Odds 'n' Sods
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Hi
Ian,
I
am hoping you may be able to help me. I am ex RAF myself and
my hobby is building 1.24 scale model trucks. For my next
project I am going to have a go at building a Volvo FH12 6x2
tractor / low loader trailer which I am led to believe is or
was operated by 2MT squadron based at RAF Wittering.
Now my
dilemma, to make it as authentic as I can I am trying to
find out if the rear suspension is on leaf springs or air
suspension. I have phoned RAF Wittering and the young clerk
on the phone was unable to give me the information I required. The vehicle
I am hoping to build is registration
number VW 32 AA.
I
would be grateful if any member of the site was able to
enlighten me.
Many
thanks.
Tim
Nevill |
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Hello Ian,
I came across your website while searching for images of
the old Ford Koln buses that were used by the British Army and
RAF in Germany during the 1950s and early 1960s.
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I was at
school in JHQ Rheindahlem 1961-64 and now, as an avid
enthusiast of old vehicles, I have been searching for pictures
of the vehicles that have featured in my life.
I have looked
everywhere, but on today's search there is one shot of some
guys in front of a Ford Koln bus which I think is the same
type.
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I was wondering
if you, or any members of your web forum, have any pictures of
military buses and staff cars in Germany around that time. I
recall 3 different types of German Ford Koln buses, used
mainly by the Army by that time as the RAF were replacing them
with Bedfords, as did the Army from about 1963 or 64. I also
remember being taken to hospital one day in an army Volkswagen
Beetle which must have been about 8 - 10 years old by that
time. I'm not sure if the RAF also used VWs? (I have a
particular interest in old VWs).
If you or your contacts know of any pictures that could
be scanned / loaned / copied / or good old fashioned prints that
I may have, please contact me.
Robin
Allen
51 Elson Road
Gosport
PO12 4BN
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Prior to my posting to RAF Bruggen I recall seeing a 'training' video entitled 'Drinking Sensibly - Last Orders', filmed during November/December 1981, it was based on an MT Driver from Bruggen.
The lead role was played by actor Danny Webb
supported by actor Chris Fairbank, many of the other roles were played by serving MT Drivers.
I'm sure many drivers will have seen the video so I decided to try and track it down.
Ron
Bretherton dug out a copy of the 'Bruggen Circuit' which ran an article shortly after
filming.
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Cameras Roll at Bruggen
There can be few at RAF Bruggen who did not see the invasion by the British Films Ltd crew during November and December.
They were here under Director Clive Mitchell to make one of a series of films dealing with alcohol abuse for the MOD. This particular film entitled, 'Last Orders' follows the career of an MTD whose serious drink problem eventually leads to a Court Martial and dishcharge from the Service.
The photograph was taken during 'shooting' at the MTF Amenities Room, RAF Bruggen and shows from left to right: SAC Thomas
MTD, Chris Fairbank actor
, SAC Allen MTD, Flt Lt Joosse OC MTF, Danny Webb actor
and star of the film, Clive Mitchell Director and Nobby Smith Cameraman.
'Bruggen
Circuit' magazine |
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I managed to find a contact at the
SSVC who identified the film and generously sent me a time stamped copy to enable me to tag some 'stills' which he grabbed from the film and sent for inclusion on the site.
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My thanks to Robert Dungate & Ben Holden from
SSVC for the stills and to
Ron Bretheron for the Bruggen Circuit article.
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Did
you know Cpl Peter Murphy?
My
name is Leny (Pronounced as Lainie in English) my
Father was an MT Driver, sadly he passed away 20 years ago
and I often wondered about his military life in the RAF he
so much loved.
My
Father met my Mother (Who was Dutch) when he was posted to
Eindoven in 1960, when he retired he settled down in the
Netherlands where I have now lived for the last 25 years. I
am curious to know if anyone knew my Father, he was Cpl
Peter Murphy also known as either Pete or Spud.
He
was then posted back to the UK in 1961 where I was born in
Wroughton. A few years after that he was posted to Bruggen
then 3 years later to Nocton Hall (Lincoln) ..later posted
to Chippenham and then back to Germany. He served 37 years
in the RAF and retired in 1976 at the age of 55, he then
worked Rheindahlen M.T for another 11 years before retiring
altogether.
His
life was the military and found it difficult when he had to
retire. I grew up as a child with military life up until I
was 15 and now I look back and remember my Father in his
uniform, being devoted to his career and how difficult he
had it when he came out of the RAF and had to adapt to
civilian life. He was very much known and loved in MT and
wherever he went he was greatly missed when he left. I also
went to his farewell leaving do and many people came to say
their goodbye's it was very emotional when I saw him with a
tear in his eye knowing he had to leave that life behind. He
later got very depressed and sadly, eventually passed away 4
years later.
I
still to this day miss this wonderful man who was my Father
and often think about him.
Kind
regards
Leny
Kilburn - Murphy
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Ian
Aitkenhead sent these pictures of RAF Bruggen (Now
Javelin Barracks) during a visit in 2012.
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