2026 Annual Reunion was held at RAF LEUCHARS on the 18th April, 2026
Association Function 2026
with Thanks to Jim Campbell
So now that the dust has settled, the hangover subsided and the guests have all been accounted for, I can report on yet another fantastic gathering of the 43(F) Squadron Association, held once again in the Officers Mess, Leuchars Station.
Greeted at the front door by two pipers and a plethora of pre-dinner drinks, we assembled in the anteroom, catching up with old acquaintances before being piped into the dining room for a most enjoyable meal. Grace was read by Keith Boyd and post meal toasts given by Sam Jones (The Loyal Toast), Steve Smith (Toast to the Squadron) and Jim Campbell (Absent Friends)
After thanks to the staff, the President Sir Simon Bryant took to the floor to praise the work of the Air Training Corps, especially the participation of 1019 (Stirling) 2284 (Dunblane) and 383 (Alloa) Squadrons in the memorial parade held at Falleninch, commemorating the formation of 43(F) in 1916. He reiterated the importance of supporting our Armed Forces in the current turbulence of world events, highlighting the fact that we enjoyed a level of ‘freedom’ that the guys and girls serving today don’t have. He went on to pay tribute to Andy Moir for all the work he did for the Association and thanked the current committee for continuing that work, which included the welcome news that homes have been found for displaying the Sqn paintings, details of which will be given once they are confirmed.
That led nicely into the award of the Beedle Trophy, this year given to a very surprised Ian “Huggy” Hughes for his unstinting support of the Squadron and his high profile achievements with the RAF Pipes and Drums.
Once the applause has subsided, the Chairman, Derek Johnston, gave an interesting talk on the formation of the Squadron 110 years ago and told the story of one of our pilots, shot down and killed in France. Lt O’Neil was listed as missing but was discovered to have been interred as an Unknown Officer, and after a lot of hard work by the MoD “War Detectives”, he was identified and a re-dedication service will be held as a new headstone is placed at his grave.
The formal part of the evening concluded, we then retired to the bar. The hubbub of conversation only interrupted by the clarion call of “Is there a Fighting Cock in the House?” You bet your sweet ass there was!
And with that, the evening all too swiftly came to an end. Details of next years’ dinner will be notified in due course but if you have any ideas, please feel free to pass them on to any member of the committee.
The weekend concluded with a lively but poignant service conducted by the Rev. Craig (Jon) Dobney, assisted by wife Donna, at the Leuchars Cemetery War Memorial. He reminded us of the strong bonds that are forged during our time in the Forces and the importance of maintaining contact and keeping an eye on one another.
So, until next time
Gloria Finis
with Thanks to Jim Campbell
So now that the dust has settled, the hangover subsided and the guests have all been accounted for, I can report on yet another fantastic gathering of the 43(F) Squadron Association, held once again in the Officers Mess, Leuchars Station.
Greeted at the front door by two pipers and a plethora of pre-dinner drinks, we assembled in the anteroom, catching up with old acquaintances before being piped into the dining room for a most enjoyable meal. Grace was read by Keith Boyd and post meal toasts given by Sam Jones (The Loyal Toast), Steve Smith (Toast to the Squadron) and Jim Campbell (Absent Friends)
After thanks to the staff, the President Sir Simon Bryant took to the floor to praise the work of the Air Training Corps, especially the participation of 1019 (Stirling) 2284 (Dunblane) and 383 (Alloa) Squadrons in the memorial parade held at Falleninch, commemorating the formation of 43(F) in 1916. He reiterated the importance of supporting our Armed Forces in the current turbulence of world events, highlighting the fact that we enjoyed a level of ‘freedom’ that the guys and girls serving today don’t have. He went on to pay tribute to Andy Moir for all the work he did for the Association and thanked the current committee for continuing that work, which included the welcome news that homes have been found for displaying the Sqn paintings, details of which will be given once they are confirmed.
That led nicely into the award of the Beedle Trophy, this year given to a very surprised Ian “Huggy” Hughes for his unstinting support of the Squadron and his high profile achievements with the RAF Pipes and Drums.
Once the applause has subsided, the Chairman, Derek Johnston, gave an interesting talk on the formation of the Squadron 110 years ago and told the story of one of our pilots, shot down and killed in France. Lt O’Neil was listed as missing but was discovered to have been interred as an Unknown Officer, and after a lot of hard work by the MoD “War Detectives”, he was identified and a re-dedication service will be held as a new headstone is placed at his grave.
The formal part of the evening concluded, we then retired to the bar. The hubbub of conversation only interrupted by the clarion call of “Is there a Fighting Cock in the House?” You bet your sweet ass there was!
And with that, the evening all too swiftly came to an end. Details of next years’ dinner will be notified in due course but if you have any ideas, please feel free to pass them on to any member of the committee.
The weekend concluded with a lively but poignant service conducted by the Rev. Craig (Jon) Dobney, assisted by wife Donna, at the Leuchars Cemetery War Memorial. He reminded us of the strong bonds that are forged during our time in the Forces and the importance of maintaining contact and keeping an eye on one another.
So, until next time
Gloria Finis
