John Ratel was posted to the station armoury in May 1957. He was a Halton “brat” (77th Entry), graduating on April 17th 1957. He was a Junior Technician (armourer), with service number RAF-589647. After a short while, he became groundcrew with 85 Squadron, working on Meteor 12s and 14s. When 85 was disbanded, he moved across to 72 Squadron, and stayed with them for the rest of his time at Church Fenton (during which time they re-equipped with the Javelin). Shortly after this, Church Fenton ceased to be a fighter base, and 72 moved across to RAF Leconfield, near Beverley.
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"With speed to the mark"