A 2022 donation to the 10 Squadron memorabilia collection at its HQ at RAF Brize Norton has revealed a small mysterious object which readers may be able to help in identifying.
Go the the final page of the link here to see what was in the secret compartment in Florence’s Box.
Let us know what you think it might be.
Memorable Anniversaries at the End of October?
The very first Canberra B2 aircraft built by the Short Brothers and Harland Ltd company in Belfast, first flew 70 years ago in 1952. It had the registration number WH 853, but whilst this aircraft first flew on 20 October 1952 it wasn't actually delivered to the RAF and subsequently to 10 Squadron in its operational role, until over a year later as a Christmas present on 23 December 1953.
1. WH 853 later became famous because it was the lead aircraft in the first raid on Egypt during the short October 1956 Suez Crisis. Its captain was Sqn Ldr George Sproates (1921-1972) who was the Officer Commanding 10 Squadron from April 1955 to January 1957. The Anniversary of the first 1956 Suez Raid is on 31st October.
To read more about the Suez raid and WH 853's final fate click here: Suez & Canberra WH 853
2. The Suez Crisis somewhat overshadowed the events taking place in Hungary that same week in October 1956 when Russian forces in tanks defied attempts by the people of Budapest to achieve greater freedom from their Russian communist masters. It seems that in 2022 that nothing has changed much.
3. Just six years later, in October 1962, the world again held it breath but, dare it be said, it was even more serious this time ..........
At midnight on 23 October 1962 President John F. Kennedy of the USA imposed a blockade of Cuba to prevent Russian ships transporting nuclear missiles to the Caribbean island. Their presence was considered to be a definite threat to the security of the United States and the Western World.
On 27th October the RAF’s Bomber Command was brought up to Readiness State ‘Alert 3’ Level and a 10 Squadron Victor B1 nuclear bomber, based at RAF Honington, Suffolk, on the very front line of the nation’s defence, was put at 15 minutes readiness. This continued until 29th October when a second aircraft was also put at 15 minutes readiness whilst the remaining Squadron aircraft were held at 2,3,4,5 and 12 hours notice.
Fortunately, the Russians backed down and their ships turned away from Cuba. The world breathed a large sigh of grateful relief. Bomber Command's Alert State was finally lowered again on 5th November as fears of a possible nuclear war diminished: thanks to its avoidance in part being a contribution of the deterrent provided by 10 Squadron’s Victor crews.
Visit the Letters ‘side’ menu occasionally to see who has written to us. The latest letter there is from our late President Gerry Bunn’s wife Patricia after she was made an Honorary Life Member of the Association.
' FROM BROOKLANDS TO BRIZE '
Ian Macmillan & Dick King were delighted to receive their long-awaited book on 10 Squadron's Centennial History from the printers on 12 December 2015.
The Association has donated complimentary copies to OC10, Wg Cdr Jamie Osborne, for his unstinting support of the Association during his tour at Brize Norton and also to Founder Members of the Association: Tom Thackray and Doug Evans, for their long-service and devotion to the Association over the past 31 years.
Further copies will be also awarded to Mr John Rowbottom of Melrose Farm, Melbourne Yorks who has supported the Association from its early days, in donating the land for the Squadron War Memorial and maintaining the area for the past 30+ years. A further volume will be sent to Mr Michael Wood of Melrose Farm for retention in the Melbourne Watch Tower which he and his colleagues have restored as a museum memorial to 10 Squadron.
Ian and Dick congratulate each other on completion of their 3 year task
Signing some of the books
