World War II veteran George Dunn DFC Ld'H passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday 28th April 2026. He was 103 years old.
George completed forty-four operations during the Second World War. He flew his first tour in 1943, on Handley Page Halifax bombers, during one of the most intense periods of the bombing war.
Following two trips as a second pilot with No. 10 Squadron, to gain operational experience, George then flew with No. 76 Squadron from May to October 1943, taking part in the Battle of the Ruhr, the Battle of Hamburg and the raid against the German secret weapon research station at Peenemünde.
On completion of his tour and a period as an instructor pilot, George then took up duties flying de Havilland Mosquitos, firstly with No. 608 Squadron and then with No. 1409 Met Flight.
George only flew with 10 Squadron for two trips to gain experience but he must have been one of the few remaining World War II veterans who flew with 10 Squadron. Our thoughts go to his family, friends and all that knew him.
A moneybox created as a piece of trench art was donated by ex-Chairman David Mole to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. John Rattenbury formally handed it over to the Centre on behalf of David. Visiting on the reopening day for the centre, he was not aware of the dress code for that specific day but that did not dampen any spirits.
John Rattenbury shows the Sunderland money box to Heritage Centre Volunteers wearing costume from Victorian times to Star Wars! Left top right: Paul Emens, Marilyn Mitchell, John Rattenbury, Louise Facer and Peter Mitchell.
The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln is looking to expand its archive of digital recollections and would like to get in touch with personnel involved in post-WWII Bomber Command. For 10 Squadron, that covers the 1950s period where it operated the Canberra B2 and Victor B1. Anyone willing to share photographs, letters, diaries, logbooks and other memorabilia to be digitally preserved can contact the Collections Archivist Michelle Andrews on
IBCC Post-War Bomber Command Flyer
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
