TED CATON – GENTLE MAN

I first met Ted and Ann probably about 20 years ago at the second anniversary of the forming of the Fontainebleau Veterans Association. At a weekend in Leamington Spa.

Ted was instrumental in bringing ex RAF veterans who had served in AAFCE ( Allied Air Forces Central Europe) together along with David Rogerson, who he called Mole, with whom he served in the early fifties. Although Ted was a National Service conscript, unusual for a two-year recruit to serve abroad he nevertheless was assigned to AAFCE as a clerk typist to the British Air Officer commanding. This engagement interrupted his long career in local government having served with Essex County Council at HQ Chelmsford, then a town but now, as Ted liked to proudly point out, a city.

Ted was justly proud of the fact that he was unique in his appointment to AAFCE as a National Serviceman and enjoyed his time there.

The camp, if it could so referred, was situated on the outskirts of the town of Fontainebleau and within easy walking distance to the town centre and the famous Chateau. The many delights enjoyed by service personnel included the renowned sandwich jambon, hot chocolate and gallons, sorry, litres of lager from the tap, Pression.

Ted, Ann, Hazel (my wife) and I spent many happy hours enjoying each other’s company  either at the annual re-unions held in Warwickshire or on the many nostalgic trips to the venues of our youth in France. Teds book about his time in the RAF “ An irks eye view” is a great read and sums up the life of an RAF conscript perfectly.

Our meetings didn’t end there I am pleased to report. The four of us together with another couple Pam and Keith Adams met up regularly when Hazel and I stayed with the Catons. Unfortunately,  age catches up and we were not able to visit over the last few years but kept in touch with frequent phone calls. We all enjoyed meeting up at irregular intervals with other close friends within the ex AAFCE group. I remember my friend Ted as a rather sometimes dour but very interesting person to talk with. His knowledge of subjects close to his heart were in great depth. He was intelligent without being overbearing and knowledgeable without being cocky with it. He was friendly and honest with a great love for his wife and family. A son and a daughter, who he unfortunately lost in her early mid-life, two grand-daughters and not least a son-in-law. All of whom he was immensely proud. I will miss Tad as I miss seeing him and Ann together and will for ever look back with happiness at the time we had together, particularly our visits to Maldon which had fond memories for me as an Essex lad myself enjoying chapel organised outings.

Rest in peace Ted

Your friend

Terry