Farewells

R.A.F. Halton Aircraft Apprentices 86th Entry Association - Farewells

Sadly, some of the fresh-faced lads with whom we shared ITF, Jankers, Snoop-Baiting and Meat Pies in the Tank .... are no longer with us;

Bartholomew, Keith

Keith joined the Entry as an apprentice Engine Fitter in 1(A) Wing and was posted to Leconfield on
graduation. He died on 6th December 1962 in a road traffic accident and is buried in Leconfield
Parish Church.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Beaney, Mick

Mick joined the Entry as an apprentice Airframe Fitter in 2(A) Wing and was posted to Leconfield on
graduation. He passed away in 1971.
{Source: RAFHAAA Office}

Beattie, John

John joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter in 3(A) Wing. He took voluntary discharge
in 1958 and eventually became Managing Editor of the Manchester edition of the Daily Express.
He published four books and was a syndicated columnist in the Express and other national
newspapers. At the time of his death in 1992 he was a Sqdn. Ldr. RAFVR in the RAF PR Branch.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Ducat, Charles

Universally known as 'Chas', he joined the Entry as an apprentice Engine Fitter in 1(A) Wing and
was posted to Malta on graduation. Much of his Service life, and his subsequent career with
Bristows Helicopters, took him overseas to places as diverse as Borneo and the Falkland Islands.
He settled in Malaysia and lived there for the past 20 years.

Chas had a wry sense of humour, was well read and loved jazz. He was a keen member of the Entry
Association and he contributed a number of items to our website. He was an ardent campaigner on
behalf of a significant number of (mainly military related) issues.

He was an Entry "character" and will be missed by his many friends in the 86th as well as fellow
members of "Charlies Bar" at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.
{Source: Dave Drinkwater & Phil Giles}

Evely, Dave

David joined the Entry as an apprentice Electrician Fitter (Air) in 1(A) Wing and was posted to
Chivenor on graduation. He played cricket for the Royal Air Force and for RAF Germany. He
passed away in January 2001.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Gawne, Graham

Graham, known to his friends as 'Blondie', joined the Entry as an apprentice Airframe Fitter
in 2(A) Wing and was posted to Leuchars on graduation. After leaving the RAF, he lived in
the Isle of Man, where he ran an hotel.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Harris, Bill

Bill joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter in 2(A) Wing and was posted to Ballykelly on
graduation. He was awarded the Crebbin-Robinson Cup for the best Armament Trade Standards
Test-Piece. Bill died in a road traffic accident at RAF Geilenkirchen in April 1964. Our Secretary,
Phil Stephens, attended his funeral.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Harrison, Raymond

Raymond joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter in 3(A) Wing. He died in a flying accident
on the 30th April 1966 while piloting a private plane. His Taylorcraft airplane struck the sea off of
Spurnhead, Linconshire, while manoeuvering at low level.
{Source: Phil Stephens / Air Accidents Investigation Branch}

Hart, John

John passed away in August 2007. He joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter in 1(A) Wing
and was posted to Kinloss on graduation. After leaving the Service, John followed a career in IT, working
for the Sperry-Univac company, amongst others.

In his younger days he was a keen rugby player. He became a leading light in his local Lions group
and was also a very enthusiastic and active member of the 86th Entry Association's committee.
{Source: His wife, Christina}

MacIntosh, Peter

Peter joined the Entry as an apprentice Engine Fitter in 2(A)Wing. He was posted to Kinloss on
graduation and entered the world of Insurance after retiring from the RAF. He settled down in the Forres
area of Morayshire.
{Source: Tom Fleetham}

Mathews, John

John joined the Entry as an apprentice Airframe Fitter in 3(A) Wing. According to the Service's
Records Office, John was involved in a work-related accident and passed away on 6th November
1966. No other details are known.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Morrison, Brian

Brian joined the Entry as an apprentice Airframe Fitter in 3(A) Wing. He passed away in late 2004
after a long illness. Brian attended the last Reunion Dinner at Aylesbury.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Navarrette, Fransisco (Frank)

Frank was a member of the Venezuelan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana) who joined the Entry as
an Engine Fitter in 2(A)Wing. After graduating he returned to Venezuela and served in the Air Force for
30 years. He retired but sadly passed away some time later (date unknown). He is fondly remembered by
many members of the Entry.
{Source: Jorge "George" Hurtado}

Parker, Ray

Ray was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force who joined the Entry as an apprentice Engine
Fitter. He became an S/A/A and was a member of the Graduation Colour Escort. He won the Air Ministry
2nd prize for General Service Efficiency and returned to New Zealand after graduating as a substansive
Corporal. As a Wg.Cdr.(NAV) he was project officer for the RNZAF Orion up-date program. He retired
as a Group Captain in 1987 and then took up the post of Director of Electronics and Communications,
New Zealand Defence Forces. He passed away in May 2004.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Ruck, Colin

Colin joined the Entry as an apprentice Air-Electrician in 2(A) Wing and was posted to Wyton on
graduation. After leaving the RAF he was a Sales Manager with XEROX. He passed away in
January 2001.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Ryan, Gary

Gary was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force who joined the Entry as a 3(A)Wing - Inst(Gen)
Apprentice. He became an S/A/A and acted as No.1 Flight Commander at graduation. He was awarded
the Air Ministry Prize for Highest in Order of Merit (All Subjects) as well as the Air Ministry Prize
for the Best Instrument Fitter(Gen)Trade Standards Test. He graduated as a Substansive Corporal and
returned home to continue his service with the RNZAF. He retired in 1985 as a Sqd Ldr and lived in
the Christchurch area.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Slater, Keith

Keith 'Slats' Slater joined the Entry as an apprentice Armourer in 1(A) Wing and was posted to
Kinloss on graduation. After completing 12 years in the Service, he left and set up a plumbing
business. He then bought and ran a caravan site and did really well before retiring. He was the
best-man at Tom and Murial Fleetham's wedding and, like Tom, was a keen golfer.

Keith was married and lived in Hampshire. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary, and their
three daughters.
{Source: Tom Fleetham}

Stevens, Leslie

Leslie joined the Entry as an apprentice Air-Electrician in 1(A) Wing and was posted to Marham
on graduation. After leaving the RAF he joined the Civil Aviation Authority and eventually
retired as a Senior C.A.A. Surveyor. He then worked for some time for Royal Brunei. Leslie
passed away, in January 2006, while on holiday in Australia.
{Source: Leslie's brother, John Stevens - via Phil Stephens}

Trowbridge, Andy

Andy joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter, graduated with the 88th Entry and
retired from the RAF as a Warrant Officer. He passed away in February 2003.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Truelove, Jim

Jim joined the Entry as an apprentice Armament Fitter in 1(A) Wing. He became an S/A/A and
acted as Graduation No.2 Squadron Commander. He was awarded School Colours for Rugby in
1958, 1959 and 1960 (being Captain in 59/60). He graduated as a substansive Corporal, was
awarded a Direct Commission (GD Branch) and posted to South Cerney. Jim entered teaching
after leaving the RAF and served as the Mayor of Dover, Kent, for the year 1985. He passed
away in January 1997.
{Source: Phil Stephens}

Westland, John

John joined the Entry as an apprentice Electrical Fitter (Air) in 2(A) Wing and was posted to
Gaydon on graduation. Although it still has to be confirmed, it is thought that John was
awarded School Colours for Shooting in 1959. John was a well liked and well remembered
member of the Entry. He passed away on the 7th December 2005.
{Source: John's son, Damion}