RAF Henlow
6 September 2005
Commemoration of ‘The Great Escape’ Investigation
Back Row (Left to Right)
Gerry Gibbs, Keith Adams (Branch Secretary)
Front Row (Left to Right)
Les Peake, Cynthia Shaw, Brenda Peake, Alan Shaw (Branch Chairman)
London Home Counties Branch
General Views of RMP Mess
Top two photographs courtesy of Keith Christian (Branch Treasurer)
Bottom photograph courtesy of Len Rowden
"Keith and Ellen Christian at
The House of Lords".
"Photograph shows Keith and Ellen Christian, who are Members of The Guild of Freemen of The City of London, at a recent black tie dinner at The House of Lords, renewing an old acquaintanceship with Field Marshal Lord Vincent of Coleshill."
"Heroic Lucky awarded animal 'VC'."
" L&SE Branch Members at the Presentation, showing L-R: Jim Carter, Frank Turner, DPM Wg Cdr Peter Fiddy, Bev Stapleton, Len Rowden, Gerry Gibbs."
"Frank Turner writes that he and a group of Branch Members attended a presentation of The Dickin Medal (the equivalent of the 'Animals' Victoria Cross’), recently, at The Imperial War Museum, London. They were there to witness the medal, which is awarded by the veterinary charity, Peoples' Dispensary for Sick Animals, being presented to Bev Stapleton, whose dog, Lucky, No 3610, was recognised for his work during the Malayan Campaign.
The charity's patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, was the guest of honour, so security was tight. As soon as one cleared the checks the hospitality began. The L&SE contingent donned their white berets and caught the eye of Wg Cdr Peter Fiddy, DPM, who came across and conversed with them until he was called away, along with Brig Ward, Army Veterinary Corps, to welcome Princess Alexandra into the auditorium. The Chairman of the PDSA explained the history of the Charity and how the medal came into being. The Director General read the citations and The Princess presented the medals.
In 1949 Bev, then a Cpl RAF Police Dog Handler, was posted to Malaya where he teamed up with Lucky, a stray German Shepherd and they became inseparable. During the campaign, Lucky, and other dogs with their determination and tracking skills were instrumental in the capture of many communist terrorists including, in 1951, Lang Jan Sang, a notorious gang leader responsible for the death of many local people. Bev, receiving the medal on behalf of Lucky in recognition of his service in the campaign, said he was pleased Lucky's efforts in Malaya had been recognised. He had feared the recognition would never come. Lucky had been his soulmate in the jungle. Bev retired after 36 years service, as a WO.
Army dog. Sadie, with her handler L/Cpl Karen Yardle, also received the award for finding a massive IED which, if detonated, could have caused the loss of over 200 lives.
Brig Ward replied on behalf of both recipients. After the presentation the Princess talked to some of the c150 present but unfortunately not with the RAFPA party. On departure, they thanked the PDSA's Secretary General for a most enjoyable afternoon and appreciated the work involved in staging it.
Frank Turner and Colleagues
The Band at The Tower of London
4th February 2007
The National Arboretum 2007
Frank Turner
Tower of London Parade
Members are invited to email their photographs to the Webmaster for inclusion in our gallery.
Guild of Freemen of the City of London -
Centenary Banquet at the City Guildhall
December 2008
Keith and Ellen Christian at a recent
Black Tie Dinner at the House of Commons
Black Tie Dinner at the House of Commons
Various Pictures of the Tower of London Parade
8 February 2009
The Green Hackle Pipe Band
The Tower of London
8 February 2009
Former Changi SP awarded Freedom of the City of London and meets The Princess Royal
Keith Christian who served as an RAF Police Corporal at RAF Changi from Oct 70 until its closure in 1971, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London and presented to HRH The Princess Royal. Keith is the Treasurer of the London Home Counties Branch of the RAF Police Association. For over 10 years Keith and his wife Ellen worked for the Salvation Army at their Child Rescue Centre, Faith House, and were BOTH awarded the Freedom of the City of London for “outstanding” services to the City, 20 years ago. They were both invited to join the Guild of Freemen of the City of London which is part of the City Liveries. When The Guild celebrated its Centenary at its annual banquet at The Guildhall in December 2008, Keith and Ellen were among (16 out of 788 attending) who were presented to HRH Princess Anne, the Guild’s Centenary Master.
Picture above shows Ellen Christian being presented to HRH Princess Anne with Keith in the background.
(With acknowledgement to the RAF Changi Association & HQ FEAF magazine The Changi-ite Newsletter, Issue No39)
Picture top shows Keith being presented to HRH by Mrs Ann Holden, a member of the Guild Court (the governing body).
Picture right shows Ellen and Keith Christian at a formal dinner at the House of Commons.
AGM - 2009 - Torquay
Dedication of SWAB Standard
Top Picture (Left to Right): Reverend Michael MacLachlan, Air Commander S Abbot, Group Captain Gary Harsfoot, Richard Smith (National Standard), Gerry Gibbs (LHC Branch Standard).
Bottom Picture (Left to Right): Group Captain J Whitmell, Air Commander S Abbot, Group Captain Gary Harsfoot, Richard Smith (National Standard), Gerry Gibbs (LHC Branch Standard).
On a recent visit to France with the Fontainebleau Veterans Association, our Branch Secretary Keith Adams replicated a pose for a photograph, similar to one taken of him in uniform whilst on duty at Melun-Villaroche Airfield in 1959. On that occasion the Mystere was one used for fire drills. On this occasion the aircraft is part of a historic collection held at the FAF Base at Chateaudun, which the group were fortunate to visit.
These photographs were taken at the ceremonies to mark the dedication of the RAFP Association Floor Plaque and the LHC Branch Standard at St Clement Danes Church, LONDON on 19 Sept. 09 which were followed by a short parade/march past at RAF Uxbridge.
Lower photograph was taken at Yevres just prior to a parade and ceremony in remembrance of two RAF Wartime Aircrew whose aircraft crashed just outside the village. The Standard is the RAF Police Standard carried by Keith Adams. To his right are Colin Hogg, RAFPA and Terry Bryant ex RAFP. The occasion was a visit by the Fontainbleau Veterans Association on 14 Sept 09.
Upper photograph shows Keith Adams with the RAFP Association Standard signing the Golden Book of Remembrance, on behalf of the Association, at the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, on 15 Sept 09 after having taken part in the parade to celebrate The Battle of Britain and the rekindling of the eternal flame.
A Selection of Photographs taken at the RMPA Annual Commemoration and Service
HM Tower of London, February 2010
"Reg Lamb giving a talk on his Service experiences to the National Service Association, Wheatley Branch, Oxford, in Mar '10. Reg did his National Service with the East Surreys in '53/'55 in the Suez Canal Zone being in the Regimental Corps of Drums. He went on to serve in the RAF Police '60/'72 in such postings as Kai Tak, Tengah, Bukit Gombak, Waddington, Akrotiri, Nicosia, Debden and Aldergrove. At Akrotiri he was in the Mounted Branch and at Debden spent time on (not in!) 'D Unit'. Reg is an active member of the LHC Branch".
RAF Northolt and Uxbridge
15 June 2010
Members of the LHC Branch viewing the Supermarine Spitfire at RAF Northolt on the South side of the Airfield.
The Polish Air Force accomodation during
World War 2 at RAF Northolt
Attached photo depicts the Memorial to the Battle of Britain No 11 Fighter Group located at the entrance to the Operations HQ, RAF Uxbridge.
Chatham Dockyard
National Veterans Day 2010
