November 1998 extra edition Volume 1.4

We were all shocked to hear of the death of Flt Lt Clarke. He joined our squadron when it was formed back in 1973 and in the current edition of the Air Force List is shown as the longest serving officer in the RAFVR(T) with 41 years service as an officer. It is most unlikely that this achievement will ever be matched.

During his time with the ATC, Flt Lt Clarke instructed and befriended literally hundreds of cadets and a fair few staff as well. I feel honoured to have worked with him and well remember our after parade chats when we together put the world to rights. He was a wonderful help to me as I was learning the ropes as commanding officer and I knew that I could always rely on him for sound advice and for his unstinting support. I miss him as does everyone who came into contact with him. In particular our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Frances and the family.

I want to thank everyone who participated in the funeral service. I know that our presence was very much appreciated by the family and it was gratifying to receive so many thanks and congratulations on our ceremonial. It was a fitting tribute to our friend of so many years.

Le Marchant Barracks

There is no information regarding our future accommodation. We do know that the C Coy TA will continue to operate until July 1999 and that the building will not be closed until we have been provided with alternative accommodation. I am working closely with the Army Cadet Force County Headquarters as we have a common interest in remaining on the Le Marchant site.

The key message is that we stay in business.

Other News

Our Easter base will be Rollestone Camp on the Salisbury Plain Training Area. For the old timers, this means a new area of training land and all the local terrain knowledge learnt on so many visits to New Zealand Farm Camp is not going to be of much use. I quite look forward to working from this changed location even though it does mean that I can't recycle the documentation and request for approval used in earlier years. I shall be looking for approximate numbers soon so that I know what places I can offer to other squadrons

My especial thanks to Sqn Ldr M Thompson at UK 3 Div who has been seeking to source our kit "wish list". He has scored a notable success in that ATC HQ at RAF Cranwell is sending us a consignment of blue and DPM uniform clothing following his approach to the supply Sergeant at HQ.