RAF Swinderby Remembered

[@lewislewis3703]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, enjoyed the great video. I feel old now as I did my basic in Jan 1970. Snowdrop Dog Handler Lyneham, Bruggen, Brawdy, Debden, St Athen. Went back to Swinderby a couple of years ago but wished I hadn't, it's a ind est now. Enjoyed my days in the RAF and still remember the passing out parade. Just posted xmas cards to frinds made in RAF, only 7 left from Swinderby that I know of. I salute everyone that served. Respect. 11:22

[@chiefstandard8mmuk591]

I joined, from Belfast, as a 17 year old in August 1980. I was taken to RAF Aldergrove by my father but I waved goodbye to mother and father from Belfast docks as I boarded the ship to Liverpool. Yes, I was armed with various passes for ferry, bus, trains to reach good old Swinderby. I will never forget the last train journey, small train, a few carriages, every young guy is looking at each other, thinking, is he one that is going to God knows what? Well all fear was increased when we reached the station, a corporal, an old bus a lot of "shut up and "this gentlemen not transport to your hotel" They did leave you with no hair cut and in civies, so they gave the cat call "You're only just beginning" Within one week, this skinny 17 year old was proud to have confidence, albeit, still reserved but shouting the same. By the end of my six weeks I had found a whole different life. I will never forget the Halfway house

[@vintageaviationuk]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please share with friends, family and former colleagues.

[@Its.Mine1]

I served from 1971 to 1987 and RAF Swinderby was where i did my basic training in August 1971 when i was 17 but sadly never got to go on the passing out parade as i got German measles 3 days before and was in quarantine for a week 😔

[@WOLFIE-96B-UK]

Excellent video! I was there age 17 for recruit training Dec '72 to Jan' 73. 12 Flight, Instructors were Cpl Jack and Sgt Chester. 6 weeks I'll never forget!

[@Nooziterp1]

I don't think anyone who was there for recruit training will ever forget it. I certainly don't. I was there March to May 1980.

[@vintageaviationuk]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please share with friends, family and former colleagues.

[@vintageaviationuk]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please share with friends, family and former colleagues.

[@TomThumb-d1r]

I was there aged 17 in Jan 72. Cpl Rose and Sgt Black.

[@DenisEgan-c2y]

Found this superb video today. Rather poignantly it was 50 years today, 29th October 1974, that I enlisted, and 50 years tomorrow that I arrived at the gates of Swinderby to commence training. They say that school years are the best of your life. Not for me. RAF Swinderby made me a man, and my time in the RAF were the best of my life. It is now sad to see the state of the camp, but that is progress I suppose.

[@vintageaviationuk]

Glad you enjoyed it! Please share with friends, family and former colleagues.

[@Nooziterp1]

I left Swinderby a different person.

[@Thommo123]

I was there Jul-Sep 1974, passed out the day before my 17th Birthday, then on to Hereford for Supplier training, then first posting was St Mawgan in Cornwall. Live in Nottingham so have been a couple of times to the site. I recommend visiting Newark Air Museum and Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre. Great video!

[@MattR1690]

Did my 6 weeks basic training at swinderby from sept to nov 1975 , 17 flight