| NAME: ABBEY
DUGUID NICK NAME: Sqn Served: 1 sqdn & 26 (see below) Served From:1969-1991 Message: First posting after Training was RAF Biscester. There were two Regiment Squadrons resident at Biscester: 1 Sqn and 26 Sqn, both equipped with Bofor 40/70 Guns. My mates at the time were Donny Crossan, Joe Williams, Jamie Fletcher, Geordie Brown. We had a living legend on C&R Flt namely Rocky Barbour (Man mountain) The squadron was then posted its entirety to RAF Laarbruch in Germany. Highlights of the tour was detachments to Hong Kong and Cyprus. Three months in Ireland wasn't so much a highlight. I met my wife Chris at Laarbruch, she was a stewardess in the Sgts and Officers Messes.We have recently celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary.Co's during the tour were Sqn Ldr Bolton and Sqn Ldr Finnie. I was then posted to RAF Odiham, attached to 72 Sqn Wessex Helicopters. Some characters at Odiham were Chris Fiddes, Vic Sigsworth, Jacko, Nibs Noble, Bill Espie and Geordie Short. I then went to Catterick on my FT1 course. Following the course I was posted back to Catterick as a FT1 Instructor. After a thoroughly enjoyable time at Catterick, I was posted to 58 Sqn where myself and my good friend John Witcherly were promoted to Acting Sgt for the Belize detachments. On to RAF Benson where I joined Sgt Bud Abbott on the GDT Team. Back to Catterick for my FT2 and then posted to RAF Gutersloh on 63 Rapier Sqn. Had a marvellous cruise on the QE2 to the Falklands. The Sqn acquitted itself very well during the conflict. We had some real professionals on the Sqn: Billy Morris, Phil Brand, Mark Nash, Stevie Coup to name but a few. I had some real characters on my section: Ginge Howell, Jock Gillies, Naughty Norman, Fred Sinclair. Quite an experience all in all. I was posted back! to Larkhill to attend Gunnery Careers Course No 2. My best friend Phil Brand who was on GCC 1 was tragically killed in a road accident near Wittering. RAF West Raynham was my next posting to the Rapier Training School. This was without doubt the best posting I had during my time in the service. I also met up again with my old pal, Billy Morris. After 4 years at Raynham and promotion to Flt Sgt, I joined the Field Standard C Project Team at RAF Bentley Priory. Once again I was re-united with Mark Nash and Bob Blake. The team was then moved to RAF North Luffenham. Unfortunately, following a back injury sustained in the Falklands it was deemed that I was not fit to continue to do my job as a Gunner. That was indeed the saddest day of my career. I made the decision to leave the Air Force and moved back home to Aberdeen with my wife and three kids. I am now the Manager responsible for management systems development and compliance at the ExxonMobil Gas Terminal, St. Fergu! s. Life is good. E-Mail:  abbey.duguid@exxonmobil.com |
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