VALLEY AVIATION SOCIETY
The Valley Aviation Society brings aviation enthusiast of all ages together!
The Valley Aviation Society was formed in
1993 by a group of friends living in and around Royal Air Force Valley. The Society now has over
300 members spread throughout Europe and the United States.
The Society's website and Facebook group, seeks to cover all aviation related matters within Wales and North West England. Whilst the Society is closely associated with RAF Valley, we do however seek to cover all aspects of aviation, catering for all interests.
The Society is quite unique in being allowed in previous years to organize and host a Charity Photocall at RAF Valley each year. Due to the generosity of those attending and our loyal sponsors, we have raised over £200,000 since we started with all money going to the Station Charities Committee and various local causes.
VAS MEMBERSHIP FOR 2024
As VAS progresses into its 31st anniversary, the committee has decided to retain the membership fee at £12 per annum and £6 for associates.
The subscription will assist in the running costs of VAS and to continue supporting the RAF Valley Station Charities Committee.
Membership Secretary John Hardern, will accept cheques made out to the Valley Aviation Society.
Addressed to
Membership Secretary
12 Broadways
Audlem
Crewe
Cheshire
CW3 0EY
Or payment direct to
Name: Valley Aviation Society
Account No: 15075818
Sort Code: 52-10-39
KC-10 EXTENDER RETIRES
After 44 years of USAF service, the last of 60 KC-10s flew its last flight from Travis AFB, California on September 26, 2024, to be replaced by the KC- 46 Extender.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY
On Saturday, 14 September 2024, preceding the official Battle of Britain Day on Sunday, a service of thanksgiving and remembrance was held at Saint Deiniol Cathedral, Bangor.
The occasion was led by Reverend Canon Tracey Jones, supported by Reverend (Squadron Leader Mike Hall, RAF Valley Chaplain and the Cathedral Choir).
During the service, a Reading by H.M. Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Edmund Seymour Bailey and RAF Valley Station Commander, Group Captain Gez Currie was presented to the audience comprising station personnel and veterans, various local mayors and dignitaries, Air Training Corps cadets supported by members of the public.
During the Service, Chaplain Mike Hall was to emphasise that the Battle of Britain commemorates the great victory won by the Royal Air Force and provided details of the intense campaign which was to eventually save Britain from invasion in 1940.
To quote Sir Winston Churchill, “NEVER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CONFLICT WAS SO MUCH OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW.”
THE HERCULES CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY
First flight of the C-130 was on 23 August 1954 and over 2,500 have since been produced.
RAF Valley first witnessed the Hercules, when USAF, C-130A, 57-0460 from the 322nd Air Division based at Evreux, France was displayed on 16 September 1961 at the RAF At Home Open Day.
On 30 June 2023, the RAF retired the Hercules after 56 years of service. According to records, one of the first to appear at RAF Valley was in September 1968, when XV 209 from 242 OCU based at RAF Thorney Island did a PD to Runway 19.
HONOURS AND AWARDS CEREMONY
On 12 August 2024, RAF Valley Station Commander, Group Captain Gez Currie was to present honours and awards to various personnel based at RAF Valley. Included, was the Valley Aviation Society Trophy, which was presented to the RAF Valley Infrastructure Team comprising Squadron Leader Jonathan Smyth, Warrant Officer Paul Shanks and Mrs Gemma Young.
THE VIPER IS FIFTY
This year, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is celebrating its 50th anniversary and should be one of the main attractions at Fairford.
However, the first Viper witnessed in the UK was the second YF-16 prototype, when it had appeared at RAF Alconbury for an air show on 28 June 1975, having arrived from the Paris Air Show. Furthermore, it later showed up at the Mildenhall Air Show on 29th May 1977.
VAS DONATIONS 2024
At a recent committee meeting, Reverend (Squadron Leader) RAF Valley Chaplain, Mike Hall addressed the members present to explain how recent donations had been used.
“Generous donations from VAS this year has been given to RAF Valley’s Charities Committee. The £2,000 will help the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Force Association. This donation goes to directly help our service personnel and their families at RAF Valley with welfare and wellbeing grants.
In addition, the £1,000 donation to SSAFA will assist the work at the Military Veterans Hub at RAF Valley, which will be used to support the Anglesey and North Wales veterans with their social gatherings and a new range of health and wellbeing groups.
In addition, there is now a charity collection tin at the VAS Shop in Spotters Car Park.
THE FIRST BELGIAN AIR FORCE F-35A
The first F-35A for the Belgian Air Force made its maiden flight on May 14, 2024 (FL-03 – Fighter Lightning 003). Conversion Training is being conducted at Luke AFB, Arizona, with the arrival of the first four Lightnings being planned for Florennes AB in 2025 and eventually to No 350 Squadron.
D-DAY 80th REMEMBRANCE
At 11.00 am on Thursday, 6 June 2024 at RAF Valley, there will be an Act of Remembrance at the Memorial in Spotters Car Park to commemorate the successful allied landings on the beaches in Normandy on 6 June 1944.
RAF Valley New Station Commander
As a result of major restructuring with the RAF, on 5 April 2024, RAF Valley was to recognise Group Captain Gez Currie as Station Commander. While, In the meantime, Group Captain Matt Hoare will continue until August as Commandant No 4 Flying Training School, comprising No 4,25 and 72 Squadrons.
On 25 April, VAS was to meet and greet their 15th Honorary President, when Vice Chair Ron Williams presented him with a cheque for £2,000 on behalf of Service Funds, RAF Valley.
Photo by Jim Le Cras
GRAND OPENING OF THE MILITARY VETERANS HUB
On Friday,22 March 2024; Air Commodore Rob Woods, Air Officer Wales; in the presence of Group Captain Matt Hoare, Station Commander formally opened the Military Veterans Hub at RAF Valley.
The centre will be a focal point for various social gatherings of veterans, including SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association).
In support of the project, Valley Aviation Society treasurer, Iris Pritchard handed over a cheque to Station Chaplain Mike Hall as a donation to SSAFA.
Photo: Cpl Gaz Mcgarvie, RAF
VAS Memorial
On Wednesday, 20 March 2024, an Act of Remembrance was held at the VAS Memorial for Corporal Jonathan Bayliss, whose tragic death had occurred at RAF Valley on Tuesday, 20 March 2018.
Corporal Bayliss was a technician with the Red Arrows and was killed in Hawk T 1/XX 204, which was on a return trip to RAF Scampton from RAF Valley. Unfortunately, during a training manoeuvre, the aircraft stalled and crashed near Runway 31.
The service was led by Station Chaplain, Reverend (Squadron Leader) Mike Hall. In attendance was Station Commander, Group Captain Matt Hoare, together with Wing Commander Stave Riley, OC Support Wing, Station Warrant Officer Julian Wall, VAS Vice-Chair Ron Williams, Secretary Dennis Pritchard and Treasurer Iris Pritchard. Wreaths were laid, followed by the blessing.
Photos by Jim Le Cras.
ARMISTICE DAY 2023
As Armistice Day, November 11 was on a Saturday, RAF Valley had decided to hold the ceremony of remembrance at the RAF Valley Memorial Stone on Friday morning.
The service was led by RAF Valley Chaplain, the Reverend (Squadron Leader) Mike Hall.
Wreaths were laid by Wing Commander Bruce McKenna on behalf of the Station Commander, supported by Station Warrant Officer Justin Wall; followed by VAS Vice-chairman Ron Williams and Secretary Dennis Pritchard representing No 350 (Belgian) Squadron.
( Photos by Jim LeCras and Segreant Beth Roberts, RAF)
THE BELGIAN CONNECTION
This superb photo, shot by renowned aviation photographer Andy Donovan, of a pair of No 350 (Belgian) Squadron F-16s flying over the Menai Straits has prompted the recollection and the recognition of the Belgian association with the Isle of Anglesey over the past 109 Years!
It was indeed during the First World War that 63 Refugees, comprising 63 men, women and children had escaped from Mechelen, Belgium and eventually arrived at Menai Bridge in October 1914. In appreciation, the men were to construct a promenade along the Menai Straits, west of the suspension bridge, which was completed in 1916.
With the second war in Europe and the surrender of Belgium to the Nazis in May 1940, a small contingent of Belgian pilots and groundcrew were to escape to the UK and were eventually to form a Belgian section of the RAF Voluntary Reserve. As a result, No 350 (Belgian) Squadron was formed at RAF
Valley in November 1941, equipped with Spitfires; and the rest is history. Since 2006, 350 Squadron F-16s have supported numerous VAS Photocalls and in recent years have appeared at the station’s Families Days. And it was indeed a coincidence that this photo was taken of the jets flying near Menai Bridge, while the Belgian Promenade can be seen above the nose of one of the jets, before they headed for RAF Valley and for Families Day 2023 on the following day.
*Addendum: As Remembrance Day (11 Nov) 2023 is on a Saturday; RAF Valley has decided that the relevant short service in front of the Spotters Car Park Memorial will take place on Friday at around 11.00 am, when wreaths shall be laid on behalf of RAF Valley, VAS and No 350 (Belgian) Squadron.
TROPHY PRESENTATION
On Friday, 10 February 2023 the Valley Aviation Society Trophy was awarded to the Force Protection Training Flight, RAF Regiment. In the presence of Station Warrant Officer Justin Wall, Ron Williams and Dennis Pritchard; Group Captain Matt Hoare presented the trophy to Sgt Matthew Estep, who was accompanied by Cpl Samuel Jones and Cpl Nigel Gurney.

Photo – Cpl Beth Roberts
A FOND HELLO FROM RAF VALLEY
On 2 February 2023, HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed past Anglesey, whilst en route to Scotland. No 72 Squadrons' Texans took the opportunity to rendezvous with this magnificent ship, with RAF Chinooks and Royal Navy Merlin’s on deck.
(Photos by Corporal Roberts)
RAF VALLEY STATION CHARITIES COMMITTEE
During 2022, the Valley Aviation Society donated £4,500. As a result, Station Chaplain and Treasurer, Rev. (Sqn Ldr) Mike Hall reports that the money has supported the RAF Benevolent Fund; together with the Troop Café, Llandudno and Woody’s Lodge, Colwyn Bay.
Troop CafÄ— is a non profit café dedicated to members of the ex-services community; while Woody’s Lodge assists veterans of the armed forces, emergency services, reservists and their families.
If you wish to support the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund by donations, please click their logo below.
THE UNFORGOTTEN
As 2023 will recognise the Valley Aviation Society’s 30th Anniversary, the VAS committee had decided, with the cooperation of Padre (Sqn Ldr) Mike Hall, to convene a short service at St Mihangel Church on Thursday, 15 December 2022 to remember past committee members who have sadly passed away over the last 29 years.
In chronological order, they were Dafydd Davies, John (Radar) Jones, John Owen, Colin Schwieso, Mike Cleary, Tim Hargreaves, Jack Thomas, John Hattersley, Nick Owen, Kevin Hughes, Ian Walker, Dick Thomas and Wynne Foulds.
In attendance was VAS Honorary President and Station Commander, Group Captain Mike Hoare, who was informed of the past Honorary Presidents. Namely, Group Captains Steve Griggs, Brian Newby, Les Garside-Beattie, Mike Connell, Bruce Hedley, Adrian Hill, Pete Cracroft, Brian Braid, Nick Tucker-Lowe, Chris Moon and Andy Turk.
The small gathering then concluded, following a cheque donation to the Station Charities Committee in memory of the fore mentioned VAS committee members, together with all other deceased members. 
Photo by Jim Le Cras
THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Air shows at RAF Valley used to attract members of the public and enthusiasts alike since the 1950s and were to be a common and popular feature until 2008. These events were then to be followed by various VAS Photocalls and the current annual Families Days.
Two typical shows occurred in the early nineties and were fortunately photographed by a C Flight, 22 Squadron Wessex. In August 1991, no less than 6 NATO F-16s, two Swedish Drakens and pair of USAFE F-111s and A-10s were on static display. Quite apart from the RAF, which presented a Buccaneer, C-130K, Jaguar, Nimrod, Phantom, Tornado and VC 10 plus many other types; before the flying display commenced in the afternoon.
However, this was surpassed in July 1994, when the Russians literally stole the show, with a pair of Su-24 Flankers, two Mil-24 Hinds together with a M-17 Hip, supported by an Aeroflot Tu-134.
The U.S Navy sent a P-3C Orion, while NATO supplied 6 F-16s, including one from Turkey, two Italian AMXs, three German Tornados and three French Jaguars, while USAFE sent a pair of F-15s from Spandahlem, Germany.
And of course, on show were various Royal Air Force aircraft, including two Harriers GR 7s, three Tornado GR 1s and two Tornado F 3s and no less than 21 Hawks!
Photos by RAF photographer Crown © copyright
LEST WE FORGET
On 12 August, 1993 a C Flight, No 22 Squadron Wessex 11C Mk 2, HC 524 crashed into Padarn Lake, Llanberis. This was due to a broken tail rotor drive shaft, which had occurred above the village.
Fortunately, the pilot Flt Lt Keith MacGuire managed to avoid the spinning helicopter coming down in a built up area and had somehow headed towards the nearby lake. On board were the crew of three, together with four East Lancashire Wing Air Training Cadets who were attending a Summer Camp at RAF Valley.
Unfortunately, three cadets were drowned. They were Amanda Whitehead, 17 and Mark Oakden, 16 from the Bury Squadron and 15 year old Christopher Bailey from Horwich Squadron. The three crew and cadet Sarah Coker, 16 survived with injuries, after having been assisted by holiday makers who were boating on the lake at the time.
AVIANO RETURN VISITORS
VAS members were to receive a very pleasant surprise on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, 2022 when they were to view a pair of parked ´Buzzards`; namely the 510th Fighter Squadron/31st Fighter Wing F-16Cs.
While on detachment at RAF Lakenheath from its Aviano base, it was understood that the two jets had been on a training sortie to the Aberporth Range and had been diverted to RAF Valley due to a suspected missile malfunction.
This was 20 years since the 31st FW had visited RAF Valley for a VAS Photocall in June 2002. However, the unit’s predecessor, the 31st Fighter Group had been at the station for gunnery training when equipped with Spitfire Vbs; way back in 1942. So this visit would commemorate its 80th anniversary!
Spitfire photo - USAF
F-16 Photo - Dimitris Triadafillou
CELEBRATING ST DAVID’S DAY
As Tuesday, 1 March 2022 was St David’s Day in Wales, VAS officers and a few committee members, who could make it, visited RAF Valley and met up with Group Captain Andy Turk, DFC, ADC, RAF.
To their surprise, they were greeted by the Station Commander in Welsh before proceeding to the Hawk Gate Guardian in recognition of this very special day.
During the proceedings, vice-chairman Ron Williams and Treasurer, Mrs Iris Pritchard presented a cheque donation to the Station Commander on behalf of the Station Charities Committee.
It was explained that the sum of £3,000 was the result of VAS members’ support and shop receipts.
80th Anniversary of Belgian Air Force no 350 Sqn formation at RAF Valley
Many of you have posted some great shots of the arrival of the F-16 from 350 (F) Sqn of the Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces to RAF Valley this week. Here are a few images from inside the hangar of the official ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Sqn at Valley.
Originally formed in Nov 1941 as no 350 (Belgian) Sqn of the Royal Air Force the unit operated the Supermarine Spitfire, initially on convoy protection duties over the Irish Sea before relocating several times around southern England in support of RAF operations during the course of WWll.
#BAF #350(f)sqn
Photos courtesy of RAF Valley
images are © Crown copyright
IN THANKS AND APPRECIATION
Following this year’ s RAF Valley Families Day/Photocall held last August; in appreciation a cheque for £3,000 has been presented by VAS vice-chair Ron Williams to the Station Charities Committee.
The donation was gratefully accepted by Group Captain Andy Turk, Station Commander. Also present was Wing Commander Chris Potte, OC Ops Wing, who together with his staff and other station personnel, while bearing in mind the existing COVID protocols, had organised such a highly successful and colourful event.
The sum of £3,000 had been received by attending VAS members, together with our friends at the Cleveland Aviation Society, Southwest Aviation Society and the South Wales Aviation Group.
*Finally, a date for VAS members’ diaries. It has been announced that a similar event will occur on Thursday, 11 August 2022. Hope to see you all there.

PRESENTATION OF THE VALLEY AVIATION SOCIETY TROPHY

The Valley Aviation Society Trophy was originally conceived in 1996 by Flight Lieutenant John Phillips, Community Relations Officer; with the intention of annually awarding it to an individual or organisation not directly involved with flying.
The trophy’s expense had been met by VAS, following the purchase of a Christmas card attributed to Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, whilst he was stationed at RAF Netheravon in 1937 and eventually received by the RAF Valley CRO. For many years, whilst in the possession of VAS, the card had been loaned and displayed in the station’s History Room. However, eventually the room was converted into what is known today as the Starbucks Café, with the card having been retrieved and now remains the property of the Valley Aviation Society.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the trophy had been dormant since 2019. However, with the relaxation of the Covid-19 regulations, it had been agreed to once more commence awarding the trophy.
On Monday, 16 August 2021, it had been agreed, at the behest of the Station Commander and his executives; that the trophy should be presented to the station’s ESS staff, a member of the Compass Company, which is responsible for providing support services throughout the UK Armed Forces sites. It was therefore determined that having loyally supported the station throughout the past difficult times; the staff more than merited the recognition.
Accordingly, the Station Commander in the presence of RAF Valley’s ESS staff presented the trophy to Chris Simmonds, General Manager.
Photo 1 - The Valley Aviation Society Trophy (Jim Le Cras)
Photo 2 - (Left to right) W/O Loz Mcmillan, Station Warrant Officer; Sioned Roberts, Officers Mess Manager; Nathan Goodright , Retail Manager; Chris Simmonds, General Manager; Marian Jones, Accommodation Manager and Group Captain Andy Turk, Station Commander. (Stn Photographer)
Photo 3 - Assembled ESS staff. (Jim Le Cras)
Photo 4/5 - The Douglas Bader Christmas Card.
COME AND VISIT US
Valley Aviation Society News & Archives

Short aviation related stories/events from the societies archives written by our very own Wikipedia Mr Dennis Pritchard.
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