News Nov / Dec 2005

September / October 2005

602 Reunion

By Cdt Stephen Kelly

On Saturday the 15^th of October, myself, Cdt Holmes, Cdt Hawthorne, CWO Hastie Plt Off Callan and Mr Gladwell all attended to reunion of 602 (City of Glasgow) Royal Auxiliary Air Squadron. This year was the first to be held away from the old museum in Hillington which was built by the cadets of this squadron. Their new home is at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow and is open by appointment.

When I arrived I was told by CWO Hastie that the museum was still closed, what luck on a freezing cold Saturday morning! Still, once inside, Plt Off Callan explained that we were there to direct the guests and members of the squadron around the museum. I was positioned at the top of the stairs, when approached, I had to stand smartly to attention and take them into the sergeants room, which was huge with free wine (sadly, not for cadets) and a buffet which I couldn’t wait to get my hands on (it had been a long time since breakfast). I also escorted people to the 602 museum on the 3^rd floor which had artefacts from the Battle of Britain.

After 20 minutes my legs were numb! However, I survived and CWO Hastie told me I was free to enjoy the buffet and meet up with the other cadets. The room was packed so Holmes, Hawthorne and myself had to sit on the floor which wasn’t comfy.

Then there was a raffle and I helped sell the tickets. The prizes were wine, more wine, squadron ties and the grand prize…a well known print of a British Spitfire and a Germen aircraft going “Head to Head” which was signed. To our surprise, Cdt Hawthorne won the painting and offered to donate it to the squadron.

Finally, a seat was available and I sat down on the comfy seat. Unfortunately, in my haste, I accidentally knocked Plt Off Callan’s elbow spilling some of her wine onto her uniform. My life flashed before my eyes…I thought I was a dead man. Luckily I survived after fetching her some paper towels.

Overall, I found the day very interesting, and anyone who didn’t go this year missed out on a very enjoyable experience.

Battle of Britain Church Parade

By Cpl Neil Finnie

In September, cadets from our squadron were stuck in the biggest traffic jam you can imagine for around half an hour due to a lane closure on the Motorway. When we finally got into town and to the church, we had only seconds to spare. I ran up, put my belt on, held up the squadron banner and got into line in the nick of time.

The service was good; there were some speeches, some hymns and a few prayers. Then it was time to collect the banners. I marched down and was handed” a” banner which turned out to be 32Fs banner instead of ours but I didn’t want to cause a scene during the service so I kept it until the end.

Overall, the service was a complete success, commemorating those who died in the battle of Britain including those from our very own 602 (City of Glasgow) Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron and an enjoyable day out for us too.

Catalina Flight

By Sgt Hussain Kayani

In the month of October, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to go flying in a Catalina, which is an aircraft which can land on water. The aircraft was over 50 years old and has a tendency to break down, but thankfully not whilst it’s in the air!

I was sent to meet up with the other lucky cadets from other squadrons at Glasgow Airport, but wasn’t sure exactly where to go. Just then a man came up to me and said, “You look as though you are looking for a Catalina!”. I then met up with the other cadets and had a nice cup of coffee.

We were given a briefing by one of the pilots, who used to work for the CIA!

Once we got into the aircraft I was surprised by the level of noise it produced. Once we were airborne, it was FANTASTIC! I was able to admire the beautiful scenery by going to the back of the aircraft and looking out of the plastic “windows” called “blisters”.

After our flight I still felt as though I was at 7,000 feet, as I was feeling very light-headed.

Overall, the day was absolutely amazing. It was the fight of a lifetime and offered the chance to see the breathtaking scenery Scotland has to offer.

Halloween Party

By Cdt Amy Cowie

On the 28^th of October the squadron held a Halloween party for all NCOs and cadets. The staff and NCOs decorated the squadron and it looked fantastic!

There were many costumes, devils, angels, witches, vampires, killers, the statue of liberty Obi Wan Kenobi and two bouncers!

Throughout the night there was a range of activities, dooking for apples, pumpkin carving, jokes, a catwalk and a lot of dancing.

At the end of the night there was prizes for the best costumes and performance in the games. Cdt O’Neil won 3^rd prize of a huge bag of sweets, Cdt Kelly won 2^nd prize of Ł5 and Cdt McGregor won the top prize of Ł10!

I enjoyed the night and I think everybody else did too!

Remembrance Sunday

By Cdt Zain Kayani

Remembrance Sunday is held once a year. The ATC go to this solemn service to pay their respects to the people who have gave their lives for us to have our freedom.

This is a memorial service which is held throughout the world. If you just stop to think for a second, if those people didn’t give their lives and fight for us, we might not be here today.

We marched from the Royal British Legion in Paisley to the Cenotaph in the centre of town. This is where we lay down the poppies and bowed our heads in respect. Then, we marched back to the legion where they kindly supplied us with some hot pies.

We then went to Cardonald cemetery where we pay our respects to SAC John Baxter, an ex-cadet who was murdered by the IRA in Holland.

This is a very sad day and every year I will pay my respects to those who have died in war for us.

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