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ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS ASSOCIATION
No. 20 Group Newsletter
- Spring 2015-
–
www.rocatwentytwelve.org
In this issue:
Group Carol Service
2014 ........................... 2
Local Heritage Matters:
St Chad’s Church ...... 2
RAFA Service ........... 3
Hidden Histories ........ 4
Committee Matters ..... 6
National News ............ 6
ROC Banner ............... 8
National Reunion ....... 8
Book Corner ............... 9
Obs Capt Murphy ....... 9
In Memoriam .............. 10
Editorial
Important national news in this edition regarding the laying up of the
Royal Observer Corps Banner. In early March Jim Millington and I
took part in one of the visits being organized by the National
Secretary to see the Banner hanging in the rotunda of the Royal Air
Force College Cranwell. It proved to be a “grand day out”. If you
haven’t visited the College before, or simply want a last chance to see
the Banner there, I would strongly recommend trying to secure a place
on the next visit (see the ‘National News’ item for details).
Thank you to David Simpson and Carl Olsen for penning articles with
a local flavor.
Tim Kitching Editor
Editor: Tim Kitching, 16 Altofts Lodge Drive, Altofts, Normanton, West
Yorkshire, WF6 2LB
Tel: 01924 892707 E-mail: [email protected]
Forthcoming events…
Armed Forces Day
Saturday 27th June 2015
Leeds and Scarborough
Please see article ‘Committee Matters’ and/or contact the Group
Secretary for more details.
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Group Carol Service: 14th December 2014
Our now annual Carol Service, ably organised by Rev. David Simpson, was moved to an
earlier time in 2014, taking place at 3.30pm on the afternoon of Sunday 14th December at St
Chad’s Church on the Knavesmire, York.
Once again, thanks are due to David for his organisation and leadership of the event. Thank
you too, to all members of both ROCA and York Branch of RAFA who attended for a service
of seven readings and carols. The organist and choir of St Chad’s contributed their not
inconsiderable talents to this memorable occasion and the church extended its hospitality to
post-service refreshments.
Local Heritage Matters: St Chad’s on the Knavesmire – Rev. D. Simpson
[We have been fortunate over the last few years, in developing a close relationship with the
church and parishioners of St Chad’s on the Knavesmire, York. In the following article our
padre Rev. David Simpson tells the story of St Chad’s and its connection with the Royal
Observer Corps – Ed.]
St Chad's was built in 1926 to the
design of the York architect, Walter
Brierley. Walter Brierley
unfortunately died in 1926, not
seeing the completion of the church.
He was a noted architect, who was
involved with the designs of over
300 buildings in the North,
including the County Hall
Northallerton, Malton Grammar
School, the former Purey Cust
Nursing Home sited to the northwest
of York Minster and the Goddards
in York (originally the home of the
Hon. Duty Controller of 9 Group Noel Terry, who was the director of the famous chocolate
making firm Terry's of York, situated just across the road from St Chad's). [In his excellent
book “Watchers Over the Broad Acres”, Norman Spence notes that many of Noel Terry’s
employees also formed part of the 9 Group Crew – Ed.]
The church was constructed using reinforced concrete with orange-brown brick facings laid
to English bond and moulded brick decoration. The roof vault was concrete with an asphalt
covering. In the early part of the 21st century, under the guidance of the Reverend Canon
Simon Stanley, many improvements were made, one of which was to the asphalt roof. It was
way past its useful life and many roof leaks later, a major restoration project on the roof was
carried out replacing the old asphalt with titles, a large part of the cost being covered by a
grant from English Heritage. It is mainly thanks to them that our Carol Service doesn't
require us to bring our umbrella.
©Gordon Hatton
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In its original 1920s design the church was intended to be much
larger. There was also plan for a new church hall next to it, which
would have had an added access by an upper entrance to the hall.
Those of you who have visited, will have noticed that the stairways
on both sides of the nave are suspended midway, and have may have
wondered what happened to the missing lower parts of the staircases.
Like all good plans for a grand church, it ran out of money! The
narthex and the short square tower was not added until the 1960s. At
the time St Chad's church was built, it was intended to be in the
centre of the community of South Bank, with the development
across the road of a large housing estate. However, when Terry
instead built their big factory it ended up being on the edge. Today that housing estate is now
in the process of being build, with a mixture of homes and apartments, so St Chad's
hopefully, as intended, will be in the midst of the community.
The church of St Chad's close ties with the Royal Observer Corps began with the old 9 and
10 Groups. At first the two Group Controls were based behind the Post Office in Lendal,
accommodated in an old large wooden sorting hut, within the parish of St Helen's Church.
However, the vulnerability of the two Group Controls to air raids became apparent, especially
after the Baedeker Raid on York on the 29 April 1942, when St Martin's Church in Coney
Street and the Guildhall were completely destroyed. Both were only a few yards from the
Control Rooms, and it was essential for them to be evacuated during the raid. The late
W/Obs. Phyliss Broadley recalled how she and others had to dash to their Emergency Centres
carrying all the symbols for the display board. Subsequently, 9 Group moved to the
Yorkshire Museum and 10 Group to the De Grey Rooms.
Soon afterwards, in 1943, the Control Rooms were provided with two purpose built buildings
on the Knavesmire for the rest of the war, under special permission of the Pasture Masters.
One of these still stands and is used as a sports changing room. So from the second half of
the war, and later as the reformed 20 Group Control Room during the Cold War, they were
within the parish of St Chad's until 1961, when 20 Group moved to its new semi-underground
HQ in Acomb.
Whenever you are visiting York, you are warmly invited to visit St Chad's and take a look
around. It is open most days, except on Race Days.
[A little while ago, the Group Association presented a ROCA wall plaque to the church,
which is now displayed prominently – Ed.]
RAFA York Branch Church Service
On the morning of Sunday 1st March 2015 the York Branch of the Royal Air Forces
Association held its annual service of sung matins. Thanks to Gordon Murden, York ROCA
was invited to parade its Group Standard at the service. The standards present were slow
marched down the central aisle of the church as the service began. Collected again at its
conclusion, the standards were dipped for the National Anthem before being quick marched
back up the aisle. In addition, they were paraded “at the carry” outside the main entry to the
church to greet guests, the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of the City of York and Civic Party, and
at their departure. Jim and Sheila Millington attended to represent the Group.
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Lessons were read by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of York Councillor Ian Gillies and Wing
Commander Graham Bingham of RAF Linton on Ouse. Attendees were invited to join a
reception at the RAFA York Branch Club after the service.
Hidden Histories: Carl Olsen
In January this year in was contacted by James Fox, Curator of RAF Holmpton about the
ROC and its time in the Ops room, as the BBC were going to do a live and special Hidden
History's Broadcast, with Phil White from the Bunker for three hours on the 24th February.
James asked if we would be willing to be part of this.
I contacted the members who are part of South East District, including Walter Kirk, Steve
Iceton, Barry Houghton and Ted Pattrick to discuss the request, and we had a meeting
on Thursday 19th February. James Fox had asked that if we could attend on the day, that
would be great. As an alternative, we could go to the BBC on Queens Gardens, Hull to do a
recorded piece for Radio Humberside. We took the decision to take part in the special, live
from the bunker at Holmpton.
Unfortunately Ted couldn't make the broadcast so Barry, Walter, Steve and myself arranged
to go to Holmpton for 11am on the 24th. The programme didn’t start until 12, but we needed
to arrange what we had to say, who would say it and when. We were to speak in the Ops
Above: In the bunker.
Back row: Carl Olsen, the BBC’s Phil White, James Fox (Curator)
Front row: Steve Iceton, Walter Kirk, Barry Houghton
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Room from 12:45, then again after the news, and Phil White would ask us individually about
the Ops room, what we did and why.
At 1245 Phil started with Steve, who chatted about his time on a Post in County Durham.
Phil then went to the news and travel, after which it was back to Walter, and Barry talking
about the Posts, and about their experiences in the ROC, including when they joined and
where they served. Phil asked who was ex-military (Walt and Barry were in the RAF, Steve
was in the Royal Corps of Signals in the Army; I came in fresh faced aged 17!
Phil then came to me and talked about my time in the ROC, including why and when I had
joined and a bit about the Cold War. Then Phil went on to discuss the NRC at Holmpton and
what we did, why we did it and for whom. I gave a brief description of what we did from
1991 until stand-down in 1995.
Phil talked to the group about the equipment in the Cell, about the ROC’s history from
aircraft spotting and plotting to Nuclear War, the Posts and on to the NRC at Holmpton.
James Fox set off the hand siren, and the Attack Warning Red alert, so that listeners could
again hear this terrifying sound over the radio. We then discussed ROCA and our monthly
meetings that have enabled us to keep in touch with everyone.
Left: Phil White interviews Carl
Olsen in front of the displays.
Right: Some of the
equipment in the
former Nuclear
Reporting Cell.
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The broadcast then went on to other parts of the bunker. BBC producer Kate Murphy came
and did some follow-up on the ROC and took our names and dates of service so that the BBC
can do a follow up show in February/March 2016 from the bunker again.
We left the bunker at 2:30pm. Phil White, BBC staff and James Fox shook our hands and
thanked us for our time and help in this broadcast. The follow up from this has been really
good; for RAF Holmpton, BBC Radio Humberside and the ROCA.
RAF Holmpton is closed until Easter 2016 for a re-fit to make it better. Hopefully More
ROC equipment is to arrive too.
[Many thanks to Carl for this interesting article and to all our members who took part in this
broadcast. At the time of putting this Newsletter together, the broadcast was still available
on I-Player via the BBC Radio Humberside website – Ed.]
Committee Matters
Since the last edition of the Newsletter, the Group Committee has met on one occasion, on
18th March 2015. The Treasurers report noted that the balance at the bank at that date was
£2608.66 with membership at 55, an increase of two members compared with last year.
A major item for discussion was Armed Forces Day. The Group has been invited to take part
in the Leeds Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27th June with the parade starting at 11 am. To
make our presence respectable the Group Secretary has sent an email to all District
Secretaries in York Group asking for members who would like to attend. It was felt that we
need at least nine people to make the event worthwhile. The Committee is looking at the
possibility of obtaining a DVD, showing the role of the ROC and ROCA, to be shown on the
large screen in Leeds. There is an event in Scarborough the same day which it is expected
that members in the east of the group will want to attend.
Please let our Group Secretary, Ann Metcalfe, know if you are planning to attend either
the Leeds or Scarborough Armed Forces Day events.
National News
From Jenny Morris – ROCA National Secretary
IMPORTANT DECISION ON THE ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS BANNER
Message from National Chairman ~ John has written to all Group Chairman to tell members
that at our National Committee meeting held on 28th February the laying up of the ROC Banner
was discussed at length. Wing Commander Paul Crook from the RAF Ceremonial Office
attended to give us a short presentation and to answer questions which had been raised by
members of the Association. After a full discussion it was unanimously agreed to proceed with
the laying up. An important factor for taking the decision is that we were informed that the
Banner cannot remain in the Rotunda in perpetuity. We all agreed that 2015 is the most suitable
year to lay up the Banner while many of us were fit and able to attend the ceremony. Wing
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Commander Crook told us the first Banner currently on display at St Clement Danes will remain
on display along with our second Banner. The Chairman appreciates that some members will be
disappointed at this decision but the National Committee and our President, Air Marshal Spink,
feel that this is both the correct decision and the correct time to lay up the Banner. It will take its
place along with all the others in the RAF Church in London it will help cement the close
relationship between the RAF and the ROC for many generations to come. We hope that as many
members and ex Corps people will want to attend this prestigious occasion and we ask all Groups
to come together to ensure that the laying up of our Banner is conducted in such a proper and
dignified manner as befits our proud history.
Planning the Service & Commemorations ~ Hilary Daniel, Joyce Shrubbs Mick Marks, Diana
Mothersole and myself will on behalf of the National Committee plan and steer the arrangements
with the logistical support of the RAF Ceremonial Office to ensure that as many people as want
may attend and that it is conducted in a dignified and appropriate manner. [See below for further
details – Ed.]
Visit the Rotunda to view the Banner ~ the next visit is on Tuesday 30th June at 10am all
Groups and individuals please contact National Secretary, Jenny Morris, to book a place. Visits
last approx. 1½ hours will include the Rotunda and library at RAF College Cranwell. Dress smart
/smart casual, a maximum of 30 places. The visit is open to ROC/ROCA members and their
guests. The Curator cannot offer later times during the day for the tour please do not ask.
Please note the Curator forewarns that due to a College commitment that comes in after the
booking a visit may have to be cancelled and rearranged.
National Arboretum – Saturday 16th May 2015 ~ We will commemorate 90 years since the
formation of the then Observer Corps in 1925 and all who have served in the Corps throughout its
70 year history to 1995. The annual informal ROCA day at our National Grove members usually
arrive from around midday. At 1300 gather in the Grove were a short commemorative event will
take place. It is planned that each Group’s representative will plant a small Remembrance Cross
at the foot of each tree with one planted on behalf of all at the ROC Memorial. The National
Standard will be present and ROCA Chaplain Hilary Daniel and the Reverend David Simpson
will conduct a brief commemoration of reflection and Remembrance. Berets and medals are to be
worn.
Commemorations 2015 ~ the national diary of events shows 2015 is a very busy year, the
Association continues to contribute to the many local and national prestigious events. These
offer great opportunities to seek out past ROC members to tell them how to keep in touch as
members of the Association and the support available through the ROCBF for those in need.
We will also remember the 70th anniversary commemorations for the end of hostilities and
the Corps Stand down in 1945 and continued support for National events to mark WW1.
Heritage ~ Keep up to date with current events, get involved or pass on any snippets of
heritage news contact team members or use the contact button via the heritage website:
www.roc-heritage.co.uk. The National Heritage Display will again support a number of
National events.
Annual Delegates Meeting on Saturday morning 3rd October have your say on how your
Association functions and evolves. If you cannot attend speak to your Group Committee/ Area
Reps on any aspect of ROC Association business/policy you seek clarification upon and would
like discussed at the ADM. The National Committee will ensure sufficient time is made available
in the agenda for Delegates and members to raise and discuss Association related issues. To
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facilitate circulation to all Groups for discussion please submit to me Resolutions for the ADM
by 12th June 2015, earlier if possible.
Laying Up of the ROC Banner: 23rd October 2015
As indicated in ‘National News’ above, the decision has been taken to lay up the ROC
Banner in the Royal Air Force Church, St Clement Danes, The Strand, London. This will
take place at St Clement Danes on Friday 23rd October 2015 at 12 noon.
In addition to the Royal Observer Corps Banner and its two escorts there will be an
opportunity for the ROC Association National Standard and Group Standards to be paraded
to support the ROC Banner ceremony.
The preferred dress for ROCA members will be lounge suit with ROC beret, ROCA/ROC tie
and medals.
Should you wish to attend this important event, please could you let our Group
Secretary, Ann Metcalfe, have your name and that of any guests no later than Friday
24th July 2015, in order to allow time to collate a Group list and convey it to the
organizing committee.
ROCA National Reunion 2015
The 26th Reunion
Friday, 2nd October to Sunday, 4th October 2015
The Prince of Wales Hotel
Lord Street, Southport PR8 1JS
Details, booking form and directions are with our Group Secretary and available at
www.rocatwentytwelve.org.
The national sub-committee tasked with the
organization of this prestigious event are looking
to find a venue to gather for a reception and light
refreshments following the service so numbers
wishing to attend are required as soon as possible
in order to give an indication of the size of
accommodation needed.
Admission to the church will be by named tickets
only. In this context Group Secretaries have been
asked to compile lists of members who wish to
attend the ceremony, together with those of any
guests and submit them to the national sub-
committee no later than 31st July 2015 to allow
sufficient time for tickets to be prepared. Late
applications will be accepted but they may not be
successful in attending the following gathering.
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The Cost The cost of the weekend package:
The 2 night package £140 per person for 2 nights in a double or twin (total £280 for 2
people) £160 per person for 2 nights in single occupancy (total £160 for 1 person)
The three nights package DBB (Thurs or Sunday) will be for a total cost of £190 per person
double/twin (total £380 for 2 people), £205 for single. The hotel has 154 en-suite rooms with
no restriction on the number of single rooms. Please send your bookings with £30 per person
deposit to your Group Secretary/ Organiser.
Weekend Programme Details of the weekend programme will follow the July National Committee meeting. On
Friday a room will be available for our use to meet, chat purchase light refreshments. It is
planned to provide a meeting room for those who prefer to stay in the hotel Saturday
afternoon to meet, greet and recall ROC times. Note booking closing date 31 August 2015.
Please could all bookings from 20 Group Association members be sent via our Group
Secretary, Ann Metcalfe – Ed.
Book Corner
Observers’ Tale: The Story of Group 17 of the R.O.C.
Various
(1950)
This book provides a great companion to Forewarned is Forwarmed, reviewed in our last newsletter,
being roughly contemporary and concentrating on the wartime story of just one Group, 17 Group,
Watford. Its eighteen chapters, or sections, are well illustrated, with photographs, diagrams and
cartoons. The text is a mix of both explanation and a series of quite personal vignettes, which serve to
add real flavour to the story. An appendix is titled “Post Stories”, each of which was contributed in
response to an invitation issued by the Group Commandant in 1945.
If you have an interest in Corps history and can get hold of this one, you will be well rewarded.
Observer Captain John Murphy OBE
[We were saddened recently, to learn of the death of another former senior officer of the Corps. The following is a slightly abbreviated obituary on the National ROCA website – Ed.]
30th January 1934 – 20th October 2014
It is with sadness that we learn of the death of former Observer Captain John Murphy. Born
in Liverpool, in the early fifties John enlisted in the Army and trained as a parachutist with
the Parachute Regiment. He saw service in the Middle East and took part in exercises in
Egypt and Cyprus. After his Army career, in June 1967 he joined the Royal Observer Corps
in the rank of Observer Lieutenant, and was appointed Group Training officer in No. 7 Group
Bedford.
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His final promotion, to Observer Captain, came in October 1988 when he was appointed
Chief of Staff at ROC Headquarters, a position he held up to the stand down in July 1991. His
finest hour came in July 1991, when he was significantly involved in organising the Royal
Review by Her Majesty the Queen, at RAF Bentley Priory. John was a much travelled man,
throughout his ROC career, and was a well-known figure at Camps, training meetings and
gatherings far and wide. He had a very good memory and could recall almost everyone by
name wherever he went. Rest in Peace John – you will be sadly missed by all who had the
privilege of knowing you. His Funeral took place at the West Herts Crematorium on the 31st
October 2014.
In Memoriam
We were very sorry to learn of the recent death of:
Heather Gledhill – Crew 1
Promoted to Obs Lt/Commander in July 1970, and
appointed Deputy Group Commandant at No. 15 Group
Lincoln, in May 1974 he was posted to Headquarters
ROC at RAF Bentley Priory and appointed as Ops 3 on
the HQ staff.
On promotion to Observer Commander, in October
1977, he was posted to ROC Scottish area as Deputy
Area Commandant. His experience, in both the
operational and administrative roles, led to his return to
HQ ROC at Bentley Priory, where he was appointed
Senior Admin Officer, a role he was to hold for the
next seven years.
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Committee Members
President / Chairman
Jim Millington 7 Primley Park Lane, Alwoodley, Leeds, LS17 7JP - 0113 2687366
Secretary
Ann Metcalfe, 69 Wakefield Road, Gildersome, Leeds, LS27 7HH – 0113 2100896
Treasurer
Brian W Tomlinson, 26 Roman Avenue North, Stamford Bridge, York YO41 1DP - 01759
371719,
Newsletter Editor
Tim Kitching, 16 Altofts Lodge Drive, Altofts, Normanton, WF6 2LB - 01924 892707
Auditor
Sue Richmond, 17A Petergate, York YO1 7EN - 01904 630703
District Secretaries
Please contact the District Secretaries below for information on forthcoming events.
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Jean Forrester, 28 Beagle Ridge Drive, Foxwood, York, YO24 3JQ - 01904 798158
NORTH DISTRICT
Rita Wells, The White House, Ellenthorpe, York, YO51 9HJ - 01423 323067
SOUTH DISTRICT
Ann Metcalfe, 69 Wakefield Road, Gildersome, Leeds, LS27 7HH – 01132 100896
WEST DISTRICT
Norman Smart, 2 Gaisey Mount, Shipley, BD18 1AR
SOUTH EAST DISTRICT
Walter Kirk, Mill House, Danthorpe, Hull, HU12 9BN - 01964 670722
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R O Y A L O B S E R V E R C O R P S A S S O C I A T I O N 2 0 G R O U P
PAYMENT OF SUBSCRIPTION
To: Mr. B W Tomlinson, 26 Roman Avenue North, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1DP
Membership No Year Date District
Name
Address
Postcode Telephone No
Signed
Membership is still only £5!
A stamped addressed envelope would be appreciated, make cheques payable to
“ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS ASSOCIATION 20 GROUP”
R E M E M B E R!
The Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund is still there for those that are in need. It may not be you, but it could be someone that you know – for more information:
www.rocbf.org.uk
