From an RAF family. My dad was based at Singapore 1966 - 68 . So he probably worked on those aircraft and the Sunderland Flying boat. The family and I were there same time. Great memories. My Dad just showed me the certificate of 209 Squadron disbandment. Sgt Tom G. won't give last name on utube. I was 4 at the time.
This is the vid/film slides I've looking for to see. It remained me of my childhood days when I used to watch your plane the scottish pioneer take off and land almost everyday after school.My home where I live was near Paroi airfield the only airfield in Negri Sembilan.It was a British army camp which had an airfield.Everyday I used to watch these aircraft take off& land. I was so passionated with these aircrafts.I still remember this airfields stationed afew pioneers,some westland scouts,bell siouxs. Sometimes belvedeers used to stop for a fortnight.The bevears were regular visitor at this airfield.Nowdays this place has turned into sport complex,which has football stadium,olympic std swimmingpool,gymnasium and boxing arena.Those old days still remembered well.
1955/6 Single Pioneers flew us from nearby Seremban into distant camp in jungle. Just 4 troops and kits were the limit of each transporting my platoon into a very short runway - I vaguely remember that we could fly in but not take us out and after some weeks we walked out - a full day! Very interesting film - thanks.
Thank you for sharing these remarkable photographs. My late uncle was stationed at Singapore in the late sixties flying Whirlwinds with 110 Squadron I think. The Pioneer was an amazing aircraft and I think I saw the last one at the RAF Cosford museum in 1978. Such a pity that none have been preserved in flying condition.
From an RAF family. We got to the Middle East but never the Far East as hoped one day we might. Your delightful snapshots bring it vividly to life, how I imagined. I particularly love the little jungle landing strips and RAF stations/parade ground in miniature. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for giving us a glimpse. I can't help thinking the RAF was one big resourceful, kind, happy family worldwide.
Our house in KL was under the flight path from the then KL airport. I have memories of seeing these, plus "Twin Pins" as well as commercial aircraft, flying in and out of that airport daily.
Just to let you all know, the deactivation of 209 Squadron was not quite the end for the single pioneer in RAF service. Four aircraft were sent across to 20 squadron at RAF Tengah in early 1969 to form a Forward Observation Flt. Some of 20 squadron Hunter pilots were retrained to fly the Pioneer. I was sent across from 390 MU to tengah as the SNCO in charge of maintenance . This was the most fun I ever had in the RAF, for the next six or seven months we carried out exercises in the malaysian jungle, operating from very small runways which were just flat land with crushed stone. The idea was -take off just before dawn and try to find smoke from the fires used to cook breakfast for the soldiers playing the enemy, If smoke was seen the pilot would move away from that area and then call up 20 squadron in Singapore, a couple of Hunter ground strike aircraft were then deployed to the exercise area, the single pioneer pilot would then talk to the Hunters to bring them to the correct location. One of the maintenance guys who would be in the rear seat would then, on the pilots command drop a coloured smoke bomb on to the enemy position. The aim was for the strike aircraft to cross over the enemy position within 10 seconds of the smoke bomb issuing smoke. The single pioneer was a really excellent short take-off and landing aircraft, some of this places it got in and out of would amaze most people. The unit was closed at the end of 1969. Bill Richardson.
My Father was FLt Lt John [Jack] WARD based in both Malaysia and Singapore. He was one of a few brave soles who flew the Pioneers to Malaysia from Scotland. His log books are like Bibles to us, his Children. In Singapore we lived in Katong Grang Hotel for 2 plus years, was water front then, now reclaimed land. Great Childhood memories. Would love to hear from any one out there who was also based in Singapore 63/66.
Most enjoyable - I was at HQFEAF Changi from 66 to 69 and worked with the Scientific Advisors Branch, so we spent a lot of time up country in the areas in your video. I managed one flight in a Sin Pin but flying at low altitude in bumpy weather required me to use my beret as a sick bag otherwise I was warned I'd have to clean the aircraft out! Still - great remembered times - thanks again.
Beautiful video, brought back many memories. Will be visiting Singapore in 2 weeks time - 12 Feb 2015. Not many of the aircrew still around these days. Francis Haggerty, Navigator - 209 Sqm 3 Jan 1965 - 31 Aug 1967
Thanks Francis. I'm assuming you were on Twins, and I'm desperately trying to put a face to your name. I must go back through my photos. I last saw Singapore a few years ago when I flew into Seletar in a HS125, which we were flight testing. It was almost nothing like I remembered it, especially as about half of Seletar village had been cleared for a new highway. However, our side of the airfield was exactly the same. It was like being in a time warp, and very odd. I also went round to our old house, again, very odd sensation. Enjoy your trip, and be aware, you can't have Pork Satay, and Prawns in batter seem to have diappeared from the local menu.
Started up the voice flight on 209 Sqn. And flew as an operator 1961/1962. Magic aircraft the single, but preferred the twin, safer witwo engines in the conditions we flew in. B.A.T,Davies
Only just seen this video on U tube.03/20129 I was an engine mech on 267 Sqd at KL in 1954/57 and few into all the Jungle Fort's as a crewman on Single Pioneers, I recall Fort Legasp where we had a firing pin failure on the Kaufman starter, we got it started by swinging the prop using a sack and some rope.
I enjoyed this very much, My Father John White "Chaulky" was out there in the 1960's on the Single Pioneer and flew all those Single Pins in your video as I checked in his log book. He loved that plane and the lifestyle it brought. Dad died in 2002 and I am delighted to have flown him before he died in a light plane to Cosford where we were able to climb all over XL703 which was fantastic. I wish Dad had seen your video - Many thanks
Thank you so much for your comment. I´m pleased it was able to bring back some happy memories for you. Incidentally, you mentioned XL703. I was instrumental in getting that aircraft brought back to the UK for preservation. I wrote to the curator of the RAF Museum suggesting that it ought to be done. The squadron was disbanding at that time, so I knew all the planes would disappear into a local Singapore scrapyard very quickly. I saw what happened to the Beverleys. John.
Thank you John, as a Labuanite in '65/6 the Pin was part of our furniture. Any idea as to the fate of XL703? It doesn't appear on the Cosford/Hendon website listing these days.
Thank you so much for your comment. Your father and I had a lot in common. I was also on Shackletons, at BallyKelly, both as a ´Siggie´, and pilot. I left there to go to 209 at Seletar.
I remember you better by the nickname of “Noby”, playing golf on the 9 hole course at Seletar and the few trips I had with 209. Remember flying with Pat Godband (who thought my hair was far too long) and my father. Been back to Singapore several times and nothing equals those days in the 60’s. Our old house, 19 Maidavale, has not changed at all - it’s exactly as we left it. As you know, Ian died in ‘73. Margaret died 2015. KEVIN (google my full name for further info)
Hi Kevin, how very nice to hear from you. I hope yopu get this okay, because In tried to answer yesterday through my E-mail but without success. Could you let me know if you get this on johndavidhosier@gmail.com ?
Looking back, I think I was becoming a bit a nuisance for various reasons, so when I requested a posting, it went through quickly. Boy did that turn out well for me. Lucky little devil.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
From an RAF family. My dad was based at Singapore 1966 - 68 . So he probably worked on those aircraft and the Sunderland Flying boat. The family and I were there same time. Great memories. My Dad just showed me the certificate of 209 Squadron disbandment. Sgt Tom G. won't give last name on utube. I was 4 at the time.
This is the vid/film slides I've looking for to see. It remained me of my childhood days when I used to watch your plane the scottish pioneer take off and land almost everyday after school.My home where I live was near Paroi airfield the only airfield in Negri Sembilan.It was a British army camp which had an airfield.Everyday I used to watch these aircraft take off& land. I was so passionated with these aircrafts.I still remember this airfields stationed afew pioneers,some westland scouts,bell siouxs. Sometimes belvedeers used to stop for a fortnight.The bevears were regular visitor at this airfield.Nowdays this place has turned into sport complex,which has football stadium,olympic std swimmingpool,gymnasium and boxing arena.Those old days still remembered well.
1955/6 Single Pioneers flew us from nearby Seremban into distant camp in jungle. Just 4 troops and kits were the limit of each transporting my platoon into a very short runway - I vaguely remember that we could fly in but not take us out and after some weeks we walked out - a full day! Very interesting film - thanks.
Thank you for sharing these remarkable photographs. My late uncle was stationed at Singapore in the late sixties flying Whirlwinds with 110 Squadron I think. The Pioneer was an amazing aircraft and I think I saw the last one at the RAF Cosford museum in 1978. Such a pity that none have been preserved in flying condition.
From an RAF family. We got to the Middle East but never the Far East as hoped one day we might.
Your delightful snapshots bring it vividly to life, how I imagined.
I particularly love the little jungle landing strips and RAF stations/parade ground in miniature.
Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for giving us a glimpse.
I can't help thinking the RAF was one big resourceful, kind, happy family worldwide.
Our house in KL was under the flight path from the then KL airport. I have memories of seeing these, plus "Twin Pins" as well as commercial aircraft, flying in and out of that airport daily.
Just to let you all know, the deactivation of 209 Squadron was not quite the end for the single pioneer in RAF service. Four aircraft were sent across to 20 squadron at RAF Tengah in early 1969 to form a Forward Observation Flt. Some of 20 squadron Hunter pilots were retrained to fly the Pioneer.
I was sent across from 390 MU to tengah as the SNCO in charge of maintenance . This was the most fun I ever had in the RAF, for the next six or seven months we carried out exercises in the malaysian jungle, operating from very small runways which were just flat land with crushed stone.
The idea was -take off just before dawn and try to find smoke from the fires used to cook breakfast for the soldiers playing the enemy, If smoke was seen the pilot would move away from that area and then call up 20 squadron in Singapore, a couple of Hunter ground strike aircraft were then deployed to the exercise area, the single pioneer pilot would then talk to the Hunters to bring them to the correct location. One of the maintenance guys who would be in the rear seat would then, on the pilots command drop a coloured smoke bomb on to the enemy position. The aim was for the strike aircraft to cross over the enemy position within 10 seconds of the smoke bomb issuing smoke. The single pioneer was a really excellent short take-off and landing aircraft, some of this places it got in and out of would amaze most people. The unit was closed at the end of 1969.
Bill Richardson.
My Father was FLt Lt John [Jack] WARD based in both Malaysia and Singapore. He was one of a few brave soles who flew the Pioneers to Malaysia from Scotland. His log books are like Bibles to us, his Children. In Singapore we lived in Katong Grang Hotel for 2 plus years, was water front then, now reclaimed land. Great Childhood memories. Would love to hear from any one out there who was also based in Singapore 63/66.
I was there when Pioneers were metal finish 1960/62 and at Penerak on Bersatu Padu with 72 Sqn Wessex.
Most enjoyable - I was at HQFEAF Changi from 66 to 69 and worked with the Scientific Advisors Branch, so we spent a lot of time up country in the areas in your video.
I managed one flight in a Sin Pin but flying at low altitude in bumpy weather required me to use my beret as a sick bag otherwise I was warned I'd have to clean the aircraft out! Still - great remembered times - thanks again.
Beautiful video, brought back many memories. Will be visiting Singapore in 2 weeks time - 12 Feb 2015. Not many of the aircrew still around these days. Francis Haggerty, Navigator - 209 Sqm 3 Jan 1965 - 31 Aug 1967
Thanks Francis. I'm assuming you were on Twins, and I'm desperately trying to put a face to your name. I must go back through my photos. I last saw Singapore a few years ago when I flew into Seletar in a HS125, which we were flight testing. It was almost nothing like I remembered it, especially as about half of Seletar village had been cleared for a new highway. However, our side of the airfield was exactly the same. It was like being in a time warp, and very odd. I also went round to our old house, again, very odd sensation. Enjoy your trip, and be aware, you can't have Pork Satay, and Prawns in batter seem to have diappeared from the local menu.
Hi Francis, I wonder if you were on the Sqn when my wife's father was on it? He was a Nav, Dennis North.
Started up the voice flight on 209 Sqn. And flew as an operator 1961/1962. Magic aircraft the single, but preferred the twin, safer witwo engines in the conditions we flew in. B.A.T,Davies
Great video, fantastic photographs.. Thanks for sharing those memories.
Only just seen this video on U tube.03/20129 I was an engine mech on 267 Sqd at KL in 1954/57 and few into all the Jungle Fort's as a crewman on Single Pioneers, I recall Fort Legasp where we had a firing pin failure on the Kaufman starter, we got it started by swinging the prop using a sack and some rope.
I was told on the squadron that that had happened at some time, but never any details. Thanks for that.
I enjoyed this very much, My Father John White "Chaulky" was out there in the 1960's on the Single Pioneer and flew all those Single Pins in your video as I checked in his log book. He loved that plane and the lifestyle it brought. Dad died in 2002 and I am delighted to have flown him before he died in a light plane to Cosford where we were able to climb all over XL703 which was fantastic. I wish Dad had seen your video - Many thanks
David White
Thank you so much for your comment. I´m pleased it was able to bring back some happy memories for you. Incidentally, you mentioned XL703. I was instrumental in getting that aircraft brought back to the UK for preservation. I wrote to the curator of the RAF Museum suggesting that it ought to be done. The squadron was disbanding at that time, so I knew all the planes would disappear into a local Singapore scrapyard very quickly. I saw what happened to the Beverleys. John.
Thank you John, as a Labuanite in '65/6 the Pin was part of our furniture. Any idea as to the fate of XL703? It doesn't appear on the Cosford/Hendon website listing these days.
Thank you so much for your comment. Your father and I had a lot in common. I was also on Shackletons, at BallyKelly, both as a ´Siggie´, and pilot. I left there to go to 209 at Seletar.
VERY GOOD 209 VIDEO..
Did you know my late husband, Lawrence Jeffery, known as Jeff? He was an J/T aircraft fitter on the 209 sqn single and twin pins at same time as you
I remember you better by the nickname of “Noby”, playing golf on the 9 hole course at Seletar and the few trips I had with 209. Remember flying with Pat Godband (who thought my hair was far too long) and my father. Been back to Singapore several times and nothing equals those days in the 60’s. Our old house, 19 Maidavale, has not changed at all - it’s exactly as we left it. As you know, Ian died in ‘73. Margaret died 2015. KEVIN (google my full name for further info)
Hi Kevin, how very nice to hear from you. I hope yopu get this okay, because In tried to answer yesterday through my E-mail but without success. Could you let me know if you get this on johndavidhosier@gmail.com ?
Looks like an enjoyable job with some fond memories, but what type of 'plane was it and what did the squadron actually do?
It was a Prestwick Aviatiion Single Pioneer. The job was STOL operations throughhout Malaya and Borneo, when required, hence the Carrier training.
The Mersing sand strip still in use.
That's amazing. Thank you.
What did you have to do/upset to get put on a single Pioneer?
Looking back, I think I was becoming a bit a nuisance for various reasons, so when I requested a posting, it went through quickly. Boy did that turn out well for me. Lucky little devil.
I'd had moments like that as well :-)
Thanks for posting ! I think there is not a single Example of that Airplane type around airworthy in these days...