Two weeks ago we gathered at Blunsdon, Swindon, for the 110th Anniversary dinner. A combination of the annual reunion and a celebration of the 110th anniversary of the formation of the squadron, it was fittingly organised on the 10th of the 10th. Let us hear from our Chairman, Craig Harvey as he looks back at this wonderful evening:

On Friday, 10 October, we had the privilege of coming together with 10 Squadron to celebrate the extraordinary occasion of their 110th anniversary – and what a truly remarkable evening it turned out to be. The event, held at the elegant Blunsdon House, was a perfect tribute to the rich history and enduring legacy of 10 Squadron. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was one of warmth and camaraderie. The staff were incredibly welcoming, the room was beautifully adorned with 10 Squadron-themed decorations, and the food was nothing short of exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, creating an event that felt as special as the milestone we were celebrating. Walking into the venue was like stepping into a function in the Mess, with a sense of tradition and pride filling the air. What made the evening even more special was the sight of so many members of our Association mingling effortlessly with current Squadron personnel. It was particularly heartwarming to see the interaction between our veterans and the younger members of the Squadron, as stories were shared, experiences exchanged, and connections forged. These moments of unity and mutual respect truly encapsulate the spirit of 10 Squadron.

Gatherings like this anniversary dinner are far more than just celebrations; they are powerful reminders of the unbreakable bonds that tie us together across generations. They remind us that 10 Squadron is not just defined by its impressive list of battle honours or its operational achievements—it is a family. A family built on shared experiences, mutual support, and a legacy of service and sacrifice that endures through time. The evening was a testament to the fact that, no matter where life may take us, the spirit of 10 Squadron remains a part of who we are. It is a bond that transcends time, connecting the past, present, and future, and ensuring that the legacy of 10 Squadron will continue to inspire for generations to come.

As part of the evening it was my privilege to award a Lifetime Membership Award, which is a distinction reserved for those who have demonstrated truly remarkable contributions, unwavering commitment, and outstanding service to the Association or 10 Squadron. It is the highest recognition we can give, serving as a tribute to the dedication and support of those who have gone above and beyond for our shared legacy. And it was is my great privilege to present this prestigious honour to someone who exemplifies everything this award represents. Initially serving on 99 Squadron flying Brittania’s he eventually saw the light and joined 10 Squadron, where he took to the skies in a true icon of aviation history - the legendary VC10. As a distinguished pilot, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill. As Captain of VC10, he earnt a VIP endorsement and his expertise extended to the role of Display Pilot, showcasing his precision and flair.

His dedication to the Association has been equally exceptional. His contributions have been both numerous and invaluable. He has worn many hats over the years, each with distinction, and has been a constant source of wisdom and guidance—not only to me but, I am certain, to many others as well. His role as Web Warden, a task that is as thankless as it is challenging, was carried out with diligence and dedication. He has also served as our Standard Bearer, representing the Association with pride and respect. And, when the call came, he reluctantly but dutifully stepped into the role of Chair following Mike Westwood’s retirement, leading with the same commitment and passion that have defined his service throughout. Despite all these roles he still found time along with Ian Macmillan to write the authoritative book on the history of No 10 Squadron, Brookland to Brize.

This individual has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of the Association—a person whose efforts have strengthened our bonds and preserved our shared history. It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I present this Honorary Lifetime Membership to Dick King. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating a truly deserving recipient of this honour."

Our chairman was not the only one to pay tribute to Dick King's contributions to the association. John Rattenbury had this to say about him:

Dick, I hope you don’t mind me adding a few words to follow the appreciation you received at the 10 Squadron and 10 Squadron Association 110th Anniversary Dinner on 10th October 2025.

Dick we actually have our very own lesser Anniversary, I make it just 10 years since you welcomed and encouraged me in joining the 10 Squadron Association in 2015. Since then we have talked and corresponded often on matters 10 Squadron and much else. I am so pleased with the recognition of your contribution to the Association this evening and the appropriate presentation of the die cast VC10 model – what else? In discussing this presentation, it was wondered whether the Association budget would run to an Airfix model but there was concern how you would now handle the plastic cement and decals to decorate it.

I have really appreciated the way you introduced me to AI – not artificial intelligence but Air Force Intelligence in so many ways. I came to realise that in terms of 10 Squadron and wider RAF history, you know everyone and everyone knows you. Not forgetting your own history of RAF service and flying career.

An early and major event after our meeting was the publication with Ian Macmillan of the outstanding ‘Brooklands to Brize’ history of 10 Squadron resulting in many discussions and contributions. I have to suggest to anyone phoning Dick for information or whatever to take a pan of milk for Horlicks off the stove before you start recounting your researches or the pan will boil dry or maybe even burn the house down. 

For myself, it has been a privilege to cooperate with you in matters connecting 10 Squadron and indeed 10 Squadron RAAF with the Heritage Centre (formerly RAF Pembroke Dock), in 1943 the largest flying boat base in the world. Indeed, I have come to regard myself as ‘God’s representative in Pembroke Dock’.

Thank you Dick for your friendship as well as all your help and contributions over the years towards the Association. It would seem appropriate, following the toast to King Charles this evening to also raise our glasses to King Dick.

It is worth noting that Dick's tasks continued right up to the start of the diner (almost) as he was spotted in the car park just that afternoon, instructing our new Standard Bearer, Fred Tiller, in the intricacies of bearing the association's standard. In a similar vein, Dick has spent several hours on online calls with me to show me how to work the software that runs our website and he continues to support this in many ways. 

Dick was not the only recipient of an award, as three serving 10 Squadron members received various accolades, handed out by OC 10 Squadron Wg Cdr Jim Rycroft. Well done to all!

Going back to the dinner itself, the evening ran on long after the dinner finished and it was not until the moment that the bus left for RAF Brize Norton and the DJ had to shut down that a quietness returned to the hotel. It was very good to see current and past squadron members together, all having a wonderful time, and hopefully we will see more opportunities for this in the near future.

A selection of images from the evening can be found here: 110th Anniversary Dinner.

(Click for full size photo).

10 Squadron Association Newsletter

September 2025 Edition

Welcome Back

As we return from the summer break, we’d like to update you on some exciting and meaningful events coming up on the Association calendar. We hope to see many of you there.

✨ Upcoming Events

🥂 10 Squadron Anniversary Dinner

📅 Date: 10 October 2025
📍 Location: Blunsdon House

Our first major event this autumn is the 10 Squadron Anniversary Dinner, a joint occasion uniting members of the Association and 10 Squadron. We look forward to an evening of shared memories, camaraderie, and celebration.

• Dress Code: Black tie (black suit and bow tie) for gentlemen, equivalent standard for ladies.

• More Info & Registration: Please visit the Association website for full details. We have a limited number of places available at this event but there is still some room at the tables for you.

🌺 Remembrance Day Observance

📅 Date: 9 November 2025
📍 Location: Melrose Farm Memorial, Melbourne, North Yorkshire, YO42 4SS

We will gather once again at the Melrose Farm Memorial, located at the entrance to the former RAF Melbourne airfield. This commemorative event offers an opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by those who served.

💬 Community and Communication

We are working to reinvigorate the 10 Sqn Association Facebook group to enhance our communication alongside emails and the website.

• Share your photos (e.g., visits to the IBCC Memorial Stone)

• Post your anecdotes and 10 Sqn stories

• Connect with fellow members

This is a closed group, so we hope it will be a welcoming and secure space for all members.Your stories and images help bring our shared history to life — so please do contribute.

🙏 Your Feedback Matters

The committee and I are fully committed to driving the Association forward — but we can't do it without your involvement and support.

Let us know what you’d like to see more of from the Association: events, stories, history, visits — your voice is important.

Warm regards

Craig Harvey
Chair, 10 Sqn Association

On the topic of communication:

Previous messages about the demise of the e-mails using Mailchimp have been somewhat premature. As it turns out, the technology behind our website, even though it allows e-mails to be sent out, is not mature enough to do so without errors. Because of this, we will continue with the Mailchimp system for the foreseeable future. We need to be able to reach as many association members as possible through this channel and for now, this is the system that appears to work best.

We have found out through our trials that not every member appears to be on this e-mail list. If you know of other 10 Squadron Association members who do not receive these e-mails, please let us know so that we can add them to the list. If they are unable or unwilling to use this facility, please let us know as well so that we can consider other methods of communication.

Kind regards,

Jelle Hieminga

Web Warden

10 Sqn Assoc