ACA Woking News by Bill Bawden, PRO

19 September 2006

Flying the Royal Family

The monthly meeting of the Woking Branch of the AirCrew Association began with the auction of two framed prints of aircraft donated by Mrs Hazel Sherwood, whose late husband, Jim, was for many years a branch committee member. The prints, one signed by Leonard Cheshire VC, and the other by the widow of Sir Douglas Bader, the legless Battle of Britain ace, were each sold for £50 with the proceeds going to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice at Farnham in recognition of the wonderful support given to Jim Sherwood during his final months.

Sqn Ldr Graham Laurie MVO

There followed an illustrated talk by Squadron Leader Graham Laurie, MVO, who spent 20 years on the Queen's Flight including a period as personal pilot to HRH The Prince of Wales. The narrative covered the story of flying by members of the royal family over some 85 years, the formation and history of the Queen's Flight and its current role under the new title of 32 (Royal) Squadron, RAF.

The next ACA Branch meeting at the Flight Centre, Fairoaks Airport. at 7pm on Tuesday, October 17th, will include a screening of the classic film Journey Together made by the RAF Film Unit in 1944 featuring the 21-year old Richard Attenborough as a trainee pilot and Edward G. Robinson as his flying instructor in the USA. The film follows the training and progress of the members of a new Lancaster crew and the preparation for their first bombing operation. Furher details may be obtained from John Thorburn on 01276 23203 or from the website, www.aircrew.org.uk/woking.

Back to top of page