You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June 2016.
David and Tina Calvert Wrote:
“We thought you might like to know that one of our senior cadets, Flt Sgt Nic Fenn, is leaving us to join the RAF. He has been earmarked for fast jet training. He is over the moon and we are, as a squadron, understandably proud.”
Congratulations Nic, Please keep in touch with 249 Association.
Nic leading The 249 Squadron commemoration Parade at The Annual Reunion , North Weald.
Nic with 249 ATC Squadron The Boss
A fictional story based on 249’s contribution to the defence of Malta. Ron Powell has a web site at: http://www.ronpowell.co.uk/
The book can be purchased from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wings-Over-Malta-Ron-Powell-ebook/dp/B01F8PEG1K?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Wings Over Malta
Retired group captain, Ron Powell’s, new book, Wings Over Malta, takes the hero of his Battle of Britain novel, Wings Over Summer, into the ferocious air battles above Malta.
Ron explained, ‘When I was researching Wings Over Summer, I was amazed at how many Battle of Britain pilots went on to fight above the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. I knew then it would have to be the subject of my next novel.’
Wings Over Malta opens in March 1942 with Jack Williams flying one of the first 15 Spitfires to reach the Island, by then the most heavily bombed place on Earth. Once there, he joins 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, which has a simple task: to regain control of the air. The problem is, when not sheltering from the incessant bombing, they’re hunted from take off to landing by tens of Messerschmitts based only a few minutes to the north on Sicily.
Ron continued, ‘The Maltese suffered dreadfully during this period, but they and those fighting to protect them refused to give in. Of course, many of the pilots received medals for bravery, but so did the Islanders. King George VI awarded them the George Cross. The medal still appears on the Island’s flag.’
Ron spent much of his 32 years in the RAF as a flying instructor, teaching young men and women to turn upside down, jink and spin in light aircraft. Reviewers have said this makes his descriptions of air combat especially dynamic and realistic. Perhaps because of this, Wings Over Summer has notched up more than 16,000 sales. Ron hopes Wings Over Malta can achieve the same success. It’s off to a good start, already spending time in the top 50 war books on Amazon, where it’s available as an e-book or paperback.
You can find out more about Ron’s career and writing on his website:
Our Annual reunion will once again take place at North Weald Airfield on Saturday 20th August. See Timings Below. Booking forms can be obtained by going to links or contact the Secretary on 0191 4550229.
11.00 onwards Meet up at the Airfield Museum and view exhibits
11.30 Lay Association Wreath at Airfield Memorial
12.00 Drive to The Squadron for Refreshments
13.00 Lunch
14.30 Talks
15.30 Raffle
16.30 Depart as you will.
249 (Gold Coast) Squadron Association 