 As an SAC storebasher enjoying the privileges of the spacious,new aircooled Scaf while working as a member of the Priorities Cell team, I recall those happy days, and often wish I had made better attempts to exchange contact gen with colleagues and pals of that time.Forgetting rank, and sometimes a first name or surname, I'd like to mention colleagues and buddies whose memories I still recall with affection..... Johnny Colgate, Mick Myskow, Dougie Waites, Mick Brown, Paul Meyers, Robbie Robertson, Bill Robertson, Keith Sill, Paddy Lynch., and in other Sections of RAF Akrotiri, Nigel Ferguson (he may have been 1153MCU), John Carter, Henry Connolly, as well as the lady at Minns, Mrs Erica Bochwald & Leo. We (an honest bunch of storebashers at 103MU) knew from paperwork received that a 13ft rescue dinghy was about to be scrapped. We (the honest bunch of storebashers) thought it would be nice to have a nice boat for messing about in. Somehow, the scrapped boat found itself outside our bungalow barrack-block, and during the winter months that followed, a small group of devoted enthusiasts beavered away to completely rebuild and re-furbish the boat in time for the Summer. The boat, now legally registered as the civilian vessel "Aquaphoenix" and sporting a recently (and legally) acquired Evinrude outboard motor, was set to provide the rewards of our industry.
We (the honest bunch of storebashers) did a deal with Akrotiri Yatch Club, who desperately needed a small boat to set out their daily marker-buoys. The Yatch Club used our boat up to noon daily, and then filled her with the necessary fuel for us to enjoy the rest of the day. (Thank you, Twiggy's Dad!)
Recycling and reuse of scrapped items can be fun.... just as our acquisition of the wooden areo-engine crates allowed us (yes, you know who...) to convert these into beach huts/homes for the Supply Squadron needy during their recreational time. Ladies Mile? Great Memories! |
