SERVICE GRAVE
ALISTAIR FINDLAY (grave 78)
SENIOR AIRCRAFTMAN
617 SQUADRON
MY STORY
Died: 20th December 1976
I was born on 9th January 1956 at RAF Hospital Rostrup in Germany. Between 1954 and 56 my parents Douglas and Georgina Findlay lived in Jever, Germany where my father was based in the RAF. After this, we moved around various bases in the UK, until in 1958, my father was posted to RAF Scampton as an Airframe Fitter on Vulcans.
In 1961, we moved to RAF Seletar in Singapore, where my sister June was born in the nearby RAF Changi Hospital. I soon adopted the role of a very loving, funny and cheeky big brother. In 1963, we returned to England, eventually returning to Waddington and Scampton where my dad again worked on Vulcans. During this period, June and I attended various local schools, wherever my father’s posting was.
In 1970, we enjoyed a memorable posting to Kenya, but by 1972, we were back in Lincolnshire where my father worked at Binbrook and Waddington on the Lightning and Vulcan respectively. By now, my father was a Chief Technician and in 1976, he made the decision to retire from the RAF, having joined at the age of 15.
In 1973 I got a job working as a Tyre Fitter at Bray’s Garage in Lincoln. I spent time in the Air Cadets, so it was no surprise when in 1974, I decided to follow my father’s footsteps into the RAF. I had a flair for art and woodworking, and I was keen on fixing bikes and cars. In particular, I renovated an old blue Ford Anglia, of which I was very proud.
Following basic training, I was posted to RAF Scampton where, just like my father, I worked on Vulcans. I was also promoted to Senior Aircraftsmen and was delighted to be selected for a short posting to Malta, as well as beating stiff competition to be selected to participate in a prestigious exercise in America known as Exercise Giant Voice. This was a bombing competition that took place in Houston in the US. I performed airframe duties on the Vulcans there and loved every moment of this trip.
Douglas Bryce Findlay receiving his Long Service Medal at Waddington.
THE ACCIDENT
To this day, the circumstances around my accident remain very painful to my family and it is still a very private thing for them. Suffice to say that I was in a road traffic accident, that was the result of another person’s reckless behaviour.
My father is also remembered on my gravestone and my mother on a small plaque in front, a family reunited in remembrance.
A letter from Alistair’s Commanding Officer, received by his parents and testament to his career potential.
