The Squadron and Association have links, through Sir Barnes Wallis, with Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex. The School has existed for over 450 years and was set up to provide a boarding school education for needy pupils. It comprises two parts; the School, which provides the education for the children and the Foundation, which provides the means for the School to do so. Much of the funding is provided by benefactors, including the RAF Benevolent Fund, which ‘sponsors’ periodically a child through his or her school days. Initially, the RAF Foundation was paid for by royalties from Sir Barnes Wallis’s inventions and this is why 617 Squadron features on the Foundation Badge, worn by each RAF-sponsored pupil. The 617 Squadron Aircrew Association also donated a significant sum of money 20 years or so ago as a part benefactor of the RAF Foundation, which is now run through the RAF Benevolent Fund. The School is very successful and over 90% of pupils progress to university.

Some years ago, Sir Barnes Wallis, a former pupil and subsequently Treasurer of Christ’s Hospital School commissioned a priests cope, to be worn by the School Chaplain during Chapel services. At some stage, the cope went missing, together with an altar cloth until they were discovered at a car boot sale by a Mr Flanagan, who bought them and very generously donated them to the Association. Having been cleaned and repaired by the School, the cope and altar cloth were formally handed back to the School on long-term loan on Monday 8th November 2010. Rear Admiral David Cooke, Clerk and Chief Executive of the Foundation accepted the items and the handover was attended by the President, Chairman and members of the Committee together with Sir Barnes Wallis’ daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. The cope and altar cloth are well-presented and are viewed by all pupils as part of the National Curriculum. It was pleasing to see them both back in the place that Sir Barnes Wallis intended.

Current RAF Foundation Student,
Joanna Hagar, with the President’

‘RAF Foundation Badge’

‘Rear Admiral David Cooke shows the
Altar Cloth to Sir Barnes Wallis’s daughters,
Mary and Elizabeth’.

‘Association Members with Cope’.

On Saturday 13th November

On Saturday 13th November, some members of the Association visited the Newark Air Museum, principally to view the Vulcan aircraft. For some, it was a step back in time with memories of cramped cockpits and evocative smells of leather. A logbook of the aircraft was on display that showed who flew the aircraft and on what type of sortie throughout its life and it was a good feeling to remember former colleagues.  The Newark Air Museum is a recommended visit and many aircraft and cockpits are displayed over a large area, including 2 aircraft hangers.
Cost is £6.25 for adults.