Comments

18 Mar 23 11:12   john Hinton from Perth W Australia

I was a DHE apprentice 1956 to 1961 at S/Lane, Leavesden and Hatfield where I then spent 3 years on the test beds before going to Cranfield. There were no photos taken of us apprentices I am sure, such a shame as there were many of us plus a swag of BOAC and BEA apprentices from memory. Treasure my memories of DH and the friends I made there - still meet up with the survivors on visits to the UK - next one October this year.
Thanks John

15 Feb 23 07:43   Vincent m kieti from KENYA (Africa), Nairobi.

Do you enroll privately sponsored person's who are working in civil aviation?
This is a commemorative website. DHAeTS no longer exists.

01 Jan 23 21:42   Bryan Milton from Hatfield

I was in the 1968 apprentice aircraft Electrican intake at Hatfield , spending time at Astwick manor the erecting shop and flight test hanger . Love to see any group photographs .

04 May 21 15:39   Stephan Hale from Berlin, Germany

My grandfather was at De Havilland in Hatfield, from the late 30s until late 70s. His name was Len (Leonard) Hale. Anyone remember him? If so, any photos in existence? Thanks very much!

08 Apr 18 15:16   Dave Mudie ex Leavesden apprentice from KINGS LANGLEY Herts

I was a Dh apprentice from 1956 till 1961 and I agree with Roy Young no photos were ever taken it is as if people lost interest. I was at Hatfield in 1958 or 1959 on the test beds,and I had a great time with Roy and I believe Doug Glenister. It was on the open air Gyron test bed

04 Jan 18 02:59   Nick Parkinson from Gig Harbor WA USA

I started my apprenticeship working with the fine ladies in the print room. Often pretty light headed getting to close the ammonia in the blue print developer! Went to Astwick Manor in 1954 and remember the triangle/square/round filling exercise as well as making the 'oak' tool box! First year after that was in the experimental shop then a couple of years in the sheet metal shop in WGC then back to Hatfield. I rode each day on my 1936 International Norton and only fell off once during the whole period. Transferred to the Sea Vixen drawing office for a year or so before joining DHs in New Zealand traveling there in a BOAC DH Comet 4. Got into helicopters in a big way in NZ and because of that went to USA in 1977. Retired in 2015 aged 75 and have been enjoying myself as a aviation history buff ever since.

16 Nov 17 21:16   David Irvine from Worksop

On page 47 of Part 2 of the photographs it states that Ron Mewett is currently a DHAeTS Association member. Unfortunately I believe he is now deceased

04 Nov 17 10:42   William Sells from Norfolk

I started at Stag Lane in 1961 as an apprentice Engine fitter and tester also worked at Leavesden and Hatfield. The only photo ever taken in that time of our intake was on a day visit to the BSA motorcycle factory with the apprentice association.

07 Dec 16 23:23   David L Hawkes from East Preston

Thank you for responding Roger, and also for the current list of members. I have a couple of items for you re missing names. Firstly, on page 27 in the group at the back next to "Jock" Anderson is Gerald Woolmington who I believe was from Argentina and my year 1949 I think. On page 29 in the group of tennis players at Balls Park, myself included, the young lady seated at first left is Margaret Cooper whom I escorted a couple of times!! Finally, page 34, the person next to Nick Hutton is not John Badham. Who he is I know not. During my time in Sri Lanka on my first contract there, I met John Aston who I had never met before. He was flying for Air Lanka as well and he told me that there was a Tiger Moth lying in a corner of the SLAF hanger at the Air Force base at Katanayaka. The suggestion was made that we might rebuild it whilst we there in our spare time. I was on my own as was John so it was a good prospect. Unfortunately John left to return to the UK but subsequently I made an approach to the senior engineering officer and offered to rebuild the Tiger. He was a delightful man and delighted with my offer saying the remains had been there some considerable time since they had no knowledge of the aircraft and no information on it. This was 1986 and I had at home the notes from George Hart's lectures on Tiger Moth and Gipsy Major engines given in 1950/51. I brought them back to Sri Lanka and started work. I was loaned two SLAF airmen to help me, Wilkie and Willie by name, lovely guys who helped on the days I was there. I used to bring Tiger spares back from the UK each time I had a London flight scheduled, even a large sheet of Spruce plywood stowed behind the last row of the First Class cabin, this to make a new floor for the Tiger. I spent more than two years in my spare time working on the project and had my leg continuously pulled by the other engineers in the flight hanger saying it would never be finished and never fly again. As the end of my contract approached I took all the leave owing to me in order to finish the restoration of this unique and iconic aeroplane. I made the first flight on the day before I was due to return to England. She flew beautifully, and I made a couple of low passes and then the landing which was a "greaser" though I say it myself! As I taxied in the whole contingent of staff from the flight hanger had turned out to watch and they all were all applauding as the Tiger went by. It was a very moving moment which I shall never forget and I still have George Hart's notes to this day. I have some pictures here at home somewhere and a video of the first flight and a presentation from the Commander of the SLAF. The Tiger is in the SLAF museum at Ratmalana and I have seen it fly since. She is the oldest aircraft there. Never forget her, ever.

06 Dec 16 16:29   David L Hawkes from East Preston, West Sussex

How well I remember my days as an apprentice at Hatfield (Astwick Manor) and Panshanger airfield where I spent the majority of my time. It was an idyllic period in my life which I shall never forget and although I never returned to de Havilland after my time there was complete and I had served my National Service in the Fleet Air Arm (as did dear old Bill Bowker), I still consider my five years there were among the best of my life. I look at the photos which are hugely nostalgic and wonder what happened to so many of my old friends and colleagues. Beryl Tinsley and "Lofty" Stone for instance, "Harley" Jim Greathead and Tim Meyer, Ian "Woody"Wood and Ken Ball to name but a few. I am in my 85th year now and I realise that many will departed this life but they were unforgettable for me.I spent my working life in flying, Fleet Air Arm, BOAC/BA, Air Lanka and Jersey European, the best employer I ever had and the greatest fun and satisfaction from flying. I clocked over 18,000 thousand hours on Comet 4C, VC10 as Captain, Tristar and Fokker F27 aircraft and the first aircraft I ever flew was a Tiger Moth at the London Aeroplane Club with instructor Dennis Cather. And the last that I flew? Guess what, it was a Tiger also, a couple of weeks after my 70th birthday. I would love to hear from anyone who might remember me.

Thanks for these memories, David. Some of those you mention are still with us. I will email you the current membership list. Anyone wishing to contact David directly, or anyone else, can be put in touch by using the Contact Us tab. That comes direct to me - Roger de Mercado.

05 Dec 16 00:38   David Wilkinson from Brighton, Adelaide,South Australia

Martin Ames' messages prompt this. I was a Hatfield Engineering Student 1948-1953 with fond memories of Astwick Manor and workshops either end of Manor Road, Hatfield. Happy to chat about those times. Martin (82965692).

04 Dec 16 01:50   Martyn Ames from Adelaide Australia

Loved the new photo collection and particularly the pics/refs of the training exercises at Astwick. I even made a 1.5" machine vice and replica FA Cup! Still have the cup but lost sight of the vice... I must call into the museum when I visit UK next year - it's been a while. Referring to the pics - I think the company's enthusiasm must have dropped off after 1965 and it became more a mundane HSA organisation - shame!

03 Dec 16 13:08   Shirley Duvall [nee Jennings] from Northwich, Cheshire

I worked in the de Havilland Technical School office at Stag Lane from 1953 - 1957. There were three of us: Poppy, Pam and myself, we were known as Snap Crackle and Pop. I remember Mr. Rolfe - one of the Technical School supervisors taking pictures of the new intakes (he even took some of me). I don't know whether the pictures were for the files or if he took group pictures. I have always kept in touch with Poppy and Bill and am still in touch with Pam. I left Stag Lane and transferred to the Rocket Division in Harlow to become secretary to the Head of the Rocket Division and finally left DH in 1958

01 Dec 16 16:53   Roger Mason from Toronto, Canada

First-off, thank you Ken Watkins and Roger de Mercado for your ongoing efforts in keeping us all in touch with each other and with a very exciting and now, historic time in our lives as DH Apprentices.
My intake year at Astwick Manor was 1963. I was a HSD apprentice. I recall having a group photo taken in front of tall, green, rhododendron or privet (?) bushes dividing the Tech School hangar and the Manor house garden/sports field. This photo must be on the 'Missing' list? The photo I remember being taken would have been HSD apprentices, a relatively small group compared to the HSA group. Some names I remember both HSD & HSA in my intake year are below. Anyone else in that year and remembering more names, please add to this list or email me at rogermason@mac.com:
Roger Mason HSD (self), Richard Verlander HSA, David Stock HSD, Ernest Dilly HSA, Robin Nicholson HSD, Robert Stewart HSA, Tony Angel HSA, Derrick Govier HSD, Ken Davis HSA, Morris Snowden HSA, Maurice Gwilt HSA, David Hamer HSA, Irvin Pugh HSA, Nathalian ? (foreign student) HSA, Anthony 'B' ( Tony's dad was a foreman in Missile wiring shop NP2 Manor Road)

11 Aug 16 09:15   Martyn Ames from Adelaide, South Australia

I have only just joined the association, 45 years late! I found this page and a question from Manuel Mendes Barbosa written on 6 May 2012. I wonder whether his question was answered? I am on picture 21/4/64 DH14797B but Manuel is, I believe, on pic dated 31/1/64 back row #6 - the more smartly dressed one! We were at Astwick together and subsequently.

05 Feb 16 02:12   Geoff Sharp to Chedzoy from Vancouver Island. Canada

I started off at Stag Lane from 1950 to 1955. We never had pictures taken. But if there are any of the guys around I would like to hear back. All the above seem to be later folks. I was engines etc also at Stonegrove and Leavesden and Hatfield test beds. After RAF was Handley Page then Rolls Royce in Montreal. Any contact welcome.

17 Sep 15 19:28   Dave Irvine from Worksop

On the 1959 photo DH12299B, I believe the person 2nd from right on the front row is 'Sammy' Morgan (played scrum half in the rugby team) THANKS DAVE. INFO PASSED ON TO KEN.

19 Feb 15 12:22   Peter Mills from Stag Lane Engine Division

Apprentice 1954-1961

01 Feb 15 22:20   Jim Fleet from Aircraft side Hatfield

I entered Astwick Manor as a 15 year old Craft Apprentice in 1960 working with Mr.Jack Good (Square in a Square) Mr Jim Saye (Wooden Tool Box) which I still use to this day,Mr.Jones (Sheetmetal) Mr.Dickie Whiden working on the Puffin man powered aircraft. Moved over to the main Aircraft factory after a year,into the Experimental Shop,Rivet Shop,Fitting Shop,Heat treatment shop with Johnny ex boxer from London,Machine Shop with Terry Bigley & finally into the 94 Shop with Mr.Alf Wager. My father Bert Fleet was foreman in the 94 shop, his father Mickey Fleet worked in the fitting shop during the war.My mother was Sir Geofrey De havilland's house keeper at his Hatfield day house Highlands near the Comet Hotel As a young apprentice my pal Jimmy Foster and I regulary pestered Mr.John Cunningham and Mr.Braxton Brown for seats on their test flight aircraft,the scariest being stall test on the Tridents and the more gentle Comet 4c I have been in precision engineering now for some 55 enjoyable years with the best being at de Havillands. My son Christopher has followed my love of de Havillands and aircraft gaining his PPL at 17 and going on to become an Air Traffic controller/Instructor/CAA Examiner Writing these few words has made the hairs on the back of my neck standup, fond fond memories. I would like to hear from my fellow apprentices. jim.fleet@ icloud.com

12 Jan 15 09:13   Roy Young from Aylsham. Norfolk

There seems to be a lack of input by those responsible for taking the photos of us who were in the 49/54 intake at Stag Lane as reported I cannot recall one instance where photos were taken. I served at Stag Lane, Leavesden, Hatfield and Stonegrove which doesn't seem to be mentioned. Astwick Manor was top dog! RY.

17 Dec 14 10:59   Pete Jones from Caddington, . BEDS

Ken, just a passing thought, but it would be very worthwhile you having a copy of the DHAeTS official register (apprentice refs/names) to hand. Surely BAeS could cough this up from their archives. In the event, each year could be cross -referenced against the intake photograph to aid identification. (Chester intake 1954) REPLY FROM ROGER DE MERCADO: Sadly, all the records were destroyed when Hatfield closed.

18 Sep 14 16:30   Colin from Keeper

My apprenticeship started in 1966 and a group photo was taken and I have an electronic version with the names of the group added. A few us had reunion in March this year and are doing again on the 18th October. The original belongs Brian Ayres. A copy will be emailed to you.

28 Jan 14 13:40   ken stothard from leonard stanley, glos

I was in the 1954 intake at the Propeller Company at Lostock. Unfortunately I don't recall ever having group photos taken, other than football team pics. I was in the Lostock team for our annual game at Chester but can't find any photos. After 2 years several of us transferred to Hatfield for the remainder of our apprenticeship. Finished up on the Bluestreak project. Happy days, a great experience.

06 Jan 14 06:36   Ron Fowler from Mornington Australia

I was at Astwick Manor1955-56 as a trade apprentice and left DH Hatfield finally in 1964. Do not recall any group photos Have close ex DH friends locally and in NZ and see them on a regular basis

04 Jan 14 22:09   Les Hall from Ilkley

(Via Roger de Mercado) Les started in 1949. He has identified himself in the photo labelled 6th June 1950, Group 2, on page 16 so thinks this must in fact be a 1949 group. He is 4th from left in the back row with Gordon Hilliam 3rd from left. Dave Frater might be on the right hand end of the back row.

04 Jan 14 16:02   Reg Glading from Isle of Wight

Whilst an apprentice at Stag Lane 1954-59 I do no recall any photos being taken. I recognise a couple of names in the comments. Well done maintaining this archive material. Best regards. Reg.

04 Jan 14 08:27   R. Young from Aylsham

The comments were varied and interesting. Together with the main article made interesting reading and look forward to the next edition. R. Young,

01 Jan 14 22:02   Dave Irvine from Worksop

Following further examination of the photo of group 3 on page 50 (DH12299C), I believe the person 2nd from left on the back row is Richard ('Dick') Williams. He became a member of the IT department at Hatfield and was subsequently transferred to a more senior appointment in IT at Chester. He also played for the DH rugby team before moving on to play for WGC. His older brother worked at Dynamics.

01 Jan 14 15:00   TONY ROBINSON from WHITCHURCH, SHROPS.

I was a member of the 1965 intake of Engineering Apprentices at Chester and the group photo on page 59 is actually of the Sept 1964 intake as I recognise several of the faces shown. Some names missing from the front row are: 1st left Mr Quinn - Storekeeper, 2nd from left Mr Paddy Grey - Sheet metal instructor, 3rd from left Mr Pritchard - Woodwork Instructor.

01 Jan 14 13:00   Richard Ouston from East Wemyss, Fife, Scotland

I entered Stag Lane as a Trade Apprentice in September 1954, moving on into the SL factory then Leavesden and Hatfield -mainly concentrating on the Gyron Junior development. Then became a Service Engineer again on the Gyron Junior in the Buccaneer plus Gnomes in the various military helo's of the era. Regrettably haven't seen many photos of the Stag Lane apprentice intakes, certainly none of my time. I wonder if there are any more in existence - perhaps as yet undiscovered in some dusty archive? Keep up the good work of recording a marvellous part of history; when 'de Havilland' was synonymous with excellence and technical leadership in the aero industry.

01 Jan 14 00:56   Dave Irvine from Worksop UK

Having studied the Astwick Manor intake photos, I believe I may have identified myself, present on page 50, in group 3 dated 18th Sept 1959 (DH12299C). I am present in the back row, 3rd from the right.

09 Nov 13 19:44   Richard Browning from Eastbourne, East Sussex

Like Ian Marshall in his comment I do not recall a photo either but it looks like me in group 5 front row number 9. I was in the Jan 1957 intake too. As I remember Ian I think it is him in group 1 front row no 5. No.7 in same row is Brian Pink. Regards.

19 Oct 13 22:38   Ian Bruce from Solihull, West Midlands

I came upon the DHAeTSA website by chance today and was intrigued by the group photographs. For what it’s worth, I’ll put my ha'porth of memories into the pot. I hope they are of some little help. I arrived at Astwick Manor in September 1957 as a late entrant into that year’s intake, due to turning up a year earlier than planned (if you see what I mean) to take up my D H Scholarship. I lived in ‘cubicle’ 32 or 33 in the Manor until I was evicted around July the following year following various disagreements with Mrs. Cathcart, the Warden’s wife - what a fund of reminiscences that name brings back... By that time I had decided to leave anyway and do a full time course at Durham University - from where I ended up in the Electricity Supply Industry. When I contemplate what government mismanagement has done for the aircraft industry, it was probably a wise career move. Interestingly enough, one of my direct contemporaries in the CEGB was a Brian Carr who was at Christchurch around the time I was at Hatfield. I have no recollection of a group photograph but remember a couple of names with a few more hovering in the background of my memory. I see that one Peter Kirk has helped with names although I don’t see him identified on any of the group photos. Bearing in mind the timing, he will almost certainly be the guy who lived in cubicle 30, and who came from Darlington (I come from Middlesbrough, so we felt like missionaries in a foreign land). He made a superb scale ‘pilot’ for a control line Westland Whirlwind I built during my time there. There was a guy called Tickford who came from Dunmow in Essex. His father was Bill Tickford who at that time was something of a celebrity in the Aeromodelling world. Pat Linton was a contemporary too. His father was Professor of Geography at Sheffield University. I also recall Vic Lundy, also from Sheffield. He was thrown out of the hostel much earlier than I was - indeed, by the time I was ejected, I guess that about 50% of the people who were there in my early days had gone too. All the best, Ian Bruce

26 Sep 13 15:53   Murray Comley

I can identify some of the staff on the group photo of the Chester sta ff and students 1965 photo. 2nd left is Paddy Grey (sheetmetal work), 3rd left is the woodwork instructor, the head of school was Harvey Davis (who later became Personnel Director), 3rd right is Mr. Coathup (Drawing Office) and 2nd right is Don Martin (airframes). The chap on the far left was the storekeeper. I am on there somewhere!

04 May 13 13:23   John Hallett from Nottingham

I was in the 1944 intake at Salisbury Hall, but cannot recall any group photograhs. during my years at Hatfield. Several of my contemporaies went to the US and Canada after completion of their apprenticeships. I remember we designed and built and tested a ramjet engine, fitted on the tip of boomorang shaped helicopter rotor in 1950/51 at Astwick Manor, as well as designing mountings for alternative engines for Chipmunks.

29 Jan 13 20:10   Roy Young from Aylsham Norfolk,

My time being 49/54 I don't remember once being involved in a group photo shoot, I admit it would have been nice to see the chaps you spent your time with, apparently it was a regular thing particularly for the students at Astwick Manor, anyway it's too late now!

07 Dec 12 14:56   Ieuan Wynne-Williams from Luxembourg

I was in the 1968 intake at Chester Apprentice school. Pers no, 17779.

29 Jun 12 07:57   Ian Marshall from North Suffolk

I was in the January intake of 1957 at Astwick Manor. I have no recollection of having my photograph taken in a group. However if if there is anyone who remembers me and has a group shot from that time I would appreciate seeing a copy.

06 May 12 16:20   Manuel Mendes Barbosa from Estoril Portugal

Do you have anything about the Astwick Manor 1963 intake (February 1964)? I was there... Reply: We have recently found that in the BAE Systems Archives there is a reference to negatives of two group photos in April 1964, so you may be on one of those. Watch this space!

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