East Devon Branch of the Aircrew Association
Dedicated to all aircrew whether still flying or having reached the "runway's end" for the last time.
Kind permission has been granted by Author Grahame Holloway, for the sharing of Aircrew information from his brilliant series of books (see below)
The Aircrew Association (ACA) was formed in 1977 to foster comradeship amongst those who, having been awarded an official flying badge, qualified to operate military aircraft in the armed services of the UK, its allies and the Commonwealth. Under the central ACA organisation, many branches were established in the UK and overseas where aircrew could meet and enjoy like-minded company. The Intercom house magazine enabled members worldwide to exchange news (Click here for access to ACA website)
Four fabulous books from the East Devon Branch of the Aircrew Association.
Derrik Brocklehurst:
First to arrive at RAF Exeter was Derrik Brocklehurst of Sidmouth who was a pilot with No. 247 (China British) Squadron. Flying Hurricanes on coastal and convoy patrols from airfields in Cornwall, he came to Exeter with the Squadron in May 1942. His main operations involved flying night intruder missions over occupied France. There was a change of scene for Derrik, however, when in January 1943 he was posted from Exeter to India, taking six Hurricanes with him.
Ted Willey:
Exeter born Ted Willey of Alphington joined the RAF in 1940 at the age of fifteen when he became an Aircraft Apprentice and underwent training at RAF Halton. Although he volunteered for aircrew it was deemed his experience as an aircraft fitter was more valuable to the RAF and he was destined to serve the war as a valued member of the ground crews. Ted was posted to No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron at RAF Exeter. Nearly all the squadron pilots were Rhodesian and about half of the ground crew. The Squadron CO at that time was Squadron Leader Green. The squadron was equipped with Typhoons powered by Napier Sabre engines and armed with 20mm cannons.
Ted King:
Ted King of Budleigh Salterton had been flying Blenheims with No. 13 Squadron in North Africa during ‘Operation Torch’ when he was posted back to Britain to join No. 131 Squadron at RAF Exeter. For Ted it was to begin a very long association with the West Country and Exeter in particular. Now flying Spitfires, he performed a variety of operations which included routine patrols, escort duties and intruder flights.
His career in the RAF lasted twenty-seven years and was never without interest or excitement. When he finally retired he was a Wing Commander and has been awarded the OBE (Military Division). On leaving the service he retraced his earlier RAF roots which brought him back to Exeter where he joined no 3 CAACU as a staff pilot. Later he was to become the Chief Flying Instructor at the Exeter Flying Club.
Ted King Gallery
All photos are credited to the original copyright owners with thanks to Geoff Worrall for the images from his book Exeter Airport In Peace and War 1988.