Memories from 203 Squadron (72 - 75) by Steve (Sid) Day
Most ex Sqn members will probably remember me by the name of 'Sid'; a Yorkshireman with big sticky out ears is the best physical description I can give you! Posted to 203 Sqn around mid May 1972 from RAF Scampton, where I had been a Cpl in the General Office. I filled the Cpl's post in the Sqn HQ Orderly Room with SAC Patrick (Pat) Farrell; we worked directly for the Sqn Adjt (we had three during our tour): WO's 'Pen' Penhaligon; Harry Knight and Rick Connell.
I enjoyed my tour with 203 immensely.
I remember a lot of the aircrew and some of the groundcrew, excellent guys one and all. I was quite saddened looking down the list of those who are no longer with us and certainly remember Alan Hicks, who was one of two Exec Flt Cdrs whilst I was there. Sadly, although not included on this list, it should now also include Pat Farrell who passed away in February 2011. Both Joy & I attended his Funeral in St Mary's Bay, Kent, where he lived with his wife Marion, they were married late 72. (I'll write more about Pat's life after 203 at a later date).
I also bumped into some some ex Sqn members in the latter end of my RAF days, meeting both Tim Morgan (ex S Eng O) and Ron Nield (ex AEO Leader) (both then Gp Capts) at HQ STC where I was filling staff appointments in Command Education & Training (as a FS) and latterly as the first incumbent of the WO Registry Services post.
I would be delighted to chat to anyone that knows me. I'll also try and remember some more anecdotes about my time on the Sqn and dig out some photographs and include them in the forum. Happy Days.
Hello Steven, I was there around the same time, Sep 72 - Jan 74 when I was posted back to UK on promotion to Cpl.
Do you know about the 203 Sqn Yahoo group? You can sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/203sqn/?yguid=438296928 but beware, they are a militant bunch and you must be prepared to write to your local MP on a variety of topics and also sign petitions. I am joking a little but many topics are discussed in the group and some interesting subjects are raised.
Feel free to send the photos to me for uploading to the galleries.
Cheers
Dave
Hi Dave, Many thanks for your message. Sorry but I can't remember if I bumped into you or not, during your tour in Malta. Certainly both myself and Pat Farrell used to visit the Comm Cen a lot, picking up and dropping off signals.
We also both had the pleasure of being 'Duty Clerk' it seemed to be a duty every 3 weeks at the time, and I remember having to go up to the Comm Cen early in the morning with the classified signals bag! I seem to remember Sgt Dave Machin, who was in charge of the Central Registry, getting really wound up about the contents some days! Duty Clerk was classed as a sleeping duty and we had to kip in a bed in SHQ - I remember them days!! (I didn't do Orderly Corporal, due to the shortage of clerks I think). Were you at Luqa when the Station Commander (Gp Capt Armitage) introduced the 'working parades?'.
Thanks for the hint about the Yahoo group, I didn't know about it. I've had a quick look, but I don't think I'm going to have the time to join in at the moment. Interesting topics though! I'll try and dig some photos out before long and let you have them to upload. Thanks for your help.
Cheers
Steve
