Memories of the Diss ATC; 1962-3

In 1962 Ian Dade lived in the village of Carleton Rode, some ten miles from Diss and attended Diss Grammar School. On the mornings of a 'Cadet day', he would load his bike onto the school bus so that he could cycle home to Carleton Rode after attending the evening parade.

Ian enrolled in April 1962 (as his '3822' proves) and left school and started work in Norwich in the late summer 1963. This led to his family moving to Norwich and so his '1070 days' came to an end.

Flt Lt Patterson, the CO of the 1070 Diss ATC at the time, was one of the Science teachers at Diss Grammar, as was his wife who was also the Deputy Head. Both were Scots, and the CO gained the nickname of "Hoots Mon", after a pop record of the time.

The CO was keen on the Squadron being represented in the County and Region football teams, and recruited from the school teams. Dickie Upson (well known in local footballing circles) was in the squadron and played. His son now plays for Birmingham.

Ian has numerous memories of his time with 1070 (Diss) Air Trainng Corps including:

Flying "bump offs" in a Varsity at RAF Swinderby in Lincolnshire

Fligt Experience in a Chipmunk from RAF Chivenor
"A vivid memory I have held with pleasure over all these years is of the "flight experience" we were given. It was a real highlight of the week (summer camp), and although I was only in the air about 15 minutes, it gave me a memory for life.

Because the station was coastal, the flight was over land and sea. This meant we not only had to wear a parachute but also an inflatable dinghy. The parachute was, of course, on your back; the dinghy was somehow worn under your backside, and you sat on it in the Chipmunk. The walk to the aircraft was the most comical sight to see, you being forced to stumble almost in a sitting position with this great mass of paraphernalia under and over you. It was all worthwhile, for the flight was something to experience.

I am sure the pilot instructor took pleasure in what seemed at the time like outrageous aerobatics. They were probably quite tame, but did involve flight at all angles and upside down! It was hard to know if you were seeing the blue of the sky with white clouds, or the blue sea and surf. This was the first time I had ever been in an aircraft but I am so glad I did it."

A hike across Exmoor in poor weather
"I recall we were all kitted out in the sort of gear you wear in the gym, then given boiler suits to wear over the top. We went out with a 'Regular' and were dropped off to hike to the given point.

The weather turned bad and subsequent groups that day were canceled. We spent hours in foul conditions, yomping up and down endless hills (and for a Norfolk lad that was unusual), until we became convinced the 'Regular' was either lost or enjoying our plight. At that point Phil Pitelin (Corporal) asserted his authority, set a course and led us to civilisation. We were collected and returned to base. I have been forever grateful to Phil!"

If you have your own story and memories why not drop us a message so we can add to the Squadron's history.