1926 - 1998

 

Love lies at the heart of this Association. Love gave it birth. With an influx of new members over recent years, the question: ‘How did this Association start?’ is repeated. It feels an appropriate time to share the inspiring story of how our worldwide Family of Kindred Spirits came into being, as told by brother and sister: Martin Staunton and Eileen Boorman, our Founders:

 

 

My sister was born in 1925 in Farnborough, Hants, to Elsie and Martin Staunton. Martin was, at that time, serving at RAF Farnborough. Our parents met at Halton where mother worked at the RAF Hospital, with my father serving at RAF Halton, first as an RAF Apprentice, later in the RAF. When Dad completed his time in the RAF, the family set up home in Lincoln where our paternal grandparents ran a Public House.

 

Eileen had an uneventful childhood and I arrived in 1930. This was a particularly happy time for us until war cast a shadow over our lives.

 

On leaving school, Eileen worked in an office while considering training as a draughtswoman. Her interest in clothes, however, persuaded her to take a job in the Lincoln Branch of Easiphit Shoe Company. When war broke out, Company Managers were called up, and Eileen was promoted to become the first Manageress of a shoe shop in the UK. The shop was next to the Saracen’s Head Hotel used by aircrew. They would call in to buy shoes. Seeing the high turnover of crews and the devastating effect flying operations had on those who survived, the compassion so dominant in Eileen’s nature led her to supply some men with galoshes and shoes without taking money coupons from them. Although this was illegal, and perhaps reprehensible, it was typical of Eileen who would always try to help someone and was never known to turn her back on anyone needing help.

 

Eileen was an accomplished pianist, winning prizes in local Music Festivals. Throughout her life, music brought her a great deal of pleasure and, in later life, solace. In her teens, she learned to play the piano accordion, leading to her first spell as a semi-professional musician. She joined a band, playing at many RAF Stations which covered Lincolnshire and the band was very successful. On VE Night the band played at RAF Skellingthorpe. During this period, she met many RAF aircrew who often visited the family home when not on operations. It was during this period she met her future husband, Flying Officer Stafford Sinclair DFM, on his first tour of operations over Germany.

 

In December 1944, Eileen married Stafford Sinclair, then a Pilot Officer serving in 214 Squadron based at RAF Oulton, Norfolk. His was the last aircraft lost by 214 Squadron, shot down by the enemy while flying over Hamburg on the night of 21/22 March 1945 with loss of all crew. Eileen and Stafford had been married just three months. His death affected her badly and cast a shadow over the rest of her life. Dad died in the same period, so we all moved to Hastings where Mum’s family lived. Eileen’s sorrow gradually diminished, no doubt helped by the closeness of her husband’s family of whom she still felt a part. These were friendships formed at tragic times yet endured for over fifty years.

 

Her interests were still in music and she soon became a proficient dancer, even being asked to become a professional. This did not appeal to Eileen and dance partner Peter Nelson, but still they went on to represent Sussex in a great many dance competitions, achieving creditable scores against top-flight dancers.

 

In the ‘60s, Eileen went back to retailing and became Supervisor for Russell & Bromley at their St Leonard’s branch. At this time, she met her second husband David Boorman, a Contracts Director for Rutherford Swimming Pools. After some happy years together, David died, causing her immense grief. It was at this point music provided great solace, as she bought an electronic organ and learned to play it. She had some solo performances for a couple of years, then I learned the drums to accompany her. A chance meeting with vocalist Bob Histed (still today an Association member), resulted in the forming of the ‘Hammond Plus Group’ which endured for almost twenty five years. Playing music for Dances and Dinner Dances gave Eileen a great deal of pleasure, especially as we all enjoyed what we were doing and shared such happy times. Bob and his wife Jill became extremely close friends and over final few months, became a tower of strength which helped carry us through a very difficult period.

 

Soon after her second husband David died Eileen left Russell & Bromley to host foreign students, a programme which appealed to her homemaking instincts, and resulted in a great many friendships which endured for twenty years and more, some travelling from abroad to attend her funeral. Eileen’s compassionate and caring nature was never more evident as she nursed our mother for several years. Because of her music commitments and caring of students, many of whom wanted to return each year; this was not an easy task but one which she carried out without complaint.

 

In 1991, she and I visited Norfolk, and went to Oulton airfield from which Stafford Sinclair flew in 1944/45. We were saddened, not just in remembering her husband and other airmen for whom Norfolk had been their wartime home, but by the once thriving airfields filled with the clamour of voices and activity now left abandoned, forlorn, neglected, buildings either in decay or ruin or used by farmers for livestock and feed stores. It was an emotional visit, and we knew we couldn’t leave it there. The experience moved us to the extent that we decided to form an Association, to erect a Memorial in memory of all these brave airmen, at the site of the airfield from which they had flown, as well as placing a Book of Remembrance in the local church …’

 

Eileen and Martin were adamant that history needed to be remembered … these people mattered. Too many had given their lives for their country, taking their secrets to the grave. Men and women of RAF 100 Group under Bomber Command in wartime had stories to tell, which otherwise would be lost. They had shared such a close bond, it was a connection that needed to be re-established, no matter who they were, or where they lived today. They visited Blickling Hall where the Administrator gave them names and addresses of ex-Oulton personnel who had visited the Hall in recent years. Many were contacted, and all stressed the importance of commemorating those who died while serving at RAF Oulton

 

Supported by local couple Len and Evelyn Bartram, a Committee was formed, consisting of Eric Phillips, Gunnery Leader on 214 Squadron; Eileen Boorman, Martin Staunton, Arthur Anthony and Hazel Southgate, an Oulton MT Driver, married to Jimmy Southgate, Rear Gunner, 214 Squadron.

 

A gradual build-up of members followed, and in 1994 a Book of Remembrance was dedicated in Blickling Church, the Ceremony attended by representatives of all Commonwealth Air Forces and the United States Air Force. The presence of the American Air Force was crucial because of their American Unit, the 803rd Bomb Group, which served Oulton in wartime. Eileen’s pride in the achievement of bringing these together was only exceeded by her pleasure in meeting and spending time with men who had served with and knew her husband Stafford.

 

In the afternoon, a Memorial at Oulton was dedicated. The Bishop of Lynn officiated, together with the Chaplain from RAF Coltishall. The American Air Force based at Lakenheath sent a Colour Party and Escort to join Standard Bearers from the Royal Air Force Aircrew Association, Royal British Legion, and other local organisations. At the end of a one-minute silence, a low-flying light aircraft dropped British Legion poppies over the Memorial, followed by poems read by representatives of the different Squadrons represented who had served at Oulton.

 

Following the Memorial Dedication, refreshments were offered in a Marquee at Oulton Hall. The owner, Bolton Agnew, permitted us to put the Marquee on his lawn, allowing us to use facilities in the Hall. One difficulty quickly overcome was the European Regulation concerning handling of food. When ladies of Aylsham British Legion heard about it, immediately they volunteered and handled all catering arrangements superbly.

 

From that time to the present day, we have always found the people of Norfolk to be generous, kind and helpful, grateful to men of the RAF who gave their lives for our freedom today.

 

However, during this period it was discovered very few men who flew in RAF Main Force aircraft knew of RAF 100 Group and their efforts to protect them. Further, Veterans were concerned their work and sacrifice had never been officially recognised. Their work remained buried under layers of secrets, despite in 1976, letters stating the period of secrecy was over.

 

The work of the Group could be split into two main parts. (1) Radio Countermeasure Squadrons which detected transmissions from Radar and fighter controllers using powerful transmitters to jam German defences. (2) Mosquito Squadrons flying high level Intruder Patrols to protect Main Force aircraft, and flying at low level to attack German airfields, preventing fighters taking off or landing. These efforts obviously required many Squadrons and airfields specifically in Norfolk.

 

Martin Staunton continues:

 

‘Having gained the expertise of establishing a Memorial at Oulton, the Committee decided to provide a 100 Group Memorial Room for Memorabilia. Finding a suitable venue proved challenging, until we received a letter from the City of Norwich Aviation Museum offering a newly built room at no cost to the Committee. The Museum fitted out the room, and even found a Lloyd- Loom chair from the Officers’ Mess at Blickling Hall! The pleasure and satisfaction of my sister Eileen seeing her husband’s uniform in a show case set inside the City of Norwich Aviation Museum was immense, her eyes shining with delight, clearly visible on a video made at the Opening.

 

The Opening Ceremony was held in September 1997 and attended by many people who served on 100 Group. In the evening, we had Dinner at the Wroxham Hotel. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and set the tone for future Reunions.

 

Veterans attending Opening Ceremony in 1997, Air Vice Marshall Jack Furner uniformed, centre

 

Except for 1998, we held a Reunion every year, including people who served in Squadrons throughout RAF 100 Group, together with family and friends. Our beginnings established a programme for the future. On Friday afternoons we’d go to RAF Coltishall – always an interesting visit. The closure of Coltishall in November 2006 was a sad day for everyone, especially as Mick Jennings serving at Coltishall always made a brilliant Speaker! On Saturday morning, we’d gather at the Museum for a chat and AGM to bring people up to date and be included in future plans, followed by a Buffet Lunch. Members would then travel by coach to 100 Group airfields of their choice to lay wreaths in memory. On the way back, we’d visit Oulton where villagers brought out a lavish tea with wonderful home-made cakes and a host of other delights, after which villagers and members would join in a short Ceremony at the Memorial where wreaths were laid.

 

Our membership has always been open to anyone with involvement or interest in RAF 100 Group. We also have members with no connection who simply enjoy being part of our friendly Reunions.

 

When I’d found myself on my own after my divorce, Eileen and I decided to pool our efforts and to look after one another. I shared a very special 21 years with her. Nobody could have looked after me or given greater care when I was ill. Neither could anyone have been a better companion or left me with such wonderful memories as I have now. She was a very special person. During her own illness she received many letters, cards and phone calls from family, relatives, friends - friends gained through her music and those we came to know as close friends through both our Association and 214 Association. Every one of them became a great comfort and strength to her. Everyone felt Eileen enriched their life. She was an Inspiration! My own outstanding memory of her will always be her indomitable spirit and sense of humour which remained to the end.

 

For me, her Passing leaves a hole in my life which can never be filled …’

 

The sentiments expressed by Martin about his sister Eileen could equally apply to them both … because together THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE! They made things happen. They brought into being something amazing and wonderful and which lives on in their memory today … created in Love.

 

It is Love which remains this Association’s life blood, binding us together as a worldwide Family of Kindred Spirits who keep in regular contact with one another, sharing precious memories and stories, both their own and those of people they loved, as well as everyday happenings. It is a privilege and pleasure to know the memory of people such as Stafford Sinclair lives on, and that their legacy passes on through generations to come.

 

It is this which makes every RAF 100 Group Association so special … coming together, meeting in person Veterans and their families, connected by a bridge of unconditional Love. I feel Eileen, her brother Martin and Len Bartram would be so proud of how our Association has developed and grown worldwide and embrace the love that binds us together.

 

This year’s Reunion can be summed up by the words of Evelyn Bartram, a founding member of this Association:

 

Dear Janine,

 

It was lovely to see so many friends and members of the Foulsham and Oulton groups, remembering the many who served this country for the benefit of others and future generations.

 

It was a great honour for me to see and be part of the Service at Foulsham, and to speak with the family of Stan Forsyth DFC. Their presence together with his great grandchildren was a wonderful tribute.

 

To see Andrew Barron offer his memories with tremendous dignity and respect was very emotional, making us all feel so proud to be in his presence.

 

Martin Staunton and his sister Eileen, together with Len my husband, would be so pleased and proud to know that the Association is continuing with the dedication and love of us all.

 

It must be said that we missed your company … but know you were with us in spirit.

 

In Love and Friendship,

 

Evelyn Bartram

 

 

This article is from the Summer 2019 issue of Confound and Destroy