Friday, May 2, 2008 - New servers are in! Click-in for more info!
VoyForums

Wed, Jan 07 2004, 0:55:28 [ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 9/02/03 20:53:38
Author: John 'Gary' Cooper
Subject: Sunderland Flying Boats

What a unique experience, being associated with these aircraft was like working in a different RAF, anyone with any memories to share................

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Harry Shepherd, 9/05/03 14:35:50

>What a unique experience, being associated with these
>aircraft was like working in a different RAF, anyone
>with any memories to share................
I served as navigator on 230,205 and 205/209 squadrons,nearly 3000 hours on Sunderland Vs. I took part in British North Greenland expedition, earthquake relief in Greek Islands,bombing and strafeing raids on terrorist hideouts in Malaya, anti-pirate operations off North Borneo, took government delegation to Maldive Islands,to negotiate building RAF Gan and caught a shark from an aeroplane. Can any young lad have wished for more?.I have many pictures,perhaps I should write a book.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Denis(willilar) Williams. 4176841 205/209 -Sqdn 1956-59., 28/12/03 17:25:49

BEACHING A SUNDERLAND-needed the combined efforts of four men, who, between them had the skills of a trapeze artist, professional strongman and the collective co-ordination of of formation swimmers. For the uninitiated, it entailed fixing to each side of the hull, a large unwealdy strut,to which was attached two very buoyant wheels. To enable the boat to be steered while on the slipway, a two wheeled cradle was attached to the sturn, the total operation being done in, or under the water. Great fun at times, especially at Seletar. Bloody awful at Pembroke Dock. Thanks for reminding me.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 28/12/03 19:57:51

................but Denis, when one kite was on the trolley, you will no doubt remember the Sergeant who gave the order to make an acute turn, resulting in the tail trolley collapsing and the hull twisting out of shape, aircraft written off, Sergeant posted to China Bay and promoted to Flight Sergeant, no names, no pack drill......

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Denis Williams, 29/12/03 20:49:47

In the words of the old song-"I remember it well"

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian Wade, 14/02/04 14:12:02

Am looking for info on my grandad that was a sergeant in the RAF. He Served from 1941-1945. He Left Britain on a crowded troop ship from Liverpool i beleive. He Finally arrived at Ceylon as it was called then. I beleive he was an Air frame fitter on the Sunderlands. I know it is a long shot but if anybody does remember him please contact me at the email address attached. His name is Robert Wade...more commonly known as bob! He sadly passed away a few weeks ago and am trying to find out as much as i can on this part of his life and hoping to find a picture of him back then. Sqn details and service number not known at present...any other relevant info will be greatly appreciated, Thanks in advance, Ian

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Harry Shepherd, 23/02/04 22:07:52


Regarding Robert Wade:-
There is a reunion of the Indian Ocean Flying Boat Association
26th to 28th March. Many of them served in Ceylon,at Kogalla or China Bay, and some in the Maldives. I will ask around to find out if anyone remembers this old comrade.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian Wade, 24/02/04 21:11:37

That will be much appreciated, Thanks again,
Ian

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Harry Shepherd, 30/03/04 20:05:56

I asked the twenty odd members of the IOFBA who attended the re-union,but none of them could re-call Robert Wade.I have asked the Editor of the newsletter to put Ian's query in the next issue. This should reach between 180 and 200 members and so give us a better chance.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 31/03/04 7:59:58

Ian
You might just try Channel 4 Teletext page 152 'Servicepals' I have used these facilities a number of times and have had much success including an entry last week where I had a dozen replies

John

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian, 2/04/04 21:28:06

Thank you both Harry and John.
Was thinking non stop of the reunion...hope it all went well. I was apprehensive of approaching my nan for more info regarding my Grandads service in Ceylon as it has only been a couple of months since he passed away, :( but she has sorted through some old photos of them both from that period! :) (They married before he went to Ceylon)Unfortunately she cannot recall the squadron or specific names of places that he stayed in whilst in Ceylon...But hopefully something will turn up soon...Hope you dont mind if i keep you posted! Will try teletext...ta...Have placed grandads info on http://www.worldwar2exraf.co.uk/findanameWZ.html
and am also setting up a web page as well...
Cheers
Ian

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 3/04/04 6:56:54

Ian

If you have found your Grandads Srvice Number, Rank and initials you can obtain these records from

PMA IM1b(RAF)
Room 5
Building 248A
RAF Personnel Management Agency
RAF Innsworth
Gloucester GL3 1EZ

But it will have to be actioned by your Grandma and not yourself as she is the next-of-kin. This will definitely give you dates of postings and other very limited information. The fee for this is normally £25. If you type in RAF (MoD) Innsworth into Google search engine it will come up with all of the details

Best of luck

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian, 2/06/04 22:56:05

Hey Everyone!!!
I have been given my grandads dog tags and other bits and pieces by my nan! Amongst the items was a wallet with "Saraswati" embossed on the outside and inside was a receipt from a photographic shop called "John & Co" and based in Nuwara Eliya??? it is dated 16.2.1945 and appears to be sent on to 21. R.S.U R.A.F Ceylon...any pointers please as to what R.S.U stands for and any other info...
Thanks in advance,
Cheers
Ian

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 3/06/04 9:02:12

Saraswati was a Hindu Goddess of learning, Nuwara Eliya is a town in Central Ceylon with a climate akin to an English Summer, many tea plantations can be found on the hills of the mountains here.

R.S.U. is associated with an M.U. (Maintenance Unit), I will try to find this out for you, it could well mean Repair (and) Support Unit but don't take this as gospel.

I am also pleased that you have received some memorabilia from your Grandfather via your Grandmother, especial thoughts are for this weekend where they should all be remembered.

John

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian, 12/06/04 16:34:46

Hi John,
Thanks for the input...I was lazy when posting the last and a quick search did reveal who Saraswati was...So i just wanted you to know that i am actively looking for info and not just wasting anybodies time and that i really do appreciate the time that you have taken to reply etc...so a great big thank you to YOU! :)
I have had a reply on another message board that seemed to indicate that the R.S.U may have meant Recovery and salvage unit??? Nuwara Eliya with the tea plantations rang a lot of bells in my head as i remember grandad saying that they often went to the plantations for R&R where the climate is a lot cooler etc...also in the wallet was a small ticket sized certificate for winning the "mens mile" ,from speaking to my nan he was given a clock which is still on the mantle piece as the first place prize!
I have added a page to my site with a couple of photos on from his time in Ceylon please feel free to have a look!
http://unusuallyhairywolf.bravehost.com/Grandad.htm
I also served in the forces in the early nineties and am passionate about our history and the men that went off in all campaigns and those that never came back...it saddens me where in places like ypres they are contemplating building a motorway directly over the battle fields etc...Those sorts of places sholud be kept and maintained so that no-one should ever forget...I am going to get off of my soap box now!!! Thanks again John

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 13/06/04 13:51:43

R.S.U. Recovery and Salvage Unit, yep that rings a bell!

Nice website citation to your Grandpa, did you ever find out whether he was at Koggala or China Bay in Ceylon?

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Ian, 23/06/04 2:41:48

Still not found out exactly where he was but still researching!
Regards
Ian

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- PETER CATTERALL, 14/11/06 17:56:50

worked in the central registry PEMBROKE DOCK 1955-56 and in 230 squadron orderly room with FLT/SGT BRITTAIN ANYBODY OUT THERE

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- William (Bill) Hauxwell, 22/01/07 10:45:10

Harry Shepherd talked about earthquake relief in the Greek islands. I was with a Sunderland detachment from PD in Malta in 1953 when the Ionian earthquake occured and we had 4 aircraft, 4 more arrived quickly and the ground crew were quite busy until extra people arrived. We were the only means of getting supplies in quickly. On the trip I made to the islands the flight engineer forgot to turn of the pitot head heater and had his hand in water for the return trip.
One of the memories I have is of sleeping in the bomb bay over night for an early morning start and I decide at midnight to let a 'little' air into the 8 man dingy I was sleeping on, this is when I learnt about 'shear valves'. To give you some idea of the size of the bomb bay the dingy only just fits, I may also say that I was not popular as it took a lot longer to let it down. I had to fly on a sonobouy exercise and every time one of the receiver displays stopped working had to hit the right valve to get it working again,as the equipment was so new we had no spares. I survive the trip in a smoke filled darken ward room only to be sick out of a hatch at the mooring, just as the rest of the ground crew rowed up.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- alanchapman, 22/10/03 17:53:04

You should write a book and publish pictures. I remember as a child in Sydney Australia, watching the Sunderlands take off and lad. The kids dream was to fly one, but sadly they were all gone by the time I was old enough. Had to settle for time in RAAF flying C130's, what a let down.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 22/10/03 21:21:33

Alan wrote "Had to settle for time in RAAF flying C130's, what a let down".

Fat Albert what a kite, certainly served its purpose in a few hotspots though.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John F. Brignell - 205/209 Sqdn., 11/05/04 14:50:56

Good day folks. Have recently been in contact with Alex (Tich) Carrie, Bill Whiter, Terry Smith and I suppose R. John Smith (of London) I was maybe the last Rigger to be posted to 205/209 as the outfit then became 205Sqdn (Sunderland Detach.) As the Sqdn. didn't want me I spent 9/10ths of my time in the hangar. Did the tail-end of ML797 during her last Major and the guard of honour on the final beaching. Also 2nd row RH side of final photo in hangar. Big Hat - Floppy shorts. Remained at Seletar until March 61 finally working on Towed Target Flight. Best Regards JFB>

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 11/05/04 22:21:15

Hi John
Welcome aboard, I will ask the other guys to contact you, Pertama di Malaya.

JC

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Denis Williams, 12/05/04 16:19:31

Just to inform you webfooters, of a reunion at the Old Coach House Motel North Kyme on Thursday "20th May 2004. Terry Ball, Ivan Weller Graham Pattrick and myself will be opening a few hanger doors, wallowing in nostalgia and drinking to absent friends.
For the un-enlightened, the above four along with Brian Davis, Alan Sangster(god bless him) Norman Callister and Barry Collin, where the last of the Pembroke Dock Trained Riggers Flying Boat, serving on 205/209 from mid 1956 until 1959. Brian and Barry, if you are out there, get in touch, your old buddies would like to hear from you.

Cheers and Yam Seng

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Don Jones, 14/06/05 20:27:51

Hello you riggers. At the time you mention 1956 myself, don (taff) jones and bob grinham (he with the glasses) were the two corporal riggers residing in our little hut by the yacht club. I would arrive every day on a blue triumph thunderbird as I lived in payar lebar. I came back to blighty july 1957. Very sorry to hear about alan sangster. Father time has got his eye on all of us I'm afraid. It is barely a week since I discovered the existnce of the last sunderland group and that by the merest chance.Anyway got to meet some of the old brigade at newark 12 june so that was enjoyable.
All the best to you
Don Jones >Just to inform you webfooters, of a reunion at the Old
>Coach House Motel North Kyme on Thursday "20th May
>2004. Terry Ball, Ivan Weller Graham Pattrick and
>myself will be opening a few hanger doors, wallowing
>in nostalgia and drinking to absent friends.
>For the un-enlightened, the above four along with
>Brian Davis, Alan Sangster(god bless him) Norman
>Callister and Barry Collin, where the last of the
>Pembroke Dock Trained Riggers Flying Boat, serving on
>205/209 from mid 1956 until 1959. Brian and Barry, if
>you are out there, get in touch, your old buddies
>would like to hear from you.
>
>Cheers and Yam Seng

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Holloway, 8/02/04 15:04:31

Whilst stationed at Mauripur 1954-56 we had to handle RNZAF Sunderlands on a number of occasions touching down at Korangi Creek about 10 miles down the coast.They would arrive late evening and our lads would have to work on them all night.All the refuelling gear had long since gone and they had to be refuelled from 2 gallon cans.The pier was covered with hundreds of cans which were loaded on to the fire launch and shipped out to the aircraft anchored about a couple of hundred yards out in the creek.They were then passed up thru the aircraft by a team of coolies up to one of our lads who would break the seal and pour the fuel thru a filter into the tanks;it would take all night.In the meantime the crews were transported to Mauripur for the night and next morning we had to get them back to Korangi for first light take-off(about 3am).They would take at least two goes to get off the water whilst we powered alongside them in the fire launch;it was all very interesting.Their next stop was Trincomalee in Ceylon.
Happy days
cheers
jhy

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 8/02/04 15:46:59

John, there are several members on this site that can equate to filling up Sunderlands (and other aircraft) by Jerry can, especially at China Bay and Gan. I'm pleased to hear how the FB were refuelled at the Mauripur base as this operation has often been ignored.

John

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 19/03/04 21:51:35

I'm still wanting more stories of flying/working on Sunderlands especially from RAF Seletar Flying Boat Wing or anywhere in the Far East at Sangley Point, Labuan, Kai Tak, Koggala, China Bay, Mauripur and Gan.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- KEN SANDERSON, 22/06/04 0:02:07

I WAS STATIONED AT FEFBW 52 TO 55 I WAS WONDERING IF YOU NEW WO CADMAN OF FL LT ALISON 205 SGDN I WAS THERE CLERC FOR A WHILE I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RE VISITSELETAR MABE ONE DAY I WILL .I REMEMBER BEING IN THE GUADROOM WHEN A CA
COMM TER WAS BEING QUESTIONED BY A SAS OFFICER I WONT TELL YOU THE RESULT IT WASNT ALL LOVVIE DOVIE OUT THERE .I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS SERVING 205 209 BYE FOR NOW SANDY

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 24/06/04 9:25:00

Ken

You won't get sent to the Tower for telling your story about the CT, after all it was over 50 years ago!

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Todd, 28/09/04 19:57:46

Rather confused about a web site.Are you ex205/209 squadron?

My reason for asking is that I am ex 81PR squadron at Seletar until we were transferred to Tengah,but for some strange reason some of us were billited with 205/209 and I got to know a lot of the blokes and I have just seen on a re union list at Duxford a name I remember quite well. Graham Patrick was in the same Block as me and if I remember rightly he came cycling with me and "Polly" Pollard and "Pancho" Holt,who was on the Boat squadron. Very fond memories of my time there quite a life of luxury really compared to life at home in Croydon in the 1950's,which I had left for the first time to travel all the way to Singapore as had of course most of my contempories.

I would very much like to make contact with anyone who was at Seletar during that time and who may remember me or the old Squadron a couple of remarks on the site have already brought back memories of Bugis Street and late night dining al fresco,knocking back too much Tiger or Anchor and on one occasion crashing our pool car into the second part of the guardroom.

I dont suppose many of us ever stayed in a place with a yacht club,swimming pool and golf course.

Time on my hands now as for the past year I have been retired in this very lovely part of North Devon,having previously lived in Bromley and Beckenham.Again would love to hear from anyone interested in conversing

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 26/03/05 8:50:29

It is proposed that a reunion take place regarding the last squadron that operated flying boats in the RAF marking the 50th anniversary disbandment of 205/209 Sunderland (FB) at RAF Seletar in May 1959 and that the reunion be held in May 2009.



There are two such exhibits in the UK at the RAF Museum at Hendon and the IWM at Duxford. I will not be organising this reunion but I am prepared to host a thread well in advance to canvass opinion as to where the reunion should take place and to see whether there will be enough interest. I feel pretty sure that both Hendon and Duxford would be delighted to host this event with the publicity this could generate

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- roy, 11/04/06 21:08:02

is there a reunion organised before 2009

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- John Cooper, 11/04/06 21:26:25

Roy

A probable reunion yes but nothing has been fixed yet, are you ex 'boats'?

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Alvin Dalby, 2/02/07 7:00:42

Air Radar Fit - ex 201 Sqn at PD. 1952-1955. First
non-basic trade bloke to qualify for beaching a launching.
201, 230 Sqn's based there with FBTS. Celebration of 201
(25 year? - I forget) - but a new crest presented. I had
the 'pleasure'of painting the pre and post event crests
on 2 3x2 ft panels. Didn't think I could do it. Surprised
self - came OK! Only then found we had a trained artist
on Sqdn - he had kept quiet! Talk re lost art! Never did
find a sub but we did try. Soniboys?

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]

[> Re: Sunderland Flying Boats -- Roger Day, 26/07/07 17:36:13

Hi,

I was going through my father's flying log book the other evening and was intrigued with some of his flight details.

He was a Sunderland pilot serving in Seletar, China Bay, etc. I guess he was Flight Sergeant or Flt.Lt. then. He was on the last run for the North Greenland Expedition August 1954 I think (but the log book is not in front of me as I type this) and also the Greek Earthquake relief. He was stationed in Pembroke Dock after returning with the Sunderlands. I have details of co-pilots from the log book as well. One of them had last name Winks (I vaguely remember he talked about flying with 'Tiddley' Winks). Also aircraft numbers etc.

He died 15 years ago and served in the RAF until 1976 (last posting Lyneham). Wonder if any of you might remember him from the Sunderland years. Squadron Leader Norman Day but everyone called him 'Happy' Day.

Thanks in advance.

Roger Day

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[Edit]


[ VoyUser Login ] Not required to post.
Post a public reply to this message | Go post a new public message
 Note: This forum is moderated -- new posts are not visible until approved.
* Notice: Posting problems? [ Click here ]
 * HTML allowed in marked fields.
Message subject (required):

Name (required):

  E-mail address (required):

* Type your message here:

Choose Message Icon: [ View Emoticons ]

Note: This forum is moderated -- new posts are not visible until approved.

Notice: Copies of your message may remain on this and other systems on internet. Please be respectful.

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT+0
VF Version: 2.94, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2008 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.