RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- The Royal Air Force

[ Show ]

Support VoyForums

[ Shrink ]

VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- John Cooper, 21/04/04 21:00:45

Add Ginge/Ron Tucker SASF Airframes 1959-1960

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- John Cooper, 25/07/05 7:52:10

I have had a request from Don Maxwell who was stationed at Negombo from 1950-52, he is trying to contact ANYONE who was there the same time as himself, can you help?[8-)]

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Don Maxwell, 25/05/09 22:33:57

Dear Do, If you cant recall me by name I was in Station Armoury and a member of Sq. Lgr Smith's Jungle Rescue Team.
If you have a ohoto of a group of us on the "Devonshire2 on the way home, I am on the back of the group,(blond hair) I was also great mates with Neil Moran ,Andy McLeod, Jock Vine etc we also had a seven a side football team photo taken on which you are present. You were also maty with a tall ginger haired lad from your neck of the woods but I can't recall his name, I did reply to your enqury in RAF Re-United without success

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- norman whitaker 3127281, 28/05/09 22:18:35

Dear Don,
Ive tried to contact yopu for the usual chat through this page. and also Forces Re-united. but to no avail so I'll try again. I was employed if thats the right word in the Station Armoury with Ted Pope. and was a good friend of Neil Moran Airframes.Jock Vine and Andy McLeod. If you have the photo taken of the group of us on the "Devonshire" i'm on the back row with the light hair! Iwas also in the Jungle Rescue team with one of your mates, a tall ginger haired lad who I believe came from your part of the world. I live in Lancashire on the edge of the Dales. Hope you receive my eMail Best Wishes,

Norman.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- lynne johnstone, 6/01/11 10:29:49

Do you recall robert johnstone?He was in Negombo in 1950. He married Joyce and they had a daughter in 1951- ME!!!

They separated when I was ten months old and I never met 'BOB'

I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. I don't even have a photo

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Derek Chapman, 11/01/11 22:37:06

My father, Jim Chapman, was a wireless operator at Negombo in 1952. He was good friends with Geoff Jopson and Derek Jones. He travelled there aboard the troop ship "Empire Orwell".

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Mr J A Tait, 25/10/11 20:43:00

I was there from April 1950 to December 1952.My father,Flt seargent W A TAIT was stationed at RAF Negombo and we were in married quarters with my mother and sister.Our address was 198a,whatever road that our bungalow was in ,complete with " house boy" to do all the cooking etc.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Jack Brown, 22/04/08 17:38:06

I was in the fire section at Katunake from 58-60, my bed was opposite Stuart Wittering (Wit), During 58 I did a 6 week relief at Gan... Geordie (Jack) Brown

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Jack Brown, 22/04/08 17:58:35

I see that that Stuart Witterring (Witt) has been added to your list. My bed was opposite his in the long billet. The little blonde fellow was a pleasure to know, even if all he talked about was his 'Tinia' I also have photo's from Katunayake and Gan where I did relief in 58
Geordie (Jack) Brown Katunayake fire section 1958-60
and Gan

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- stewart nicol, 18/02/15 14:32:49

My father was Flt/Sgt George Nicol fire section fro 57 to 59
Do you remember him,

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Rena McCarthy, 21/12/17 13:21:41

Geordie, I've got a photo of you too. You're with my late husband Bryan McCarthy (Black Mac) who served in the Fire Section with you. He left the forces in 1969 and stayed in the fire prevention industry until his death in 1999 aged 61.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- 057 lac bob Wilton act @kat 1958, 13/06/11 9:42:53

Now living in Bristol but went back to kat a few years ago but didn't manage to get on camp due to the troubles .would like to hear from anyone from act or air movements section ,as there was only 3 of us and slot of air movements Kevin brown act kat 1957 -60.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Kevin Brown Atc Kat, 6/09/11 11:20:43

To 057 Bob Wilton Atc Kat .Saw your message.Living in Bristol,Still trying to find Bob Moore(air Movements) or any one else if they are still around!
Kevin Brown

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Steve Knight, 14/05/20 21:38:43

My dad Terry Knight was on air movements at Negombo in 1958. He would like to make contact with any other surviving pals.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- 057 lac Bob Wilton act@ Kat 1958, 6/09/11 10:43:21

Saw your message ,Didn't stay in Ceylon but returned home but did go back to Negombo for a holiday a few years ago but wasn't allowed on the camp due to the troubles.now living in Bristol for the last 50years.Did you ever hear from Bob Moore as I've tried so many times to find him but no joy.keep in touch.Kevin.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- mike garner, 3/06/17 14:36:07

hi my name is mike garner does anyone remember a brian garner wireless operator would have been 1959 as I was born there in September of that year mother was norma.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Andy Thomas, 3/04/11 16:43:11

Gents,

I am writing a short article on the Royal Ceylon AF which it reaches its diamond jublilee this year. Would any of you have any photos of its aircraft from those early days inthe 1950s that you might make available for me to include & would be willing to share with others please?
Thanks,

Andy

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Chips Rafferty, 7/09/11 10:57:42

In reply to Andy, who is writing an article about the R Ceylon AF.
If you join The RAF Forum, you will be able to view some of my many photos that I took in Ceylon,'tween 1958 and 1960, when I was on SASF at RAF Katunayake.The pics. are under the heading of "Chips Rafferty's Photos" and there are a couple of shots of a R Cy AF Jet Provost.I did get a couple of flights, as a passenger, in a Boulton- Paul
Bailiol and the D H Heron,courtesy of the R Cy AF. I also flew from Ratmalana,as a passenger,in a DH Tiger Moth, piloted by R Cy AF airframe mechanic, LAC Lionel Goonatilyke, who had a PPL.Got some pics of Columbo on that occasion.
Good luck with the project

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Ron McCole, 27/05/11 20:17:12

I was at RAK Katunayake with the 19th Air Formation Signals Regiment from June 1957 to November 1958.We provided telephone services for the station, as well as telex and repeater services.
If any of you RAF guys remember me, please send me a mail -- it would be great to make contact.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Eddie Kench, 9/06/11 22:36:02

On arrival at the airfield in Ceylon (early 1955) we were bussed to Ngombo, a very pleasant place, lots of greenery, bright flowers and gardens, a comfortable cinema and NAAFI and great swimming pool complete with women. We disembarked at the transit billet and awaited a roll call to determine which billets we were to go to, and where we were to work. At first I thought we were being called in alphabetical order, then I decided it must be according to our service number order and finally in just any old order, but when they had all gone and the sergeant was about to put his pad away I began to feel very lonely. �Who the ell are you airman, and what the ell are you doin ere� asked the oh so polite sergeant. �2730532 AC Kench, Serge� I replied, �Well you�re not on my list so what the ell are you doin ere�. �I�ve been posted to the signals centre serge, look it says so on my kit bag� I said. �I don�t give a toss what it says on your bleedin kit bag you ain�t on my list�, pause �Wait there�, and he departed into a nearby office. After a while he returned and said �you�d better put your gear in transit and get yourself something to eat while we sort this out�. So off I went.
The transit billet was my first introduction to tropical living. A thatched roof with an open veranda all round, no windows only monsoon shutters, and a house boy to look after me. The corporal in charge was very strange. He was accomodated at one end of the transit billet, in a large room decorated with indian rugs hanging around the walls and on the floor. His mosquito net was trimmed with lace ribbon and there was delicate chinaware all around. Carved coffee tables and a radiogram together with leather pouffes and easy chairs completing the scene, very comfortable. I was later warned that he was as queer as a coot (Gay) but he made a good cup of tea and never bothered me.
After settling in and a good meal, I returned to the office to find out if they had any news. �There has been an almighty cock up mate, you shouldn�t be ere you should be at the Singapore Centre of Signals�. �Not your fault, you�d better wait in transit until we can get you a flight out�. Six weeks later there was a CO�s Inspection and I was very foolishly still in the hut. The CO asked me who I was and was not a little surprised when I told him. The following week I was on the HMT Orwell bound for Singapore Island, shame. I had not wasted my time in Ceylon, I was able to improve my swimming and got a good tan so that I would not be a moonie at my next camp. I had also been able to hire a bike and explore the beautiful island and made good friends with the lads in the signal centre and a couple of RAF policemen, always a help especially since both of them were to be posted to Singapore six months later.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- SYLVIA HAMBIDGE, 11/11/13 23:18:58

Sean,
if you would like to e-mail me I will dig out some photos of your Dad which you may not have. You may have a wait!
Best wishes,
Sylvia.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- DON LILEY, 21/09/14 3:44:42

I WAS THERE 1957/58 Started as Aircraft assistant trained in CEYLON as Air frame Mechanic work on front line. Also A.O.C.s Pembroke A/C . Got lumbered for hand over parade Best No 6 uniform. great idea to have it in the mid day sun. Happy days. Now Don the Pom. in Australia.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- JAMES MAURICE BLACKFORD, 16/09/15 21:19:33

I WAS A SERGEANT AIRCRAFT FITTER ON THE STAGING POST FROM JULY 1953 TO 1956. MY BOSS WAS FL/LT DOWNARD A SOUTH AFRICAN. MY SECONDARY DUTY WAS TO SERVICE THE SWIMMING POOL. CHECKING THE WATER DAILY AND BUYING CHEMICALS IN COLUMBO.I HELPED SERVICE AIRCRAFT TAKING PART IN THE LONDON TO NEWZEALAND AIR RACE INCLUDING THE WINNING CANBERRA AIRCRAFT NOW IN HENDON MUSEUM.I ALSO HELPED SERVICE THE AMERICAN GLOBEMASTER AIRCRAFT TAKING FRENCH TROOPS TO INDO CHINA.SAILED THERE ON THE EMPIRE TROOPER , HOME ON THE DEVONSHIRE.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Bill Ponting, 9/02/17 17:01:41

My father was based in Negombo in 1951-52 where my brother was born.
Dad , Chri Ponting was in the Fire Section. He has unfortunately passed away. Did anyone remember Dad?
I am visiting Sri Lanka very soon, I do not suppose there is anything left from that time.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> Re: RAF Katunayake, Negombo, Ceylon SASF -- Roy Huxtable, 17/06/18 12:47:18

I was posted back to RAF Negombo in Ag./Sept/ 1997 from Hong Kong. I was a RTDF operator and spent my working time in the RTDF hut out on the airfield. I did a short spell on Gan Island before returning to the UK in March 58. I have lived in Exeter most of life and am meeting up next week with a fellow Exonian Ray Hall who I have
not seen/spoken to since 58. We both lived in the same part of the city for many years but never met, now thanks to face book we can recall old times and bore friend and family to death