2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Observer Corps Association. The organisation for former members of the ROC has, perhaps surprisingly, become 20 years of age ! From slow, complicated beginnings, the ROCA reached a peak membership of over 5500 in 1992, following the general stand down of the Corps and now in 2006, has 2137 members. Few of these members will know how it all started. This is in part due to the almost ‘ad hoc’ nature of inception, for the ROCA started irregularly in the Groups well before there was a national committee and organisation. This, to say the least, was unusual.

Another reason was that the ROC paid little heed to informing members about ROCA and nothing appears in the ROC Journal and almost nothing in GROs, in the period 1986 to 1988. In the main the attitude was that the new organisation was for retired ROC members. In the re-issue of ‘Attack Warning Red’ in 1992 there is only half an A4 page on the ROCA. One detects slight apprehension from the senior Officers of the ROC when one reads in GROs for July 1988 ‘........Group ROC Associations would be formed so that the viability of the idea could be tested before setting up a national control committee....’. An exact date of formation is hard to come by since the ROCA was started in many Groups at varying dates from 1986 to 1988, before there was a full national ROCA. A start date for national ROCA is also complicated because from May 1986 to June 1987 there was a steering committee looking at ways of organising a national association. The first full national committee did not meet until 1st December 1988. However, it is clear that in several areas the idea of some sort of Association for former members of the ROC was being discussed as early as 1985, mainly in 14 Group, but also in 9 and 10 Groups.

In February 1985 former ROC members in North Devon felt that there should be some sort of ‘group’ for retired ROC members and Stuart Chislett of South Molton wrote to Southern Area and Nos 9 and 10 Groups about the matter.

Stuart suggested an informal association for former ROC members of all ranks. He suggested a North Devon ‘branch’ which could encompass parts of 9 and 10 Groups and even suggested that ROC Group boundaries could be ignored ! He had in mind holding about 4 social meetings a year and he began collecting names. These early beginnings led to the ROCA in 9 and 10 Groups to become two of the first to be formed. (See article in this newsletter on ‘The early years of the ROCA in 10 Group’ by John Shrimpton MBE).

Also in 1985, the general ROC manning levels were causing concern in high places. Consequently, the ROC Chief of Staff proposed the formation of an ROC Reserve of trained observers who had left the Corps for business or other reasons, before reaching retirement age. They would be invited to keep their uniforms if they were willing to serve again in the event of a national emergency. No further training would be provided, no meetings were necessary, no contact with former colleagues and no pay or expenses until they were recalled. Group Headquarters staff was to compile a list of such reservists and Group Commandants would report progress at regular intervals.

In August 1985, Tony Maasz, the Group Commandant of 14 Group, took up the HQROC directive to prepare to form a Group ROC Reserve. He expressed the view that without regular contact with each other and with their parent Group, the reservists could not be relied upon to turn up in an emergency. He therefore proposed the formation of an ROC Association, similar to the RAF Association, to provide regular social contact and a more dependable source of back-up in an emergency.

In September 1985 Metropolitan Area held a Group Commandants’ and DGC's Conference where it was stated that a draft Executive Document on the ROC Reserve Force would be formally issued to the Corps by HQROC for implementation as from I January 1986. The meeting also considered that 14 Group's suggestion for an Association of all former members should receive support, and initial views from other Groups on the forming of an Association would be sought, for submission to HQROC by 30 September 1985. ROC Commandant, Air Commodore Jack Broughton, asked each Area Commandant to encourage all Groups to consider forming ROC Associations.

Tony Maasz submitted his proposals for a Royal Observer Corps Association to HQROC on 26 September and included a draft set of Rules and Constitution based on those of the wartime ROC Club and on RAFA. Tony also sent in his design for an ROC Association badge. The badge was the Elizabethan Beaconlighter. There was initially much opposition from whole-time staff at Group and Area level to deal with any ROCA matters, who saw an additional burden looming in administering the new organisation. The use of official channels, official envelopes and stamps for correspondence, telephone costs, mileage payments, use of premises for meetings, all exercised official minds for several months.

The national Area Commandants' Conference held on 14 October 1985 discussed the proposed ROCA in principle and a draft centralised outline national organisation was laid down. A week later Tony Maasz was given the go-ahead to run a pilot ROCA scheme in 14 Group Winchester. The next few weeks were occupied in extracting from Group HQ records the names and addresses of ex-members of the Group. At the Area Commandants meeting of 11/12th January 1986 the Commandant ROC had the impression ‘....that there was a lukewarm response from the field for a national ROCA. Perhaps the best way forward is to assess the number of local associations in being and build on these. When sufficient in number then consider a national association’.

Early in February 1986 14 Group sent out letters proposing an ROC Association to 75 ex-members of 14 Group.

The Inaugural Meeting of the Royal Observer Corps Association in 14 Group was held on 20 February 1986. Draft Rules and the initial Constitution of ROCA were adopted, a Committee was formed and Officers were elected. The annual membership fee was set at £2. In March 1886 the Assistant Commandant ROC circulated copies of the ROCA Rules and Constitution, Membership Card, Badge (which had now received HQROC approval) and headed stationery to other Groups and requested their views on a national organisation. The inaugural meeting for 10 Group ROCA followed on 19 April 1986 when some 40 members were present. Ken Tyers was appointed Chairman, Mollie Northway Secretary and Ivor Simms Treasurer. President was Obs Cdr John Shrimpton. (See John Shrimpton’s Report).

On 25 April 1986 clarification from HQROC on the use of ROC channels for ROCA business was sought and at last HQROC confirmed that "Routine ROC mail may include ROCA items". The ROC Association was now on its way, and on 8 May 1986 the first meeting of the National ROCA Steering Committee was held at 14 Group Headquarters. It consisted of Mr John Bridle, Mr Geoff Paine, Mr J D Ballington, Mr D H Wood, and Observer Commander Tony Maasz. John Bridle reported that he had received 21 replies to his letter of 20 March proposing the establishment of a national association for past and present members, and twenty Groups had been in favour of forming an ROC Association in their area.

A week later, on 15 May, Winchester ROCA held its first Annual General Meeting, and in view of the favourable response from other Groups and the prospect of a national organisation, the meeting agreed to change its name to ‘No. 14 Group The Royal Observer Corps Association’. At the Met Area GC/DGC's Conference that week-end, the ROC Reserve and the ROC Association were again on the agenda. The minutes record that very few former members were interested in the ROC Reserve but an overwhelming number favoured the ROCA.

Air Commodore Ian Horrocks took over from Air Commodore Jack Broughton in August 1986 and he too was very much for the new organisation. The steering committee met several times at Bentley Priory, to lay down a constitution and other items to set up the new ROCA. By the end of December 1986 there were embryo Associations in many Groups. Some early Groups reported unexpectedly large numbers of members in their newly formed organisations. Some Groups were launching their Associations in January 1987 and No 4 Group was even planning to convert their Social Club into an ROC Association. As for the proposed ROC Reserve, nothing more was heard.

Although initially limited to ex-Observers, membership of the Association was soon extended to those still serving, so that ROCA meetings and a Group's social activities brought everyone together. The Association also invited members of the UKWMO Warning Teams to become Associate Members which, in many Groups, provided them with their only contact with colleagues other than when they were on duty.

On 10th January 1987 representatives from each Area ROCA met to discuss a future national constitution and this was agreed in March 1987.

The central ROCA Steering Committee issued Royal Observer Corps Association News Bulletin No. I on 10 March 1987 to all ROCA Group Committees. It mentions that it was still a little too early to consider the establishment of a central committee for the ROC Association, but a six-monthly digest of news to keep members of ROCA in touch with matters of ROC interest would probably be welcomed. It went on to say that "At least half the total Groups of the Corps now have fairly firm established Associations and many of the remainder are well on their way to becoming active.............."

On 18th July 1988 it was reported that a national ROCA committee had been formed consisting of Mr J G Brown, Mr D J Bridle, Mr J D Ballington, Mr Geoff Paine, Mr I D R Sims, Mr V Campden, Mr D James, Mr B K Cooper, Mr C Topliss and Mr D H Wood. The Commandant ROC, Air Commodore Ian Horrocks, was to be the first President. By now the ROCA had truly arrived.(Thanks go to Tony Maasz 14 Group ROCA and Geoff Paine Truro Branch ROCA for considerable help in the writing of this article)

"FIFTY YEARS ON"

(The continuing aircraft reminiscences of Joe James taken from his spotting diary, this time covering period

May to August 1956)

What a contrast ! As I write this I have just been looking at details for the last week of June 1956. There were so many aircraft around, with up to eighteen types in one day !

Now, one would not see that number in a week. The number of types based at, and involved with, Culdrose was at least a dozen. Today there are just four types, two helicopters and two fixed wing.

The commonest types in the period covered were the same as for the previous four months, namely the Firefly, Gannet, Skyraider and Sea Prince in that order, though there was a big increase in numbers of the first two.

Now what about individual days ? May 1st produced 19 types, June 26th - 18, June 15th – 17, May 5th and August 7th – 16 and May 17th and June 5th – 15 each. Of course, there were always the interesting types to add flavour to the mix and this period was no exception. On April 18th I saw my first example of that rather rare, and I would guess less than successful, naval aircraft, the Short Seamew. Another type new to me came along on June 12th – a much more successful aircraft, the Avro Vulcan, destined to be in service for many years. And another first for me appeared on August 15th – the Javelin.

Flying test beds came along sometimes. Examples were the Olympus – Ashton on June 22nd and the Mamba – Dakota which visited Culdrose on May 14th. Further variety was supplied by USAF Thunderstreaks and Albatrosses. All in all quite an interesting time.

EXETER BRANCH. Joan Tremlett reports that ‘the Exeter Group, although small in number, continues to meet on a monthly basis.  As we are a small group we cannot afford expensive speakers and tend to go for "freebies" ! We combine our talks with outside meetings during the summer such as a guided walk of Exeter and a ride on the Seaton Tramway. We also have an annual Bar-B-Que courtesy of Alison and Graham Ruddick.

One of the high lights of recent months was an animation workshop given by a local Cartoonist and Children's book illustrator whose daughter works with our Chairman Dave Flower. She brought along a light box, paper, camera and laptop. Our first artist drew an octopus then another piece of paper was put on top of this and the next person drew the octopus again but this time moving the tentacles slightly. In all we did about 12-15 sketches these were all photographed and put onto the computer. When played back we had all of 5 seconds of the Octopus waving his tentacles, if you blinked you missed it ! It made us realise how long cartoons take to make and this using the computer imagine how long it took before we had them. Bambi for instance took about 3 years to complete. Every one thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

ROCRAM unfortunately seems to have bitten the dust. The majority of walkers are now Railway enthusiasts and go around attending Steam Galas watching Steam Trains’.

Programme for 2006/2007 is as follows:

20th September Wendy Rennie’s 60th Birthday Party at Homecombe House, St Albans Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3ND, telephone 01803 314952, 6pm for 6.30pm. A magician, Tony Everest, has been hired. There will be a buffet and wine, etc. if there is a charge it will be quite small. Please telephone Ian or Wendy on the above number to reserve your place.

It was intended to book the Ghost Walk at Kent’s Cavern for the normal ROCA night of 26th Sept but Wendy and I will be abroad to celebrate Wendy’s 60th birthday and our 25th wedding anniversary.

24th October - A talk on "Egypt" by Mr R Fish.

30th November - A visit to the Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, telephone 01395 579941. Note there will be a fee of £4.

December - Date and venue to be advised – Xmas Dinner.

23rd January 2007 - Social evening – venue to be advised.

27th February 2007 - Annual General Meeting.

For information or for confirmation of events please ring Dave Flower on 01392 438956. The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance will be on 9th November at Exeter University Great Hall. Ring Dave Flower if you would like to attend. The cost is usually about £5.

The Remembrance Day service at Exeter Cathedral will take place on Sunday 12th November when John Gale will lay the wreath on behalf of ROCA. I shall need to know who would like to attend the service in the Cathedral as it is ticket only.

PLYMOUTH BRANCH. No details received from the branch. All Branch meetings normally take place every third Thursday in the month at the RAFA Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley Plain, Plymouth unless otherwise stated. For more details contact Paul Hingston at 163 Woodford Road, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4QT.

TRURO BRANCH. The Branch has again held good lectures at monthly meetings including a superb video by Vic Strike on ‘Surfing and Smuggling’, Denis Ellery again gave a talk with his aircraft slides, and in June we had a fascinating talk on the Cornwall Military Vehicle Trust activities by Steve Perry. Steve also told us about his plans to create a military/aviation museum at Davidstowe Airfield in North Cornwall (more details in Dec issue).

Branch membership is high at 33 paid up members and a big thank you goes to all members who responded very quickly to the ‘Subs Reminder Form’ and paid their subs on time. This is really appreciated. Just a few remain unpaid, and we urge these members to pay their subs NOW !

The branch has agreed that as from 1/4/07 there will be just one category of membership, simply ‘Member’ for everyone instead of Full Member and Associate Member. Subs will be £5.00 for Group plus £2.50 for branch, total £7.50 for all. All members will have equal voting rights.

Lawrence Holmes has prepared a PowerPoint presentation on ‘The Life and Times of the Royal Observer Corps’ and if anyone wants to present this talk to any outside group, or wants Lawrence to present it, contact him.

August – No meeting.

11th September – Talk on ‘My Life in the RAF’ by John Shrimpton.

13th Sept – Battle of Britain Service at Illogan and RAF Portreath.

9th October – Film Night by Lawrence Holmes.

13th November – Videos on ‘Fleet Air Arm’ by Barrie Coad.

1st December – Branch Christmas Dinner possibly in Truro.

11th December – Christmas Nibbles and quiz by Brian Stoddern.

8th January 2007 – Another talk on ‘RAF Revelry’ by Bernie Porter !

12th February 2007 – Possible talk by Richard Sirley ?

12th March 2007 – Branch AGM and talk by Geoff Paine.

All normal meetings take place at the RBL Truro at 1930hrs unless otherwise stated. For more details phone Branch Secretary Barrie Coad 01209-715832.

The Truro Branch run Veryan Post (Bunker) Museum which has a number of visits this summer. The book ‘History of Veryan Parish’ by Diana Smith and Christine Parnall and which contains a chapter on Veryan Post written by Lawrence Holmes, is due to be published in August 2006 priced £19.99. If your branch want to visit the post in 2006 or require details of future open days, phone Lawrence Holmes on 01872-278234. Post Visits and Open Days are :-

12/7/06 Wednesday 1200 – 1400hrs in conjunction with a National Trust walk.

23/7/06 Sunday 1030 – 1600hrs.

30/7/06 Sunday 1130hrs visit by East and North Cornwall Branch

10th September -  Battle of Britain Service at Kilkhampton. 10 Group Standard will be paraded by Paul Hingston. All members are invited to attend.

17th September – Tarka Trip to Barnstaple.

24th September – 20th Anniversary of Formation of ROCA Lunch at wind of Change, South Petherwin.

24th October – Branch Meeting at the Social Club Callington at 2000hrs.

12th November – Remembrance Sunday Parades at Launceston am and Callington pm.

9th December – Branch Christmas Dinner at Wind of Change South Petherwin. 1930 for 2000hrs.

For more general details contact Branch Secretary Ron May on 01579-382414.

10 Group paid up members list currently stands at 79. Branch and individual membership is as follows :-

Truro Branch – 28 (8) ; Plymouth Branch – 7 (6) ; North and East Cornwall Branch – 14 (5) ; Exeter Branch – 18 (4) ; Independent members – 11(3). Number of members who have not yet paid their 2006/2007 subs is shown in brackets. Some 25 members have not yet paid. Potential Group membership is 104. Subscription renewal date is 1st April each year and is £5 plus any branch fee on top of that. PLEASE PAY SUBS NOW to your Branch Treasurer or to Group Treasurer Joan Tremlett, 15 Priestley Avenue, Exeter, Devon, EX4 8DG !!

Over 30 Group delegates, proxies and other members met at the Union Jack Club in London on Saturday, 22nd April for the Annual Delegates’ Meeting 2006. It was one of the longest ADMs ever held ! ROCA Chairman John Sharpe welcomed all to the meeting and asked for a minute's silence to remember Les Coffey and David Inkster who had died during the past year. There were two apologies.

The minutes of the April 2005 Meeting were approved and under Matters Arising it was stated that flagpoles could not be installed at the ROCA Grove at the National Arboretum at Alrewas. Lawrence Holmes asked about the proposed plaque at the Cold War Museum at Cosford. This museum was being rebuilt and would include space for an ROC plaque or a display, details of which and its funding had yet to be decided.

In his report for the year ending 31st December 2005, Chairman John Sharpe reported that national membership was down from 2263 to 2137. The total includes Associate and Honorary members. The Association had sent Christmas and Birthday Greetings to our Patron HM The Queen. The 16th Annual Reunion was held at the Moat House Hotel in Chester and attended by 204 people plus guests. Various problems had led the national committee deciding not to use this venue for a second time. The National Standard had been paraded on 8 different occasions during the year, and the Association was greatly indebted to Mrs Joyce Shrubbs MBE who was Caretaker of the Standard and dealt with requests for it to be paraded. Since dedication the National Standard had been paraded some 57 times. The Association had continued to liaise with the ROC Benevolent Fund, the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Force and Royal Air Forces Association, the ROC Seaborne Association and the National Memorial Arboretum. At the Remembrance Day Parade in London in November 2005 there was a good turnout of 75+ members and the ROCA contingent looked smart and marched well.

The National Treasurer Diana Mothersole presented her report for 2005 which showed a deficit of £648 for the year despite income from affiliation fees doubling. The deficit was due to high committee travelling expenses and abnormal expenditure on new equipment for the National Standard and Standard Bearer’s expenses, printing ROCA publicity leaflets and paving at the National Arboretum.

These abnormal costs amounted to £885 and were not likely to be repeated to the same level in 2006. Without these abnormal costs the ‘profit’ for the year would have been £237. The bank account stood at £5,462 at the end of the year. Lawrence Holmes said that the perception from Groups would be critical when, in the year that affiliation fees had doubled, the deficit was still very large. He said that committee travelling expenses were again too high as were the expenses associated with the Annual Reunion. He stated that travelling expenses were £808 higher than in 2004 and £325 higher than in 2003. He believed the abnormal expenditure had been reasonable. Finally he asked why the Treasurer showed some items of expenditure as ‘a negative income’ ? The answer was that it had always been done that way ! The accounts were adopted.

The Chairman announced that Air Marshal Cliff Spink was pleased to continue as President for another year, and Joyce Shrubbs, Hilary Daniel and Norman Greig were re-elected Vice-Presidents. Bryan McCarthy and John Millidge will continue to represent Metropolitan Area on the Committee. David Jones was re-elected for Southern Area, Mary Bruce for Scottish Area and Edwina Holden Midland Area.

The first resolution to be discussed concerned the proposed amendments to the national ROCA constitution. All amendments were accepted and the constitution will be amended accordingly. Lawrence Holmes expressed concern at the changes to rule 12(e) calling for every Group who puts forward a resolution to have a representative present.

He felt this might put off Groups sending in resolutions. All other resolutions were introduced by a delegate from the originating Group. The Norwich resolution regarding use of Draw monies for training ROCBF Officers was lost. 10 Group’s resolution regarding proportional representation did not even get a seconder and was also lost. The attitude was emotional with many delegates fearing that the larger Groups would ‘swamp’ the smaller Groups in any vote. Both Bristol resolutions were lost. Delegates feared members would not come forward to be bi - Group reps and did not like the proposed pairings. Most thought the present system satisfactory. Both Winchester resolutions were lost. These involved where the proceeds of the national draw should be placed and the level of affiliation fee. The latter resolution did not get a seconder.

After the resolutions there was a discussion on various topics. Membership categories were discussed and the general feeling was that the time may have arrived to consider having just one category and one fee. The delegates were sounded out on whether they liked the present system of inviting the local Mayor as guest to the Gala Dinner at the Reunion. Most were in favour of this although there was the suggestion that a local person of note (possibly with ROC/RAF connections) should be invited.

The committee asked for suggestions on how Area Reps could best keep in touch. It was suggested that Area Reps be invited to Group meetings if possible and their role be described in the Group newsletters. Use of e-mail was an obvious way of keeping in touch with Groups about ROCA news but this required the information to be passed on to members by the Group Officers. It was decided to allocate tickets for St Clement Danes Service on a rotating Area basis.

There was a long discussion on where to hold the ADM ? Lawrence Holmes said that it cost around £2000 to hold an ADM and he had sent in to national ROCA a cost analysis of locations which showed that an ADM held in Scotland to be the most expensive (proved by National Treasurer’s cost figures in 2005) and an ADM held in the Nottingham, Derby, Coventry area would be the most cost effective. ADMs held in London were reasonable in cost terms and had the advantage of good travel links. John Sharpe said that there were cost ground reasons for holding all ADMs in London. Predictably the Scottish delegates were not in favour of this. Lawrence Holmes then said that there were grounds for all ADM travel costs to be shared and paid for by national ROCA subject to all Groups contributing an ADM ‘fee’. Matter to be discussed in national committee.

Norman Greig, Chairman of the ROCBF Trustees, reported on the year’s activities and the state of the Fund. Income was £16,759 and expenditure was £13,364. Donations for the year amounted to £3437 plus a legacy of £1,000. Twenty four applications were received of which 15 were successful and a total of £8,733 was paid out in grants. Assets and investments continue to appreciate and the Fund balance at 31st December 2005 was £859,502. The Trustees had mounted an advertising campaign in 2005 and this had been judged successful. It was hoped to repeat the advertising in 2006 to enable the ROCBF to make more grants to deserving applicants.

In AOB Lawrence Holmes noted that all the resolutions had been lost again and he added that in recent years almost all resolutions had failed. It was clear that delegates did not like change but he found this trend of concern and feared it would lead to Groups not formulating resolutions for change. Norman Greig added cryptically that ‘that was democracy’. It was also stated that there would be another issue of the ROCA publicity flyers next year. It was planned to print 1000 copies of the 2006 20th of ROCA Anniversary Journal, a flyer with order form would be available in July. Price approx £5. Jim Millington informed delegates that York Control was to be opened on May 10th 2006. This Control has been preserved by English Heritage and is open to the public on a pre booked basis.

Joe (Andy ) Anderson, passed peacefully away on March 11th 2006, at Heanton Nursing home , aged 84. He was the beloved husband of Lillian, to whom he was married for 61 years. He also leaves two sons, as well as grand children ( names and numbers unknown), and will be greatly missed by all. Andy was firstly a member of 12 post Croyde, but in latter years was a long standing member of 10 post Shirwell, and the R.O.C in general. He served in the Royal Air Force as air crew ( what category is not known ). In civilian life he worked for a building firm in Barnstaple and  a good number of years for B.T. formally G.P.O., as an electrical maintenance engineer, as well as other duties. In his earlier years he will be remembered for his sporting achievements. Playing football with Barnstaple Town, and cricket for several clubs in the area.         Andy was in ill health for a good part of his time since retirement from BT and since the stand down of the R.O.C. The funeral was held on Monday the 20th March, at Heanton Church. Unfortunately the information for the above did not get to many ROCA members until it was too late to attend. It is not known if there was any R.O.C. representation.

The year 2006 marks the 150th anniversary of the institution of the Victoria Cross, the nation’s greatest award for gallantry. The Victoria Cross received Royal assent on 29th January 1856 and the very first investiture by Queen Victoria took place at a Review in Hyde Park on 26th June 1857. Since that date some 1350 awards have been made to all manner of servicemen for brave deeds. Only 51 VCs have been awarded to airmen. The Victoria Cross is made of bronze from two cannon captured from the Russians at Sebastopol in the Crimea in 1854. At first it was only to be awarded to men and it was available to women only after 1919, even then there were people who were against this amendment to rules. Also initially, the VC could only be awarded to a survivor but after 1902 it was decided to award the VC posthumously. Sadly many VCs have been awarded to brave men killed in action.

The earliest VC was awarded for an act of gallantry carried out in 1854. 628 VCs were awarded in World War One but only 181 in World War Two. Only 11 have been awarded since WWII. The largest number of VCs awarded in any single action was at Rorkes Drift in the Zulu Wars in 1879. The oldest recipient was 62 years old and the youngest was 15 years 3 months old. 8 VCs have been forfeited by award holders who have later committed serious offences. Three men have been awarded the VC twice (bar) and a number of families have two members of the family who were awarded the VC.

The VC has intrinsically little value but the emotional value is almost priceless and one VC recently fetched £235,000 at auction. No members of the Royal Observer Corps have been awarded the Victoria Cross for ROC service but one ROC member was the holder of the Victoria Cross earned for gallantry in the First World War. His name is James Pollock.

James Dalgleish Pollock was born on 3rd June 1890 in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. He spent his early years at Tillicoultry before moving to Glasgow in 1910. Two years later, in 1912, he moved to the Paris branch of his firm and was in France when the First World War broke out in 1914. He then returned to Britain and tried to enlist into his local Territorial Unit, the 5th Scottish Rifles, but on finding that it had mobilised to its full complement, he joined ‘Lochiel’s Battalion of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. This became the 5th (Service) Battalion, attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division.

Pollock was soon promoted to Corporal and the Division, as part of Douglas Haig’s 1st Army, was sent out to France in March 1915. By 10th May 1915 the Battalion was entrenched near Loos.

He was commissioned as a temporary Lieutenant on 6th July 1915. On 25th September 1915, as part of the French Artois offensive, the 1st Army attacked German positions at Loos. There were no significant positive results and casualties were high.

On 26th of September there was a major attack by the 2nd Worcestershire regiment in the northern part of the battlefield where there was a significant German defensive position called the Hohenzollern Redoubt. Gas was used and this killed as many British soldiers as German ones.

On 27 September 1915 near the Hohernzollen Redoubt, France, at about 1200hrs noon, the enemy’s bombers in superior numbers were successfully working up the ‘Little Willie’ Trench towards the Redoubt. At 1000hrs seventy men of the Black Watch and thirty Camerons, amongst them No. 12087 Corporal Pollock of ‘C’ Company were sent up to the Redoubt. This party rallied the defenders and checked the German advance after several prolonged bombing fights. Corporal James Pollock, after obtaining permission, got out of the British trench alone and walked along the top edge of the enemy parapet with the utmost coolness and complete disregard to danger, and compelled the enemy bombers to retire by bombing them from above. He carried his grenades across the trench under heavy fire and worked his way along it hurling bombs at the enemy. The Germans were taken completely by surprise and were held at bay for an hour by Pollock who, although under heavy machine gun fire, remained unscathed until he jumped down into his own trench when he was wounded in the arm.

For this selfless act of bravery Corporal Pollock was awarded the Victoria Cross. The award was gazetted on 18th December 1915 and James Pollock’s VC was presented to him by King George V on 4th December 1915. Whilst at home after recovering from his wound in 1916 he attended the first Officer Cadet school at Gailes, Ayrshire and during this time he met his future wife, Margaret Bennett. In July 1916 Pollock was commissioned Second Lieutenant into the 6th Battalion. He then served on the Somme and, as a Captain, he was wounded at the Battle of Arras in 1917 by the premature bursting of a rifle grenade which caused him to lose the sight of his left eye. As a result he was invalided out of the Army. In the book ‘Last Man Standing’ by Norman Collins, James Pollock is referred to thus ‘.....on 6th May 1917, it is very hot, like July or August, just had tea with J D Pollock VC Cameron Highlanders. He is a top hole man. In the convalescent home in Eastborne, I again met Lieutenant Pollock of the Cameron Highlanders, he had been wounded and now only had one eye. Occasionally we used to go down to the Grand Hotel and listen in the Palm Court there to the orchestra. On another occasion I remember going to London with him. We were walking past Horse Guards Parade and got quite a shock when the sentry called out ‘Guard turn out’. The whole guard turned out and presented arms for Pollock because he had won the VC’. Astonishingly, his cousin Corporal J. L. Dawson, also won a VC at Hohenzollern, just sixteen days later.

After leaving the Army, Pollock worked for the Ministry of Munitions for a while and after the end of the war he returned to France to work for the board responsible for the disposal of war surplus stores. He returned to Scotland in 1919 to marry and settle in Ayr. He attended the VC Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on June 26th 1920 and in September paraded at Inverness when the Duke of York (later King George VI) presented Colours to the 7th and 9th Camerons at the Regimental Depot. In 1923 he moved to London and worked as a director of an importing company.

On 9th November 1929 he attended the VC Reunion Dinner held at the House of Lords. James Pollock returned to Scotland in 1940 and apart from five years in Leicester, he remained in Scotland as a director and sales representative for Midland Hosiery Mills in Leicester.

However, when the call went out for volunteers for the Royal Observer Corps, at the age of 50 plus, sometime after 1940, James Pollock joined the ROC.

The book ‘Forewarned is Forearmed’ by T E Winslow lists J D Pollock VC as an Observer Officer and full time Duty Controller in No 33 Aberdeen (Ayr) Group. As far as is known, he is the only ROC Officer in history of the Corps to hold the Victoria Cross. Along with other members of No 33 Group James Pollock would have stood down on or before 12th May 1945.

To commemorate the ending of WWII the Air Ministry arranged a huge Rally at RAF North Weald in Essex from Saturday 23rd June to Monday 25th June 1945. Almost 2000 members of the ROC from all over the United Kingdom attended the Rally. King George VI had approved the design of a Royal Observer Corps ensign and the ensign, which was RAF blue with the Union Jack in one corner and bearing the Corps badge, was dedicated at a service at North Weald on Sunday 24th June 1945. On that day at 1800hrs, almost 2000 observers carried out the first ever march past to the accompaniment of the RAF Band with the Under Secretary of State for Air, Lord Beatty, taking the salute. They then formed into a huge square and the Royal Observer Corps Ensign was presented by Lord Beatty. The Ensign was borne to the drumhead by Observer Lieutenant J D Pollock VC. In the parade Observer Lieutenant Pollock carried the Ensign flanked by two senior NCO’s at the head of the contingent of observers. James Pollock was not awarded the ROC Medal indicating that he was in the Corps for less than 12 years.

On 26th June 1956 Pollock was on parade for the VC centenary celebrations and in April 1958 he made a business trip to Canada and three weeks later he was dead. James Dalgleish Pollock died at Ballochmyle Hospital, Ayrshire, Scotland on 10th May 1958 at the age of 67 years. His wife had died in 1957. He is buried in the Bennett family grave in Ayr Cemetery and his Victoria Cross and other medals are in the Highlanders Museum in Fort George, Scotland. As well as his VC, James Pollock was entitled to a 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and a Victory Medal.

No 33 Group Aberdeen was formed in 1940 and stood down in May 1945. The Group was not re-formed until 1951 and was re-designated to No 25 Group Ayr in 1953. No 25 Group’s last Group Commandant was Observer Commander John Sharpe, who is the current national Chairman of the Royal Observer Corps Association. No 25 Group closed at general stand down on 30th September 1991.

By John Shrimpton MBE

Later that year, the late Mollie Northway and Ada Follett approached the late Ken Tyers, formerly Group Commandant of No 10 Group, with the view to form an association of former members covering the whole of 10 Group, as no national organisation existed. From the encouraging replies to his questionnaire to former members, an Inaugural Meeting was called for 19 April 1986 at No 10 Group HQ Exeter. Among the 44 former members attending, along with several spouses, were some from outside the Group as no association existed in their respective Groups. Among them were Mr Ivor Sims OBE (formerly Southern Area Commandant and sometime Assistant Commandant South) and his wife, Mr Jeff Chandler (formerly Southern Area Staff Officer) and his wife, and from No 9 Group Mrs Barbara Freke MBE, Mr and Mrs Jimmy Gapper and Mr Dick Hext.

Following a lunch, kindly laid on by Mollie Northway, Ada Follett, Mary Callard and Derek Howland, Obs Cdr John Shrimpton MBE welcomed those present and handed over the proceedings to Ken Tyers who, having given the 24 apologies for absence, outlined the proposed aims of the Association. Following a discussion, it was decided to form an association entitled ‘ROC Association 10 Group’, later to be known as ‘No 10 Group ROC Association’. It was further proposed and agreed that the following be elected to form a committee comprising President – The incumbent Group Commandant Obs Cdr John Shrimpton (Camborne, Cornwall) ; Chairman – Mr Ken Tyers (Exeter) ; Hon. Secretary – Mrs Mollie Northway (Exeter); Hon.Treasurer – Mr Ivor Sims (Exmouth) ; Members – Harry Carley (Newton Abbott), Mr Alf Dennis (Millbrook), Mr Bernard Johnson (Exeter), Mr Ken Raphael (Exeter), Mr Jimmy Gapper (Exeter and ex 9 Group), Rev Nick Pearkes (Plymouth).

It was agreed that former members of the Warning Team, clerical and ancillary staff would be eligible to join. Of the early non ex ROC members to join were Ada Follett, a founding member and Mr Norman Perrin on retirement as Group Controller. Serving ROC members would not be eligible, but it was requested that those about to retire would be put in touch with the Hon. Secretary to ensure that contact was not lost. However, changes in the membership category would be made following the national ROC Association some two years later. For example, – Membership to include (i) serving ROC members with greater than 3 years service (ii) an Associate membership class and (iii) Honorary membership.

The remit of the committee would include responsibility for formulating a programme and arranging Biennial General Meetings.

Following a discussion, it was decided that an annual subscription of £2 would be due now and subsequently on 1 April. The initial expenditure had been met by the 10 Group Amenities Fund. At the conclusion of the meeting tea was held at which Mollie Northway produced a surprise iced cake inscribed ‘ROC Association Inaugural Meeting’. A photograph of those remaining was taken afterwards.

Committee meetings were held at GHQ Exeter (and if not available at Ken Tyer’s home in Exeter or the Heavitree Club, Exeter) and at Rev Nick Pearke’s Vicarage, Western Hill, Plymouth until he resigned in June 1989. After the ROC stood down in 1991 and to date, the committee meetings have been held at the RAFA Club, Plymouth. The first committee meeting was held at Rev Pearke’s Vicarage two weeks later on 2 May 1986. At this meeting Mr Alan Marshall DFC (Exmouth and ex-9 Group) was elected Hon. Editor of the newsletter and Mr Jim Gapper as PRO, owing to his connections with the local press and radio. The first social event was to be a BBQ at Bovisand on 2 August 1986.

However, owing to lack of support because of holidays and other commitments, it was cancelled. Just as well, as on the proposed date the weather was very wet – not an auspicious start ! Committee members were asked to produce items to be included in a proposed constitution to be discussed at the next meeting.

The second committee meeting was held at GHQ on 14 July 1986. The constitution was finalised and membership cards were available and would be sent along with a copy of the constitution. It was agreed that the first annual dinner would be held on 18 October 1986 at the Lord Elliot Hotel in Liskeard. An invitation from the Group’s Amenities Committee to the Dartmoor Letterbox Walk on 7 September 1986 was taken up.

This event went off very successfully. The Group Commandant (John Shrimpton) would be taking a copy of the constitution and other information on the progress of 10 Group ROCA to Camp 5 where there was to be a discussion concerning the formation of a national ROCA. (There was no feedback to report from HQROC on the matter for some time).

The third committee meeting was held at St Phillips Vicarage, Plymouth on 15 September 1986. As the Lord Elliot Hotel venue was unable to cater for the proposed numbers, the first annual dinner would be held at the White Hart Hotel, Launceston on 18 October 1986. The Chairman of 9 Group ROCA was to be invited. A list of members (some 90) would be issued along with the next newsletter. Alan Marshall resigned as Hon. Editor, and from the committee, but would assist with the printing. Owing to the distances involved, it was proposed to form a branch in Cornwall if possible. It was found not possible as there had been a poor response to recruiting adverts in the local press and on the radio. Also existing membership was very scattered throughout the County.

The first newsletter was produced in June 1986 and covered the Inaugural Meeting and forthcoming events. The second was dated August 1986 and covered association news and planned events. Following the resignation of Alan Marshall, Mollie Northway took over temporarily and produced the December issue, and Bernard Johnson was appointed Hon. Editor on 13 February 1987. Bernard continued as Hon. Editor until ill health forced his resignation in mid 1991 when Mr Tony Child MBE (ex Group Commandant) volunteered to take on the task.

Pub lunches were very popular and covered all parts of the Group although generally those planned for Cornwall were the least well attended. Some of those which were well attended, several on more than one occasion, were at the Westward Inn near Ivybridge, the Cedars Lodge Inn, Bickington near Barnstaple (see photo), the Passage House Inn, Kingsteignton, the Talland Bay Hotel, near Looe and the London Inn, Ashburton.

Among the well attended visits and trips were those to Grand Western Canal, Tiverton, RNAS Yeovilton, RN College Dartmouth, Exeter Guild Hall, Dunbridge Air Traffic Controllers College, Totnes, National Trust Castle Drogo, River Dart trip, TV Studios, Plymouth and Morwelham Quay and former copper mine. A number of coffee mornings were held in the Exeter area and a successful BBQ was held at Ashburton.

Cooperation was enjoyed with other organisations, for example, a joint visit with No 9 Group ROCA to the USA Museum, Bath and an invitation from No 9 Group ROCA to attend their luncheon at Sparkford Inn, Sparkford, Somerset, and members were also notified of some of their other events. An invitation was given to the Chairman of 9 Group ROCA to attend our first Annual Dinner. Invitations were also received from No 10 Group Amenities Committee to attend a Dartmoor Post Box Walk, the Fair ’87 at GHQ, a Buffet Dance at Bodmin Shire House and a River Tamar trip. Also invitations were received to attend the Royal British Legion Remembrance Services at the Great Hall, University of Exeter.

Annual Dinners were held firstly at the White Hart Hotel, Launceston on 18 October 1986, when some 40 members and friends attended. On 9 October 1987 the Annual Dinner was held at the Lord Elliot Hotel and some 30 attended. The Guest of Honour was Obs Capt John Bridle, Assistant Commandant ROC, and his wife. Obs Capt Bridle was the initial coordinator for the formation of the future national ROCA and was due to retire from the ROC at the end of the year. 21 October 1988 saw the Annual Dinner being held at the Exeter Arms Toby Hotel, Middlemoor. For 1989 the venue was again the Lord Elliot Hotel on 28 October. However, the Annual Dinner due to be held at the White Hart Hotel, Launceston on 29 October 1990 had to be cancelled owing to lack of support.

Biennial General Meetings were held in 1988, 1990 and in 1991. After only 18 months, to conform with national ROCA requirements, they would be then held annually. The first Biennial Meeting was held on 19 March 1988 at St Philips Hall, Plymouth. John Shrimpton was asked to take the Chair as the Chairman Ken Tyers was on his way to New Zealand.

The Rev Nick Pearkes was thanked for the venue and ladies of the parish for laying on an excellent lunch. Events over the first two years were received and the proposed programme of events was given. Membership stood at over 80. Ivor Sims, Hon. Treasurer reported a balance of £33.46, the raffles held over the period having kept the accounts in the black. He was gratefully thanked for paying for the ties himself which also had kept the accounts in the surplus ! In spite of this financial position the annual subscription was voted to remain at £2. Owing to the retirement of John Shrimpton as GC in August 1986, W/Cdr Mike Richards became Group Commandant and so took over as the 10 Group ROCA President.

The second Biennial General was held at the RAFA Club, Plymouth, on 31 March 1990, the Chairman, Ken Tyers, taking the meeting, at which 16 out of some 60 members attended. Again a review of the programme over the past two years was given, along with an outline of future events. Because of increased expenditure, the annual subscription was increased by 50p to £2.50 from 1 April 1990. It was decided that after the next Biennial General Meeting, General Meetings would be held annually in the November. There being no resignations and no new nominations the existing Committee was elected en bloc. Owing to the resignation of the G/C, Obs/Cdr Mike Richards, in April 1988, Obs/Cdr Tony Child MBE took over as President from 1 May 1988.

The third Biennial General Meeting took place at the Manor House Hotel, Fowley Cross, Okehampton on 3 November 1991 following a lunch. Owing to the continued illness of Ken Tyers, John Shrimpton, Acting Chairman, took the Chair. He explained that only 18 months had elapsed since the last BGM as it was necessary to fall into line with National ROCA. It was also timely, because of the recent Stand Down of the Corps. A general review of events over the past 18 months was given. He outlined the implications for 10 Group ROCA of the Corps Stand Down, one of which was the need to form branches with increased membership, now standing at around 170, and distances involved. Earlier attempts to form them in the Truro, Plymouth and Barnstaple areas had been unsuccessful. However, 10 Cluster (Barnstaple area) had now formed one on 26 September, and Truro was established on 16 October. It was hoped that others would be formed in the Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter areas. Ken Tyers had written that, because of ill-health, he did not wish to stand as Chairman or serve on the Committee. The Acting Chairman expressed the Association’s gratitude and much appreciation to Ken for his sterling service in bringing No 10 Group ROCA into being and steering it through its formative years. Also, Ivor Sims did not wish to stand as Hon Treasurer, but would be prepared to serve on the Committee. Finally, Bernard Johnson, owing to ill-health, had resigned earlier in the year as Hon. Editor, but would also be prepared to serve on the Committee. Both gentlemen were gratefully thanked for their most valued service over the critical initial years. For the 1990 period, Ivor had also served as Southern Area’s representative, along with Charles Topliss, of 12 Group ROCA, on the National ROCA Committee.

The 10 Group ROCA Committee for the ensuing year was Chairman: Mr. Mike Davis (Liskeard) ; Vice Chairman: Mr. John Shrimpton MBE (Camborne) ; Hon. Secretary : Mrs. Mollie Northway (Exeter) ; Hon. Treasurer: Miss Amanda Price (Exeter) ; Hon. Editor: Mr. Tony Child MBE (Plymouth) ; Members: Mr. Ken Algar (Plymouth) ; Mrs. Barbara Baker (Plymouth) ; Mr. Jim Gapper (Exeter) ; Mr. Murray Harper (Plymouth) ; Mr. Ken Rodley (Exeter) ; Mr. Ivor Sims OBE (Dawlish).

Owing to the Stand Down there was no longer a G/C to serve as President – the last being the late Mike Davis who had been G/C for only a few months. The question of President was to be decided at an early meeting of the Committee. The outcome was an approach to the two Lord Lieutenants, viz. Lord Falmouth (Cornwall) and Earl Morley (Devon), to serve as Joint Presidents, because of our association with the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate over the years. Lord Falmouth and Earl Morley very kindly accepted, and on their respective retirements were kindly succeeded by the present Lord Lieutenants, Lady Mary Holborow (Cornwall) and Mr. Eric Dancer CBE (Devon).

Perhaps one could say that No 10 Group ROCA had now entered a new chapter.

Truro member Denis Ellery has written in to the Editor thus :-

"Many thanks for the interesting April newsletter received especially those parts devoted to the Spitfire. Arising from this and after doing some research I think the Master Badge Spitfire was a Mark VI as it has the large radiator intakes under both wings and the short nose of the early Spitfire marks. Referring to the colour I find that the background to the badge on my uniform was a very dark blue almost verging on black.

The item regarding Alex Henshaw is incorrect in that the machine in which he flew was a T9 once used by the Irish Air Corps after being converted by Supermarine into a two seat trainer. It was built at Castle Bromwich in 1944 and given the RAF serial PV202. When used by the IAC it was given the code 161 and following retirement from that service it was sold I believe initially to Sir William Roberts at Strathallen.

Eventually restored to flying condition it was involved in a fatal crash in 1999 when the two occupants were killed but the wreckage was recovered and restored to airworthy condition by the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCO) at Duxford under the capable hands of John Romain. It is now being used to convert pilots to the Spitfire as well as being displayed at airshows and for filming roles. It is hoped that at some time it will be possible for it to be used for air experience flights which will ensure its future financially.

Regarding Spitfires in Cornwall the first appearance of this fighter was in July 1940 when 234 Squadron came to RAF St Eval for the protection of the SW peninsula and for the protection of convoys from German bombers. They were soon joined by the unarmed photographic version detailed to keep a watch on the now occupied French ports where invasion barges were being assembled for the invasion of this country. The PR unit was a permanent resident at St Eval for the remainder of the war and played a vital role in gathering crucial information especially at the time when the battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau with the battle cruiser Prinz Eugen were taking shelter in Brest harbour".

Lord Lieutenant for Devon, Mr Eric Dancer CBE

Honorary Vice Presidents – Mr Ken Rodley and Mr John Shrimpton MBE

Chairman - Mr A J Child MBE, 5 Hillside Drive, Waterside Park, Kingsbridge, South Devon, TQ7 1JF (01548-856524)

Vice Chairman – Mr M Harper, 44 Clifton Place, Plymouth, PL4 8PD (01752-229862)

Secretary – Mr J Parsonage, 26 Maker Road, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2HY (01752-814762)

Treasurer – Mrs J Tremlett, 15 Priestly Avenue, Exeter, Devon, EX4 8DG (01392-206409)

Minute Secretary – Mrs B Baker, 39 Woodford Avenue, Plymouth, PL7 4QW (01752-347985)

Newsletter Editor – Mr L R Holmes MBE, Rivergarth, Malpas, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1SS (01872-278234)

Group ROCBF Officer – Mr R May, Greenhedges, Stoke Road, Kelly Bray, Callingrton, PL17 8EL (01579-382414)

Truro – Mr B Coad, 16 Park an Bans, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 7RW (01209-715832)

East and North Cornwall – Mr R May, Greenhedges, Stoke Road, Kelly Bray, Callington, PL17 8EL (01579-382414)

Plymouth – Mr P Hingston, 163 Woodford Avenue, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4QT (01752-210839)

Exeter – Mr I Rennie, Homecombe House, St Albans Road, Torquay TQ1 3ND (01803-314952)

Royal Observer Corps Benevolent Fund Charity Commission. Scheme for the regulation of the charity Ref : 209640/1-SC. The Charity Commissioners propose to make a scheme for this charity. Copies of the draft scheme may be obtained from them at Woodfield House, Tangier, Taunton, Somerset, TA14BL.

Cold War Bunker could become a data storage computer complex ? Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a £30M development in Devonport, Plymouth. The project includes the building of homes, pub and play area, and two multi-storey buildings. Also included could be the underground tunnels and cold war bunker at Mount Wise which may be used for storage.

Major Tony Hibbert aged 88 years of Trebah, Mawnan Smith, Cornwall was awarded the MBE for services to tourism and sailing in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2006. Over the last 26 years he has developed Trebah Gardens in to a major tourist attraction. In WWII he was in the Parachute Regiment, dropped into Arnhem, was captured, escaped and thanks to the Dutch resistance was returned to Allied lines. He holds Military Days at Trebah and there was a very special day to celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day in 2004.

30th Sept 10 Group committee meeting at RAFA Club, Plymouth 1300hrs.

14th Oct Southern Area ex Officers Luncheon at Aztec Hotel, Bristol.

20th Oct Weekend National ROCA Reunion at Hotel St Nicholas, Scarborough. App forms available.

12th Nov Remembrance Sunday. ROCA at Cenotaph, London

10 ROCA COMMITTEE AND NEWSLETTER DATES

30 - 9 - 06 fixed 12- 11- 06 Early December 2006

To be arranged 17- 3- 07 Early April 2007