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I have recently received this message from Brian Parsons
“You may know that there is another attempt at getting some sort of official Veterans’ ID Card for the ex-military. If successful it would mean that people would no longer have to pay into the British Veterans Recognition Card organisation each year to get a quasi ID card. Such an official card could be very useful to travellers, particularly in the States, and even here in UK, some stores/organisations do give discounts to ex-servicemen/ women. Anyway I thought you might feel this petition is one you and association members might like to know about and perhaps support.
The internet link is http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/14243.
Very best regards
Brian Parsons”
It is with great sadness that we have to anounce the death of Flight Lieutenant John Younie, who has died aged 91, was twice awarded the DFC for flying fighter reconnaissance and ground attack sorties over North Africa and the Balkans.
Our Sympathy and Condolances go out to his family and friends.
Please see link :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9283310/Flight-Lieutenant-John-Younie.html
Mike Cooper writes:
“Tommy, just seen your new blog on the association website and it looks good. I wonder whether you can help me? I am carrying out research on my late Father Wilfred “Bill” Cooper airframe fitter 643258 on 249 from Dec 1940 t0 May 1941 when he shipped out to be part of 127 Sqn. I would be interested to hear from anyone who knew him or had info on him such as who “his” pilot(s) were and aircraft codes that he worked on or Flight letters etc. I know its a long time ago, but maybe somebody knows something. Dixie Herron recollected him but didn’t know him as such and Tom Neil didn’t know him. if you could. I think my Father appears in one of the photos in Tom Neils book “Gun button to fire” picture number 36 between pages 96 and 97 He maybe the fouth person on the left of the wing looking downwards. I know he wasn’t an armourer, and it was a staged propaganda picture but it might help any help would be gratefully received regards Mike Cooper”
John has just contacted the Squadron. He served from 1959 until 1962 as an engine type. John and his wife Sue now live in Australia. This is a photograph of him celebrating his 75th birthday recently. Great to hear from you John.
John in 1961.
Flight Lieutenant Norman Carter Macqueen (1920-1942) DFC RAFVR
Distinguished Flying Cross, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
George Hornby, local poet and RAF Veteran was pleased to attend a reunion of the Old Fettesian Association (North West England Branch) recently as an honoured guest at Little Bollington. He made presentations to commemorate the life of Norman Macqueen who entered RAF service from Rhyl in 1939 at RAF Padgate, near Warrington aged 19.
The regional College reunion was held at the Swan with Two Nicks, Little Bollington, Friday May 11th 2012. George Hornby presented a framed copy of his poem “The Few”, a replica DFC in a frame and a biographical folder produced by Charles Leach.
Friday May 4th 2012 marked the seventieth anniversary of Norman’s death in Malta. Fettes College marked this poignant event at Assembly and at the same time a candle was lit in St. Asaph Cathedral by Charles Leach to coincide with the College Service.
Norman was the second son of Rhyl GP Gordon Macqueen and Helen Macqueen (Clarence House). He attended Fettes College, Edinburgh from 1933-1938 as a boarder. Norman was a member of the famous 249 Squadron; he was killed in action when his plane nosedived near RAF Ta Kali, Malta. A few days before this event, it had been announced that Norman was to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Mrs. Dawn Beaumont (Old Fettesian Secretary) accepted the items on behalf of Fettes College thanked George for making the presentations and also for perpetuating the memory of Flight LieutenNorman Carter Macqueen DFC. Lest we forget.
- Born April 17th 1920, 677, Bloxwich Rd, Leamore, Walsall, West Midlands
- Parents, Dr. Joseph Gordon and Helen Fairley Macqueen
- September 1933, enters Fettes College, Edinburgh
- July 1938, leaves Fettes College
- September 10th 1939 joins RAF as Aircraftman 2nd Class service number 968025
- January 1st 1940 promoted to Leading Aircraftman
- October 12th 1940 promoted temporarily to Sergeant
- November 12th 1940 granted a commission as Pilot Officer RAFVR, 86689
- October 16th 1941 granted the paid acting rank of paid Flight Lieutenant
- Squadrons, 610, 602 and 249 (Malta)
- Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, (DFC)
- Killed in action, May 4th 1942, near Naxaro, Ta Kali, Malta
- Buried, Kalkara Cemetery, Plot E, Malta
Flight Lieutenant Norman Carter MacQueen DFC, 86689, Royal Air Force (VR), from Rhyl, in North Wales, Spitfire pilot with 249 Squadron at Ta Kali. He was preparing to attack some ME 109’s when his aircraft was hit by tracer fire from another ME 109. The Spitfire nose-dived into the ground and he was killed, the 4th May 1942. He was buried in Kalkara cemetery.
Our Thanks to Charles Leach for this information.
Please see the following Link to Jocks’ Obituary
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/9255128/Squadron-Leader-Jock-Maitland.html
249 (Gold Coast) Squadron Association 