8 Squadron Galleries

6 - At ease!

Other squadron galleries

Life on the line     

1

Crème de la Crème     

2

On the range     

3

Aircraft     

4

On Ops     

5

This section includes subjects such as sporting and social activities. 

Leisure time

1961 in the Steamer Point bazaar where Ben Bennett (right) and colleague are paying more attention to the tame deer than bartering. (Ben Bennett)

The Bennett brothers in Conquest Bay in 1961 with Mick (right) taking the mickie out of Ben's Knife sheath. (Ben Bennett)

Seen relaxing on the soft sands of Elephant Bay in 1961 are 'Spasm' McCurdie, Mrs Baz Clake and Ben Bennett. (Ben Bennett)

Bob Norris and Des Meek absorbing the gentle strumming from the guitar of Ben Bennett on their barrack block veranda. (Ben Bennett)

The Everly Brothers cry your heart out! Mick and Ben Bennett step up the pace while entertaining airmen in the 69 Club in 1961. (Ben Bennett)

Lofty Savage, Ben Bennett and three colleagues with a couple of youngsters at the Khormaksar swimming pool in 1961 (Des Meek)

Khormaksar offered a huge variety of aircraft for keen amateurs; Taff John and Lofty Savage snap a Vulcan B.2 on take off, 1962 (author)

Photography was a popular hobby in Aden. Here, 'Jona' Jones, Dave Curryer and Ginger Rees compare their new equipment, Khormaksar, 1962 (author)

What better way to rouse oneself after an afternoon siesta than with Slops and Baccy, epitomised here by Jona Jones, Ksar 1963 (author)

Hanging on the wall is a humourous ditty called The Bird Song. Does anyone know the words to it?

Peter Marshall, Terry McNally, Jona Jones and Ginger Rees take a stroll around the Crescent, Steamer Point, 1963 (Author)

Cpl 'Snaz' Snazell with one of the squadron mascots outside Hunter block in 1963. (author)

Enjoying a night out on the town, Bob Cailes and Dave Barnes somewhere in Bahrain, 1963. (Dave Barnes)

Sampling fresh Tiger beer on the Alsops brewery terrace bar in August 1963 are; Ginge ????, Taff Evans, Bob Cailes and Dave Barnes. (Dave Barnes)

The visit to the Nairobi-based brewery was one of the highlights of the August 1963 Kenya detachment and very few of the participants remembered leaving the place, what happended afterwards or how they got back to Eastleigh.

Still standing, albeit with a assistance from the Brewery terrace railings, are Taff John and Ray Deacon. (author)

Pete Loveday, Ray Deacon and Taff John enjoy a drink and a chat at the squadron Xmas party, Khormaksar, 1963. (author)

Jock McVie hidng his modesty on an Aden beach in 1963 (Nick Adamson)

At the same beach party, Barry Stott strikes a casual pose for the camera (Nick Adamson)

Jock McVie sharing a joke with Anne Rasdall, the wife of Ken Rasdall, manager of Bahrain airport and great friends of the Squadron (Nick Adamson)

Owen Truelove has that 'does it really go' look as he casts a disbelieving eye over Sid Bottom's battered old VW Beetle in 1963 (Nick Adamson)

An unperturbed Sid Bottom relaxes quietly in his room after a hard morning's work, 1963 (Nick Adamson)

Robin Morrell, Peter Blakey and their wives enjoy an afternoon's relaxation on Tarshyne Beach in late 1963 (Nick Adamson)

Laurie Jones, Derek Gathercole, Nick Adamson (?) and their family members enjoy an afternoon's relaxation on Tarshyne Beach in 1962 (Robin Morrell)

The children take centre stage in this photograph taken at Tarshyne in 1962 with Pam Morrell, Ernie and Doreen Powell and Derek Gathercole (Robin Morrell)

The young lad should have been advised to stand well back as a cask of Djibouti rotgut is cagily opened on Tarshyne Beach in 1962 (Robin Morrell)

The Bridge that took the road round to Elephant Bay from the front of a taxi shortly before making the climb up Shamsan, 02-64 (author)

1,800 ft to go! Shamsan mountain as viewed from Elephant Bay in 1964. The track up can just be made out, slightly left of centre. (author)

'Climb Shamsan once' was the saying among the military based in the protectorate, to ensure you never returned to Aden.

Nearly there chaps! Over half way up and pausing for a drink are Ray Byers, Taff Price, Taff John and Terry McNally. (author)

Made it! Terry McNally, Taff Price, Ray Byatt, Taff John and Ray Deacon on top of the 1,800 ft high summit of Shamsan mountain, 1964. (author)

It's early evening during the airmens' Christmas bash in the Camel Club at Khormaksar in 1962 (Vic Cozens)

From l to r; Robby ?, Ken Rochester, Vic Cozens, Mac ?, Bob Baker and Dave Smith

'Lofty' Savage's (right) farewell drink-up in the Camel Club in 1963 with Ray Deacon and Alan ? (Vic Cozens)

It's 'Lofty's' party again and Tim Rolt and Taff John appear to have found something Dave Curryer wishes to keep private (Vic Cozens)

Lofty's party and Tim Rolt seems oblivious to the drunken behaviour of Dave Curryer and Taff John (Vic Cozens)

The party's nearly over and Vic Cozens and Dave Curryer seem to saying it's not their fault that Taff John has had too much (Vic Cozens)

Geoff Maynard, Pete Marshall, ANOther, Vic Cozens and Ray ???? enjoy a quieter interlude in 8 Sqn's second home. Camel Club, Ksar, 1963 (Vic Cozens)

Guy in the middle's name anyone?

Taff Evans, Ron ????, Dave Barnes and 'Snaz' Snazell serious discussion at an 'official' squadron bash. Camel Club, Ksar, 1963 (Vic Cozens)

Ron's surname anyone?

'Sheikh' Cozens, Pete Prescott and Barnie Barnett in the Camel Club, Ksar, 1963 (Vic Cozens)

Vic Cozens, Johnny Owusu, ANOther x 2, Taff Price, Bob Cailes, Pete Wotton and Dave Barnes, Camel Club, Ksar, 1963 (Vic Cozens)

Any missing names please?

Bunny Fryer and Roy Hollow in one of the non-air conditioned blocks prior to their move to Hunter Block in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Nine airmen about to hit town during a break in the detachment to Cyprus (Roy Hollow)

Bill Horspole is behind Ian (Jim) Bowie who is centre, front row; Al Chafe is on extreme right next to 'Brum' Robinson. Any more names please?

It's the Cyprus detachment again with Ian (Jim) Bowie making the most of his bottle of beer (Roy Hollow)

One way of avoiding squadron duties perhaps! Bob Hush at Sharjah in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Just the spirit! Three of the lads join Roy Hollow (right) for a beer or four at the squadron Xmas Cavern in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Any more names welcome!

Judging by the beer stained clothing, the 1960 squadron Xmas party is in full swing (Roy Hollow)

Bunny Fryer, Ken Hayr, Taff Owen and Colin Greenaway star. Any other names please?

Another shot from the Xmas party depicting Sqn Ldr Knight, 'transvestite' Bunny Fryer and the EO (Roy Hollow)

EO's name anyone?

First of three images from Ronnie Hush of the 8 Squadron Xmas bar in 1959. Ronnie is talking to Flt Lt C.Devine (centre left) who was killed in a T.7 crash a few months later. Any more names please?

Squadron Xmas bash, 1959, shows Ronnie supporting the chair on the left with, standing at the bar looking right to left: Brian Eades, Colin Greenaway and Spike Nunn. Serving at the bar behind Spike is Taff Owen. Any other names please? (Ronnie Hush)

The 1959 Xmas bar again with CO Rex Knight (centre), Chiefy Mac behind him and Ronnie Hush and Johnny Jowett supporting the bar on the left. Any more names please? (Ronnie Hush)

Can't get enough of the stuff! Bob Hush, Bill Horsepole, Roy Hollow and Ray Rayner (ASF) soak up the sun on one of Aden's beaches, 1960 (Roy Hollow)

They've had their dip - time for a fag! Roy Hollow and Rick Fisher towel down in Elephant Bay in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Six of 8 Squadron's finest pose on the cliffs in Elephant Bay in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Bill Horspole is standing on the left with Dickie Bird crouching under the rock: Others taking it easy are Gene Simmons, Brum Robinson, Roy Hollow and Jim Bowie.

Where did you get that hat! Looking the worse for wear, Roy Hollow accepts the support offered by the Hunter Block wall (Roy Hollow)

Windy Gale and Rick Fisher pose outside the newly completed, air conditioned, Hunter Block in 1960 (Roy Hollow)

Ronnie Hush (right) with Norman Shearer and two Geordie friends enjoy a tinned chicken lunch at Elephant Bay, Xmas Day, 1959 (Ronnie Hush)

A romp up Shamshan offered alternative recreation, as witnessed by these intrepid climbers from 6 Block in 1959 (Ronnie Hush)

Any names please?

Ronnie Hush and Bunny Fryer (lying down) with an 8 Sqn colleague at the Steamer Point Lido in 1961 (Ronnie Hush)

Chico the 8 Sqn bearer in 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

The Cotton Rockers 'pop' group performing at Steamer Point in 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

Time for 8 Sqn groundcrew to relax and where better to spend the afternoon than at the Steamer Point Lido, 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

from l to r are; Roy Hollow, ANother, Gene Simmons, ANother, ANother, ANother, Ben Bennett and Ronnie Hush.

Proud part-owner of the this ex-Government Humber Super Snipe, Ronnie prepares to take his pride and joy for a spin (Ronnie Hush)

Herbie Nute and friend at a squadron bash in 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

Herbie Nute in the swing again this time with Nobby Clark and friends at a married quarters party in 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

Ronnie Hush chatting up a lady (at the back) during the 8 Sqn MQ party, 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

Ronnie Hush showing what he's made of as he dances with Steph Bates at the MQ party, 1960 (Ronnie Hush)

Roy Hollow surrounded by man's best friends on the beach at ???? in 1961 (Des Meek)

Having expended all their energy lying prostate on the beach, it's time for a photo before making their way back to Khormaksar in 1961 (Des Meek)

from l to r; Roy Hollow, Dickie Bird, Colin Smith, Brum Robinson, Butch McKay and Geoff Stinchcombe.

Tom Banks and Fred Rawson take it easy while on a visit to an American warship anchored off Bahrain in 1963 (Tom Banks)

Fred Rawson and two colleagues (names anyone please???) during the visit to the American warship (Tom Banks)

Tom Banks on the American warship (Tom Banks)

US Warship anchored off Bahrain in 1963 (Tom Banks)

Jock Harman and Ron xxxx (surname anyone please?) in a bar somewhere (Tom Banks)

Bill Shephard and Brum Robinson are surrounded by mud huts of a Kenyan village during the Sqn detachment to Nairobi in 1963 (Tom Banks)

The taming of a wild beast on a Bahrain detachment, Christmas 1961 (Herbie Nute)

l to r: ANother, Jake Tennant, ANotherx2, Ian (Spasm) McCurdie on back of Donkey, Paddy Miskelly (hand on hip), ANotherx3 and Herbie Nute.

All dressed up and not a drink in sight .... must have been early in the evening (Herbie Nute)

l to r: Brian Hughes and Rick Fisher (front), and Tug Wilson, Herbie Nute and Roy Hollow.

As the airmen enjoying themselves in this shot have, so far, not been identified, the most important name is that on the box (Herbie Nute)

Who are they?

Not normal behaviour until the contents of the 'Slops' box takes control (Herbie Nute)

The exhibitionists here are Dave Waring (?) and Brian Hughes.

'Singles' treat to Sunday lunch in one of the Khormaksar married quarters in 1961 (Herbie Nute)

l to r: Tug Wilson, Nobby Clark, Ros Wilson, ANother and Herbie Nute.

After the hearty lunch, time to relax (Herbie Nute)

Tug Wilson (left) and Herbie Nute.

Another social gathering with Rick Fisher joining Herbie and the Wilson's for a noggin or more (Herbie Nute)

Farewell party for the unidentified couple in the centre as their tour in Aden comes to an end. Aaaaah! (Herbie Nute)

l to r: Brian Hughes, Dave Waring (?), ANother, Arthur Alder, Mrs Alder(?), Herbie Nute, Laurie DeFreitas, Nobby Clark.

One of the more unusual visits was a squadron trip to this oil tanker moored in Aden Harbour in 1961 (Des Meek)

As one might expect, instructions as to ones behaviour were displayed in prominent positions round the tanker (Des Meek)

It's 1959 and ANOther and Bill Horspole, perched on the veranda railings. The backdrop comprises mainly Aden Harbour (Bill Horspole)

Looking unbelievably sobre in their Khormaksar billet are; ANOther x 2, Bill Horspole, Ted Fisher, ANOther (Bill Horspole)

ANOthers' names would be appreciated!

What did you do in Aden dad? Jim Bowie with his afternoon siesta tonic (Bill Horspole)

Colin Smith, Gene Simmons, Dickie Bird, Brum Robinson and Jim Bowie take a leisurely dip in the sea under the cliffs at Akrotiri (Bill Horspole)

A lot of time and artistic endeavour went into building the 8 Squadron Christmas bar at Khormaksar in 1960 (Bill Horspole)

Must be early evening as Roy Hollow, ANOther and Bill Horspole are still sobre, 8 Squadron 1960 Christmas bar (Bill Horspole)

A Christmas (1960) photo in Cyprus with Jim Bowie, Bill Horspole and Colin Smith celebrating with a Commanderia (Bill Horspole)

Big Jack Lee, Ted Fisher and some of The 'Boys' at Khormaksar in 1960 (Bill Horspole)

Any other names please?

'Tug' and Ros Wilson take in a cooling stroll along Khormaksar Beach in 1960 (Bill Horspole)

Looking very much like he has just brought in something dodgy from South America, Dave Curryer takes a stroll through Victoria Gardens in Steamer Point in 1963 (Taff John)

Merv Patterson and Taff John enjoy a well deserved pint on the beach at the Mermaid Club in 1963 (Taff John)

8 Sqn pilots Graham Williams, Paul Constable, Kiwi Hounsell and Tam Syme take time out from a party at Tam's OMQ for a cigar and a little 'man chat' in 1964 (Mal Grosse)

 

As Mike Flynn gets to grip with his new camera, fellow pilot Mal Grosse looks like he is about to propose a to toast; the Jungle Bar in 1964 (Mal Grosse)

After a hard morning zooming low over an arid desert at high speed, what better way to relax; Peter Sturt on Tarshyne Beach in 1964 (Mal Grosse)

OC 8 Sqn Tam Syme and one of his pilots, Kiwi Hounsell, enjoy a drink at the Jungle Bar in 1965 (Mal Grosse)

'Chalky' White's selection from 1963/64 (via Vic Cozens)

Chalkie White relaxing at the Camel Club

Chalkie and friends at the Camel Club. Rumour has it the the guy in the centre was not pulling a face!

No peace for Chalkie, Kay and her friend at the Camel Club

Chalkie, Peggy and Vi at the Camel Club

Vi doesn't look to certain as Chalkie gives her a lift at the Camel Club

Anonymous group in the Camel Club

Any names would be useful please

Kay White and frined in the Camel Club

The biggest smile anyone ever saw on Dave Curryer's face was captured in this view of him doing the twist in the Camel Club

Chalkie, Vi and friends on the beach (somewhere?)

Chalkie, Vi and freinds on beach (which one?)

Another view including Chalkie, Vi and friends on a beach somewhere

Vi, Kay and Vic soak up the sun on one of the beaches

Chalkies neighbours at the Married Quarters at Khormaksar

Servicemen's children line up to make their stage debut during one of the special functions put on to entertain families

Dave Smith, Kay White, Chalkie White and Vic Cozens still smiling after losing at the Khormaksar races

Kay and Chalkie have a night in with friends

RAF Married Quarters at Khormaksar

Nothing much to do when while Chalkie's at work! A couple of images of Vi White .....

..... relaxing with a pint on the veranda of her quarter

A seasonal visitor to Khormaksar Beach provides an evening's highlight for a couple of young boys and their parents

A raged lines on the face of a local arab is captured on camera

A selection from contributed by Jack Langridge from 1963/64

Looking out across the camp

Taking in the view from the base of Mount Shamsan

Looking across the Maala district from the base of Shamsan

A scene from the 'obligatory' climb up Shamsan

Nearly down! The rocky path leading into the back of Crater

Jack and friend looking forward to their fishing trip .....

..... and preparing the bait that will catch their lunch

Relaxing on the beach

Jack, plus friend and a David Brown

The location would be nice to know.

Jack by the Khormaksar Beach road

 

All's fair in love and war!

Tom Banks (left) waits to pounce on the loose ball as Roger Cox and Tim Notley crunch sticks - Officers v Airmen at Sharjah, 12-63 (author)

Squadron EO, Owen Truelove, accelerates down the wing in anticipation of receiving the ball - Officers v Airmen at Sharjah, 12-63 (author)

What confidence! Officers' goalkeeper Jock McVie nonchalantly watching proceedings during the hockey match at Sharjah. (author)

Tam Syme passes the ball to Tim Notley - Officers v Airmen Basketball at Sharjah, 12-63 (author)

Pete Wotton, Taff Evans, Pete Hall watch Tammy Syme tussling with Jock Harman while Paul Constable waits for a loose ball. (author)

Officers v airmen basketball match at Sharjah, 1963.

Another shot from the basketball match depicts Jock(?), Bill Sheppard, Paul Constable and Tam Syme watching Taff Evans tussle for the ball. (author)

Despite the attention of six defending groundcrew, Bill Sheppard still gets his shot in - Officers v Airmen at Sharjah, 12-63 (author)

From l to r: Bill Sheppard, Pete Wotton and Merv Patterson (fighting for the ball), and Taff Evans

Once again we see stalwart defending from the groundcrew as this shot from the pilots misses its target - Officers v Airmen at Sharjah, 12-63 (author)

From l to r: Geordie Hall (blue shorts), Paul Constable (yellow top), Bill Sheppard (blue top) and Tim Notley (all white)

The annual Muharraq swimming gala in 1963, with 8 Sqn pilots competing in a dingy race. (author)

Roger Cox stoops to collect the ball from a scrum during an inter-unit seven-a-side tournament at Khormaksar in 1963. (author)

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