Pictures of the funeralIt is with great sadness that I report the death of a very old and dear friend
Obituaries
Pictures of the funeralSmokey Funnel had died in the early hours of
Sunday in Bath Royal United Hospital. The funeral is being held at the Semington Crematorium on Friday 28 March 2008 at 1515 hrs.
Donations to Cancer Research please.
Semington is south of Melksham and the
road to it runs off a roundabout on the Western Way and is parallel to the A350.
I think it might be the B3104 Go onto Google Earth and type in Semington.
A dear friend and a colleague, John Blaxall, passed away last Thursday. John and I served together at P&SS Rheindahlen in 1976 and we met again in 2006 whilst working for Cable & Wireless. I left Cable & Wireless in 2004 but John continued. John will be known to many of you and he will be missed by us all. John leaves a wife Sophie and a grand-daughter (in his care) Sophie.
Philip
W Jones
Director
– Guarding Services
International
Security Services
Email from Jim Marsh - C&W
I am deeply saddened to announce that John Blaxall, part of our Physical
Security team, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack at home
yesterday.
John joined our business in 1990, after a career spanning over
20 years in the RAF, where he was a member of the Provost (Security) Services.
John travelled the world with the forces, spending much of his time in
Cyprus.
During his 17 years at Cable&Wireless, he held various
responsibilities within Security, including contractor relationships, incident
response coordination, project management, corporate investigations and access
process planning.
Over the years John built relationships and strong
friendships with a large number of colleagues, particularly in Field Services,
Network Operations and Property. He also worked extensively with law enforcement
agencies, and airport authorities.
In fact, during the recent terrorist
attacks and alerts, it was John's diplomatic liaison with these agencies that
allowed our field teams to enter restricted areas in UK airports and assure
service to our customers.
John's dedication to an ever-changing business
remained unwavering and his professionalism was unrivalled. He will be deeply
missed by his team and colleagues throughout our business.
Our thoughts
are with his wife Val, daughters and grandchildren at this sad time.
I have just been sent this bit of
info about an Ex RAF Policeman who has sadly recently passed away. His details
are:
Ex-Sgt William ALLON (DOB 28 Nov
33).
Service No:
D4273297
Last tour of duty: RAF
Wyton
Served for 28
Years.
Died at home on 9 Jan
08.
Funeral to take place on Mon 21 Jan
08 at St Helen’s Church, North Thoresby, Grimsby, at 1130hrs, followed by
committal at Grimsby Crematorium at 1220hrs.
For further information, please
contact Kettle Ltd., Funeral Directors on 01472
355395.
B J
WO RAF Police/SSyO
11/01/08
Sorry to inform you of the passing
of former RAF Policeman Cpl Dave Card, he passed away in Cyprus where he had
lived for a number of years.
Details were passed by his son in England a few weeks ago,
I know he was
in the service from mid 50s to late 60s , and was stationed in Cyrus twice once
during EOKA, Malta, Hemswell, and a base in Northern Ireland near Newcastle
County Down
(110108) - I have no other information at the moment
9/8/07
It is with regret that I have to inform you of the death of a member of the East Midlands Branch - Tony Boot.
Tony was a National serviceman, who joined the Association at the back end of 2006..
His only postings, as an RAF Police Dog Handler, was to RAF Gaydon, arriving there on the 8th August 1958.
On leaving the RAF he joined the Nottinghamshire Police Force and served for 30 years.
13/7/07
it is with the very greatest sadness, that I have to announce the death of
Richard Seal, the Editor of The Notebook, the magazine of the L & SE
Branch. Richard had been fighting against very severe illness for many
months, and at 7pm last night he passed away. Richard was a great credit to
both the Association and to the L&SE Branch, always smiling and good
humoured through adversity. He will be sorely missed, both as a close friend
and as the long standing Editor and creator of The Notebook Magazine. The L
& SE Branch passes its most sincere condolances to his
beloved wife
Patricia and to his family. May Richard forever rest in peace
Alan Peel Shaw
24/6/07
Gleaned from the 'Grantham Journal'. Charles Sidney Parish died on 01 03 2007 aged 86 yrs . I believe his last post was WO(SI) at Central Region Spitalgate 1968 ish. On leaving the service he settled in Ancaster Lincs. John Munday
Dear Members I have just been informed of some very sad news Ken Gray member of North Yorkshire Branch was admitted to York District Hospital last night after a massive heart attack. sadly he passed away during the night. He was 79 years of age and had served in the RAF Police in the late 1940' at RAF Tenga, and the early 1950's at RAF Acaster Malbis near York. he had been a member of the North Yorkshire Branch for the last three years.
George Murgatrioyd Branch Secretary
Ex-FS James (Jim) Given, RAF Police died on 8 January 2007. Jim left the RAF in the early 90s to settle with his family in South Wales. He joined the civil police but had to leave due to spinal injuries received during an attack. During this period his marriage broke up and he was due to remarry on 2 December 2006 but he developed problems in his leg after returning from a holiday abroad and the leg was amputated on 30 November 2006. Following complications and a series of worsening strokes, Jim died on 8 January 2007. The funeral will take place at St Bride's RC Church, Oakfield Street, Pontardulais, near Llanelli on Wednesday 17 January 2007 at 1000 hours, followed by burial at 1215 hours in Llanelli District Cemetery. Further details may be obtained from the funeral directors Arthur Cmbery (01554 772829 ).
I was informed today (26/5/06) that Jim Cullington's wife Phylis had died after a long illness.Jim and Phylis were well known in the trade. I served with Jim at Wildenrath in the 70s. Condolence cards may be sent to Jim at 6 Rutland Drive,New Waltham,Nr Grimsby,South Humberside, DN36 4PA
Max Espie
It is with deep regret that I must announce the death of Michael Balchin BEM, ex Flight Sergeant, RAF Police. Mick passed away in Cyprus on 24 April 2006.
The funeral will be held at 1400 hours on Monday 8 May 2006 at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6HL.
The family state that anyone who knew or served with Mick is welcome to attend the service. Further details may be obtained from Mick’s son, Michael Junior, on 01225 710056.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of (Ex Cpl) Michael John Wooltorton (2778752) who served with the RAF Police between 1955 and 1967. Michael, who was 72 years old,
died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday 19th March 2006 in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The funeral will take place at Gloucester Crematorium at 1330hrs on Friday 31st March 2006.
Denis Underhill 3153839 - Acting Corporal (unpaid) served 1958-1961. Denis was only 66 and died on
16 May 2005 following a stroke in July 2004. His RAF career - albeit a short, National Service one -
was of great pride to him and he retold stories from RAF Benson until the end of his life. In civilian
life he was an Architect with his own practice and lived in Cheddar, Somerset where he was heavily
involved in local activities from amateur dramatics to Parish Council. He served as a County Councillor
for Somerset for the last four years of his life. He leaves a widow Susan, four sons and eleven
grandchildren.
With regret I must inform you that Jack Batchelor (of Hants & Dorset Branch) passed away at 08.15 am on 6th December in Basingstoke Hospital after suffering a heart attack last evening.
A real character who continued to support the Association despite his declining health in recent years.
Click on the pictures for the larger version
The funeral of Jack Batchelor will be at Basingstoke Crematorium, on Wednesday 14th December 2005, at 13.30 hrs. By request of his Daughter Pat, No black ties or sombre suits - no flowers (family flowers only), but donations to RAFBF or RAFA would be welcome.
The PM (RAF) will be in attendance, as well as a couple of representatives from the RAF Police at RAF Odiham .
I have today been in touch with the Dublin branch of the RAFA to look for Mr John Burdett, one of our Old Ceylon Comrades. Sadly he passed away earlier this year. John Burdett did his police training at Uxbridge in October 1939. He was then posted to Ceylon via Singapore in 1941, then to RAF China Bay and was there when the Japs bombed the station, then posted to Police H.Q. in McCartney road, Colombo under the eyes of A.P.M. Flt Lt Kavington. RAF Negombo was at this time under construction and was posted there as a Sgt staying at Negombo Rest House and supervising the construction labour until being posted home in July 1945 and discharged in 1947. John lived in Dublin and was a vice president of the Dublin branch of the RAFA.
With regret I inform you of the death today of retired Group Captain Charles Hobgen. He had not been
well for some time and recently was diagnosed with cancer.
The funeral will take place at 14.00, on Thursday 4 August 2005, at Semington Crematorium. This is on
the A361 between Trowbridge and Devizes. Only family flowers - any donations to Dorothy House
Hospice. address for cards/letters available from the webmaster upon request by email
Charles Hobgen, born in 1922, was for years in quite a harsh orphanage in Hastings. During the War he
flew as an observer until he was shot down in 1944. He spent the last year of the war as a POW and
then transferred to Provost after the war. All in all, quite a character of the Old School.
RIP
John Walton
A Conversation between Frank McKenna and Charles Hobgen
William Knight (Robbie) Robertson 1925 - 2005
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of "Robbie" at his home in Ruskington, Lincolnshire yesterday after a long, well fought, battle.Robbie served in submarines during the war, and later with the Palestinian Police Force. He joined the Royal Air Force Police in 1952, and served until retiring as a Flight Sergeant in 1978. He was one of the founder members of the Association but, due to ill health, had let his membership lapse.
The funeral will take place at the Grantham Crematorium at 14.00 hours on Thursday 30th June 2005
It is with regret that I bring sad news of the death of ex W O Cyril (CY) BURGESS who passed away suddenly on May 30th 2005 in Oxford Aged 72.Funeral Monday 13th June 2005 at Westerleigh Crematorium 1pm.Family flowers only.Donations to the RAF Benevolent Fund c/o E C Alderwick and Son Ltd, 71 High Street, Hanham,Bristol.BS16 3DG.The Family invite any RAFPA members attending the funeral to join them afterwards at the Fishponds Conservative Club.
BECK Peacefully at home on 30th April 2005, Derek Nelson, aged 50 years. Beloved Husband of Carol,
much loved Father of Tony and Michelle, dear Son of Marjorie, Brother of Peter and Andrea and a
good friend to many. Funeral Service at St. Dunstan's Church,
Ex Police Sargeant Ronald Thomas Cunningham. Debden, Wildenwrath, Cranwell and many more retired gracefully from his life on Wednesday 13th Apil 2005.
He recalled many fond memories and friends from his years in the service.
Terence Cunningham...( Son )
SLEIGH, Gordon (ex-WO RAF Police) passed away at St Michael's Hospice in
Basingstoke on 21st March 2005 aged 75 years. Gordon joined the RAF on National Service in 1948 and served for 35 years in the
UK, Gibraltar, Singapore and Germany before retiring in 1984 to become Sheriff's Officer for Wiltshire, a role he held until he finally retired in 1998. Dearly loved husband to June, his wife of 52 years, loving father to Hilary and Ian, Gillian and Dave and adored G'pa to Steven and Charlotte.
I regret to inform you that FS Mark Timbrell (R8191642), RAFP, died from a
terminal illness on 15 Nov 04 at Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley,
Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. RAF Lyneham is currently notifying units of his
death and advising the funeral arrangements.
FS Timbrell's wife has asked that only current and former colleagues who had
a close working relationship with him and personal friends attend the
funeral; this is because space is limited in the church. Those wishing to
attend should speak to either Flt Lt Pascoe, OC RAFP, or Sgt Astley RAFP,
RAF Lyneham on 01249 896588 and 01249 896450 respectively.
The funeral will take place at 1400 on 26 Nov 04 at St Bartholomew's Church,
Coaley (nr Dursley) Gloucestershire. Dress is No1HD with appropriate
accoutrements or civilian suit.
It is requested that flowers are not sent but donations made payable to
Dorothy House or Macmillan Nursing Charities would be welcomed. Cheques
should be sent to Maslins' Funeral Directors, 118A High Street, Wooton
Bassett, Wilts SN4 7AU.
It is with deep regret that I must inform of the death of my
grandfather, Derek Roland John NEWBURY passed away on 29 September 2004
at age 74, as a result of a stroke suffered somedays before. My
grandfather was a career RAF Police member, and I believe ended up a
Sergeant. Although he didn't share much about his career I know he loved
his job immensly.
I'm sorry I can't provide more details of his career.
I enclose a number of his obituaries.
Thank you
Robert Newbury
*NEWBURY. _*
Derek Roland John.
Grandpa, gone from our eyes,
but not from our hearts.
Your loving grandchildren _
Robert and Jennie
01, October, 2004
*
NEWBURY. _ Derek.*
Deepest sympathy to Mary and
family on the passing of Derek.
Our thoughts are with you.
_Stanyer Family.
01, October, 2004
*NEWBURY. _ Derek Roland*
John, aged 74, passed away in
his sleep Sept. 29, 2004.
Devoted husband of Mary.
Beloved father of Allan, David
and Stanley. Father-in-law to
Susan and Rosemary. Grand
father to Robert, Jennifer,
Gareth and Rhys. Step-
grandfather to Nicki. We will
all miss you and you will
always be in our hearts.
30, September, 2004
*NEWBURY. _ Derek. Passed*
away Sept. 29, 2004. You will
be missed a great deal. Find
yourself a nice corner, and
reserve another one for us.
Deepest sympathy to Mary and
family. _ Bryan and Sue
Robilliard and family.
30, September, 2004
*NEWBURY. _ The Funeral*
Service for the late Mr Derek
Roland John Newbury will be
held in our Chapel, 25 McKenzie
St, Melton (cnr Palmerston St)
on MONDAY (Oct. 4)
commencing at 1 p.m.
A Private Cremation will follow
MELTON 9747-8866
30, September, 2004
It is with great regret that I have to inform you that my Dad Alex Hanley passed away today (25 July 2004) at 3:50 am due to complications and stress to his his system from the cancer. His passing was very peaceful and surrounded by his family. Memorial Service will be held later this week here in Calgary It would be greatly appreciated if among you a notice could be posted on the Royal Air Force Web Site..
Ruth (Alex's daughter)
Alex was an RAF Policeman through and through and will be remembered by many RAF Policemen who were taught Basic Police Training by him when he was an Instructor at RAF Police Depot Netheravon in 1958 - 1960
With regret I have to inform you of the death this morning (10 July 2004) at the age of 71yrs of Alan Forster of Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham.
He had been admitted to Hospital yesterday, was diagnosed as having had a mild heart attack and was waiting for space on the coronary unit, his condition was stable. However, this morning at 7 am he got up, washed, shaved and then collapsed in the wash-room.
Alan was a well known RAF Policeman and while a Sergeant in 1971 was commissioned. He retired as a Flt Lt and became a vetting officer.
Sadly, an article in a recent local newspaper reported the death of
Kenneth Frank ALLEN,a member of our association who died on the 28th
March 2004. He served in the RAF Police from April 69 to September
1984 raching the rank of Flight Sergeant. He was born in Cornwall but
having previously served in Lincolnshire on retirement, he resided
with his family at Branston,Lincoln.Throughout his life he was a
staunch member and supporter of the Scout Movement and a member of
the Lincoln Branch of the RAF Association. Ken Allen died following a
series of strokes at the age of 63 years and a Guard of Honour was
formed by members of the RAF Police Association and local Scouts at
his funeral, which took place at Lincoln Crematorium on 7th April
2004. He is survived by his wife Edna known as Teddie and four
children.
Dennis Shipton
Mick Cattigan died Monday 15 December 2003
Who the hell is CATTIGAN do I hear you say?
He was one half of the well known and loved CATTIGAN twins that served from the 50's making
RAFP their careeer. The other half was John, died some years ago. The pair of them worked hard and
played harder and became characters in the RAFP field. I had the honour to serve with them on 31 PD
at Singapore. Both feature in Hennesey's History of the RAFP and to their credit when they were
repatriated as the HMTS sailed past Tiger Beer Breweries the flags were lowered in their honour.
Both progressed to WO. John on demob worked for American Embassy and Mick at Plymouth Airport
, both in the Security field.
So the end of another era in the hsitory of RAFP.
The Norfolk Branch are sad to announce the death of Robert (Bob) Mc Kay Bruce after a very short illness. Bob will be sadly missed by not only the Branch but to all those throughout the years who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tom Simpson - former National Chairman, Vice Chairman and Annual Vice President died on Wednesday 1 Oct 03.
Tom (Tucker) is 2nd left at the front
It is with regret that I have to advise members of the death of Leslie (Lesol) Leach in the Churchill Hospital Oxford on 9 August '03. Leslie served from 1947 to 1949 and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Gordon Sidey, WR Branch
I regret to write that at the EMB Meeting today we were informed of the death of one of our members;
Bill Fitzpatrick (Ex FS served 1955 to 1984) in a hospice in Newark last Monday 14 July 2003.
He lived with his wife Joan in Newark, Notts.
Following his RAF Police service Bill was with HM Customs & Excise for several years until his retirement.
Bill was a real character, a very well read Liverpudlian with a typical Scouser's sense of humour. He will be missed by all his friends and former colleagues.
Brian Whitaker
Mr James Beardsley, of 37 Shakespeare Street, Holmewood,
CHESTERFIELD, S42 5TU,has died, aged 51. Born in Holmewood, he had been
resident back in this part of Derbyshire for six years. Mr Beardsley served for 12
years in the RAF as a dog handler and travelled the world. He loved football, music
and fishing. Bereaved are a widow, Ann, a son and daughter. A funeral service has
taken place at Heath Church. Funeral directors: Stephen Pledger 20A Heath Road,
Holmewood (tel. 01246 855101).
Paddy Armstrong age 73 served from 1947 to 1968. He leaves a wife, Sally
John Riseborough age 64 served from 1960 to 1985 passed away on 4th June
2003. He leaves a wife, Christine
It is with regret that I have to announce that John Riseborough, Secretary Mid Anglia Branch, passed away yesterday - 4 June 2003. Funeral will be at Cambridge Crematorium on Friday 13th June, at 11.30 hrs.
Dave Wardell.
I'd like to inform ex and currently serving members of the RAF Police that my
father,ex-FLT SGT ALAN "Robbie" ROBERTS (Nicosia,Lyneham,Bishops
Court,Scampton, Kinloss,Wittering,and Rheindahlen to mention a few of his
postings) died after a long illness on 29th January,2003,in Stamford Hospital.
Jane Godfrey
Sir,
It is with regret that I forward to you, the news that Ex-corporal Darryl Beckett (R.A.F. Bishops Court, believed 1977 or 1978) was sadly lost on duty, while serving with an international group of officers alongside members of the U.S. Department of Justice.
While boarding a suspected small craft, that had entered U.S. waters off the coast of Florida, he was shot twice by one of the crew and died instantly.
He will be missed by all of us who served with him and more so by his widow and young son.
We hope that anyone who may remember him will pause a moment and give thanks for someone who was willing to give his life for the cause.
As he would always say, when signing of to brother officers, " Take care, stay safe and go home after the shift".
All the best,
Samuel J.Kennedy. (Senior Agent. D.E.A.)
We contacted yourselves as Darryl had your site details on his address list and thought it only right. His family hope that someone may remember him and smile at one of his strange ways, of which he had many.
One more thing before we finish off and close down. His superiors in the unit have all said, that his training with yourselves and the R.U.C. must have been good, proved by his ability while in the field.
Thanks again for everything,
Ralph & Angela Beckett (Brother & Sister)
The following two members have passed away over the last week
Mr. Geoffrey Adams, Tolpuddle, Dorset (H&D)
His funeral will be Poole Crematorium at 12 noon on Thursday 28th November, and afterwards refreshments to celebrate his life (and those are Geoff's own words) at Athelhampton House, Puddletown, Dorset. No flowers by request, but donations to Joseph Weld Hospice, Herringston Rd., Dorchester, DT 1 2 SL would be appreciated.
Gp. Capt. Patrick Hennessy, Camberley, Surrey (L&SE)
His funeral will be at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on Thursday 28th November. Further details will be published in The Daily Telegraph.
Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings,
Dave Wardell.
It is with much regret that I pass on the sad news that Fred Jackman died yesterday 22 July 2002, after suffering a massive stroke. Fred was a well know and popular member of the Royal Air Force Police. He served from 1947 to 1979 and attained the rank of Warrant Officer. Our sincere condolence go to his wife Jean and all his family. He will be sadly missed by all his friends. Alf Bernstone, Chairman, Yorkshire (North) Branch.
I am shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the death of another very good friend Fred Jackman. A stalwart member of the RAF Police he was a most professional and dedicated person in his duties. He nevertheless always showed great understanding and was ready to advise and encourage junior members. Socially an amiable and generous member of any company. He will be sorely missed by all friends alike. I place on record my condolences to Jean and all the family John Wood
Fred Jackman's funeral is on Monday 29 July 12 Noon at the Woodlands Crematorium, Scarborough. A number of our members will be in attendance. If you have the inclination to be there please join us. Alfred
It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the passing today 26th May 2002, at 3.15pm local time of Jake Izatt in a Vancouver Hospital. More details
Sadly I have just learned of the death of Gerald Frazer McMahon.DFM.RAF, an exceptional officer & a
gentleman of the Provost Branch, with whom I was privilleged to serve under, in his capacity as Officer
Commanding P&SS(FEAF) RAF Changi 1964-67. His death, recorded in the Daily Express Obituary
column on 23rd February 2002,reports that he sadly died on 11th September 2001and he will be fondly
remembered by all who knew him. He will be particulary remembered in our branch as being the
officer who led the RAF police investigation into the successful arrest and conviction of a senior
technicion for spying. I for one was very surprised to learn from his obituary notice that he also had a
very distinguished war record. As a rear gunner in Stirlings & Lancasters, he was shot down no less
than four occasions, once during the D-Day Landings, when he escaped and returned with 62 German
prisoners. Picture and story
Former Provost Marshal, Air Commodore B.C. Player, died on 16 January 2002. The funeral took place at St Catherine's Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leicester at 1300 hrs on 25 January 2002
Regret to inform you of the death of Keith Dobie early this morning (15 November) in Grantham Hospital. He was our much respected editor/author of our Snow Droppings magazine for the East Midlands branch of RAFPA. His sense of humour and his prodigious memory for people and places will be a sad loss to all who knew him.A full obit will be placed in due course. Stories so far Anyone with any input, please contact the webmaster.
Once again, I'm sorry to have to inform members that another former member
of the branch has sadly passed away. I have just been informed by Flt Lt
Denis Read RAF Rtd, that his long time pal and former colleague; Sqn Ldr
Tommy Winter RAF Rtd, passed away a month ago (I'm sorry I don't have a
precise date) at his home in Capetown in S Africa. I am told that his wife
Cynthia is planning to return to the UK next year sometime to visit friends
and family. Unfortunately, Denis Read is not 'on-line' and therefore our
lines of communication are via 'snail-mail'. However, I will write to him
again today to let him know what I have done and to see if he can furnish me
with more information. In the meantime, you may be interested to know a
little about Tommy that I already have included in my book to date: Steve Davies
Stan Grayson, who had been ill for some time, passed away a few weeks ago (this placed on 26 -10-01) at his home in France. A full obit will be placed in due course. Stories so far Anyone with any input, please contact the webmaster.
Colin Bew died in April - I would like to place a full obit - anyone with any input, please contact the webmaster.
Air Commodore Harold Montague Shephard, CBE OBE Provost Marshal (Royal Air Force) 1971 - 1974
Former Cpl Stuart Michael Cutler Royal Air Force Police 24 May 61 - 15 Jan 01
Former Sgt Tom GallieRoyal Air Force Police 1955 - 1977