Chairman’s Update – Spring Newsletter
Dear All,
It is with deep regret that I must begin this update by informing you of the recent passing of Gill Hayhoe.
Gill had been a friend of the Association for many years, and although I personally only met her once—at last year’s dinner—it was immediately clear that she was a force of nature. During our brief conversation, what struck me most was the warmth with which she spoke about her time as an Air Loadmaster. I distinctly remember her leaning forward slightly, smiling as if she was about to let you in on a secret, and starting a story that—had time allowed—would undoubtedly have gone on well into the evening. That twinkle in her eye made you want to stop, listen, and learn, and it left a lasting impression on me. She was clearly someone who had lived an extraordinary life and enjoyed sharing it with others.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The service will take place on 17th April 2025 at 10.30am. Anyone wishing to attend remotely can use the details below:
Username: wawo6313
Password/PIN: 999863
A page has been setup in her memory if members would like to donate. An obituary written by her friend Ann Bihan has been published on the obituaries page.
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Handover of command between Wing Commander Jim Rycroft and Wing Commander Nick Brook.
On the 31 Mar 26, Wing Commander Rycroft formally handed over Officer Commanding 10 Squadron to Wg Cdr Brook. Jim Rycroft has been a key advocate and friend of the Association throughout his tenure and did everything possible to support us. A clear example of this was the outstanding turnout for last Remembrance Day’s parade, achieved despite the squadron operating at a particularly busy tempo at the time. On behalf of the Association, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jim for his unwavering support.
I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to Wing Commander Nick Brook. I am confident that he will continue to support both the Squadron and the Association in the same positive manner as his predecessors. His welcome letter and biography are linked for those who would like to read more. For those keen aircraft ‘spotters’ out there you will notice it is not a 10 Sqn Aircraft in the background. He has promised to update his picture with a more fitting aircraft when he gets time!!
Wg Cdr Brook has kindly agreed to host members of The Association at the Voyager Hub, in the afternoon of the Reunion Dinner. Although this remains dependant on Sqn tasking as could be cancelled at short notice. The plan will be for an informal chat by Wg Cdr Brook, followed by an update on what the Sqn has been up to in the last 6 months. After these briefs it is hoped we can get a static tour of a Voyager and if lucky and task dependent either an A400M or C-17A. If you would like to visit RAF Brize Norton,
Full Name
Location of Birth
Address
DOB
Car details (make, model colour, registration)
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And talking of the Reunion Dinner, I am finally delighted to confirm that I have now received the menu from Blunsdon House. The booking form and information for the event are available using this link (information) and the one below. The cost of the evening will be £50, and as usual, you will have three meal choices.
You may either:
- Use the online form available on this link, or
- Complete the PDF form and return it to me via email
The evening promises to be an excellent occasion and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends old and new. It would be superb to see as many of you there as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Craig Harvey
Chairman
10 Squadron Association
Back in June 2025, a post on the London's RAF Club Facebook page led to an investigation into some words scribbled on a wall. Dick King explains all about this link to a 10 Squadron tail gunner in the article linked to below.
A.F. Shaw and the RAF Club London. (updated June 2026)
Despite chasing Blunsdon House they have still not finalised the menus for the evening. Rest assured this event will be going ahead and I’ve in have the menus and cost I will send out the sign up sheet.
You can still book rooms for the event at Blunsdon House prior to signing up as it is unlikely we will be limited by numbers.
As soon as I hear anything I will let you know.
On a separate note please see a new book about WW2 10 squadron flyer by Sean Feast coming in June. This details the remarkable story of Sqn Ldr Stanley Booker. The title reflects the four key elements of his life, from his imprisonment in Buchenwald as a 'Terrorflieger' to Berlin spy at the height of the Cold War. Stanley died last year aged 102. The book will be launched in June. Thought the association members might be interested to see what happened to a survivor of 10 squadron.
Apologies in the delay in getting the sign up forms out to you all. I am just waiting on the menu from Blunsdon House. As soon as I have it I will post the forms out via email and on the website.
The Association Dinner will take place on 15 May 2026 at Blunsdon House, in the Flame Restaurant.
At this stage, I do not yet have the cost of the dinner itself, however the room rates at Blunsdon House are as follows:
£100.00 single occupancy
£105.00 double/twin occupancy
These rates are per room, per night, and include a full English breakfast, use of the leisure club, and VAT.
Alongside this OC 10 Squadron has kindly agreed to host members at the Squadron earlier that afternoon. This will include the opportunity to meet current Squadron personnel, receive an update on Squadron activities, and, subject to availability, visit a Voyager aircraft. I am also hoping to arrange a visit to either a C-17 or A400M.
It would be fantastic to see as many members as possible attending the dinner.
Craig
Hello all! One of our admins, Jane Gulliford Lowes, is giving a talk at the International Bomber Command Centre on 5th March, about gardening (minelaying) operations. A 10 Sqn crew will feature throughout! The ticket price includes dinner, and all proceeds go towards continuing the Centre's incredible work. Booking link here: IBCC Lecture & Supper Series - The Invisible Campaign - Bomber Command Gardening Operations 1940-1945. - International Bomber Command Centre .