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On 20 January 1959, 265 bright-faced young men ‘signed on’ at the start of their 3-year apprenticeship. They came from all backgrounds and all regions of Great Britain and Northern Ireland along with young boys from Ceylon, Malaysia and Venezuela. All embarked on an intensive technical training course that turned them into qualified ‘fitters’.

Inevitably there were some losses and on 20 December 1961 the remaining 232 boys graduated on a misty morning. To celebrate, the newly qualified technicians held a Graduation Dance in the Town Hall in Aylesbury, music being provided by Bob Miller and his Millermen.

Since then, all have now finished their RAF careers, many leaving at the end of 22 year’s service but many staying on until age 55. Several were commissioned, 1 Air Commodore (Dick Bogg), 2 Group Captains (Mike Clegg and Pat Kiggell), several Wing Commanders, and the Entry produced the first ever Chief of the Air Staff’s Warrant Officer (Jim Andrews), which was a particularly fine achievement. Sadly, some have died on the way, but they are not forgotten.

 

Although Halton no longer exists as an Apprentice School, the 91st continues to maintain its bonds of friendship and over the years has had and will continue to have reunions every few years.

 
 
 
 
 
   
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The reunion at the Bailbrook House Hotel went extremely well. Sadly only 18 of our number were able to attend and I suspect COVID had a lot to do with that. However, 31 guests sat down to a splendid 3 course meal on the second night. The hotel lived up to its recommendation and I have to thank all the staff for looking after us so well. Those of us who went to the Aerospace at Filton enjoyed the experience – the ribald comments by our riggers on the state of riveting being used on a Blenheim adding to the fun. None of their work would have passed the eagle-eyed instructors on basic workshops. Thankfully, this aircraft is for static display!

The Bell Hotel at Winslow that I chose as our base for the Reunion at Halton turned out to be very good as well. Bob French turned up in his wheelchair on the Friday night, having forgotten that he had only booked for one night. However, even though the place was full, the hotel managed to fix him up with a temporary room. On parade at Halton were 10 from the entry and also on parade was our refurbished banner – still the orginal but now strengthened and with the paint uplifted.

We still have no news on 63 of our members that seem to have vanished without trace. It would be good to try and track them down but I suspect it will not now happen.

5th Oct 2022