CREWROOM - 10 Squadron Association

This year sees the 110th Anniversary of 10 Squadron's formation in 1915. The event to commemorate this will be combined with 10 Squadron personnel. The dinner will take place at Blunsdon House, Swindon on 10th October 2025. Priced at £85 per person (reduced thanks to a donation from AirTanker), the hotel will serve a five-course gala dinner. There will be music by the RAF Salon Orchestra and the opportunity for dancing ‘til late.

Due to the combined nature of the event places will be limited to 60 for the Association, so places will be allocated on a first come basis.

There is a link and a QR code (either below or in the linked poster) that will direct you to a ‘sign up’ sheet combined with a menu choice list. Payment to be made to the Association's bank account by mid-September at the latest.

Given the prestigious nature of the event all military personnel of SNCO rank and above will be in No5s, all other attendees will be in black tie, with ladies expected to wear dressed below the knee and shoulders covered.

Click here to see the full poster announcing the event.

Click here to go directly to the sign-up sheet. The QR code below this line will take you to the same form if scanned by a phone or tablet (with the form to be filled in on this same phone or tablet).

Update: Dianne Strang is looking into alternative (and affordable) accommodation options near Blunsdon House hotel. She has found a place that is about 600m away that can sleep 1-4 people and costs £144 for one or £154 for 4 people. If anyone is interested in sharing the accommodation and the associated costs (just like down the route used to be at times!), please get in touch with Dianne using This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dear All,

I’m thrilled to share some highlights from recent events I’ve had the privilege of attending on your behalf as Chair of the Association.

RAF Brize Norton Annual Formal Reception

On Tuesday, 17 June, I had the honour of representing you at the RAF Brize Norton Annual Formal Reception (and yes, I made my entrance through the Main Gate – not over a fence!). For those who may not be familiar, this prestigious event is an opportunity for the Station Commander to express gratitude to all those who support RAF Brize Norton. I was warmly hosted by Sqn Ldr Phil Williams, who impressively represented both 10 Squadron and 101 Squadron as the sole attendee from their teams – a testament to just how busy the Force is at present. The evening was nothing short of spectacular. We were treated to a breathtaking display by the RAF Falcons, who parachuted in and received a salute from the Commander Air Wing. This was followed by a moving sunset parade, and the grand finale – a flawless flypast by a C-17 from 99 Squadron.

I’m delighted to share that your unwavering support for 10 Squadron has not gone unnoticed. OC 10 Squadron expressed genuine appreciation for all that you do, and it’s clear that your contributions are deeply valued. Thank you for continuing to make a difference

RAF Benevolent Fund Bomber Command Memorial Day

On Sunday, 29 June, I had the profound honour of attending the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Bomber Command Memorial Service on behalf of the Association. It was a truly humbling experience to commemorate the 55,573 brave souls who gave their lives during the war, and to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by so many.

I was delighted to be joined by John Rattenbury, Fred Tiller, and John McClintock, whose presence added to the significance of the day. The Service itself was a deeply moving occasion and commenced with a fitting flypast of the Lancaster, who I believe had the Chief of the Air Staff on board.The Epitaphs of Bomber Command were read with great reverence by members of the University of London Air Squadron, and the RAF High Wycombe Station Chaplain delivered a heartfelt reading that resonated with everyone present.

One of the most poignant moments for me was the privilege of laying a wreath at the base of the memorial. Standing alongside representatives from Commonwealth nations and other Associations, I felt a profound sense of unity and shared purpose as we honoured the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a moment of solemn reflection, but also one of immense pride in being able to represent the Association on such an important occasion.

After the Service, we made our way to the RAF Club, which provided a welcome retreat from the sweltering heat of the day. The gathering was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, share stories, and forge new friendships. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual respect, a fitting continuation of the day’s theme of remembrance and unity.

This event was a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Bomber Command and the importance of ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful day, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to represent you all.

Kind regards

Craig

Some of our members may wish to refer to Dick King's March 2025 Newsletter after clearing out some of their emails so a copy of it is repeated here:

Click on the: Chairman's Newsletter March 2025 to open a pdf file containing all the script.

Earlier this year, Association member and former VC10 Air Loadmaster Irene Christophers, who lives in Cornwall, wrote to us asking for information as to where she could obtain a picture of a VC10. Irene had stayed in the Victory Ex-Services Club near Marble Arch when visiting London for last year’s Remembrance Sunday events. Noticing that there were no VC10 photos or pictures amongst the many on display in the Club Dining Room, she resolved to rectify the matter and wrote to us asking where one could be obtained.

Some of you may recall that prominent Guild of Aviation Artist Penelope Douglas attended one of our Reunion Dinners a few years ago when it was held at the Officers Mess at RAF Brize Norton. Many of her paintings adorned the Mess Dining Room’s walls and a particular painting was commissioned by our late President Gerry Bunn who, as OC10 in 1982, had asked Penny to depict the role of the Squadron in the Falklands Conflict. Her subsequent painting was called, ‘Return From The Conflict’ and it depicted a Red Cross painted VC10 during its refuelling stop at Ascension Island on the way home to the UK, whilst repatriating wounded British Forces from Uruguay in June 1982.

Penelope was contacted to ask if a print could be obtained and she immediately responded by posting a signed print of her picture to Irene who, after having it framed, added a small engraved brass plaque to it, stating its origin.

The picture will soon be donated to the London Club making good their previous lack of a 10 Sqn VC10 image. To repay Penny for her kindness, and knowing of her affinity for horses, the Association made a small donation to The Horse Trust ; a charity that cares for retired working horses, especially ex-military ones. Situated between High Wycombe and Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, they care for up to 140 retired and rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

Well done to both Irene and Penny.

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