which my Mum had to sit and un-pick before sowing the AIR TRAING CORPS curved flash's on. We supplied our own boots, mine were genuine ex-army un-issued leather soled with full heel and toe blakes, my biggest mistake was putting studs in the soles, it was like walking on marbles! We were issued with gaiters and webbing belts for wearing at Wing Parades, Church etc, all cleaned with white Blanco, what bloody mess when it rained!!! If you joined the band you got tassles and Lanyards to wear as well. All our stock came from the stores at RAF Debdon, I went a couple of times to help bring stuff back, quite an eye opener, I never ran short of socks! I still have some bits, my certificates, log book etc, I went back years later as a Civilian instructor and collected yet more certificates from various courses and helped out in several Squadrons, and helped out at the Gliding School driving the yellow S2 lightweights on recovery duties. Ahhhhh, the memories come flooding back, I had a great time, and I would do it all again given the chance. Regards Terry

I went to the Frome booty yesterday, picked up a MK6 and this one for a fiver each, but I cant identify the radio helmet from the net, its a Racal with numbers 'STH TYPE 8810'. Can anyone identify and place an approximate year please, and would it have gone with Clansman gear? Thanks Terry

Hi to all, I have just got a 109FFR, details of which are in the Landrover section. I live near Bath, Somerset, so expect to see us a few shows next year, especially the Great Dorset Steam Fair and others, possibly Billing,so if you see us please say hello.

This is my newly aquired FFR, it was delivered today 24/10/10, to Bath from Coalville. The pictures are from Kings 4x4 sales, hav'nt had time to get any of mine yet. Its an 84, served with 3rd, 2nd, & 1st Para's, before spending 3 years on reserve at Blackbush in '97. It was first road registered July 2001, had 1 short term owner until the last owner had it for 9 years. I have a faily comprehensive history for the vehicle, thats nice to have. Its all pretty original, dents, walts and all, complete with some radio gear, a vehicle home base, back pack and field telephone, as well as pioneeer tools. The chassis is very sound with both main rails, out-riggers and cross members in very good condition. Engine sounds nice, only done 78743KMS, not miles, gearbox seems fine. Its only done9930kms sinc 10/96! Some jobs to do like change drivers side tank as this one leaks, (s/h one supplied), and repair or replace driver's door top, oh yes, and clean the verdigre off! So, thats it for now, I'll keep posting updates as they happen, Regards, Terry Photo credits to Kings 4x4. p.s., Dont blame me about the Bridging Plate, it was on it when I got it, honest!! Should it be there, should'nt it be there, grey or yellow, the debate goes on on another forum!