USAF

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Comments about life in general in and around Ruislip from those stationed at USAF South Ruislip.

Please note that newest entries go at the bottom of the page.

With all due respect to everyone posting to this page, the first two comments gives an excellent overview of life on the base etc.

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I was stationed there in the early sixties and can answer a few of your questions (ROL asked some early contributors a few specific questions).

1.You got in through the front gate which was manned 24 hours a day by USAF AP's(air police) at night, the base was patrolled by British Air Ministry constables and their dogs. If you were American military you had access 24 hours a day, British employees, there were many, had access when they were working, no matter the time of day.

2.The function of the base was administrative due to it being the Third Air Force H.Q. Commanded by Brigadier General Puryer, but the real function of the base was as a communication center with a sister base at a RAF site in Hillingdon.

3.There was a large hospital there, it was well staffed and I remember it to be a fully commissioned acute care facility capable of handling all emergencies. There were barracks for the lower rank enlisted blokes both male and female, there was a large dining hall,a large gymnasium, a club for the non commissioned officers and a beer bar for the lower ranks. Officers used the Douglas club in London, there was also a large cafeteria and a post office (South Ruislip was designated APO 125 for postal purposes)

4.In the sixties we used American money on the base but had to exchange it for pounds sterling to spend off base, in 1964 the exchange rate for one pound was $ 2.80 prior to 1960 script money was used on the base, I think it was like Monopoly money it was printed and distributed by the USAF.

5.The base was entirely USAF and UK Air Ministry (not too many). I have no idea why the base was closed or when, if you learn why and when I would like to know.

6.Yes if you were stationed there you worked there or at Hillingdon or at another base in Denham. The base in South .Ruislip was like a very small town it had every thing it needed. Lord I wish I was 22 years old again and back there.............................

Between 1954 and 1957, our family lived in No.15 Pembroke Road, Ruislip, while my father was stationed at USAF High Wycombe. The USAF base in South Ruislip then was Headquarters, US Third Air Force. It had close ties to auxiliary bases at Eastcote and Bushy Park, as well as High Wycombe, Lakenheath, Burderop Park and Brize Norton. I do not know if the South Ruislip base existed until the newer base in West Ruislip that you mention. Local to Ruislip during the time we were there, there was only the South Ruislip base and its auxiliary in Eastcote.

Via the No. 158 bus, we frequently visited the base in South Ruislip for USAF dependents' activities, such as medical and dental examinations at the USAF hospital, movies, using the base library, Post Exchange and commissary, base chapel, and attending sports events. In 1955, my youngest brother was born, and, in 1956, my next youngest brother had

his appendix removed at the base hospital there. I earned my "Eagle Scout" award while a member of the American Boy Scout troop at the base and at Denham Commons.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

I was stationed there from 65-68. Lived briefly on base, then moved off base to Pinner.

Today I couldn't tell you where except it was on main street and just down the road from the police station. (! ROL)

One of my roommates who also was stationed at the 7520th worked at the West Ruislip annex. I remember that the airman's club was there but that the NCOs club and officers club was at South Ruislip.

I know that everyone had ration cards for cigs and booze. Script money was over with when I was there. The hospital itself was I believe 120 beds and was quite busy and had many doctors. Even had a flight surgeon and several specialists and a pharmacy.

I later moved to Ruislip Gardens which was closer to the base.

There was a pub there called the Clay Pigeon that we used to go to that was near. Though I went to a pub/dance hall in Uxbridge that was closer to someone that I cared for and fancied at the time.

John(Bob)(Mongoose) White

I was stationed at South Ruislip from 1958-1960. I was in the Air Police and there was a tight knit group of people there. I have spent years trying to locate personnel there when I was. About 3 years ago it all started coming together and there are now seven of us who has found each other. I worked at both the main base and Hillingdon. I have been back over a few times only to find the base closed and gone the last time.

I am now in touch with bill "Rube" Ruppenstein, Utah "Mac" McIntosh, Chuck Watson, Max Brickey Schoenrock, Nathen Hall (Horace Pope) deceased last year and I am Oren "Don" Campbell. We would love to hear from anyone else who knew any of us.

I have a few photos from the base and will post them to this site later when you think it may be ready. (These are the ones on this page - ROL)

Don Campbell

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Thanks so much for getting in touch, it seems the Base at South Ruislip is some what of a mystery, My partner and I have what we feel a very interesting web site,
http://www.syd@alliesinwar covering many subjects about all the services.

Our idea was born by the fact I as many English girls married Americans from the South Ruislip Air Force Base, and they employed mostly English people from in and around South Ruislip. The hospital there, had quite a few children born there, so anything you can do to help us would be great.

For myself I was thrilled to find the Ruislip Lido on your site, and my now grown up children are enjoying seeing the place their Mother went to, as a child is still there and seems to be going strong.

The Base at South Ruislip was the Third Air Force H Q but it seems very little is known about any clubs or groups formed while the base was still open, and after it was closed.

We are hoping people will tell us their personal funny stories In the case of my husband and I it was sharing one bathroom, with four other couples in a large house on the side of Roxeth Hill Road that had been made into bed sitters where we all learned a brand new wait your turn dance (laughingly known as the The Wait your turn waltz), and our landlord became very concerned about the amount of bath water we had in our bath tub, and suggested we should do all our bathing at the base, We all learned to love that old house, during the time we were there ,and even our (make a different rule every day landlord) for the young couples that lived there.

One rule we still laugh at, he only rented to Officers so it wasn't long before the Airman loaned out their uniforms, in order to get by his renters interview leaving their name tag off. He never did catch on he didn't have four Base Commanders renting from him, but for us it was fun and gives us a lot of fond memories.

As far we know the buildings were put up in 1949 and we believe that the buildings were originally intended as warehouses. The Americans took the site over we think in 1950.

My sister worked on the base and she said that the buildings were awful - no windows in the blocks (this would confirm that the building were intended as warehousing).

A later addition was a tunnel under the railway line into the fields on the other side, which were used as sport fields for the American Service men.

Another later addition was the hospital that the Americans built at the side.

As to why they came to South Ruislip I assume it was the close proximity to Northolt Airfield. The Americans (USAF) had offices on the Southside of Northolt Airfield - (Post BEA). Later still they moved from Northolt to the 4MU at West Ruislip.

I worked for the Civil Service MOD and for the USAF at Northolt in the drawing office (1956). At this time they were developing the many airfield sites around the country like Alconbury, Mildenhall, Lakenheath and High Wycombe.

An interesting side step to this is that the English built all the dependant housing for the American - we called them tobacco housing - the Americans gave us tobacco and we paid for the dependant housing - the agreement being when the Americans vacated the housing they reverted to the local Governments - that is why when you see ex USAF housing being sold off they are so cheap.

The USAF page brought back memories of childhood and how the presence of the Americans livened up the area! Conductors on the 158 bus used to call out "Texas!" as the buses neared the stop outside the base and I think Larry Hagman (JR in Dallas) once said he was stationed at South Ruislip.

My father-in-law was a top U.S. Air Force Top Sergeant and served several tours of duty in the U.K. On of which was at South Ruislip Air Station from September 1962 to September 1966.

The South Ruislip Air Station was just east of Northolt Airport on the next road north of route 40. The entrance was on the south side of this road. The gates were manned by U.S.A.F. Military Police. U.S.A.F. Military Personnel had special decals on their vehicles to get in and

out at all hours. Anyone else had to have special permission to access the station. The South Ruislip Air Station was HQ for the U.S.A.F. Third Air Force, which commands all U.S.A.F. units in the U.K.

Personnel worked at the station and lived nearby. Inside the Station were many supporting elements such as a hospital, shops, commissary, personnel offices, child care facilities, a post exchange, and a bank. The money median of exchange was dollars.

My family lived at No. 3, Whiteheath Ave., Ruislip. We have a friend, Al, who lived locally, that we still communicate with. There were American schools at West Ruislip, Eastcote and an American High School (upper grades) at Bushy Park. My husband attended Whiteheath when he first started school. On his first day there, while the other

children came in uniforms, he showed up in blue jeans. This is where he learned the beautiful British accent that he will sometimes do for me. He is a "Brit" at heart.

RAF Northolt was used by both RAF and USAF in a support capacity. I am not familiar with a USAF Unit at Ickenham. (My error, it is USN apparently, RO)

We were in London in 1999, but because we had about 100 students with us on tour with the Tennessee Ambassadors of Music, we did not get to come to Ruislip. We plan to come back and be able to spend some time and come back to where my husband spent only four short years of his young life; but believe me, these were the most impressionable years he ever spent

because our love of your country only grows as we listen to the BBC news on the internet or watch the BBC news. No fancy shows like the US news, just to the point and we like that!

My father-in-law is very proud of his service to our country and he is very proud of having the opportunity to spend time in the UK. My mother-in-law is very proud of the shopping she did there years ago and has told us some places to go if they are still around when we do get to come back.

Anybody out there? I would love to hear from anybody who knew A/2C John McDaniel, pay clerk, HQ Squadron, HQ 3D AF.(1-59 to 1-60), especially 1st Sgt Sam Robinson. Sam, I still have the TS card you initialled for me. Please, anybody whose TDY voucher got screwed up, I did the best I could.. Then there was A/2C Joe Wachoviak from Waukegan, Ill., A/2C Al Clem from LeRoy, Kansas and A/2C Dave Abromowitz from Long Island, NY. Hey guys, was it really that much fun, or is my memory screwed up too. Let's go do the Royal Ascot again. Maybe we can win as much as Dave did in the pools.

It would be great to hear from any of you.

John McDaniel

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Both my sister and myself married guys from the South Ruislip base. I had my first son Steven Robert Shaw born Nov 30 1960 in the base hospital. My sister and her husband were moved Oxford. My husbands name is Robert Shaw, and we are from Pennsylvania and my sisters husband was Greg Smith Oakland California.

Patricia Shaw. (email address held by Ruislip Online)

How interesting to find a site devoted to USAF South Ruislip.

This was my first base in the UK after basic training at Lackland AFB Texas and tech training at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. I arrived there in June 1956 and being a draftsman was assigned to the graphics department making posters for the generals briefings. This lasted for about six months when they found out I was British and not eligible for top secret projects, I was there upon assigned to base planning which was located at RAF Northolt, the USAF part of the base and worked with mostly MOD personnel, however there were other USAF personnel there and a small PX.

We did the base planning for most of the bases in the UK, Manston, Brize Norton, Fairford amongst others. I had emigrated to the States in Decemeber 1955 and joined the USAF about a week after arriving in Springfield Mass.

Was quite a surprise for them to send me back to the UK for my first fours years in the air force. My wife joined me in Ruislip and we lived first in Harrow on the Hill then in South Harrow and later in Watford. I have often wondered about the friends I had there but have never been able to contact them.

I have a few pictures taken while I was there and will attach them in case you want to use them.

I just located your very interesting web site about the USAF Base at South Ruislip.

I was stationed there as my first duty station from Mar 1967-Mar 1973. I was an Airman 3rd Class assigned as a Veterinary Specialist to the 7520th USAF Hospital. I departed when the base closed in early 1973 and we all moved to High Wycombe to finish out our tours.

As a Veterinary Specialist my job was to inspect all food, food processing, storage and preparation areas at South & West Ruislip as well as the local British establishments.

I inspected the service clubs in downtown London; the Douglas House for the enlisted and the Columbia Club for Officers. We also inspected the NCO Club on South Ruislip Base and the Officer's Club across the street, as well as the Airman's club on West Ruislip.

West Ruislip is now occupied by the US Navy and the greater part of the old West Ruislip Base has been taken by the the Ickenham Council for housing. The Base chapel remains outside the Base gates as does a school. West Ruislip contains the FPO, Commissary and NAVEX, the Anchor Club plus a small shopping mall barber shop etc.

My family visited the Base in 1987 when the buildings were still there, but no more, South Ruislip Air Station is completely gone.

I have so many good memories of South Ruislip. My wife and I lived in Harrow-on-the-Hill, Hillingdon and finally in Hayes. Our son was born at the 7520th Hospital in 1970.

I intended to make the Air Force a career but joined the US Army in 1981 as a 1st Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Colonel. My wife and I moved back to England in September 2003 and currently live in South Ruislip only a short walk from the old base, which I pass every day!

Art Heck, a former 7520th USAF Hospital Dental Tech, lives just down the street from me. We both attend the same parish, St. Andrew's Lutheran in Ruislip. It is a small world indeed.

I have many, many stories about South Ruislip that I would be glad to share if you think there is an interest.

Anyone wishing to contact me please feel free to do so.

James Hoke

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I was a USAF medic stationed at South Ruislip from January 1968 through July 1971. I worked at the 65 bed hospital there (primarily in the labor and delivery rooms and newborn nursery).

Our chief of obgyn was Dr. Sandford Markham. Our other doctors included Dr. Ainsworth Dudley, Dr. Gary Fisher, and a British doctor Dr. MacNee.

I remember many of the nurses and medical staff: Helen Ludi, Eileen LeCompte, Maria Andino, Mary Boyd, Alma Brundage, Anthony Juliano, David Rolls, Charles Horn, Myra Hardin, Barry Wheatley, Jack Murray, Ray Kelly, Andy Durey, Robert Scro, Robert Babenroth, Bob Bauer, and others.

I lived on base for the first year and then shared a flat on Dell Farm Road very near Ruislip Lido. If any of you recognize any of the names I've mentioned or any of those mentioned should visit this site, please feel free to contact me at carlinjamesa @ msn.com

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I enjoyed my time in England and look back on it with fond memories.

I am Paul K. Ayres. I too was assigned to the 7520th USAF Hospital from Sept 69 to Sept 71.

I was a Veterinary Technician and worked at South Ruislip, West Ruislip, and Eastcote. I helped move the Veterinary Food Laboratory to RAF Lakenheath back in 1971. I also worked in “Class 3” food inspection in beef and poultry plants. I served as an independent duty technician at High Wycombe shortly before it closed. Ironically, I returned to England in 1985 and in 1991 was selected as the 3AF Command Chief Master Sergeant, serving in that position until 1995 at RAF Mildenhall.

While in England, my wife Judy (an ex- Veterinary Technician as well at S. Ruislip back then) went back to see South Ruislip on a TDY trip to High Wycombe and RAF Uxbridge. Boy had the area changed. The base was still there, but locked down and filled with scrap. West Ruislip was only half of what it had been while I was stationed there, and the Navy now owned and operated it.

One of my daughters was born at the S. Ruislip Hospital and Dr. MacNee was the physician. I have kept up with a few of the folks from there at that time … and have passed this web site on to them so they can add their comments too.

South Ruislip was my first posting after leaving training school at Warren AFB, Wy, in August 1955, I just turned 18 years old. I remember the best part of being stationed in South Ruislip was its close proximity to London, a tube (subway) ride away.

In May of 1956, I was sent to Denham Studios and stayed there until 1959, however, I continued to go to SR almost every day while stationed at Denham. I met a wonderful woman named Ann from South Harrow and married her in August 1958 and we're still together, we lived in South Harrow until 1959.

Ann and I used to go dancing at the Service Club in South Ruislip on Wednesday nights for many years. I was known as "Chico" at that time, it was my nick name. I truly remember the Tithe Farm pub where a lot of the American servicemen went to dance with the local ladies, all of whom were absolutely beautiful and ended up marrying quite of few of the American Airmen, me included. We also spent many nights and weekends at the Eastcote Arms pub, the next "round-a-bout" up from South Ruislip.

I simply can't begin to tell you of all the wonderful times during my time in South Ruislip and the many wonderful people I encountered, that's both the American and British people, they were all just great. Now I hear that most of the buildings are jammed with junk or empty which is a shame, so many wonderful memorable times are gone but not forgotten. If anyone remembers me, please feel free to send me an e-mail to annchico @ pacbell.net.

Hello; Danny Wills here. I was stationed at West & South Ruislip 67-72.

Chief clerk in the 7500th AB orderly room then NCOIC of the Distribution Center (located next to the Post Office and Reproduction Center).

Still in touch with Bob Faulkner, he ran the Rec Supply section and Ron Golson, worked in CBPO. Stayed the course, retired in 1986 with nearly 30 years.

Ruislip was the best kept secret in the Air Force, folks laugh when I describe the layout of the base. Loved those Thursday night Anglo American darts matches at the NCO Club, I helped organize them, made a few faux pas, like inviting the "screws" from Wormwood Scrubs Prison, miserable bunch, then another night I invited too many clubs, I think it was Heinz 57, British Overseas Airways and Wilkinson Sword Razors, over 200 showed up, I think the club capacity was 174, fortunately I knew the fire inspector who was on duty, he took one look inside and walked away shaking his head. John Najarian was Club Manager at the time. Now retired and living just south of Seattle. Thanks for the memories.

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I met my husband Gerald (Gerry) Stoddard in South Ruislip at the Tythe Farrm, we were married in 1958. Soon after he was posted to Burtonwood. Our son Charles was born there in 1959, where Gerry was the pharmacist at the hospital from 1958 to 1959. After we were wed we lived in London for a while, which is actually where I am from. We were stationed at Kirknewton then came back to the States & had four more children. We now live in Michigan
Pearl Stoddard

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I am trying to trace any details re a Irving Raymond King (also known as Bob) who was stationed at Ruislip in 1952/53.He may have been there before1952 and after 1953,he was an American servicemen.

Any details would be gratefully received as I am his daughter, trying to find a family trace. I have come to a brick wall at the moment because his Military records were destroyed in

Great to read some of your comments. I was stationed at South Ruislip in 66 and 67. Worked in Admin Services. Lived at 131 Harrowdene Rd North Wembley.

My son was born there on base in Nov of 66. This was two of the best years of our life. The travel, sights, history and the people were wonderful.

My wife and son finally after 36 years made it back to England this year, and were able to see where we lived. My memories are too many to elaborate on, but, suffice to say that our years at South Ruislip will always be a part of us, never to be forgotten.

Sgt Alan Bresson

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Came to South Ruislip in 1960 from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Worked at RAF Northolt until being sent to Bentwaters Civil Engineers in 1962

Anyone remember Shimshock , or any of the guys in the barracks at South Ruislip in 1960 drop me a line. How about Nick Felicione in the First Sergeants office? I lived off base all the time and we had a ball.

Chuck Van Alen

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I was stationed at South Ruislip from December 1955 to December 1959. and again from 1965-1969.

Many pleasant memories are still with me from my time in England. I met my wife (now of 47 years) there and our first son was born at the hospital on the base. Before getting married, I lived off Field End Road. When married we lived in Ruislip Manor, Northwood Hills and South Harrow.

I have never been back, but the urge is still there and perhaps some day I will.

George Magoon USAF RET.

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My name is Marilyn Faithfull (nee Eedy), I am English and used to live in Harrow during the 1960s.During that time our next door neighbours at 28, Whitmore Rd were all officers in the USAF. These people and their families became good friends and I would like to contact, or hear news of any of them. I particularly remember the Youngblood family whose children I believe were called Melissa, Jinks and Susan and I am fairly certain that they were at Ruislip in 1962 and 63. Can anybody help me to make contact with them or any of the other families who lived there? Any lead would be appreciated.

Marilyn

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I have many fond memories during the time I was stationed at South Ruislip from October 1954 till August 1956 in HQ. SQ. 3rd AF.

My duty section was in the SJA office working for CWO Lorne C. Payne. The court martial that stands out in my mind at least, is one Milosh Turkili(sp), who, with a friend, stole several cases of cigarettes from a warehouse at Denham Studios. They "flogged" their booty to a Mr. fisher and Mr. Cohen, two well known characters of London's criminal element. They were in Turkili's car with their loot covered by a blanket. Unfortunately, Fisher and Cohen being so popular with the law enforcement folks, they were noticed by a policeman and when he looked under the blanket all were arrested. Turkili and friend received a DD and time at Leavenworth. Don't know what resulted from the trial of Fisher and Cohen. BTW, Turkili's was an AP.

Don Burge in Frankfort, KY

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I was stationed at South Ruislip from Jan 70 – May 72. I was transferred “down there” from the 79th TFS at RAF Woodbridge when they converted from the F100 “lead sled” to F111s. I was assigned to 3rd AF Intelligence, and worked “behind the Green Door” at the end of the hall in the HQs building. I could tell you more about that but then I’d have to…. Well, you know. I can say that I prepared the Intel slides for the daily briefings given to the 3rd AF commander (but I don’t remember who it was at the time). For some time there I was practically a member of the Audio Visual Lab as they’d see me coming and let me go right in to do my thing on the Ozelit (spelling?) slide making machine.

During my two years there I lived in a bed sit in SR and shared a house with a coworker (one Harry McKay) in Harrow Wealdstone. I then met a wonderful Irish girl (Ann O’Neill) working in the Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch. We were married and lived in a rented apartment on Rydal Way in SR (continuing on Long Drive from the tube station, crossing Victoria Road) from an RAF Colonel (don’t remember his name) that we never met.

We have many fond memories of our time there in SR, from the nights down at “Bangers” on Moscow Road in Bayswater (where we would scorch names and initials on the ceiling with candles while drinking Lowenbrau, and singing songs along with the guy that sat on a stool playing the accordion), and a snowball fight in a snowstorm at midnight on Christmas Eve 1971 in the middle of Queensway, to a Rec Center trip to Rome shortly after we were married.

We were married at St Gregory the Great Church right there in SR, and had our reception at the NCO club (we didn’t have much money then). I remember buying bunches of Daffs at the tube station to bring home to Ann after work, and buying “the messages” at the butcher shop on Victoria Road. I remember many trips in Harry McKay’s old mini, crammed full of people, looking for parties down in London and over in Pinner (the Navy guys had great parties). I remember many, many sightseeing trips all over London as well. I remember Bing Young (rank?), a fellow that worked for 3rd AF personnel, and Col Lester McCloud the DCSI for 3rd AF, Capt Bonnie Markison, Capt Bill Woodin (my bosses while there), and Tsgt Joe Shaw who worked with me and was best man at our wedding. I remember all-night card games in the dorm, and visiting buddies that worked in Data Processing. They showed me a card sorter, and I was so enthralled that I got out of Intelligence and into the Computer field (I’m still a programmer now). The dorm was divided up into rooms (supposedly it was once a shoe factory) but the rooms had no ceilings, so if you locked yourself out all you had to do was scale the wall.

Contact Steven J. Guenther, SMSgt USAF (Ret)

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My father was stationed at South Ruislip from '60 to '62. We lived off base in Stanmore, near Harrow.

My parents used to take us to the Columbia Club in London and I recall that as quite ritzy. I remember playing baseball in the Little League on base. We played against other bases and a British team who usually beat us. We were sternly told not to call them "blokes".

I don't remember much about the base except standing still for Taps, the movies, the PX, and that there were no airplanes!

My sister and I went to school at Bushey Hall American School. We have great memories of our time there. We used to ride the tubes and buses by ourselves all over the place.

I remember taking our bikes on an odyssey to Ruislip Lido once with our English friends, of which we had many. I think living in an English neighborhood was the best thing for us because we were really exposed to the culture, much of which you can miss if you live on base. My dad was Maj. Charlie Errickson, and his mission there was as a civil engineer on the BMEWS site built on Fylingsdale Moor on the North Sea near Scotland.

We were transferred to Andrews AFB in '62 just in time for the Cuban Missle Crisis. I've been back since to see the house we lived in but couldn't possibly remember where the base was.

I was assigned to South Ruislip from Cheyenne, Wyoming after Technical School and worked in the 1969AACS from 1957 thru 1961.

I married an English girl whom I met in the cafeteria.

I returned in 1997 and found it greatly changed, but with most of the original buildings intact.

My wife has made numerous trips to England and tell me Ruislip and Harrow have changed little. Some with whom we remain in contact are Tom Ivory (California), Ken Edwards (Texas), Lee Olsen (Arizona), Ray Clouden (New Jersey), Tony Dawson (Connecticut), Dick Jarworski (Illinois), and Ray LaFortune (Massachusets). Reviewing the pictures bring back many fond memories. Thanks for the opportunity to relive part of my youth.

Frank Archer

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I arrived at South Ruislip in August of 1968. It was my first assignment after Tech School. I was in the Data Automation section as it was known back then; today it would be the IT Dept. I was briefed upon by arrival by Capt. Charles Proffit, and my NCOIC was SMSgt Stanley Gettman. He didn't like me and I didn't like him. I remember working with 2nd generation computers, huge in size but with no power. Most of my time was spent sorting and collating punch cards to eventually feed them through the processor. I worked with TSgt Ron Waters, SSgt Louis Goldfarb, Sgt. Don Bassett, A1C Tom Condon, Airman Glenn Ramsey, and a few others whose names I can't remember.

Off hours were spent working as the bartender at the Airmans Club, to help pay for the tax free Lotus Europa I bought for $2,900. A lot of my time was spent downtown at the London Playboy Club, where a steak dinner cost 10 shillings.

I married a scrub tech named Barbara Hughes who was assigned to the base hospital. The marriage lasted about 6 months, and I haven't seen or heard from her since. Oddly enough though, my current wife was born in the same hospital in 1956, where her father, Robert Marino was stationed there. What a small world.

I first lived in a flat in Rayners Lane, near the tube station. Does anybody remember the pizza restaurant there that was opened by a retired nurse? I later moved to Harrow with Sid Sontag, then later to Harrow-on-the Hill. Eventually, I found my way to infamous house on Frithwood Avenue in Northwood; home of outrageous parties and the World Famous Northwood Nads. And even today, I am in contact with my old friends from 32 years ago thanks to the power of the internet. SH (Clint Macy), Bimbo (Mike McCann), Curley (Joe Pasowitz), Randy Catley, and all the rest of the NADS, who had their reunion in Las Vegas 2 years ago.

I saw America play in Orlando a few weeks ago, and called out to Gerry Beckley, I knew your father, Colonel Beckley; the Base Commander, when America was formed by the 3 members who were students at the American High School.

I discharged from the Air Force in 1973, but stayed in Northwood until March, 1974. I had taken a job with Sprinzel Motor Cars in London selling tax free autos to tourists. I worked for Jon Hull, who many remember as the car salesman who came to South Ruislip selling MGB's.

Those were wonderful years. The talent that played at the club, the many friends from the base, the English friends that I made while living there. And the 3 years I spent playing baseball for the Beckinham Blue Jays of the British Baseball League. Memories I will cherish forever.

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I am trying to find information re my grandfather service details, no idea where to get them as NARA don't seem to have the relevant information, and I have nowhere else to try.

He was on the base in 1966, and his name was Forrest R. Hempel, he was a USAF personnel.

We have some records, but nothing denoting his dependants when he was transferred to South Ruislip for his last tour of duty.

Any help is much appreciated, cause finding these records seem a nigh on impossibility.

Thanks

Russell Hempel

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What a nice surprise this site was to me. It’s been neat reading the memories of people for whom this was such a large part of their lives, as it was mine.

I was a medic in OBGYN at the hospital from 67 to 70. I recognize names, such as Sid Sontag and Jim Carlin and the other folks he mentioned in his note. I remember others as well: Lin Roberts, Bill Fortune, Paul Carboneaux, Jennifer Clapperton, “John the Bloke” who could do a perfect American accent and more. I include them here in case someone “Googles” their name as I did and finds this site!

Someone mentioned the excellent entertainment at the NCO club. Anyone remember Tina Charles? She was just 16 and singing in the club when I was there. We met just before I returned to the states and corresponded after that for a few letters. I thought she was telling a little story when she said she was going to be on the Tom Jones show…but sure enough she was! She turned out to have quite a successful entertainment career, it seems.

Some other things that that hold fond memories for me: The Royal Standard pub near Beaconsfield; cockles and periwinkles; a peace demonstration outside the base; HAVING to move off base in the London area in the era of Beatles popularity as a single 20 year old enlisted kid because the barracks were so small. And being told NOT to wear your uniform off base.

Also; midnight chow at the hospital; University of Maryland extension courses; gas rations; British girls; the Ruislip Lido; Die Bierkeller near Queensway; knowing someone who could get you a free call to the States in the middle of the night; Spoly Oly; a BX that had a tailored suit shop, excellent electronics and cameras; riding the tube. It was a grand time.

Andy Durey

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Couple of bits of trivia about the USAB:

About once a year, in the early 50's, there would be a big fair ground set up in the field on the SW corner at the Station Approach/Victoria Road. Needless to say, the Americans from the base had a ball there and naturally had a lot more money than most of us.

One time, An American chappy was hurtling around on one of the roundabout thingies, going at quite a rate, when his wallet got thrown out of his back pocket. When it hit the ground, all his $ bills (or pounds...can't remember now) came flying out and were blown all over hells half acre. Well, being the honest Brit kids that we were, we rushed around collecting them all up. When he eventually got off the ride, all white faced, as he obviously couldn't get off even though he knew that he had lost his wallet, he was eternally grateful for our honesty (ahhhhhhhh!!) He gave us five shillings each which in those days was a fortune to us young'ens!!

My mother asked me to go into Ruislip Manor to buy some pork sausages from "Hooks" the butcher. (do you remember that store??) Well, as it turned out, the money that she had given me was insufficient for me to buy the sausages AND bet back home on the bus...so, again, being the great kids that we were in those days, I bought the sausages, and walked all the way home to Deane Ave (S.Ruislip)

On the way, I just happened to be walking a few yards behind an American Airman with his girlfriend. (no doubt a Brit) Anyway, after about 10 minutes or so. They stopped, looked around at me, came over and handed me a big packet of gum. (Guess I looked hungry, and I guess he was used to kids asking for gum in those days)

Although I still had to head in the same direction to get home, It was too embarrassing for me to continue following them, in case they thought I was just plain greedy, so I wandered around a bit, crossed over the road, and continued on my journey home, trying to stay out of sight. (Mum felt bad for not giving me enough money by the way, at least, that's what she said!!)

As a 17 year old in 1951, I fell in love with my first love. We never forget our "first" and he was stationed at Ruislip in the M.P.'s at that time.

His name was Joe Keaton and after reading one of your messages, it brought back fond memories of Tithe Farm where we all used to go dancing. I even remember Len at the front door, who sold tickets to get in. A lot of us girls had very little money and we always used to chat Len up and he, more often than not, would let us in without paying. Oh, the wonderful times we had there. I still have a photo of a group of us that went from Tithe Farm into London to the Douglas House! My first love returned back to the States but I never forgot him!

A couple of years later, after taking the civil service exam in London, I got a job at the base as a secretary. This was where I was first introduced to the sport of bowling (I had never heard of it!) and got quite good at it. For some reason, I do not have a lot of memories of working there because I transferred to Bushey Hall as a secretary to a Major who I remember had about six children and two German shepherds that we would bring into work and scare the heck out of us!

I do remember reading a lot of books from the base library because he was hardly ever in the office to give me work! One time I was asked to tend the cloakroom for a dance being held at the Officer's club. The music was so great that after all the coats were checked, I was asked to dance and had a great time! I met my husband to be that night and we were married in 1956 and returned to the States in December of that year. His name was Lt. Eugene Kovary and our best man was Warrant Officer Jack Inman. We were married at the registrar's office in Watford and lived in Watford for a while. I could go on and on, but if anyone would like to correspond with me, I would be thrilled to hear from you! My name now is June Hooper nee June English.

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What wonderful memories! I was stationed at the 7520th Hosp. On one of my trips to London, I went to a club called the "51 club". It was there that I met my English rose. We dated and then married. She came from East London but did not have the Cockney accent. Two daughters were born at the base.

When we got married, the reception party lasted for two whole days! Everyone just slept around the living room. We fed everyone and we only went out to buy more food and booze. Some of the gang were Leo Gomes, Jose Rey , Ronnie Ray , Larry Scharf from St, Louis, and many other blokes and lassies.

The party must have been a good send off as we just celebrated our 51st anniversary.
Bill Tillar

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I met my wife at South Rusilip AS in the summer of 1971, when I was a Security Police Flight Chief. We had responsibility for South Ruislip, RAF West Ruislip, High Wycombe AS,

and several auxiliary sites in the London Area. It was one of the choicest assignments in the USAF at the time.

It shut down in 1972, Third AF moved to Mildenhall, and the 7500th AB Gp became the 7500 AB Squadron, and eventually moved to High Wycombe AS, and became Det#1, 20th Tactical Fighetr Wing at RAF Upper Heyford.

I always remember that NCO Club was much better than Oak Club, and the Officers were always trying to figure out ways to get into the NCO club for the great shows that we used to have.

It was a great time, with super memories.

Tom Siefring

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I was stationed in South Ruislip and West Ruislip in 1962 to 1963 in the 7500 abg Air Police Section.

The jobs I had were in South Ruislip and west Ruislip along with duty at the Douglas House in London. I lived on base in the barracks that had no ceilings (! ROL). There were three airmen to a room with no doors, just a curtain for the door. I pulled duty many a day at the front entrance of the base and at the 3rd. Air Force headquarters building. We drove a pick-up to West Ruislip for duty postings there. Mostly at the front gate.

UK police (bobbies) would man the gate at the hospital entrance. I was there for the large peace rallies and the base would close the gates and all of the air police were on duty carrying hidden side arms and posted on the rooftops and around the 3rd. Air force headquarters bldg (scary times the cold war). I don’t remember to many of the personnel there but I did have a great time.

West Ruislip had the airmen’s club where I had many a good time. And a bowling alley was there also but it was mostly used as warehouse for supplies as it had many warehouses we had to check every day. There sure were a lot of, beautiful girls coming to the airmen’s club at night. I would have to sign them in while working the front desk. West Ruislip also is where the main lock-up or detention centre was, in side the air police building at the front of the entrance.

Norbert Green

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My family was stationed at S. Ruislip 1967-70 and I went to Bushy Hall Senior High (Watford). I used to go to the NCO club at RAF W. Ruislip and met many nice airmen to dance with. I also had an Italian girl friend from Milan, Italy that went with me. I also went to the Playboy Club and I remember every drink was $1.00 and great shows.

My girl friend, American, her father was the NCO Club Mgr at the Douglas House. I can't remember her name or his now.

The father would get good shows from the US and we used to play the slot machines. I remember one winter the Douglas House had Sly and the Family Stone booked and they never showed up. Probably got hooked on good English beer. Anyway, her father gave us all in the club free food and drinks for the day.

I think in 1969 was when the NCO club (W. Ruislip) closed down and the military were then stationed at Lakenheath. I really missed going to that club. Sometimes I would take a t rain from Liverpool and go to Lakenheath. Stay at a bed and breakfast and go to the Lakenheath NCO club. I would do this on the weekends. After I graduated from High School I attended a British Business College in S. Kensington. I went to school with foreign students (well to do). I then worked for Alfred Marks Temp Agency as I could not get a work permit for permanent employment. I worked for the Lancaster Gate Hotel. We even had our Prom there and my girlfriend and I rented a Rolls Royce to take us and out dates to the Prom. Those were the days.

I also worked for Oil companies, an American Bank in Governors Square, Restaurants and ITV (BBC) counterpart.

I really hated to leave S. Ruislip in 1970. My father was assigned to Washington DC (Forestall Bldg). He was a CWO-4 Fred Brining. My name was Daphne Brining. I got married years ago but and no longer married. I just kept my married last name. If any body remembers me or my dad during the above years, please email me. If we never ran into each other, please let me know about your stays in England.

Daphne J. Gilbertson

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I was stationed at RAF Bovingdon 1957-1960 with AACS (GCA) which was a tenant unit of the 7531st Air Base Squadron. My buddy, A/2C Howie Ryder was stationed at S. Ruislip and I spent many weekends there. It was great being so close to London. Howie was a member of the 603rd Communications Squadron. He met his wife Valerie there.

The Bovingdon Bunch Association held a reunion in Bovingdon 1998. After the reunion I traveled down to S Ruislip Air Station but where had it gone? In its place was a super market, a strip mall and an auto dealership.

The RAF Bovingdon Bunch Association will be having its twentieth annual reunion in Grand Rapids Michigan on September 15-19, 2005. Many pilots from S Ruislip flew the old "gooney birds" from Bovingdon airfield. There were a number of others from the 3rd AF HQ, Comm Sqd, etc that had contact with Bovingdon. The 7531 Air Base Squadron had Bovingdon air crews at Northolt. Let me know if any of you out there are interested in the Bovingdon Bunch reunion.

Is there a reunion organization for those who served at S. Ruislip?

Ken Holt

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Bob Holcomb and I, Ron Larochelle ,are visiting each other in Maine as we speak and discovered this South Ruislip website. We were stationed there from 1960-1963 with Mike Fedorchak, Sonny Chesnell, Joe Hager, Larry Church and Ed Hussey. Are any of you guys out there or does anyone remember Bob and I? We frequently reminisce about England and South Ruislip in particular and often wonder about the fate of the base or the guys we were stationed with. I was a ground radio operator and Bob was a teletype operator.

We would be interested to hear from guys like Joe Hager, Ed Hussey, Sonny Chesnell, Larry Church, DiMiara and Hebior. We were all there from 1960 to 1963 in the 603rd Comm Sq.

Ronald R Larochelle

This person is urged to contact Ruislip Online, as somebody is trying to find you

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I was stationed at South Ruislip in 66-68. I was assigned to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) District Office # 12. My duties included conducting background investigations on English gals marrying American GI's My bosses were Lt Col James Poynor and Lt Col Isiah Sigman. Remember going to the Playboy Club frequently. Our Hq in Washington DC always wanted to know what was happening in London. The Play Boy Club was the place to find out what's happening. If I sent in 5 EEI's (Essential Elements of Information) a month, my bar tab was paid for by the Air Force.

This was my second tour in England, I was stationed at High Wycombe USAB from Mar 54 to Mar 59. I married an English girl from High Wycombe in 1957, My son was born at the South Ruislip Hospital. I got divorced and was in England in 2002, plan another trip there this year. Should be fun seeing the old neighborhood again. Jim Ringo, MSgt, USAF Retired

Jim Ringo

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It brought back many memories of my time at South Ruislip (March 1966-May 1967). I met and married Betty which ended in divorce (my fault), and will always remember the great times we had there. I have never been back to England, but hope to return there some day. I was in the 1969Comm Sq, and use to frequent the Airman's Club. Sure would like to hear from my old

friend Jim "Golden Boy" Newsom.

Joseph E Davenport

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I was assigned to West Ruislip in 1962 after Denham closed . I lived off base but used many of the facilities at South Ruislip. In January 1963 I bought a V.W. Bug to get around London. In February of 1964 I was at Heathrow Airport when the Beatles returned from their first trip to America. I was in the 3rd Air Postal Squadron and was assigned to meet that plane and pick up the U.S Mail Bags. I also knew people at South Ruislip who ran around with Christine Keeler during the "Profumo Affair" We had 30 U.S. Bases in the United Kingdom in that time frame and I was able to get to most of them. The movie (The War Mongers) was filmed at RAF Bovingdon in 1962 . Some of (Goldfinger) was filmed at RAF Northolt. I left the U.K for good in 1964 and hope to return someday.

Larry Plummer USAF Veteran.

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I was at the hospital working in the Physiotherapy room with Sidney Frame, the UK Physiotherapist. I was there from March 1955 to March 1958, went back to the states for early release due to the armed forces cutbacks. Many of our old haunts now come to mind, Tithe Farm, the Douglas House, the Lyceum Ballroom downtown, the Lido, etc.

I would like to make contact with my old buddies particularly Ira Don Snyder of OK, John Maples, Bill Bagwell, Terry Andres, Norman Hoeft, Darrell Moeller, Phillip Lane, etc.

I am in contact with Jim Kniceley and Bob Chapman.

Sam Mallett

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A view from a Brit who lived in Ruislip Manor and once got a chance to go into the base. I lived in Cornwall Road and as a child remember the house next door to us was rented out to US military personnel who were stationed at the SR base. I used to play with their kids and one family I remember in particular was the Pererias (SP?). They had a son called Kim who was about my age. We used to play together a lot and I remember the American sweets and food he had. Hershey bars and strange named cereals.

One day he invited me to go and see a movie at the cinema on the base. I think it was, rather aptly, Rudyard Kipling’s Kim. I don’t remember much about the base or the cinema except that when we got popcorn he immediately smothered it with salt. I had only been used to sweet toffee popcorn so was horrified when he put salt all over it. Eventually his father got posted back to the states and we kept in touch for a while. Last I heard he was in Colarado Springs but that was 25 years ago or so.

Brian Crowe

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I was stationed at South Ruislip from 1963-65 and worked in Third Air Force Graphics with Lew Brown.."the master". Lew used to do Time "man of the year" covers for all the generals and other big-shots who left South Ruislip. My daughter Cindia, now 40, was born at the 7520th Hospital at the base, delivered by Dr. McNee, one of the "Queen's Obstreticians" .

I loved that place so much then and all the "blokes" I met there.

God save the Queen.

A1C Jim Boyle

now 63 and living in Eugene, Oregon

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I had two assignments to England; Feb 54 to Mar 59 at High Wycombe, Bucks, assigned to the Security Police Sq. My oldest son was born at South Ruislip Hospital in Aug 58. My second assignment was with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) headquartered at South Ruislip in 1967 and 1968. My girlfriend and I plan a trip to England in October 05 and plan to stay at a Hotel in Ruislip while we see the sights in London by tube.

Jim Ringo, MSgt, USAF Retired

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I, Louis Swiniuch, aka Louie, was stationed at South Ruislip from 1956 to 1958. I worked in Statistical Services, with guys by the name of Shipp, Smidt, Sheehan, Dawson, Miller, Charadonna etc. most of whom I forgot their names. The bosses name was Capt.Sorg, Msgt Ducey, Staff Sgt. Dorothea Johnson, Maj. Harvard,Ltc. Dyste and others. Had spent two best years of my life at that location.

I remember the chow hall with the long mural. Wonder what they did with that? The chow was great. Haven't had anything like it since. Chefs did great job. One of the best part was living off base as I was an A/1c at the time. I lived in two places on Jubilee Drive. One of the couples name was Treacher. Don't recall the number. The other had a son by the name of Ken. Don't know why that sticks with me. Also lived at a time at Harrow-on-the-Hill near the tube. Took the 158 bus back and forth to the base most of the time There were three of us living there Swiniuch,Smidt and Sheehan. Parties were too numerous to mention. Girls too numerous to mention.

We had several jaunts to the Lido with cases of beer. Usually on a Saturday. Eastcote arms, Tithe farms were usual pit stops for us.

Before getting to Ruislip I had been stationed at RAF Sta. Molesworth. I real mud hole of a base. I was there a year. Being transferred to Ruislip was like dying and going to Heaven. I have nothing but positive memories of the place. Food, people etc. Haven't been back there since, although there is special place in my heart for it. Plus I can't recreate the people, demographics or culture of the base.

One of my favorite jaunts was Soho district by tube from either Harrow or South Ruislip. That was my home away from home. I married a girl from London and the marriage ended up disastrous. I recall seeing a girl from Harrow who used to come to dances at the service club. First name was Geneen (probably spelled her name wrong). She came from the Isle of Jersey I believe, as she was French.

Made many trips to the Douglas House. It was like an Oasis in the middle of England. There was a golf driving range at the back of the base beyond the railroad tracks. Bought set of golf clubs from the pro. Went bowling at the alley a few times Played golf at a small course in the area, name escape me. Teddy boys, Barrel boys, Fish and Chips, Pint of Bitter, Senior Service. If it wasn't American it was Bloke girls, cars, beer, cigarettes etc. Favorite word "Rice"". Don't ask me why, I don't know. In the end I did not want to leave there. I was told I would have to go back to the states if I reenlisted, stay there a year, then maybe I could get back. Maybe was to vague of a word for me, so I didn't reenlist. Another thing was that I was up for promotion and told if I reenlisted I would get that next stripe. I told them If I got the next stripe first then I would reup. We had kind of a Mexican standoff. I didn't get the stripe, so I got out. I'm sure theirs more to write, but I'm getting tired now so I'll just cut if off.

Louis Swiniuch

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I was at South Ruislip from Dec 1961 to Dec 1964. Bill Hoffard, Jim Bickerton and me all arrived together as 18 year olds and we worked in Medical Supply at Denham. Then Denham closed and we moved to West Ruislip.

We still had to do everything at S. Ruislip like eat and sign out our trucks. We were lucky enough to be allowed to live off base and we lived in a few different apartments at Harrow On The Hill.

We hung out with Shirley Turner, Charlie Worman, Ken Sikora, Bob Bleicher and others and we always had a full table of gals & guys at the Douglas House almost every night.

Bill Sachs and I just had lunch in Northridge, California after connecting after 36 years. I particularly remember the "Silver Dollar" pizza restaurant owned by a nurse, Major Patterson. I can't remember the town but it wasn't far away. (maybe Pinner?)

I located a few people from Ruislip through Classmates.com and we chat. As most have commented the same, the 3 years I spent at Ruislip were among the best of my life. Hoffard & Bickerton &

Turner, if you're out there let me know.

Rich Silver ( aka Rick)

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Ruislip was my first base after basic and the first time I was ever outside the country. This was in early '69, a few years before they closed the base. Of course I was completely naive and thought of England as the place where the Beatles and the Stones came from. I also learned to drink, gamble, play pool, ride a motorcycle as well as learn a great deal about people and the world.

I worked in the comm center and, since the base was slowly closing, had a lot of time off. I also fell in love with a girl that worked at the NCO club, Kathy Ravensdale. Even today I wonder what ever happened to her. I also made friends with a great number of people but as time passed, lost contact with all of them. That's the reason for writing. Thought that it might be great to hear from one of two of them again.

After leaving S.R. I was stationed at RAF Welford in Newbury, Berkshire and then Green Common, the other side of Newbury. During my time at S.R. I lived onbase, then in Slough and then Harrow on the Hill.

Aww, the memories.

Chris Cooper

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I used to live in Eastcote (Ferncroft Avenue off Field End Road) from 1940 till about 1960.

My mother used to baby-sit for a couple that rented accommodation in Pinner, that came from Texas. We were invited to quite a lot of socials at the USAF base and it was a real eye opener in those days - say about 1950 - 54 (I'm not too sure on the dates) because they had all the things we couldn't get after the war. One of my unforgettable memories was that at this couple's house in Pinner - they had

a massive fridge which was filled completely with cans of beer and when the guy came back from work at the camp - he would get a beer out of the fridge - drink it (without putting it in a glass! like you did in those days) and then just chuck the empty can in the fireplace. Absolutely unheard of my house.

However, they were a very nice couple, very friendly and generous but the children were what we would call nowadays, vandals - as the stone statues in the garden were wrecked and broken by them Then, they just said they were high spirited!

My father who was also in the Air Force, based at Ruislip, used to say the "yanks" were sloppy because they were always chewing gum. However, I always found them to be polite and courteous. They also had their American cars over and would often stop and offer us girls lifts when waiting at the bus stops. We thought it was very glamorous going in an American car - not on our own of course - always in pairs my Mum said!

I live in Folkestone now and haven't been back that way for years. I used to go to Ickenham High School for girls and when I left, went to Pitmans to "get a career" - i.e. shorthand/typing - little did know that computers would overtake all that.

My other memory of the area - among others - is the street party we had in Ferncroft Avenue at the end of the war and we had a stage and I had to get up and sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling! in a white dress with all paper cigarettes on it - because there was a shortage and there was a cartoon at the time - called Chad - it was a man looking over a wall - saying "Wot NO - in my case, cigarettes" - now days with the anti smoking themes that would have been frowned upon.

Heather Tyrrell

Hi folks, how about some information regarding the visit of Glenn Miller during the war. My sister (unfortunately no longer with us), always said she danced with Edward G. Robinson there?. Any evidence he did go there?

John Russell (ex. Bury Street) now living in Fremantle W.Australia .

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You might be interested in my website about a game of American football played by a team, The Rockets," then based at South Ruislip

This was in 1956 and the Rockets had won their fourth British Isles championships and was preparing to play a team from an USAF base in Weisbaden, Germany for the European USAF Football Championship.

Dana Andrews, then a famous but aging Hollywood actor, met me, the head coach at a party held by my Special Service office. Andrews wanted to promote the event and show the British just how exciting American football can be.

The RAF was attempting to raises funds to rebuild a historical church, Saint Clement Dane Church, which had been destroyed during World War II by the Nazi Blitz of Great Britain. About 40,000 British spectators, with a few USAF personnel in attendance, raised about $225,000 in American currency. The BBC- Television agreed to add what amounted to about a million dollars in American currency. to help rebuild Saint Clement.

Since the USAF helped fund rebuilding of the 2,000-year-old church, the 16,000 Army Air Corps personnel who lost their lives during World War II while serving in England, RAF agreed to share Saint Clements as a WWII memorial for the American loses, whose names are on a scroll attached to the pipe organ, the gate receipt was used to purchase.

Read more at http://wwiis1stmemorial.com

Jim Martin

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Hello to All: John Schmidt, a/k/a Smitty the Cop, here. I was stationed at South Ruislip from 11/66 to 12/69 and would like to reestablish contact with folks I met and had such good times with during the Carnaby Street era in London. I married a Central High School graduate (Ann Smith) and we now live in Virginia Beach where I practice law. So, what ever happened to Jim Shearer, "Tag" Tagliaferro, Myra Hardin, "Dewey" Drouillard, Jenny Lutheran, Marty Best and June, Dan Aggers, Stan Mitchell, Tom Triplett, "Chick" Freeman, Capt. Tom Booth, Sam Ditusa, and the countless others who kept the party going at 14 Meadow Close long after the Airmans Club on West Ruislip closed for the evening? E-mail me at jschmidt@wilsav.com if you're a believer that Ruislip memories are priceless.

Regards, Smitty

Hi, my name Is Ken McLean (AKA) Mac. I was stationed at South Ruislip from July 1966 to February 1968. I was in the 1969th Comm. Squadron.

I'm looking for all my old friends. It would be great to have a reunion. I'm so happy to see this site and to read that so many others had such a wonderful time at South Ruislip as I did. I remember going downtown to Paddington to Count Suckles Cue Club with all my friends and afterwards going to Wimpys for a burger. There were other clubs, like the Bag O' Nails.

I remember many of the guys like Big Lou, Tagliferro and Ebo, all were A.P.s I recently looked up my closest friends in the white pages on the computer. I found Eli Thomas who is doing well in Indiana. I tried to find Floss Mathis, who played for our basketball team, the London Rockets, unfortunately, his mother said that he died two years ago. I would love to contact Al Holloway, Lenny Wordlaw, Tony Williams, Speelman Phillips, Henry Brown (the Cook) who made the best SOS in the Air Force, Ray Gallagher, who followed me to Peshawar Air Station in Pakistan. He worked on the antennas with his best friend, I think his last name was Grace. What ever happened to Schofield, the guy who used to walk on the walls that divided the rooms, singing Tennessee Stud?

If any body is out there, or who remembers any of these guys, please write me at the following address:

Kenneth McLean

62 Lincoln Ave.

Cliffside Park, N.J. 07010

Ken McLean (AKA) Mac

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I married a young man from Shepherds Grove AFB 57 years ago, we now live in NJ. We keep up with the SGAFB people and the web site. My cousin married a man who was stationed at Ruislip AFB. His name is Kenneth (Ken) Betch. My cousin’s name was Jocelyn (nee Ling). Jocelyn was very ill, the last time we corresponded, in the late 60’s, she was in the hospital. She is the only daughter of my father’s only other sibling. They had a son Wayne Collin Betch who would be about 48 now. I would very much like to find Ken and family. They are the only remaining members of that side of our family. I would appreciate any information or even any memories anyone might have and would like to share with us.

Thank you, Larry and Janet (Ling) Wood.

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(This would appear to be from a person who was stationed at West Ruislip)

My name is Ted Clark and my first duty station was RAF Shellingford, in Oxfordshire, with the 7568 Material Squadron; arriving June 1956. Our mission was to provide Radar Maintenance for the 32nd Brigade, who had air defense duty for the USAF SAC bases. RAF Shellingford was closed as an USAF installation in early 1957, with the men moving to Denham Studios, ie 7500 Air Base Group, as we opened 4MU as West Ruislip AB in early 1957. At this time, there was only about 120 USAF members on site. In the beginning, West Ruislip was a heavy maintenance facility for the repair of dump trucks, etc. Later, it would be come the site for AFEX warehouse. With the removal of the 32nd Brigade, most of the Radar Technicians & Comm. Technicians were transferred to other duty stations. I depart West Ruislip AB in June 1957 for Wheelus AB, Libya. A small group of men who were stationed at Shellingford/West Ruislip recently held a reunion in Atlantic City, NJ, and to a man, we all agreed that our time in England was the best of all our duty stations later on. I would enjoy communicating with anyone who is familar with either RAF Shellingford or 4MU/West Ruislip AB.

Contact me

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My dad was stationed at South Ruislip in the auditor's office from 1960-63. we went to Eastcote and west ruislip schools. we used to go to the NCO club at South Ruislip on Sundays for the buffet.

They would have special shows (magicians) for the kids. We also used to go to the special picnics the bases would put on at Denham down by the lake where the movie Call me Bwana was made with Bob Hope. They spared no expense then.

We went to the AYA on weekends at West Ruislip while my parents went to the clubs. We bought our kerosene with ration cards at West Ruislip.

Did anybody else discover that American pennies worked in the chocolate milk machine (instead of 6 pence) outside the Express Dairy shop on the road leading to S. Ruislip? We used to go to the snack bar at Denham and South Ruislip.

We went to the club at Denham, it was never crowded and my brother used to play the slot machines.

What a wonderful time. I'm 55 now and some of my memories are a little sketchy. When we were leaving we stayed at the Harcourt House Hotel near South Ruislip and Douglas House.

When I went back for a visit South. Ruislip. had been turned over to the English for something and I couldn't go on so I just stood and looked past what used to be the main gate to the main drag that went to the NCO club, snack bar and beverage shop across from snack bar. there are too many wonderful memories to share.

Angela Crocker

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I was stationed at South Ruislip from April 67 until Dec 69. I worked in flight scheduling in the headquarters building. I lived in base for a few months until I found a bed sitter with a great family. The barracks were more of a warehouse with heaters that seemed more like used jet engines and low partitions that offered little privacy.

I loved my time in England, played soccer for the Rockets, went to Uxbridge technical college at night and lived high on the hog especially since the pound devalued twice while I was there. I wonder what happened to the 1938 Morris 8 that I used to drive.

I’d enjoy hearing from anybody that was there then……

Thom Corcoran

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I can't believe that I've found this site! I was stationed there from 1966 to 1969 at the Weather Central. (First building on the right end of centre corridor.) Lt Col Dodge commanding. Best duty of my life! A few months in the barracks and then out on the economy. Those incredible cost of living allowances! NCO club with incredible entertainment - Brook Benton comes to mind. How about those 10 Cent drinks! Except for Scotch which was at market price.. We'd get off a mid shift, go have breakfast and then go and open up the bar and stay untill the night and close it, with all sorts dropping by for a few hours. What good times...

I miss all the guys, Jack Mekemson, Marty Best and Don Bowker (Comm) Don Douglas, Bill Richardson, Mac Macdonald, Vic Minella, Mike Spivey, Eric Linsay, Dr Hylton, the list goes on. We had six weddings in our detachment in one year - two on the same day.

Does anyone remember those two gorgeous WAF twins? Attached to the Generals office.

I remember the pizza place operated by a retired US nurse major - often closed! The firing range at Uxbridge, Airman's club at West Ruislip. God, it all comes back! Best time of my life, then I married a lovely Brit. She picked me up in a pub in Leicester Sq. "The Round Table", anybody remember it? I'll talk with anybody about this all.

Frank Berger Det 6, 28th Weather Sq

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I worked at South Ruislip AFB between 1951-53. I was hired by the Air Ministry and I worked for Colonel Jones of 7th Air Division in the Stat div., as a clerk typist. I worked with a couple of Len's, a Collins, Mason, and Dowdy to name a few.

My father, Syd Banks and brother Doug Banks worked in the kitchen/Mess hall. They are both deceased.

I met my husband, Elmer C Sluss, at the Tithe Farm on New Year's eve 1954. We married in August of that year at the Harrow Registry office. 52