A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56) – The Out-Post – Volume 3 No 4

I think this is the 19th issue of the magazine. By the time of its release the staff were producing about 200 copies of each release. This effort covers the period May/June 1943 and I am sure that The Outpost  continued to be produced through 1944 and 1945. If anyone has copies of the magazine, which haven't been published on this blog, I would appreciate it if they were to get in touch. Left click on images to enlarge.

CONTENTS LIST

http://ahistoryofrafsaxavord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/contents-list.html

A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56)– The Out-Post – Issue 12

A S Arnold, who had just taken over as the Editor of the Outpost, was unable to return to Unst from leave due to illness. At short notice AC Chape took over the responsibility for this issue. Though no fault of his, my copy has some letters missing on the left hand side of some pages following a number of copies being made from an original; however, a little thought should fill in most gaps!

Two of the significant items which can be can be highlighted from this issue are the Royal Canadian Air Force and Entertainment. Many Commonwealth counties provided invaluable support to the UK during WWII. Canadian personnel made a great contribution to the war effort . RCAF Sqns operated within Bomber and Coastal Command in particular, with one Canadian Canso (Catalina) pilot, David Ernest Hornell, being awarded a posthumous V.C. for sinking a U-Boat some distance north of RAF Skaw. Many Canadians were also involved in the UK radar world &, at one time of another, I have information about their employment at 9 CH/CHL sites in Shetland alone. An article, about the Canadian contingent at RAF Skaw begins on Page 11. Although work kept everyone busy for much of the time there was still the need to provide entertainment for the troops. Page 21 shows the first advert I have seen for forthcoming films. Left click on images to enlarge.

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A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56) – The Out-Post – Issue 10/11

This Issue of the Outpost is unusual as it marks the first changeover of editor since its inception. Cpl Catford, who had been the Editor for all previous issues, was finally posted and was replaced by Cpl Arnold. It was possibly the switch in personnel which resulted in one magazine to cover 2 months. The small sketch on page 20 of a Radar Operator going on duty reminds me of my own tour at Saxa many years later, when the crew would go on watch prepared for most eventualities!