RAF Haydock

[mikemcd]

Jimbo737
Dad was based at Haydock prior to being posted RAF Sculthorpe in 1969.
He was Sgt. Ken McDonnell (4 kids, 1 wife poor man).
Happy memories of Haydock include: Spiders Web Sat/Sundays, Film shows incl. 633 Squadron, the Dambusters, It snowing on Christmas day 1968 or 1969? and 5 aside on the footie pitches, etc.
Dad now lives in Manchester but was an Arsenal supporter!
He's not too hot on technology but if he's familiar let me know, he'd love to hear.
My sister had her wedding and reception at Newton le Willows last year and went to see the place. SAD, it's all changed TOO MUCH.

[tel605]

Just found this site - and what memories it brought back of RAF Haydock (NWCC). I arrived, as an LAC Tel, in Aug 1960 from Boy Entrant training. It was a tape relay centre then and I recall (but could be wrong) my watch was about 40 - 50 strong. At mid day the 'boost' watch came on and there were probably 60-odd people working in the Comcen during the afternoon. And yes - I well remember people on roller skates distributing message tapes all over the place. It was a mad house at times - but it worked!

The watch boss was Warrant Officer Roberts and the only others I can remember were Cpl Ken Green and my mate from Cosfod, Pete Flattery, who married a WRAF called Joan (Hynes, I think).

Around 1960/1961 NWCC became a TASS Relay centre and watch sizes dropped to around half a dozen. This co-incided with the end of National Service (and I do remember Alex Murphy).

And the 'ghost'..? I certainly remember the girls in the PBX being scared on the night watch. There were usually two of them, on their own, at the end of a long cold corridor. There were all sorts of noises outside the door and I do remember having to go up there now and then to calm them down.

Haydock was a really happy camp, as I recall. I liked it because I came from Manchester and could get home easily. However many who were there were not 'local' but had specially asled to be posted there.

I left, in 1961 to go to Nigeria for 9 months - but that's another tale...

Was also at Commcen Episkopi from 1964 - 1968 (for four years, lucky chap!).

Did 22 years in the RAF and can honestly say I enjoyed 99% of it (well, duty NCO on a sunny Saturday afternoon was a pain!).

All the best to everyone!

RoyBoy

[Steve003]

Hi folks, another ex RAF just discovered this site. Was stationed @ RAF Haydock from 1962 - 64, do remember the Spiders Web Club, was based on the SU on the far side Of the sports field, please contact for more info.

[Red Setter]

Hi Steve

You must remember me and my friend Jaq, because we were there at that time, she has posted some photos of when we were there, outside the Spiders Web Club.  We both use to take the money when the dances were held on a Thursday night.  Do you remember Andy Richards (police) and Spud Murphy.  Boy what a time we had there, let me know of any of your memories while you were there.

Best wishes

Red Setter

[Steve003]

Hi Red Setter

What's your friends ID on here so I can access pics as names don't reg but pics might. Yes Thursday night dances, we used to be on the door as well. Remember the PTI Alan and lad in GO Alan Lewis. Memories of Haydock many how long you got

[Steve003]

OK Folks what was on the juke box 



http://open.spotify.com/track/1E1iUNpqcbXK96AXHbV9oP

[Red Setter]

Hi Steve

You must remember Jaq (Alexesian1), Janet (Red Setter) Pam Smith.  Jaq worked in Accounts, me GO and Pam in PBX, we were great friends.  If you worked in GO then you will know Sgt Carthy and I remember Alan, small guy with blonde hair.  Do you remember the Cpl that worked in GO I can't remember his name.  You will also know Rosin Mullen.  Can you remember the WO that was in the Mess, he was a lovely guy, he made my 21st cake and we had the party in the spiders Web. 

Let me know who you remember.

Red Setter

[Steve003]

Hi Red Setter and all others reading this !!!!
Seems to be a bit of a mix up so let's put things straight. Didn't work in GO or the main site at all. OK so now I'll start over ( Are you sitting Comfortable ? Then I'll begin)
Me I'm Steve Beddoe and was stationed at RAF Haydock from Sept 1962? 'till Oct 1964. It was my first posting after basic training ( RAF Bridgnorth ) and trade training ( RAF Comptom Bassett ) I was posted to RAF Haydock  to join the Bomber Command radar unit, situated the far side of the camp sports field next to the East Lancs road ( just across the road from "That Cafe")
I did know Alan Lewis from Go and another tall dark haired guy whose name escapes me, Alan the PTI, the policeman yes ( Well I would having been marched to the guardroom under close arrest [ That's another story ] )
Someone mention the Naffi girl ? I'm fairly sure one of the guys from the admin was attending to her needs.
As I said we were Bomber Command guys and you lot were Sig's and there was a little, shall we say rivalry at times.
Don't remember a WRAF raid on RAF block ( Don't doubt it for one moment ) I can confirm that there many raids on the WRAF block ( Far end fire doors and rest room )
Tieing doors together, that did happen, ended up in blood being spilt one night in the RAF block 9 some was mine )
Spiders Web Club yes and the NAFFI before it.
Ended up engaged to a local girl I met at a camp dance before I got posted to Malaya in'64 ( got a "Dear John" a few months later )
I do vaguely remember some of you guys and the photos ring a bell, but we did spend a lot ot time off camp, as some of the guys with us were localish, Liverpool/Manchester.
OK name check time, all these guys were Bomber Command :-
Flt Ltn Ford' Sgt Harry Buckland, Cpl Hank Watson, Mick Abson, Mick Doe, Malc Healey, Jonny Guy, Ted Hyslop, Dave ? Askew, Jock Burnette,
I did meet one of the Haydock WRAF's years later at a dance at RAF Patrington, but's that's another story.

Take care all the best Steve xx

[Steve003]

RAF Haydock

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