RAF 624 (Special Duties ) Squadron

                                      They just get better and better

 

Thanks to the efforts of members R.Aux.A.F 4624 squadron. The 2008 reunion will be day none of the members of 624 will forget.

The day started as usual with coffee and a chat. This was followed by members of 624 joining 4624 members at a ceremony where medal were presented to current members of 4624 for service in Iraq & Afghanistan.

 

Then came the highlight of the day, the BBMF participation. This started at 1.00 with a display by the Lancaster, followed by a landing. The 624 association members were then treated to lunch at the Brize Norton officers mess with the BBMF air and ground crews.  During the meal Stan made a toast to “Absent friends” which was a very emotional reminder for all of the 624 members of all of there friends from years gone past who could not be with them to enjoy this moment. After lunch everyone was taken out to the flight line where the Lancaster was parked. Being around the Lancaster with is smells and sounds brought back many memories, some funny and some sad.

 

 

The 624 members presented a painting ( which they had all signed ) of a Sterling to Squadron Leader Jeff Hesketh of the BBMF.

 

The formalities over, then the fun really started, with the BBMF spending time with the old timers and even allowing the access to into the Lancaster.

 

 

Stan back where he spent many hours all those years ago, although he was not always smiling back then.

 

After this it was time for the Lancaster to go so after treating everyone to the wonderful sounds and smells of the Lancaster starting up and running up its engines. Everyone moved from the flight line to the edge of the runway to watch the Lancaster take off. As a final tribute to the members of 624 the BBMF did one last circuit and flew over them dipping its wings before departing.

It was then back to the 4624 SWAMP for more refreshments and swapping of stories.

 

What a fantastic day.

 

 Thanks to the members of RAAF 4624 and especially Flt Gary Vickers who planning and organised it all with the BBMF

 

RAF Brize Norton

17 May 2008

Reunions