ARRIVED AT R.A.F. SWINDERBY IN 1978. 6 WEEKS OF BASIC TRAINING AND MEMORIES THAT WILL NEVER LEAVE ME TILL THE DAY I LEAVE THIS LIFE . NOW RETIRED AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE . I THANK ALL MY OLD MATE'S THAT HOPEFULLY ARE ALL STILL OUT THERE AND HAPPY. ALL THE BEST GUY'S.
I was there in Feb 1976 in the old blocks it was cold DI'S were Sgt Taylor and Cpl Stewart scary but great people.Loved the place would do it all again tomorrow T8124681went on to St Athan after passing out parade on St Patricks day after a massive p***up in the Naafi The Rockapes were a good laugh Sgt Bill Halligan was a scary man met up with him at RAF Catterick when i was posted to 58 Squadron he has passed away but a great gentleman Respect to all that entered RAF Swinderby God Bless
Lovely to see the old place again .When I was stationed there in 1961-62 I was a SAC working on Vampires T11 ,which was a two seat trainer ,we were training pilots for the cold war situation . I remember that the station had a wing/co as the CO ,and that there was a main road dividing the station domestic side from the air field . I remember that there was some lovely old country pubs ,and that had lovely roaring fires in the hearth in winter ,fond memories ! Nottingham ,Lincoln etc.to visit
We must have been there at the same time T8191215, Jan - Mar 80 doing press ups in deep snow on the peri-track. I was in Zinzan (?) block opposite Gibson listening to the drone of the vacuum cleaner while we dragged fat bloke in a blanket to buff the lino!
Very Nostalgic and thanks for posting. was there in 1976, remember it all from gas chamber to newcomers club new airmens mess, I was in a new block too. luxury but still early mornings to rise to and get out on the parade ground. The cinema during training to view training and sexual healt n wellbeing movie on the screen... it was something like 07.30am.... hard work not to fall asleep. Great experience back then. Sadly nowadays we hardly have a RAF....
"How could I possibly have great memories of Swinderby?" some might ask. I had left home where I was totally repressed and arrived Newark North Gate station at 0605 on the 23rd March 1965. My companions on the overnight train were from all over Scotland and in our reserved carriage compartments we had bonded before being met by a certain Cpl. Dewsbury who's mercy we would have to rely on during our first week of recruit training. The whole seven weeks was an experience that was dear to me and a helluva ride with the guidance of Cpl Wood whose bark was worse than his bite. Memories of 3rd party bed packs doing flying lessons out of the window on a rainy day propelled by Sgt Jackson always amused me. I loved every bit of it with perhaps the exception of my introduction to boots,"RAF pattern". This first day of wearing them was on the occasion of a 10 mile route - March. Would I do it again? You bet! To see individuals from all walks of life develop their character and learn about teamwork and reliability was a blessing. Sadly, I have lost touch with many of them over the years. Thanks for the memories although we didn't have fancy billets like those introduced later. It was the old "H" blocks for us.
My BED PACK TOOK FLYING LEASON AS WELLL IN MARCH 1978. BUT LOOKING BACK ON IT WOULD NOT OF CHANGED IT. AS I SPENT MANEY HAPPY YEARS IN THE R.A.F. AND HAVE NOW LONG RETIRED WITH NO REGRETS FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE IN THE RAF . AND NOW RETIERED.
My bed pack was pinned so tight when SGT Fosbury threw it, well it just bounced He picked it up by the corner and spent the next 2 mins shaking it until it fell apart thought he was going to have a stroke!
Your comments have triggered so many memories of RAF Swinderby..i was there in 1971 and we were billeted in the old wooden huts . i was the only one in our intake to have the old style uniform with the pockets on the outside of the jacket just like the officers uniform.. Just loved doing parades.....what a time....now 69 ......
Newcomers club now that brings back memories.walking in there for the 1st time nervous as hell and everyone singing virgins virgins, that was way back in summer of 1985 . Thanks for putting that on.
G’day Dave........I was in either 3rd or 11th September 1980. A Kiwi who everyone called ‘Roo (Go figure) Slept in my sleeping bag. Every one tried “breaking the Bromide Barrier” 🤣 I was in Red Flight with the red terry towelling scarves. The PTI’s .....”climb to the top of the rope........ARE YOU READY? nnnGO!” Cannot remember what block, but I was on the ground floor with a bunch of hilarious Scouses. Chris McKearney
Remember it well. Attestation Tuesday 10 June 1975 in Cardiff. Train from Newport Wednesday 11 June to report to RAF Swinderby. Met up with a couple of other lads on the train. Arrived Newark, and was met with our taxi, (the big blue bus). Then it all began. Haircuts & more haircuts. Early starts, marching, early starts, marching, ironing, and more ironing. Bedpacks and more haircuts. Cross country runs. 2nd every time. A trip out to Lincoln, singing in an OAP care home. Plenty of laughs in the Newcomers Club. Pass out Parade. Proud parents. Great memories
Just caught this video whilst browsing. It certainly brought back a few cherished memories. Incidentally, I was Gibson block on the middle floor on the left but in December 1978 to February 1979 (5 Flight). Great times and a great 18 year career were had.
That brought back some memories of Mid-1977. Not the "luxury" of Gibson block but the older H Blocks behind it in my case. So sad to see the state of it now, but it is the same with several other units I was on.
great video nice to see the old place again some happy memories i passed out from here in july 86 stayed in gibson block ground floor sgt cooling and cpl mckay more like the two ronnies thinking back now.....oh the yellow dusters on your feet my kids just dont believe me now...
Great video / song , it’s sad to think it’s all gone . There in Nov 1988 lots of happy memories , remember getting drunk a lot and I was 17 at the time 😂
Brings back good and bad memories, hated the marching and PE in those one size fits all big blue shorts and bed-packs best memory visiting RAF Spitalgate one Saturday night the Women's recruitment base!!! Was there Sep-Nov 1970 never to be forgotten.
‘82 for me, sad to see it all run down. The hotel I was in when stationed in Riyadh in ‘85 has been knocked down, they even knocked down my old school!!! Luckily videos like this bring it all back - thanks.
Great film, brought back a lot of memories. I arrived on the 6th September 1973. I did not do the passing out parade as I was sent on to start trade training after five weeks due to a shortage of dog handlers.
I was there in 1971 thought i would hate it,but once i got into it really had a great time,happy days.Anybody remember the bus trips to the WAAF training camp,and i think they came to Swinderby once a week.
Watched this a few times, makes me sad actually and with song...where has all that time gone ? November the 11th 1965 I was there.Frightening change from civvy street as a young lad.Great memories now. Bloody good video...
Many thanks for the slides brought back memories the dreaded cs chamber the cinema with training films collecting your rifle from the armoury marching everywhere fond memories sad to see the old place demolished and gone
Wow this brings back happy memories I. Did my square bashing April 1964 (Feb.)we were then transferred to RAF Hemswell Trenchard block for the 6 weeks square bashing the base was reopened 😊
Thanks for sharing. My Dad went through about 12 mth before you but it was great to watch as i lost him recently and nice to see where he was when he first joined up
Fantastic memories. Very hard training regime when i was there in Jan 1979, how rewarding though on pass out parade with fly past. Bring back national service, it would sort out the youth of today and give them a sense of pride.
Did my basic here starting in Dec 71 at 17 years old. Went back there the other day, Aug 2016, 45 years later with my daughter. Walked around whats left, mainly the hangars and the outlines of other buildings that once stood there. Strange how the memories return, and the yearning for a time machine, just to go back and see it and myself as we used to be.....Hence I ended up here viewing this video....Thanks for the memories.
I was there in 1970. Hard going right up until the last two weeks then fell in love with it lol. Of to St Athans for trade Training then A/mech/A. (Airframe Mechanic) If I remember correctly it was either 225 or possible 252 Entry but my gut says it was the former. Did 6 years at Little Rissington until they shut it down. Then my last 4 at Lyneham on Hercs. All gone now. There were 96 Hercs at Lyneham in laste 70's C130J's the stretched version 'K' was just coming in at the end of my time there. At Swinderby, I remember running around the peri track with a dummy (3x the weight of the real thing) rifle over my head. Up and down bunker hill there in freezing cold fog. We had two WAFS in withg us for the CS Gas chamber. They were in skirts and absolute agony poor lasses. You have to think on that one. CS affects any moist areas. Women had to wear Battle Dress Pants after that.
October 1976 I was there Gibson block! I cant believe its been flattened 😧 When there it was awful but now as an old man if Dr who came along and he asked me if I wanted to go back and do it all again🤔 TOO RIGHT I loved my time in the RAF!
I was Born in the RAF Hospital at Swinderby in 1968. When my dad left the Royal Horse Artillary he was a Prison officer at the Borstal in Swinderby until we moved when they closed it and Vietnam Refugees moved in. My Family were all from Lincoln. Very Fond Memories!
I was there in 1978 . Sgt Lillywhite and Corporal Loaney were my instructors. I was 18 at the time. Found it bloody hard but made it to passing out. Had our final drink with our instructors over the road at ( I think ) the Halfway House pub. From there went to St Athan . Great bunch of fellow recruits and some great laughs !
Went through Swinderby in June 1980 for what was the start of a 30 year career. Would do it all again in a heartbeat, I only live a few miles from what little remains of the place but the memories flood back every time I pass what used to be the main gates.
Was there a bit later in mid-76, recall a DeHavilland Vampire on a pole at the parade ground but never got close to it, always drill inside, even passing-out parade inside, due to rain, no flypast. I only really recall the mess and the NAAFI, as I was permanently hungry back then!
1984,Corporal Fosbury and Sgt.Adams.No1 flight.Nov -Dec.Holiday at North Luffenham,no skis provided.Bumped all night,doubled all day.Brief glimpse of snatch in the cinema, lol,just to see who was awake.R8219546.
Fosbury was a Sgt by the time I got there in 1988 a horrible man as I remember . He used to come round on a weekend with his dog and wake us all up …. Bellend.
It was 06:15 when I was there 1980. Remember the tannoy that woke us up. One morning it was a Glaswegian and nobody understood a word he said. Still knew it was time to get up though.
Must admit NOT THE first week. BUT YES MY FREND AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE. AND NOW RETIERED AND 63 YEARS OLD R.A.F. SWINDERBY ARE WHERE SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES ARE HELD .
@@peternunns8442 I must agree with you there ,,bring back national service let all the kids today do 2 years .it never hurt me..i still go around the house running my finger along the tops of door frames and pictures making sure there isn't any dust, a favorite one from bull nights!!!!!
Arrived in Swinderby in October 68. Cpl Topping and Sgt Haliday were our instructors. Enjoyed my 9yrs in the RAF but Swinderby was special. Great memories from there.
I arrived a year later 76 and thought Gibson Block was ACE!! Remember standing in line for our jabs? There was a door open on the left with lots of red [paint] on the walls we thought it was blood!! Then back to Gibson and we all shivered with the yellow fever jab! G8124298!!! Oh happy days!!
Well I was there in 1979 (I think, if memory serves) no luxury of accommodation blocks for my intake, I was in one of the wooden' huts on the right as you went in... When your there, you're so young and naive you don't really know what to think, just try and keep your head down so as not to get noticed.... well I didn't do too well on that score and ended up doing all sorts of 'punishments'. However, its all some 45/46 years ago and I would go back and do it all again in a heart beat..... They really were part of the best years of my life.... that and the following couple of years in RAF Halton... great memories, great.
RAF Swinders Gibson block ground floor far room right corner, DIs Cpl Fosbury now gone to that RAF Station in the sky, and Sgt J Adams , who I friended on FB some years back and still talk too there, best I ever done the mile n half along that perry track was 8.58 would take me 15 mins now at least, im 6 stone heavier , remember the faces that I trained with but not the names except a chap we called Dinosaur because he was so old at 31 ! and another guy we nick named Chalky white for obvious reasons , the lumpy jumpers in training would iron our shirts in their block and we would polish their shoes God how I wish I was back there, thanks for posting this BBKawk , Happy days .
I was at Swinderby, in Sept 1965. Flat-roofed blocks - and Sgt, Jessop. Even met him, again, when on detachment in Lusaka. Lovely man! My good mate was Mick Kelham...where is he now? Our intake was selected for the Remembrance Commemoration, televised from Albert Hall, and I was 'marker'. Leading the Royal Air Force contingent down those stairs, was a proud moment, for me. I left the RAF, to study and become a Chartered Surveyor, but I remember many good times - and faces. I just wish I'd taken a commission. I'm very sad to hear, it's all gone. At least Laarbruch, Germany (another of my 'detachments') still has an RAF museum; it was great to go back there, just a month ago.
I am so jealous of you lot that served, was in the ATC wanted to join the RAF but got an apprenticeship in civvy street, who knows might have hated it but will never know. Too old at 59 still had a good working life good jobs.
Brilliant, I was there in Sep '75, top floor Gibson Block, I visited many after that to play at the passout parades of thousands of airmen, I joined the Band!! Many thanks Mally Leivers
Our service No are very close (Q8122106) my attestation was 19 Sep 1975. I got back flighted due to laryngitis but my first block was to the right of the airman's mess. The block I finished up in was just up from the medical centre most of the entry I finished up in were apprentices. So I was the old man of the entry having just turned eighteen. I do remember after the entry piss-up rugby tackling Sgt Crew on the roundabout outside the medical centre. I got the impression that night that he lived for those piss-ups...god he could drink. Happy days.
I was there in Nov 79 in Ward block, part of 12 flight. Our OC was Flying Off Field with Sgt Parry and Cpl Wooluff. I had great memories of there. Enjoyed it a lot. Went straight to Halton after passing out but left shortly after. Went back with family in the 90's and took some phots
Swinderby in 1967 (prior to first posting to RAF Scampton (VULCANS)). Our drill instructor was CPL Saville, ex guardsman with a powerful stick !! We used to line up our 12 man room beds with a long length of string for morning inspection, put floor polish on the door so it was the first thing he smelt on entry, it worked !!
Wow , great vid BBK . Our service numbers are scarily close to within 6 numbers. Was there from 22Oct75 no. 3 Flt Sgt Herbert ( grey matter not what is was, only remember from diary & other comments! ) . Saw the place on way back from last Waddo air show , very sad , all overgrown . Remember the Vulcan take offs nearby and there was always one daft tw*t with one left ' up the spout ' on the range. Hated the enforced running but like doing it now I'm older ? Have a photo with our flight and the old static Canberra . God , really 40 yrs ago , thank goodness the Eagles are still playing ....... F8122384 Mart.
Martin Emery Hi Martin you were in the same flight as me.Sgt Herbert was my flight Sgt too.Get intouch micksl@ntlworld.com I have some pics of me and some of the guys I was there with.I do recall someone called Emery too.
Oh what memories that invoked, I was there from 28 Nov 78 to 6 Jan 79.My DI was a complete C*** but he got us all through it. Well I think we all passed out but it was an awfully long time ago. Good vid.
The 6 week Swinderby miracle they called it 1973 Sept i think i was there best time of my life,Sgt Highman i seem to remember him,still got my passing out parade photos good times in the NAAFI lol,
Brings back memories! I was on the April 76 intake; interesting pass out parade with that summer's heat. We all realised very quickly, just do what you are told, when you are told to do it - and it was almost a six week holiday... lol. 'Dixie' Dean was our SNCO and I remember a Cpl Smith in the Guardroom, encountered one particular evening (lesson learned? 'I know my place!'). And as for bed packs, mine was one of the ones launched out of the window; as it contained two coat-hangers and several safety pins, it survived the drop... but I had to make my bed every day for the next week and it was was checked.... The career that followed was uneventful, but it lead to 12 years instructing in Saudi, a couple of years at Uni and a final career teaching (much harder that the military!)
I was there from 10th August 1971 and just before passing out i got German measles and was put into quarantine with another bloke for a week and we missed our passing out parade, very sad about that.
hi brum kid i was there from august 19th 1971 . great times ! spent the rest of my raf career in 2 squdron raf regiment even better times good luck . cov kid
"Swinditz" Ha ha ha, I was there in November '76. 8 flight with Cpl Bradford, and a soft spoken Sergeant, whose name I can't recall. I can't remember the H block...3 maybe? The place was full of nearly psychopathic drill instructors and inadequate officers. The CS chamber was awful, the dreaded aero run wasn't too bad. Bed packs and bull nights are still a haunting memory. Would I do it again? You must be joking!
I remember it well. There in Sept '69. Long time ago now. Didn't opt for purchasing the group photo. Boy do I regret it now. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Forty five years ago now.
***** Hi Barry, I remember a Cpl Rowlands and Sgt Hanson as DI's in our troop. I remember a tubby Cpl on one of the other intakes. He always seemed to have a 5 o'clock shadow. Rowlands party piece was the one handed press up. He was an RAF Regiment man. I joined on 14th Sept '69. Was 17 years and 3 months old at the time. Left in April '79.
55 years ago I walked from Cosford station and wondered what I had done... Today, it would be classed as abuse, but I wouldn't swap it for anything. Lessons learnt and discipline. Anyone remember Sgt Tony Bunch or Cpl Chris Keys, the last drill corporal? When 210 entry passed out, they sang ...Why did we join (Flt Lt) Walton's air force for thirty fking bob a week.. Laugh, no they didn't!
August 16th 1977 H8135900 Bunker Hill after a cross country run Great stuff CS gas Square bashing Down and give me 20 SLR gave me a black eye first round fired , eye too close to rear sight NAAFI Newcastle Brown 36p a bottle Couldn’t wait to Pass Out. Thank you Great memories?!
@Kevin Devlin thanks. I hope you enjoy many years of well earned RnR. I'm proud to say that I survived the ' beastings" we got during Basic Training. It's not like that now. They are molly coddled now. Being allowed to wear trainers as their feet are not used to wearing shoes or boots. During my trade training I once got 200 press ups for farting in the gym whilst on parade waiting to start PT. 50 in each corner of the gym , 'Go'! I managed it too. I have great memories of being able to take the bullying from the DI's as well as the sarcasm and brutality. Recruits these days have a much softer time of it. Stay well mate.
Crikey! Just as I remember it. I was there June - August 1975. Windsor Davis and Don Estelle 'Whispering Grass' and 10cc 'I'm Not In Love' on the Newcomers jukebox. Trying to pass for 18 to get a beer from the NAAFI barmaid - 12p a pint if I recall! DI's were Sgt Herbert and Cpl Lobb - 'bags of swank, bags of swank you wasters!'
@maljohn6584 I was at Swiderby in 1978 as a new recruit . What flight did you start with . God this bring back so many memeories . Then off to RAF Cosford to complete my AMW training course. Do you remember BOB Foulds or a guy named Floidy . Another guy was Kirk Stringer from Wolverhamton . I remember going into the local pub on night and getting cought by CPL Monahan one of our instructors .
Great Video.. Thanks!!!!.. I was there in Jan 1977 in Gibson Block the same as you!... your photo's bought back lots of memories. I won't say good memories because that would be a stretch! :-) I was 16 1/2 boy entrant! :-) Thanks again
Great posting......Swinders April to June 83, flight 5, Cheshire Block ground floor, trained as a plumber.....Happy memories from back in the day. Çheers!!!!!
ARRIVED AT R.A.F. SWINDERBY IN 1978. 6 WEEKS OF BASIC TRAINING AND MEMORIES THAT WILL NEVER LEAVE ME TILL THE DAY I LEAVE THIS LIFE .
NOW RETIRED AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE .
I THANK ALL MY OLD MATE'S THAT HOPEFULLY ARE ALL STILL OUT THERE AND HAPPY. ALL THE BEST GUY'S.
That video brings back happy memories of my January and February 1976,.
I was there in Feb 1976 in the old blocks it was cold DI'S were Sgt Taylor and Cpl Stewart scary but great people.Loved the place would do it all again tomorrow T8124681went on to St Athan after passing out parade on St Patricks day after a massive p***up in the Naafi The Rockapes were a good laugh Sgt Bill Halligan was a scary man met up with him at RAF Catterick when i was posted to 58 Squadron he has passed away but a great gentleman Respect to all that entered RAF Swinderby God Bless
July 78
Lovely to see the old place again .When I was stationed there in 1961-62 I was a SAC working on Vampires T11 ,which was a two seat trainer ,we were training pilots for the cold war situation . I remember that the station had a wing/co as the CO ,and that there was a main road dividing the station domestic side from the air field . I remember that there was some lovely old country pubs ,and that had lovely
roaring fires in the hearth in winter ,fond memories ! Nottingham ,Lincoln etc.to visit
great song and music I entered the gates of Swinderby September 1964, never forget the experience.
1980 a great year S8191643 airman Morgan - great memories - a great time - hi to all those who passed out of there.
We must have been there at the same time T8191215, Jan - Mar 80 doing press ups in deep snow on the peri-track. I was in Zinzan (?) block opposite Gibson listening to the drone of the vacuum cleaner while we dragged fat bloke in a blanket to buff the lino!
Passed out in March 1974 brought back some amazing memories of great times. Cheers
Hi Mick, Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it
Blimey, a blast from the past, I did my basic training Oct 1980.
Very Nostalgic and thanks for posting. was there in 1976, remember it all from gas chamber to newcomers club new airmens mess, I was in a new block too. luxury but still early mornings to rise to and get out on the parade ground.
The cinema during training to view training and sexual healt n wellbeing movie on the screen... it was something like 07.30am.... hard work not to fall asleep. Great experience back then. Sadly nowadays we hardly have a RAF....
1982 for me under cpl Stephen Wells
"How could I possibly have great memories of Swinderby?" some might ask. I had left home where I was totally repressed and arrived Newark North Gate station at 0605 on the 23rd March 1965. My companions on the overnight train were from all over Scotland and in our reserved carriage compartments we had bonded before being met by a certain Cpl. Dewsbury who's mercy we would have to rely on during our first week of recruit training. The whole seven weeks was an experience that was dear to me and a helluva ride with the guidance of Cpl Wood whose bark was worse than his bite. Memories of 3rd party bed packs doing flying lessons out of the window on a rainy day propelled by Sgt Jackson always amused me. I loved every bit of it with perhaps the exception of my introduction to boots,"RAF pattern". This first day of wearing them was on the occasion of a 10 mile route - March. Would I do it again? You bet! To see individuals from all walks of life develop their character and learn about teamwork and reliability was a blessing. Sadly, I have lost touch with many of them over the years. Thanks for the memories although we didn't have fancy billets like those introduced later. It was the old "H" blocks for us.
My BED PACK TOOK FLYING LEASON AS WELLL IN MARCH 1978.
BUT LOOKING BACK ON IT WOULD NOT OF CHANGED IT.
AS I SPENT MANEY HAPPY YEARS IN THE R.A.F.
AND HAVE NOW LONG RETIRED WITH NO REGRETS
FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE IN THE RAF .
AND NOW RETIERED.
SAME HEAR MY FREND I WAS IN A (H) BLOCK BACK IN 1978 18 FLIGHT.
My bed pack was pinned so tight when SGT Fosbury threw it, well it just bounced He picked it up by the corner and spent the next 2 mins shaking it until it fell apart thought he was going to have a stroke!
Your comments have triggered so many memories of RAF Swinderby..i was there in 1971 and we were billeted in the old wooden huts . i was the only one in our intake to have the old style uniform with the pockets on the outside of the jacket just like the officers uniform.. Just loved doing parades.....what a time....now 69 ......
i got back flighted the Pt instructors ruined any chance of me at a passing out parade .. i hope they are all buried there.
Newcomers club now that brings back memories.walking in there for the 1st time nervous as hell and everyone singing virgins virgins, that was way back in summer of 1985 .
Thanks for putting that on.
We got your only just begineers from duty flight
There 1983 on 11 Flight DI’s were Goldthorpe and Barnes, never forget them 😂
Thank you BB, so many memories indeed… I joined up in Febuary 1968…. Served for nine years.
Was there 80... Who remembers sleeping on floor and bed packs still going through the window lol .. Dave Miller anyone remember me .
G’day Dave........I was in either 3rd or 11th September 1980. A Kiwi who everyone called ‘Roo (Go figure) Slept in my sleeping bag. Every one tried “breaking the Bromide Barrier” 🤣 I was in Red Flight with the red terry towelling scarves. The PTI’s .....”climb to the top of the rope........ARE YOU READY? nnnGO!” Cannot remember what block, but I was on the ground floor with a bunch of hilarious Scouses. Chris McKearney
Remember it well. Attestation Tuesday 10 June 1975 in Cardiff. Train from Newport Wednesday 11 June to report to RAF Swinderby. Met up with a couple of other lads on the train. Arrived Newark, and was met with our taxi, (the big blue bus). Then it all began. Haircuts & more haircuts. Early starts, marching, early starts, marching, ironing, and more ironing. Bedpacks and more haircuts. Cross country runs. 2nd every time. A trip out to Lincoln, singing in an OAP care home. Plenty of laughs in the Newcomers Club. Pass out Parade. Proud parents. Great memories
Hi yes I remember all that too.Good days but not at the time haha.
Sounds about right !
November 1976 in Gibson block. Cpl Taylor as I remember. This was a real memory jerker, Thank you!!!
76 Gibson Block, Tick Tock Taylor!! HELLO BROTHER I WAS THERE!!!
I was there Jun 1984 for six weeks and I wish I could do it all over again. Thank you so much for this video and song, I listen to it often.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed
i was there Dec 85. I stayed in 12 years, ground electrician, loved every minute.
great video loved it .brought back a lot of memories although i was there in 1972.many thanks
was there in november 72 16 and half boy entrant left raf in 76 became a teacher!! g8103066 service number something none of us ever forget
I was there in 1972 also😊 I still have a present I bought my parents, who sadly passed away. It was a novelty lighter. I have it in front of me now.
excellent michael..........memories..from the 60's...............
Just caught this video whilst browsing. It certainly brought back a few cherished memories. Incidentally, I was Gibson block on the middle floor on the left but in December 1978 to February 1979 (5 Flight). Great times and a great 18 year career were had.
Hi Steve, Glad it brought back some nice memories.
That brought back some memories of Mid-1977. Not the "luxury" of Gibson block but the older H Blocks behind it in my case. So sad to see the state of it now, but it is the same with several other units I was on.
great video nice to see the old place again some happy memories i passed out from here in july 86 stayed in gibson block ground floor sgt cooling and cpl mckay more like the two ronnies thinking back now.....oh the yellow dusters on your feet my kids just dont believe me now...
Cooling i remember. I was there 84 . No Corp. He was getting tried for being a bad boy. Sun newspaper had him front page
Good memories. I was their in July 1972, Eddie Cordner. Spent 12 good years in the air force ...now living in Canada.
Great video / song , it’s sad to think it’s all gone . There in Nov 1988 lots of happy memories , remember getting drunk a lot and I was 17 at the time 😂
Was there in 1973 , sad to see it run down like it is.
Bill Marney
Brings back good and bad memories, hated the marching and PE in those one size fits all big blue shorts and bed-packs best memory visiting RAF Spitalgate one Saturday night the Women's recruitment base!!! Was there Sep-Nov 1970 never to be forgotten.
‘82 for me, sad to see it all run down. The hotel I was in when stationed in Riyadh in ‘85 has been knocked down, they even knocked down my old school!!! Luckily videos like this bring it all back - thanks.
Very good brought back some fond memories. I was there in Aug 1978 and had a great time. Not sure I would want to do it again tho.
Great film, brought back a lot of memories. I arrived on the 6th September 1973. I did not do the passing out parade as I was sent on to start trade training after five weeks due to a shortage of dog handlers.
Nicely done, I was there September '86. some great pictures that have brought back a lot of happy memories, thank you.
I was there in 1971 thought i would hate it,but once i got into it really had a great time,happy days.Anybody remember the bus trips to the WAAF training camp,and i think they came to Swinderby once a week.
WRAF'S were at Swinderby in '83
I may be wrong but didn't the waaf become wraf in 1949
Crikey!. Just seeing those puddles took me back to 1980 and the smell of mothballs fills my nostrils as we march in the rain. Thanks for posting.
You are welcome and thank you.I am glad you enjoyed it.
Watched this a few times, makes me sad actually and with song...where has all that time gone ? November the 11th 1965 I was there.Frightening change from civvy street as a young lad.Great memories now.
Bloody good video...
Wow,I was there in 75, the memories came flooding back, thank you that was great.
Was there in September 1975 great memories
Thank you Matt. Glad you enjoyed
Jings, Thanks for that, what memories came back, I was there June 1975...
Many thanks for the slides brought back memories the dreaded cs chamber the cinema with training films collecting your rifle from the armoury marching everywhere fond memories sad to see the old place demolished and gone
Wow this brings back happy memories I. Did my square bashing April 1964 (Feb.)we were then transferred to RAF Hemswell Trenchard block for the 6 weeks square bashing the base was reopened 😊
Hi John, Glad you enjoyed it thank you
Thanks for sharing. My Dad went through about 12 mth before you but it was great to watch as i lost him recently and nice to see where he was when he first joined up
Just noticed how many likes you had... 252 lol
Brings back memories of my six weeks at Swinderby and our camp in the snow in sherwood forest, Jan to Feb 1967.
Fantastic memories. Very hard training regime when i was there in Jan 1979, how rewarding though on pass out parade with fly past. Bring back national service, it would sort out the youth of today and give them a sense of pride.
Hi gps.I am glad you enjoyed it.Yes very true I think national service would be a good thing.
Did my basic here starting in Dec 71 at 17 years old. Went back there the other day, Aug 2016, 45 years later with my daughter. Walked around whats left, mainly the hangars and the outlines of other buildings that once stood there. Strange how the memories return, and the yearning for a time machine, just to go back and see it and myself as we used to be.....Hence I ended up here viewing this video....Thanks for the memories.
Takes me back Good times August 76 Many thanks
I was there in 1970. Hard going right up until the last two weeks then fell in love with it lol. Of to St Athans for trade Training then A/mech/A. (Airframe Mechanic) If I remember correctly it was either 225 or possible 252 Entry but my gut says it was the former. Did 6 years at Little Rissington until they shut it down. Then my last 4 at Lyneham on Hercs. All gone now. There were 96 Hercs at Lyneham in laste 70's C130J's the stretched version 'K' was just coming in at the end of my time there. At Swinderby, I remember running around the peri track with a dummy (3x the weight of the real thing) rifle over my head. Up and down bunker hill there in freezing cold fog. We had two WAFS in withg us for the CS Gas chamber. They were in skirts and absolute agony poor lasses. You have to think on that one. CS affects any moist areas. Women had to wear Battle Dress Pants after that.
When in 1970? I was there in June / July 1970, 14 Flt.
October 1976 I was there Gibson block! I cant believe its been flattened 😧 When there it was awful but now as an old man if Dr who came along and he asked me if I wanted to go back and do it all again🤔 TOO RIGHT I loved my time in the RAF!
I was in Gibson block too. 1980. Carpets. Luxury!
I was there from Sep 10th 1975, also in the Gibson block. Shame it's all gone now.
I trained there April 1967, before going to RAF Mountbatten for Air Sea Rescue training. It seems so long ago now, but then I was 18...now 72.
Thank you all for the kind comments. I am glad you enjoyed my small offering.
Are you sure on the dates of these photos? Look like September79?
@@cldecade6 Hi, Sorry for the late reply. Yes i am certain of the picture of who i said i was there with but i took other pictures from the internet.
I was Born in the RAF Hospital at Swinderby in 1968. When my dad left the Royal Horse Artillary he was a Prison officer at the Borstal in Swinderby until we moved when they closed it and Vietnam Refugees moved in. My Family were all from Lincoln. Very Fond Memories!
I was there in 1978 . Sgt Lillywhite and Corporal Loaney were my instructors. I was 18 at the time. Found it bloody hard but made it to passing out.
Had our final drink with our instructors over the road at ( I think ) the Halfway House pub. From there went to St Athan . Great bunch of fellow recruits and some great laughs !
Nicholas Davies I was intake Nov 78.
Ah St. ATHANS.
Llantwit Major and the Valley Commandos.
I was there in 1971 ( 15 flight ) N.COs Sargnt Petrie, Corporal Clouston, great blokes although early on we didnt think so!
Top man, excellent vid and sounds. I got there on the 15th July 1980, I was in 13th flight... long, long time ago now.
Thanks for the memories man.
Fantastic memories, passed out in 82....
Went through Swinderby in June 1980 for what was the start of a 30 year career. Would do it all again in a heartbeat, I only live a few miles from what little remains of the place but the memories flood back every time I pass what used to be the main gates.
Just discovered this. I note that you were there in Sept 1975, me too! I arrived at Swinderby on 17th Sept. Happy days!
At the end of it, strangely enough, none of us wanted to leave.
Thank you for this.
"Per Ardua Ad Astra"
There in 1971, enjoyed it ,as long as you realized it wasn't to be taken to seriously, great video
Hi Michael, Thank you glad you enjoyed it.
Joined 4th July 1978,great memories jogged from this video
July 18 me.
I went through Swinderby in March-April 1980, learning to march and keeping the fact I was an ex "Space cadet" (ATC) very quiet. Happy Days..
great video, I was there Nov 70 and passed out Jan 71 great days
Was there a bit later in mid-76, recall a DeHavilland Vampire on a pole at the parade ground but never got close to it, always drill inside, even passing-out parade inside, due to rain, no flypast.
I only really recall the mess and the NAAFI, as I was permanently hungry back then!
1984,Corporal Fosbury and Sgt.Adams.No1 flight.Nov -Dec.Holiday at North Luffenham,no skis provided.Bumped all night,doubled all day.Brief glimpse of snatch in the cinema, lol,just to see who was awake.R8219546.
Fosbury was a Sgt by the time I got there in 1988 a horrible man as I remember . He used to come round on a weekend with his dog and wake us all up …. Bellend.
reveille, reveille the time is 0600 hours, good old bedpacks & bulling those bloody toe caps, memories of 1980
It was 06:15 when I was there 1980. Remember the tannoy that woke us up. One morning it was a Glaswegian and nobody understood a word he said. Still knew it was time to get up though.
@@Nooziterp1 spot on mate 👍👍👍👍🪂🪂
@@Nooziterp1 6.15 in 1974 too mate
Those 6 weeks at Swinderby were probably the best 6 weeks in my life!
Mine too. The best experience i had in life it taught me discipline.
Must admit NOT THE first week. BUT YES MY FREND AFTER 30 YEARS SERVICE. AND NOW RETIERED AND 63 YEARS OLD R.A.F. SWINDERBY ARE WHERE SOME OF MY BEST MEMORIES ARE HELD .
@@peternunns8442 I must agree with you there ,,bring back national service let all the kids today do 2 years .it never hurt me..i still go around the house running my finger along the tops of door frames and pictures making sure there isn't any dust, a favorite one from bull nights!!!!!
Arrived in Swinderby in October 68. Cpl Topping and Sgt Haliday were our instructors. Enjoyed my 9yrs in the RAF but Swinderby was special. Great memories from there.
I arrived a year later 76 and thought Gibson Block was ACE!! Remember standing in line for our jabs? There was a door open on the left with lots of red [paint] on the walls we thought it was blood!! Then back to Gibson and we all shivered with the yellow fever jab!
G8124298!!! Oh happy days!!
All the best from your old pal ( Lewis's )
ahh the memories but we all mucked in together and won
Thanks i was there in 1968. Good memories. I loved the photo of the cinema. What was called again? The Astoria. Cheers 😊😊😊
Hi, Thank you. I think it was called The Astra?
Well I was there in 1979 (I think, if memory serves) no luxury of accommodation blocks for my intake, I was in one of the wooden' huts on the right as you went in... When your there, you're so young and naive you don't really know what to think, just try and keep your head down so as not to get noticed.... well I didn't do too well on that score and ended up doing all sorts of 'punishments'. However, its all some 45/46 years ago and I would go back and do it all again in a heart beat..... They really were part of the best years of my life.... that and the following couple of years in RAF Halton... great memories, great.
What month my D.I sgt G (god) Evans ?? 1flt snr man 5 wks then cpl stone arrived.
I was in the same huts (billets) on the right, no luxurious buildings for us EH! 8 flt corperall Garstang in August 79?
RAF Swinders Gibson block ground floor far room right corner, DIs Cpl Fosbury now gone to that RAF Station in the sky, and Sgt J Adams , who I friended on FB some years back and still talk too there, best I ever done the mile n half along that perry track was 8.58 would take me 15 mins now at least, im 6 stone heavier , remember the faces that I trained with but not the names except a chap we called Dinosaur because he was so old at 31 ! and another guy we nick named Chalky white for obvious reasons , the lumpy jumpers in training would iron our shirts in their block and we would polish their shoes God how I wish I was back there, thanks for posting this BBKawk , Happy days .
I was at Swinderby, in Sept 1965. Flat-roofed blocks - and Sgt, Jessop. Even met him, again, when on detachment in Lusaka. Lovely man! My good mate was Mick Kelham...where is he now? Our intake was selected for the Remembrance Commemoration, televised from Albert Hall, and I was 'marker'. Leading the Royal Air Force contingent down those stairs, was a proud moment, for me. I left the RAF, to study and become a Chartered Surveyor, but I remember many good times - and faces. I just wish I'd taken a commission.
I'm very sad to hear, it's all gone. At least Laarbruch, Germany (another of my 'detachments') still has an RAF museum; it was great to go back there, just a month ago.
I was there Oct 78. Cpl Bradford/Sgt Logan were our drill instructors. Thanks for posting this video, happy memories.
Harry
I am so jealous of you lot that served, was in the ATC wanted to join the RAF but got an apprenticeship in civvy street, who knows might have hated it but will never know. Too old at 59 still had a good working life good jobs.
Brilliant, I was there in Sep '75, top floor Gibson Block, I visited many after that to play at the passout parades of thousands of airmen, I joined the Band!! Many thanks Mally Leivers
Our service No are very close (Q8122106) my attestation was 19 Sep 1975. I got back flighted due to laryngitis but my first block was to the right of the airman's mess. The block I finished up in was just up from the medical centre most of the entry I finished up in were apprentices. So I was the old man of the entry having just turned eighteen. I do remember after the entry piss-up rugby tackling Sgt Crew on the roundabout outside the medical centre. I got the impression that night that he lived for those piss-ups...god he could drink.
Happy days.
I was there in Nov 79 in Ward block, part of 12 flight. Our OC was Flying Off Field with Sgt Parry and Cpl Wooluff. I had great memories of there. Enjoyed it a lot. Went straight to Halton after passing out but left shortly after. Went back with family in the 90's and took some phots
I enlisted and arrived at Swinderby on the 11th November 1966.. great days... but have never drank tea ever since (Tea Wagon)
I was there in Dec and Jan 1980/81. Happy memories.
Swinderby in 1967 (prior to first posting to RAF Scampton (VULCANS)). Our drill instructor was CPL Saville, ex guardsman with a powerful stick !! We used to line up our 12 man room beds with a long length of string for morning inspection, put floor polish on the door so it was the first thing he smelt on entry, it worked !!
Wow , great vid BBK . Our service numbers are scarily close to within 6 numbers. Was there from 22Oct75 no. 3 Flt Sgt Herbert ( grey matter not what is was, only remember from diary & other comments! ) . Saw the place on way back from last Waddo air show , very sad , all overgrown . Remember the Vulcan take offs nearby and there was always one daft tw*t with one left ' up the spout ' on the range. Hated the enforced running but like doing it now I'm older ? Have a photo with our flight and the old static Canberra . God , really 40 yrs ago , thank goodness the Eagles are still playing ....... F8122384 Mart.
Martin Emery Hi Martin you were in the same flight as me.Sgt Herbert was my flight Sgt too.Get intouch micksl@ntlworld.com I have some pics of me and some of the guys I was there with.I do recall someone called Emery too.
My number was G8122385 and arrived the same day, must have bumped into each other at some point.
I was there in June 84. So many memories, so many friends. Anyone remember Sgt. Cooling
Oh what memories that invoked, I was there from 28 Nov 78 to 6 Jan 79.My DI was a complete C*** but he got us all through it. Well I think we all passed out but it was an awfully long time ago. Good vid.
The 6 week Swinderby miracle they called it 1973 Sept i think i was there best time of my life,Sgt Highman i seem to remember him,still got my passing out parade photos good times in the NAAFI lol,
Brings back memories! I was on the April 76 intake; interesting pass out parade with that summer's heat. We all realised very quickly, just do what you are told, when you are told to do it - and it was almost a six week holiday... lol. 'Dixie' Dean was our SNCO and I remember a Cpl Smith in the Guardroom, encountered one particular evening (lesson learned? 'I know my place!'). And as for bed packs, mine was one of the ones launched out of the window; as it contained two coat-hangers and several safety pins, it survived the drop... but I had to make my bed every day for the next week and it was was checked.... The career that followed was uneventful, but it lead to 12 years instructing in Saudi, a couple of years at Uni and a final career teaching (much harder that the military!)
I was there from 10th August 1971 and just before passing out i got German measles and was put into quarantine with another bloke for a week and we missed our passing out parade, very sad about that.
hi brum kid i was there from august 19th 1971 . great times ! spent the rest of my raf career in 2 squdron raf regiment even better times good luck . cov kid
Blast from the past back row second from left on photo of I was there with these guys
I went there as a recruit in early 73. I must take my hat off, because I cannot remember a bloody thing about the place
They delete your memory when you leave, so you wont remember any secrets, like polishing your shoes and bed pack making and saluting offcers.i
"Swinditz" Ha ha ha, I was there in November '76. 8 flight with Cpl Bradford, and a soft spoken Sergeant, whose name I can't recall. I can't remember the H block...3 maybe? The place was full of nearly psychopathic drill instructors and inadequate officers. The CS chamber was awful, the dreaded aero run wasn't too bad. Bed packs and bull nights are still a haunting memory. Would I do it again? You must be joking!
I remember it well. There in Sept '69. Long time ago now. Didn't opt for purchasing the group photo. Boy do I regret it now. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Forty five years ago now.
***** Hi Barry, I remember a Cpl Rowlands and Sgt Hanson as DI's in our troop. I remember a tubby Cpl on one of the other intakes. He always seemed to have a 5 o'clock shadow. Rowlands party piece was the one handed press up. He was an RAF Regiment man. I joined on 14th Sept '69. Was 17 years and 3 months old at the time. Left in April '79.
Hi out there I Steve best was at swinderby 1979 July 15 years well service this camp was great at that time lots of good people miss this place
Training in 1973 for a start of a great 4 years in the Regiment. Happy days
Mind you, we had it rough at Cosford! Try Fulton Block for a few years!!!
had a lot of fun there! Even went up on the roof of Fulton Block.
I was on the permanent staff at Cosford so I never went inside. Looked pretty grim from the outside though.
55 years ago I walked from Cosford station and wondered what I had done... Today, it would be classed as abuse, but I wouldn't swap it for anything. Lessons learnt and discipline. Anyone remember Sgt Tony Bunch or Cpl Chris Keys, the last drill corporal? When 210 entry passed out, they sang ...Why did we join (Flt Lt) Walton's air force for thirty fking bob a week.. Laugh, no they didn't!
August 16th 1977
H8135900
Bunker Hill after a cross country run
Great stuff
CS gas
Square bashing
Down and give me 20
SLR gave me a black eye first round fired , eye too close to rear sight
NAAFI
Newcastle Brown 36p a bottle
Couldn’t wait to Pass Out.
Thank you
Great memories?!
Me too...remember you getting the black eye...😀🥃
@Kevin Devlin really.
Wow.
What are you up to now?
What trade were you.
Were you in my flight ?
I was store's so went on to Hereford... got a medical discharge....worked in the Post Office/Royal Mail til I retired.
@Kevin Devlin thanks.
I hope you enjoy many years of well earned RnR.
I'm proud to say that I survived the ' beastings" we got during Basic Training.
It's not like that now.
They are molly coddled now.
Being allowed to wear trainers as their feet are not used to wearing shoes or boots.
During my trade training I once got 200 press ups for farting in the gym whilst on parade waiting to start PT.
50 in each corner of the gym , 'Go'!
I managed it too.
I have great memories of being able to take the bullying from the DI's as well as the sarcasm and brutality.
Recruits these days have a much softer time of it.
Stay well mate.
Stores....think so....@@jaywalker3087
Crikey! Just as I remember it. I was there June - August 1975. Windsor Davis and Don Estelle 'Whispering Grass' and 10cc 'I'm Not In Love' on the Newcomers jukebox. Trying to pass for 18 to get a beer from the NAAFI barmaid - 12p a pint if I recall! DI's were Sgt Herbert and Cpl Lobb - 'bags of swank, bags of swank you wasters!'
@maljohn6584 I was at Swiderby in 1978 as a new recruit . What flight did you start with . God this bring back so many memeories . Then off to RAF Cosford to complete my AMW training course. Do you remember BOB Foulds or a guy named Floidy . Another guy was Kirk Stringer from Wolverhamton . I remember going into the local pub on night and getting cought by CPL Monahan one of our instructors .
Great memories, would do it all again, I was there Dec 1978 Gibson Block 5 Flt - Mike Swales
Great Video.. Thanks!!!!.. I was there in Jan 1977 in Gibson Block the same as you!... your photo's bought back lots of memories. I won't say good memories because that would be a stretch! :-) I was 16 1/2 boy entrant! :-) Thanks again
Great posting......Swinders April to June 83, flight 5, Cheshire Block ground floor, trained as a plumber.....Happy memories from back in the day. Çheers!!!!!
I was there 1978 Dave Rowed then got stationed RAF Brawdy Great days Great friends
I was from the 28th of June 1978.
When were you there in 1978
Can't remember the details but was there in March 1972, happy days! Went on to RAF Bawdsey to train as a then ASOp...