Annual Reunion 2017

It was a wonderful weekend of friendship and remembrance. A good turn-out of friends and families of 77 squadron with 50 booked in for dinner at the air museum.  We were thrilled that three veterans were able to be with us, all now of course in their nineties: Bill Ballantyne, pilot, Tom Nash, w/op and AG and Jeff Strain, radar technician.

We were sorry that Ted Matthews was not fit enough to travel ( sadly he passed away November 16th), but David and Liz were there on his behalf.  Our President, Bill Foote has made a great recovery from his stroke but was still unable to be with us.  Bill Ball, who has usually been a great presence here has moved away to be with his family. We missed him and Flo and their exuberance. We missed Celia and Ray Wolfe who at the last minute could not come due to ill health.

Last December, Derek Oakley passed away but we were so pleased that his family came in his memory, with a baby grandson too to carry on the family tributes.

In October last, a stalwart of all our reunions, whom many will remember, Cyril Frazer passed away. He and Derek seemed indomitable so we are specially missing them. (more…)

21st November 2017 | Categories: Uncategorised

Annual Reunion: 16th – 17th September 2017

2017’s annual reunion is September 16th and 17th at Elvington, 77’s wartime base from October 1942 to May 1945. This could be the last reunion so let’s make it special. All are welcome. There is a dinner at the air museum on Saturday evening, preceded by a short ceremony at the memorial. At the dinner we will show the new film we have made about the squadron. On Sunday there is a special service in the village church. Email us for more information and book soon: info@77squadron.org.uk

12th July 2017 | Categories: Uncategorised

A Message from the Groupes Lourds on the 100th Anniversary

From Paul Bogaert, President of the Association des Anciens et des Amis des Groupes Lourds.

Dear Rachel, Van, Veterans and Families of 77 Squadron Association,

July 1st 1916: the height of the Battle of the Somme; three months later October 1st, the creation of 77 Squadron Royal Flying Corps: Two major events for us this year of which we commemorate the hundredth anniversary.

On behalf of the “Groupes Lourds” receive our best wishes and congratulations to mark this anniversary. (more…)

12th October 2016 | Categories: Uncategorised