FLEET AIR ARM & NAVAL AIR SQUADRON ASSOCIATIONS

 

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FAA Archive 1939-1945 Fleet Air Arm Associations
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FLEET AIR ARM ASSOCIATIONS


FLEET AIR ARM SQUADRON ASSOCIATIONS
 


 

ASSOCIATIONS  FOR CAMPAIGNS AND BATTLES  INVOLVING THE FAA

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS WITH NAVAL AVIATION/RN CONNECTION


 


THE FLEET AIR ARM COMMEMORATION AND MEMORIAL TRUST

The Consortium:

    • The Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association,
    •  The Telegraphist Air Gunners' Association
    • The Aircrewmans' Association
    • The National Fleet Air Arm Association
    • The Aircraft Handlers' Association


A consortium of Fleet Air Arm Associations has been formed with the sole aim of jointly working together to raise funds for the creation of the National Fleet Air Arm Memorial. It is anticipated that this would be an outstanding work of art that would pay fitting tribute to those 6,000 men and women of the service who made the supreme sacrifice and that not  only would the design portray the battle honours gained but also reflect the important technical achievements pioneered by the service. The Memorial is to be sited in Victoria Embankment Gardens, Whitehall Extension, alongside the Ministry of Defence main building, where it will be easily accessible to all who have an interest in such works of art.  Additionally, it would provide a ceremonial focal point for all public visitors from home and overseas who have served in or have been associated with the Fleet Air Arm.

URL: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org             URL: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/Memorial/Consortium.html (no longer online Oct. 2003)


FLEET AIR ARM ASSOCIATION

An official Association that exists to perpetuate the comradeship which began in the Service, to foster good fellowship, render services to one another and promote social gatherings amongst members. To assist members in matters relating to welfare. To maintain a close relationship with the Service and to inform the general public of the past traditions and present function of the Fleet Air Arm.

In 1985 the National Fleet Air Arm Association was formed. The Association now has 22 branches and a membership of more than a thousand. Membership is open to all serving and ex-serving ranks who served without dishonour in a recognised Fleet Air Arm Trade for a minimum of six months. List of Association Branches and contact addresses. For more information write to the Association Hon. Secretary Arnold Thompson at ajt915704@aol.com

URL: Fleet Air Arm Association and  Online membership form

Hon. Secretary and Daedalus Branch Secretary

Arnold Thompson

7 Almond Close

Horndean

Waterlooville PO8 9EP

Hampshire

Tel: 023 9278 6443

Email: ajt915704@aol.com

URL http://fleetairarmarchive.net/FAAA

 

Date: Oct. 2003

FLEET AIR ARM AIRCREWMANS ASSOCIATION

The Aircrewmans' Association was founded in 1972 from rating aircrew who were originally drawn from the Safety Equipment and Aircraft Handlers branches of the Fleet Air Arm. They originally flew in S51 Dragonfly helicopters as winch operators. The branch was later expanded to encompass search and rescue, anti submarine sonar operations, commando operations, communications work, missile aiming, and search and rescue diving operations. Currently there are 327 members, including Royal Marines.

Our Membership is approaching 300 and is literally world-wide and members come from all walks of life from publicans to policemen, window cleaners to Wing Commanders and ambulance men to airline pilots. The ACA can offer far more than can be printed here, but even if you just want to stay in touch with oppos and have some good uns, please get in touch.If you would like to know more about what the ACA can offer  YOU, please contact any of our Air Station reps.

    • CPOACMN Alf Kitwood on 771 Squadron SAR Flight,
    • POACMN Tony Laws on 702 Squadron HQ Flight at Portland
    • or LACMN Rocky Sharp on 819 SAR Flight at Prestwick.

Any readers who know of a potential eligible member please let us know by emailing below or through the Membership Secretary

Email: secretary@aircrewman.org.uk
URL:  http://www.aircrewman.org.uk/

Updated: Oct. 2003


FLEET AIR ARM AIRCRAFT HANDLERS ASSOCIATION (Chockheads)


"Nostris In Manibus Tuti" is the latin motto of The Aircraft Handler branch of the Royal Navy. It means "Safe In These Hands" and aptly describes the role of the branch. The Association was formed in 1987 and which now boasts a membership of some 850. It is officially recognized by the Royal Navy and is a founder member of the Federation Of Naval Associations. Membership is open to all serving and retired Aircraft Handlers and their partners, also to officers that have served closely with the branch as Flight Deck Officers, Fire Officers, Air Traffic Controllers and Hanger Officers etc., ashore or afloat. We do not offer associate membership since we prefer to retain our identity as Aircraft Handlers.

The Aircraft Handlers' Association on the 5 April 1945 entered service as a recognised specialisation. The branch comprised of men who had transferred from Seaman branches. It grew steadily and reached its peak in the mid 1950's when there were many more carrier flight decks and Naval Air Stations than there are today. Aircraft Handlers are responsible for handling embarked aircraft, fire and rescue duties and air traffic control.

"The Handlers Herald" is the Associations own periodical magazine which keeps the membership informed about what is happening and what is planned for the future as well as the all important contributions from members in the form of photographs, anecdotes, reminiscences etc., In fact anything that is informative, amusing or of particular interest (Ref: Sept 2001).

Ian Beard (Secretary/Treasurer)
Email: chockheads@lineone.net
Aircraft Handlers Association
6 Meadow Crescent
Castle Donnington
DERBY  DE74 2LX
ENGLAND
Telephone: +44 01332 850471
Email:  webmaster@chockheads.org.uk
URL:  http://www.chockheads.org.uk

Hood Division Aircraft Artificer Apprentices 1943-46 (Past reunions  7th April 2001). No website address Oct . 2003

Updated: Oct 2003

FLEET AIR ARM ARMOURERS ASSOCIATION (BOMBHEADS)

The Association was formed in 1989 for all serving and retired Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm weapons mechanics, known lovingly as "BOMBHEADS". "Bombhead" is a term for any member of the 'old' Naval Air Mechanic (Ordnance) Branch, (and  reincarnations since 1970'ish), populated by big, strong Ugh men who seemed capable of bombing-up an aircraft by hand. They specialise in aircraft armament, ordnance(explosive) items, including ejection seats."

In addition to the annual reunion, a most informative and amusing, nay at times hilarious, news letter, the 4 x 2, is published on a regular basis by our esteemed Secretary/Treasurer in deepest darkest Kent.

There are new people joining every year and we have members occupying outposts in Canada, Australia, United States of America and Cornwall. Contact: Brian Gleeson, Webmaster, FAA Armourers Association

Our online magazine     The 4x2 online and printable magazine

Email: bombhead@blueyonder.co.uk
URL:  http://www.bombhead.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

Updated: Oct 2003


THE FLEET AIR ARM COMMEMORATION AND MEMORIAL TRUST

The Consortium:

    • The Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association,
    •  The Telegraphist Air Gunners' Association
    • The Aircrewmans' Association
    • The National Fleet Air Arm Association
    • The Aircraft Handlers' Association


A consortium of Fleet Air Arm Associations has been formed with the sole aim of jointly working together to raise funds for the creation of the National Fleet Air Arm Memorial. It is anticipated that this would be an outstanding work of art that would pay fitting tribute to those 6,000 men and women of the service who made the supreme sacrifice and that not  only would the design portray the battle honours gained but also reflect the important technical achievements pioneered by the service. The Memorial is to be sited in Victoria Embankment Gardens, Whitehall Extension, alongside the Ministry of Defence main building, where it will be easily accessible to all who have an interest in such works of art.  Additionally, it would provide a ceremonial focal point for all public visitors from home and overseas who have served in or have been associated with the Fleet Air Arm.

URL: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org             URL: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/Memorial/Consortium.html (no longer online Oct. 2003)

FLEET AIR ARM FIELD GUN CREW ASSOCIATION

Full Membership of the Association is open to all Ex Members of The Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew worldwide. Associate membership may be available, at the discretion of the committee, to people who have maintained a close relationship with Fleet Air Arm Field Gunning. The Association was founded in 1969 and the aims of the Association are : To afford Members a means of social intercourse and, with a common interest, perpetuate the principles of Field Gunning, that of team spirit, camaraderie and mutual support.

Membership shall be open to all personnel who have taken an active role in any Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew.  Certain persons may be granted "Associate" membership, at the discretion of the Committee, for their support of, or services to the Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew and its' Association.      Associate members will have no voting rights.  Membership fees will be reviewed annually at each AGM and adjusted, if and when required, by a formal vote of the Members.  The Field Gun Display has become so much a part of the Royal Tournament that it is now difficult to imagine a Royal Tournament
without it. It is an impressive spectacle of teamwork, skill and fitness which has now become, perhaps to its own detriment, so well developed and executed that spectators cannot gain any real idea of the
weight of the equipment and the ingenuity of the drill.

The display is not an evolution dreamt up by some imaginative fiend or demented Chief Gunnery Instructor. It was started in 1907 and was inspired by the exploits of a Naval Brigade during the Boer War in 1899. The public was so taken by these exploits that the Field Gun Competition was started in 1907 and the course was so constructed as to depict the obstacles and hazards which confronted the “Bluejackets”. The qualities shown by those sailors were courage, discipline, alertness and tremendous spirit and these are qualities that tend to be developed during training for this display. Perhaps the reason that this display has survived to this day, despite the cut-backs in the Senior Service, is that these qualities are still valued in today’s Royal Navy and still appreciated by the public at large.

Membership
Jimmy Andrews
14 Scott Close
Stubbington
Fareham
Hampshire PO14 2HD
Email: jim-andrews@lineone.net

Email: FAAFGUN@aol.com
URL:  http://www.faafieldgun.org/

Updated: Oct 2003


faaoaFLEET AIR ARM OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

The Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association was formed in 1957 and is a means of keeping in touch, not only for all former Naval aviators but also for serving officers. Full membership is open to all officers (male and female) of all specialisations who are serving, or have served, in the Fleet Air Arm or Royal Naval Air Service. Officers of all other UK armed services who have had, or still have, connections with the FAA are also eligible. Associate Membership is available to such persons, including foreign armed services, who are, or were, attached to or had close connections with the Fleet Air Arm. The annual subscription entitles all members world wide to a 'Fly Navy' Journal once a year, News Sheets issued twice a year and a membership book once every three years. The Association has a substantial involvement in youth training and development such as Gliding Scholarships, Sail Training, and The Ocean Youth Club. Social activities include an Annual Ball, Taranto Night Dinner, sporting fixtures and local functions. Further details from the Secretary, FAAOA, 4 S t James's Square, London SW1Y 4JU Tel 0171 930 7722 Fax 0171 930 7728.

Full Membership is open to all Officers of all Specialisations who are serving, or have served, in the Fleet Air Arm or the Royal Naval Air Service. Officers of all other United Kingdom armed services who have had, or still have, connections with the Fleet Air Arm are also eligible to join.

 Associate Membership may be granted to such persons, including Officers of foreign armed services, who are, or were attached to or had a close connection with the Fleet Air Arm.

The Fly Navy Journal is the journal of the Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association which is issued free of cost to members twice a year. It's content consists of a series of  articles of historic and current Naval Aviation activities. It also serves to update members about forthcoming events, such as the annual Taranto diner and provides space for readers letters to be published.(See the Feet Air Arm Forum section).

The FAAOA has a very comprehensive library and is able to provide members with the facilities for carrying out extensive Naval and Naval Aviation research. There is an extensive range of books on Aviation matters available and also a wide selection of video tapes on Aviation. The FAAOA is able to offer its members the ability to carry out historical research using both its own extensive library and also through its connections
 with the armed services.

Overseas Regional Offices

    • AUSTRALIA: The Naval and Miltary Club, 27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.
    • CANADA: Jack Russell Pub,Wellesley, Toronto, ONT
    • HONG KONG : Areo Club, Hong Kong.
    • KUWAIT: Kuwait City
    • USA: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, FAATS.
    • OMAN: Oman
    • SINGAPORE: Singapore The Cricket Club.


The Admin Director
FAAOA
4 St James's Square
London SW1Y 4JU
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7930 7722
Fax. +44 (0) 20 7930 7728
E-Mail: faaoa@fleetairarmoa.org
URL: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org

Updated: Oct 2003


FLEET AIR ARM SQUADRON
 

The Fleet Air Arm Squadron, set up in 1996, has close links with the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association and its purpose is to provide a strong identity with active flying within the Association. At the same time, support the Royal Navy Historic Flight and Fleet Air Arm Museum wherever and whenever possible.

In 1996 following an announcement in the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association Newsletter that a Fleet Air Arm Fly-In would be held on Saturday 1st June at Compton Abbas airfield, fifty three members of the Association turned up, many by aircraft, with wives and friends and a total of eighty sat down to lunch in the clubhouse. It was resolved unanimously to form a Squadron of the Association to provide a strong identity with active flying within the Association. More support was also received from members who were unable to be present that day.

The Squadron's activities include Fly-Ins and participation in other Squadron events. It aims to meet as many members of the Association as possible, to practise navigational and general flying skills in a mildly competitive and amusing way, and at the same time support the Royal Navy Historic Flight and Fleet Air Arm Museum wherever and whenever possible. Squadron members support and promote the vital role of Naval Aviation to ensure that it continues to develop as a significant force with the Royal Navy.

It publishes 'Squadron Buzz', a quarterly newsletter that gives information about members, their aircraft and reports about events.

It was decided that, although the Squadron was to be informal, members should be full or associate members of the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association and that pilots must hold a current licence to fly. Observers are those who wish to fly with Squadron Members when the opportunity is available, or others who wish to support the Squadron in their own particular way.

Email: enquiries@faasquadron.org.uk
URL: http://www.faasquadron.org.uk

Updated: Oct 2003


FLEET AIR ARM TELEGRAPHIST AIR GUNNERS ASSOCIATION (TAGA)

Telegraphist Air Gunners (TAGS) operated in FAA aircraft from 1922 - 1950, providing communications by Morse code and manning the rear gun, 3,000 TAGS were trained in the branches 28 year life span, 495 were lost through enemy action and / or flying accidents, 69 became Prisoners of War. Most TAGS served only for the period of WW2 returning to their civilian occupations in 1945 / 1946. 1947 saw the first social gathering of TAGS out of which was born The Telegraphist Air Gunners Association which now has a membership of 486 Full members;  118 Associate Members. The TAGS age range is 73 - 94 years.

Any TAG with information they would like to see published on this web site, please contact Angus Charlton, who will be only to pleased to help.

Membership of the Telegraphist Air Gunners is open to anybody who qualified as a TAG in the Fleet Air Arm.  The Association was formed in 1947 and in September 1999 celebrated its 52nd Anniversary with a week-end at RNAS Yeovilton.  The occasion was also the 50th Anniversary of the Northern Branch of TAGA.

The Association publishes three magazines each year;  subscription for members is £6 p.a. Membership Enquiries should be addressed to:  

Membership Secretary,

Ken Sims,

3a Granville Road,

Southport PR8 2HU

Tel. 01704 228472

Email kensims3@supanet.com

Other Association officers are:-

Hon.Secretary.
Ken Davies,
2 Burridges Close,
Stevington,
Bedford
MK43 7QE
Tel. 01234 822573
Fax 01234 822431
Email kandbd@btinternet.com

Chairman.
N E Richardson DSM

12 St. Mary’s Court,

59 Belle Vue Road,

Southborne BH6 3DF

Tel: 017082 50096

Each year the Association presents the TAGA Trophy and Medal to outstanding Air Engineering Mechanic of the Year chosen by the Air Engineering staff at HMS Sultan

Email: kandbd@btinternet.com
URL: http://www.flynavyheritage.org.uk/TAGs.htm

Updated: Oct. 2003


RETIRED ROYAL NAVY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ASSOCIATION  (RATCO)

Contact details:
Chris Lean
Tel: +44 0208 995 5643
Fax: 0208 400 2928
Email: cdlean@globainet.co.uk
(2000)

Updated: Not online Oct. 2003


ROYAL NAVY AERO CLUB (also known as RNAeC)

RNAeC, also known as RN Aero Club, is an organisation that is involved in the ownership and operation of a Yak 52 sporting Royal Navy D-Day colours. The group is passively recruiting new members with the caveat that they must have a strong RN connection.   If you are interested in joining the group and believe that you will meet the acceptance criteria, please send your CV to newjoiners@rnaec.com

Contact details:
RNAeC

Chewton Glen Farm
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 5QL
United Kingdom
Email:  av8@rnaec.com

Tel: 08702 328032

Fax: 08701 642910

Email:  webmaster webmaster@rnaec.com
URL: http://www.rnaec.com/

Updated: Oct. 2003



ROYAL NAVY HISTORIC FLIGHT & FLY NAVY HERITGAE TRUST (SWORDFISH HERITAGE TRUST)

The Royal Navy Historic Flight is an unique British Heritage collection of aircraft, including Fairey Swordfish, Fairey Firefly and the Hawker Sea Fury. The aircraft are based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset in the UK and are piloted only by serving Royal Navy officers.

The Fly Navy Heritgae Trust (previously titled “Swordfish Heritage Trust”) was formed by Flag Officer Naval Aviation in November 1990. It was on the anniversary of the attack by Fleet Air Arm Swordfish aircraft that disabled the Italian Fleet at Taranto.The SHT is an educational charity whose mission is to ensure the unique British Heritage collection of aircraft that is the Royal Navy Historic Flight, continue to fly long into the future. They delight millions with their air displays nation-wide and as an education to future generations. The aim is to preserve the opportunity for future generations to best understand the nature of those who built, maintained operated and fought in, Naval aircraft of the past, by experiencing the reality of the sound, smell and the sight of the - actually flying.

Contact details:

RNHF General Manager
RNHF Display Information
Tel: +44 01935 456725
Fax: +44 01935 455273
Email  rnhf@globalnet.co.uk

Swordfish Heritage Trust Secretary
Membership
News & Newsletter
Donations
Tel: +44 01458 447688
Fax: +44 01458 447688
Email:  sht@flynavyheritage.org.uk

URL: http://www.flynavyheritage.org.uk/
Former alternate URL: http://www.yeovilton.org.uk/

Updated: Oct. 2003

FLEET AIR ARM SQUADRON ASSOCIATIONS
 

CURRENT SQUADRONS


The Empire Test Pilots School

SQUADRON ASSOCIATIONS AND REUNIONS

    • 800-804 Naval Air Squadron Armourers 1942-45


Contact: Tom Brown, 27 Heatherset Gardens, Norbury, London. SW16 3LS


Contact: Ken Lambert, 17 Walgrave, Orton Malborne, Peterborough, PE2 5NR (Tel: 01733 234655 (2001)


See 804 Squadron

    • 819 Naval Air Squadron Diamond Jubilee Celebation 2000


Contact HMS Gannet, Monkton, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2RZ

    • 825 Naval Air Squadron Aircrew 1939-45 and Korea


Contact: D.G. Trussell Dunino, 59 Chase Green Avenue, Enfield, Middx. EN2 8EB.

    • 826 Naval Air Squadron Reunion


Jan Stuart. Reunion. Contact details via FAAOA

    • 827/830 Naval Air Squadron Reunion (No 8 TBR)


Reunion last met 1994. R.T. Matthias, 3 Kennedy Walk, Werrington, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., ST9 OEW. Tel: +44 0782 302618

    • 828/841 Naval Air Squadrons. Reunion.


Reunion Dorchester on Thames (2000). Contact details via FAAOA

    • 835 Naval Air Squadron.


Reunion at Leamington Spa. See own 835 sqdn webpage. Contact Charles F.Gough or email David Whittick. Or contact details viaFAAOA


Reunion at Dorchester on Thames. Contact details via FAAOA


Reunion at Dorchester on Thames. Contact details via FAAOA


Contact: Alan Hensher. Contact details via FAAOA


Contact: Dave Scowen, 34a Louvain Road, Horns Cross, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9DZ


Contact: Secretary: Les Smith, Oakdale, Church Lane, Ashford Carbonell, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4BX (ref 1998/2001). Contact details via FAAOA


 Contact details via FAAOA


Reunion at Comet Hotel, Hatfield. Contact details via FAAOA


Reunion at Bournmouth. Contact details via FAAOA


Contact: R Wadmore, 40 Tile Farm Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9RZ (ref: 1998)