To pay the respect deserved to a 50th Anniversary of the start of work proper on the airfield, it was decided to approach the RSME with a view to holding it in Chatham. After a number of visit's by the Chairman in particular, the venue was agreed. That's how we found ourselves staying in the King Charles Hotel. Formerly a NAAFI situated conveniently between and opposite Brompton Barracks and the RE MUseum it proved itself an ideal hostel for our stay. The picture opposite shows the Pembroke Suite where we had our first evening meal.

There were many new faces in attendance for this special get together, although sadly around twenty of our number had to pull out at the last minute for various reasons. However. we still had a healthy attendance of fifty plus to try to do justice to the importance of our event. Note our talisman in his usual place at the bar (pix above), to ensure none of his charges exceeded their capacity. As with previous reunions Yakker met one of his former charges. On this occasion, Malcolm 'Sandy' Shaw had served as RSM's clerk to acting WO1 Harold 'Yakker' Yates. He was posted to Crown in April 1966 from 38 Engr Regt Ripon. Sandy has fond memories of Yakker whom he credits with turning his life around. Not happy as a clerk, a trade to which he was not suited, he was mentored by Yakker who helped him into 17 Port Regt Marchwood. Sandy became a Navigator and on leaving the Corps, achieved the rank of Captain in the Merchant Marine. I sense that Sandy holds Yakker in high regard, even though he was on the receiving end of his temper now and again (weren't we all).

Another 'newbie' is Major Freddie Rose, holding a silver cigarette case. The case was presented to him by the Thai government for his services to the Thai people. Freddie was the Post Crown road Project Officer from September 66 until September 67. I have my own memories of being in the company of Freddie. As the radio operator assigned to the OC of 34 Sqn, Major John Isaacs, I was often sat in the back operating the radio's when Freddie would take John Isaacs up and down the road to consult on the different aspects of the project. I remember one journey in particular shortly before 34 Sqn's stint was due to end. The first fourteen kilometres were nearly complete as our Land Rover was driven up the pristine finished road. We then carried on along the projected centreline into hilly dense forest for some considerable time, with me being thrown about in the back. When we finally stopped and I (to stretch my legs) walked with them through the forest in line. Freddie was leading and suddenly leapt up into the air shouting "Snake"! John Isaacs, ditto! I found myself with my right boot suspended in the air as a python slid underneath it. Thanks for the memory Major Freddie it was a delight to see you again looking so fit and well after forty seven years.

The second and most active day of our reunion had an early start in the RE Museum. The Field Marshall room was our venue for a display of Operation Crown memoribilia. We gathered at 09.30 hrs to view the display and then receive a value added talk from the Museum curator Rebecca Nash. On the tables our artefacts included a 35mm Pentax camera used by Cedric Williams, to take many of the pictures we purchased from the Squadron office. Another camera displayed was a twin lens reflex, another format used by Cedric Williams.

Coffee and biscuits were warmly received by the museum's visitors as they waited for Rebecca to arrive and present her talk. After outlining the past history of the Museum, which has been in existence for a very long time, Rebecca spoke of the plans for the future. When the talk was finished, the visitors then walked around the Museum proper. An Operation Crown display board is on view in the main hall, along with a Gainsborough tractor and other equipment used by Sappers on Crown.