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SITE and OTHER NEWS.
Old Sarum Airfield Fire.
I was greatly saddened to hear of the WW1 hangar fire at Old Sarum. 103 Squadron were based there from Sept 1917 to May 1918. The hangar was completely destroyed as a result of the fire, which also engulfed the adjacent restaurant and café. A spokesperson from the Save Old Sarum group, which has been campaigning to prevent development on the airfield land, said: "We are deeply saddened by the fire at Hangar 3 and café at Old Sarum Airfield, and we praise the swift response by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service in containing the fire." They added: "This is not just a loss to the local community, but the nation as well."
David W Fell 18 April 2025
Osprey Books
The Ruhr 1943
Battle of Berlin 1943 - 44
Both these Osprey books are highly recommended and feature cover art work by Graham Turner. These depict splendid paintings of 2 103 Squadron Lancasters The books are written by Dr Richard Worrall who teaches military and international history at the University of Salford, and has taught history for over ten years, most recently at Manchester Metropolitan University, and previously in Singapore and London. His PhD is from the University of Oxford and focused on British strategic and military history, and he also holds degrees from Kings College London and the London School of Economics
He has also written similar books Hamburg 1940 - 45 and The Italian Blitz 1940 - 43
They can be found on the Osprey Books website.
David W Fell 1 April 2025
Updates.
In recent weeks I have received a lot of new material and photos. Many thanks to all the contributers and supporters concerned. There is too much to deal with at once but I will add these items over the next few months. David W Fell 1 March 2025
2024 Website Summary
The past year has shown another pleasing increase in visitor and page view numbers all round. Down time has been minimal and nothing to worry about. Feedback has been excellent throughout the year.
During 2025 I will continue to steadily expand the content on all 3 sites and build on what I have achieved. The website, photo and research expenses are quite manageable and I can easily cope with these from my own pocket.
I look forward to another 12 months of consolidation and progress. However the amount of work I am able to put into all this will be dependent on health issues and other commitments which may have to take precedence.
Happy New Year and my best wishes to you all. David W Fell – 1 January 2025
Seasons Greetings
A very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all friends, supporters and visitors.
2024 has been another year of steady progress and consolidation. Visitor numbers and site stats for 2024 remain encouraging and have continued to show consistent growth throughout the year. I will include a brief summary of this next month. There have been one or two gremlins to deal with and hopefully these will not recur.
On a personal note I am in reasonable health but am certainly not as active as I was 5 years ago before the covid pandemic. This is mainly attributable to back and joint issues as a consequence of old age. However I can still ride a bike pretty good. If the weather is OK I try to get out for an hour or so. I have a very good exercise bike for use at home as well and I do keep as active as possible and continue with a variety of interests.
Overall it has been a good year and all being well that will continue through 2025
David W Fell - 1 December 2024
Future Additions to these Sites.
Over the winter I have worked steadily producing new material and I now have accumulated a considerable amount of content awaiting addition to these sites and uploading. It is all written up with photos ready to go. From now on I may update the sites twice a month or alternatively add more content at the end of each month. However this is dependent on available time and other commitments/interests which have to take priority. David W Fell – 1 April 2024
Clifford Storr
A former navigator with 103 Squadron in 1944/45, Clifford Storr, passed away at his Seccombe Court Care Home in Adderbury, near Banbury, Oxfordshire on Sunday 10 December 2023. He was 100 years of age. Clifford was posted to 103 Squadron as part of the Mosley crew in November 1944 and completed their tour in mid April 1945. David W Fell 1 February 2024
2023 Website Summary
The past year has shown another encouraging increase in visitor and page view numbers of approx 20% all round. Down time has been minimal and nothing to worry about. My host is very reliable and provides sound UK based support. Feedback has been excellent throughout the year.
During 2024 I will continue to expand the content on all 3 sites and build on what I have achieved. The website, photo and research expenses are quite manageable and I can easily cope with these from my own pocket.
I look forward to another 12 months of consolidation and progress. Onwards and upwards.
Happy New Year and my best wishes to you all. David W Fell – 1 January 2024
Jane Mary Nicoll
I deeply regret to announce the passing of Jane Mary Nicoll in May last year whilst in residential care in York. I have only just discovered this and had no idea she was in such poor health.
Jane was the widow of the late Gp Capt Tim Nicoll RAF Rtd who passed away some years ago. Tim was a former 103 Squadron helicopter pilot in the Far East and contributed several items and photos to my websites etc. Jane was a teacher, exceptionally fluent in German and a quite lovely lady. Both Tim and Jane were most helpful and supportive to me during the few years I had the pleasure of knowing them and their encouragement was greatly appreciated and valued. RIP. David W Fell - 1 January 2024
Seasons Greetings
A very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all friends, supporters and visitors.
2023 has been another year of continued progress and consolidation with no unforeseen issues of any significance. This should continue in 2024 and beyond.
Visitor numbers and site stats for 2023 are very encouraging and have continued to show steady growth throughout the year. I will include a brief summary of this next month. 1 December 2023
Ken Butler DFC RAF Medal Auction
I recently had an e mail from Ewbank Auctions re Ken Butler's medals etc
WWII medal group to PLT. OFF. K. R. BUTLER. R.A.F, The India General Service Medal, George VI, 1 Bar North West Frontier 1937- 39, 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal, with Miniatures, together with 3 Log Books 1, 4, 5, starting in 1937 and running to 1945, and including service with 28 (AC) Squadron Ambala, India. He flew Lysander army co-operation aircraft, Wellingtons, Halifax and Lancasters during the later war years ending up as a Squadron Leader at 103 Squadron, Elsham Wolds in 1945. In April the same year he took part in Operation Manna making food drops the to people in occupied Western Holland. the lot includes his wings, uniform buttons and 103 Squadron badge, Dog Tags, Silver Pegasus pin, 9ct gold and enamelled "RAF" cuff links - guilloche enamel RAF comb
They will be in a militaria section of the sale on 24th March.
Ewbank Auction 24 March 2023
Not being a collector they do not interest me but several people who view this site may well be interested. This is an excellent lot and will certainly fetch a good price. David W Fell 1 February 2023
Update - Sold for £1560 inc buyer’s fees
26 March 2023
2022 Websites Summary
Throughout the year the sites have shown steady growth and particularly in the last quarter when there has been something of a surge. The Page Views for 2022 broke the million threshold again and ended up well past 1200000, a 20% improvement on last year. This is all very encouraging considering I am an independent self financing creator.
For 2023 I will continue to develop the sites and build on what I have already achieved. I have limited on the amount of time I can spend on this hobby however but I will add new items and expand on those I have already started on a regular monthly basis as time progresses.
Many thanks for those that have sent submissions and material over the last 12 months. David W Fell 1 January 2023
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