MEMBERS SNIPPETS
Les Massey is progressing well after his surgery at the end of last year.
Laurie Page was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment following a heart attack. After a week in sick bay he was discharged and the medication is keeping his condition under control. Laurie said he is determined to be at Leamington Spa in October ~ good on you Laurie.
Brian Gibbons had a spell in hospital for heart treatment and after a period in a RAFA convalescence home he is now at home and doing fine. Always working hard for the RAF Association, Brian is busy collecting for this year’s Wings Appeal.
John Ross Aylward’s move to Teignmouth has taken longer than expected but John assured me that he will be trundling South soon. John continues his excellent recovery after his surgery last year.
Peter Prentice underwent surgery on both knees after a minor setback when his operation was cancelled after his pre-med because the medics feared that the inserts were not sterile.
And now some good news
The Queen has been graciously pleased to award the Imperial Service Medal to Mike Capon on his retirement from the Ministry of Defence. Mike and Ann’s son, Trevor Capon graduated from RAF College, Cranwell in April and is now stationed at RAF Brize Norton as Air Loadmaster.
Terry and Eunice Clamp made the long journey from Yorkshire to Chichester to spend a few days with John Day and Gwenda. Yours truly and Jean met up with them all there for Sunday lunch at the end of July
Ted Caton’s new e-mail address is : ted.caton@tiscali.co.uk
EMBRY’’S GOOD OMEN
The photo below left
shows Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry, in about 1952, with the signpost which
in 1940 he regarded as a good omen shortly before his escape from German
custody and eventual return to the UK. The photo is taken from “Wingless
Victory”, the book by Anthony Richardson telling the story of Sir Basil’s
escape and published in 1953. The signpost was presented to Sir Basil by the
French authorities when he returned to the scene of his exploits. It is now
housed in the RAF Museum at Hendon where Ted Caton, who worked on Sir Basil’s
personal staff at HQ AAFCE in 1953/54, was pictured taking it easy in May 2002.