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"Where Are They Now?"
Here's a great bunch of 249ers - Flows Bar Limassol 1961
Left to Right: Stan, Little Jim, Taff, Taff, Reg Mable, Tom and Jim.
04 September 2010 » Association Reunion at North Weald
70 years plus a day since 249 arrived at North Weald. 249 Reunion at North Weald Details in May/June, if not before. Details to be in 2010 Newsletter and on the 249 Squadron Forum.
26/27 February 2010 » 249 Canberra and Friends Weekend
There is a 249 Canberra and Friends Weekend at Charlecote Manor Hotel, near Stratford-on-Avon. Details currently being circulated by Tommy Cullen. For the latest information see: 249 Squadron Forum.
19 April 2009 » Dedication of the "Spirit of North Weald" Gate Guardian
By courtesy of the Epping District Council, your Editor was privileged, together with one or two other locally based 249-ers, to be present at the formal dedication of the gate guardian at North Weald.
Apart from the Chairman of the District Council, the main speaker was Arthur Moreton, who had The Idea and then masterminded the entire project, including fund-raising and the occasion on the day. Well done, Arthur.
Mounted in a flying position at the main entrance to the airfield in Merlin Way, this replica of a Hawker Hurricane looks most realistic. As we saw last year, it is in the colours of No 56 Squadron, the longest serving (13 years) of the fifty squadrons who flew from North Weald since flying began there in 1916.
The CO of No 56 (R) Squadron Wg Cdr O'Dell - was there, together with a colour party bearing the Squadron colours. Since February, 2008, the Squadron is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operational evaluation squadron based at Waddington, operating Sentinel aircraft, and the CO has fighter controller wings.
249 had three familiar faces from those days in 1940 when it was based there, Dixie Herron, John Beasley (accompanied by Eileen), and Tom Neil. There was also a well-named John Gill, who was a ground engineer at N Weald in September, 1940.
At the short dedication service, the Rev. Rayner Harries MBE said they were gathered to celebrate the "Spirit of North Weald" which "continues to live on in friendship, fellowship and mutual support". North Weald today enjoys a peaceful legacy, playing its part in the World Scout Jamboree and expecting to become involved in the London 2012 Olympics.
Tom Neil then spoke and explained that he flew the real Hurricane with those registration markings on his first flight from N Weald. In August, 1940, 56 Sqn. sustained very heavy losses (eight pilots in one week) and 249 was moved from Boscombe Down to succeed them. On arrival, they flew 56 Sqn. aircraft for a short period until the 249 aircraft radio fits were modified with the 11 Group sector frequencies. It was the first aircraft he flew from North Weald.
After the dedication, there was a flypast of a Vampire, flown at N Weald in the 50s, and a flight of four Bulldog ex-RAF trainers flew a missing man formation in memory of those who did not return. And then we all had a chance to look at the plinths.
It was a very pleasant occasion, made the more so by the presence of 249 men from 1940.
249 Lapel Badges - £3.30
We now have only a few remaining metal (gold with enamel paint) lapel badges. They are about 1 inch high and we sell them for £3.30 inc. p&p UK (£4.30 inc. p&p overseas)
Please make cheques payable to: "249 Squadron Association"
 249 Squadron Tie - £12.47
We now have a supply of handsome 249 Squadron Ties! The cost £12.47 inc. p&p UK (second class post) - (£14.00 inc. p&p overseas)
Contact the Hon Secretary to purchase one (or more!). Please make cheques payable to: "249 Squadron Association"
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