Squadron Members Remembered
This page has been created so that we can remember those persons who served on 111 (F) Squadron
during their RAF careers, but have now sadly passed away:
during their RAF careers, but have now sadly passed away:
25, October 2023 - WING COMMANDER DAVID GOODWIN RAF (RETD)
The Association has been informed of the death, on 25.10.2023 of Wing Commander David Goodwin. who flew Hunters with CXI(Fighter) Squadron at a most important time in the Squadron's history. Not only was he a founder member of the Black Arrows aerobatic team, but was also a reliable "Black 2" to Roger Topp, in the early years of the team's displays.
The remaining members of the "Black Arrows" and the whole CXI(F) Squadron Association members send their sincere condolences to David's family at this sad time.
David flew Hunters with CXI (F) Squadron at a most important time in the Squadron's history. He was a founder member of the Black Arrows led by Roger Topp, a reliable Black 2 in the early years of displays. Sadly he had left the Squadron by the time the "Black Arrows" led by Roger Topp performed their fantastic 22-Hunter loop over the Farnborough Air Show in 1958, however, by that time David had helped establish the international reputation of the team.
When our current Squadron Association President, Air Vice-Marshal PW Roser CB MBE RAF (Retd) was the Squadron Commander of CXI(F) Squadron from 1985 to 1987, he hosted a reunion weekend to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Squadron. All former Black Arrows, were invited with 13 attending. Below is a photograph from the time.
David will be remembered by the Squadron Association member with great pride for his contribution to 111 (Fighter) Squadron.
The Association has been informed of the death, on 25.10.2023 of Wing Commander David Goodwin. who flew Hunters with CXI(Fighter) Squadron at a most important time in the Squadron's history. Not only was he a founder member of the Black Arrows aerobatic team, but was also a reliable "Black 2" to Roger Topp, in the early years of the team's displays.
The remaining members of the "Black Arrows" and the whole CXI(F) Squadron Association members send their sincere condolences to David's family at this sad time.
David flew Hunters with CXI (F) Squadron at a most important time in the Squadron's history. He was a founder member of the Black Arrows led by Roger Topp, a reliable Black 2 in the early years of displays. Sadly he had left the Squadron by the time the "Black Arrows" led by Roger Topp performed their fantastic 22-Hunter loop over the Farnborough Air Show in 1958, however, by that time David had helped establish the international reputation of the team.
When our current Squadron Association President, Air Vice-Marshal PW Roser CB MBE RAF (Retd) was the Squadron Commander of CXI(F) Squadron from 1985 to 1987, he hosted a reunion weekend to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Squadron. All former Black Arrows, were invited with 13 attending. Below is a photograph from the time.
David will be remembered by the Squadron Association member with great pride for his contribution to 111 (Fighter) Squadron.
28 June 2023 - AIR COMMODORE DAVID LAWRENCE CBE RAF (RETD)
We have been informed of the death of AIr Commodore David Lawrence CBE RAF (RETD), who died on 28th June 2023 at his home
and is survived by his wife Joy. The members of the CXI (F) Squadron Association convey our deepest condolences to Joy, his son Andrew and the rest of David's family.
Joining the RAF in April of 1957 for his National Service, David became a Service Engineer Officer following apprenticeship in Engineering and was then posted to RAF Wittering. There followed a National Service Commission in Engineering branch, RAF, before a posting to RAF Wittering in July 1957, where he worked on Valiant Bombers. After a tour as a Mechanical Transport Officer at RAF Cottesmore, David was posted to RAF El Adem, Libya, where he met his future wife, Joy. He returned to the UK and as a Flight Lieutenant served at RAF Boscombe Down, Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, working on trials of the "Lightning" fighter aircraft.
Promoted to Wing Commander in 1973 David became Officer Commanding Engineering Wing, 226 Operational Conversion Unit which undertook the conversion of pilots to the LIghtning aircraft. He was also responsible for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In 1975 David become a Staff Officer at HQ Strike Command, responsible for Air Defense Mechanical Engineering, and a year later he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire)
Now as a Group Captain, in 1977 he took up the post of Staff Officer Engineering at RAF Bentley Priory, HQ 11 Group and 2 years later becoming Station Commander of RAF Sealend, No 30 Maintenance Unit. Following this command post he moved to the Ministry Of Defence Procurement Executive in London, during 1981, being responsible for engineering on all current operational RAF aircraft types.
During the later years of David's RAF career and now promoted to Air Commodore, he was posted to RAF Bampton, HQ Support Command. in charge of training for all ground trades, airmen and civilian. In 1987 he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Finally, in 1988 he became a Staff Officer at HQ Strike Command, in charge of Mechanical Engineering.
On retiring, David remained connected to the RAF and was the Senior Curator for 3 dimensional objects (aircraft, uniforms, medals, vehicles, boats, weapons, etc) at the RAF Museum at Hendon.
We have been informed of the death of AIr Commodore David Lawrence CBE RAF (RETD), who died on 28th June 2023 at his home
and is survived by his wife Joy. The members of the CXI (F) Squadron Association convey our deepest condolences to Joy, his son Andrew and the rest of David's family.
Joining the RAF in April of 1957 for his National Service, David became a Service Engineer Officer following apprenticeship in Engineering and was then posted to RAF Wittering. There followed a National Service Commission in Engineering branch, RAF, before a posting to RAF Wittering in July 1957, where he worked on Valiant Bombers. After a tour as a Mechanical Transport Officer at RAF Cottesmore, David was posted to RAF El Adem, Libya, where he met his future wife, Joy. He returned to the UK and as a Flight Lieutenant served at RAF Boscombe Down, Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, working on trials of the "Lightning" fighter aircraft.
Promoted to Wing Commander in 1973 David became Officer Commanding Engineering Wing, 226 Operational Conversion Unit which undertook the conversion of pilots to the LIghtning aircraft. He was also responsible for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In 1975 David become a Staff Officer at HQ Strike Command, responsible for Air Defense Mechanical Engineering, and a year later he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire)
Now as a Group Captain, in 1977 he took up the post of Staff Officer Engineering at RAF Bentley Priory, HQ 11 Group and 2 years later becoming Station Commander of RAF Sealend, No 30 Maintenance Unit. Following this command post he moved to the Ministry Of Defence Procurement Executive in London, during 1981, being responsible for engineering on all current operational RAF aircraft types.
During the later years of David's RAF career and now promoted to Air Commodore, he was posted to RAF Bampton, HQ Support Command. in charge of training for all ground trades, airmen and civilian. In 1987 he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Finally, in 1988 he became a Staff Officer at HQ Strike Command, in charge of Mechanical Engineering.
On retiring, David remained connected to the RAF and was the Senior Curator for 3 dimensional objects (aircraft, uniforms, medals, vehicles, boats, weapons, etc) at the RAF Museum at Hendon.
25 December 2023 - Jim Feeney
Sadly Jim Feeny of the CXI(F) Sqn Association recently passed away, on Sunday 25th December 2023. The Association convey our deepest condolences to his family.
Sadly Jim Feeny of the CXI(F) Sqn Association recently passed away, on Sunday 25th December 2023. The Association convey our deepest condolences to his family.
06 December 2023 - Bill Jago
The CXI(F) Sqn Association has learnt that Bill Jago passed on Wednesday 6th December 2023. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
The CXI(F) Sqn Association has learnt that Bill Jago passed on Wednesday 6th December 2023. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
14 January 2021 - Malcolm Wright
The Association has been informed of the passing of Malcolm Wright, who died peacefully on Thursday 14th Jan 2021.
Both Malcolm and his wife Eunice, were stalwarts of the Association reunions, bringing friendliness, enthusiasm, and a spirited manner to the events. Over the many reunions they attended, their support and friendship were very much appreciated by the officials of the Squadron's Association.
Our thoughts are very much with Eunice and Malcolm's family at such a difficult time and we offer them our sincerest condolences.
The Association has been informed of the passing of Malcolm Wright, who died peacefully on Thursday 14th Jan 2021.
Both Malcolm and his wife Eunice, were stalwarts of the Association reunions, bringing friendliness, enthusiasm, and a spirited manner to the events. Over the many reunions they attended, their support and friendship were very much appreciated by the officials of the Squadron's Association.
Our thoughts are very much with Eunice and Malcolm's family at such a difficult time and we offer them our sincerest condolences.
Peter Jennings - Black Arrows Pilot
With great sadness the Association has learnt that one of our members, Peter Jennings, has passed away after a short illness.
Peter was a member of 111 (Fighter) Squadron at a key time in its history and is remembered fondly and with respect as one of the Black Arrows, when the Squadron was the public face of the Royal Air Force at air shows around the country.
The 1958 Farnborough Air Show will always remain the pinnacle of the Black Arrows' achievements, and the loop of 22 Hunters, of which Peter piloted XE616, was and remains unique in aviation folklore.
Peter's involvement in that spectacular and demanding performance will always be enshrined in the sense of pride we in the Association feel for our historic Squadron.
Peter and his wife Mary were regular supporters of Association reunions, attending many of them including in 2017 the centenary of the
Squadron's formation. Our thoughts are very much with Mary and the rest of Peter's family at this difficult time.
With great sadness the Association has learnt that one of our members, Peter Jennings, has passed away after a short illness.
Peter was a member of 111 (Fighter) Squadron at a key time in its history and is remembered fondly and with respect as one of the Black Arrows, when the Squadron was the public face of the Royal Air Force at air shows around the country.
The 1958 Farnborough Air Show will always remain the pinnacle of the Black Arrows' achievements, and the loop of 22 Hunters, of which Peter piloted XE616, was and remains unique in aviation folklore.
Peter's involvement in that spectacular and demanding performance will always be enshrined in the sense of pride we in the Association feel for our historic Squadron.
Peter and his wife Mary were regular supporters of Association reunions, attending many of them including in 2017 the centenary of the
Squadron's formation. Our thoughts are very much with Mary and the rest of Peter's family at this difficult time.
28 October 2019 - Robert James "Paddy" Rae
We have recently been informed of the dearth of Robert James "Paddy" Rae, on 28th October 2019 aged 97 years old. Upon turning 18 years old, "Paddy" joined the RAF and served with CXI(F) Sqn as an armourer from January 1940 to 1942 in the UK, before moving with the Squadron to North Africa in November 1942. Subsequently he served with CXI(F) Sqn in Italy and the South of France, ending the war with the occupying army in Austria. Following the war he joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service and enjoyed a long retirement from 1982. His wife Olivia Rachael predeceased him and he is survived by his son Gordon and daughter-in-law Lorraine. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
We have recently been informed of the dearth of Robert James "Paddy" Rae, on 28th October 2019 aged 97 years old. Upon turning 18 years old, "Paddy" joined the RAF and served with CXI(F) Sqn as an armourer from January 1940 to 1942 in the UK, before moving with the Squadron to North Africa in November 1942. Subsequently he served with CXI(F) Sqn in Italy and the South of France, ending the war with the occupying army in Austria. Following the war he joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service and enjoyed a long retirement from 1982. His wife Olivia Rachael predeceased him and he is survived by his son Gordon and daughter-in-law Lorraine. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
03 April 2019 - Edward Mendham
It is with great sadness that we were informed by his wife Barbara, of the death on 27th March 2019 of former 111 (F) Squadron and Association Member Edward Mendham. Edward served 1954-1967. Our thoughts are with Barbara and the rest of Edwards family at this time.
It is with great sadness that we were informed by his wife Barbara, of the death on 27th March 2019 of former 111 (F) Squadron and Association Member Edward Mendham. Edward served 1954-1967. Our thoughts are with Barbara and the rest of Edwards family at this time.
27 April 2016 - Cpl Robert 'Bob' Rankin
It is with much sadness that the Association must report the death of a former 111 (F) ground-crew member, Cpl Robert 'Bob' Rankin, who was based at Leuchars from 86/87 till 1990 when he completed his 22 year service. A service will take place in Dundee Crematorium 27th April 2016 at 14:45pm and afterwards refreshments at the Panmure Hotel in Monifieth. Any Association members who served with 'Bob' and wish to attend the service to pay their respects are welcome to do so. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
It is with much sadness that the Association must report the death of a former 111 (F) ground-crew member, Cpl Robert 'Bob' Rankin, who was based at Leuchars from 86/87 till 1990 when he completed his 22 year service. A service will take place in Dundee Crematorium 27th April 2016 at 14:45pm and afterwards refreshments at the Panmure Hotel in Monifieth. Any Association members who served with 'Bob' and wish to attend the service to pay their respects are welcome to do so. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.