THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS & WEB SITE UPDATES.
13/09/24
Tiger News 87 is now available on the website!
29/07/24
On the 19th July 2024, Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360 was successfully relocated from Manston Airport to Cotswold Airport and it`s new home with the British Phantom Aviation Group.
11/07/24
Look out for this months edition of Aeroplane Monthly, there is a great article regarding the Tigers at Tengah.
26/05/24
Tiger News 86 is now available on the website!
14/05/24
Photos from the 2024 Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
04/10/23
Geoff Coughlin has just released this 390-page eBook with a detailed look at the F-4J(UK) in RAF service. The book features chapters on the F-4J’s inception and key features, along with model builds, colour profiles, a cockpit walkaround, and a foreword by our very own Chairman Group Captain Dick Northcote OBE BA RAF (Retd).
An excellent Phantom F-4J(UK) reference source even if you`re not the modelling type.
To order this E-Book click this Link
23/07/23
July saw a major hurdle jumped with ZE360 by the British Phantom Aviation Group.
Here`s a time-lapse of ZE360’s L/H engine removal. A more detailed report to follow!
22/06/23
Tiger News 85 is now available on the website!
Also….
Look out for the July issue of Aeroplane as it contains an excellent, extended feature about the introduction of the Lightning into RAF operational service by 74 Squadron at RAF Coltishall.
The story is told by Association member David Jones talking to aviation writer Dennis Calvert and gives an excellent perspective of the busy, often problematic but ultimately successful time in the eerily 60s as 74 explored the full potential of the exciting new addition to the RAF’s fleet of fighters.
15/06/23
It is with sadness to report that Wing Commander Martin Bee AFC, a Tiger during the Lightning days, passed away peacefully in May.
Details on this on the In Memoriam page.
22/04/23
Photos from the 2023 Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
04/03/23
Tiger News 83 is now available on the website
24/12/22
It with great sadness that we must announce the passing of the Associations Honorary Vice President Air Vice Marshal Boz Robinson RAF Ret’d on the 11th December from serious illness.
While Boz had lived in Thailand these last few years he had come home to Hove a few weeks before his death.
A tribute to Boz will be posted in the New Year.
19/12/22
27/11/22
Head over to the ZE360 Restoration Blog for the latest news on this project.
360-restoration-blog
11/11/22
Some of you Tengah Tigers may recognise this building?
A few more photos have been added to the main photo archive courtesy of Angus Mac MacInnes son Richard.
13/10/22
Tiger News 82 is now on the website
03/10/22
Reunion 2023 Newsflash!
Confirmed dates are March 24th to 26th at the Maid’s Head Hotel, Norwich.
Full details to follow.
Spitfire Help
David Price is seeking help with research into Spitfire IX PV144 of which he is building (and has almost completed) a full-scale replica. PV144 was flown by the squadron CO in 1944, New Zealander Sqn Ldr James ‘Spud’ Hayter and David is keen to contact any of his family. Photographs of PV144 are extremely rare but others may exist in family albums for example or in a collector’s possession. If anyone can help in this respect please contact the Association Secretary Bob Cossey.
Unfortunately more members of our Tiger community have had their tributes added to the In Memoriam page.
John Atkinson, Brian Tyrell, Bob Turbin, John Bradbrook, Bill Warwick and Derek Morter
RIP Tigers
31/08/22
30/08/22
2022 Wattisham Ground Crew Reunion
Click here for more photos of this event in the `Tiger Reunions` section held on Saturday 27th August 2022
29/07/22
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2023 reunion will be held from the 24th to the 26th March next year at the Maid`s Head in Norwich.
19/05/22
Tiger News 81 is now on the website
18/05/22
Photos from the 2022 Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
03/05/22
23/04/22
It is with sadness to note that another four members of our Tiger community have had their tributes added to the In Memoriam page.
Charlie Peace, Mike Rigg, Heather Cadwallader and Edwin Nieass.
22/03/22
‘In Fadeless Memory of Brian Kirk’
Battle of Britain & No.74 Squadron pilot biography by author Brian Outhwaite
The life of Sergeant Pilot Brian Kirk who flew operationally from RAF Hornchurch, Wittering, Coltishall and Biggin Hill with 74 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, before being shot down in October 1940 suffering terrible injuries before succumbing to his wounds on 22nd July 1941.
12/01/22
20/12/21
09/12/21
Tiger News 80 is now on the website
03/12/21
Latest update on the ZE360 restoration project and their challenging weather issues can be found on the blog page
15/11/21
It is with regret that we must inform you that Chris Laidlaw-Bell recently passed away.
A tribute has now been added to the In Memoriam page.
23/09/21
Limited Edition CO Signed Prints
EDIT – All sold other then two copies which will be sold at auction.
Thank you to everyone who bought and contributed to the ZE360 fund.
I am pleased to announce that I have a number of Limited Edition CO signed prints left to raise funds for the ZE360 Restoration effort.
These are the first and most unique releases and more variations of this artwork will be released in due course so watch this space!
Only 15 editions in this format were printed and each one is numbered after one of the F-4J`s that 74 Squadron operated from 1984 to 1991. They are also signed by the Commanding Officers of 74 during that period, Dick Northcote, Cliff Spink and Graham Clarke. (See pictures below).
11/08/21
15/07/21
2022 Reunion Dinner
We are delighted to be able to tell you that the committee have booked The Maid’s Head in Norwich for Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th 2022.
The format will be the same as previously and details will be posted towards the end of the year once they are finalised.
For now put these are dates for your diary so you can keep that weekend free!
04/06/21
New Book
‘Peter – One of the Forgotten Few’ by Brian Gates
Peter – One of the Forgotten Few tells the story of Peter Carter who served with 73 Squadron and 302 ‘City of Poznan’ Squadron during the war. Peter’s closest friend in the RAF was 74 Squadron’s Ian Hawken and during his research of Peter Carter author Brian uncovered a lot of new information about (and photographs of) Ian.
Sadly neither man survived the war but Brian has skilfully brought them back to life in the book.
Self-published by the author, the book is available on eBay at
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363415892796?epid=24046516930&hash=item549d46733c:g:UNkAAOSw~WpgspAR.
(Please note that this is an updated link to replace that shown in Tiger News 79 which please now ignore.)
02/06/21
Tiger News 79 is now on the website
18/05/21
Head over to the ZE360 Restoration Blog for the latest updates and discover that aircraft restoration isn`t all about the glamour…….!
10/05/21
Wing Commander Norman Want, another Tiger with 74 during the Tengah days, sadly passed away recently.
A tribute has been added in the In Memoriam page.
09/05/21
Sadly Wing Commander Barney Bullocke, a Tiger with 74 during the Tengah days, recently passed away.
A tribute has been added in the In Memoriam page.
27/04/21
A video regarding the recent relocation of Phantom ZE360 from the now defunct Fire School to a hangar on Manston Airport.
A full update in the Restoration blog shortly.
05/04/21
Unfortunately it is with regret that I must inform you that Colin Dawson recently passed away, a tribute has now been added to the In Memoriam page.
30/03/21
It is with sadness to report that Sandra Grainger, wife to Peter, recently passed and a tribute has been added in the In Memoriam page.
14/03/21
Tiger News 78 is now on the website
10/03/21
A tribute to Group Captain Michael John Forsyth Shaw CBE has now been posted in the In Memoriam page.
It is also with sadness to report that Derek Wood, an engineer at Tengah with 74, also recently passed and has also been added.
22/02/21
Today see`s the 30th Anniversary of ZE360 delivery flight to Manston.
Check out the ZE360 blog post to find out more about the flight.
14/02/21
We sadly have to tell you that Group Captain Mike Shaw OBE CBE, a Tiger from May 1962 to September 1964, died peacefully at his Lincolnshire home on Sunday 7th February.
A tribute will be posted later on the In Memorial page.
25/01/21
A message from Association Secretary Bob Cossey
Good morning Tigers.
I sincerely hope this finds you all well and coping with everything as best you can given the circumstances we are living in. In that regard I guess it will come as no surprise to you to hear that the proposed date for a reunion in April isn’t possible (when booked last summer it seemed as though it would be, but then we didn’t know what was coming of course).
So we will leave things for now until we can be sure that we can plan ahead with confidence, although sadly that may well not be for some considerable time. But rest assured as soon as we can we will.
In the meantime my very best wishes to you all and here’s to much better times ahead.
Bob
21/01/21
16/12/20
Tiger News 77 is now available to read on the website and I`d also like to take this opportunity to wish you all, on behalf of the Association Committee, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
28/11/20
More sad news in that John Bright has recently passed away, a tribute has been added to the In Memoriam page.
24/11/20
Sad news to report that Squadron Leader Neil Davidson has recently passed away, a tribute has been added to the In Memoriam page.
21/10/20
As you may all know Ken Goodwin recently passed away.
A tribute to Ken has been added to the In Memoriam page.
05/10/20
Pen & Sword Books have released their latest title;
Empty Sky – RAF Voices from the Fall of France and Battle of Britain
Click the link below for the related press release and details.
08/09/20
A sad news, happy news day today ………..
Air Commodore Ken Goodwin, who as a Wing Commander was OC 74 between October 1966 and 31st March 1969, died peacefully on the afternoon of 5th September, surrounded by his family. Ken was a much loved and respected Commanding Officer who together with his wife Sue, who herself sadly passed away at the end of 2019, personified all that goes to make up the spirit of the Tigers.
An appreciation of Ken’s life will follow.
…… and now for some happy news …..
Flt Lt Bill Warwick, who was with the squadron from March – September 1945, will be celebrating his 100th birthday on the 10th September in Christchurch, New Zealand. That is quite an achievement! Bill was due to have a joint 100th celebration with two other WWII pilots in Christchurch, however Covid has meant that this has been cancelled so for now he will be celebrating with family only.
Congratulations to you Bill from everyone in the Association. You hold a very special place in our history as the most senior Tiger that we know.
Bill is in the middle of the back row standing in front of the spinner.
03/09/20
Tiger News 76 is now on the website
Please note the dates for the 2021 reunion (all being well!). Friday April 16th – Sunday April 18th in Norwich once again.
Full details to follow in due course.
18/08/20
It was a big day for the ZE360 restoration project last weekend.
Click on the ZE360 Restoration page for more photos and videos.
11/08/20
Jack Mellon, a reunion regular, has recently passed away.
Jacks name has been added to the In Memoriam page.
08/08/20
02/07/20
It is with sadness to report that Tony Hilton recently passed, his name added to the In Memoriam page.
30/06/20
The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust needs your help
Click the link below if you wish to donate. Thank you.
21/06/20
An excellent video covering 74`s Battle of Britain CO Sailor Malan.
Very apt in this 80th anniversary year of the battle.
09/06/20
The ZE360 Restoration page has had an update so head over and take a look.
03/04/20
Tiger News 75 is now on the website
Grey Tailed Tiger
Alistair Henderson has given us kind permission to add the following shot of XV490 to the archives giving us a rare shot of a Phantom FGR.2 without it`s black tail.
Photo was taken at Leuchars in Feb 1992, can any of you Phantom Tigers add any further information on the how and why?
04/03/20
Please note that the 2020 Reunion scheduled for March 28th has been postponed.
Updates as to a revised date will be published here in due course.
25/02/20
The 32nd Lightning Preservation Group annual reunion will take place on Saturday 20th June 2020 at the Three Swans Hotel in Market Harborough.
The plan for the day is to meet up at Bruntingthorpe at midday then gather at the Three Swans for dinner at 19:30 for 20:00.
The guest of honour will be Air Marshal Cliff Spink who will give a talk on his time flying the Lightning.
Overnight accommodation is available at the Three Swans. You can attend both the airfield and dinner events or either one.
For further information please e-mail scott.gers@gmail.com.
24/02/20
ZE360 UPDATE
Check out the latest news and updates on the ZE360 restoration blog page
Two new ZE360 artwork pieces have been commissioned to raise funds for the restoration effort and more details about these exciting prints will be released shortly.
A new mug has also been launched on the webstore to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and don`t forget there are other exciting designs available for purchase just in time for the Spring and Summer.
18/02/20
Model Manufacturers Hachette have recently launched their latest subscription model build in the shape of Sailor Malan`s Mk Ia Spitfire ZP-A.
For more details on costs and specifications of the model itself, please click on the link below to take you directly to the website.
05/01/20
Happy New Year Tigers!
Tiger News 74 is now on the website
18/12/19
Further to the previous announcement regarding Pen and Sword, the following publications have been released for those interested.
Check out their website (www.pen-and-sword.co.uk) for details of these titles -and indeed all their releases – and also for special prices.
14/12/19
Wishing all you Tiger`s everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
18/11/19
A new on-line web store has been created selling various 74 Tiger Squadron themed items, with all profits going towards the ZE360 Restoration project.
Please click the link below to see whats on offer from phone cases to clothing to mugs.
07/11/19
Information regarding the March 2020 reunion is now available.
Please contact secretary Bob Cossey on secretary74tigersquadron@yahoo.com for details.
23/10/19
21/09/19
Following the very positive response to last year’s reunion, the 2020 reunion will take place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March at the Maid’s Head Hotel in Norwich once again.
Details to follow.
03/09/19
Pen and Sword are amongst the major UK publishers of aviation and military titles and they have many other imprints too.
These titles are amongst their latest releases and as ever with Pen and Sword they are an eclectic mix. Much of what they publish are subject matters that have not been seen, or have rarely been seen, in print before.
Check out their website (www.pen-and-sword.co.uk) for details of these titles -and indeed all their releases – and also for special prices.
24/08/19
The Association’s former Chairman Dave Roome has written his autobiography.
Dancing the Skies charts his flying career. A very brief snapshot of that career reveals that he joined the Royal Air Force aged 18 and amongst many other milestones flew the Lightning with 74 in Singapore until the withdrawal of UK forces in 1971. After instructing on the Folland Gnat for three years, further tours followed on the Phantom and with the CFS. After a Taceval ground tour he took command of a Phantom squadron. In 1990 Dave was responsible for the planning of the 168 aircraft flypast over London on 15th September as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain for which he was awarded an OBE. Leaving the RAF in 2001 he managed Delta Jets at Kemble before moving to Cornwall in 2003 to fly the BAe Hawk operating in support of RN ships training in the Channel.
Dave retired on his 65th birthday after 46 years and almost 8000 hours of flying.
This highly recommended book (your Secretary has had the privilege of reading an advance copy) can be pre-ordered on Amazon at £12.99. It is due out on 28th October.
14/08/19
Tiger News 73 is now on the website
02/08/19
Janet Southward, the widow of Jack, recently passed, her name added to the In Memoriam page.
01/08/19
It is with sadness to report another name has been added to the In Memoriam page.
Sir Henry Riley recently passed.
20/06/19
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Association, in partnership with the British Phantom Aviation Group, have been successful in their acquisition of Phantom F-4J(uk) ZE360.
Look out for more details on this exciting restoration project in the upcoming Tiger newsletter.
10/06/19
Military Prints UK (https://militaryprintsuk.com/shop/) have now launched with a 74 Squadron F-4J (UK) A3 print.
15/4/19
Photos from the 2019 Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
02/04/19
Tiger News 72 is now on the website
22/01/19
Air Vice-Marshal George Black has written his autobiography, ‘Black Leader’. Published by Firestreak Books, it’s a handsome volume with many previously unseen photographs and a fascinating text recounting George’s remarkable career. To order go to www.firestreakbooks.com/books.
Highly recommended.
Firestreak is an independent company formed in 2014 by George’s renowned aviation photographer son Ian Black to produce bespoke aviation books covering jet fighters from the Cold War.
George’s other son Stuart Black is a fine artist who has produced this print of Battle of Britain Class locomotive No. 34080 ‘74 Squadron’.
With the crest the price is £12.50, without the crest £11.00. Both prices include postage.
If you would like a print please contact secretary74tigersquadron@yahoo.com or write to Bob Cossey at 16 Pine Road, Thorpe, Norwich, NR7 9LE who will pass on your order to Stuart. Payment can be made by cheque, BACS bank transfer or PayPal.
For more of Stuart’s work visit www.stuartblack.com
20/12/18
Wishing all you Tiger`s everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
05/12/18
Brand new company Military Prints UK (https://militaryprintsuk.com/shop/) have launched with a 74 Squadron F-4J (UK) featured on a 90cm x 30cm print.
They are offering Association members only a 10% discount by entering the code `74sqn` at check out.
04/12/18
74(F) Tiger Squadron Association 2019 Reunion
Details for the 2019 reunion are now available so please contact Squadron Secretary Bob Cossey for more information on the email below.
secretary74tigersquadron@yahoo.com
30/10/18
Tiger News 71 is now on the website
23/10/18
Another name has been added to the In Memoriam page.
Fred Taylor, a Tiger from the Meteor era, recently passed.
09/10/18
From the Lightning Preservation Group
The next Corgi Lightning in the 1:48 large scale is 74 Squadron’s F.6 XS927/N. The aircraft was Dave Carden’s when he was a junior pilot at Leuchars in February 1967 until August 1969 at Tengah. The LPG are selling the model on their website together with a certificate detailing XS927’s history together with Dave Carden’s RAF service record – and Dave will sign each copy. Plus an A3 photo montage showing 74 Squadron Lightning F6s at Leuchars and Tengah.
The link to the LPG’s website is:
https://lightnings.org.uk/shop/models/die-cast/corgi-148-scale-lightning-f6-xs927-n/
10/08/18
It is with regret that we inform you that Pat Thurlow recently passed away.
The In Memoriam page has been updated accordingly.
29/6/18
A few shots, courtesy of Steve Harrison-Green, from this years Tiger Meet Airshow 2018 which was held at Pozen in Poland.
17/6/18
Ronald Bright died at the age of 19 in May 1918 flying over France with the squadron.
He was Andy Coleman’s great uncle and Andy has recently added a photo of Ronald , his last letter and a letter written on his death to the family by Wilfred Ernest Young, one of 74’s aces, to the following website.
www.oxfordhistory.org.uk/war/stmargaret/bright_ronald.html
They are of great interest and are an important addition to what we know of our World War One Tigers.
12/6/18
Squadron Secretary Bob Cossey`s latest book is now out chronicling the career of Ex Tiger CO Hal Crowe.
Click Here for more details.
28/5/18
Photos from the 2018 Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
21/05/18
Tiger News 70 is now on the website
The 2019 74(F) Tiger Squadron Reunion will be held in Norwich at The Maid’s Head hotel from March 1st – 3rd. Details will be available later in the year.
Please put the dates in your diary now!
09/05/18
It was nice to see 230 Squadron mark their 100 year anniversary, as well as the 100 years of the Royal Air Force, by giving Puma XW224 some rather nice Tiger markings just recently.
Congrats to 230 on your anniversary and a very splendid Tiger scheme.
With many thanks to Sgt Rachel Malthouse and RAF Benson for their kind permission in reproducing these images.
04/04/18
With the kind permission of David, son of Ian Papworth, click on the link below to view some interesting and unique personal photo`s taken from the detachment to Butterworth and Darwin around 1969.
Tengah Tigers Butterworth/Darwin Detachment
23/03/18
Our Lightning/Tengah Tiger members will be pleased to hear that the Cornish Aviation Heritage Centre have transported their English Electric Lightning F.53 ZF580 to St Athen for restoration and a new 74(F) Tiger Squadron paint scheme before sending her on to RAF Cosford for display for this years RAF 100 years celebration. She will then be returned to Cornwall remaining in her new Tiger colour`s for display there.
More details in the link below.
http://www.cornwallaviationhc.co.uk/cahc-raf-cosford-air-show-2018/
31/01/18
At the start of the Second World War the Tigers and Hornchurch Station were the setting for the feature film The Lion Has Wings starring Ralph Richardson and Merle Oberon. 74 were used for some flying scenes with ground and aircrew used as background extras.
The camera crew prepare for another film shot at the opening of the 74 squadron Bell tent, known as ‘The Tiger’s Den’
Left to right – F/L Treacy, F/O Hoare and F/Sgt Maine
B’ Flight pilots posing for this very casual photograph, they are from left to right FO Thom, PO Dowding, FL Treacy standing at the doorway of tent, FO Hoare, FSgt Maine and Sgt Bushell
(With thanks to Tony Philpot from the Hornchurch Aerodrome Historical Society for granting permission for the use of these photos)
14/11/17
The next 74 (F) Tiger Squadron reunion will be held on Saturday 7th April 2018 at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford upon Avon.
Please e-mail secretary74tigersquadron@yahoo.com for details.
Tiger News 69 is now on the website
18/08/17
A new page has been started in the photographic section called Tiger Survivors.
Click here to view.
This page is dedicated to surviving airframes, or significant pieces of airframes, that still exist and served with 74 Tiger Squadron. If you have any photo`s that you feel are relevant to the page and you are happy for them to be posted, then please do get in touch.
11/08/17
A unique set of shots taken at Wattisham and dated 23rd March 1985 have been added to the photo archive and can be found by clicking here
01/07/17
Wishing all you Tigers out there a very happy 100th Birthday.
17/06/17
New Colours for an old Tiger
Phantom FGR.2 XV490 has had many guises over the years finishing her career on 74 Squadron at Wattisham in 1992 as R for Romeo. Her cockpit section was saved from the scrap man and for many years could be found at Newark Air Museum as a regular attendee on the annual Cockpit Fest. She was also the background cockpit in Tony Dixon`s recent interview which you can view further down this page.
This year, after a long restoration, she has emerged in a new scheme representing her time with 92 Squadron in Germany. While it is sad to see her without the Tiger stripes, it is great to see that she is in safe hands.
I had the opportunity today to sit in both seats and share the following photo`s from the day.
Front Seat
Back Seat
15/06/17
Tiger Meet 2017 was held at BAN Landivisiau, France this year and it`s with thanks to Steve Harrison-Green who was on hand to capture these images of the event and allow us to share them here.
All images courtesy of Steve Harrison-Green
10/06/17
Aircrew Interview recently interviewed Tony about his time on the `J` and it`s well worth the watch.
Biggin Hill was home to the Tigers from October 1940 and much the first half of 1941. Therefore I felt it relevant to let you know that part of the airfields St Georges Chapel is planned to be demolished to make way for a new development.
Click this link to give you the option to register your disapproval for such plans if you wish.
30/05/17
BBMF Spitfire Mk XVI/TE311 has for a number of years appeared at airshows across the UK in a scheme representing Spitfire Mk XVIe TB675 ‘4D-V’ of 74 Squadron, the personal aircraft of Squadron Leader AJ ‘Tony’ Reeves DFC, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer from the end of December 1944. While the airframe itself never flew with the Tigers, it was always nice to see it representing 74 in the air.
So it is with a tinge of sadness to report that TE311 is to be repainted as Spitfire Mk XVI/TD240 when it was the personal mount of 13 Polish Wing CO Gp Cpt Aleksander Gabszewiz.
TE311 recently displayed at Old Warden minus it`s Tiger colours.
(With thanks to Peter Cox for supplying the accompanying photo).
21/04/17
05/04/17
Tiger News 68 is now on the website
29/3/17
Of definite interest to all at 74, a petition requesting investigation, exhumation and identification to prove/disprove the remains of “A British Airman Of The First World War” buried in Laventie Cemetery are in fact those of fighter Ace Edward Mick Mannock. Furthermore, a named reinterment befitting of this hero be conducted.
Click the link below if you wish to sign.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/191594
26/3/17
Photos for the 100th Anniversary Reunion Dinner have now been added to the Photo Archive.
Click here to view.
28/10/16
Tiger News 67 is now on the website
Details of the 2017 Annual Reunion weekend have been announced
Friday 3rd March – Sunday 5th March 2017
Annual Dinner – Saturday 4th March
Reunion Weekend Information 2017
19/09/16
No 74(F) Tiger Squadron Association will hold the squadron’s 100th Anniversary reunion from 3rd to 5th March 2017 at The Falcon Hotel Stratford upon Avon.
Contact Secretary Bob Cossey for details.
03/07/16
The In Memoriam page now has another new name – Bill Cunningham
01/07/16
Wishing you all a Happy 99th Birthday to all you Tigers where ever you may be.
11/5/16
Sadly we have to report that Tengah Tiger Bill Cunningham died on Wednesday 4th May. Our thoughts are with Bill’s wife Carol and his family. He will be much missed by his Tiger colleagues and all of us in the Association who knew Bill at reunions.
Bill’s funeral is on Monday 23rd May at 11.00am at Peterborough Crematorium.
Site updated~~~ 3rd April 2016
Tiger News 66 is now on the website
3/4/16
Sadly, the In Memoriam page has two new names – Ray Morrell and John Howe
1/3/16
It is with deep regret that I have to report that AVM John Howe (OC 74 Squadron 1960-1961) passed away on 27th January 2016 after a short illness. Our deepest sympathy goes to Annabelle and family. A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Friday 19th February at 11.00 at St Mary and St Margaret’s Church, Sprowston, Norwich NR7 8AU
2/2/2016
Have you seen the new EE/BAC LIGHTNING Bremont watch?
2/2/2016
Details of the 2016 Annual Reunion weekend have been announced
Friday 4th March – Sunday 6th March 2016
Annual Dinner – Saturday 5th March
Full Details & Menu ChoicesBooking Form
Another great weekend at Stratford!!
8/12/2015
Sadly, the In Memoriam page has another new name – Ted Mansfield
30/11/2015
The In Memoriam page now has another new name – Louis McQuade
27/11/2015
Tiger News 65 is now on the website
5/10/2015
The In Memoriam page now has two new names – Fred Waters and Geoffrey Ratcliffe
17/8/2015
The In Memoriam page now has another name – Arthur Westerhoff
30/7/2015
The In Memoriam page now has another name – Chris Mullan
Tiger News 64 is now on the website
From Balloons to Typhoons: RAF Leuchars
A message for anyone visiting the St Andrews University/Fife area between now and 17th May…. The Gateway Galleries at the University of St Andrews is hosting a celebration of the history of RAF Leuchars. Using photographs and objects from RAF Leuchars and donations from other museums the exhibition will focus on the people of RAF Leuchars and their stories and is called ‘From Balloons to Typhoons: RAF Leuchars’
A great Annual Reunion weekend – A huge thank you to Bob & Angie
Jim Jolly’s photos are now here
I recommend Tiger Rag played by 4 Banjos! Turn up the volume and enjoy!
The In Memoriam page now has another name – Ray Racy
Details of the 2015 Annual Reunion weekend have been announced
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March 2015
Another great weekend at Stratford!!
The In Memoriam page now has four new names
Duncan Allison, Eric Dickens, Kenneth Green and Len Preston
Tiger News 63 is now on the website
A great afternoon out to be had at Bruntingthorpe!
On Saturday 7th September 2014, Margie climbed to the summit of Snowdon with Tiger Johns ashes.
Some photos have been added to his obituary
The Association Goods page has been updated
Bruntingthorpe – 27th July 2014
Some photos from Jim Jolly…
Photos of the day have been added to the Lightning page in the Photograhic Archive
Photos of the Tiger John naming ceremony have been added to his obituary
Some photos taken by Jim Jolly at the Service of Celebration for the life of Tiger John on Saturday 28th June have been added to the website.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of our late webmaster John Crow
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 28th June at 11.30am at Bromham Baptist Church (MK43 8LJ), followed by food and drinks at Bromham Village Hall nearby. Many people whose lives John touched in a professional, leisure or social capacity will be participating.
If you are planning to attend, if possible please let Margie Crow know or alternatively Bob Cossey or David Jones through the website.
John expressed the wish that this should be a celebratory occasion and should be colourful and full of happiness. So, as he said, ‘no bloody silly black ties!’ allowed.
The In Memoriam page now has three new names
Paddy Dalzell, Bobby Laumans and John Crow
Some photos from Dave Pilsworth have been added of the ‘Phinal Phantom Photo Call’
A message from Margie….
‘Thank you to all Tigers who attended the Cremation Service yesterday (7th May), and thank you for all the letters, cards and messages which have been a great comfort to me.’
Tiger News 62 is now on the website
It is with regret that I have to pass on the sad news that Tiger John Crow has died.
A cremation service is to be held on Wednesday 7th May at 1.45pm at Bedford Crematorium.
Bedford Crematorium: 104 Norse Road, Bedford? MK41 0RL
Family flowers only.
Donations will be welcomed for two organisations:
‘SEPT Macmillan Cancer Support’ and/or ‘Sue Ryder PEP’
Donations may be sent to the Funeral Director: Mr Kenneth Brandon, 6 Bridge End, Carlton, Bedford? MK43 7LP
After the Service refreshments will be served at:
The Barns Hotel, Cardington Road, Bedford MK44 3SA
(About a 9 minute drive from the Crematorium)
A Memorial Service to celebrate John’s life will take place on Saturday 28th June
Some more photos of the 2014 Reunion have been added to the Photographic Archive
There are photos from Jim Jolly and David Ketcher
A News Flash from the Lightning Preservation Group at Bruntingthorpe!
Dates for your diary….
25th May – Cold War Jets open day. Some 15 aircraft will fast taxy.
27th July- Lightning 60th anniversary of P1A first flight 4th August 1954. Scramble from the Q-shed. We are trying to arrange?all ex-Lightning squadrons to attend.
24th August – Cold War Jets open day. Some 15 aircraft will fast taxy.
1st November – Late afternoon Lightning Twilight Run.
New Link on the ‘Links’ page – Aircrew Remembered
A Lightning flies again!!
XS452 takes to the air again – more details here
A message of Christmas Greetings to us all from Tiger John
2014 Reunion:? Friday 7th – Sunday 9th March 2014
Members will already have received details from Bob.? If you have mislaid them they are available here:?Information Sheet and Booking Form.
New members are always welcome!
Friday 8th November – BBC2
This BBC team visited Bruntingthorpe whilst producing this documentary
Tiger News 61 added to the website