John Mathews died during the night 16/17 Sept in Cape Town. He leaves his wife Eva. Source. Chris Dams (RhAF) End Thanks to Chris for sharing this information with ORAFs Can anyone assist ORAFs with a photograph of John if so please send it orafs11@gmail.com Sadly, ORAFs has no further detail but I would think that John would have been a direct entry Pilot and he spent a considerable time on 3 Squadron. Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Johnny and Lynn Allman (RhAF) Writes:- It is with regret that I need to inform that Alan Mathews ex MT section passed away on 26th September near Johannesburg, South Africa Sorry for the delay but I did try to get a message to you earlier. [ ORAFs has no record of Alan Mathews, if you can help with any information please mail it to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com ] End Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Lionel Cross (Guard Force) Rogues Gallery REMEMBRANCE DAY A good friend reminded me of this day that soon will be with us - may I suggest you take a look at the two videos, enjoy the songs and words - mighty powerful stuff. And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda ~ John Williamson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E22gszljklc A Pittance of Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg EXTREME MARATHON Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- My Grandson Daniel Rowland , the winner of the Atacama Desert Marathon, has just arrived from Chile to compete in the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon which starts on the 19th October. The race is 250 km in six stages. He will be joined at the start by his father Jonathan Rowland from Bulawayo and his brother Brian Rowland from Johannesburg. They have apparently being training very hard over the last six months. Daniel is confident that he will finish well and the other two are hopeful that they will finish! I think the are all a few sandwiches short of a picnic. [Thanks Keith - wish Daniel the very best and please keep us posted. Eddy Norris] ]REMINDERS FROM OUR RHODESIAN PAST 10 October 1977 Bill Watt (RhAF) Writes:- Just a short note, I checked my log book and the information on reminders of the past ref Alouette 3 ser no. 5176 accident is incorrect. The accident occurred on 11th August 1977 on a relay change from Zaka police station east of Lake Kyle. Ian Peacock was indeed the driver and we had 2RAR troops and a Major on board at the time. DAM BUSTERS PREPARE FOR AFGHANISTAN DEPLOYMENT Christopher Hudson (RhAF) sent this link:- 70 years after their most famous mission, the Dambusters of 617 Squadron are off to Afghanistan for their final tour with the Tornado GR4. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dambusters-prepare-for-afghanistan-deployment--2 to view the details. SERVICE FOR MIKE HOMAN I (Eddy Norris) attended Mike service and it wonderful to report than many air force members attended. I have added the front page of Mike Service sheet to the notice of his passing and also you might like to read the story of when his infamous Mini was stolen but quickly found by our men from the BSAP. Please see http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1119623#1245968 and then http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=215218#176998 ORAFS BIRTHDAY It was either September or October 1998 that I started ORAFs - I guess that me us 15 years old - cannot believe how the time has flown. My sincere thanks to all of you that have contributed (yes there are still couch potatoes out there) and also those that have fired the salvo of critics and complaints - not nice to read but it least I know you read the material and genuine complaints have made ORAFs stronger. CENTRAL AFRICAN AIRWAYS AND THE BRISTOL FREIGHTER Christopher Hudson (RhAF) Writes:- In August 1948 I flew in a Bristol Freighter from Salisbury to Chileka. Very noisy, I still remember. It must have been one of VP-YHW\'s first flights for CAA. My parents had just moved from India to Nyasaland and I came out for my summer holidays from my senior schooling in England. The first post-war Olympic Games had just got underway in England. The trip from England to Rhodesia & back was in a Trek Airways Viking - an adventure in itself. Refer http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/central-african-airways-and-bristol.html FIRE FORCE VIETNAM - Battle of \"La Drang\" REAL battle that inspired the movie (First Airborne assault.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxPeHqH4XxI MEDICAL UPDATE ON CHRIS DRIVER Can you believe he is already home and getting stronger each day. (Well done Chris - please thank your daughter for all her updates on you. Eddy Norris) GEORGE WILLEY NEWS I\'ve just been on the phone to George Willey (residing Plymouth, England). I was going through some old ORAFs photos on the web when he said he had worked with you. He does not have access to a PC so I said I would send you an email and pass on his regards. He is still mobile, sort of, this is after a minor stroke about three years ago. Audrey appears OK Chunky Watson Eldest Son of Sid Watson RRAF. I am ex-BSA Police Support Unit and worked with 7 Squadron on a number of occasions. I lived on Thornhill Air Base and joined the fuzz as a Cadet in Gwelo. PASSING OF ALAN DAVID MATHEWS John and Lynn Allman (RhAF) Write:- It is with regret that I need to inform that Alan Mathews ex MT section passed away on 26th September near Joburg Sorry for the delay but I did try to get a message to you earlier. [ ORAFs has no record of Alan Mathews, if you can help with any information please mail it to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com ] Refer - http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1119758#1246104 REMINDERS FROM OUR PAST Vampire Jets to Nairobi Keith Corrans (10 SSU RhAF) Writes:- To put the Record straight, that Vampire trip was undertaken by 10 SSU : NOT 8 SSU: Venue was the ROYAL SHOW, Nairobi. My Log book shows we left T\'hill, via Chileka, on 29 Sep 58, routing via Dar Es Salaam. My Memory is \"accommo was at the RAF Off\'\'s Mess at Eastleigh\",:: super, creamy milk from local farms at breakfast , fresh fruit , and a wonderful climate! We departed on Sep 29 58, again via Chileka. Gordon\'s mishap was probably 30 Sep. I was a Dak Pax (passenger). on that leg of the route. John Mussell (RhAF) Writes:- I have scanned from my log book some details of the Nairobi visit. I hope it is readable and will prove useful in filling in gaps. [John\'s log book entry can be viewed on http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=549988&comments=1] AIR FORCE BADGE Alex Scott (RhAF) Writes:- I would like to know if any branch of ORAFs has had a small AIR FORCE badges made that can be worn on a collar, similar in size to the hat badges that our lady members wore on their hats, as I would like to obtain one to wear on my MOTH jacket collar. I can be contacted on my E.Mail address almor@telkomsa.net Thanking you and Regards to All. (Alex - no branches in ORAFs, still operate on my own and independently.) APPRECIATION Helen Noble (RhAF) Writes from Australia on their return from Cape Town:- We would like to thank you, Tony, Johnny and everyone else involved in making our evening with you all so very enjoyable, Was so good seeing, chatting and catching up with you all again, did the \'old\' heart the world of good and seemed like it was just yesterday that we were at the last ORAFs get together. Thank you also for the lovely food that was prepared for the evening, all in all a great evening. We are now busy packing once again for our next move back to New Zealand which will hopefully be our last, getting too old for this nomad business!! Once again many thanks to you all, will be in touch again soon. Oh yes love the photos of the evening, thanks Andre. Love Ashley & Helen MOUNT HAMPDEN 28 E.F.T.S AND POST WAR By Basil Bates My Dad’s log book starts in May of 1944, when he was stationed at Belvedere flying Cornells. I presume a number of different Cornells because there are a lot of different numbers noted . These numbers may not be individual aircraft but some are 15109, 15090, 15270,15087, 15067,15069 and more. His log book is signed by F/Lt G Miller, O.C. “A” flight No 25 E.F.T.S. R.A.F. On 31/8/1944, there is a note that he had been grounded temporary for 1 month as Belvedere was being closed down I presume from 25 E.F.T.S. He was then posted to R.A.T.G. H. Q. lecturing at KG VI. Shortly after he was posted to Ndola R.F.C.U. His next entry is in Jan. 1945 flying SAAF Ansons, Dakota’s, Lodestar’s, Ventura’s and Rapide’s out of Ndola. He has a note on the Ventura as “a terrible a/c – rough as hell - burnt out in the Sudan killing the crew.” In early August he contracted small pox from his batman using his razor. He officially left the R.A.F. on May 6th 1946. Unfortunately his war service log books were loaned to a person unknown to me, never to be seen again. What a shame!! My dad started flying again on Jan 20, 1957. He flew a Tiger Moth VP-YDV, and a Piper Cub VP-YHL, out of Belvedere. He also flew a Tiger VP-YJU, a Cessna 180, VP-YOT, a Piper Cub, VP-YFT and a Fairchild – no registration. He was at this time a member of the Mashonaland Flying Club with Charles Prince and the boys. He then started the Umvukwes Police Reserve Air Wing with ES Micklem, Sept 1961, when the Auster Aig VP-YSF was purchased from Buitendag from Karoi and flown to Mt. Hampden. Rough landing!! Then follows an entry flying a Piper Tri-Pacer VP-YKS, belonging to R. Price ( Centenary I think). Jan 5th 1962 shows the second pilot in the Auster Aig as C. Prince! W.A.R. Macdonald D.F.C. R.A.F, a friend of my Dad’s, had a Tiger Moth VP-YOI and a Cessna VP-Y UG, which they used to fly to Mozambique to visit another friend from their Malta days in the R.A.F. My Dad’s last entry was in Oct. 1964. Hope this gives you something interesting to research. [Basil Bates swam for Rhodesia (breaststroke record) and played Rhodesian schools hockey. Eddy Norris] Nick Baalbergen (Intaf) Writes:- Another fascinating story. I presume that the RATG was the structure under which the Elementary flying Training Schools operated? The RATG operated from the Government building known as \'The Stables\', in Jameson Avenue - the Air Force insignia could still be seen over the doorway in the early 1980\'s. Your story mentions that many Tiger Moths found their way into civilian use at Flying Clubs throughout the country, Marandellas is mentioned as one of those. In the early 1960\'s, a Tiger Moth was still in use at the \'Marandellas Gliding Club\', where it would \'tow\' gliders to flying altitude. Glyn Hall Writes:- The article gives the impression that the Mt Hampden airfield completely shut down and never reopened after the war in 1945 but I recall flying from there a number of times and there being an active club in the early 1960\'s. One would take off over the Lomagundi road making sure you had enough height to clear the power lines that ran along side the road and kept climbing because there were some exceedingly high Gumtree\'s in a row on the Cambitzi\'s farm which was on the flight line. I remember one occasion I was taken up in a Chipmunk and we actually clipped the gums. I used to pedal out to Belvedere airport as a kid and flew in Tiger Moths several times as they were being flight tested after servicing. After Belvedere closed down I would pedal out to Mt Hampden. My cousin, John Kay, used to belong to the Mt Hampden flying club and I recall him hiring an aircraft (Cessna 172? ) which we flew up to Kariba in. I also seem to recall that it was still operating in the 1980\'s on a visit to the country, I went out to see Anthony Cambitzi, an old school friend, who was running the farm and vaguely recall it still being there. Mitch Stirling (Air Rhodesia) replies:- In the next chapter, the story of Mount Hampden is to be continued into the 1960s and up to 1973, when the name was changed to Charles Prince. Then a further chapter will trace the development of the Mashonalnd Flying Club (the cradle of aviation in Rhodesia) into modern times. Refer http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/mount-hampden-28-elementary-flying.html for the complete article. BILHARZIA WARNING TO ALL EX ZIMS Bruce Rooken-Smith Writes Could be a warning to all who served between 60s and 80s? “I had grossly abnormal liver function and loads of headaches over this period of time. By all accounts I am truly fortunate that it has not left permanent liver damage. Since it has been treated that has pretty well resolved. The treatment Biltricide or praziquantel makes you feel pretty rubbish for a 24 hours (don\'t exercise in this time), but not as bad as it makes those worms feel ! I have tried to broadcast on social media to raise awareness especially amongst the ex Zim population abroad and not sure if the message got out effectively. I am a GP here and my diagnosis was delayed despite asking the question of several colleagues – the point being that medical knowledge is very limited in the ‘developed’ world. This is despite the fact that Schistosomiasis is causing the second largest socioeconomic cost in Sub-Saharan Africa..... after malaria.” Source. http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/bilharzia-warning-ex-zims/ MISSING PERSONS John Miles Writes:- I desperately need to find GEORGE PARSONS, MT section at New Sarum. My old instructor from the RAF Police Depot [1961] who is in his 80s now was a good friend of George and would like to make contact, as he says, \'before it\'s too late.\' There\'s no problem in giving out my email address. Replies direct to John on myles222@iinet.net.au OLD UMTALI PHOTOS Marcus Proome (Rhaf) Writes:- Many thanks for the old photos from Umtali – I have an old wooden trunk that went up to Rhodesia on the Zeederberg coach – got it from Basil Miles whose in laws parents used it to move to Rhodesia. Refer to http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1119547&comments=1 to see the article and comments received. SMILE A WHILE Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really unhappy. She told him \"Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds, AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!\" The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, and brought the box back in the house...... She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale ! Bob has been missing since Friday.... \"Don\'t stay in bed... unless you can make money in bed. - George Burns \" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

I was a junior First Officer on BOAC Boeing 707 aircraft in May 1970. We were ‘slipping’ in Anchorage, Alaska, after a trip from London to Tokyo, and were homeward bound after a week away. Over a few drinks that night I was telling the story about the air display that officially opened Salisbury International Airport (was it in 1954?). I was then 8 years old and was taken by my father and mother to watch the momentous event in our first motor car, a Hillman Minx. Some short time previously Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret, had visited Rhodesia on an African tour. At that same time the Royal Air Force were operating the Commonwealth Flying Training Scheme whereby RAF pilots were trained in Commonwealth countries as part of their initial training. A training squadron using North American Harvard aircraft was based at Gwelo (today Gweru,) and they took part in the flying display. To mark the royal visit, at the end of their formation flying display, they formed the letters ‘E R’ as seen from the main viewing area. As they were completing this final fly past, one aeroplane, near the base of the ‘flying box’ they were making, collided with another. As if in slow motion one wing of each aircraft folded upwards and the two aircraft plummeted to the ground. There were great bangs as they hit the ground, and a main wheel of one aircraft landed about 20 feet from where I was perched on the roof of our car. The three pilots were killed instantly. As I was finishing the story I was interrupted by my Senior Co-Pilot colleague, Bill Blake. “Wait” he said as he fished in his trouser pocket. He pulled out a silver coin, took a long look at it, and passed it to me.“Look at that” he said. I did as he instructed and saw that I was holding a Rhodesian silver sixpence.“If it hadn’t been for that coin” he said “I would have been in the aircraft that was hit by the other.” Bill went on to explain that all the aircraft were manned by an instructor plus student (the students had all just graduated with their ‘wings’) except for the one aircraft. To see who would fly solo Bill and another pilot had tossed a coin, the sixpence I was holding. Bill lost the throw and flew with an instructor. The winner of the throw flew by himself. At the end of their display, when the formation changed from the ‘E R’ to the ‘flying box’ this pilot did a barrel roll around the ‘box’. Misjudging his re-join at the end of the roll he collided with another aircraft, as luck would have it, next to the one Bill was in with his instructor. Oil and glycol from the engine of one of the doomed planes covered Bill’s canopy, severely reducing visibility. Bill’s instructor had to partially open the canopy and flew back to Gwelo sticking his head out of the cockpit from time to time to see where the other aircraft were. When we left to go home, the dirt road we had come in by now had a 10 foot crater where one of the Harvards had crashed. A very sobering sight, especially to a young 8 year-old boy, but still not enough to put him off a career in aviation. Today I am 12 years retired from British Airways, having finished up as a Training Standards Captain on the Boeing 747-400. Best Wishes, John (Chris) Pettit Captain, British Airways, retired. Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Dobbs Addams (4RR) (KIA) Rogues Gallery REMINDERS FROM OUR RHODESIAN PAST - 10 October 1977 CHUCK YEAGER - FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF SOUND Paul Norris Writes Read the wiki page and enjoyed this part, where he piloted an F15 to Mach 1 on the 65th anniversary of his historic flight at the age of 89! Yeager is fully retired from military test flying, after having maintained that status for three decades after his official retirement from the Air Force. On October 14, 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his historic flight past Mach 1, he flew a newGlamorous Glennis III, anF-15D Eagle, past Mach 1. The chase plane for the flight was anF-16 Fighting Falconpiloted byBob Hoover, a legendary air-show pilot who had been Yeager\'s wingman for the first supersonic flight. This was Yeager\'s last official flight with the U.S. Air Force. At the end of his speech to the crowd, Yeager concluded, \"All that I am ... I owe to the Air Force.\" Later that month, he was the recipient of theTony Jannus Awardfor his achievements. On October 14, 2012 on the 65th anniversary of breaking the sound barrier, Yeager did it again in aMcDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, out ofNellis Air Force Baseat the age of 89.[31] DEATH OF ALAN MATHEWS Colin Lyle Writes RhAF):- Alan Matthews worked with me in Gwelo ,when we owned and ran a motorcycle business together called \'\'The Bike Shop\'\'--he had been working for Honda Centre in Harare prior to that .He was a T/F in the Air Force and did his call ups at Thornhill. and was a member of the MCC motor club in Gwelo --with the likes of Ray Cox ,Les Authers, Dave Bowman, Danny Strydom etc. He was a whizz with bikes ,and was particularly fond of BMW s. We were together for about 5 years ,when he had enough of call ups , so we closed the Bike Shop and he went to SA. He ended up with his own business and was well known in biking circles, a real fundi on BM,s and will be sorely missed. Refer - http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1119758&comments=1 SICK REPORT - JIM LIGHT Rob Sweeting (RhAF) Writes:- Just informing you that Jim Light has been admitted to the Glynwood (Gauteng) hospital. Reason unknown and waiting for his daughters feed back . She asked we all pray for him. As and when ORAFs receives information it will be distributed to you all. MOUNT HAMPDEN 28 E.F.T.S AND POST WAR Jim Baker (Copper 34) Writes:- VP-YOT was a Cessna 210 not a 180. I owned it for about 18 years and when I was booted from my farm I sold it to Guthrie Aviation. They have totally refurbed it and it looks and fly’s as good as new. It was flown from the States from the factory by Paul Rex for RUAC I think. They sold it to Nolan Payne and he to Alan Murray from whom I bought it. During the hondo I flew a Cherokee Six 300. Main claim to fame I did 118 stretcher casevacs and numerous sitting cases. Refer - http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/mount-hampden-28-elementary-flying.html SEEKING DICK COLESHAW Gill Townsend is wanting to contact Dick. If you can help please mail her direct on gdtownsend@telkomsa.net Visit http://rhodesiansportprofiles.blogspot.com/2012/10/richard-coleshaw.html to view the article on Dick STRICTLY COME DANCING 2013 Natalie Gumede reveals “My grandfather Josiah was a President!” Read the article at http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/strictly-come-dancing/strictly-come-dancing-2013-natalie-gumede-reveals-my-grandfather-josiah-was-a-president/ FOR MY SINS By Mike Hamence (RhAF) Writes:- Sometime during 1966, for my sins, as a Chief Tech I was moved from 1 Sqn to 6 Sqn, run by the late, great W/O Jimmy Stewart. His \'Number Two\' was F/Sgt Roy Pardoe. (In those days Tech Flight Sgts were more powerful than Chf Techs.) In Jimmy\'s office there was the usual board on the wall giving the aircraft (Vampires & Provosts} daily state. So Roy would have me or Keith Bruce update the board daily for Jimmy to gaze at lovingly. But having been a 1 Sqn Hunter man for many moons, I found it exceeding hard to come back down to earth to Vamps and Provosts. One item on the board about a Provost perplexed me: \"NSA for HSF\". So, I plucked up courage and asked Roy what this meant. \"New Salisbury Airport for High Speed Flight,\" he replied. \"A Provost? High Speed Flight?\" I was incredulous. So, the next morning against the Provost I wrote: \"New Sarum Paint Shop.\" Shortly after I was sent back to 1 Sqn... But thereby hangs another tale... BRISTOL 170B FREIGHTER John Pettit (BA) Writes:- I didn’t think I’d be writing back so soon, but Jeremy’s article made fascinating reading – and reminded me of an apocryphal story about the Bristol 170: PanAm pilot on radio, after seeing a, then new, Bristol Freighter for the first time: “Say, buddy, what do you call that aeroplane?” Bristol pilot, proud of his new aircraft:“This is a Bristol Type 170B freighter.” Pause, whilst PanAm pilot takes this all in, then:“You mean they had 169 previous attempts, and that’s what they finished up with?” In truth, as Jeremy’s article tells it, it was a great workhorse for its day. In fact my cousin was an Air Hostess on the UK service from Kent to France, so flying must run in the family. Visit http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/central-african-airways-and-bristol.html to view/read the article KALAHARI RACE Keith Kemsley (RhAF) Writes:- At the end-of day 2 Daniel (Grandson) is in the lead by 10 minutes in First place. Brian in 10th Position and father Jon in 15th Big day tomorrow for the Psychological 3rd stage REMINDERS Cape Town - Memorial Service on November 3, 2013 Further details can be obtained from Lewis Walter on lewiswalter@xsinet.co.za New Zealand - Get-together on Sunday November 10, 2013 Further details can be obtained from JP on john@pringle.co.nz Grand Get Together - February 7th to 9th 2014 Further details from Johnny Ness and Tony Cowell on jness@telkomsa.net SMILE A WHILE My theory is \"When God sends you help, don\'t ask questions.\" The woman hurried to the pharmacy to get medication, got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside. The woman found an old rusty coat hanger left on the ground. She looked at it and said \"I don\'t know how to use this.\" She bowed her head and asked God to send her some HELP. Within 5 minutes a beat-up old motorcycle pulled up, driven by a bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag. He got off of his cycle and asked if he could help. She said: \"Yes, my daughter is sick. I\'ve locked my keys in my car. I must get home. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?\" He said \"Sure.\" He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was open. She hugged the man and through tears said \"Thank You SO Much! You are a very nice man.\" The man replied \"Lady, I am NOT a nice man. I just got out of PRISON yesterday, I was in prison for car theft.\" The woman hugged the man again sobbing, \"Oh, thank you, God! You even sent me a Professional!\" Is GOD great or what!?! \"Damn right I\'m good in bed, I can stay there all day \" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

My brother in law Stuart Mackay ex Prince Edward and Territorial Force (RhAF) intake of around 1966 passed away in Durban early yesterday, October 22, 2013, morning. He fought a brave fight with Cancer having been diagnosed some five years ago, underwent radiation successfully and it then went into remission. Unfortunately it manifested itself again a couple of months back and in spite of vigorous medical interventions he succumbed yesterday. There will be a private cremation service for family only and will take place in Durban early next week. Should anybody wish to offer their condolences or to send a message to the family I would respectfully ask that they be directed through me via email and I will most gladly make sure that the family receives them. Thank You George Ritchie Email gritchie@worldonline.co.za End Thanks to George for sharing this information with ORAFs. Can anyone assist with a photo of Stuart? Please send it to orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesia, ORAFs

By Carol Reid-Daly I received a message today to say that Leon Andrews (ex Air Force based at Thornhill and New Sarum) passed away this morning, October 24, 2013. He was living in Johannesburg and had not been too well for some time. Do not have all his details. His ex wife Philene and I are good friends - have been since Zimbabwe days. End Thanks to Carol for sharing this information with ORAFs. Leon attested with 13 LAR on August 6, 1962 as a Instrument Technician Regret no photo of Leon, if you have one please consider sending a copy to orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Thought you may be interested in a bit of 1961 artwork done by New Sarum Photo Section. The sketch shows the founder members of the Parachute Training School : See Sketch 5 RRAF PJI’s - Bill Maitland, Norman Suttie, Derek de Kock, Mercer (Jock) Thompson andTrevor Smith plus 3 attached RAF PJI’s - Smudge Smith, Robbie Robertson and Terry Hagan. End Thanks to Trevor for sharing this sketch and memories with ORAFs. Comments are always welcome, please send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

John Pile (4RR) Rogues Gallery KALAHARI AUGRABIES EXTREME MARATHON Very Proud Grandparents Write:- News just in that Grandson Daniel Rowland has won the 250 km Kalahari Marathon by 26 minutes. Second was Mahmut Vavuz (Turkey) and third Tiaan Erwee (South Africa). Daniel won every leg of the-event except the last where he came in third and thereby hangs a tale of brotherly love. Brian, his younger brother really suffered hardships towards the end and the organizers on, Medical advice, wanted to withdraw him from the race. However on appeal it was agreed that he could continue only if he walked. Running would result in disqualification. The last phase of the race was a 26km leg with a staggered start, slowest runners first off and the fastest, on timings, last. Daniel running towards a first place on that last leg saw his brother limping along so he stopped and walked the last km or so with his brother crossing the line together.! Daniel third on the leg, First overall and Brian 25th. Jon Rowland father (my son in law) finished 20th. The Grandfathers cup runneth over with the odd emotional tear! Keith and Patricia Kemsley (RhAF) A little information on this event, taken from the site http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/kalahari-augrabies-extreme-marathon-2-2/ The race is a self-sufficient run over seven days, covering an approximate distance of 250 km (155 mi). The event takes place in the Kalahari Desert in the proximity of the Augrabies Falls on the Orange River. The route traverses the Augrabies Falls National Park, private game parks including Dabaras and many private farmlands. This contrasting environment with average day temperatures reaching in excess of 40 C and dropping to below 5 C at night presents a daunting challenge to the extreme athlete and determined adventurer alike. Known as the ‘Big Daddy’ in the South African running circles, the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon is a prestigious event organised by Extreme Marathons, and has its place on the International Calendar of similar trail events. Participants run in the footsteps of the ancient Bushmen, through the fertile vineyards of the Orange River Valley, across rocky outcrops and into the desolate Great Kalahari Desert. The event is limited to 100 entries only. A further note from Keith. The reason I sent you the final result (other than a grandfather boasting) was to try and portrait that the spirit of our Rhodesia \"a Band of Brothers\" seem to have taken root in the next generation! To quote further: \"I am not of that feather to leave my friend when he must need me!\" It would be nice if you could perhaps find time and place to include the feeling in the ORAFs News Letter which has continued to hold us together \"The Band of Brothers\" through you dedication and efforts DEREK DE KOCK AND MARATHONS Derek (RhAF) Writes:- I have just read with great interest the fantastic achievements of Keith Kemsley\'s Grandson. However I too have kids and grand kids doing crazy things. My daughter has just run the Melbourne Marathon and her daughter my Grand Daughter has done it twice. The whole family also completed the Tough Mudder obstacle competition earlier this year which is a 20km course based on an army obstacle course but with more mud mixed with cow dung. They definitely have screws missing in the cranial cavity however I wonder if they are trying to outdo their grand parents. Also I wonder if Keith remembers the day when he gave me a ride in a Vamp T11 from TH to NS and all I wanted to do was to Eject as I thought the AC was on Fire. MODELS Vic Wightman (RhAF) Writes:- Have a look under products : planes, for some expensive but rather posh models for well-heeled collectors. http://www.woodpeckermodels.co.uk/shop ROGER COWLING (RhAF) REMEMBERS I had the pleasure of working with Nolan Payne, and often flew with him in the Cessna 210. He was an adventurous individual, and when returning from an audit at Bumi and Kariba Breezes (he had hire boats at both venues), he decided to buzz Andora harbour. On pulling away from the bay, banking to port, there was a loud \"thwack\"! He methodically checked everything, found it ok, and proceeded to Charles Prince, where on landing we were escorted to the hangar. Inspection found a deep dent in the starboard leading edge where we had neatly severed an Eskom power line! A few dollars left Nolan\'s pocket as a result. We were returning from Cape Town when YOT started to lose power over the escarpment. He nursed her home to discover the gudgeon pin in No6 piston had broken exactly in the centre but had kept position perfectly. He refurbished her then - totally. Many more stories from those days - like ATC at Jan Smuts asking him to confirm we had ILS, as Springbok ZS something was directly behind us! Only a Jumbo on finals we were ahead of! A quick re-route to an alternative strip was the order of the day. Thank you, Eddy for your tireless efforts in keeping us in the loop. RHODESIAN PILOT - JOHN WALMISLEY Mike McLean Writes;- I am wondering if you can help me out, I am researching an individual who flew with 237 (Rhodesia) squadron during the second world war. His name is John Walmisley service number 80055. ANY information you have on him would be helpful. I have found his promotion dates in the London Gazette, as well as his MiD mention. Anything further would be very much appreciated! Thank You Mike McLean Researcher from Canada gordonmclean@rogers.com BRITISH COMEDIANS IN RHODESIA Rob Picton (INTAF) sent in this YouTube link:- http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/view/368a7cd1478c136283bf9b83870188fb GOODYEAR EAGLES WEBSITE Dennis Spence (RhAF) Writes:- We now have our web site up and running. www.goodyeareagles.com Any input would be appreciated. [Some great photographs can be viewed here Eddy Norris] HORNUNG SUGAR EMPIRE I am Paul Lapperre and I am presently writing a book on the history of Sena Sugar Estates in Mozambique. Sena Sugar Estates was owned by the Hornung family of Sussex. In 1936, if my sources are correct, George Hornung also established a sugar refinery in Bulawayo: Rhodesia Sugar Refinery Ltd. Almost no information is available on this aspect of the Hornung sugar empire and I wonder whether there is still anyone who knows about the early history (1936-1944) of the Rhodesia Sugar Refinery. If you are aware of anyone who could help me with information, I would be very grateful. dr.ir. P.E.Lapperre 203 Widumsiedlung 6952 Sibratsgfaell Austria e-mail: plapperre@aon.at or p.e.lapperre@zambezi.demon.nl Website: www.zambezi.demon.nl REMINDERS ORAFs would like you to consider sending your date (please do not include year of birth) The idea is to gradually update the Reminders from Rhodesia file. Please include what service you were in- RhAF or RhArmy etc (not unit) Also if you have details of an event that qualifies remembering please send that information and source to ORAFs. An example, thanks to a couple of Umtali boys it was established that M Level of the GCE commenced in 1962. When did Cambridge cease and replaced by O Level - what about A Levels. Also when did City of Guilds replace the old South African NTC papers. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Keith Nell (RhArmy) Writes:- I wonder if you can assist locating anyone in the Air Force who were in the Group temporarily located at Karoi some days after the 12th February when the Viscount Umniati went down. I presume they were on Fire Force duty when they stayed overnight at the Twin Rivers Motel. At first light the next day, Lt D W SAS led a successful attack on the ZIPRA Missile Group in the Urungwe TTL and sent me a message via the BSAP that he required uplift. I went to the Twin Rivers Motel and alerted the pilots and crew who were still in bed, to attend a briefing on the BSAP\'s sports fields where the choppers were parked. Any Air force pilot who was there on that occasion will remember the vague briefing I gave them, without any knowledge of the exact locstat of where the contact took place, or of how many bodies had to be uplifted, etc. All I could give them was a general direction to fly and that Lt Watt would hopefully see them in flight and call in on his radio, which luckily happened. The pilots would recall the uplift because apart from gook bodies and everyone else, there were rescued hostages with children to uplift back to Karoi for fear of ZIPRA retribution. Please put out an appeal for anyone who was in that Air Force Group, to come forward. I need information for the Limited Edition of my book Viscount Down, that I am busy working on. Hopefully someone will remember the event and have a log book recording of that day. I can be contacted at info@viscountdown.com or on +27 76 6048110. REAL MEN FLEW THE B707 Per kind favour of Hal Bowker Subject: Real Men Flew the Boeing 707 Those were the good ole days. Pilots back then were men that didn\'t want to be women or girlymen. Pilots all knew who Jimmy Doolittle was. Pilots drank coffee, whiskey, smoked cigars and didn\'t wear digital watches. They carried their own suitcases and brain bags like the real men that they were. Pilots didn\'t bend over into the crash position multiple times each day in front of the passengers at security so that some Gov’t agent could probe for tweezers or fingernail clippers or too much toothpaste. Pilots did not go through the terminal impersonating a caddy pulling a bunch of golf clubs, computers, guitars, and feed bags full of tofu and granola on a sissy-trailer with no hat and granny glasses hanging on a pink string around their pencil neck while talking to their personal trainer on the cell phone!!! Being an Airline Captain was as good as being the King in a Mel Brooks movie. All the Stewardesses (aka. Flight Attendants) were young, attractive, single women that were proud to be combatants in the sexual revolution. They didn\'t have to turn sideways, grease up and suck it in to get through the cockpit door. They would blush and say thank you when told that they looked good, instead of filing a sexual harassment claim. Junior Stewardesses shared a room and talked about men, with no thoughts of substitution. Passengers wore nice clothes and were polite, they could speak AND understand English. They didn\'t speak gibberish or listen to loud gangsta rap on their IPods. They bathed and didn\'t smell like a rotting pile of garbage in a jogging suit and flip-flops. Children didn\'t travel alone, commuting between trailer parks. There were no mongol hordes asking for a “mu-fuggin” seat belt extension or a Scotch and grapefruit juice cocktail with a twist. If the Captain wanted to throw some offensive, ranting jerk off the airplane, it was done without any worries of a lawsuit or getting fired. Axial flow engines crackled with the sound of freedom and left an impressive black smoke trail like a locomotive burning soft coal. Jet fuel was cheap and once the throttles were pushed up they were left there, after all it was the jet age and the idea was to go fast (run like a lizard on a hardwood floor). Economy cruise was something in the performance book, but no one knew why or where it was. When the clacker went off no one got all tight and scared because Boeing built it out of iron, nothing was going to fall off and that sound had the same effect on real pilots then as Viagra does now for those new age guys. There was very little plastic and no composites on the airplanes or the Stewardesses’ pectoral regions. Airplanes and women had eye pleasing symmetrical curves, not a bunch of ugly vortex generators, ventral fins, winglets, flow diverters, tattoos, rings in their nose, tongues and eyebrows. Airlines were run by men like Howard Hughes, Bob Six and Juan Trippe who had built their companies virtually from scratch, knew many of their employees by name and were lifetime airline employees themselves…not pseudo financiers and bean counters who flit from one occupation to another for a few bucks, a better parachute or a fancier title while fervently believing that they are a class of beings unto themselves. And so it was back then….and never will be again MALCOLM ROSS REMEMBERS JOHN ERASMUS RSM Johnny Erasmus that was once lived in Umtali and was in charge of the Umtali Drill Hall Johnny enjoyed making us do the \"trail arms\" with those heavy 303 rifles we as Cadets and Territorial\'s had to use, my sore and damaged arms and wrists knew, for hours afterwards, that we had been doing the trail arms. In order to alleviate these excruciating pains I designed a small caster wheel bracket to fit in the oil bottle hole in the butt of the rifle. I was then able to drag the rifle rather than lift it off the ground, that was until Johnny saw it, my tender tummy bore mute evidence to the \"very gentle\" prodding of his forever present pace stick. At a camp at Inkomo Barracks Johnny hypnotized Alistair Christy to believe he was a dog, and did not bring him fully out of the hypnosis, Alistair woke that night and reverted to being a dog, barking around the tents and biting everyone that came near him. The \"Mountain Goats\" as the Umtali boys were known always won the parade shield at Inkomo Barracks that was until I came came around as right hand marker. That year we lost the coveted shield, Johnny never let us and me forget it - life was a bit strenuous at Umtali parades after that. It was at one of these camps that Ivor Waring ( I think that\'s who it was) lost his life when his closed tent caught alight. The tents were water proofed with paraffin wax and burned furiously and were impossible to extinguish. At the Inkomo camp all new boys had to do an act of some sort, I played the mouth organ and played God save the King, everyone had to stand to attention. I then played God save the Queen and everyone had to again stand to attention, Johnny, in modus sense of humour lost, had his pace stick again speak \"softly\" to me. A big, smart, physically fit man always impeccably dressed Johnny always made an impression, especially when using his \"body guard\", his well polished brass on wood pace stick. His favorite past time, to scream loudly at one of the troopies at the very back of the Umtali Drill Hall parade square who had a shirt button undone. How he knew or even saw this was of great intrigue to all of us. Johnny was also a heavy weight boxer and rumor has it he unintentionally killed one of his opponents in the boxing ring. I believe Johnny, after he retired from the army, was Ian Smith\'s aide de camp. If you are interested in this era, you can spend days in these sites surfing around. INTERESTING SITES Ron Jarman (RhAF) recommends these sites A great deal of information that’swell put together. a€;Aviation Pioneers a€;World War I Aces a€;Hall of Fame of the Air a€;WW2 European Theatre ( ETO ) a€;WW2 Pacific Theatre (PTO) a€;WW2 US Marine Corps a€;WW2 US Navy Aces a€;WW2 Mediterranean ( MTO ) a€;WW2 German Aces a€;Korean War Aces a€;Russian Aces a€;Vietnam Era Aces a€;Airplanes a€;World War I Planes a€;1930s Aircraft photos a€;WW2 Fighters a€;WW2 Bombers a€;WW2 German Planes a€;WW2 Airplane Pictures a€;History of Airplanes blog a€;Nose Art a€;Postwar Jets a€;World War Two a€;WW2 Facts and Firsts a€;WW2 Medals a€;WW2 Museums a€;WW2 Pictures a€;WW2 Ships *WW2 Weapons SMILE A WHILE Old Country Preacher From our friends of one of our Special Forces Units. An old country preacher......had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession. Like many young Men his age, the boy didn\'t really know what he wanted to do, and he didn\'t seem too concerned about it. One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy\'s room and placed on his study table four objects.. 1. A Bible.....? 2. A silver dollar.....? 3. A bottle of whisky.....? 4. And a Playboy magazine.....? \'I\'ll just hide behind the door,\' the old preacher said to himself. \'When he comes home from school today, I\'ll see which object he picks up. If it\'s the Bible, he\'s going to be a preacher like me, and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he\'s going to be a business man, and that would be okay, too. But if he picks up the bottle, he\'s going to be a no-good drunken bum, and Lord, what a shame that would be. And worst of all if he picks up that magazine he\'s going to be a Skirt-chasing womanizer.\' The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son\'s foot-steps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room. The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table.. With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, while he admired this month\'s centrefold. \'Lord have mercy,\' the old preacher disgustedly whispered. \'He\'s gonna be a pilot.\' \"The secret to being happy is having a good sense of humour and a dirty mind! \" End Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

F. Johnson (4RR) Rogues Gallery NEW NAPALM MINES\' Source - The Rhodesia Herald Newspaper dated Thursday, February 19, 1953 made available by Ray Thorne (RhAF) Seoul (Korea), Wednesday. The Eighth Army to-day released some, details of the deadly new napalm (jellied petroleum) land mines used to beat off a Communist attack yesterday in the east central sector of the Korean front. They said that napalm mines could be detonated either by remote - controlled electric switches or by trip wires. The explosion that followed sprayed burning petroleum jelly over an barea 20 yards In diameter. Yesterday\'s use of the mine had repulsed a Communist platoon probing - the United Nations lines, an army spokesman said.—Sapa-Reuter. SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS Tony Viegas (RhAF) Writes:- Further to Keith Kemsley\'s family sporting achievements The Viegas Family has a few sporting achievements we are rather proud of. I have completed 16 Comrades Marathons and therefore have my Green Number, awarded after completing 10 Comrades Marathons. Sheila, my wife has completed 1 Comrades Marathon. Our son Bryce, was a Top South African Elite Duathlete. He is a former U19 World Duathlon Champion, U19 SA Duathlon Champion and Multiple SA Age Group Duathlon Champion. Bryce has represented SA at 3 World Duathlon Championships on each occasion finishing 1st South African duathlete. He has won the Afriman Ultra Distance Duathlon and the South African Long Distance Duathlon Championships. He was placed 2nd In Powerman Malaysia and was Ranked in the Top 20 World Powerman Duathletes. ADDITIONS TO ORAFs BLOGS Blog: Our Rhodesian Heritage Post: Mrs. Carnegie\'s Grave At Inyati (Ever wondered who was the first European, and where, born, in Rhodesia. You need to read this article to find the answer) Link: http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/11/mrs-carnegies-grave-at-inyati.html Blog: Our Rhodesian Heritage Post: Victoria Falls Hotel Menu\'s 1948 (I wonder how many shillings these meals cost ?) Link: http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/11/victoria-falls-hotel-menus-1948.html DEATH OF SWO BARNES Hoppy (RhAF) Writes:- It was at Mt. Darwin, and whilst I can’t remember the actual date, it was the day that one of the big excursions across the border happened. I can’t recall whether it was Zambia or Mozambique, but they had just about every chopper and Lynx there, and I recall that Kevin Peinke and Baldy Baldwin were 2 of the chopper pilots at the time. It was my first time back in an armoured car for a little while, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people at one FAF at any time. I don’t know if this is any help but I assume that someone has records of dates of big external excursions. We were overflowing, some of us sleeping in buildings that were next to, but not actually on, the FAF, and it is the only time I ever saw John Barnes out of New Sarum. Anyway, I don’t mean to make light of the John Barnes situation, but it was early that morning, when everyone was getting ready for the attack, that John Barnes collapsed. There can’t have been so many externals from Darwin that the date couldn’t be worked out. Bill Watt (RhAF) Writes:- Having read the reminders I recall being at MT Darwin as part of the fire force team that were involved in the Tembue raid in Mozambique north of Carborabassa . WO 1 Barnes was coordinating the crews to the numerous choppers lined up on the runway prior to the raid when he suffered a heart attack . The date in my log book is 26th November 1977 I am not sure but I think he died the next day. Refer http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=487466&comments=1 GENET FUEL STARVATION Bill Watt (RhAF0 Writes:- Slimily the incident with Wing CMDR Slatter if I am correct was OC flying wing in Gwelo at the time and was on a famil flight when he was forced to land in the veld which he performed perfectly except for the ant hill that got in the way as the aircraft came to rest . Steve Caldwell and I recovered him on the August 30th 1977. GOLF SHIELD - BULAWAYO Alan Bradnick (RhAF) Writes:- I played golf yesterday at the Bulawayo Golf Club and the Manager gave a golf shield that he had found in their store room. In the centre of the shield is a very attractive Royal Air Forces Association metal badge. This wooden shield was presented by : THE BULAWAYO BRANCH (1ST RHODESIA) ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION. There are 9small shields around the edge of this wooden shield and it was first played for in 1968, and last played for in 1974. The winners on that occasion were R.V. Wright and B.T. Bell. I have tried to find out if there are still any RAF Association members in Bulawayo but have not discovered any as yet. I was wondering if maybe there is some one amongst your readers who will know anything about this shield. (ORAFs will be receiving a photograph of the shield from Alan. Eddy Norris) MEMORABILIA - SOUTHERN RHODESIA - 1930 TO 1970 John Hepple (RhAF) Writes:- A correction to the photographs on the Rhodesian Heritage site. Photo 21 is not of the Kariba dam wall but rather that of Lake Kyle. ORAFs Writes:- Photo 17 - Fort Victoria Southern Rhodesia Allan Wilson Street See - http://rhodesiaremembered.blogspot.com/2013/10/memorabilia-southern-rhodesia-1930-to.html REMINDERS Grand Get-Together in Cape Town in February 2014 Time is getting short - let John and Tony know if your coming or not. SMILE A WHILE A senior citizen drove his brand new BMW Z4 convertible out of the car salesroom. Taking off down the motorway, He floored it to 100mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. \"Amazing!\" he thought as he flew down the M1, enjoying pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police car behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. \"I can get away from him - no problem!\" thought the elderly nutcase as he floored it to 120mph,then 130mph then 140mph Suddenly, he thought, \"What on earth am I doing? I\'m too old for this nonsense!\" So he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the police car to catch up with him. Pulling in behind him, the police officer walked up the driver\'s side of the BMW, looked at his watch and said, \"Sir, my shift ends in 10 minutes. Today is Friday and I\'m taking off for the weekend. If you can give me a reason why you were speeding that I\'ve never heard before, I\'ll let you go.\" The old man, looked very seriously at the policeman, and replied, \"Years ago, my wife ran off with a policeman. I thought you were bringing her back.\" \"Have a good day, Sir\", said the policeman \"My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a water-bed. My wife calls it the Dead Sea \" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com End Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Members of the Redcliff Flight of 102 (VR) Squadron, plus several guests were pictured at the official opening of their Mess earlier this year. The Flight\'s Headquarters is now firmly established in a house on Ridgeway, above the works, the house being donated to the Flight by Risco\'s General Manager, Mr. Tom Harris. Months of hard work by members of the Flight, led by the indefatigable Ray Streeter and Pete Matthysen, under the direction of the Flight Commander, Fred Hudson, transformed the house into a first class base. The opening ceremony was performed by the OC VR, Group Captain Ozzie Penton, who in a short speech, congratulated the Flight on their initiative and success, and thanked them for their contribution to the war effort. After replying suitably ,Fit Lt Hudson, presented him with a typical Risco memento, a steel splash. Other guests at the opening were Group Captain Pink, Sqn Ldr Cooke, Sqn Leader Wall and Risco\'s GM as well as contingents representing the Army and Police. Wives of Flight members catered magnificently for the appetites of all present,and with liquid refreshment flowing equally freely, Redcliff Flight\'s new HQ was welland truly launched. End Extracted by Eddy Norris, from the original Blue Copy of the Bateleur dated December 1979, and for use on ORAFs-OurStory Blog, Ref. Rhodesia, ORAFs

A magnificent era ended on October 31 with the retirement of the last World War 2 pilot on the regular strength of the Rhodesian Air Force, Group Captain \"Ozzie\" Penton O.L.M., A.F.C. During a service career spanning the best part of four decades Group Captain Penton has logged a staggering 6 054 flying hours in Tiger Moths, Hawkers Harts, Spitfires. Harvards, Provosts, Rapides, Ansons, Pembrokes, Dakotas, Austers and Trojans as well as jet-engined Canberras and Vampires. Among the men he taught to fly in his instructing days was the present Commander of the Air Force. Air Marshal Frank Mussell. Group Captain Penton, who had his first taste of war as a teenage Spitfire pilot fighting Hitler\'s Luftwaffe, has in recent years been the man behind the morale and efficient running of the Air Force\'s reserve manpower, used in scores of complex tasks vital to its operations. Oswald Penton was born in Cape Town on August 8, 1924. and went to Rondebosch Boys\' High School. He left school in 1939, the year the Second World War broke out, and as soon as he turned 17 he left his civilian employment to enlist in the Coast Garrison Infantry in which he served until February, 1942, when he was deemed old enough to transfer to the South African Air Force. His early air force days were spent doing essentially similar airfield \"chores\" to those performed by many young reservists in a later war nearer home, but in December, 1942, he began flying training on Tiger Moths at Potchefstroom, graduating the following year to Hawker Harts. He is the last regular officer to have experience of the open-cockpit biplane which was the type first flown by the Southern Rhodesian Air Force on formation in 1937. Group Captain Penton obtained his pilot\'s wings on September 4, 1943, and was posted to No 73 Operational Training Unit at Abu Suier in the Suez Canal Zone. In April 1944, as a South African pilot he joined No 185 Sqn Royal Air Force. He saw active service on Spitfires from bases in North Africa, Malta and Italy, flying his last operational sortie on April 25 1945. He was \"demobbed\" with the rank of Lieutenant in November. 1945. Aged 21. he returned to his civilian employers in Cape Town with much the same feelings as any modern \"A and B\" Reservist going back to his office or factory. But it was not long before he was flying Spitfires again. His company transferred him to Salisbury where he volunteered for No 1 Squadron, S.R. Auxiliary Air Force, and in September, 1947, he made aviation his career when he joined the civil service to become an airfield controller at Khumalo, Bulawayo. In September, 1951, he transferred into the regular SRAF from the Department of Civil Aviation, but he had to resign his commission in the auxiliary air force and attest as a sergeant. Some men boast that they worked their way up from the ranks — Group Captain Penton was amongst those who did it twice. In January, 1952, he was commissioned lieutenant in the Southern Rhodesia Staff Corps, which incorporated the embryo air force. His venerable service number was 0087 — the only other officer in uniform today with a 00 James Bond-type prefix is the Commander of Combined Operations. Lieut-Gen Peter Walls. He took part in the early ferry flights of Air Force Spitfires, Vampires and Canberras, and undertook detachment service with Rhodesian Air Force units in Cyprus, Aden and Pakistan. He is a past commander of 4 Sqn, 5 Sqn and 7 Sqn and in the 1964 New Year\'s Honours list was awarded the Air Force Cross for his distinguished service as commander of 4 Sqn. In March, 1966, he assumed command of New Sarum flying wing, going on to command No 2 Field Force Unit until April, 1972, when he was promoted Group Captain in command of Air Force Reserves. He was scheduled to retire in July, 1975, but was immediately re-attested on a short service commission. In the words of the citation read out when Group Captain Penton was made an Officer of the Legion of Merit, he has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership throughout his career and has been a magnificent ambassador for the Air Force not only with the other fighting services but with commerce and industry. What the citation did not say was that \"Ozzie\" Penton has endeared himself to all who have served with him and under him during his long career, by his ability to inspire energy and loyalty, by his open- minded fairness and his unfailing sense of humour. OCVR will be succeeded by Sqn Ldr Peter Cooke, who will be promoted to Wing Commander End The Penton Expose Startling disclosures are made in a formerly top secret file \"The Penton Papers\", leaked to the press by Irish Intelligence this week. Foremost in the revelations is the plan formulated by General Pienaar in 1940 to form a composite battalion of Little Yellow Bushmen and Pygmies for use in the invasion of Abyssinia. They were to be trained to rush out of the long grass and assail Italian Fascists about the kneecaps. Heavily implicated in the scheme, vetoed after protests from the International Red Cross, was the man destined to become Group Captain O. D. Penton. A.F.C., O.L.M., 1 000 MM. code-named \"The Wizard of Oz\" by Dublin-based agents. According lo the Penton File, \"Oz\" was born in 1924 — he was such a small baby his mother thought she was going into hospital to have a boil lanced. At Rondebosch Boys\' High School he was prominent at rugby, cricket, tennis, hockey and water polo — as the ball. \"Oz\" gained his wings on Flying Fleas and was sent to the Front because he complained he couldn\'t see properly at the back. War in Italy was hell for the youthful Oz— he kept being accosted by kindly American G.I.s with the words \"You wanna dime to buy some candy, kid?\" Once, surrounded by 20 Luftwaffe Jagdgeschwader of Focke Wulf 190s, he refused to give up. He became the first Spitfire pilot to escape by unstrapping him- self and taking evasive action inside the fuselage. In a memorable encounter with German fighter ace Heinz (57) Nocke, the latter said: \"Hello liddle kiddlivinkie, hier ist einpfennig fur fcchokolade.\" Hopes of a transfer to the Far Easten Theatre were scotched by General Smuts who warned Lord Louis Mount batten that if Oz ever contracted yellow jaundice he would most certainly be mistaken for Emperor Hirohito. After the war Oz returned to work for a\" civilian oil company. Millions of galoob stickers were subsequently produced from a model made with his co-operation . . . Oz signed on in the Rhodesian Air Force and led the campaign for zero feet ejection seats — to help him get down from the cockpit while the aircraft was static. He was Rhodesia\'s entrant for the 1955 NATO \"Lightweight Fighter\" competition but was sent back with a protest note that they meant the aircraft not the pilot, and the Folland Gnat won. Oz was the first Wing Commander to be thrown out of the Kentucky Hotel with the words \"All you Hatfield Junior kids try and tell me you\'re in the Air Force.\" As an instructor on Vampires, Oz caused great heartache to his pupils. Once he left his bone dome on the hard standing by the aircraft. It was nervously saluted by a trainee who wasn\'t sure whether his instrucor was underneath it. But it was as O.C. Flying at Sarum that Oz really got people down. None of the squadron commanders at that time were under 6 ft. 2 ins. tall. When the day came for an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation they coined the slogan \"Standard Finance—Weneed a forklift—fast!\" Air Rhodesia refused to lend the passenger ramp for the Boeings but the problem was eventually solved with the manufacture of the first of the famous \"Penton Pedestals\", now found in numerous messes throughout the country. The secret of these pedestals lies in a hidden trap door, through which Oz disappears when his round \"is about to be called. Oz was one of the first pilots to complete the parachute training course and later made a practice jump with the stickof other pilots. Target for the drop was Lake Mcllwaine and Oz was first out of the aircraft. The others making their first jump landed squarely in the lake and were duly fished out by Sarum\'s C.O. in a motor boat, laden down to the gunwales with Lion and Castle (Beer. Far away and some time later Oz fluttered down slowly to Mother Earth. During his Air Force career Oz has caused the game of bridge to be classified as a blood sport — S.S.Q. sent out warnings that Air Force members will be held responsible for injuries received while playing with Oz. On hearing of Ozzie\'s system of play Mr. Goren tore up his famous book on Bridge and took up tiddliwinks. Oz is being forced to retire because he has been noticed groaning under the weight of his campaign medals on official parades. It was feared that he might soon need an A and B to march around behind him carrying them in a wheelbarrow \"in a smart and airman like manner\". According to reliable sources. Oz has been seeking further employment — he has just had his application as chief test pilot for Airfix turned down, but is expected to have more success as a lumberjack on one of our local mushroom farms. End Milestone flight for VR Groupie In the latter half of October OCVR, Group Captain Penton visited all the VR Squadrons in a \"whistle-stop\" tour. The culmination of his farewell was at the VR centre at Cranborne on the 29th of October. 1979. The Salisbury based squadrons were present as were a number of representatives from other squadrons. In acknowledgement of the high esteem in which he has been held by the VR over the past eight years, he was presented with a magnificent silver tea service and tray, a combined gift from all the Squadrons. At Thornhill. when saying goodbye to102 Squadron he seized the opportunity of flying in the \"Silver Provost\". Commenting on the flight afterwards, he said that although he had not flown in the Prov for many years, he had felt quite \"at home\", and had not lost his touch. The last remark was not corroborated by his \"Instructor.\" In fact it was emphatically denied — not in his presence of course. Shown here are the two \"Groupies\" and an example of Oz\'s lumbering repartee. (Photo 2) End of Article Extracted by Eddy Norris, from the original Blue Copy of the Bateleur dated December 1979, and for use on ORAFs-OurStory Blog. Your comments are always welcome. please send them to Eddy Norris ar orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs

Mike Curtin (SAS) Rogues Gallery FIRST EUROPEAN CHILD BORN IN RHODESIA Syd Polwarth Writes:- I had thought, perhaps wrongly in light of the article or perhaps it was Sby and not S.R. that it was a Miss Pascoe who became one of our teachers at P.E. as Mrs. Hosking. Her children included Vince who married Celia van Buren, Brian van Buren\'s sister whose family farmed somewhere in the Eastern Districts perhaps Rusape. I think Tom Pascoe of Crowborough Estates just beyond Warren Hills was a brother and two of his sons were Ronnie, who married Anne Fischer from Headlands and Peter who were also at PE in their day. Ronnie is or was still in Harare at Easter this year Refer - http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/11/mrs-carnegies-grave-at-inyati.html APPRECIATION - CENTENARIAN Mrs. Ashley-Belbin\'s family have asked me to put a note of thanks on the site from them. Please could you do this for them. They have really been overwhelmed and very touched indeed by the messages and thanks to you the word got out. CONGRATULATIONS WILLY JERVOIS Willy Jervois (Rhaf) Writes:- Helen and I have decide to move to the bottom end of Yorkshire. We shall be living in Beverley, just a couple of miles away from daughter Melanie. I was recently appointed a \"professional associate\" of Rhodes Uni, so will be able to retain my present e-mail address. (Well done to Willy - who has been a great supporter of ORAFs. Enjoy your new abode and keep in touch with us. RECOMMENDED WEBSITES Roland Charles (Rhaf) recommends:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/16498755@N07/sets/72157629051344335/ Monitoring force Rhod http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/allied/empireforces/index.html JIM LIGHT MEDICAL UPDATE Debs (daughter Writes:- Just an update on my dad. Dad had a op on Wednesday to put in 5 stents in his liver and the procedure has stabilized him and he is looking and feeling good. Dad is still in the Donald Gordon Medical Hospital in Parktown. All the evaluations for the transplant committee have been done and now we wait and see if he gets on to the waiting list. Thanks for all the messages, calls and visits to dad. I will keep you all posted. Debs eMAIL- debbie.jenkins@liberty.co.za ROGUES GALLERY I would appreciate if the chaps from the SAS could please confirm the image is of Mike? REMINDERS Grand Get-Together in Cape Town in February 2014 Time is getting short - let John and Tony know if your coming or not. SMILE A WHILE A woman and her ten-year-old son were riding in a taxi in Toronto . It was raining and all the prostitutes were standing under the awnings . \"Mom\" said the boy , \"what are all those women doing ?\" \"They\'re waiting for their husbands to get off work ,\" she replied . The taxi driver turns around and says \"Geez lady , why don\'t you tell him the truth ? They\'re hookers , boy ! They have sex with men for money .\" The little boy\'s eyes get wide and he says , \"Is that true Mom ?\" His mother , glaring hard at the driver, answers in the affirmative . After a few minutes , the kid asks \"Mom , what happens to the babies those women have ?\" \"They become taxi drivers ,\" she said . \"My Wife was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off. \" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesia, ORAFs

Dear Rhodesian Colleagues,
This sad item was published in a South African military veterans’ newsletter today.
Regards, John Redfern ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Passing of Col Terence Murphy of Int Div
* Derek Bock of Army Intelligence advises with regret of the passing of Terence on 06/11/2013 in Simon’s Town.
* The following day the Cape Argus reported on the incident and described Terence “… as a retired 79 year old military man with a long history in the armed forces. From decades in the British Royal Marines, as a pilot in the Rhodesian Air Force and subsequently in the Special Forces of the SADF, who owned a self-catering accommodation in Simon’s Town. Police suspect Murphy shot himself in the parking lot of a popular Seaforth Restaurant”.
End Terence was a direct entry pilot to the Rhodesian Air Force
Ref. ORAFs
Thanks to John for sharing this information with ORAFs

By Alan Bradnick (RhAF) Attached are photographs of the golf trophy. I had Colman Myers son around to read the article in ORAFS about his dad. I then showed him the shield and he remembers it being played for and also knew all the people who were winners of this shield. Bobby Myers has been a member of the Bulawayo Golf club for 50 odd years. The first winners were R McLennan and R Salmon in 1968. McLennan was in partnership with Les Owens in Stevenson Plumbers. C MacFarlan, a joint winner in 1971, and M. Harris a joint winner in 1972, these names appear on the second shield, were at various times Captains of the golf club. On the third shield is the name of joint winner B. Bell, whom I also knew, and had played golf with owned the Brian Bell Estate Agency. This shield was only played for 5 times in 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. 71, 72, 73 and 74 winners were engraved on the second and third shields. This does not come out too clearly in the photo. I trust this attached photo will bring some reaction from members who can give us some history of this shield: i.e. The type of competition, How big were the fields, Why it was not played for in 1969 and 70, etc. End Thanks to Alan for sharing these photographs and information on with ORAFs. If you can assist with information, please mail Alan on pioneer1@yoafrica.com Ref. Rhodesia

Ryl De Villiers (Rh Sigs) Rogues Gallery CLIFF TYSON UPDATE Cliff is now in the UK and asks if those living there to please give him a call on cliffality@gmail.com OLD GWELO TOWN Tony Garde (RhAF) Writes:- Thank-you Angela and Bob for the pictures, from way-back-when, of Gwelo. Does any-one have pictures of Boggie’s clock at the time of its erection and a few pictures of it between then and now. I was one of the ATC cadets lumped in with 26 PTC (ably guided by Ft Lt Bennett, WOs 11 Barnes then Meacham, Col/Ft Sgt Larrett, et al) for the duration of the ITS phase. Many was the “road trip” we did to and from the dreaded clock, herded by Messrs Benecke, Ward et al. It is said that memories live forever – those certainly will. Replies to Tony on svzw@telkomsa.net Refer - http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/old-gwelo-town.html RHODESIA DAY - THANK YOU Dear ORAFs friends, I wanted to extend my thanks at all the lovely comments you sent regards my Rhodesia Day tribute. My parents Ed and Trisha always instilled a strong sense of family and heritage in both Paul and I, and it is in this spirit that our family ( the Norris family) always celebrate 11th November. We all email and wish each other on this day. I may have been only a youngster but the Rhodie way of life was \"the lay of the land\" in our home growing up. As many know I married Shumba Taylor of the Rhodesian Air Force and although we live in Canada we still live the Rhodesian Way. I think it is very obvious that my dear Dad endeavors with this tradition through his dedication to keeping our past recorded for all time. In closing - thank you, I enjoyed reading the comments and getting an insight to other folks and thank you so much for your contribution of history be it personal or of a technical point to ORAFs. It\'s the only way anyone will know who Rhodesians were as one day we will be no more. ( may I be so bold as to say a lost tribe of ingenious peoples). With fond regards Denise Taylor THANK YOU FROM STRETCH MERRINGTON Stretch (RhAF) Writes:- As regards the paintings and identity of the artist - many thanks to everyone who contacted me and provided the information. The response was stunning; to say the least. JIM LIGHT - GOOD NEWS Daughter, Debbie, writes:- Just to let you know that my Dad is being discharged from hospital today after almost month. He is very weak but let\'s hope the stents in his liver continue to do their job and he keeps getting better and stronger every day.Thanks again for all your messages and prayers - I will continue to keep you posted on his progress. BRITAIN\'S 10 BEST HISTORIC STREET Refer http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertypicturegalleries/10436193/Britains-10-best TERENCE MURPHY Joe Holmes (RhArmy) Writes;- After having read the very brief note you sent out earlier on the sad passing of Col Terence Murphy I Goggled him, and found this attached information on his biography, (web address appended at the very bottom of the attachment as well as this mail) on the web. There was so much to him that I think it would be fitting to send out a bit more on his quite remarkable career. Refer http://www.flyingmarines.com/Biographies/1951-1960/Murphy.htm (If you visit this site you will find a few photographs kifed (stolen) from ORAFs - naughty fellows.) YOUTUBE RECOMMENDATIONS Bruce Rooken-Smith Recommends - Restored British Seafire View it at https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/TneYPcyGbbY%26autoplay=1%26rel=0 PRINCE OF WALES VISIT CIRCA 1925 Bob Manser (RhAF) Writes:- My wife’s late father was Harry Jermyn and he attended Boys High School in Salisbury between the years 1923 t0 1927. It was sometime during this period that the school had a visit by Prince Edward ( Prince of Wales? Hence the badge) . The school was then named Prince Edward School by the Prince but not sure exactly what year. That is why many Old Hararians and Rhodesians still refer to the P.E. School and the sports club as Old Boys from the Boys High School original name. Refer http://rhodesianheritage.blogspot.com/2013/10/old-gwelo-town.html MAN AMONGST MEN T SHIRT FOUND IN NIGERIA Diarmid Smith writes:- These are fairly recent items, they being produced by that chap in Canada REMEMBRANCE DAY Pete Micklewood (RhAF) Writes:- For those ground and aircrew who served their country and think that no one today cares - READ THIS. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/harold-percival-funeral-injured-soldier-2712243 and the result: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/harold-jellicoe-percival-hundreds-attend-629274 BRIT SAS TOLD TO TONE DOWN THEIR SELECTION COURSES Health and Safety chiefs were slammed yesterday after ordering Britain\'s toughest soldiers to tone down their selection courses. See - http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/443004/Health-and-safety-farce-as-SAS-are-told-to-tone-down-their-selection-courses (Published Published: Thu, November 14, 2013) SAS HERO \'THE FOX\' DIES See http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/tributes-as-sas-hero-the-fox-dies-aged-88-x.22699547 (Published Friday 15 November 2013) DIANE COPS WILL QUIZ TOP BRASS OVER SAS MURDER CLAIMS Refer - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/princess-diana-murder-claims-diana-2800188 REMINDERS Grand Get-Together in Cape Town in February 2014 Time is getting short - let John and Tony know if your coming or not. A Jolly Good Show Date: - Friday22nd Nov Venue: -Fish HoekCommunity centre Main Hall. Time: - 6.30pm for 7 pm Tickets :- Through Debi Hawkins 0825073370 , At AP Jones, or at the door Cost :- R30.00 This is a very exciting evening of entertainment by somevery talented artists who are doing the show to raise funds for Flame Lily Foundation Christmas Tea: Date: -Wednesday 4th Dec. Venue: -Methodist Church Time: -9.30.am for 10.00 am All, to please bring a plate of eats(There will be no charge at the doorbut a donation box for those who choose to do so) Please bring a small giftto the value of no more than R20.00Wrapped, Labeled: - male /female/ either, to put around the Christmas tree for everyone, to make for a festive occasion We will be having spot .prizes, and hope to have some enjoyable entertainment too. R.S.V.P. Priscilla Rees 021 7824573 / 0824945602 / rees1@mweb.co.za SMILE A WHILE A senior citizen drove his brand new BMW Z4 convertible out of the car salesroom. Taking off down the motorway, He floored it to 100mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. \"Amazing!\" he thought as he flew down the M1, enjoying pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police car behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. \"I can get away from him - no problem!\" thought the elderly nutcase as he floored it to 120mph,then 130mph then 140mph Suddenly, he thought, \"What on earth am I doing? I\'m too old for this nonsense!\" So he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the police car to catch up with him. Pulling in behind him, the police officer walked up the driver\'s side of the BMW, looked at his watch and said, \"Sir, my shift ends in 10 minutes. Today is Friday and I\'m taking off for the weekend. If you can give me a reason why you were speeding that I\'ve never heard before, I\'ll let you go.\" The old man, looked very seriously at the policeman, and replied, \"Years ago, my wife ran off with policeman. I thought you were bringing her back.\" \"Have a good day, Sir\", said the policeman

By Peter Hosking Below is one of my few Air Force photos taken I believe in Gwelo . Se Photograph Inspection Party, Left to Right are: Pat Meadows-Taylor, Wally Godwin, Ian Smith,Andy Rawlins, Peter Hosking, Doug Whyte . and toeing the line - THE RhAF ! ! End Thanks to Peter for sharing his photograph and memories with ORAFs. Peter - Pat was in front to ensure they all marched straight and Doug was there to stop any chatting in the ranks! Eddy Norris Comments are always welcome, send the, to orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesia, ORAfs

Erik Eilertsen (Rh Sigs) Rogues Gallery TERENCE MURPHY Mike Borlace (RhAF) Writes:- Reference Terence Murphy. What a sad thing - a very good fire force operator. Although it is not mentioned in his biography as depicted in the \"Flying Marines\" and \"ORAFs\" websites, I believe he was selected as the first Royal Marine to do an F-4K (Phantom) conversion. I had a long conversation with him at Umtali once and a long time back saw some correspondence about this in Marine / Fleet Air Arm exchanges. Unfortunately I cannot remember if he actually started the course, but I believe it was curtailed for \'political\' reasons. It is possible that this was a factor in his somewhat abrupt and early resignation from the Corps and eventual arrival on 7 Squadron. One of the best K-Car fire force commanders - and a really good man. Refer http://www.ourstory.com/thread.html?t=1120576&comments=1 and http://www.flyingmarines.com/Biographies/1951-1960/Murphy.htm HRH PRINCE CHARES 65TH BIRTHDAY - NOVEMBER 14 2013 Cliff Potter (RhAF) Writes:- I would like to share a story of a day in my life which happened 65 years ago. On 14th November 1948 I was serving as Stores Assistant on board aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. We were deployed in the North sea performing day and night Seafire deck landing trials. Using the ship\'s Tanoy the Captain instructed us all to assemble on the flight deck as he had an important announcement to make. 1600 members of crew assembled on the deck to be informed that a Royal baby boy had been born, that very day, who would one day be the King of England. He then ordered the ship\'s company to accept a double tot of rum (1/2 pint) in his honour to splice the main brace. That day will remain in my memory for ever. 6 months later I left to find my place in the sun, Southern Rhodesia, where I remained for the next 56 years. What a wonderful, wonderful time I had. IAN MCINTOSH AWARDED THE IRB VENOM PUGH RUGBY AWARD Louis Hartley recommends this link:- http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/Top-IRB-award-for-McIntosh-20131119 DORIS LESSING DIES AGED 94 The novelist Doris Lessing, who tackled race, ideology, gender politics and the workings of the psyche in a prolific and often iconoclastic career, died in London on Sunday at the age of 94, her publisher HarperCollins said. Lessing won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2007, only the 11th woman to do so, but characteristically refused to offer the expected gushing response on hearing the news, observing drily: \"One can get more excited than one gets, you know.\" Read the complete article at http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-rt-us-britain-lessing-20131117,0,5986912.story THANK YOU IAIN HARPER ORAFs has just learnt that Iain Harper has hung up his keyboard and is no longer the Editor of the Rhodesian Army publication of the Lion and Tusk. Iain has been a great supporter of all the work that ORAFs is involved in, I would like to record ORAFs thanks to Iain for his support and friendship. He has been with ORAFs since about 1999 Good luck Iain. BIG GAME HUNTING BOOKS ORAFs identified the following book which are available at Amazon Big Game Hunting in North-Eastern Rhodesia (The Peter Capstick Library) by Owen Letcher (Dec 1986) Refer-http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-North-Eastern-Rhodesia-Capstick-Library/dp/031200107X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384781278&sr=1-1&keywords=Big+Game+Hunting+in+North-Eastern+Rhodesia After Big Game in Central Africa (Peter Capstick\'s Library) Refer http://www.amazon.com/After-Central-Africa-Capsticks-Library/dp/0312032749/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384781278&sr=1-2&keywords=Big+Game+Hunting+in+North-Eastern+Rhodesia Big Game Hunting in North-Eastern Rhodesia / Recollections of William Finaughty Refer http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-North-Eastern-Rhodesia-Recollections-Finaughty/dp/B002QGFYW0/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384781278&sr=1-3&keywords=Big+Game+Hunting+in+North-Eastern+Rhodesia BLUE NOTE FIX Ian Pringle (PRAW) Writes:- A heads-up for anyone needing a Blue Note fix. The Thunder City Hawker Hunter will be flying a display at the Wings and Wheels Show at Ysterplaats AFB in Cape Town on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2013. The Buccaneer will also definitely fly and, we hope, a Lightning too. Of course there will be SAAF and other aircraft flying at the show. REMINDERS Grand Get-Together in Cape Town in February 2014 Time is getting short - let John and Tony know if your coming or not. Ysterplaats Air Show (Cape Town) - Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2013 A Jolly Good Show Date: - Friday22nd Nov Venue: -Fish HoekCommunity centre Main Hall. Time: - 6.30pm for 7 pm Tickets :- Through Debi Hawkins 0825073370 , At AP Jones, or at the door Cost :- R30.00 This is a very exciting evening of entertainment by somevery talented artists who are doing the show to raise funds for Flame Lily Foundation Christmas Tea: Date: -Wednesday 4th Dec. Venue: -Methodist Church Time: -9.30.am for 10.00 am All, to please bring a plate of eats(There will be no charge at the doorbut a donation box for those who choose to do so) Please bring a small giftto the value of no more than R20.00Wrapped, Labeled: - male /female/ either, to put around the Christmas tree for everyone, to make for a festive occasion We will be having spot .prizes, and hope to have some enjoyable entertainment too. R.S.V.P. Priscilla Rees 021 7824573 / 0824945602 / rees1@mweb.co.za SMILE A WHILE A young Army officer was severely wounded in the head by a grenade, but the only visible, permanent injury was that both of his ears were amputated. Since his remaining hearing was sufficient, he remained in the Army. Many years later he eventually rose to the rank of Major General. He was, however, very sensitive about his appearance. One day the General was interviewing three servicemen who were candidates for his headquarters staff. The first was a Captain, a tactical helicopter pilot, and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview the General asked him, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' The young officer answered, \'Why, yes, Sir, I couldn\'t help but notice that you have no ears.\' The general was displeased with his lack of tact and threw him out. The second interview was with a Navy Lieutenant, and he was even better. The General then asked him the same question, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' He replied sheepishly,\' Well, sir, you have no ears.\' The General threw him out also. The third interview was with a old Sergeant Major, an Infantryman and staff-trained NCO. He was smart, articulate, fit, looked sharp, and seemed to know more than the two officers combined. The General liked this guy, and went ahead with the same question, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' To his surprise the Sergeant Major said, \'Yes, sir, you wear contact lenses.\' The General was very impressed and thought, \'What an incredibly observant NCO, and he didn\'t mention my ears.\' He asked, \'Sergeant Major, how do you know I wear contacts?\' \'Well, sir,\' the soldier replied, \'It\'s pretty hard to wear glasses with no flipping ears.’ \"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly\" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com Ref. Rhodesia, ORAFs

Lt. Joyce (RhSigs) Rogues Gallery AFA (GAUTENG) LUNCHEON Eddy Norris (ORAFs) Writes:- Trisha and I attended this wonderful yesterday (November 30) - it was gratifying to see how many RhAF folk were in attendance along with their wives. I identified two men from the BSAP and did hear that a RLI braved the odds and also there. I am aware that Cheryl Grover has worked extremely hard to get the AFA (Gauteng) going again and from yesterdays attendance she is achieving her objective. Cheryl has promised photographs and as soon as I receive them they will be distributed to you all. I ask Cheryl to send soonest as news and not days later as history. I heard that a few of the \'brave stayers\' where there at 23h00. TIME LAPSE MAP OF EVERY NUCLEAR EXPLOSION EVER ON EARTH Compliments of Ian Whitfield (PATU) Japanese artist Isao Hashimoto has created a beautiful, undeniably scary time-lapse map of the 2053 nuclear explosions which have taken place between 1945 and 1998, beginning with the Manhattan Project’s “Trinity” test near Los Alamos and concluding with Pakistan’s nuclear tests in May of 1998. This leaves out North Korea’s two alleged nuclear tests in this past decade (the legitimacy of both of which is not 100% clear). Each nation gets a blip and a flashing dot on the map whenever they detonate a nuclear weapon, with a running tally kept on the top and bottom bars of the screen. Hashimoto, who began the project in 2003, says that he created it with the goal of showing\" the fear and folly of nuclear weapons.” It starts really slow — if you want to see real action, skip ahead to 1962 or so — but the buildup becomes overwhelming. Please visit http://memolition.com/2013/10/16/time-lapse-map-of-every-nuclear-explosion-ever-on-earth/ but we warned - it is frightening what mankind is doing. WW2 SPITFIRE YOUTUBE Bruce Rooken-Smith recommends this video See http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ie3SrjLlcUY&sns=em (I seem to think this video has previously been circulated - nevertheless a wonderful story and worth a second viewing. Eddy Norris) SMITH HAS THE LAST LAUGH IN HIS GRAVE See http://nehandaradio.com/2013/11/25/ian-smith-has-the-last-laugh-in-his-grave/ WW2 PHOTOGRAPHS Tom Krummell recommends this site and note the old helicopter photos:- http://www.mission4today.com/index.php?name=ForumsPro&file=viewtopic&t=14428&finish=15&start=15 ITALIAN DOCTOR KILLED IN FORMER RHODESIA ON ROAD TO SAINTHOOD Refer - http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=23694 YOUTUBE -Tribute to Aviators Darryl Burlin (RhAF) recommends this video Visit http://www.youtube.com/v/RU1oB8sGyYM SIR ROY WELENSKY Jean Fletcher (RhAF) Writes:- I remember Sir Roy Welensky always a gentleman, he used to give Brian a lift some times when he got off the air force bus He gave us good advice on what to plant in our orchard as regards fruit trees I must say the advice was sound we had fantastic Satsuma plums and peaches he was a down to earth man no airs or graces. REMINDERS Grand Get-Together in Cape Town in February 2014 Time is getting short - let John and Tony know if your coming or not. AFA (Gauteng) Monthly Prayer Meeting First Saturday of the month at Dickie Fritz Shellhole. Christmas Tea: Date: -Wednesday 4th Dec. Venue: -Methodist Church Time: -9.30.am for 10.00 am All, to please bring a plate of eats(There will be no charge at the doorbut a donation box for those who choose to do so) Please bring a small giftto the value of no more than R20.00Wrapped, Labeled: - male /female/ either, to put around the Christmas tree for everyone, to make for a festive occasion We will be having spot .prizes, and hope to have some enjoyable entertainment too. R.S.V.P. Priscilla Rees 021 7824573 / 0824945602 / rees1@mweb.co.za SMILE A WHILE A young Army officer was severely wounded in the head by a grenade, but the only visible, permanent injury was that both of his ears were amputated. Since his remaining hearing was sufficient, he remained in the Army. Many years later he eventually rose to the rank of Major General. He was, however, very sensitive about his appearance. One day the General was interviewing three servicemen who were candidates for his headquarters staff. The first was a Captain, a tactical helicopter pilot, and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview the General asked him, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' The young officer answered, \'Why, yes, Sir, I couldn\'t help but notice that you have no ears.\' The general was displeased with his lack of tact and threw him out. The second interview was with a Navy Lieutenant, and he was even better. The General then asked him the same question, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' He replied sheepishly,\' Well, sir, you have no ears.\' The General threw him out also. The third interview was with a old Sergeant Major, an Infantryman and staff-trained NCO. He was smart, articulate, fit, looked sharp, and seemed to know more than the two officers combined. The General liked this guy, and went ahead with the same question, \'Do you notice anything different about me?\' To his surprise the Sergeant Major said, \'Yes, sir, you wear contact lenses.\' The General was very impressed and thought, \'What an incredibly observant NCO, and he didn\'t mention my ears.\' He asked, \'Sergeant Major, how do you know I wear contacts?\' \'Well, sir,\' the soldier replied, \'It\'s pretty hard to wear glasses with no flipping ears.’ \"The wiser mind, mourns less for what age takes away, than what it leaves behind\" End of Newsletter Comments are always welcome - send them to Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com

Billy Lind entered into rest in the UK from cancer. Billy was a direct entry carpenter. Regret no photograph available, if you can help with one please mail it Eddy Norris at orafs11@gmail.com End Source - Dave Panton (RhAF) Ref. Rhodesian Air Force, ORAFs