Dave Edwards ( nicknamed ‘Spike’ during BE period )
RAF ( X1946386) :  24th January 1962 - 12th April 1976.
Spent a good 14 years ( incl BE ) with the RAF and enjoyed every minute of it, final rank Corporal :
It all started with the ITS in ‘K’ Lines , Air Wireless Mechanics ( Hut K3). Can hopefully remember all the names of the guys, in the billet :  John Andrews , Dave Anstey, Pete Attwood, Paul Baker, John Barnes, (Sexy)  Brown , Graham Causier, Brian Davies, Graham Evans, John Flood, Clive Gale, Pete Harper, Albert Kent, Bob Ladley, John MacDonald, Peter Nash, Allan Thomas, Barry Tucker & Howard Warner. (20x incl. me ). Have I forgotten anyone ?  Where are they all now ?
Was stationed at Lyneham, first off, along with Barry Tucker & Algy Pearce but have not seen them since. Worked on the Brit’s & Comets at the Aircraft Prep Sqn. (on shifts). Got posted to Geilenkirchen in 1965 ( early Summer ) & met up with a number of ex 45th AWM's on the same flight & destination. There were others, going to other stations, but can only remember those who were sent to Geilers : John Andrews, John Anderson & Chas Charity. Also met up with Allan Thomas, who was already there or, who joined us a little later. We worked in the Sgts Mess as waiters, for a bit of extra cash and did loads of baby-sitting down on the Married Qtrs, aswell. Went out at weekends into Holland (Brunssum, Heerlen, etc). Started at ARSF, in Geilers and got asked (as a singly) to go up to Laarbruch, after 9 months. It was fine by me, I had no ties. Joined ARSF first (met up with Bob Liddiard there) & then over to 31 Sqn (Canberra PR7’s). Laarbruch is now a civil airport.  

I met my wife over the border in Venray, Holland & got married in 1966. Returned to the UK in April 1968, with wife & son to Lyneham. This was shortlived ‘cos I got sent on a Fitters Course back at Cosford & passed out in July 1969. Got posted to St Athan, working on the MU, 3rd line servicing of Canberra’s & later, Buccaneers.
Managed to get my final tour of duty starting in June 1973, first to Bruggen & then back to Laarbruch. Worked on 2 (AC) Sqn, Phantoms Mk 1V’s & met up with Steve Preston who was on the opposite shift as Cpl Air Comms. At most camps was a ‘drummer’ in pop groups, playing in Messes & many other Venues all across Germany & Holland. and have followed this through after demob in 1976, right up to the present day. Bought a house in Venray & have lived permanently in The Netherlands ever since.
After demob, took a job with SSVC (TV service & Aerials) stationed at Rheindahlen & Dusseldorf until a job came up, after 3 months, with Rank Xerox here in Venray. Our daughter was born just after, in June 1976. Stayed with RX for 10 years & then joined 3M as Sales Account Rep (Scotchflex Interconnection & Textool products) for 8 years and following this joined Farnell Electronic Components in Holland becoming Sales & Corporate Manager, Benelux and stayed for 16 years until retirement. Two children Michael (1967) & Mandy (1976), both living here with partners in Venray.
Since retiring have got my own Radio Programme here at the local Radio Station. It’s called SixtiesPopGold and it’s all about the Swinging Sixties in both the UK & the US, every Monday night at 21h00 gmt ( 22h00 cet ). See Links on our website, also includes our Sixties revival band, Predilection. Furthermore I give English ( conversation ) lessons at the Senior Service Club here in the town. Every Monday at 19h00. So I’m keeping myself active, as long as possible. Last but not least I cycle 10 miles a day, just to keep everything circulating.
Dave Edwards