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Jever 1986 - Open Day Celebrating 50 years 7Jun86.
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Jever June 2003 - A normal flying day for Jabog 38 "F".
2005
Visit to Jever 16Aug05 - Arrival. [Bold entries contain a map].
- Report and Pictures on Visit to GAF Jever by Mick Ryan, Chris Stone, Gunter Kipp and Maurice Parker on 16/17th August 2005 - Introduction and map of first 28 photos.
- 1. F-104 Gate Guard just inside the Main Gate at RAF Jever.
- 2. We were escorted up the road to the Officers' Mess. The most noticeable change everywhere was the size of the trees and bushes. Not surprisingly, everything has grown since we were last there 45 years ago.
- 3. On the way we passed a few familiar buildings for example the old Astra cinema.
- 4. This is how I remember it in May 1958.
- 5. Bldg 18 is classified as an historical monument but it is currently only used for large NATO briefings etc.
- 6. There were also many new buildings. This is the new 38th Fighter Bomber Group staff training block (Bldg 256) built in 1970 on the road to the Mess.
- 7. We parked our cars against the Dining Room wing facing us when we arrived outside Bldg 72, the Officers' Mess.
- 8. The visitors and our charming host: Maurice Parker, Chris Stone, Mick Ryan, Gunter Kipp welcomed by Oberstleutnant Linke, the Camp Commandant.
- 9. Maurice Parker, Mick Ryan, our second host, and organiser, Leutnant Robin Heidemann, Gunter Kipp, Oberstleutnant Linke, the Camp Commandant.
- 10. The right wall of the Officers' Mess entrance is decorated by a memorial to one of the former units - No 10 Weapons School of the Luftwaffe.
- 11. The left wall is decorated by a memorial to another of the former units - 38th Fighter Bomber Group "Friesland".
- 12. View of Officers Mess Dining Room Wing from Entrance Steps.
- 13. Oberstleutnant Linke, Camp Commandant preparing to brief us walking though the inside entrance hall of the Officers' Mess.
- 14. Officers' Mess Reception.
- 15. There have been some changes since my time in the Officers' Mess Bar.
- 16. Chris Stone and Gunter Kipp in what was the old Officers' Mess Club upstairs.
- 17. Gunter and Chris in what was the old Officers' Mess Club looking in the opposite direction.
- 18. An interesting bar table made from an old F-104 wing.
- 19. The windows behind Gunter and Chris look out over the front of the Mess.
GAF Briefing on Jever - Vufoils 1 to 15.
- Briefing for the Visiting Former British Officers by Fighter Bomber Group 38 "Friesland" on 16 August 2005
- Programme for the Day
- History of Upjever Airfield
- History Dates of Upjever Airfield
- Once upon a time... Collage of pictures downloaded from this site.
- Main weapon systems GAF.
- Control Zone Wittmund/Jever.
- Units Stationed at Jever Airfield Before.
- Units Stationed at Jever Airfield from 31Aug05.
- Personnel Strength Before the Change.
- Personnel Strength from 1Sep05.
- GAF Ground Combat Support Regiment.
- High Value Spares Acquisition Hangar.
- Tornado Airframe after stripping.
- That's it....
- The whole base had been informed of our visit by the following formal order.
- 20. After the briefing we were shown to our rooms via the back patio of the Mess.
- 21. This pleased Chris Stone as this was the block in which he had his room before moving into married quarters.
- 22. Closer view of Accommodation Block.
- 23. Entrance to our Accommodation Block.
- 24. Tennis Courts from Accommodation Block.
- 25. My old Bedroom Block, Building 163.
- 26. This Accommodation Block faced the one where we stayed across the rear lawn.
- 27. Chris Stone and Gunter Kipp on the rear patio of the Officers' Mess.
- 28. Chris Stone and Mick Ryan on the rear patio of the Officers' Mess.
Tour of Airfield - Photographs 29 to 82.
- Plan of the whole of Jever with a red line showing the approximate route of our tour in a clockwise direction - starting and finishing at the Officers' Mess.
- 29. Looking towards the threshold of Runway 29 (Now 28).
- 30. Two Hardened Aircraft Shelters looking towards the old 4 Sqn Hangar when they were on the North side of the runway.
- 31. Gunter Kipp, Maurice Parker, Lt Robin Heidemann, Mick Ryan and OTL Linke in front of our tour vehicle.
- 32. OTL Linke and Gunter Kipp looking across the runway to the North side where the old Air Traffic Control building can be seen.
- 33. Building 47 the Fire Section looking across the runway to the North side.
- 34. The Old Air Traffic Control Building looking across the runway to the North side.
- 35. A closer look at the Old Air Traffic Control Building.
- 36. One of the original 1936 listed buildings Hangar 5, the old Tech. Wing Hangar looking across the runway from the dispersal in front of Hangar 4.
- 37. This is Hangar 4 which as Building 4 is also a listed building.
- 38. Rear of Hangar 4 at the 93 Sqn end.
- 39. Phantom being serviced at the 93 Sqn end.
- 40. Chris, Robin Heidemann and Gunter walking towards the green door which leads up to the Sqn Ops Rooms.
- 41. Stairs that lead up to the Sqn Ops Rooms.
- 42. View down the stairs where Chris seriously damaged an ankle leaping down the last four during a Battle Flight scramble.
- 43. View of the Hangars on the North side of the airfield from the balcony of 93 Sqn Ops Rm.
- 44 & 45. Chris and Mick re-live an old moment on the balcony of 93 Sqn Ops Rm.
- 46. Mick looking across the runway to the old air traffic control building from the old 93 Sqn Ops Room Balcony.
- 47. Mick and Gunter photographing a Phantom landing from an air test from the old 93 Sqn Ops Room Balcony.
- 48. GAF Phantom landing from an air test with the Hangar once occupied by 4 Sqn in the background.
- 49. GAF Phantom taxying in from an air test.
- 50. GAF F-4 Phantom parking in front of Hangar 4.
- 51. Air test crew dismounting from GAF F-4 Phantom in front of Hangar 4.
- 52. After bit of live flying excitement, we continued our tour of Hangar 4. This is the old 93 Sqn crewroom facing the wall the furthest from the Ops Room.
- 53. The other end of the Briefing Room, which now obviously doubles as a conference room.
- 54. The old 4 Sqn end of Hangar 4.
- 55. The old 93 Sqn end of Hangar 4 showing the tower and ops. room balcony.
- 56. The old 2 Sqn Hangar 3 showing the new Air Traffic Control tower on the top of the old Hangar tower.
- 57. Shot of the old 2 Sqn Hangar from across the runway showing the new Air Traffic Control tower on the top of the old Hangar tower.
- 58. Close up of the new Air Traffic Control Tower on the old 2 Sqn Hangar.
- 59. Even closer view of the new Air Traffic Control Tower on the old 2 Sqn Hangar.
- 60. The other side of the old 2 Sqn Hangar.
- 61. This was Chris Stone's old temporary Married Quarter over by the boundary fence on the south side of the airfield.
- 62. Mick Ryan, Gunter Kipp, OTL Linke and Maurice Parker examining the outside of Chris Stone's old temporary Married Quarter.
- 63. The walls were still adorned by badges from squadrons that had attended the course.
- 64. 11 Squadron badge from a 1983 visit.
- 65. Gunter having one final look.
- 66. F-104 on the North West corner of the airfield.
- 67. The new all ranks mess.
- 68. OTL Linke, Camp Commandant in the centre. It is a self-service mess where we had lunch.
- 69. This is all that is left of a Tornado once the valuable parts have been stripped out.
- 70. Sad end for Bruno Albers subject Tornado when it first flew into service with the GAF.
- 71. Another shot of the Tornado dismantling facility.
- 72. A sad end for what was a perfectly serviceable Tornado.
- 73. Facing the facility was the old Tech. Wing Hangar - Building No 5 which was built in 1936 and is another listed historical building.
- 74. I understand that this building on the end of Hangar 5 was the old Armaments Squadron.
- 75. I could not resist asking to see inside the old Tech. Wing Hangar 5.
- 76. This is a photograph sent to me by Charlie Rich of Sabre servicing in the same Hangar in 1953 - 52 years before.
- 77. Continuing our tour we passed Hangar 2, built in 1936, which was Station Flight in our day.
- 78. Our revered Secretary of the Jever Steam Laundry, Jeff Jeffreys, had asked me to find out if the 4 Sqn wall murals depicting past squadron aircraft were still in what used to be 4 Squadron Hangar - Building No 1 built in 1936 and another listed building.
- 79. Hangar 1 had a distinctive round tower at the front western end.
- 80. This is the eastern end of Hangar 1.
- 81. Inside Hangar 1 we found a grey GAF Phantom with greyed USAF markings.
- 82. Map of Airfield Tour. That was the end of our formal tour and, armed with our own passes, at about 1430 we began a short walking tour of the main camp.
Walking Tour of Camp Area - Photographs 83 to 108.
- 83. On the map of the camp area the red line shows our approximate route and the blue arrows the orientation of the photographs.
- 84. We began our tour from outside our overnight accommodation. Just across the road was Building 162 which was built in 1950.
- 85. This is the opposite end of the Officers' Mess, the western end.
- 86. This is the last road junction on Casino Strasse before the Officers' Mess.
- 87. On the opposite side of the road was a sign leading to Oestringfelder Weg - the senior officers' married quarters.
- 88. The first three senior officers' married quarters were for Wing Commanders in our day.
- 89. The quarter at the far end was slightly larger for the Station Commander - Group Captain rank.
- 90. This is a shot of the larger Station Commander's house from the GAF Building Survey documents.
- 91. Further down Casino Str towards the main gate we came across the old Bowling Alley Building No. 68 built in 1936.
- 92. The other side of the building used to be the Barbers Shop.
- 93. And it was still open for business!.
- 94. On the opposite of the road is Building 249 built after our time in 1968 as a Stores Building.
- 95. Further down on that side we saw what we believed was the back of the old Sergeants Mess - Building No. 22 built in 1936.
- 96. As we came round the end of Station Headquarters Building No. 9 which was built in 1936, I recognised the old Post Office which was still in use in that role today.
- 97. Revealed in all its glory - Station Headquarters.
- 98. Shot of Station Headquarters from behind the tail of the mounted Sabre.
- 99. The mounted Sabre in front of Station HQ.
- 100. The flagpole today.
- 101. The flagpole in May 1958. There is an amusing story concerning this flagpole.
- 102. Gunter Kipp and SHQ viewed from the flagpole.
- 103. This is Building 11 constructed in 1936. In our day I believe it was the Education Block.
- 104. This is a photograph is taken from page 237 in Sybille Schneider's book on Jever.
- 105. Composite photograph of the Station Church just by the main gate. Details of an attached building that was burnt down.
- 106. I had a special reason for taking an interest in this building as it was where I was married.
- 107. This was the scene of the crime. It looks exactly the same as that fateful day 17th December 1960.
- 108. The reception was held next door in this room attached to the church.
Walking Tour of Married Quarters Area - Photographs 109 to 128.
- 109. Map of Married Quarters Area. We next moved outside the main gates and turned in to the Married Quarters area.
- 110. The first building we saw was the old British Forces Education Service (BFES) Primary School which is now used for training airmen.
- 111. The BFES Primary School.
- The Story of the Names Schumacherstrasse and Edertstrasse.
- 112. Nos. 6 and 8 Schumacherstrasse. These were the main married quarters and most of them were built in 1936.
- 113. Nos. 10 and 12 Schumacherstrasse.
- 114. Nos. 14 and 16 Schumacherstrasse.
- 115. Nos. 14 and 16 Schumacherstrasse. Gunter talking to the present tenant of No. 16.
- 116. Nos. 14 and 16 Schumacherstrasse. Mick standing in front of the home of his wife before they were married, (left-hand house No. 14).
- 117. Nos. 18 and 20 Schumacherstrasse. This was Chris Stone's married quarter.
- 118. Nos. 22 and 24 Schumacherstrasse. These were at the northern end and faced the other way.
- 119. Warrant Officer's Married Quarters Schumacherstrasse. This end block may have been used together as the BFES teachers mess?
- 120. 2nd block of Warrant Officer's Married Quarters Schumacherstrasse.
- 121. 3rd block of Warrant Officer's Married Quarters Schumacherstrasse.
- 122. Chris in front of 4th block of Warrant Officer's Married Quarters Schumacherstrasse.
- 123. Last and 5th block of Warrant Officer's Married Quarters in this stretch of Schumacherstrasse.
- 124. Looking back down Schumacherstrasse. Mick walking towards the camera.
- 125. Looking down Edertstrasse towards the main road.
- 126. North West corner of Schumacherstrasse at the kink in the road and junction with Edertstrasse.
- 127. 1st house on the East side of the continuation of Schumacherstrasse at the junction with Edertstrasse.
- 128. Continuation of Schumacherstrasse to the North of the junction with Edertstrasse.
Visit to Jever Town - Photographs 129 to 143.
- 129. Map of Jever Town area.
- 129A. Map of Officers and Other Ranks Married Quarters in Jever Town area.
- 130. Schutzenhof Hotel on the main road into Jever town, looking back towards camp.
- 131. The Schutzenhof Great Hall - scene of many a good party.
- 132. I believe that this was taken in the Great Hall in front of the stage in May58.
- 133. Shot of the Schutzenhof Great Hall bar.
- 134. I believe that this was taken in front of the Great Hall bar.
- 135. The Town Hall in the centre of Jever.
- 136. This is Wilf Zucht's old shop, still selling photography.
- 137. We stopped at the Haus der Getreuen alongside the Jever Pils brewery and ran a "Taceval" on the quality of Pils still being brewed.
- 138. This was one we saved for our illustrious President, Ken Goodwin, who was conspicuous by his absence.
- 139. These are the new mirrored towers on the skyline of Jever town today.
- 140. The latest product line!.
- 141. Some of the buildings and pubs in the centre of Jever.
- 142. On our way back to the camp we paid a visit on Bruno Albers who is a very talented artist living in Jever and we were fortunate to be able to visit him in his house.
- 143. Here is a photograph of the list on which Bruno has recorded the officers and their squadrons that commissioned paintings by him.
Shots taken around the Officers' Mess next morning before leaving - Photographs 144 to .
- 144. This is the Officers' Mess reception area.
- 145. This is in on the wall of the Officers' Mess reception area.
- 146. The mess entrance hall with a piano that must be the last one left over from Ken Goodwin's era!.
- 147. The Minstrels' Gallery over the door of the bar in the lounge has been bricked up.
- 148. This was the Cresta Run built from the Minstrel's Gallery for the 1957 Mess Christmas Party.
- 149. This painting was specially commissioned for the Officers' Mess lounge and it is still there.
- 150. This is the end of the lounge opposite the bar.
- 151. A closer shot of the painting at the end of the lounge opposite the bar.
- 152. This is the panelled room through the doors on the right in Picture 150.
- 153. View on to rear patio and lawn from the lounge.
- 154. Mick taking pictures in the Dining Room, looking from entrance doors.
- 155. End wall of the Dining Room, looking from entrance doors.
- 156. Side wall of the Dining Room, looking East.
- 157. Ken Goodwin making one of his passes in front of Hangar 4, the old 98 and 118 home.
- 158. Another painting, this time of Me-109 and Tornados, hanging in the passageway leading from the mess to the dining room.
- 159. The bar - a bit different from our day.
- 160. Chris reminded me that one of the sports that got us in to trouble and increased the size of our mess bills, was trying to throw plates through this small window from the other end of the bar.
- 161. Mick imagining the old days. Clearly the GAF does not play darts. This spot in the corner of the bar was where the darts board hung.
- 162. Chris reliving his finer moments in the corner of the bar where the dartboard used to be. After that final homage we drove home to reality.
Further News of GAF Jever - 2005.
- JaBoG32 Disbandment - 31Aug05, gaf223
- Left to right: Hans-Günter Appel; Inge Appel; Oberst Axel Pohlmann; Elizabeth Lack; Ernie Lack.
Friday 26th August 2005.
- Air Base Services Wing formed - 2Sep05
- Tornado taxying out at Jever - 25Oct05.
- Newspaper Report that as from July 2006 there will be a Luftwaffe Regiment at Jever - 22Dec05
- Tornado tail on Jever Roundabout by Day - Dec05
- Tornado tail on Jever Roundabout by Night - Dec05
2006
- Latest Change for the Luftwaffe Regiment - 25Mar06
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Marshalling of Forces. [Bold entries contain a map].
- Report and Pictures on Visit to GAF Jever by 51 Members of the Jever Steam Laundry on 22 to 26th August 2005 - Introduction and map of invasion route.
- 0. Brief given to those attending.
- 1. Landing Craft - Car - The Southern Forces gathering in Mick Ryan's parking lot at 0630hrs Tuesday 22nd August 2006.
- 2. Landing Craft - Coach - Beach Master Jo Ryan sees the first wave of 12 fully loaded and ready for the road by 0700hrs driven by Tom Megan - Tuesday 22nd August 2006.
- 3. Joining up with the 10 Northern Forces who had gathered at Harwich by 0900 hours, was a small problem as the parking place for the coach was shown inaccurately on the trip guide map, and they had all but one gathered about half a mile away at the railway station.
- 4. Eddie McCullagh and our President Ken Goodwin look concerned at the absence of the Northern Forces.
- 5. Bill Blake, Norman Giffin and Andy Whitson confer while awaiting the Northern Arrivals.
- 6. Mick Ryan trying to talk his way out of having put the wrong location at Harwich in the Trip Guide.
- 7. Start of In-Flight Refuelling after 10 Northern Forces located and loaded at Harwich.
- 8. Ken Goodwin looking startled at being caught opening the first Jever Pilsner at Harwich.
- 9. About to board the Stena Link Catamaran at Harwich.
- 10. The vehicles and passenger connections to the rear of the Stena Link Catamaran at Harwich.
- 11. The enormous Stena Link Catamaran at Harwich.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - The Crossing.
- 12. Aboard the Stena Link Catamaran - Jennings about to sort out King over his Cuckoo Clock - yet again!
- 13. Aboard the Stena Link Catamaran - Touch of Admin & Org, Mick Ryan prepares the promised copies of the Arnhem Walking Tour.
- 14. Relaxing Aboard the Stena Link Catamaran.
- 15. Ann Roberts.
- 16. Robbie Roberts - the man who built most of RAF Jever.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - First Stop Arnhem.
- 17. This new Car Park under the tram and bus station caused us a lot of trouble getting in to the Best Westin Hotel in Arnhem. Tom our coach driver did a marvellous job of finding the hidden entrance to the middle of this major building works and negotiating the large coach successfully to the front door.
- 18. Across the other side of the new car park and bus station is the main Arnhem railway station.
- 19. GHQ Staff planning for the crossing tomorrow in the bar of the Best Westin Hotel in Arnhem.
- 20. Ken Goodwin desperately hopes the subject of Cuckoo Clocks does not come up.
- 21. Ken Goodwin says he thought he saw a cuckoo over there.
- 22. Pat King brings out his cuckoo clock to impress Tom the driver. The rest are embarrassed and try to ignore him.
- 23. Pat King bores the pants off the barman about the finer points of his cuckoo clock.
- 24. Ken Goodwin tries to arbitrate on the cuckoo clock dispute but does not have much luck as both parties are stuck on "transmit".
- 25. The troops gathered on the banks of the Rhine to review the crossing.
- 26. Planning the next days assault in the restaurant - Tuesday evening.
- 27. Someone holding up the Cuckoo Clock in the restaurant - Tuesday evening.
- 28. Ken Goodwin explains the intricacies of the Cuckoo Clock to Phil Langrill in the restaurant - Tuesday evening.
- 29. The gang before things deteriorated.
- 30. Pete Jones looks excited and Mick Ryan looks "Out of it" - in the restaurant - Tuesday evening.
- 31. The Other Table - in the restaurant - Tuesday evening.
- 32. Brian and Margaret Butterworth made their own way to Jever but joined us in Arnhem. It was the first time Mick Ryan had seen them for 46 years.
- 33. Eric Pigdon spotted doing his reporting.
- 34. What are the wives plotting?
- 35. I think I prefer the flower. Eric McFee trying to hide behind a flower.
- 36. "Pfennig" about to attack the President Ken Goodwin with a bottle of wine.
- 37. The Other Table deep in conversation.
- 38. The Other Table shooting war stories
- 39. Pollock trying to talk his way out of paying our lovely hostess Claire. Trish Pollock in the background.
- 40. Tony Pearce practising with Mary Pearce and Brian Butterworth.
- 41. Bill Blake watches Pete Jennings arguing about I can't imagine what with Pat King.
- 42. Towards the end of a very pleasant evening on the Arnhem river front - Tuesday. Left to Right: Phil Langrill; Ken Goodwin; Eddie McCullagh.
- 43. The SMAAK Restaurant did a wonderful job at such short notice. With so many all at once they kept the menu to a choice of Fish or Goose.
- 44. Claire our beautiful hostess at the SMAAK Restaurant. Still smiling after our shower hit her delightful restaurant on the river front in Arnhem on Tuesday evening.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Airborne Museum Wednesday Morning Arnhem.
- 45. The next morning Wednesday 23rd August we visited the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek, just outside Arnhem.
- 46. Andy Whitson viewing one of the outside memorials.
- 47. Hotel Hartenstein, Oosterbeek - the original headquarters of Major-General Roy Urquhart, now the home of the Airborne Museum.
- 48. Peaceful Gardens in front of Airborne Museum.
- 49. We began with an excellent video detailing the major points of the battle for the Arnhem Bridge. Major events were lit up on this map model.
- 50. 1st Airborne Division Crest.
- 51. It was a very impressive museum with many realistic displays and commentaries over three floors. This picture shows the plans to extend the display area under the gardens at the rear.
- 52. Some of the display pieces in the grounds as we were leaving.
- 53. An impressive new monument to the Airborne Regiments.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Oosterbeek Cemetery Arnhem.
- 54. Explanation at the Oosterbeek Cemetery. We took time out on the way back to the hotel to visit the War Grave Cemetery at Oosterbeek.
- 55. Memorial to the local children who tend the Oosterbeek Cemetery.
- 56. Entry Gates to Oosterbeek Cemetery.
- 57. The beautifully laid out and maintained Oosterbeek Cemetery.
- 58. Searching for graves.
- 59. More searching for graves.
- 60. The grave we eventually found, that of Flight Lieutenant David S.A. Lord VC, DFC.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Final Arrival in Wilhemshaven.
- 61. Wrong! Eric captured the moment that Mick Ryan realised that Tom the driver thought our hotel was in Jever and not Wilhelmshaven.
- 62. These would have spoilt our low flying in the Jever area in our day!
- 63. At last we arrived at the City Hotel Valois, opposite the main railway station in Wilhelmshaven.
- 64. On Wednesday evening we visited the "Zur Schwarzen Baeren" in Hooksiel (pronounced Hokeseal) - a marvellous sea-food restaurant about 12 km up the coast from Wilhelmshaven.
- 65. This was the most popular choice - "Hooksiel Gourmet Fish Plate".
- 66. In anticipation - Phil Langrill, Eddie McCullagh, Trish Pollock; Al Pollock.
- 67. The Organisers Table - Heather Meierjohann, Jo Ryan's Sister; Ton Megan the driver; Jo Ryan.
- 68. The "Wheels" Table - Pete Jennings; Elizabeth Lack; Sir Paddy Hine, leaning forward; Ernie Lack; Pete Hunwick; Ken Goodwin; Lady Jill Hine; Pat King.
- 69. The Corner Table - Tony Pearce; Eileen Sambrooks back; Mary Pearce; Ann Roberts; Ken Sambrooks back; Robbie Roberts; Pete Jones; Jeff Jeffrey; Jo Ryan foreground.
- 70. The Homeland Table - Dirk Wirnick, Diana's fiancee; Diana Pailing, Trevor's daughter; Maurice Parker, our "local" rep; Bryan Stoneham, Trevor's co-driver; Trevor Pailing.
- 71. The "Small but Beautifully Formed" Table - Eric McFee, Eric Pigdon in his new yellow jacket he bought that afternoon for €5 in C&As opposite the hotel; Norman Giffin; Bill Blake.
- 72. Food has arrived - Elizabeth Lack; Sir Paddy Hine; Pat King foreground; Lady Jill Hine; Ken Goodwin; Pete Hunwick.
- 73. The Round Table - Trish Pollock; Al Pollock; Phil Langrill.
- 74. More planning - Mick Ryan; Heather Meierjohann; Tom Megan the driver; Jo Ryan.
- 75. Break for a chat - Bryan Stoneham; Pete Hunwick; Ken Goodwin; Lady Jill Hine hidden; Pat King; Pete Jennings; Elizabeth Lack; Ernie Lack; Sir Paddy Hine standing; Trevor Pailing.
- 76. Huddle in the corner - Ken Sambrooks; Tony Pearce; Mary Pearce; Pete Jones foreground; Ann Roberts; Jeff Jeffrey back; Robbie Roberts.
- 77. Father and Daughter - Diana Pailing; Maurice Parker; Trevor Pailing.
- 78. A Toast - Eric McFee; Norman Giffin; Bill Blake.
- 79. At the Talk of Paying King and Jennings prepare to leave - Pete Hunwick; Lady Jill Hine; Pat King; Pete Jennings; Elizabeth Lack; Sir Paddy Hine; Ernie Lack.
- 80. Lady Jill Hine suggests she might pay and King is there like a flash to help her with her bag - Pete Hunwick; Ken Goodwin; Pat King; Lady Jill Hine.
- 81. Looks like Pete Jones drew a nice lobster with the crayons the restaurant gave him - Eileen Sambrooks; Tony Pearce; Mary Pearce; Ann Roberts.
- 81a. Bill Blake and Andy Whitson looking forward to their meal.
- 81b. Eric McFee and Eric Pigdon seem to be enjoying themselves.
- 81c. Norman Giffin and a surprised Bill Blake.
- 81d. Mary Pearce and Ann and Robbie Roberts.
- 81e. Looks as though Trish Pollock is "sorting out" Phil Langrill to the amusement of Eddie McCullagh.
- 81f. Cuddle in the corner.
- 81g. Ken and Eileen Sambrooks.
- 81h. Jeff Jeffrey and Pete Jones.
- 82. The Sisters Heather Meierjohann and Jo Ryan look amused at something said by Eric McFee.
- 83. The waitresses were superb. How they ever got the money out of our coach load I shall not understand.
- 84. One of our favourite waitresses.
- 85. Eric McFee helping the waitress with his own calculator.
- 86. That charming Old Man - Eric McFee. Her mother or grandmother could have warned her about this coach load!
- 87. Mick and Jo Ryan. I don't know why Mick Ryan looks so pleased with himself - he has just left his camera in the restaurant and will not be taking anymore photographs on this trip.
- 88. Last one out - Jennings. Tom Megan our driver did a magnificent job manoeuvring this enormous coach through the tiny back streets of Hooksiel as we approached the village on the wrong road. This included backing out of a narrow twisting dead end. Eventually we found that when we turned right out of the restaurant parking lot, we were just off the main road back to Wilhelmshaven.
- 89. Ken Goodwin and Eddie McCullagh relaxing on the way back to Wilhelmshaven.
- 90. Sir Paddy Hine and Ernie Lack also relaxing on the way back to Wilhelmshaven.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Arrival at GAF Jever Thursday 24th August 2006.
- 91. At the Guardroom, Padre Marcus Christ and Lt Col Joachim Linke tease Mick Ryan for being late for the second year running. Mick, with great confidence, had navigated the coach back to Hooksiel instead of Jever. He tried to claim he was collecting his camera but it was clearly just incompetence.
- 91a. F-104 "Gate Guard" opposite the main guardroom.
- 91b. As we were late some of those who made their own way there were waiting for us at the Officers' Mess when we arrived.
- 91c. At last we arrived at the Officers' Mess.
- 92. We were taken straight up to the Officers' Mess Ante-room where we were welcomed by
Lt Col Joachim Linke and Lt Col Karl-Heinz Kubriak, CO of the GAF Regiment based at GAF Jever, seen here greeting our President Ken Goodwin. On the right are Heather McIntyre and Barrie Tonkinson.
- 93. Lt Col Joachim Linke welcomes Robbie Roberts on the left and Dick Haynes on the right.
- 94. Note the old minstrels gallery looking down on the Ante-room has been bricked up.
- 95. Slowly took our places.
- 96. Still milling around.
- 97. Yes we understand Col Kubriak, it is very frustrating when talking to "Pfennig" Hunwick.
- 98. A happy Col Kubriak, before "Pfennig" Hunwick engaged him.
- 98a. Another way of looking at it.
- 98b. Like the tan!. Lady Jill Hine and Sir Patrick Hine talking to Col Joachim Linke.
- 98c. No! Wait on. I'll get the name in a minute. Robbie Roberts and Dick Haynes talking to Col Joachim Linke.
- 98d. Oh Look!. Who's that?. Pete Jennings; Pete Jones; and Jeff Jeffrey behind Ann Roberts and Mary Pearce.
- 99. At Last we got them seated.
- 100. Are you seated comfortably?
- 101. Then we shall begin.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Briefing by German Air Force Jever.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 1.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 2 Programme for day.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 3 Home Units.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 4 History of Air Base Jever.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 5 Airfield September 1945.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 6 Historical Dates.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 7 Col. Joachim Linke's "Personal-Ausweis".
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 8 Inside Col. Joachim Linke's "Personal-Ausweis" dated 18Jan56.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 9 The RAF Years.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 10 The GAF Weapons Systems based at Jever.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 11 The Jever area today.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 12 Tornado Scrapping Facility.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 13 A sad sight.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 14 The Current Mission.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 15 Location of Units.
- Briefing by GAF Jever - Slide 16 Our President of course!.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Photographs at the Officers' Mess before the tour.
- 102. Trying to get everyone to line up for a Group photograph on the steps of the Officers' Mess.
- 103. A few hard words from Mick Ryan does absolutely no good.
- 104. At last, all the ducks in a row - but still not everyone was there.
- 105. Before we set off for the tour of the base there were a few photographs taken around the Officers' Mess. This is the front entrance with the Club windows upstairs.
- 106. Looking the other way at the Mess Dining Room.
- 107. Rear view of the Officers' Mess.
- 108. The right hand set of Senior Officers' Quarters at the back of the Mess.
- 109. The left hand set of Senior Officers' Quarters at the back of the Mess. Note the BBQ which was not there in my day.
- 110. John Cater and his Assistant Pamela Lowe prepare for the tour of the airfield.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - The Airfield tour.
- 111. We started our tour by crossing the Western end of the runway. These buildings were not there in our day.
- 112. Tornado fuselage graveyard.
- 113. Our first view across the airfield towards Hangar 4.
- 114. These Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) have been added since we were there.
- 115. This particular Hardened Aircraft Shelter has been already designated as a "Listed Building" by the German Government.
- 116. One of the old "Temporary" Married Quarters still going strong after 55 years! These were overflow MQs in the South-west corner of the airfield.
- 117. The famous Hangar 4.
- 118. Hangar 4 and the large aircraft pan in front of it. At one time it housed 98 and 118 Sqn and latterly, when they were disbanded, it housed 4 Sqn on the left and 93 Sqn on the right.
- 119. Hangar 3 lay beyond Hangar 4 and in the early days housed 93 Sqn. Latterly it housed 2 Sqn with Swifts.
- 120. Hangar 3 now has the ATC Control Tower on the roof of its tower. It was moved by the GAF from its old location on the front of Flying Wing HQ.
- 121. We all got out of the coaches and in no time were lost in the bowels of our old places of work.
- 122. Joachim Linke and Mick Ryan wondered whether they would find them all again.
- 123. Inside Hangar 4 looking towards the old 4 Sqn end. It is now used by a Phantom Maintenance Unit.
- 124. Inside Hangar 4 looking towards the old 93 Sqn end.
- 125. Servicing a Phantom.
- 126. A slow gathering of 4 Sqn.
- 127. The old 4 Sqn end of the hangar. The curved window has been added since our time. I expect it is to allow the Ops Room to see the taxiway, aircraft park and touchdown for runway 28. The balcony is surrounded by a metal barrier whereas at the 93 Sqn end it is a brick wall.
- 128. At last all the 4 Sqn ducks in a row - and they were ducks on 4 Sqn!.
- 129. Slowly we got them to gather back at the coaches. Note the very smart German Air Force luxury coach supplied as our overflow transport for the whole of the day.
- 130. Starting to get back on the coaches.
- 131. The view across the airfield to the North side showing, left to right, Tech Wing Hangars, No. 1 Hangar, Fire Section just before the chimney and the old Flying Wing HQ and ATC just right of the chimney.
- 132. The view across the airfield to the North side showing, left to right, Fire Section and the old Flying Wing HQ and ATC just beneath the chimney.
- 133. Whilst most of us were re-visiting our haunts in Hangar 4, some walked over and explored Hangar 3 next door. This was the home of 93 Sqn before 98 Sqn and 118 Sqn were disbanded and latterly the home of 2 Sqn with Swifts.
- 134. Hangar 3 has had the new ATC Control Tower built on the top of the old tower.
- 135. Maintenance of Phantoms being conducted inside Hangar 3. This looks very much like the inside of Hangar 4 but it has the "No Smoking" notice on the end wall which is not there in Hangar 4.
- 136. Western side entrance to Hangar 3.
- 136a. F-104 tail mounted near the Western Entrance to Hangar 3.
- 137. Our next stop was the old Flying Wing HQ building.
- 138. He maybe our Tour Rep but he does go on!
- 139. Robbie and Ann Roberts. Robbie, together with Dick Haynes and Philip Westwell built most of RAF Jever in the mid-fifties.
- 140. This is the airfield side of the old Flying Wing HQ building. The curved addition on the top of the nearest round projection, is the old ATC Local Control.
- 141. Sir Paddy rallies the masses from the balcony round the old ATC Local Control.
- 142. The right hand curved extension was the OC Flying Wing's Office.
- 143. Another shot of the Old Local Control.
- 144. Suddenly they found the outside air.
- 145. Tools of the trade - Meteorological Officer's "Garden" with Ernie Lack.
- 146. "You're not signing for the whole airfield - I don't care what he says!"
- 147. Our next stop was at Hangar 1 still on the North side of the airfield. This was the home of 4 Sqn when 98 Sqn and 118 Sqn were in residence across the runway in Hangar 4.
- 148. The round tower on the front end of Hanger 1 is distinctive and can be seen in several WWII photographs.
- 149. View from what was OC 4 Sqn's Office in the round tower.
- 150. There was an interesting collection of aircraft inside Hangar 1.
- 151. This is the fuselage of a Lockheed F-104 which flew through a tree.
- 152. Pat King explaining how he pulled it up out of the trees.
- 153. Gil Gray, Tour Rep and Barry Dale.
- 154. No! Press this for delete.
- 155. This was what it was all about. Sir Patrick Hine, Lady Jill Hine and the Tour Rep.
- 156. At last they had seen enough and began to wander out.
- 157. Outside the "Airfield Builders" pose for a photograph.
- 157a. 157a. Pat King and Ken Goodwin.
- 158. New modern "All-ranks" mess where we had an excellent lunch for negligible cost.
- 159. Heather McIntyre at the extensive self-service buffet.
- 160. Soon the queue formed on the left.
- 161. Peter Jones and Jeff Jeffrey collecting their lunch.
- 162. Lunch set price for any choice €3.54/£2.40.
- 163. Much appreciated lunch.
- 164. Much to discuss.
- 165. Ernie Lack, Brian Butterworth and Barrie Tonkinson tucking in.
- 166. After lunch we visited the Tornado Dismantling Unit.
- 167. Rear end of a stripped Tornado, Engines long gone - hope our chaps didn't take them!.
- 168. They strip out and re-package any high value items. These then go in to the logistics chain to be used on the remaining Tornados left in service.
- 169. Nothing was too much trouble for them to explain it to us.
- 170. This is a very important part of the "swing-wing" Tornado.
- 171. Phil Langrill explains.
- 172. Heather tells a fishing story.
- 173. Gillie Gray and Barry Dale were even able to inspect the cockpit.
- 174. What is left of the Tornado cockpit.
- 175. Funny? I didn't know the Tornado had Sabrinas.
- 176. At last we got them outside again.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Various Camp Places visited individually.
- 177. During the tour of the Tornado Facility, Philip Westwell asked Col. Jaochim Linke if they could walk out and see the runway extension which they had built in the early 50s.
- 178. Philip Westwell also remembered that after the runway was complete they needed a way of denying the runway to Warsaw Pact forces should Jever be overrun.
- 179. Philip Westwell sent me this photograph of the boring machine in action after he got back from Jever.
- 180. Ken Sambrooks documented his tour of the camp with many photographs. This is one of him on the steps of his old barrack block then used by 93 Sqn. Below is an almost identical photograph which Ken took 53 years before.
- 181. Old 93 Sqn barrack block.
- 182. Rear of the Old 93 Sqn barrack block.
- 183. Ken Sambrooks room was the left hand window upstairs.
- 184. Looking down the ground floor corridor of the old 93 Sqn block.
- 185. Eileen Sambrooks looking at the front of the old 93 Sqn block. Behind the vehicles used to be tennis courts.
- 186. This used to be the old Malcolm Club.
- 186a. Block 22 which as we know was the Sgt. Mess in our time.
- 187. Trevor Pailing, on his walk about, made straight for his old MT Yard. Here he made friends with some of the current GAF staff. This was easier than for most of us as Trevor has lived and worked in Jever for some years a while ago, and speaks excellent German.
- 188. Trevor Pailing poses in front of the 38th Fighter/Bomber Wing crest that was disbanded at Jever last year. It shows it's history of aircraft, Sabres, F-104s and Tornados.
- 189. Naturally a lot of the photographs were taken in and around the Officers' Mess. Starting on the inside, here is a shot of the murals on the North wall of the Dining Room.
- 190. On the walls of the corridor leading to the Dining Room are several paintings, this one dedicated to the "Friesland" Squadron.
- 191. This one is a tribute to 118 Sqn and our own President Ken Goodwin who is the pilot. Must be an artists interpretation as he is not upside down.
- 192. In the main ante-room there are two large wall paintings. This is the smaller one on the East wall. Do not know who the artist is or what is the subject.
- 193. This is the larger one on the North wall. This painting was specially commissioned for the Officers' Mess lounge and it is still there. It is titled "Brandenburg Fleet Landing".
- 194. Above the entrance to the Mess is the area that used to be used as a club. It looks very similar now and seems to be used for the same purpose. This table is made out of a F-104 Starfighter wing.
- 195. This shows the entrance to the club with the "Starfighter" table the other side of the partition on the left.
- 196. Pat King inspecting the area parallel with the entrance to the Mess.
- 196a. Stain glass windows in the Officers' Mess Club.
- 196b. The other Stain glass window in the Club.
- 197. Photographs of previous Jever Commanders.
- 198. Sightseers gather on the steps of the Officers' Mess.
- 199. On either side of the Officers' Mess entrance are memorials to former units. This one commemorates No 10 Weapons School, Luftwaffe.
- 200. This one commemorates No 38 "Friesland" Fighter/Bomber Wing, Luftwaffe.
- 201. Ken Goodwin leaves the Mess followed by Padre Marcus Christ.
- 202. Rear view of the Officers' Mess and Patio. Pat King trying to remember where he buried his cuckoo clock.
- 203. Dick Haynes looking at the Tennis Courts behind the Officers' Mess.
- 204. Al Pollock striding purposefully towards the Easterly Accommodation block behind the Officers' Mess. Building 74.
- 205. Petronella Haynes looking at the end of BOQ 1 East furthest from the Mess.
- 206. Southern entrance to accommodation Block 74 at the end furthest from the Mess.
- 207. Notice at Southern entrance to accommodation Block 74 at the end furthest from the Mess.
- 208. Pete Jarvis moving from the Southern end of Block 74 Accommodation to visit the white Block 163 in the background.
- 209. Pete Jones inspecting the old junior officers Block 163 which held the rooms for most of the junior pilots.
- 210. The Southern end of Block 163.
- 211. Rear view of Block 163.
- 212. The Station Sick Quarters and Maternity Unit used to be opposite Block 163.
- 213. The Western Senior Barrack Block behind the Officers' Mess.
- 214. As the afternoon passed we wended our way to the Station Chapel. On the way we passed the old Astra Cinema which was built by Dick Haynes.
- 215. Opposite the Station Chapel is the main guardroom.
- 216. The main gate looking from the outside.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Station Chapel Service.
- 217. Re-living the event 45 years and 8 months ago - 12Dec1960. Jo and Mick Ryan are photographed in front of the Station Chapel where they were married.
- 218. Padre Marcus Christ, who is now a Navy Chaplain in the German Navy Air Arm, prepared this beautiful service card for the 15 minute Act of Remembrance that he conducted for us in the Station Chapel at 1500 hrs.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Quarters Area.
- 221. After the Service we scattered round the Quarters area and took our own photographs. This is the first house round the corner in Edertstrasse towards the main road from Schumacherstrasse.
- 222. This is looking northwards down Schumacherstrasse after Edertstrasse has gone off to the right and the main road.
- 223. This is No 2 Upjeverstrasse, (the main road out of camp). In my time this was the house for a Group Captain, the Officer Commanding 101 Signals Unit at Brockzetel.
- 224. Although these are semi-detached, they are still the senior officers' quarters on the main road. Nos. 3 & 4 Upjeverstrasse These were usually reserved for the Squadron Commanders' houses.
- 225. This is No 5 Upjeverstrasse, again I think a Squadron Commander's house.
- 226. This is the gate to No 5 Upjever strasse, the main road out of camp.
- 227. This is taken in either Edertstraasse or Schumacherstrasse. It is not for hopscotch but looks like a children's play house.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Reception at the Jever Town Hall.
- 228. After walking around the quarters the two coaches took us down town for the Jever Town Reception in our honour.
- 229. Filing into the Jever Town Hall for our reception at 1600 hrs.
- 230. Tea and biscuits in the Council Chamber of the Jever Town Hall.
- 231. Preparing for the speeches.
- 232. What's going on back there? Oh! It's only Mick Ryan unwrapping the gift.
- 233. Frau Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever welcoming our party. Frau Dankwardt had just been elected as Mayoress and was in her first year of 9.
- 234. Norman Giffin shows Col. Karl-Heinz Kubriak and Col. Joachim Linke a photograph of his long lost German girlfriend Leilo and asks them to mobilise the entire German Air Force in a search for her.
- 235. Al Pollock and Trish meet old friends from Jever who Al met at a football match on the camp when he was on 4 Sqn.
- 236. Sir Patrick Hine presents Frau Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever with a framed photograph of six Hunters pulling up for a loop in close formation.
- 237. Our gift to Jever Town from Jever Steam Laundry - six Hunters pulling up for a loop in close formation.
- 238. Frau Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever presents a gift of a framed ancient drawing of early Jever Town to our President Ken Goodwin.
- 238a. Trevor Pailing brought this panel engraving of the Jever Schloss and presented it back to Jever Town after the reception.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Wander Round Downtown Jever.
- 239. After the Jever Town Hall Reception, some went back to the Officers' Mess to change, the rest had half an hour to wander round downtown Jever. Al Pollock looking for somewhere to sit in the foreground of the famous Jever Schloss.
- 240. Another shot of the famous Jever Schloss.
- 241. This is all that is left of the original Jever Church after a disastrous fire destroyed the original body of the Church along with a priceless organ, in spite of the best support the RAF Jever airfield fire crews could supply.
- 242. The main shopping square in the centre of Jever Town. Wilf Zucht's famous camera shop still operated by a descendant, is under the blue and white striped awning behind the yellow canopies.
- 243. Another shot taken outside Wilf Zucht's shop where many British servicemen began their photographic experiences.
- 244. View from in front of Zucht shop with the Church on the right and the Town Hall in the distance.
- 245. Looking further west down Am Kirchplatz in the centre of Old Jever.
- 246. The GAF coach disappears round the corner in Schlossstrasse taking those back to the Officers' Mess who want to change.
- 247. Where are the other buggers (Burgers)? Left to right: Eileen Sambrooks; Trish Pollock; Eric McFee; Ken Goodwin.
- 248. Barry Dale, Pete Jarvis and Gillie Gray made their own way to Jever and stayed at the Schutzenhof which is half way to Jever on the main road from the camp.
- 249. Barry Dale and Gillie Gray arriving at the Schutzenhof. After the Jever walkabout we picked them up on the way back to the camp.
- 250. Gillie Gray, (on the right), telling Barry Dale that he's not staying with him!.
- 251. The Hotel Proprietors?
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Pre-Supper Drinks on the Patio.
- 252. After we returned from Jever, at 1800 hrs we started to gather on the Officers' Mess patio.
- 253. It was a lovely evening and slowly the numbers increased.
- 254. Waiting for the guests to arrive.
- 255. That tastes good!.
- 256. Mary and Tony Pearce with left to right Pete Hunwick and Mick Ryan in the background.
- 257. Dick Haynes and Margaret Butterworth in the foreground and behind. Herr Gerhard Boehling, Mayor of Schortens; Gillie Gray; Herr Ambrosy, Landrat; Barry Dale back; Frau Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever.
- 258. 1. Col Joachim Linke; 2. Pete Jones; 3. Ann Thornton; 4. Andy Whitson; 5. Brian Thornton;
6. Padre Marcus Christ; 7. Eric Pigdon; 8. Eric McFee; 9. Brian Butterworth; 10. Ann Roberts;
11. Robbie Roberts; 12. Dick Haynes; 13. Trish Pollock; 14. Jo Ryan; 15. Margaret Butterworth;
16. Philip Westwell; 17. Barry Dale; 18. Elizabeth Lack; 19. Eddie McCullagh; 20. Mary Pearce;
21. Tony Pearce; 22. Mick Ryan.
- 259. Toasts led by Col Karl-Heinz Kobiak.
- 260. I suspect some reference to Sir Patrick Hine by Col Karl-Heinz Kubriak.
- 261. Col Karl-Heinz Kubriak welcoming us.
- 262. Think this was taken when we were replying.
- 263. Top up of our drinks.
- 264. Just before going in to Supper.
- 265. Getting quite dark now.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Supper Thursday Evening 24th August.
- 266. Supper was laid for us in the Mess Ante-room.
- 267. The queue began to form for the magnificent supper.
- 268. The supper.
- 269. Frau Ute Linke, wife of the Camp Commandant.
- 270. Please God let them leave without burning the Mess down! Col. Joachim Linke, Camp Commandant.
- 271. Tour Rep's Table.
- 272. Delicious soup.
- 273. Smiles all round.
- 274. Deep discussion after supper.
- 275. A happy corner.
- 276. A wider view of the after-supper scene.
- 277. Bob Neal our RAF Regiment exchange officer with the GAF Regiment.
- 278. Norman Giffin, Padre Marcus Christ and Eric Pigdon enjoy a chat.
- 279. Al Pollock talking to Tony and Mary Pearce with John Cater behind.
- 280. Emma Neal, Eileen Sambrooks and Bob Neal.
- 281. Herr Karl-Heinz Krueger, Mayor of Wittmund and his wife. Bill Blake in the background.
- 282. Getting towards the end of the evening - Pete Hunwick, Barry Dale and Brian Thornton.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Presentations and Toasts at the Supper.
- 283. The first gift was a set of England supporters' car flags which Ken Goodwin gave to Padre Marcus Christ.
- 284. John Hawtin prepared these three personal presentation plaques to be given to those who helped us.
- 285. Gunter Kipp receiving his thank you plaque for all the work he put in to make the visit a success from Ken Goodwin.
- 286. Col. Karl-Heinz Kubriak receiving his thank you plaque for making us so welcome from Ken Goodwin.
- 287. The Tour Rep very surprised at receiving his silver Hunter and Book on Central Flying School for screwing up the trip so well from Ken Goodwin.
- 288. Once the Tour Rep got on his feet it was very difficult to get him to sit down again. Here he justifiably gives a vote of thanks to Col Joachim Linke who had done so much to help us organise the visit and to make us so welcome.
- 289. Sir Patrick Hine welcomes our guests and thanks them for their friendship The Landrat, Herr Ambrosy, makes notes for his speech.
- 290. Sir Patrick Hine hands over our gift of the Hunter oil painting to Col. Karl-Heinz Kubriak, watched from left to right by Frau Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever, Heather Meierjohann and Lady Jill Hine.
- 291. This is the beautiful oil painting gift which Jever Steam Laundry commissioned Chris Stone to paint as a gift to the GAF Jever. It is appropriate as the professional artist, Chris Stone, was a flight commander on 93 Sqn during his time in the RAF. The take-off is of two Hunter F.4s scrambling with the old Flying Wing HQ and ATC in the background.
- 292. The Landrat for Kreisland Friesland, Herr Sven Ambrosy, who was, when appointed, the youngest Landrat in Germany. He responded to Sir Patrick Hine's speech.
- 293. The Landrat for Kreisland Friesland, Herr Sven Ambrosy also gave our President Ken Goodwin a bottle of Jever Schnapps. Ken has promised we will use it to celebrate our 50th anniversary on 31Mar07.
- 294. Col. Karl-Heinz Kubriak holds up the very first GAF Regiment "Friesland" crest before presenting it to Ken Goodwin.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - After Work to the Bar.
- 295. After the presentations - retiring to the bar next door.
- 296. Serious moments?.
- 297. Col. Karl-Heinz Kubriak contemplates at the end of a long hard day.
- 298. Tour Rep and Camp Commandant still good friends - something must have gone right! The bar drinking area is smaller and serving area larger than in our day.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Friday 25th August 2006 Visit to GAF Witmundhaven.
- 299. Next morning we were entertained at GAF Wittmundhaven, an operational airfield a few kilometres west of GAF Jever. This is the home of Fighter/Bomber Group 71 "Richthofen". We were briefed in their excellent museum by Lt. Col. Timo Heimbach, the Deputy Operations Group Commander.
- 300. Ken Goodwin recording Lt. Col. Timo Heimbach, the Deputy Operations Group Commander posing with Sir Patrick and Lady Jill Hine.
- 301. A still from John Cater's video showing the marvellous set of Squadron Badges that John Hawtin drew for us as a gift to GAF Wittmundhaven.
- 302. Ken Goodwin presenting the 6 Squadron Badges, 4 Sqn, 93 Sqn, 98 Sqn, 112 Sqn and 118 Sqn, of the RAF Squadrons that flew from RAF Jever from 1952 to 1961.
- 303. The Wing has a museum dedicated to Baron von Richthofen. This is his famous Fokker Triplane.
- 304. The instrument panel seems rather simple.
- 305. Head-on view - Heather Meierjohann disappearing from view.
- 306. Bi-plane from WWI.
- 307. Eileen Sambrooks views a display of German Air Force Officers' Mess Kit.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Friday 25th August Briefing on Phantom Operations.
- 308. Pete Hunwick and Mary Pearce are welcomed by a very impressive young pilot, Peter Hahn. His briefing, manners and English were impeccable.
- 309. We were split into two groups and given a fascinating brief on all aspects of the Group's Phantom operations by Peter and his colleague.
- 310. Nothing was too much trouble and all our questions were answered.
- 311. Bryan Stoneham admires the size of the Phantom up close.
- 312. The view from both cockpits is excellent.
- 313. The Phantom is surprisingly long.
- 314. We all agreed that if the rest of the pilots in NATO are of the calibre of Peter Hahn and his colleague, then Europe is in safe hands.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Friday 25th August Phantom Take-offs.
- 315. After the briefings we were issued with plastic ear plugs and taken out to the taxiway half way down the runway. There was then a scramble of a series of Phantoms at 30 second intervals. The runway was too narrow to allow formation take-offs.
- 316. Some of the Phantoms were lined up behind us ready for the taxi-out.
- 317. The Phantoms taxied out very close to us.
- 318. One Phantom waited very close to us. The smell of Kerosene brought back memories.
- 319. In full reheat the Phantoms were just raising their nose as they came up to us.
- 320. By the time they were abreast of us the noise was deafening and it made the chest cavity resonate.
- 321. The undercarriage was already retracting and the reheat exhausts glowing.
- 322. They climbed away steeply before cancelling afterburner.
- 323. After the display take-offs, we were entertained to lunch in the Wittmundhaven All Ranks Mess. Herr Karl-Heinz Krueger, Mayor of Wittmund made us very welcome and presented all of us with one of these jars of berries pickled in alcohol.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Fri 25Aug Way Home Nijmegen.
- 324. We made our way home via Nijmegen and stayed here at the Hotel Mercure, right by the railway station. Tom Megan our driver on a walk-about.
- 325. The main railway station commuter "car park". How much more efficient than our station car parking? Imagine each one of those bicycles would be a car in UK.
- 326. Pat King thought he heard a cuckoo.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Sat 26Aug Lunch at Delft.
- 327. Thanks to good advice from Tom Megan our driver, we left Nijmegen early and spent a few hours over lunch at the delightful town of Delft, home of Dutch pottery.
- 328. Norman Giffin sunning himself on one of the numerous bridges in the back "streets" of Delft, more like Amsterdam or Venice.
- 329. Delightful picture of a church reflected in the canal.
- 330. The impressive Town Hall in the main square at Delft.
Visit to Jever 22 to 26 August 2006 - Sat 26Aug Return to UK.
- 331. Finally homeward bound - mission complete. I do not have any photographs of the final disembarkation from the coach at Sevenoaks as, for the only time on the whole trip, the weather was unkind to us and for 15 minutes there was an absolute downpour, just when we were trying to off-load baggage from the coach and get out of Mick Ryan's tight car park.
- Thank you letter from Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever for our visit and gift.
- Copy of article in Friesland Newspaper covering our visit sent by Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever.
- Copy of article in another Friesland Newspaper covering our visit sent by Angela Dankwardt, Mayoress of Jever.
- Our August 2006 visit made the Luftwaffe Web Site thanks to Joachim Linke
- Trevor Pailing's imagination about the next trip back to Jever!
After Our Visit - Wittmund.
- This is a photo taken in the early morning hours of the 15Oct06 and is of a Phantom being towed, on its own undercarriage, by road on the B210 from GAF Jever to Wittmund to be mounted on a pedestal to be memorial of the good relations between the fighter wing and the east-frisian population.
- Phantom being mounted on a pedestal in the centre of Wittmund - Sunday 15th October 2006.
- Phantom being carefully lowered on to its pedestal.
- Rear view of Phantom safely mounted on its pedestal.
2007
2008
Jever Visit - Day 1 - Wednesday Morning 7th May 2008 - GAF Jever
- Details of Visit back to GAF Jever, Brockzetel and GAF Wittmundhafen 7th-8th May 2008
- Visit May 2008 - A Brief Overview of the Visit to GAF Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - Jever downtown old square. Most of the visitors stayed in Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - Jever main square. Most of the visitors stayed in Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - The Main Square in Jever town - now largely pedestrianised.
- Visit May 2008 - Jever Brewery Museum sign.
- Visit May 2008 - The historic Brauereigastatte, also known as the "Haus der Getreuen", in the old town. A similar B&W shot of the same building on page 70 of the 1985 BBC Radio and Television German course for beginners 'Deutsch Direkt!' shows the same three trees in front, the brewery of course in the left background, but minus the low wall and railed outside eating area as seen in this latest shot. That's obviously been added later and there was no one-way arrow sign back then.
- Visit May 2008 - Part of the outdoor exhibition at the Wilhelmshaven Maritime Museum.
- Visit May 2008 - Maurice Parker - at the Friesische Brasserie where the Jever Nine (minus two due to travel problems) arranged to meet on the evening prior to Wednesday's visit to Jever camp.
- Visit May 2008 - David Cobbold - at the Friesische Brasserie.
- Visit May 2008 - Supper at the Friesische Brasserie. L to R: Brian Walker, Lori Parker, Maurice Parker, Celia Cobbold and David Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - Marion and Brian Walker. Have we missed anybody out? Have you signed all cards? When first planning this trip, Brian suggested that we could present each of our hosts with a real hand made 'Thank You' cards which would be signed by us all. We found this to be an excellent idea and so Brian spent a great deal of time in designing and printing the cards. Fortunately for us, Brian is a Master Penman and an expert on Calligraphy so he had all the work, we only had to add a signature. Well done Brian.
- Visit May 2008 - One of the Jever Night Watchmen calling in at the Friesische Bistro on his evening patrol around the town.
- Visit May 2008 - Where it all started - the main gate at GAF Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - We were welcomed to the station by the Deputy OC of the GAF Regiment at Jever, who wished us all a pleasant visit. He apologized for not being able to stay longer but the preparations for an imminent detachment to Afghanistan prevented this.
- Visit May 2008 - Getting settled with some refreshments in the Sergeant's Mess for the welcoming brief by
Lt Col Joachim Linke on the first day of the visit Wednesday 7th May 2008. L to R: Maurice Gavan
Celia Cobbold, Lori Parker, David Cobbold, Marion Walker and Gunter Kipp.
- Visit May 2008 - Preparing for the welcoming brief by Lt Col Joachim Linke on the first day of the visit Wednesday 7th May 2008. L to R: Maurice Parker, Maurice Gavan, Celia Cobbold and Lori Parker.
- Visit May 2008 - Brian Walker, the instigator and inspiration for this visit.
- Visit May 2008 - Warrant Officer Dirk Jacob at the welcoming brief.
- Visit May 2008 - At the welcoming brief. L to R: Maurice Parker, Lori Parker, Lt Col Joachim Linke, Maurice Gavan and Celia Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - Wall display of plaques and photographs inside the entrance to the Sergeants' Mess where we had the first Welcoming presentation by Lt Col Linke who had kindly put together a very interesting power point presentation outlining the history of Jever airfield.
- Visit May 2008 - Group photograph inside the entrance of the Sergeants' Mess before boarding Lt Col Linke's "very little bus" that transported us on the extensive tour of Jever airfield. L to R: Maurice Parker, Gunter Kipp, Brian Walker, Tom Sharratt, Lt Col Joachim Linke, W/O Dirk Jacob, Maurice Gavan, Celia Cobbold and David Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - Group photograph in front of the "very little bus" before leaving for the tour of Jever airfield. L to R: Maurice Parker, Gunter Kipp, Tom Sharratt, Brian Walker, David Cobbold and Maurice Gavan.
- Visit May 2008 - Warrant Officer Dirk Jacob escorting on the GAF luxury coach used for the tour of the station.
- Visit May 2008 - First visit at GAF Jever was to the Tornado Dismantling and Recovery Unit. This is a Tornado swing-wing swivel hinge made of very valuable metal that is one of the many valuable spares that are recovered before the Tornado is scrapped.
- Visit May 2008 - Tornado Dismantling and Recovery Unit.
- Visit May 2008 - Tornado being taken apart at the Dismantling and Recovery Unit.
- Visit May 2008 - Wing tip of a Tornado being taken apart at the Dismantling and Recovery Unit.
- Visit May 2008 - After visiting the Tornado Dismantling Unit they were taken across the airfield to Hangar 4 which is now a Phantom Maintenance Unit.
- Visit May 2008 - The Phantom Maintenance Unit carries out "in depth" servicing for the GAF Phantom units.
- Visit May 2008 - While touring the airfield the group came upon some airmen from Wittmundhaven who were visiting Jever for training on aircraft recovery. This involved inflatable bags used as lifting gear.
- Visit May 2008 - It looks as though they were using a Phantom from the MU which has its undercarriage retracted. The piles of air bags are obviously controlled for inflation from the two yellow stands.
- Visit May 2008 - The group watching the lifting operation. L to R: Lori Parker, 2 exercise officers,
Marion Walker, Maurice Gavan, Tom Sharratt, unknown at back and David Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - On the tour of the airfield were seen many Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) which were not there in our day. One of them is already a "listed building"!
- Visit May 2008 - Maurice Parker, David and Celia Cobbold looking across the runway to Hanger 3 with the new ATC tower on the right. Hanger 4 can be seen in the centre of the picture.
- Visit May 2008 - Tom Sharratt looking along the runway to see if he can make out Block 40 in the distance. Lori Parker pointing to the east end of the runway and explaining to Marion Walker that her Nordic Walking track runs along the outside of the perimeter fence.
- Visit May 2008 - Maurice Gavan and Gunther Kipp in front of the Engine Test Bay. Maybe Maurice is explaining to Gunther 'how it all was back then'.
- Visit May 2008 - Celia Cobbold, Marion Walker and Lori Parker enjoying the wonderful weather we had during our visit. The inner security fence and the west end of the runway can be seen in the background.
- Visit May 2008 - Warrant Officer Dirk Jacob leading the way to lunch in the All Ranks Mess at GAF Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - Lunch in the All Ranks Mess at GAF Jever.
- Visit May 2008 - Lunch in the All Ranks Mess at GAF Jever. L to R left side: Tom Sharratt, Lori Parker,
Brian Walker, Marion Walker. Right side: Gunter Kipp, Maurice Parker, David Cobbold, Celia Cobbold and Maurice Gavan.
- Visit May 2008 - After lunch the group was taken back to their old barrack block - Block 40. This is a view of the left wing of Block 40. The number 40 is clearly visible to the right of the external door. Brian Walker's old Room 3 was the second window from the left on the ground floor.
- Visit May 2008 - RAF roundel seen on the attic window of Block 40. Lt Col Linke jokingly said that this was the room of the last RAF airman at Jever. In actual fact the guess is that it is a 'left-behind' from some previous NATO squadron detachment.
- Visit May 2008 - Group photograph outside the right wing door of Block 40.
L to R: Gunter Kipp, Tom Sharratt, Lt Col Joachim Linke, David Cobbold, Brian Walker, Maurice Gavan
and Maurice Parker.
Brian Walker's old Room 3 was the second window from the left on the ground floor.
- Visit May 2008 - Brian Walker found his old room in Block 40, now a laundry store room so unfortunately no entry was possible! No terra cotta carving on this door architrave, but others were found elsewhere in the building.
- Visit May 2008 - After lunch, as all the visitors from UK served in 101 Signals Unit, they were shown their old Barrack Block at Jever - Block 40. L to R in the foreground is Marion Walker back, David Cobbold explaining and Lori Parker.
- Visit May 2008 - Block 40 terracotta figures. According to George Engelfield-Bishop, these barrack blocks were built in 1936 as an old peoples home. They still had the alarm and call systems in the rooms and corridors in those days. George understands that this was a cover for their real future use as military accommodation during the Luftwaffe re-armament just before WWII. H block 40 had wonderful bas-reliefs, in, he thinks terracotta, surrounding the door way of each room showing scenes of the German army in action. He was taken in to see them and always wanted to go back and take some pictures but whoever it was living in that block at that time seemed an unfriendly bunch so he never did. We had hoped to get some photographs during our visit in August 2006 but we found that the Blocks had been renovated and could not find the decorations. Now we have some pictures!
- Visit May 2008 - Some things seem to have changed since our day.
Jever Visit - Day 2 - Thursday Morning 8th May 2008 - GAF Brockzetel
- Visit May 2008 - Thursday 8th May 2008 - Aerial view of the GAF Brockzetel site. For obvious reasons photography was not allowed but nothing else was spared.
- Visit May 2008 - The approach entrance into Brockzetel. The guardroom on the right, which wasn't there in 1956, was where passports were handed in, ID badges given out and cameras and mobile phones left behind. Remarkably, the 'hole' itself was as strikingly familiar on the morning of the 8th May 2008 as it was back in 1958. Although several internal changes had been made and technology had obviously advanced a few light years, there was still an uncanny feeling within those of 101 SU that we could have virtually sat down and carried on with our work from where we left off fifty years ago. Very emotional.
- Visit May 2008 - Report on Visit to Brockzetel 8th May 2008.
- Visit May 2008 - Convoy getting ready to leave Brockzetel on the way to Wittmund.
- Visit May 2008 - As time was short we had a quick lunch in the town centre of Wittmund.
it was Jever Pils and Bockwurst with Kartoffelsalat/Bread for everybody. Enjoying the wonderful weather and lunch in Wittmund town after spending a few hours below ground at Brockzetel. L to R: Tom Sharratt, Brian Walker, Marion Walker, Gunter Kipp, Lori Parker, Dave Cobbold, Maurice Gavan, Celia Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - Thursday 8th May 2008 Afternoon - Preparing for a brief in the conference room at GAF Wittmundhaven domestic site. L to R: Gunter Kipp, Lori Parker and Maurice Parker.
- Visit May 2008 - Also ready for the brief in the conference room
L to R: Brian Walker, David and Celia Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - Also ready for the brief in the conference room. L to R: Tom Sharratt, Maurice Gavan, Marion and Brian Walker, David Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - As we found during our visit in 2006, there is a marvellous museum next door to the briefing room. L to R: David Cobbold, Gunter Kipp, Maurice Gavan, Brian Walker.
- Visit May 2008 - Very pleased to see the RAF Jever squadron badges which we presented to GAF Wittmundhaven in August 2006, was on display in the Richthofen Museum.
- Visit May 2008 - Richthofen Museum - Celia Cobbold, Tom Sharratt and Maurice Gavan enjoying the displays.
- Visit May 2008 - Celia Cobbold admiring the subject of the Richthofen Museum.
- Visit May 2008 - David Cobbold in the museum.
- Visit May 2008 - Lori Parker in the museum.
- Visit May 2008 - The new EuroFighter with Celia Cobbold in the background.
- Visit May 2008 - Model of the McDonnell Phantom the current aircraft on Fighter Bomber Wing 31 Richthofen.
- Visit May 2008 - Model of the new EuroFighter.
- Visit May 2008 - Marion Walker standing by Baron von Richthofen's Fokker Tri-plane.
- Visit May 2008 - Baron von Gavan leaps sprightly into his Fokker Tri-plane.
- Visit May 2008 - Gunter Kipp in the museum.
- Visit May 2008 - Brian Walker, the trip instigator, in the museum.
- Visit May 2008 - Waiting for the bus to take them up to the airfield from the Museum at the Domestic Site. L to R: Gunter Kipp, Brian Walker, Tom Sharatt, Marion Walker, Maurice Gavan, Celia Cobbold, Dave Cobbold.
- Visit May 2008 - The group were shown a collection of real aircraft which we were not able to see during our visit in 2006. Maurice Gavan, on the left, and Gunter Kipp examine a Messerschmitt 109.
- Visit May 2008 - Head on view of Messerschmitt Bf 109 with a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter on the left and a North American Sabre 6 on the right.
- Visit May 2008 - Messerschmitt Bf 109 with a North American Sabre 6 beyond and a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom at the end.
- Visit May 2008 - North American Sabre 6 red nose of JBG-51 Richthofen Fighter Bomber Wing.
- Visit May 2008 - Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in JBG-51 colours.
- Visit May 2008 - Side view of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in JBG-51 colours.
- Visit May 2008 - Celia Cobbold alongside the Lockheed F-104.
- Visit May 2008 - David Cobbold on the steps taking his turn to examine the cockpit of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Also waiting L to R: Tom Sharratt, Brian Walker, Marion Walker,
Maurice Parker and Lori Parker. Behind is the McDonnell F-4 Phantom. These four aircraft represent the aircraft that JBG-51 Richthofen Wing used from WWII Bf 109, through F-104, Sabre 6 and now the F-4 Phantom.
- Visit May 2008 - Visit to Air Traffic Control Tower GAF Wittmundhaven.
- Visit May 2008 - Visitors watching the GAF Air Traffic Controllers. L to R: Tom Sharratt, David Cobbold, Celia Cobbold and Maurice Gavan.
- Visit May 2008 - View from control tower of the hangers at Wittmundhaven.
- Visit May 2008 - GAF Fire Engines taken from the Control Tower.
- Visit May 2008 - Emblem of Wittmundhaven Fire Section as seen from the Control Tower. Unlike their counterparts in the RAF, all GAF firemen are civilians.
- Visit May 2008 - Col Joachim Linke, our genial host, sneaking a picture of the visitors at the Control Tower.
- Visit May 2008 - Seen in the Air Traffic Control Tower at Wittmundhavn - someone has obviously visited the UK Central ATC School at RAF Shawbury.
- Visit May 2008 - Phantom taking off escorted by the tug aircraft which tows a firing banner for shooting practice out over the North Sea.
- Visit May 2008 - Video showing second clip from Lt Col Joachim Linke's film. This clip shows a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk taking off at GAF Wittmundhaven to act as a target towing aircraft for Phantom gunnery training over the North Sea during the visit of ex-members of 101 SU on 7th May 2008.
- Visit May 2008 - Phantom landing at Wittmundhaven.
- Visit May 2008 - Phantom taxying with the hoods open at Wittmundhaven.
- Visit May 2008 - Video showing first clip from Lt Col Joachim Linke's film. This clip shows a Phantom from JBG-51 Richthofen Fighter Bomber Group taxying out at GAF Wittmundhaven during the visit of ex-members of 101 SU on 7th May 2008.
- Visit May 2008 - Phantom taking off at Wittmundhaven. Note the wind mills in the background - they could quite spoil you're day if you are trying a low level circuit!
- Visit May 2008 - Phantom just airborne at Wittmundhaven.
- Visit May 2008 - At the end of our visit to Wittmundhaven, Lt Col Linke invited us to the Officers' Mess for some refreshments. Tom Sharratt admires the decor.
- Visit May 2008 - At the end of our visit to Wittmundhaven, Lt Col Linke invited us to the Officers' Mess for some refreshments. It was time to say goodbye to our 'Tour Manager' who did the organizing and looked after us so much during the 2 days of visits. Brian Walker handing over a book gift as an appreciation for all that Lt Col Linke has done for us. Lt Col Linke will retire from active service in the next few months and we all wish him a long and happy life as a civilian. L to R: Lori Parker, Lt Col Linke, Maurice Gavan, Gunter Kipp,Tom Sharratt, Brian Walker.
- Visit May 2008 - Farewell outside the Officers' Mess GAF Wittmundhaven at the end of a splendid visit.
- Visit May 2008 - photographs of Wilhelmshaven taken on Saturday the 10th May 2008 after the Jever and Brockzetel visits on the 5th and 6th May. The bus from just outside Jever railway station dropped us off outside the railway station at Wilhelmshaven. It was then quite a long walk to the museums and holiday area of the old docks, but very pleasant. Beautiful weather.
- Visit May 2008 - photographs of the Strand at Wilhelmshaven taken on Saturday the 10th May 2008 after the Jever and Brockzetel visits on the 5th and 6th May.
- Visit May 2008 - photographs of the Strand at Wilhelmshaven taken on Saturday the 10th May 2008 after the Jever and Brockzetel visits on the 5th and 6th May. The display of bicycles shows just how many people were enjoying the sunshine there that day.
- Visit May 2008 - At the end of their visit to Jever, Brian Walker and Maurice Parker toured the coastal area and sent in these photos. This is Jever Railway Station - 11May08.
- Visit May 2008 - Boats at Hooksiel during the Herring Fest on Mothers' Day 11th May 2008.
- Visit May 2008 - Another shot of the boats at Hooksiel during the Herring Fest on Mothers' Day 11th May 2008.
- Visit May 2008 - Ferry leaving Carolinensiel mid afternoon for Wangerooge, Sunday 11May08.
- Visit May 2008 - Article in "The Idle Toad" - Summer 2008 Page 21. Tom Sharratt goes in search of days gone by.
GAF Jever Latest News Dec2008
2009
2010
GAF Jever & Brockzetel Visit 6-9Oct10
- Details of Visit back to GAF Jever, Brockzetel and GAF Wittmundhafen 6th-9th October 2010
- Mick Davis had these great lapel badges made up for all the party, especially for the Brockzetel day.
- Jever Visit - 5Oct10. Brian Walker, Maurice Gavan and Phil Riggott on the Hull to Rotterdam ferry on the way to Jever.
- Jever Visit - 6Oct10. On the evening that we arrived some of us booked a meal at the Hof von Oldenburg in the main square in Jever town. It was well recommended as the chef here had moved from the Haus de Getrauern. The cooking was superb and although it was normally closed out of season on a Wednesday evening, they opened specially for us and gave us a side room to ourselves. The waitress was gorgeous and extremely efficient. Alan Cavanagh, Veronica Palmer, Ernie Lack and Robert Nichols.
- Jever Visit - 6Oct10. Hof von Oldenburg. L to R: Robert Nichols, Pete Hunwick, Pat King,
Michael Collins, Mick Ryan and Elizabeth Lack.
- Jever Visit - 6Oct10. Hof von Oldenburg. L to R: Elizabeth Lack, George Beaton, Barrie Palmer, Alan Cavanagh and Ernie Lack.
- Jever Visit - 6Oct10. Towards the end of the evening, the car party joined us in the Hof von Oldenburg. Veronica Palmer, Mick Davis car driver all the way, Alan Cavanagh foreground, Robert Nichols, Maurice Gavan and Pete Hunwick.
- Jever Visit - 6Oct10. Hof von Oldenburg. L to R: Phil Riggott, Elizabeth Lack, George Beaton, Barrie Palmer and Brian Walker.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After being met at the Guard Room by Lt Col Joachim Linke and Staff Sergeant Dirk Jacob, we were driven up to this building, still the Officers' Mess, where we were given an excellent brief by Captain Knappe on the role of the GAF Regiment Battalion currently stationed at GAF Jever. This included some fascinating detail about their role and experiences in Afghanistan.
- Jever Visit - entrance to the Officers' Mess GAF Jever - 7Oct10. L to R: Phil Riggott, Maurice Gavan, George Beaton and Ernie Lack.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Captain Knappe, our host and briefer, welcoming us in the Ante-room of the Officers' Mess. L to R: Veronica Palmer, Mick Ryan, Captain Knappe and Pat King.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Station Warrant Officer Dirk Jacob, our excellent tour guide for the last three visits, doing his best to line up the rabble for a group shot outside the Officers' Mess before we began our tour of the base.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Michael Collins doing his best to open the Hangar 4 doors single-handed.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Hangar 4, which at the end of the RAF time housed 4 and 93 Sqns with Hunter F.6s, is now the GAF Phantom MU where they do an in depth overhaul which takes up to a year.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Memories of old times. L to R: George Beaton, Elizabeth Lack and Ernie Lack at the 4 Sqn end of Hangar 4. They were among the first 4 Sqn pilots to move into the newly built RAF Jever flying Vampires in March 1952. In those days 4 Sqn was housed in Hanger1 on the opposite side of the airfield.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. This shot was taken in Hangar 4, the GAF Phantom MU where the in depth overhaul takes about 12 months for each Phantom. L to R: Maurice Gavan(?) back, Michael Collins holding hat, Kevin Wallis and Mick Ryan back.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Barrie Palmer in Hangar 4 in front of one of the Phantoms being serviced in the MU.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. L to R: Maurice Parker, Brian Walker and Joachim Linke chatting next to a Phantom being overhauled in Hangar 4.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. L to R: Zeke March, Kevin Wallis, Bert Parsley and Alan Cavanagh in the GAF No 32 MU in Hangar 4.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After a tour of the south side of the airfield our next stop was the Tornado Dismantling Hanger 359, passing ASF on the way. What used to be the ASF Hanger in our day can be seen straight ahead. Sitting in the 'VIP Section' of the bus - L to R: George Beaton, Ernie Lack, Joachim Linke and Mick Ryan.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Right-hand side of hangar 5 ASF, which in our day was the Engine Servicing Bay on the left and the building on the right was the Safety Equipment Section.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. This shot was taken in Hangar 359 (new since we were there), Mick Ryan pointing out the expensive swivel joint on the Tornado which has already been recovered before scrapping the carcass. This is the other major aviation activity at GAF Jever now.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. This shot was taken in Hangar 359 (new since we were there). Maurice Gavan, Lt Col Joachim Linke, George Beaton, Michael Collins, Phil Riggott and Mick Ryan listening to a briefing.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. This shot was taken in Hangar 359 (new since we were there). Stabsfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant) Dirk Jacob, Michael Collins and Zeke March inspecting the cockpit of a Tornado that is being dismantled.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Technical briefing in Hangar 359 the Tornado Dismantling Unit. The old Tech Wing hangar can be seen in the background through the windows. L to R: Veronica Palmer, Pat King, Alan Cavanagh, Bert Parsley and Brian Walker.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Tornado Dismantling Hanger 359. A more or less complete Tornado IDS waiting to be dismantled. Interesting that all 3 a/c in the hanger came from the same Wing. ( 33rd. Fighter-Bomber Wing at GAF Büchel.)
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Tornado Dismantling Hanger 359. One can see that the dismantling work on this particular a/c is at a more advanced stage.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Tornado Dismantling Hanger 359. Alan Cavanagh and Mick Ryan looking at the remains of a Tornado fuselage.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Tornado Dismantling Hanger 359. Deep technical discussion. L to R: Rob Nicholls, Bert Parsley, Phil Riggott, George Beaton rear, Pete Hunwick back and Joachim Linke.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. The Bar in the Officers' Mess at GAF Jever. The Mess Entrance Hall can be seen through the doorway.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. The only squadron plaque from our era in the GAF Bar in the Officers' Mess today - 2 Sqn.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Refreshments in the Officers' Mess bar were appreciated at lunchtime. There we were also able to buy an excellent self-service lunch for only €3.70 (£3.25).
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. GAF Regiment parading on the grass at the rear of the Officers' Mess.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After lunch we were free to explore anywhere on the camp unaccompanied. This is a shot of Block 35 with Block 36 in the back ground. These used to accommodate Tech Wing personnel in our day.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Main entrance to Block 40.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. George Beaton in front of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter which is the "Gatekeeper" just inside the main entrance. The road to the left leads up to the Officers' Mess.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Blocks 35 and 36 at GAF Jever which was the accommodation for Tech Wing personnel in our day.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Block 40, the home of the 101 SU staff, is well known for its terra-cotta door decorations. Mick Davis has put together six examples from the inside doors on the left and, on the right, the larger panels from the entrance. They are said to depict the German army in action.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Spotless Block 40. Brian Walker's room (Room 3) is the first door on the left in the picture. It is now a laundry store room.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Ex-Jade Basin Five jazz band members Maurice Gavan and Phil Riggott enjoying a gentle joke outside Block 40.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. On the left Maurice Gavan reminisces with Maurice Parker outside Block 40.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Zeke March viewing the All Ranks Mess on the site of the old Airmen's Mess. Now sadly closed. We ate here both on the 2006 visit and the 2008 visit.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Building 37, was the NAAFI in our day, now a SNCO's club.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. In SNCOs' club where they were treated to an excellent cup of coffee. L to R: Messrs. Brian Walker, Mick Davis, Zeke March, Kevin Wallis and Bert Parsley.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After an intensive tour of Block 40 our ex 101 SU chaps walked across the road and visited the GAF NCO's Club (our old NAAFI). L to R: Phil Riggott, Brian Walker, Mick Davis, Maurice Gavan, Zeke March, Kevin Wallis, Bert Parsley reminiscing over a welcome cup of coffee.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. For some of our ex 101 SU chaps it was a return to the NAAFI after more than 50 years. Today Block 37 is a GAF SNCO's Club. L to R: Mick Davis, Maurice Gavan, Bert Parsley, Brian Walker, Kevin Wallis, Phil Riggott, Zeke March.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Maurice Parker outside SHQ.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Mob gathered outside SHQ. L to R: Maurice Gavan, Kevin Wallis back,
Bert Parsley, Maurice Parker and Phil Riggott.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Outside SHQ.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. GAF Sabre outside SHQ.
- They have been queuing 50 years for the next programme to start at the RAF Jever Astra Cinema - now a listed building! After experiencing them on our visit in October 2010 some would say they should be listed too! L to R: Zeke March, Maurice Parker, Phil Riggott, Brian Walker, Bert Parsley, Kevin Wallis and Maurice Gavan - all but Maurice Parker are ex-101 SU staff.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Jever Schloss.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Jever Town Crier.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. The Officers' Mess Ante-room set out for our supper.
- The Order of Service cards that were prepared by Marcus Christ our Padre friend from the German Naval Air Arm. Marcus held a short service once we were assembled in the Ante-room of the Officers' Mess at GAF Jever before we had supper. Maurice Gavan read the first three lines of the Act of Remembrance. Four of the shareholders then read out the 40 names of those who have died in the last four years.
- The 40 names of those who have died in the last four years that were read out during the short service held by Marcus Christ in the Officers' Mess before supper. They were read by Ernie Lack, Brian Walker, Mick Ryan and Pat King in that order. Whilst there must be more who have died in the last four years these are the only ones that the web site has been told about.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Mick Ryan, Pat King and Marcus Christ enjoying supper in the Officers' Mess.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After supper, Pat King presented our host Captain Knappe with a framed set of the six squadron badges of those squadrons that were stationed at RAF Jever at one time or another. L to R: Marcus Christ, Pat King, Captain Knappe, must be more who have died in the last four years these are the only ones that the web site has been told about.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Pat King presenting our Squadron Badges gift to Captain Knappe of GAF Jever. L to R: Mick Ryan, Marcus Christ seated, Pete Hunwick back, Pat King and Captain Knappe.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After supper, Pat King standing next to our host Captain Knappe and holding the framed portrait illustrating how many GAF airmen are required to support and defend the Eurofighter. Captain Knappe is holding the framed set of the six squadron badges of those squadrons that were stationed at RAF Jever at one time or another. L to R: Marcus Christ, Pete Hunwick, Pat King, and Captain Knappe.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Pat King exchanging gifts with Captain Knappe. L to R Pat King, Capt Knappe, Marcus Christ and Pete Hunwick.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. A closer shot of Pat King and Captain Knappe holding the exchange of gifts after supper in the Officers' Mess.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Marcus Christ holding our gift to him for all his help.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Close up of our gift to GAF Jever. Beautifully drawn by John Hawtin and sent to us from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Captain Knappe pointing out to Joachim Linke and Mick Ryan the different regiment trades depicted in their picture gift.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. An after dinner chat between Capt Knappe, Pat King and Pete Hunwick in front of the gifts.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After supper, Alan Cavanagh with our host Captain Knappe. Alan Cavanagh, Captain Knappe, Marcus Christ in background, Pete Hunwick, Phil Riggott back, Maurice Parker standing up and Lori Parker.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Mick Ryan standing in front of the Officers' Mess Ante-room end-wall painting. (Click to see history of paintings.)
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. GAF Jever Officers' Mess 'Starfighter Bar'. Mick Ryan explaining how things have changed since his day. L to R: Mick Ryan, Alan Cavanagh, Marcus Christ and Michael Collins. The 'trophy' hanging from the ceiling was presented to the then CO of the No.10 OCU after his wheels-up landing in a Piaggio Pi-149D in 1973.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Seen in the 'Starfighter Bar'. A plaque showing badges of past operational flying wings stationed at GAF Jever. Left:No. 10 OCU, February 1964-1983 (equipped with F-104 Starfighter). Right: Fighter/Bomber Wing 38 (F), 1983-2005 (equipped with IDS/ECR Tornado).
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Stained Glass windows in the Officers' Club upstairs in the Officers' Mess. This was also an Officers' Club in our day - late 1950s.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. After supper Maurice Gavan, one of the original members of the Jade Basin 5 plus 1, entertained us to a sing-song round the piano in the entrance hall.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Maurice Gavan entertains us after the Supper on the piano in the entrance hall to the Officers' Mess. L to R: Zeke March rear, Maurice Gavan playing, Bert Parsley rear, Alan Cavanagh and Barrie Palmer.
- Jever Visit - 7Oct10. Brian Walker enjoying Maurice Gavan's impromptu performance in the Officers' Mess entrance hall after supper.
- This is an extract from the Luftwaffe web site about the history of the Brockzetel radar site.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Main Square in Aurich showing the GAF exhibition concerning the CRC at Brockzetel. The web master has spotted his lovely blond German military nurse in the red suit in the background standing by the ambulance, (of which more later!)
- This is an example of the very smart tickets which we were all given for the Tour of the Bunker at Brockzetel on the afternoon of 8Oct10.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Phil Riggott wandering down memory lane in one of the corridors in the Brockzetel bunker.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Rare shot inside the Brockzetel bunker.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Lt. Col. König, our host at Brockzetel, sharing a joke with L to R: Barrie Palmer, 2 unknown general public, Lt Col König, Pat King and Joachim Linke. In the background one can see the main entrance to the radar site. I am sure we will all remember Lt. Col. König's linguistic acrobatics when making the German/English briefing, switching so smoothly between German and English without a break in his flow.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. After an excellent tour of the bunker, a very professional briefing , some refreshments and a short historic film of the last 50 years of the CRC at Brockzetel, we all posed for this photo with the Deputy Commander Lt Col König before getting back on the coach for the return to Aurich.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Programme for the evening celebrations of the 50 years service of the Brockzetel CRC on Friday 8th October 2010. Front cover: 50 years Command Centre Service for the Luftwaffe and the Disbandment of Command Centre 4. Back cover Distribution of Command Centres for the Luftwaffe.
- This beautifully printed book was given to everyone who attended the Official Reception in the Aurich Stadt Halle at 1900hrs on Friday 8th October 2010. It covers the history of Brockzetel from when the RAF handed over the site to the GAF in 1960.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. There were about 600 people in the Aurich Stadthalle.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Pat King presenting our gift to Lt Col Schär in the Aurich Town Hall in front of 600 guests.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Pat King making the presentation to Lt Col Schär on the stage at the Aurich Stadthalle.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Newspaper report from Ostfriesische Nachrichten dated Monday 11th October 2010. Heading reads: "Dinkla: It is wrong not to trust the Bundeswehr." "Parliamentary control over the armed forces in Germany is stronger than elsewhere." The picture caption reads: "50 years of operational command by the Luftwaffe: Many guests took part in the Farewell Reception at the Aurich Town Hall."
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. The march on of the sailors from the Display Battalion of the Ministry of Defence at the start of the Military Tattoo at the Sparkassen Arena in Aurich - 8Oct10.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. The full Display Battalion of the Ministry of Defence and the No 3 Band of the Luftwaffe on parade at the Sparkassen Arena in Aurich - 8Oct10.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Display Battalion from Berlin lined up at the start of the Military Tattoo in the Sparkassen Arena in Aurich. No 3 Band of the Luftwaffe is in the centre.
- Coverage of the Aurich celebrations by the local newspaper on Saturday 9th October 2010.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. This is a cutting from a newspaper published on Monday 11th October reporting on the events of Friday 8th October 2010. The caption under the picture reads: "The English Air Commodore Pat King (left) was stationed in the radar bunker at Brockzetel when it was under British control. Pat King headed of a party of ten from Britain, who used to work at Jever. He presented Colonel Holger with a certificate commemorating the occasion.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Military tattoo by the Display Battalion from Berlin and the No 3 Luftwaffe Band. Caption reads: "Military Tattoo: in addition to the 50 year command by the Luftwaffe, the celebrations were also one of farewell."
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Newspaper report from Saturday 9th October 2010. Heading reads: "A final visit to the CRC in Brockzetel." "Direction by the underground Command Centre 4 is to finish at the end of the year." The picture caption reads: "Soldiers of the CRC watch the radar tracks and check that they match the flight details."
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Newspaper report from Ostfriesische Nachrichten dated Monday 11th October 2010. Our noble leader, Pat King, was in this VVIP grandstand, which had the added advantage of being air-cooled under your seat! The rest of us were seated on forms in the VIP area to the left of the picture. The general public stood 7 or 8 rows deep behind that.
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Newspaper report from dated Saturday 9th October 2010. Heading reads: "Sad Tattoo after Death of a Soldier." "Bundeswehr filled the afternoon with an open-air concert by the Luftwaffe Band No. 3 in Aurich." The picture caption reads: "The great Military Tattoo is the highest military ceremony of the German armed forces. In Aurich, yesterday around 7,000 people watched the ceremony at the Sparkassen-arena."
- Jever Visit - 8Oct10. Now it can be told! Like a fool that he is, Mick Ryan our Web master, left for the final ceremonies at Aurich in the bright sunlight of midday, only wearing a blazer. That evening, by the time the Searchlight Tattoo had been held up for an hour, sitting on a bench in the dark, Mick got very, very cold. Shivering uncontrollably he eventually excused himself and tried to find a restaurant to warm up. He must have looked even worse than usual because the military police rapidly handed him over to a military ambulance hidden in the corner of the parade. This lovely blond German military nurse in this picture, (taken earlier in the day in the town centre), and her female doctor colleague, wrapped Mick in a blanket in the back of the ambulance and cuddled him until he thawed out. When Pat King eventually found him, having been "talked in" in the dark on Mick's mobile phone, he found Mick recovered enough to be escorted by the nurse all the way back to our coach. Pat's only comment was "Some people will do anything to get up close to a blond!".
- Jever from the air looking North - Nov10. Note the wind turbines North of Jever town which we did not have to worry about in our day!
- GAF Jever - Visitors to the GAF Regiment H.Q. at Jever ( SHQ in our day) may be surprised to find this display in the main entrance hall. A Rheinmetall 20mm Twin Anti Aircraft Cannon flanked by the regiment colours and regiment/battalion crests. This piece of equipment was in service with the GAF between 1972 - 1992. Range: 1600m against aircraft. 2500m against ground targets. 5Nov10.
- GAF Jever - On the lawn in front of the Regiment H.Q. (SHQ) and tucked away under the rhododendron bushes one will find this memorial for three WW2 fighter pilots of 1 Fighter Wing, who when operating from Jever lost their lives in the area - 5Nov2010. 1. Hauptmann Bdr on 18Jun1943. Crashed in a Me Bf 109 near Carolinsiel when on an air test. Cause unknown. 2. Unteroffizier Riehs reported missing on 3Nov1943 in a Me Bf 109. A/c and pilot recovered near Neuharlingersiel in 1986. 3. Unteroffizier Mayer reported missing on 6Feb1943 in a Fw 190. A/c and pilot recovered near Stickhausen in 1986.
- GAF Jever - Canadair Sabre Mk. 6 - BB 103 (is actually JB 114). Preserved in the markings of 10 OTU at Oldenburg when flying training started there in 1957. A move to GAF Jever was made in 1962 when the unit converted to F-104s. 10 OCU disbanded at GAF Jever in 1983.
- GAF Jever - Memorial erected in front of the Regiment H.Q. (old SHQ) in July 2010 to commemorate 4 years of the formation of the GAF Regiment at Jever. Regiment crest and the motto inscription 'Semper Communis' (always together).
- GAF Jever - In the display cabinet inside of the main entrance of the Regiment H.Q. (old SHQ) one will find the presentation plaque from our visit in 2006.
- GAF Jever - The station chapel. Now closed because of structural problems. A replacement chapel has now been opened adjacent to the ASF hanger.
- GAF Jever - A building that we will all remember, the Malcolm Club, just inside the main gates. This is today the office of the camp commandant.
- Yesterday LTC Schär symbolically switched the power off. The Brockzetel bunker was shut down for the last time. This is the coverage in the Aurich local newspaper, the "Ostfriesische Nachrichten" - 1Dec10.
2011
GAF Jever Tornado Functional Test for Open Day - 3rd September 2011
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2016
- Newspaper article about the new German Armed Forces Regional exhibition at GAF Jever - Feb2016. Overseas Operations Presented Realistically. First Regional Exhibition opened at GAF Jever - 80 Years of Station History. General Volker Wieker described the exhibition as `authentic`. In the Spring of 2014, with overseas deployments, structural changes and many other tasks to be accomplished it was no wonder that the CO of the GAF Regiment "Friesland", Colonal Hans Peter Dorfmüller first hesitated when he received a phone call from the MoD. Could he visualize, he was asked, that the station at Jever be selected to be one of the planned Regional Exhibitions for the Bundeswehr which would be part of a campaign - Bundeswehr Leading, Active, Attractive, Different, so as to improve the image of the Armed Forces. Dorfmüller finally took this opportunity because the exhibition would fit in well with the forth coming celebrations for 80 years of Luftwaffe at Jever which will take place in 2016 and will consist of several events to mark the occasion. The opening yesterday of the Regional Exhibition - German Air Force Regiment "Friesland" in Service - by General Volker Wieker as guest of honour one could say was the start of the jubilee year. Wieker together with other guests at the opening ceremony were very impressed with the new exhibition with its information texts, photos, models, multi-media stations together with many original exhibits which clearly show how service life was in the years in Afghanistan. In his speech, Hans Peter Dorfmüller especially thanked WO Markus Küpke, who, on the service side, was in charge of directing and building up the exhibition and also for his blood, sweat and tears shed in doing so. Peter Wallach from the design office of Beier+Wellach - Projects was also thanked for their professional support. GAF Jever is one of 3 stations chosen for a Regional Exhibition and is the only Luftwaffe one. The exhibition inform visitors on the station history as well as on tasks and possibilities in the Regiment, primarily on service overseas - from preparations, life, working, debriefing after operations, at Camp Marmal near Mazar a Sharif in Afghanistan. Nothing has been left out, from the well-being of families left at home to all that service men and women overseas could suffer, even to death when on active service. More than 15 short videos can be viewed from servicemen and women of all ranks who have recorded their experiences when serving abroad. General Wieker described, what future civilian visitors to the exhibition will also see - 'as authentic'.
- A view of the main room in the new Regiment Exhibition - 11Feb16.
- Memorial to the crew of Wellington R3236 which crashed in the woods near Luftwaffe base Upjever during WW2. It was dedicated in Ely cathedral on Sunday 24th April 1916. Wellington R3236 was in a flight of three aircraft from RAF Feltwell in Norfolk on Saturday 6th July 1940 to mount a night raid on fuel installations in Bremen but failed to return.
- Memorial to the crew of Wellington R3236 which crashed in the woods near Luftwaffe base Upjever during WW2. This was a report in the RAFA Scotland magazine. On Sunday 22nd May 2016 an Act of Remembrance was held in the chapel of the Scottish National War Memorial with relatives of all five crew attending the service and meeting up together for the first time. The service was conducted by the Reverend Angus Smith and, at the conclusion, the piper, Rhys Clark, played a lament "Mist covers the mountains". In a further act of remembrance and unity, a wreath was laid jointly by Douglas Aylward, a relative of Douglas Lindsay, and the German Consul Herr Heinrich Schnettger.
- Memorial to the crew of Wellington R3236 which crashed in the woods near Luftwaffe base Upjever during WW2. This is the itinerary for the dedication of the memorial stone in the woods near Jever where the Wellington crashed. Note our friend Marcus Christ was at the ceremony.
- Memorial to the crew of Wellington R3236 which crashed in the woods near Luftwaffe base Upjever during WW2. Picture of the hosts and families at the dedication service at the site in Jever forest where the Wellington crashed - 24Jun16. Jack also wrote: "Friday 24th June 2016 - On behalf of the visiting party from both the UK and Australia I would like to thank you and your regiment for involving us in such a wonderful occasion last Friday. Your celebration event served to enable stronger bonds of friendship to be forged between Jever Airbase and the families and friends associated with Wellington R3236. The permanent memorial to those who perished in 1940 has been the result of good co-operation between us and the hard work of many, a truly magnificent outcome. Best Wishes to your Regiment. May I take this opportunity to wish you and all members of your regiment good luck with your ongoing missions in the wider world. Everyone in our visiting party were very impressed with their parade and welcomed the chance to relax with them at the base family day afterwards. Please extend our thanks to the Military Band, particularly for their memorable rendition of 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines' - the icing on the cake! Your generous provision of the coach service during our stay really made our local travel easy and relaxing, thanks to Daniel - 'Pilot of Air Force One'. Future Visits I'm sure many of us who have already been to Jever and others who haven't, will want to take up your invitation to return in the future. On the journey home on Saturday morning, our group had a chance to reflect on when it might be appropriate visit again. As a result of those discussions I would like at this stage to indicate some provisional dates for your diary: 2018 Saturday 10th November Organise a crash-site dig in search of any remaining wreckage of Wellington R3236. (This would of course be subject to the approval of the management of Upjever Forest). The activity would certainly involve the many friends we already have in the local area and possibly others. Any resulting finds could be utilised to embellish the R3236 Memorial Plinth and add more material to the airbase military exhibition. At the end of this day, which may be cold and wet, we could possibly meet together for a 'Forest Feast'? Sunday 11th November Representation from Jever Airbase, members of the community of Jever and the family and friends associated with Wellington R3236 attend: The Remembrance Day Service at Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg. 2020 4th-7th July Gather in Jever to mark the 80th anniversary of the events of July 1940.
- Memorial to the crew of Wellington R3236 which crashed in the woods near Luftwaffe base Upjever during WW2. Picture of some of friends families at the dedication service at the site in Jever forest where the Wellington crashed - 24Jun16. Jack also wrote: "On behalf of everyone involved with the R3236 Project I would like to thank you for your participation in both the UK Memorial Stone Tour and the visit to Jever. It was really good to have the Royal British Legion Rickmansworth Standard present at these events, especially for Ralph Ball's relatives. In recognition of the efforts you have made to support us, we would like to donate £150.00 to the Poppy Appeal. Please can you please provide the details I need to transfer the funds. Thank you very much. Jack."
- Newspaper article reporting the unveiling of the memorial to the Wellington crew who were shot down at Upjever during WWII 24Jun16.
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