Spirit of Coltishall Association

Incorporating Colt 38

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42 Comments

Reply Edwardgor
7:33 AM on September 20, 2019 
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Reply svetozarSes
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Reply Brian
11:15 AM on August 1, 2016 
My membership is pending:Brian Gough I served at RAF Coltishall from 1958 to 1964 and 1967 to 1970.I met my late wife Trixie who was working for the NAAFI at the time and we were married at Scottow church.We attended the closing down ceremony,a very sad day but we had some very special and happy memories of serving at the base with 23sqdn and 74sqdn Javelin and Hunter aircraft followed by the Lightnings.I now live opposite the Matlaske airfield used as a Coltishall satellite during WW2.Would be nice to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Reply NORMAN GRACE
7:54 AM on March 7, 2016 
I loved Coltishall and going to school at Buxton Primary. Miss Sally was our cub mistress at Scottow; what happened to her she was a lovely lady with her dog "Therefore" Bonfire night or the open day airshow kept us interested and catching newts in the nearby river/ stream and over the fields
to the haunted house. Great days
Reply NORMAN GRACE
7:45 AM on March 7, 2016 
We also lost a Pilot I think his name was Cull who lived next door to us and Dad was ordily seargent that night
Reply barry
8:03 AM on November 3, 2015 
hello i am hoping that someone on here could help me find a man called john perkin. i no he was base at coltishall because he had close connections with douglas bader .he must be in is 90 now. i want to find him before its to late. he live in the village down the road called buxton Lammas he lived in a manor, maybe its called buxton manor, thank you barry
Reply Bas Turvey
5:19 PM on April 27, 2015 
Under History there is no mention of B Flt 22 Sqn who flew SAR Whirlwinds before we swopped Flights with C Flt 202 Sqn prior to the arrival of the Sea King
Reply kelvin - aircrewremembered.com
5:42 PM on February 18, 2015 
The year threw me John. The Meteor T7 WG936 crashed on 22nd December 1952 not 53. The pilot 23 year old Sgt. John Stuart Dennison reported that the port engine had failed and the aircraft made a steep turn into the airfield with flaps down and undercarriage retracted. It flew slowly along the runway heading and then commenced a flat turn to starboard and dived into the ground. Also killed was the navigator, Fl/Sgt. Edward Shipman. (Information from Last Take-Off by Colin Cummings)
Reply Kelvin - aircrewremembered.com
5:36 PM on February 18, 2015 
John Shipman says...
Hello, can you tell me anymore about the loss of Flt Sgt Shipman of 141 Squadron in late 1953 in a Gloster Meteor, Nf11, WG936. Also lost was Sgt Jennison. Many thanks, John Shipman
Reply John Dury
11:50 AM on January 14, 2015 
Just found this excellent website, and would like to add that I served at Coltishall during 1947, working on Mosquito's. The highlight was being part of a Guard of Honour for the visit of Lord Tedder who was Air Chief Marshall of the RAF at the time. Also remember the C.O. Richard Stanford Tuck (Famous Fighter Pilot) driving around the airfield in his MG.
Reply John Shipman
3:17 PM on December 11, 2014 
Hello, can you tell me anymore about the loss of Flt Sgt Shipman of 141 Squadron in late 1953 in a Gloster Meteor, Nf11, WG936. Also lost was Sgt Jennison. Many thanks, John Shipman
Reply coltspirit
12:49 PM on December 4, 2014 
Chris Gunn-Malcolm says...
http://www.spiritofcoltishall.com/history Your statement in Operation Granby in this site is incorrect.
WE DID LOSE A PILOT AND AN AIRCRAFT.... After deployment to SOAF Thumrait at the beginning of Operation Granby, during a training/familisition sortie 6 Sqn lost apilot and his aircraft.... I was SNCO i/c Sqn Operations and on the guard of honour for his repatriation to UK


Thanks Chris. We are aware of the loss of the Jaguar and pilot . I have made a temporary amendment to the History page, and will update it fully later. i was at Colt at the time as well.
Reply Chris Gunn-Malcolm
6:27 PM on December 3, 2014 
http://www.spiritofcoltishall.com/history Your statement in Operation Granby in this site is incorrect.
WE DID LOSE A PILOT AND AN AIRCRAFT.... After deployment to SOAF Thumrait at the beginning of Operation Granby, during a training/familisition sortie 6 Sqn lost apilot and his aircraft.... I was SNCO i/c Sqn Operations and on the guard of honour for his repatriation to UK
Reply Dave Welsh
4:43 AM on September 7, 2014 
Bas Turvey says...
Nice web site, I served at Coltishall from 1975 - 1984 on, 22 sqn, 202 sqn, 41 sqn and ASF until I managed to escape to Finningley. Dave Welsh was my Flt Sqt on 202 until we returned from the Falklands in 1982.

Hi Bas, only just seen your June comment. How are you and the family? Glad to see that you have found the site. Regards to all
Reply bill
4:25 PM on July 30, 2014 
Hi Im researching the crash landing of a RAF Coltishall Mosquito in Sept 1947. Here is all the info I have.
Mosquito NF36 RL 137 attached to 264 ( Madras Presidency ) Sqd at RAF Coltishall. Crash landed at Rempstone Leicestershire .DAM 20/9/47 SOC 7/10/47. 2 crew members non fatal. Any info or advice much appreciated. Thanks Bill
Reply simon watson
5:38 PM on June 27, 2014 
BOOK LAUNCH NEWS


JAGUAR BOYS - True Tales from Operators of the Big Cat in Peace and War

The Aviation Bookshop is pleased to announce that copies of Jaguar Boys by Ian Hall will be available at the following events in July.

Author Ian Hall and former Jaguar Aircrew will be signing copies on our stand at each event


RAF WADDINGTON AIRSHOW

Saturday 5th July

Author Ian Hall will be available to sign copies

FLYING LEGENDS AIRSHOW ? IWM DUXFORD

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July

Author Ian Hall will be available to sign copies along with former Jaguar Aircrew


ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO ? FAIRFORD

Saturday 12th July

Former Jaguar Aircrew will be available to sign copies


To reserve your Signed copy, please contact:

The Aviation Bookshop
31-33 Vale Road
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN1 1BS

Tel: 01892 539284
Email: info@aviation-bookshop.com

Price £20.00 plus £3.00 p&p
Reply Bas Turvey
3:53 PM on June 9, 2014 
Nice web site, I served at Coltishall from 1975 - 1984 on, 22 sqn, 202 sqn, 41 sqn and ASF until I managed to escape to Finningley. Dave Welsh was my Flt Sqt on 202 until we returned from the Falklands in 1982.
Reply Kelly Curtis
7:34 PM on June 2, 2014 
Hello Peter, my name is Kelly, i have been searching for information on my Grandad (Peter John Curtis) He was an engineer 1951-1953, working on Gloster Meteor NF11's and was in the 141 squadron, im hoping you can help me. I havnt been able to find anything on the internet, and your post is the closest thing i can find. Can you help? photos etc?

Peter Brereton says...
As A National Serviceman I served with 141 Squadron, later 41 Squadron at Coltishall. I was Eng Mech Turrbines and during my time there we flew Meteors, Vampires, Venoms and Javelins. I'd like to hear from anyone that remembers me.
Reply Des Stewart
4:31 AM on March 5, 2014 
I was stationed at Coltishall from 1962 - 66, and again from 1969 - 1970 first in the armoury and then on the Lightning T55 line. I am trying to trace Mike Jennings, or anyone that may have photos of the Battle of Britain aircraft and especially Stanilav Puczynski, as he was instrumental in keeping the aircraft flting in the early 1960's. I am in contact with Stan's son and it would be great if it were possible to get some photos of his father. As duty armourer I often had to work! on the Spitfires and Hurricanes and it was not unusual to see Stan, sleeves rolled up working on one of the engines and swearing in Polish. Just as a by the by, two of my old colleagues are buried in the Coltishall cemetery
overlooking the old landing path to the runway. Everytime I pass through Colt, I always try and get to see them. So sad that the station closed, but I did manage to get on the last visit around the station before it closed. I went back into the armoury where the EOD people were based to give clearance to any explosive devises left around. I did mention that were they had problems clearing the pond in the bomb dump, to which someone replied "That's not funny sir". everything STR was thrown into the pond, until the pile got so big it was breaking the surface, so arrangements had to be made quickly too clear it out. Just had to make sure that the AOC didn't visit. Happy days
Reply Janusz
2:51 AM on February 23, 2014 
Hello!
Looking for information about his grandfather Anthony Szczepanski
born 01/17/1904 in Brzeźno. Until 1939 he lived in Koronowie.
Data services:
- 1939 mobilization of the aviation unit in Torun;
- Service in France?;
England:
- Machanika airplane;
- No business: 793589;
- From July 1940 Fighter Squadron 302,
- April 1943 Boulton Paul
- November 1943 133 Airfield H.Q.,
- August 1945 RAF Coltishall

Until the end of the war - promoted to Sergeant

I would be grateful for any information about it
Regards
Janusz
Reply Mark smith
3:32 PM on February 7, 2014 
Dear sir I have been asked to contact you regarding a flying aviation museum with aviation museum and school for aeronautics i have been looking for hangers and suitable location for 2 de havilland vampires and possibly 3 folland gnats and piston engin aircraft..
Reply Mark Lamont Fisher
3:06 PM on January 7, 2014 
Anita Cecilie Strindberg says...
I have a photo of your father, taken in Toronto, Canada, and would be pleased to share it with you if you like. My mother knew him and several other Norwegian flyers - above all Fredrik Fearnley. I'd love to more about your father. My personal email is markfisher@outlook.com. Thank you.

My father was flying the Spitfire in R.A.F during the war. He was in the Norwegian squadron I think 331.

He died in 1984, but he left me a silver pint, which has engraved the following

Officers mess

R.A.F.

Coltishall

2/lt. D.H. Strevens

March 1941

It would be nice if you could tell me something about Mr. Strevens, as my family do not have any clue and do not know why my father had it. Would be nice to give the jug back.

His name was Ingar Helge Knudsen.

Best rgds

Anita C. Strindberg
Reply Peter Brereton
2:25 AM on June 30, 2013 
As A National Serviceman I served with 141 Squadron, later 41 Squadron at Coltishall. I was Eng Mech Turrbines and during my time there we flew Meteors, Vampires, Venoms and Javelins. I'd like to hear from anyone that remembers me.
Reply Philip Smithers
10:09 AM on March 22, 2013 
Hi.
I am doing research into my father an American Air force pilot.
I was born 11 Dec 1945 and according to my mother's RAF records she was stationed at RAF Coltishall at the time I was conceived.
The only name I have is a Milton Kerman and the only connection the National Personal Records Center, Missouri can come up is a Milton Korman stationed in Rattlesden, which seems to go into a dead end. This center did have a major fire in 1973 which destroyed 76% of records of people discharged between 1974 and 1964 with surnames between Hubbard and the end of the alphabet.
I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me in some way?

Yours sincerely

Philip Smithers
Reply coltspirit
12:27 PM on February 26, 2013 
Good to catch up with you again today after all these years. Pity it was at a sad occasion. Will look forward to another chat at the AGM
Reply Paul Wilson
10:42 AM on February 26, 2013 
Finally bumped into Sgt's Mess Lads, will be at the AGM in March, will remind one or two others that knock around with me and Fran to Join the SOCA,
Regards
Paul
Reply cpl bob mills
12:11 AM on January 6, 2013 
ps. anyone remember anthony manners RAF was there until the end in 2005-6. hes my brother in law and still lives down the road with my sister.
bob
Reply cpl Bob Mills ex army
12:02 AM on January 6, 2013 
as a local caister boi im interested in the future reuse and upkeep of RAF coltishall. as a boy i watched lightnings and jaguars going over the firegates accross the runway. also the open days, fantastic! i hope you get to keep it intact. im comming home from germany in 3 years and i will be looking for somewhere to put my landrover resturation workshops! what bgetter place, and i own an original series 2 ex RAF landrover as well, in full RAF police colours. good luck guys and keep up the good work.
best wishes, Bob, PS dad was ex RAF police!
Reply Christopher Neave
6:10 PM on November 19, 2012 
It has been a pleasure to view your website. I worked with Yaxley's of Norwich in 1967 and assisted with providing the PA for The Battle of Britain day at RAF Coltishall. As a DJ/owner of Abracadabra Disco I had the pleasure of providing disco at the Sargeant's Mess Summer Ball 1985.
If I can ever provide my disco service to help raise funds for the Spirit of Coltishall Association I will be pleased to do so free of charge. I am local, in Spixworth, and recognised Tythe Barn where the Oktoberfest was held. Seems to have been a wonderful event.
Reply coltspirit
11:16 AM on November 4, 2012 
Hi Tug
Looking forward to you joining us. Next social is the Burns Night in January. The format is as per the Mess.
Ron Fraser
Webmaster
Reply Paul 'TUG' Wilson
8:32 AM on November 4, 2012 


Hi to all, looking to membership in 2013 At Colt 1989 -2001 54 Sqn
Reply Anita Cecilie Strindberg
5:42 PM on October 18, 2012 


My father was flying the Spitfire in R.A.F during the war. He was in the Norwegian squadron I think 331.

He died in 1984, but he left me a silver pint, which has engraved the following

Officers mess

R.A.F.

Coltishall

2/lt. D.H. Strevens

March 1941

It would be nice if you could tell me something about Mr. Strevens, as my family do not have any clue and do not know why my father had it. Would be nice to give the jug back.

His name was Ingar Helge Knudsen.

Best rgds

Anita C. Strindberg
Reply Peter McCarthy
3:21 PM on September 23, 2012 


I i served at colt from 2002 till it shut. i really miss the place, i am looking forward to becoming a member of the association.




pete
Reply Mark Heather
5:13 PM on August 18, 2012 


I remember visiting Coltishall many times over the last 40 years as an avid aircraft enthusiast to watch Jaguars and many other types there.One of our loveliest bases in a beautiful location.I hope you win and we save the place for our heritage.Too many places get bulldozed over these days and i know we have to allow for progress but this time its nonsense.
Reply Norman hall
4:57 AM on August 2, 2012 


i think it is a disaster to dig up the runway at Coltishall
Reply chris froome
9:10 AM on July 1, 2012 


Hello, i was stationed at colt in the ASF and SWS (the one next to ses with the chippy shop.).

i was wondering if there is any photos of the wall painting in the crew room at SWS station work shops?.

i now live,and have been for the past 16 years,in Australia, so i cant just 'popo in and take a few snaps.

best wishes

to all , painters and those at 41

chris froome
Reply Richard
4:04 AM on June 17, 2012 


Hi. Does anyone remember which SAR Sea King was on duty at Colt on 13 August 1981? Thanks.
Reply Gair Dunlop
5:16 AM on January 16, 2012 


very evocative Anglia TV film at the east anglia film archive: have you seen it?

http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/204879




regards from G- hello Mervyn!
Reply Tom Vellacott
7:40 AM on May 15, 2011 


DAVE BULLOCK MEMORIAL - 18 NOV 2010

I was very pleased to see that Dave is remembered by your assosciation. Dave was a member of the 90th entry of apprentices at RAF Locking (Ground Wieless) and I will pass on the details of your memorial to Dave to our assosciation members
Reply Les Nash
10:36 AM on April 26, 2011 


Sorry for posting a message on here but I would like to contact the webmaster or someone similar.

Perhaps you could delete this on reading it?


Thanks Les Nash
Reply Jeff Earl Atkins
1:14 PM on April 14, 2011 
My uncle Earl Hector Atkins #87661 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, served as a Canadian Volunteer at Coltishall with Sq. leader Sir R.R. Stanford Tuck's 257 (Burma) Squadron between Nov. 1940 and Feb. 24th , 1941. On that day, while on patrol, Uncle Earl's Hurricane was hit while engaging a Ju 88, and trying to head for home, his last words to the base was that he was going to try to bail out into the English Channel. Listed first as MIA in the home (Ottawa) newspaper, then later as KIA, Uncle Earl was the eldest of 12 children, my dad being the youngest. The Air Ministry sent the family copies of photos of my uncle, one with him gathered around other officers in the barracks lounge, a group photo (in winter snow) in front of Sqdn Leader Tuck's plane, and proudly standing, kitted up, beside his own plane, just before take-off. There was also included a signed letter of condolence from Sqdn Leader Tuck explaining the circumstances of Uncle Earl's having being missing and presumed lost. As with other families, it must have been very sad for my grandma and grandpa, and the rest of the family to receive the news of his loss. I was wondering if anyone is still around who remembers him. He would have been in his early twenties at the time, now in his late eighties had he lived.

Best Regards,

Jeff Atkins
Reply Dave Welsh
3:18 PM on November 25, 2010 
The Opening and Dedication Ceremony on Monday 22nd November went extremely well. Despite inclement weather everyone was in high spirits and made the event one to be proud of. I was extremely pleased to read a much better article in the North Norfolk News today as it mentioned several other people across the board. I note that my comment 'we are a group' was not menioned and I really feel that no effort by anyone has achieved a mention of Mervyn who has at the end of the day sat in the driving seat.
I have spoken to AM Harpers office and thanked them for their assistance and of curse the mighty Terry Watson.
Undoubtedly there will be mentions of the above at the next committee meeting.