RAF Thornaby
I was stationed at RAF Thornaby for three years from 1954, and was welcomed into the community. I made friends with my namesake, Pat Whelan, and was invited to his home for some good parties. I also remember the Malloby family. There was a lad who worked in the cookhouse as a civilian washroom worker and I hung about with him and his mates at the Italian cafe. I also remember the pub at the Thornaby side of the bridge closed half an hour before the one on the Stockton side, as then Thornaby was in Yorkshire and Stockton was County Durham. We used to run over the bridge to get extra drinks. Also I recall going to a dance in Stockton and the entertainer was Lonnie Donegan at the start of his career. All told you were great friendly people to a stranger. I'm 73 now. I was a cook on the drome, hope someone add something who was also around then.
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RE: RE: RAF Thornaby
I'm glad you have fond memories of Thornaby! It sounds like the pub you are talking about running from was the Flying Dutchman, it was owned by the Dixons, my Nana's mother and Father. Unfortunately the pub had to be demolished after the war due to bomb damage, but I often hear stories of the large groups of men running across the bridge to grab an extra drink or two! It's a shame that my Nana and Grandad have no interest in the Internet as I'm sure you could have shared some rather amusing stories from back in the day. x
Comment from Cristina Darling on Wednesday, 18th November 2009.
RE: RE: RAF Thornaby
Hi Cristina, it sounds like your grandparents may be in my age group, I bought a laptop this year and it isn't as hard or expensive as I thought.Thanks for comments, it is strange to think I walked the same streets as your grandparents, it would have been good if they had internet, they might have shared memories. Thornaby must be like everywhere, much changed.
Comment from Name withheld on Thursday, 19th November 2009.
RE: RE: RAF Thornaby
I have some old aerial pictures of the airfield and tower. If you would like me to email them to you contact me on: paulhorner666@msn.com Thornaby has changed a lot. Paul Horner
Comment from Paul Horner on Thursday, 3rd November 2011.
RE: RE: RAF Thornaby
I also saw Lonnie Donnegan in Stockton, the year before he sadly passed. He was awesome.
Comment from Paul Horner on Thursday, 3rd November 2011.