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Some of our members may wish to refer to Dick King's March 2025 Newsletter after clearing out some of their emails so a copy of it is repeated here:

Click on the: Chairman's Newsletter March 2025 to open a pdf file containing all the script.

Earlier this year, Association member and former VC10 Air Loadmaster Irene Christophers, who lives in Cornwall, wrote to us asking for information as to where she could obtain a picture of a VC10. Irene had stayed in the Victory Ex-Services Club near Marble Arch when visiting London for last year’s Remembrance Sunday events. Noticing that there were no VC10 photos or pictures amongst the many on display in the Club Dining Room, she resolved to rectify the matter and wrote to us asking where one could be obtained.

Some of you may recall that prominent Guild of Aviation Artist Penelope Douglas attended one of our Reunion Dinners a few years ago when it was held at the Officers Mess at RAF Brize Norton. Many of her paintings adorned the Mess Dining Room’s walls and a particular painting was commissioned by our late President Gerry Bunn who, as OC10 in 1982, had asked Penny to depict the role of the Squadron in the Falklands Conflict. Her subsequent painting was called, ‘Return From The Conflict’ and it depicted a Red Cross painted VC10 during its refuelling stop at Ascension Island on the way home to the UK, whilst repatriating wounded British Forces from Uruguay in June 1982.

Penelope was contacted to ask if a print could be obtained and she immediately responded by posting a signed print of her picture to Irene who, after having it framed, added a small engraved brass plaque to it, stating its origin.

The picture will soon be donated to the London Club making good their previous lack of a 10 Sqn VC10 image. To repay Penny for her kindness, and knowing of her affinity for horses, the Association made a small donation to The Horse Trust ; a charity that cares for retired working horses, especially ex-military ones. Situated between High Wycombe and Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, they care for up to 140 retired and rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

Well done to both Irene and Penny.

Jim Beard was one of those who attended the 10 Squadron Memorial’s November 2024 Remembrance Sunday Service at Melbourne.

In doing so, he heeded a request from the Acting Chairman who encouraged more Association members to come forward and take on Committee roles or otherwise encourage the recruitment of a younger breed of ex-Sqn members and/or their relatives in order that the Association may continue to flourish. Read what Jim wrote afterwards………

Jim Beard

Two 10 Squadron Crews Remembered - V-Victor 1945

A service was held at the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Forces Memorial on 2nd March to remember all affected by Operation Gisela - the last Luftwaffe desperate attack against Bomber Command. A congregation of over 70 paid tribute - especially to two 10 Squadron crews that flew Halifax Mk III, V-Victor - and the connection between one of the casualties, Jack Laffoley and 10 Squadron Association founder, Robert 'Mac' McClements.

A stained-glass window, commissioned by Mac's son, Robert, was unveiled by Jack's nephew, Ross Oliver, who flew over from Canada and had addressed the last 10 Squadron Association Remembrance Sunday gathering.

Attendees included Jackie Hopkins who had flown over from the USA to represent her father, Albert Hodkinson DFM, (Association member who just celebrated his 103rd birthday) Bombardier in the Grant crew with Mac. Jenny Kay represented her father, Bill Kay, survivor of the Laffoley crash.

A family wreath-laying ceremony took place at 11.00am Tuesday 4th March at Stonefall Cemetery, Harrogate to mark the exact 80th Anniversary.

After seeing the BBC news coverage local farmer, Richard Tesseyman invited us to visit the actual crash site. The attached photo shows Ross Oliver standing on the spot, apparently being watched over - I leave the conclusion to your imagination

Please take time to watch the documentary and circulate the link with friends and on social media - we want the story to be known. For the full story please view the following links:

OPERATION GISELA – VIDEO LINKS

YouTube – Operation Gisela, Echoes of a Sacrifice. Documentary, 24 minutes.

https://youtu.be/s2KR3uj1gk4?si=bSq4_StkuZUwt89d

Calendar News 1987

https://www.yfanefa.com/record/11966