The Strathallan Story

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Articles from readers can be on a variety of subjects, but in keeping with the age group and experience; war stories are favoured but these have dwindled due to time catching up with the story tellers! It was due to the Web site that Stan Hambrey of Malvern Worcestershire, a survivor of the Strathallan whose story is featured under “Survivors” has had his further war time exploits serialised in The Gloster Gladiator and is now a subscriber to the Newsletter; he will always be welcomed at the Group’s get-togethers which are held, also near monthly, in Ruscombe when roughly 20-30 members are able to attend - again thanks to Eric who organises every function including “Battle of Britain” and “Remembrance” services at the local Church or Chapel

The Newsletter is a brilliant method whereby a real “band of war time brothers” maintain contact after 60 years. Jim Gormley was ecstatic to receive photographs of fellow regiment personnel including himself from war time days in North Africa and became an ardent reader until he died in June 2003. Most are in their eighties now but share common ground that stretches back to those dark days of 1939-45 when our country and the world was in peril. Eric Papps is an inspiration to all for his sterling efforts in keeping this Group together; bringing everyone up to date and ensuring no one is forgotten by producing and despatching the Newsletter over the past 15 years (27 Comrades have passed on during this time). He has no car; has a long walk to the bus; uses a wheel barrow to transport the catering items to the hall on function days; video recorders and computers are a mystery to him – everyone relies on him – the whole operation relies on him.

On a holiday in August 2003 while visiting his son in South Wales, yours truly the Web Site Editor, visited Eric at home in the company of Brian Rich to receive an outstanding welcome. We at the Web Site are delighted to support and commend the work of this small but unique Group of ex RAF Regiment Comrades and their companions to all throughout the world who log on to this Web Site. Why not mail him a word of encouragement

Addressed - c/o Robert Kennedy, 27 Border Way, Kirkintillock, Glasgow G66 2BE – It will be passed on to him and you will get a reply.