NEWSLETTER NO 117 November 2016 Belgian Branch... · Sergeant Joseph Cartmell WO/AG Age 22 Sergeant Frank Wood Flt Eng Age unknown Sergeant Peter Steed AG Age 20 Sergeant Aaron Ottolangur

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http://www.rafabelgianbranch.com

Belgian Branch

Editeur responsable M J Bowen S HAPE Mons RAFA Belgian Branch Siège Social Maison des Ailes Rue Montoyer 1 – bte 33 1000 Brussels RAFA Belgian Branch Account BE58-0014-2061-1779

NEWSLETTER NO 117 – November 2016

Page 2 Chairman’s Welcome Page 3 - 8 Eppe Sauvage Page 9 Committee Contacts Page 10 - 15 AGM Minutes Page 9 AGM Treasurer’s Report Page 17 - 21 Treasurer’s Statement of Accounts 2015 Page 22 - 23 Welfare Report to AGM Page 24 Draft Budget 2016 Page 25 Christmas Lunch Letter

Périodique trimestriel Déposé-au bureau de poste c/e

1150 Woluwe Thielemans

Belgique-Belgie PP/PB

1150 Woluwe Thielemans 2/3498

No Agregation P405263

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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Dear members and friends of the RAFA Belgian Branch.

The long awaited summer is drawing to a close. Spring has been marked by the terrible terrorist’s

attacks on Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station. Our thoughts go to all the victims.

In the RAFA our annual general meeting was on April 27th. Thank you David for hosting this

event. You will find in this newsletter a summery for your information. I am happy to

be able to announce the unanimous election of Air Commodore John Maas on our

committee, all other officers have been re-elected. Air Commodore John Maas was key

to the success of the Battle of Britain festivities at the Air Museum on September 23rd 2015.

Once again, this summer we met at the Duisburg Golf club for our traditional annual

Barry Horton Golf competition. Despite some terrible storms in the morning the sun shone

on the golfers and non-golfers. A delicious BBQ was enjoyed by all. With the summer over,

we are looking forward to our Christmas lunch; you will find details in the current newsletter.

RAFA committee members have been attending recently on your behalf commemorations

events in Eppe Sauvage, Rebecq and Grimbergen.

We wish you all a very nice holiday, Michel Mr. M. de Norman et d'Audenhove Chairman RAFA Branch Belgium

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A Day to Remember

Eppe Sauvage, a beautiful small village just a smidgeon over the

south western Belgian border with France, routinely commemorates the

dramatic occurrence of two RAF aircraft that came down in their village just two

days apart during World War II. The first was Lancaster W40951 of No 101 Sqn

RAF that was downed on 15th April 1943 with the loss of all 7 Airman. The

second was Halifax HR663 of 102 Squadron on 17th April 1943, with the loss of the 1

Airman, with the remainder going to ground.

This brief article touches on both events as an introduction, providing an overview. A further article will

follow with more detail on the events as they are known, the story of the village, and the deeply proud and

emotional circumstances that surround these particular acts of remembrance.

Each year, the town major, local inhabitants, the local school, and visiting surviving family members of

some of the aircrews, honour the sacrifice of these crews. It is an

intensely personal experience that survives the generations due to the

dedication of local retired surgeon/come historian Mr Tommy De-Tournay,

and the efforts of the surviving members of the families concerned, in

particular William 'Bill' Hyett from Swansea.

This year was particularly special, as in addition to the existing plaque

honouring the loss of the Air

Gunner on the Halifax. A further

plaque has been placed

commemorating the 7 lives lost on

the Lancaster that was downed 2

days earlier in history.

Lancaster Down. On the 14/15 April 1943 the

mission was a large raid on Stuttgart : 462 aircraft: 146 Wellingtons, 135

Halifaxes, 98 Lancasters, 83 Stirlings. Lancaster W4951 was the sole

aircraft on this raid from 101 Squadron. The Pathfinders claimed to have

marked the centre of this normally difficult target accurately, but the main

bombing area crept north and east of the ideal target, along the line of

approach of the bombing force. This was an example of creepback, a

feature of large raids that occurred when Main Force crews, and some

Pathfinder 'backers-up' failed to press through to the centre of the marked

area, but instead bombed or re-marked the earliest markers visible.

Bomber Command was never able to eliminate the creepback tendency

and much bombing fell outside of city areas as a result.

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On this particular raid, 23 aircraft: 8 Stirlings, 8 Wellingtons, 4 Halifaxes and 3 Lancasters were lost

representing 5% of the force. W40951 rreportedly crashed in the forest between Trelon and Eppe

Sauvage, Northern France.

15th April 1943 Lancaster W40951 SR-0 No 101 Sqn RAF with the loss of 7 Airman.

Sergeant Robert Hamilton Pilot Age 21

Flying Officer Henry Clement Nav Age 21 (pictured right)

Sergeant Joseph Cartmell WO/AG Age 22

Sergeant Frank Wood Flt Eng Age unknown

Sergeant Peter Steed AG Age 20

Sergeant Aaron Ottolangur AB Age unknown

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Sergeant George Northover AG Age 20

Mens agitat molem - "Mind over matter". 101 Squadron's standard was issued by King

George VI in February 1938. The Squadron crest symbolises the Squadron's pioneering role

in the development of power-operated gun turrets, while the lion indicates the unit's fighting

power and spirit. This spirit is remembered, captured, and immortalised in the remembrance

actions in Eppe Sauvage.

101 Squadrons Battle Honours up to the end of WWII : Western Front, 1917-1918; Ypres, 1917; Somme,

1918; Lys; Hindenburg Line; Fortress Europe, 1940-1944; Invasion Ports, 1940; Ruhr, 1940-1945; Berlin,

1941; Channel & North Sea, 1941-1944; Biscay Ports, 1941-1944; German Ports, 1941-1944; Baltic, 1942-

1945; Berlin, 1943-1944; France & Germany, 1944-1945; Normandy, 1944; Walcheren;

These men are part of the proud history of 101 Squadron and lay the foundation for the 101

Squadron of today.

'39 Blenhim V '41 Wellington '42 Lancaster '44 Lincoln '51 Canberra '57 Vulcan '84 VC10

101 Squadron Royal Air Force of today

101 Squadron in its current role operating the Voyager (Airbus A300) Air to Air Refueller

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101 Squadron's recent Battle Honours: South Atlantic, 1982; Gulf, 1991; Iraq, 2003

Halifax Down. 17 April 1943. Halifax

HR663 DT-Y No 102 (Ceylon) Squadron RAF, was lost when

downed at Eppe Sauvage with the loss of 1 Airman, just 2 days

after the Lancaster in the nearby forest.

Flying Officer George G Williams Air Gunner just 22 years

(pictured) lost his life.

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Other crew members

Squadron Leader W.I.Lashbrook DFM

Flying Officer K.G.Bolton

Sergeant W.R.Laws DFM

Sergeant L.Neill.

Flight Sergeant D.C.Knight

Flying Officer A.Martin, DFC

The story of the Halifax crew is for the next time. Needless to say the village of Eppe Sauvage had a large

part to play in the fate of the survivors. For now some background on 102 Squadron:

102 Squadron Motto: "Tentate et perficite” Attempt and achieve. Badge: On a demi-terrestrial globe a lion rampant holding in the fore-paws a bomb. The dark demi-globe on which the lion is standing is indicative of night-bombing duties. Granted Authority by King George VI, March 1938.

No 102 Squadron will always be associated with the name of Leonard Cheshire. On the night of 12/13th November 1940, Pilot Officer - as he then was - GL Cheshire was captain of Whitley V P5005 "N - Nuts" detailed to attack an oil refinery at Wesseling, not far from Cologne. It appears that he arrived in the target area within a few minutes of the ETA but

owing to intercom trouble was unable to discover his exact position until some twenty minutes later, by which time the target was blanketed by cloud. He decided to attack the railway marshalling yards at Cologne instead and while he was approaching this target his aircraft was suddenly shaken by a succession of violent explosions. The cockpit filled with black fumes and Cheshire lost control of the aircraft, which dived about 2,000 feet, with its fuselage on fire. Cheshire regained control, the fire was extinguished and the Whitley, with a gaping hole in its fuselage, was brought safely back to base after, being in the air for 81/2 hours. Cheshire gained an immediate DSO. He was later awarded the DFC for operations with No 102 Squadron.

In 1942 No 102 Squadron re-equipped with Halifaxes and continued with aircraft of this type for the rest of the European war. It took part in each of the three historic 1,000-bomber raids in May/June 1942, and, later, in the battles of the Ruhr, Hamburg, and Berlin. It was well to the fore in the pre-invasion attacks on railway communications in Northern France and on the eve of D-Day sent 26 aircraft - the largest number it had yet dispatched - to bomb an enemy gun battery on the coast of Normandy. In September/October 1944, it undertook the transportation of petrol to Belgium for the Second Army and in just over one week carried 134,250 gallons without mishap. In the great day and night 1,000 - bomber attacks on Duisburg in the closing stages of the war some of its crews made two round trips within twenty-four hours. Among the awards gained by its personnel were 5 DSOs 115 DFCs, two bars to the DFC, and 34 DFMs.

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With thanks in particular to Tommy and Michelle de-Tournay, William Hyett, and the 'Welsh Contingent'

without whom the eternal memory at Eppe Sauvage would likely have been lost.

For the Lancaster and Halifax crews who bravely lost their lives and came to terra firma in Eppe Sauvage.

We will remember them.

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THE ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION Maison des Ailes – Rue Montoyer 1-B 33-1040 Brussels. Branch No: 0645 Patron: Her Majesty The Queen Honorary Patron: H.E. Miss Alison Rose British Ambassador Branch Honorary Presidents: Air Cdre J D Maas CBE RAF

COMMITTEE CONTACTS

CHAIRMAN Mr. M. de Norman et d'Audenhove

33 Ave Du Mistral, 1200 Brussels.

[email protected]

VICE-CHAIR

Wg Cdr J P R Smeaton

[email protected]

HONORARY CHAPLAIN

Father W Peeters

[email protected]

SECRETARY Sgt D Smith

02.707.5101 [email protected]

TREASURER Vacant

DEPUTY TREASURER

Wg Cdr (Retd) D Trembaczowski-

Ryder

[email protected]

HONORARY WELFARE

OFFICER (HWO)

Mrs G Walkden

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Mrs B Horton

[email protected]

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Wg Cdr R McKenzie

[email protected]

Joint RAFALO (SHAPE)

FS M Bowen

[email protected]

Joint RAFALO (SHAPE)

Sgt R Phillips

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER

(SHAPE)

Cpl G Wilkie Via RAFALO

Belgian Branch A.S.B.L. Belgian Branch A.S.B.L.

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THE ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION

Maison des Ailes – Rue Montoyer 1-B 33-1040 Brussels

Branch No: 0645

Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

Hon Patron: H.E. Alison Rose, British Ambassador

Branch Honorary President:

Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper KBE MA CCMI RAF

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BELGIAN BRANCH OF THE

ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION

RUE MONTOYER, BRUSSELS, WEDS 27TH APR 2016

Present:

Mr M de Norman

Gp Capt (Retd) R Whittingham

Wg Cdr R Smeaton

Mrs G Walkden

Wg Cdr (Retd) Trembaczowski-Ryder

Wg Cdr R McKenzie

Mr L Rubin

Mr J van Sprang

Mr J-P Blanckaert

Sgt D Smith

Chairman

Vice-President

Deputy Chairman

Honorary Welfare Officer (HWO)

Deputy Treasurer

Secretary

Apologies:

Mrs B Horton

Fr W Peeters

Mr N Niels

Mrs P Niels

Membership Sec

Honorary Chaplain

Belgian Branch A.S.B.L.

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Mr W Colbeaux

Sgt R Phillips

SHAPE RAFA Liaison Officer (RAFALO)

ITEM 1 - DEDICATION

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly those who were attending their first AGM. 2. At the invitation of the Chairman, the meeting stood as the Secretary, on behalf of the Honorary Chaplain, delivered the Dedication (In Friendship and in service one to another, we are pledged to keep alive the memory of those of all Nations who died in the Royal Air Force and in the Air Forces of the Commonwealth. In their name we give ourselves to this noble cause. Proudly and thankfully we will remember them.), and remembered those who had passed away since the previous AGM:

Edward Hearn Robert-Charles Nemry All other friends of the Branch The victims of the Brussels attacks on 22 Mar 16 ITEM 2 – MINUTES OF THE 2015 EGM

3. The Chairman advised that no comments had been received on the minutes of the AGM held on 26 Mar 15or the EGM held on 30 Jul 15, and sought approval of those minutes as published in Newsletter 116. Proposed by Wg Cdr (Retd) Ryder and seconded by Wg Cdr McKenzie Carried Unanimously

ITEM 3 – CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS

4. The Chairman began with a short look back at Branch activity over the past 12 months, highlighting in particular the Battle of Britain Reception in Sep 15 and thanking the President and all the hard working parties involved, particularly Air Cdre Maas and Sqn Ldr Phillips. 5. He went on to highlight the work of a busy Committee. Particular thanks were passed to Mrs Walkden who has done a tremendous amount of extremely valuable work as the Honorary Welfare Officer. Thanks were also passed to FS Coates, the RAFALO, for his dedication to fundraising for the Wings appeal. Finally, thanks were passed to the Standard Bearer, J-P Blankaert, for his sterling work over the last year. 6. Looking ahead to challenges, the Chairman mentioned the annual Barry Horton golf event on 17 Jun 16, which will require a lot of preparatory work in the coming weeks. Further ahead, the Branch should consider whether it wishes to host a European

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Conference in the future – perhaps in conjunction with an event at the Air Force Chapel in the Basilica.

ITEM 4 – ELECTION / RE-ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS 7. Introduction. The Chairman explained that the vote would be split down further than in previous years, to distinguish those Committee members whose details need to appear in the Moniteur Belge from those who do not. This is to ease the administrative burden on the Branch when post-holders change. 8. Officers not requiring Election. The Chairman noted that as Officers of the Branch, Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper, and Father W Peeters did not require election. He warmly thanked them for the time and energy they gave in supporting Branch activity. 9. Officers requiring Re-election. The Chairman sought approval from the meeting for Gp Capt (Retd) Whittingham to remain in position as the Branch Vice-President.

Proposed by Wg Cdr Smeaton and seconded by Wg Cdr (Retd) Ryder Carried Unanimously 10. Election of New Committee Members (Moniteur Belge). There are no proposed new Committee Members for positions that would require publication in Moniteur Belge. 11. Election of New committee Members (non-Moniteur Belge). There are 3 proposed new Committee Members for positions that do not require publication in Moniteur Belge. The Chairman proposed election en masse:

11.1. Air Cdre Maas 11.2. Sgt Richy Phillips (SHAPE RAFALO) 11.3. FS Matt Bowen (SHAPE Deputy RAFALO) Proposed by Mrs Walken and seconded by Mr Rubin 12. Re-election of Existing Committee Members (Moniteur Belge). The Chairman sought AGM approval, en masse, for the following Committee members seeking re-election and whose details will appear in Moniteur Belge: 12.1. Mr M de Norman (Chairman) 12.2. Wg Cdr Smeaton (Vice Chair) 12.3. Wg Cdr Trembaczowski-Ryder (Dep Treas) 12.4. Mrs G Walkden (HWO) 12.5. Mrs B Horton (Membership Sec) 12.6. Sgt Smith (Sec) Proposed by Gp Capt (Retd) Whittingham and seconded by Wg Cdr McKenzie Carried Unanimously. 13. Re-election of Existing Committee Members (non- Moniteur Belge). The Chairman sought AGM approval for the following Committee member seeking re-election and whose details will not appear in Moniteur Belge:

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13.1. Wg Cdr McKenzie Proposed by Wg Cdr (Retd) Ryder and seconded by Mr de Norman Carried Unanimously. 14. Resignations from the Committee. The AGM formally noted the resignation from the Committee of: 14.1. FS Coates (SHAPE RAFALO) 14.2. Sgt Henig (Dep Sec) 14.3. Cpl Dixon (Treasurer) 15. The AGM was also reminded all Committee members whose details need to appear in the Moniteur Belge need to pass their personal details (date and place of birth, ID card and photocopy, and address) to Mrs G Walkden so that she can inform the correct Belgian authorities. Committee members currently serving in the RAF should provide a photocopy of their passport.

ITEM 5 – TREASURER’S REPORT / APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS 2015 16. Following an invitation from the Chairman, Wg Cdr Trembaczowski-Ryder presented the Treasurer’s Report and the 2015 accounts, which are reproduced at Enclosures 1 & 2 to these minutes.

17. The Chairman noted the excellent and accurate job the Dep Treasurer had done, and sought the approval of the AGM for the 2015 Accounts.

Proposed by Sgt Smith and seconded by Mr de Norman Carried Unanimously.

18. The Chairman also sought, as required under Belgian ASBL legislation, the agreement of the AGM that the Committee members had satisfactorily discharged their administrative duties with respect to the accounts.

Proposed by Mrs Walkden and seconded by Wg Cdr Smeaton Carried Unanimously.

ITEM 6 – WELFARE REPORT 2015 AND PROPOSALS FOR 2016 19. In the Welfare Report (see Enclosure 3), Mrs G Walkden detailed the many and varied cases she had been involved with over the last year. 20. Following the report, Mr Rubin spoke to re-iterate what fantastic support Mrs

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Walkden gives and what a positive impact it has had on his people he knows. 21. Wg Cdr (Retd) Ryder then mentioned that it is important, as a Branch, that we consider 'friendship' activities an essential part of welfare and that we don't only help people when they are in difficult circumstances. 22. The Chairman thanked Mrs Walkden for her efforts and appealed to all members to offer support where they could with welfare visits etc, in order to spread the workload as much as possible. He invited the AGM to endorse the report. Proposed by Mr Rubin and seconded by Wg Cdr McKenzie Carried Unanimously.

ITEM 7 – BUDGET 2016 23. The Dep Treasurer presented the proposed budget for 2016, noting it reflects an increase in the amount allocated to Welfare activities. 24. The Chairman thanked the Dep Treasurer and sought AGM approval for the 2016 budget, as at Enclosure 4, to form the basis for Committee budget planning. Proposed by Wg Cdr McKenzie and seconded by Mrs Walkden Carried Unanimously.

ITEM 8 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS Buffet Lunch Costs 25. The Sec proposed that the Branch – using part of the ‘friendship’ allocation of the 2016 budget - cover the costs of the buffet lunch for this AGM, a total of €220. This was agreed unanimously. RAFA Conference, May 2016 26. The Chairman informed the AGM that he would try to attend the Conference in Blackpool on behalf of the Branch. RAFA Central Council 27. Gp Capt (Retd) Whittingham thanked the Branch for endorsing his nomination to the RAFA Central Council. He informed the meeting that the Branch would soon receive a delegate pack for the Conference, which would include details of the 38 Resolutions to be considered. Maison des Ailes 28. The Sec informed the meeting that in order to continue using the post box at Maison des Ailes, the Branch must have 2 committee members who are members of the club. Mr Michel de Norman is already a member; Wg Cdr (Retd) Ryder indicated that he is

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happy to join. Golf – 17 Jun 16 29. Wg Cdr McKenzie offered to chair a sub-committee to plan and deliver this event. He will contact interested parties ASAP.

ITEM 9 – CLOSING REMARKS 29. The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and continued support, and closed the meeting. 30. The next AGM will be held in Brussels in March 2017. Date and location TBC.

Enclosures:

1. Treasurer’s Report.

2. Treasurer’s Statement of Accounts 2015

3. Welfare Report

4. Branch Budget for 2016

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RAFA Belgian Branch – AGM 2016 - Treasurers’ Report

(note all figures are rounded to the nearest euro)

1. Overall, the accounts are healthy. The Net Asset Surplus for 2015 increased by

8,000 euros compared to 2014. 24,130 euro for 2015 against 16,325 euros for

2014.

2. The Deposit account stays stable at just over 15,000 euro (15,476 euro) and we

have not needed to draw on Deposit Account funds during 2015. The AGM in 2012

agreed that the Deposit Account could be drawn down as required to meet welfare

demands and branch requirements, although because of successful fundraising and

relatively limited welfare payments we have not had to draw on the Deposit

Account for the last 3 years.

3. The Current Account had a closing balance of 8,832 euro. The main difference

between 2015 and 2014 is as a result of the Battle of Britain celebration in

September and increased income from the RAFA Golf Day. Subscriptions have

remained relatively stable ( 300 euros in 2015 against 350 euros in 2014).

Donations dropped slightly from 1413 euro in 2014 to 1055 in 2015. The Battle of

Britain event contributed a net income of 6,096 euros. The Golf Day netted 1900

euro in 2014 versus 2479 in 2015.

4. In 2015 we spent 490 euro of friendship activities (mostly to subsidise events),

1,111 euros was spent on welfare.

5. We donated 3,004 to the Wings Appeal – mostly from collections taken at SHAPE.

6. The Welfare account stood at 1,304 euro at the end of 2015 and gets “topped up”

from the current account when required for specific welfare expenses.

7. The HQ (UK) account stood at 657 euro. We transfer money from the current

account when required to pay in branch subscriptions, Wings Appeal donations etc.

8. Overall the Branch remains in good financial health and can continue to support

activities (welfare, friendship and administration) for a number of years. I

commend the accounts to you.

Budget for 2016

1. Based on experience over several years and, in particular, 2014 and 2015 we

estimate that Excess Expenditure over Income will be 2,840 euro. Specifically we

have estimated that income will be down to the 2014 levels (2015 was an

exception), while expenditure will remain roughly constant. The difference

between income and expenditure is within the parameters laid down at the AGM in

2012.

2. The Committee will review the budget throughout the year and make any

adjustments necessary to ensure that we stay on a sound financial footing overall.

Bearing in mind that we must be prepared for any urgent welfare needs at any

time and will adjust our forecast accordingly.

3. I commend the 2016 budget to you.

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David Trembaczowski-Ryder

Deputy Treasurer

Royal Air Forces Association Belgian Branch

Statement of Accounts – 2015 Net Asset Surplus at 01/01/2015 16,325.85 Assets and Liabilities as at 31/12/15 Assets Euros CCP (BPost) 189.59 BNP Paribas Fortis Bank (Deposit) 15,476.75 BNP Paribas Fortis Bank (Current) 8,832.28 BNP Paribas Fortis Bank (Welfare) 1,304.80 HQ Account (UK)1 657.61 Petty Cash 0.00 TOTAL ASSETS 26,461.03 Liabilities Barry Horton Memorial Fund 1,540.50 Golf (2015) Bar staff expenses 60.00 Christmas Lunch (2015) 600.05 Christmas lunch room rental (2015) ….130.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,330.55 Net Asset Surplus as at 31/12/2015 24,130.48

1 Exchange rate 31/12/15 1 GBP = 1.2873 EUR

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Statement of Accounts – 2015

CCP Bank Account (BPost) (Old Branch Current Account) Euros Opening balance 01/01/15 103.94 Income Euro Subscriptions 75.00 Golf 45.00 Total Income: 120.00 Expenditure Bank Charges 34.35 Total Expenditure: 34.35 Closing Balance 31/12/15 189.59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BNP Paribas Fortis (Deposit Account – BE78 .0354.3978 3186) Euros Opening Balance 01/01/15 15,404.98 Income: Interest 71.71 Expenditure: Nil Closing balance 31/12/15 15,476.75

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Statement of Accounts – 2015

BNP Paribas Fortis (Current Account - BE58.0014.2061.1779) Euros Opening balance 01/01/14 3,012.91 Income Euro Subscriptions 300.00 Donations 1055.57 Social Events – Golf 2479.00 Wings Appeal (SHAPE) 2009.40 AGM Lunch 2015 (cash payments) 350.00 Christmas Lunch 2015 260.00 Interest 0.33 Sub Total 6,454.30 Battle of Britain Income: Sponsorship 14,500.00 Ticket sales 15,755.00 Sub Total BoB 30,255.00 Total 36,709.30 Total (Opening balance plus income 2015): 39,722.21 Expenditure: 2015 AGM Lunch 490.00 Transfer to Welfare Account (Xmas gifts) 1,100.00 Welfare expenses (2014) 286.18 Welfare Grant (see Welfare Account income) 490.00 Wings Appeal (1st Payment) 1,990.40 Wings Appeal (2nd Payment) 1,014.20 Golf BBQ food 500.00 Sub Total 5,870.78 BoB Expenses/payments: Location Rent 775.72 Band 450.00 BAFA donation 1,000.00 AELR donation 1,000.00 UK Charity Bazaar 6,635.00 Catering 14,000.00 Insurance 123.98 Ticket refunds 175.00 Total BoB Expenses: 24,159.97 Branch Expenses: Moniteur Belge 123.06 Tax return ` 99.83 Conference Pooled Fare 132.80

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Conference expenses 316.56 Simon Martin Fund 100.00 Bank Charges 37.20 RAFA Post Box 50.00 Sub-Total 859.45 Total Expenditure 30,889.93 Closing Balance 31/12/15 8,832.28

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Statement of Accounts – 2015 BNP Paribas Fortis (New Welfare Account- BE81.0017.1142.1924) Euros Start Balance – 01/01/2015 849.32 Income RAFBF Welfare Grant 498.08 Transfer from Current Account (Christmas 2015) 1,100.00 Total Income 1,598.08 Expenditure Welfare expenses (2014) 368.28 Xmas gift – welfare grant (2015) 500.00 Christmas welfare grants 243.12 Bank Charges 31.20 Total Expenditure 1,142.60 Closing balance 31/12/15 1,304.80 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HQ Account (UK) £ Euros Opening balance 01/01/2015 484.08 623.162 Income: Subscription Income 76.10 Total 76.10 Expenditure: Subscriptions to HQ 75.00 Total Expenditure 75.00 Closing balance 31/12/15 485.18 657.613

2 Exchange rate £/Euro: 31/12/2014 1 GBP = 1.2873 EUR 3 Exchange rate £/Euro: 31/12/2015 1 GBP = 1.3554 EUR

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RAFA Belgian Branch Welfare Report to AGM 27th April 2016. .

During the year 2015, the Welfare activities have been carried out by Michel de Norman and I. We have been quite busy, with the usual home and hospital visits and over 475 telephone, mail, postal and non face to face contacts, and unfortunately attendance to several funerals of members. All together we have been in touch with13 different clients all over the country, through visits, contacts with relatives, helpers, doctors. Among these, three were new cases referred to us during the year either by the family, by themselves or RAFA UK. Unfortunately all together, we lost three of clients during the course of the year. Financially, the Treasurer as indicated in his report the total amount of funds spent for Welfare assistance and Christmas gifts. As far as visits, social contacts and other activities are concerned: We are trying in the best possible manner to acknowledge queries and problems put to us. Sadly, however, we are not always in a position to undertake the number of Social calls that are requested of us: we are a small team and I am afraid that we must sometimes prioritise. However, we are very grateful that some of our Branch members are helping us greatly in visiting people at home. The traditional Christmas visits took place as usual in December in Brussels, Brugge, Ostend, Ligny. On these Christmas visits we are, as usual, giving a small Christmas hamper and to the most deserving, financial gifts as indicated in the Treasurer report. These were greatly appreciated. We are very grateful to the RAF Benevolent Fund for its consistent support. Welfare Seminar In July 2015, Michel and I, have attended a week long Welfare Course in Leicester in order have an official British accreditation as Welfare Officers. Further to the test passed at the end of the Course, we have now received a “AIM Awards Level 1 Award in Welfare Support Work (QCF). All expenses regarding this course have been paid by RAFA HQ. Closing remark As discussed at last year’AGM, we intend to organize during the Summer an “outing” for our members – either a visit to Beauvechain Airbase or some other Air Force related venue. Members are also very interested to receive at regular interval a N ewsletter. On the question : how do we see the future development of our Welfare activities, certainly the trend experienced in the last years is confirmed: as our membership has become older, the needs for medical and social support have become greater. For 2016, we do not envisage to draw money from our reserve. In closing this report Michel and I, invite members to be alert to welfare and friendship needs and to let us know where we might have the opportunity to help. We wish to thank all the members for their continuous support and for the financial contributions without which we could not have given the help needed. Ghislaine Walkden Brussels 27 April 2016.

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Next Page for Draft Budget 2016

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RAFA BELGIAN BRANCH A.S.B.L

Draft BUDGET 2016

INCOME Euro Subscriptions 350 Donations 1,000 Wings Appeal 1,000 Social Events 2,000 Total Income 4,350 EXPENSES Wings Appeal – transfer to UK 2,000 Subscriptions – transfer to UK 300 Welfare: Branch grants 2,000 Expenses 300 Christmas Gifts 1,000 Friendship 1,000 Total 6,600 Administration: Postbox rent 50 Bank Charges 40 Wreaths 400

Miscellaneous 100 Total 590 Total Expenses 7,190 Excess Expenditure over Income 2,840

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Documents

NEWSLETTER NO 117 November 2016 Belgian Branch... · Sergeant Joseph Cartmell WO/AG Age 22 Sergeant Frank Wood Flt Eng Age unknown Sergeant Peter Steed AG Age 20 Sergeant Aaron Ottolangur