It is with much regret that we announce the passing of one of our oldest members, David Shrimpton from Wisbech. David was a Wellington tail gunner and incredibly proud of his service.
David’s Funeral was held in January 2015 and the Association was represented by Squadron Leader Bob Sinclair.
Over 50 members of the Sqn, led by Wing Commander Chris Snaith and 110 members of the Association arrived in France on Sunday 7 December 2014.
On the morning of Monday 8 Dec 2014, the Mayor, various members of the St Omer Flying Club and a number of locals welcomed members of the Squadron and Association to St Omer Airfield. The flying club had cleared the hangar, as the weather forecast was for constant rain.
A number of history talks were given by members of the Squadron. Speeches were given by the Mayor of St Omer, the President of the IX(B) Squadron Association, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach and Wing Commander Chris Snaith, the Officer Commanding IX(B) Squadron.
The crowd was now over 300 and although it was raining, most ventured outside as a Tornado from RAF Marham carried out a flypast exactly on time.
A short Centenary Ceremony and Service was held, and wreaths were laid on the RAF Memorial on St Omer Airfield.
Following the Service a lunch was held inside the hangar.
The RAF contingent then moved to Mendingham Cemetery, Proven, Belguim, where more history talks were given by members of the Squadron.
At 2000 hrs, The Squadron paraded at the Menin Gate parade.
The whole event was superbly organised by the Association Vice-President, Group Captain Alfie Ferguson, and the Squadron Warrant Officer, Dean Wood.
The Government of France has told the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) that it wishes to recognise the selfless acts of heroism and determination displayed by all surviving veterans of campaigns to liberate France in 1944, by awarding them with the Legion D’Honneur.
The MoD said: “The Government of France has advised the UK MoD that it wishes to award the Legion D’Honneur to all surviving veterans of the Battle for Normandy, the invasion of Provence (Operation Dragoon), campaigns to liberate Paris and campaigns to liberate France in 1944”
Any surviving veterans, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force who operated in support of any of the campaigns to liberate France in 1944, are invited to apply for this prestigious award.
Requests for the award should be made using this application form and will be processed by the MoD, who will forward the details to the French authorities.
The French authorities will then make all the final decisions on the awards.
Veterans wishing to apply for the award, or anyone enquiring on their behalf, should either send the form to:
Personnel and Training – Defence Services Secretary – Commemorations
Floor 6 Zone C
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
LONDON
SW1A 2HB
Or email it to PersTrg-DSSec-CommemAug1@mod.uk
The French government will be reviewing the applications, so the UK MoD is unable to give any guidance on timings or the arrangements for the presentation of the awards. Awards will not be given posthumously, and any further questions should be directed to the French authorities.
The Association Secretary has already applied on behalf of a number of members. If you would like assistance in applying, please contact the Association Secretary.
It is with much sadness that it is announced that Mrs Ethel Harrison passed away on 3 October 2014.
Ethel was the widow of IX Squadron Lancaster Flight Engineer, Ted Harrison, and she was a great supporter of the Association at Reunions and Remembrance Sundays.
Our thoughts are with Ethel’s daughters, Kate Cowton and Janette Hibbert, and their families.
It is with mush regret that we announce the passing away of former IX Squadron Vulcan Pilot and Captain, ‘Bob’ Jennings.
Bob was cremated at Lincoln Crematorium on 11 Sep 2014.
Bob’s coffin was carried by the remaining members of his crew:
Brian Sanford-Casey (co-pilot)
‘Sam’ Weller (Nav-Radar)
Terry Wilson (Nav-Plotter)
Martin ‘Chunky’ Chandler (AEO)
Our thought go to Bob’s family.
It is with much regret that we announce that 94 year old Mr Geoff Mudle passed away on 22 August 2014.
Geoff was a IX Squadron ground engineer on Lancasters.
Geoff’s funeral was held on 9 September 2014 in Guilford.
The Squadron and the Squadron Association were represented by Warrant Officer Mike Inder, from RAF Marham.
Thanks to some great networking by Group Captain Nick Hay, an RAF Central Band Trumpeter, SAC Alex Pippen played the last post.
After the war Geoff joined Hawker Siddley at Dunsfold and was an engineer on the team that developed the Hunter and Harrier.
The Association extends condolences to Geoff’s daughter, Jennie Bartlett and her family.
Gordon Thorburn’s book –
A Century of Air Warfare with 9 (IX) Squadron RAF
Is available from Pen and Sword books at a discount price.
Readers are offered 20% off the RRP of £25 by quoting 177341.
This offer is only available when purchasing directly from Pen & Sword, either via the website www.pen-and-sword.co.uk or on 01226 734222.
It is with much regret that we announce that the last remaining founder member of the Association, Mr Norman Wells, passed away on 1 June 2014. Norman was a Lancaster Rear Gunner on IX(B) Squadron, and completed 30 operational missions, including many to Berlin.
Norman’s funeral was held on 13 June 2014 in Bracknell.
The Squadron was represented by Flight Lieutenant Chris Goodyer.
The Association was represented by Air Vice-Marshal Stu Evans, Mr Al Christie and Mr Harry Irons.
The Association extends condolences to Ruby, Gerald, Barry and their families.
The IX(B) Squadron Association is a Registered Charity. (Number 1153852).
The objects of the IX(B) Squadron Association are exclusively charitable, and are to promote the efficiency of the Royal Air Force and especially IX(B) Squadron by preserving its traditions, fostering esprit-de-corps and comradeship and encouraging personnel to benefit from the experience and lessons of their predecessors, in particular, but not exclusively by maintaining contact with past members of the Squadron. Also to educate and inform the general public about the work and history of Bomber Command, Strike Command, Air Command and their subordinate formations, in particular, but not exclusively, by making grants to and supporting any charities, projects or appeals associated with these Commands and their formations and activities, including, but not limited to, The RAF Museum, The Imperial War Museum and The Bomber Command Association.
If you would like to make a donation to the Association to help us in our work,
please contact the Trustees via: association.sec@9sqn.co.uk