My Guestbook

I sent an email through your contact service a few weeks ago asking whether you could help me trace my father’s cousin, Ian Hugh McDowell, who was an apprentice at Halton before joining the RAF’s 101 Squadron. I am wondering whether you received the email as I have so far heard nothing from you.

Ian was killed while piloting Avro Lancaster I ME619 SR-U on 23rd April 1944 and his name appears on the Old Haltonians Roll of Honour. I notice that your website states you have numerous apprentice archives for reference, and should be most grateful to know whether you have any records of Ian’s time at Halton.

Jayne Kirk

Corfton
South Shropshire

I have just seen the following post on Facebook about the demise of RAF Halton:

“If it’s going to be torn down for new houses give us Brats the opportunity to buy a piece of our history. There must be items from our training that we could purchase to remind us of our years in training. What's goung to happen to the WW1 trenches?”

Would/could the RAFHAA exploit what might be a way of swelling Association funds by selling off small parts of the school to Brats? A piece of aspalt from the paradeground or a piece of workshop walls could be sold for, say, £5 (plus P&P).

I am trying to contact Brian Wilson,entry was 1955,D.O.B 16 May 1940.He previously lived in Colne Drive Romford he married in 1960 and worked on Lightnings at Coltishall in 1966 (airframes).That was when I last saw him.Remember he was Man Utd fan.
If he's still around I'd be delighted to hear from him again.Thank You John Gilbert

I was posted to Apprentice Wing as a Sgt in Nov 1988 and took over as the Drill Instructor for 148 Entry then 151, 154 and finally 155 entries.

The Sgt for 155 Entry was my close friend Roy Bentley but he was detached to the Falklands about 6 months before the final graduation so I took over the entry until Roy's return then we trained them together for the final parade. I just saw the 154 entry graduation today on line and there I was with sash and pace stick - Happy Days

If anyone would like to make contact I would be delighted too hear from you.

To Chris East.
Data for the AGM is always contained in the latest Haltonian magazine. Unlike a website the magazine is directed to paid up Association members. Hopefully this will explain why information is not always placed on the web. Regards, Alan.

I would have thought that rather than the gimmicky count down to the AGM there would be details of the meeting place, timing and catering arrangements. Maybe it is there somewhere, but apparently good web site design should not require the visitor to think too hard.
I understand that the AGM will be even more controversial than last year; so there may well be an even bigger turnout.
Chris East
87th entry Association rep

I was part of the 306 entry.

In general, we were kind of looked down on by the 100s and 200s entries.

However, because number of the 306 could play football
'pretty well' , we represented Halton a number of times and mixed with those players who were from 100s and 200s entries there at the time.

A respect was earned. I look back on those days with fondness.

I am proud of being an Old Haltonian, The number 1 School of TT.

Any of the 105s 205s and of course the 305 306 and 307 entries read this and recognise my name, get in touch.