April/May 1972

My home in Twynham No 135 for 9 months.

Note the free orange squash on the desk. Issued, as our drinking water was

desalinated and often tasted of salt hence the orange squash for free!

Orange squash with salt water - think about it!

Albeit a few months after I had left this is Cpl Dick Davies in possibly

the same Tynham as mine, cramped or what for 9 months!

(photo courtesy of Dick Davies 72/73)

Dave (Paddy) Reid earky in1973 in the Pongo's Twynham. Behind him was my bed

space behind the locker and curtain before I left in Nov 72.

Cpl Dick Davies and Sig Paddy Reid. Not sure but it's either

a new curtain for the bed space or their wedding dress.... well it was lonely out there!!

(photo courtesy of Cpl Dick Davies)

Note: All the inbuilt comforts of military accommodation in 1972.

Think I was just or about to play 6 aside soccer

 1972

 603 Signal Troop Office complex with Sgt "Taff" Gatehouse R SIGNALS

How annoying, caught doing some work!

"Ted" Pongo Dudding 1972

603 Signal Troop Rest Room complex prior to me renovating it (see below)

L to R:  Cpl (Technician) Bernie Melia, Sig (Lineman) Paddy McConnell,

  Ali (on floor) our local worker, Sgt (Lineman)Taff Gatehouse,

Cpl (Lineman) Bob Hawkins and Sig (Lineman) Rocky Mountain

603 Sig Tp "The Troop rest room renovated by yours truely"

(there were slack times)!

Corporal (Storeman) Don Marr, Sig Rocky Mountain and 

Sig (Driver) Jake Warrilow (who left with me in Nov 72) 

 The Rest Room post my tour with Cpl Purdy, ? hands in pocket,  Cpl (as was) DickDavies, ?

Nov 72 - Aug 73 (I know chap on Right and back centre)

The Rest room again redecorated 1973. Oh how things

change. Where's the red and white from NEXT?

Cpl Dick Davies consuming neat Gin?

(photo courtesy of Cpl Dick Davies)

A line man's lot. The cables outside our work hut and area

Paddy Reid (the Troop Driver Oct/Nov 72) with Ali our work hut cleaner and

coffee maker.

(photo courtesy of Dave (Paddy Reid) who was in station prior to my departure)

 Paddy Reid, possibly up at the tailor's shop. Note the

Elephant with clenched trunk - our insignia. 

(photo courtesy of Dave Reid  (2-73))

The Springbok usually up at the Tailors

The Troop awaiting a high ranking visit Sep/Oct 1972

The Troop in 1973 (after I had gone) 

(photo courtesy of Dick Davies)

Above, the troop in 1973 (the year after I left). Names as shown.

(photo courtesy of Cpl Dick Davies)

Cpl Dick Davies in the armoured 4 tonne

72/73

(photo courtesy of Cpl (as was) Dick Davies)

Photograph courtesy of Cpl 'Les' Roles (second in from end front row right),

of 603 Sig Tp prior to my arrival in March 1972. VIP unknown.

Rear row LtoR: Sig Hill, ?, ?, ?, ?, Cpl Williams, Cpl Sid Thompson, ?, ? ?

Centre Row LtoR: x 5 (?)

Front Row LtoR:  7th(Les?)  

The Cpl I replaced (Cpl Williams) is sixth in from the left rear row.

(anyone knowing the names of the members of the Troop please let me know)

Again, and prior to my arrival at 603 Sig Tp in March 1972

(photo provide by Cpl Les Roles) L to R rear row: Taff Davis, ?, ?, ?, ?, Cpl Les Roles 

L to R centre row: Cpl Sid Thompson, ?, Cpl Wiliams (who I replaced), ?, ?

L to R front row: ?, Capt Risby, Station Comdr?, SOinC?, ?, ?

 603 Sig Troop in 1974 (note Ali in rear row end right)

Rear row: Right to Left . Ali, Charlie Beck (Lmn), Fiji Alen (Lmn), Cpl Murton (Tech), ? NK,

Eddie Pluscota (Lmn), Chopper Hopper (Tech), ? NK, LCpl Sharp (Lmn), Dave Denny (Lmn)

Front Row: Right to Left: Cpl Mel Turvey (Tech), Cpl Ginge Stacey (Lmn), Sgt Charlie Peach (Lmn)

Colonel Bound CAFSO, WO2 (Fof) John Hill, Cpl McDonald, Cpl Ena Sharples (Tech)

(Photo courtesy of WO2 (FofS) John (Nobby) Hill R Signals) 

For those who knew John (Nobby) FofS Hill here he is below at the

RAF Masirah Reunion October 2011. Nobby says 'anyone out there that

served in Masirah get in touch with Vic at the top of the page and

come along to the next Reunion in Oct 2012 in Harrogate'.

 Another VIP in 1973, Maj Gen Sawyers.

L to R sitting, Cpl Dick Davies and Lcpl Holder in the rest room.

Note my drawing of the Pongo Power Elephant to the rear. Drawn 1972.

(courtesy of Cpl Dick Davies)

Another high ranking visitor but in February 1973. I had gone.

(Photo courtesy of Dave (Paddy) Reid 72-73.

Continuation of the visit. Any sand in those barrels boys?

Feb 1973

Another wonderful but later photograph of Signalman John Baxter and

Samo and Ali who both worked for the Troop. This was taken in 1974 but

the two civilians have not changed and doubtfully ever did? 

(picture courtesy of John Baxter) 

 April 1972

 Cpl "Sid" Thompson's "Tourex" "Maslama" (farewell)

L to R: Myself, Cpl Sid Thomson and Cpl Pip Pitaway (609 Sig Tp)

  "Sid's" The "Tourex King" in this one.

"Maslama" T shirt (designed by yours truely)!

(Taff second from left)

One of many socials in the "CRAZY HORSE" 1972

(recognise anyone except Deputy Dog)?

Left to Right: Myself, Jim, Paddy, Taff, Don, Bernie, Rocky, John, Trev, Colin, Bob, Jim and Eddie

Remember these?

603 Signal Troop Tie & the

Honourable Order Of The Crazy 'H' tie (HOOTCH)

 More of the same in the "CRAZY HORSE" RAF MASIRAH 1972

(are you here)? 

L to R:  Les Roles, Rocky Mountain, Jake Warrilow, myself with soccer injury, Eddy, Colin, Mark Essig, Taff, Sid Thompson, Ron and ?

Saying Maslama (farewell) to Taff (Tourex) (3rd in from the right)

L to R: Jock Young (603), Brian Sloan, Mick (now, through past wife pressures

called Mike)Talty RAF, Taff (603), Pip (609) and myself

Continuing the "Maslama" (farewell) to Taff

Inside the "CRAZY HORSE" 1972

 Two 'Brylcreme Boys' Alex Boyack and Terry Davies in the Crazy Horse

having found something disgusting on the bondu?

The 'Turtle Club' from the outside 

Now in the "Turtle Club" 1972

sad, only two pubs on the Island

Pip Pittaway (609), me (603) and Geordie Manning (RAF)

Looks like the "Turtle Club" again

Jim Bennett spinning around

L to R: Taff, Trev, Paddy, Mick (now Mike)Talty, Brian Sloan, Colin, Taff, Pip, me, Mick and Jim

 Another party. This great photo (Oct/Nov 72) courtesy of 'Dave (Paddy) Reid' who arrived

a few days prior to my Tourex. Dave replaced Jake Warrilow our troop

driver. Jake was on the same flight as me home and is shown later in the

departure lounge along with me. The lads in the picture, as I know are:

Front row: LtoR WO2 (FofS) Brian Meachin, Cpl (Tech) John Davey, Sgt Bill Quinlan.

Rear row: LtoR. ?, Sig McConnel, ?, Sig Jones, Sig Cartledge, ?, Sig Young, Paddy Reid, ?

I await Dave Reid's response for more names (25 Feb 11)

72/73.  No excuse - another booze up.

Dave (Paddy) Reid, Sig Jones, Jim Bennett and Sgt Bill Quinlan.

 Another night in the Crazy Horse1973.... Paddy Reid and Dick Davies, ?

The next set of six photographs have been provided by

Dave Wilson (RAF Antenna Rigger) on 19th November 2009.

I know many of the lads in these phtotographs,

some by name some by sight. Dave and I will

endeavour to put names to all. However, if you know

those who are missing I would love to hear from you

so all can be identified.

Far right with glasses and hands on! is Tojo (Paul) Lydon

2nd row last on right is Joh Graham

 LtoR:  ?, Dave Wilson (RAF), Jim Bennet (Army), Taff (Army), Colin Wills (Army),

Bernie Melia (Armyh), Don Marr (Army). Rocky Mountain (Army), 

Geordie Manning (RAF)

RAF COMMCEN Night Out

Faces I know but names? Possibly all RAF lads?

(SAC Vic Redmond Commcen RAF updates as best he can)

Left to Right (All RAF): Vic Redmond, ?, ?, Dave Wilson, (Standing) John Brown.

Far right with glasses and mustache Tojo (Paul) Lydon

L to R (front) Bottom Left, Dave Clarke, Brian Dolan, ?, (top L)?, Tie with glasses?, Vic Redman (about to sink in one go), Mick (now Mike) Talty (checking his wedding ring, possibly the reason for name change or was it promotion thing?)!, Les Deighton and Brian Sloan bottom R 

(Photo courtesy of as then SAC Vic Redman (Comcen) RAF))

SAC Vic Redmond and SAC Dinky Brown RAF Commcen on a night out!

(Photo courtesy of Vic Redmond) 

4 x Radio Antenna Crew, LtoR:

Kenny Allen, Terry Davies (hey Riggers he reckons he was a

Radar Tech - posh or what)! 

  Alex Chrighton, George Manning

and the photo provider, Dave Wilson.

Four Radio Antenna Crew. LtoR: Dave Wilson, a Piper who used to play the bagpipes on the Jebel at sunset (name unknown), last two unkown.

Do you know any missing names?

 All dressed up and off the to the 'ASTRA' ('good old Fred (Quimby'))!

L/R:  ?, John Wardley RAF Police, Gary Bennett, Ben Bennellick all RAF

(photo courtesy of Ben Bennellick RAF)

This is where they were off to! The ASTRA

The ASTRA Main Entrance

This time it's the "Crazy Horse"

Taff, Johny "lucky legs" Mould, me, Pip Pittaway and Mick

all Army except Mick (RAF). Is that sand on the floor - never!

Taff and myself awaiting the VIP 1972

276 SU RAF Building

(courtesy of Sgt Peter Hanson RAF) 

276 SU RAF Masirah Soccer Team 1972

Top picture (all RAF)

276 RAF Signals Unit Masirah Soccer Team

Rear: Harry Raymond, Ben Bennellick, Taff, Cliff Webb, Jacko Jackson,

Mike or Mick (Army)?, Ian Mckenzie

Front row: Roger Edwards, ?, Sye Stewart, ?

Bottom Photo (all but one RAF)

Some of our 'Blue Job' friends from 276 RAF Signals Unit Masirah in 1972

Recognise anyone here? 

Rear row RtoL: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Ben Bennellick, ?, ?, ?. 

Front row: RtoL: ?, Jacko Jackson, Bob Bertram, 

(love to hear from you)

(photo's courtesy of C/Tech Ben Bennellick RAF)

'Ben' is fourth from the left standing. 'Jacko' Jackson

2nd in from right sitting

Ernie Willmont and Ben Bennellick both RAF.

Typical 'Blue Job' pose, not manoeuvering!

(photo courtesy of Ben)

"The Masirah State Railway"

The lads took ages to get this up and running!

(photo courtesy of C/Tech Ben Bennellick RAF)

The swimming pool (built after 1972)

(photo courtesy of Sgt Peter Hanson RAF)

30m Range on RAF Masirah 

The Armoured 4 Tonne from 609 Sig Tp. Me driving and Johny Mould R SIGNALS

saying "what a poseur"!

Another poseur position. 'Mustn't not get too burnt'!

Out on our travels Masirah 1972

 Out on the bondu with 609 Signal Troop vehicle 1972

(I rolled this landrover on the Diplomatic Wireless Service

 road in a heavy rain storm. I was lucky to get out.

Note the porche style windscreen delivered courtysy

of the Warrant Officer in the RAF MT (thanks)!

Up Island to an old RAF Seaplane base of 1936

This believed to be the old prison cells

One of the very few green Wadi's "Valley of a thousand Palms"

on Masirah. Taken during one of our many trips out and

away from camp.

 On our way to "Valley of a Thousand Palms". About

15 miles from RAF Masirah

Again 15 miles away from the Station 1972

LtoR: Jim Bennet, John Davis and Johny Mould (mit cigarett)

The "Electra" which sunk of the coast of Masirah.

As it was in 1972

RAF MASIRAH "LOGGERHEAD TURTLES" 1972

 Four or five of us used to do a serious amount of Loggerhead Turtle watching. In 1972 there was no conservation as there was no one around. I believe, ahead of our time, we made it our remit to assist/save as many young loggerhead turtles as we could during the September/October hatching period. This female, above and below has been confused after laying her eggs and has turned inland instead of seaward. The sun, at 140 degrees, has come up before she could return and it has boiled her alive.

Cpl "Johny Mould (609 Sig Tp)" with a "boiled" female Loggerhead which

headed inland instead of turning towards the sea.

The same old dear 3 weeks later

(Hermit crabs have had their fill)

This is what we called "Turtle or Surf Beach". It is here that we

secured mass releases of Loggerhead young in September/October 1972

In 1972 this was pristine virgin sand and totally unspoilt. Note that there

is not one boat or person in sight. This is how Masirah was in early 1972. It was

an absolute a paradise for wildlife and acquatic life for individuals such as me.

The far end of Turtle/Surf beach from the hills looking back

at RAF Masirah on the horizon.

 Continuation of Turtle/Surf Beach with sunbathing camels

which are enjoying the cool sea breeze. RAF Masirah on horizon.

Turtle Beach looking away from the Camp towards the hills 1972.

Nice eyelashes! 

Turtle watching! They're behind you!!

Dave (Paddy) Reid with friends on Turtle beach 1973

 Looking back up Turtle Beach towards RAF Masirah on the horizon

July 1972

Female Loggerhead coming up to lay. Again, we were very careful not to

disturb them when coming out of the water or they would

turn around and go back.

One of the many female "loggerheads" coming up to lay her eggs

 at night during the months of July/August 1972.

  Up close and personal. Again very wary of disturbing her.

A female that has finished laying. This usually was at about

eight in the evening. You can see the sand on her that she has

excavated before laying her 100 eggs.

A nice shot of her eggs. Usually lays two at a time and about 100 in all. 

Once she starts laying she will not be distracted.

A clutch of shots of the Loggerheads coming up to lay. 

Attracting spectators.

During the hatching months of September and October we would, after dark, travel down from the camp by Army Landrover to the "Surf" "Turtle" beach. Using the landrover head -lights we would clear as many crabs from the beach with hockey sticks and watch for young turtles emerging from the sand. We had already marked their hatcheries earlier. Once they appeared they had to run the gauntlet of crabs, seagulls (yes, at night) and large fish in the surf. We would gather armfulls of the young turtles and place them as far out to sea as possible. I believe we may have give many a better chance of survival?

A local fisherman (now known as Allahbad Achmed),

cutting open a Loggerhead for her meat and eggs.

"This was long before (September 1972) the species was protected". The turtle

he is skinning is the large one next to the Saw Fish blade in

the next photograph.

(Doug Dickson uptades on 26 Nov 09: The fisherman skinning the turtle was Allahbad Achmed.

He had a contract to supply fish to RAF Masirah at 6p per pound, mainly king mac

and barracuda. He also sold  to the Mobassa boats.

He received the CinC Middle East Commendation

as Foreman in the Ration Supply Depot).

The story of a 5' Saw Fish Blade and Three Turtle Shells

Albeit a non 'pc' thing to do in this day and age, back in 1972 these beautiful creatures 

were killed by the locals for food. For that reason I collected three beautiful turtle shells

from what remained of them on the beach having been killed by local fishermen.

(see above).

 I also managed to save a 5' 'Saw Fish' blade, again from a

local fisherman who had netted it and brought it in dead for food. 

However, these creatures were killed by locals back in early 1972

and I am proud to be able to own them.  They take pride of place in

my home as a memory of those past years and the immense good

I believe we did by saving as many young turtles as we could.

RAF Masirah Sea Bream and my catch from the night before.

Night or day time Beach Cast Fishing here was amazing. There was not a soul to be seen on the pristine stretches of beach in 1972. We used to set of early after dark

and travel far up the coast by Army landrover. On board we would be armed with 

packs of ice cold beer, butter, mess tins and hexi blocks. On the beach, in the cool

of the evening, with a beautiful crashing surf and cold beer in hand we would cook

the freshly caught fish in butter in our mess tins. Wonderful!  I used a 12 foot beach caster rod with a superb 'pen' reel, which I purchase from Cpl Sid Thompson when he left. I caught many a "huge" fish! There were times when you would hook a very large fish (similar to that shown below) that would run and fight for about 15 minutes or so then go to the bottom and stop. You could not budge them and eventually you had to break your line.

"Sea Bream" were the tastiest and we supplied copious quantities to our Messes".

  Here we go - tackeling up and ready for the BIG boys!!

(Photo courtesy of Dave (Paddy) Reid, camera shy with his hat!!)

Cpl Dick Davies holding his well polished rod! 1973

(courtesy of Cpl Dick Davies 11/72 to 8/73)

Me with a large, harmless"Guitar" Shark (I believe),

washed up dead on the DWS Beach in August 1972.

  It was against Station Standing Orders

to swim in the sea. However, in those days the lowly "Squaddie"

presumed rules were there to be broken. The sea was too

tempting in the baking heat. It maybe foolish to have swam where 

Stone Fish, coral snakes and other unpleasant creatures that

did not like us lurked! But rules were broken and we survived. 

DWS Beach with the Yatch Club rear right.

Another wonderful view of the Yatch Club in 1972.

(This photo is courtesy of Richard (Prof) Watson (Tele Mech) who served

at various times on attachment from 261 Sig Sqn in Cyprus)

Another strange thing washed up on the Diplomatic Wireless Station beach.

Yatch Club on horizon (this is where I found the Guitar Shark)

One of our many BBQ's up country. About 10 miles

from RAF Masirah 1972. Mixture of Army and RAF here

(recognise anyone)?

Don Marr with his hand on the earn, Taff sat to the front of him,

Jake Warrilow blue shirt, Pip Pitaway sitting on box, Jacko in by the rocks,

Terry Davies (fourth in from the right)!

    Trying to keep cool on a Sunday BBQ trip up the coast 

 RAF Masirah 1972. 140' in the sun. Me in centre with soccer injury!

"Anyone have a copy of Station Standing Orders handy"?

Taff reading a "damp" copy of Station Standing Orders

to see if he's allowed in this deep 1972! 

  Our RAF Movements Squadron

46 Squadron (Yimpkin Airways)!

 RAF MASIRAH April 1972

The airfield from an Andover from 46 Flt (Yimpkin Airways) taking us

to Bayt Al Falaj/Muscat/Seeb/Mutrah.

Runway is top centre running from the sea to the white pan on the right.

A desert strip runs from the right towards and meets the main runway.

(an added note by Doug Dickson RAF)

These trips to Bayt Al Falaj airfield was due to the halal meat contract (and diplomatic

elements with the embassy in Muscat) with Muttrah cold store which was less than

half a mile from the airfield. The meat was packed with dry ice in 75Ib polar packs. It was

a difficult landing as the pilot had to go down between two peaks and drop the plance

quickly as the runway was not long and more used by Sky Vans. The peaks were blown

up in late 1972 when too many planes kept hitting them. The take off was just as difficult

as the daytime ground temperature was about 47 degrees ad was too hot for take off. The

crew and anyone else, having to stay at a small hotel very close to the airfield. The plane

would then take off at 0530hrs for the return trip to Masirah. 

A day out from RAF Masirah to Muscat courtesy of 46 Sqn (Yimpkin Airways)

Flt RAF.

A view of Muscat/Mutrah harbour 1972 as we were coming in. 

Muscat/Mutrah/Bayt Al Falaj 1972 from an RAF Andover of

46 Sqn (Yimpkin Airways) RAF Masirah

The Andover of 46 Sqn (Yimpkin Airways) from

RAF Masirah at Bayt Al Falaj airfield Airfield Muscat 1972

 Muscat/Mutrah and a Hill Fort June 1972 (myself,

Cpl Ian (Ted as the RAF knew me) Dudding R SIGNALS.

 Muscat/Mutrah Souks

"Just right for the wife Taff?"

The "Hill Fort" Muscat/Mutrah 1972

SOCCER ON RAF MASIRAH 

"The STINGRAYS"

RAF Masirah 6 aside Champions 1972

Rear: Paul Wallis (RAF), Cpl Mick Carey (PTI RAF), Cpl Don Marr (Army)

Front: ? (RAF), Myself (Army), Roger Farham (RAF)

(recognise anyone? let me know)

(iandudding@aol.com)

Another excellent 6 aside team with trophies.

(the Stingrays must have left the Island)!

Rear row:  ?  ?  ?

Front Row: John (Paddy) Mcgirr, Roger Edwards,  ?

(plese let me know if you know any of the missing names)

(Photo courtesy of Paddy Mcgirr (now in Australia) 

Another Great soccer photo. TOJO'S TERRORS?

LtoR. rear row: Roger Edwards, Kenny Winters, CO, ?, ?, ?, ?

LtoR front row: Les Deighton, Bob Brearley, ? 

(anyone recognises any of the team I would love their names)

(photo courtesy of Tojo (Paul) LyDon) 

The Army Team on RAF Masirah 1972 made up of 603 and 609

Signal Troop Royal Signal personnel

Rear: Sig Bennett (603), Cpl Johny Mould (609), Cpl Pip Pitaway (609)

Front: Cpl Don Marr (603) Cpl Ian (Ted) Dudding (603)

RAF MASIRAH COMMCEN 6 Aside Team

Top Left : John Brown, ?, ?, ?

Bottom Left: Ken Winters, ?, Vic Redmond, ?

(Photo Courtesy of SAC Vic Redman RAF).

Does anyone recognise those un named? (Vic reckons they were the winners

so the STINGRAYS above must have left the Island !!!).

SAC (as was) Vic Redmond (RAF Commcen) in typical RAF posing position!

(dig those shorts)!

(Of course photo courtesy of Vic)

  Dave (Paddy) Reid in the girl catching mode. No girls Paddy but great outfit.

(It is believed he still has it and wears it out on a Saturday night)

(Photo courtesy of Paddy but not the comments)!!

Down at the 6 aside pitch RAF Masirah 1972

Ken Boast (notified by Doug Dickson RAF) and myself

Spot the new arrival. Me and Cpl (Technician) John Davey (603).

Taff, Dave(?), Myself and Pip Pittaway (609)

out on the Bondu April 1972

RAF Masirah Soccer XI  trip to RAF Gan 19-29th July 1972 

Royal Air Force Britannia Flight Number 6055 awaits to take the

RAF Masirah Soccer Team to Gan in the Maldives 19th July 1972.

Return Britannia was Flight Number 6163 (see flight plan below) 

(6022 came off the runway in high cross winds when we landed

back on Masirah and we had to exit onto the bondu where she came to rest!

Much discussion by the pilot, crew and emergency tenders was being

had down by the landing gear as we walked away!  I think we all had

a change of underwear that night after visiting the Crazy 'H' first)!

I believe Britannia's were susceptible to cross winds!

Flight plan from RAF Gan to RAF Masirah which

the Soccer team were on 29 July 1972. Flt Lt Ford.

(photo courtesy of C/Tec Ben Bennellick our Manager)

RAF Gan 1972 (just enough room for a soccer pitch)?

*RAF Gan (both photo's courtesy of Ben)

RAF MASIRAH SOCCER XI on RAF Gan 1972

Rear Row : Roger Fareham (RAF), Mick (now Mike) Talty (RAF) Alan Shutt (RAF)

Ian (Ted) Dudding (Army), Mick Carey (RAF), Jim Neal (RAF), Jacko Jackson (RAF)

Don Marr (Army), Ben Bennellick (RAF Manager)

Front Row:  Roger Edwards (RAF), Pete Muckeridge (RAF) , Al Johnson (RAF),

Paul Wallis (RAF), Sye Stewart (RAF), Colin Johnson Chandler (RAF)

'The RAF Masirah team played three games over a ten day period'.

The two Captains (RAF Gan in red (?)).

RAF Masriah Jim Neal in white + our Manager Ben (in green rear left)

RAF Masirah v RAF Gan 0 - 0

(photo courtesy of Ben Bennellick) 

RAF Masirah v The Maldives 3 - 3

RAF Masirah v HMS Diamedese 6 - 0

The RAF Masirah six aside team

Rear: Paul Wallis, Mick Carey, Colin Chandler (all RAF)

Front: Don Marr, Myself (both Army) and Roger Edwards (RAF)

Six aside result RAF Masirah v RAF Gan 1 - 1

Now for

some well earned relaxation on Gan 1972

Down at the Yatch Club and waiting to go in for a dip.

I lost my wedding ring in here!

Pete Muckeridge, Mick Carey, Paul Wallis (RAF) and myself (Army)

A view of us, myself, Mick Carey, Paul Wallis, Pete Muckeridge swimming

after a match. RAF Gan 1972

Recognise it? Another party in the "Yatch Club" RAF Gan 1972

Not sure of everyone: Mick Carey (centre white shirt)(RAF) Don Marr (turning around)(Army), Paul Wallis (RAF glasses),

Mick (now Mike)Talty (pink shirt)(RAF), Ben Bennelick (standing rear right green shirt) others (?)

The RAF Masirah Soccer XI in the Cpl's Club on

RAF Gan 1972 

(some pretty hefty cockroaches seen here)!

Trying to get Mick Carey to bear it all for the camera!

Our accommodation on Gan 1972

"HITTADOO"

Because of our game with the Maldives the locals 

invited us to their Independant Day Celebrations on the Island of

Hittadoo. No Europeans were on the Island and it was a privilege

for us to be invited and enjoy their ceremonies

"Mick Carey and Paul Wallis approaching"

The long walk to paradise, again arriving on Hittadoo 1972 

The Hittadoo Independant Day Boat Race celebrations! 1972

"Hittadoo" Celebrations 1972 and us enjoying 

Myself (Army), Mike (was Mike)Talty and Jacko Jackson (RAF)

Mick (wife pressures! now known as Mike)!Talty (RAF)

and myself posing for the camera on Hittadoo 1972

(we both say "wish we looked like that now").

The team on "Hittadoo" Island

Alan Johnson, Jim Neal, Mick Carey, Roger Edwards, Ben Bennellick,

Colin Johnson-Chandler, Jacko Jackson, Don Marr, Myself and

Pete Muckeridge, (kneeling unknown) 

(all RAF except myself and Don Marr, Army)

Roger Farham and Pete Fowler

with local children clambering for sweets! 

Pete Fowler today at the RAF Masirah Reunion in Harrogate 2011.

*Our Manager 'Ben' with Hittadoo Kids

Paul Wallis with his pet coconut on Hittadoo 1972

Mick Carey and Roger Edwards in the background.

More of "Hittadoo" 

More of the Hittadoo Children 1972

"My last BBQ on the Island prior to leaving

on the 10th November 1972"

Unloading the BBQ equipment and of course BEER!

November 1972 

L to R:  Cpl Hawkins (Lmn), Sig Jones (Lmn) (sitting),

WO2 (FofS) Brian Meachin (sitting),

Sig Bennett (Lmn) (dropping off tailboard).

(Leaning forward in back of 4 tonne unknown).

My "Maslama" (Farewell to RAF Masirah)

Top photo