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The Badge Newsletter No 12 2015

For ex and Serving RAF PTI’s, PJI’s, ATI’s & ERI’s

RAF PTI Association Motto

Friendship and Respect

Hello all,

After giving it a lot of thought I have decided that I will do one more issue of the email Newsletter (before

the AGM). It is time to call it a day and ask other members out there that may have some fresh ideas to

take it on. We will be asking for a volunteer at the AGM. I intend to still maintain the Website if the

membership still wish me to do so.

The newsletter has been successful since its onset with several members from other countries contacting

either myself or Denise. There are times when I get nervous because of the lack of material but you

always seem to come through with some photos and articles, for that I thank you all.

The Badge went from being a newsletter in 1991, to some very classy magazines, to an email newsletter

in 2013. I have scanned in some of the covers of past ‘The Badge’ Magazines for this newsletter. These

were professional magazines produced for us for a while, free of charge. My thanks to the staff of the

fantastic RPC at Cosford who did a lot of work for us over the years and for all those who carried on with

‘The Badge’ when I left the RAF including the deputy editor since the onset of the newsletter Pat Corfield,

Paul Moorcroft and Dean Coomer. My apologies if I have missed anyone out.

Since the inception of the email newsletter the Association secretary Denise Brown has been marvelous

in proof reading, amendments and the distribution of newsletter. This wonderful lady has been a rock to

me and I thank her with all my heart.

It has been very rewarding in seeing how this form of communication has helped in spreading the word

about our wonderful and diverse trade and to hear from a fantastic bunch of people. I hope there will a

willing person ready to step into my boots.

Friendship and respect to you all.

Phil Moyse

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The Badge Jan 94

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THE SW PTI REUNION 2-5 SEP 2015 AT RAF ST MAWGAN

After a delay of 2 years the

SW PTI Reunion took place

again at RAF St Mawgan. The

3 day extravaganza was

attended by mixed numbers

on different days, depending

on which event they wanted

to attend. Some devout

members demonstrated great

staying power by being

involved in every detail of the

great occasion.

2 Sep - Meet and Greet at the T E Lawrence Mess, RAF St Mawgan

This was a jovial occasion where approximately 8 PTIs and 1 guest shared stories in the bar. It was a great

chance to welcome those who had travelled some distance to be there. Those who enjoyed the company

of just the barman on this 'ghostly' atmosphere at St Mawgan as many personnel were on leave were as

follows:

Graham Hughes, Dave Rees, John Reeves, Gary Scott, Dave Percy, Tom De La Hunty, John Edwards, Tony

Smith, John Ashby & Rob Knill (Guest).

3 Sep - SW PTI Golf Competition at Tehidy Golf Course

The golfers met for coffee and bacon rolls at 0830 and were provided a brief by John Reeves, the golf

organiser. We were to play a Stableford competition as both 3 ball and 4 ball groups. Those attending the

golf were as follows:

Graham Hughes, John Reeves, Dave Rees, Gary Scott, Rob Knill (Guest), Tom De La Hunty, John Ashby,

Dave Percy, Paul Loader (Guest), Damian Gange, Richard Lamb, John Farrell (Guest), Jamie Callister

(Guest), and Kev Kinvig.

Wiinners: Nearest the Pin - John Ashby (who could not stay for the Top Table) so given to Damian Gange,

Longest Drive - Damian Gange, Overall Winner was John Reeves but as organiser he passed to the next

who was a guest, Jamie Callister with 33 pts.

3 Sep - Social and Indian Meal

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This was a well-attended social in downtown Newquay where we congregated in the Steam Bar. Dave

Rees and I arrived to find that most members had been enjoying themselves at 'Twofers' in the mess bar

for a couple of hours prior to arriving at the Steam. This was going to be messy. Laughter and split sides

were enjoyed by all as old acquaintances were renewed with old mates and colleagues. After an hour and

a half in the Steam where, Denise Von Rortetz (now known as Kitty) was the perfect hostess as she

collected all monies and purchased all the drinks at the bar for all to enjoy. This was continued after the

Indian meal, at 'Witherspoons' and she organised the taxi for those in need - well done Denise, great stuff

and thanks.

The Indian meal was enjoyed at the Maharajah, which just happened to be next door to the Steam bar.

Those tasty spices and hot repetitive pay-back meals were enjoyed by the following personnel:

Graham Hughes, Dave Rees, Martin Burnell, Gary Scott, John Reeves, Dave Percy, Tom De La Hunty, Tony

Smith, John Edwards, Dick Miles, Denise Von Rortetz, Steve Taylor, Grant Richards and Mark (Buck)

Rodgers. Rob Knill and Jamie Callister, joined us as guests.

4 Sep - SW PTI Top Table

22 personnel turned up for the Top (square) Table and after drinks in the Combined Mess bar we moved

into the fantastically prepared dining hall. The occasion commenced with a minutes silence for absent

friends and especially for this who had departed life over the last year. A well prepared Grace was then

delivered by Gary Scott and after a humorous ending we sat down to the Starters of Pate or Goulash

Soup. This was a relaxed occasion, which was enjoyed by all and as the wine flowed, the jokes and banter

began. We were treated to a Carvery Luncheon of Beef and Gammon and “eyes bigger than bellies” were

obvious as some plates were not cleared fully of the delicious food. Dessert of either, Apple pie and

Custard or Chocolate Torte was then devoured quickly, followed by the passing of the port and the Loyal

Toast, led by Graham Hughes. Coffee was served and then Richard Lamb, offered the toast to the SW PTI

Association and Absent Friends. Graham as the PMC/CMC then passed on the thanks to all those who had

made this a very successful 3 days and of course possible. He then introduced John Reeves who presented

the prizes for the golf Day. Finally, Rich Lamb offered thanks to Graham for his organisation of this year’s

function. Movement to the bar was then swift and the final personnel leaving the bar at midnight after a

1300 start to the day, will remain nameless. Here's looking forward to next year already and if any PTIs or

P Edders, who wish to come to the SW P Ed Reunion, then please contact me at hughesy56@sky.com.

Those who attended the Top Table were - Graham Hughes, Tom De La Hunty, Gary Scott, John Reeves,

Mark Rodgers, Grant Richards, Steve Taylor, Dave Percy, Denise Von Rortetz, Paul Loader, Martin Burnell,

Damian Gange, Richard Lamb, Tony Smith, John Edwards, Mark Lane, Dick Miles, Dave Rees, Charles

Paffett (Guest), Kev Kinvig, Nick Oswald and Paul Hunt.

Apologies - Ken Marsh, Pete Ross and Gordon Bosworth

Yours in Sport

Graham Hughes

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Graham Hughes as the PMC/CMC then passed on the thanks to all those who had made this a very successful 3 days and of course possible.

Team Viribus-Audax take on the 3000mile Race Across Europe.

On the 29 Sep 15 a team of 4 RAF PTI’s along with a support crew of 9

from RAF Cosford took on Europe’s, if not the world’s, toughest

endurance cycle race challenge.

The enormous challenge saw the team cycling 24 hours a day, starting at

Calais, head east across France, through Germany’s Black Forest, cross

the Austrian Alps, into Italy, then Slovenia, scale the Vrsic Pass (the

highest border crossing in Europe), speed across flat northern Italy,

conquer Mont Ventoux, soak up the south of France’s sunshine, cross the

Pyrenees and relish Spain’s fantastic roads to finish at Europa Point in

Gibraltar.

The Cycling team of Sgt’s Nick Hitchman, Ronan Archbold, Sue Pugh and Phil Morris aimed to break the

previous record of 9 days and 22hours, while raising awareness of the Charity “Scotty’s Little soldiers”,

dedicated to supporting the children who have lost a parent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.

Almost a year in the planning and due to logistics of the event the team gave up personal leave and

sourced external team sponsorship. The brainchild of Nick Hitchman finally came to fruition as the team

armed with a race Follow Vehicle, Camper Van and mechanical support provided by Dassi headed for

Calais from Cosford on the 28 Sep.

The challenge threw up a punishing schedule of cycling and endurance support in the form of fatigue,

navigation and logistic supply as the team crossed through 7 different countries. They completed the

challenge in 8 days 20 hours 20 minutes and 53 seconds and all with only 2 punctures! They smashed the

previous record time by 27 hours! The team would like to thank both our primary and other sponsors in

support of the event.

BrookfieldMultiplex-Matrix-Imperial bricks-RAFCharitabletrust

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Details are still available to view via. WWW.theraceacrosseurope, facebook -Team Viribus Audax, Twitter

@viribusaudax

If you would like to make a donation

please visit

www.justgiving.com/viribusaudax

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What a Coincidence ….. Roy and Maureen Rigg meet up with the oldest married couple in the world

We met up with the oldest

former RAF PTI 103 and

his girlfriend 91 at

Eastbourne. George Kirby

and his lovely bride

Doreen are now married

and the oldest married

couple in the world. They

were featured on the

Lorraine Kelly TV

programme recently.

We had a lovely evening

and meal with them in

their home which is a

really nice Hotel owned by

his son Neill. We swung

the lamp and recounted

old tales…..

Would you believe this, George said he

was in the Royal Navy before the RAF and

he was the Navy Boxing champion. I

replied ‘so was I the Navy boxing

champion’. He then said after joining the

RAF, he became the RAF boxing

champion. I replied ‘so was I the RAF

champion’ and George asked what

weight? I replied ‘featherweight’ ‘so was I’

he said, ‘how long did you serve’. My

answer was nearly 25 years and would

you believe it…. George said ‘so did I, what

a coincidence!’

George married on his 103rd birthday.

Had the fact that he was an ex RAF PTI or a

Boxer anything to do with the

Longevity…….We live in hope.

PS very happy to say Maureen got the all clear at Stoke Mandeville last week fingers crossed

Yours on Parade Roy Rigg Standard Bearer.

Editor’s Note:- I am sure the rest of the RAF PTI Association are with me when I say that we are delighted

about Maureen.

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Searching for:

Mal Broom, does anyone know the whereabouts of Stuart Boor.

Please contact malcolmbroom@talktalk.net

Chris Cornish, could I ask you to circulate a request to the Association members? I am trying to organise

a reunion for 4 & 5 PTI Course and I cannot locate a number of members, I would appreciate any details

anyone may have. Stu Scott, Stu Laurie, Colin Roberts, Craig Castley, Pete Gregory, Charlie O’Neil and

Alan Edmunds

Please contact cornishc805@gmail.com

“The Parade” - Ron Houghton

During my time in the RAF as an Instructor with the Parachute Regiment at Aldershot, we took part in a parade to mark the opening of the Parachute Forces Museum. The parade was by far the largest gathering of Parachute troops I have ever witnessed. The whole of the parade square was laid out with markers for each regiment to form up on, closely orchestrated by Regimental Sergeant Major Nobby Arnold, at that time was the most feared man in the Parachute Regiment. The various contingencies formed up on roads adjacent to the parade square awaiting the signal to march on. At that time, our flight commander leading the RAF on to the square was Flight Lieutenant Duncan, affectionately nicknamed Dally by his fellow instructors. The band started up and the first troops were marching on and taking position on their designated markers. On the Dias taking the salute were Field Marshal Montgomery and the Commanding Officers of all the Regiments taking part including local dignitaries. Officers as part of their formal uniform have a pair of leather gloves, these are rarely worn but held in the left hand, Dally’s gloves had experienced many years of wear in this manner to the extent that they were fused together. I suspect his nervous disposition would have contributed to the fossilised appearance of these accoutrements. We were given the order and Dally sang out (spraying saliva over the three men in front), “Royal Air Force, quick march”! We all moved forward in perfect step, the small RAF contingent being grossly outnumbered by the Army regiments lined up We entered the square, the military band playing the Dambusters march, a proud moment as we swaggered forward. I could see Dally performing a curious sideways movement with his head. I suspect he was looking for our forming up marker. By this time we had reached the centre of the square, Dally seeing what he deduced as our mark wheeled off left; however the Flight Sgt about four paces behind him noticed where we should be and wheeled the RAF contingent off right on to the marker. By this time Dally in full sight and totally on his own began to slow down as the full embarrassment of his error occurred to him. The Sergeant Major marched over and stood with his pace stick under his arm, gave Dally an “About turn” and marched him to where he should be, to the amusement of all concerned. The incident illustrating the RAF’s ability to select a dubious category of leader and was not the only dodgy decision Dally had perpetrated during his short career.

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From Ian Swindale

RAF Water Polo Team

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What year and can you name these PTI Tarzans?

“We was brung up Proper” - Frank Platts ‘and we never had a whole mars bar until 1993’

Congratulations to all my friends who were born in the 1920s 30s 40s 50s 60s and early 70s. First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer. Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. We drank water from the garden hose NOT from a bottle. Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops McDonalds, KFC, Subway, or Nandos. Even though all the shops closed at 6pm and didn’t open on a Sunday somehow we didn’t starve to death! We shared one soft drink with four friends from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

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We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner shop and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with. We ate cupcakes, white bread with real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren’t overweight because we were always outside playing!! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on. No one was able to reach us all day and we were okay. We would spend hours building our go carts out of old prams and then ride them down the hill, only to find we had forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in the river beds with Matchbox cars. We did not have PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, X boxes, no Video games at all, no 999 channels on Sky, no video/dvd films or mobile phones, no computers, Internet or internet chat rooms……………We had Friends and went out to find them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no Law suits from these accidents. Only girls had pierced ears. We ate worms and mud pies mad from dirt and the worms did not live in us forever. You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time. We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthday. We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them. Mum didn’t go to work to help dad make ends meet because we didn’t need to keep up with the Jones’s Not everyone made the rugby/football/cricket teams etc. those who didn’t had to deal with the disappointment. Imagine that! Getting into the team was based on MERIT. Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and even throw the blackboard rubber at us if they thought we weren’t concentrating. We could string sentences together and spell and have proper conservations because of a good three R’s education. Our parents would tell us to ask a stranger to help us cross the road. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! Our parents didn’t invent stupid names for their kids like ‘Kiora, Blade, Ridge, Vanilla and Tiger’ We had Freedom, failure, success, responsibility and we learned how to deal with it all…..and you are one of them!

Congratulations! Frank Platts wanted to share this with fellow PTIs who have had the luck to grow up as kids before the lawyers and government regulated our lives for our own good. Why not forward this on to your kids so that they know how brave their parents were.

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Former Locations of the RAF School of Physical Training