introduction by the president
Air Vice Marshal A J Stables CBE FRAeS
Squadrons are the very lifeblood of the Royal Air Force; they are both fighting units and families. Like all families there is the odd disagreement from time to time, but this is more than compensated for by that unity, trust and deep and lasting friendship that is present when like minded people are drawn together within that family – the squadron. I have certainly shared a good part of my life with Number 18(B) Squadron, over ten years in fact. For uniquely, perhaps, within the Royal Air Force I have served four separate flying tours with the Squadron in four different ranks; in the late 60s as a Flying Officer in Acklington and Odiham flying Wessex, in the early 70s as a Flight Lieutenant in Gutersloh again flying Wessex, in the mid 70s as a Squadron Leader again in Gutersloh and again flying the Wessex, and finally as a Wing Commander in Odiham and Gutersloh flying Chinook.
Not surprisingly therefore I have a special affection for the ‘Red Pegasus’ and I am delighted to have been asked to become the President of your Association. Our growth and success will, be dependent upon your support. You, the former members, have been 18(B) Squadron during the past 40 years and all of you will have a story to tell – the newsletter provides the opportunity! So please do it and lets hear from you. We also, of course, need to ‘grow’ the membership. So please spread the word.
The present Squadron members have taken that important step to form the Association and it is now a matter for us, the former members, to make it work. I know that you will all share my affection for Number 18(B) Squadron and I welcome you as members of and participants in our Association. Lets do it.