Taff's Page

Hi Everybody, I'm Taff Quelch. I thought I should give you a little run down on myself.
As you can see by the name I originated in S Wales , a little place called the Rhondda Valley. When I was 18 years old I joined up In 1959 at Cardington, Then went to Brignorth on a troop train, to do my basic training with about a thousand others, from there I went to Catterick to do my Regiment Training, and then on to Weeton to learn how to drive. After a few days at Innsworth I was flown to RAF Nicosia to join 34 LAA Sqdn; who were then based at Nicosia, later on in 1960 we moved down to Akrotiri when Cyprus became independant. In 1962 I returned to England on the Troopship Navassa, to be posted to RAF Upwood, not knowing that Christmas of that year I would be back in Cyprus again with 16 Field Squadron.
In 1963 I was posted to H.Q. No 1 Squadron (Fighter) at RAF West Raynham , from where I was demobbed in 1964 , after 5 yrs; in and then 4 on reserve.
I had numerous jobs Driving Lorries, working in a factory before joining the Post Office in 1978 from which I am now (Medically) Retired .
Members of 34 LAA Squadron Government House Guard Nicosia being inspected by Sir Hugh Foot the Governor General of Cyprus in 1959  

My first introduction to 'Keo' beer
l-r George Graham, Pip, Brian Reynolds
Taff Quelch, Harry Hunt, taken at the Imperial; bar
Nicosia, 1960.
34 LAA Squadron
Sports Team: 
RAF Nicosia 1960

 
1960 Farewell dance at the Roundel Club Nicosia for 34 LAA Squadron who were moving down to Akrotiri when Cyprus had their independence.
'Lofty' Bradshaw (6ft 7 ") in the foreground. I am playing the Double Bass with the Squadronaires.

Benny Hill visiting 34LAA Squadron compound Akrotiri Cyprus whilst entertaining the troops on ENSA 1962.
  16 Field Squadron 1963 return to RAF Nicosia after standing between the Greeks & Turks & Patrolling Nicosia in APC's before the UN forces took over their patrol duties.

A flight 16 Fld Squadron relaxing in the Naafi in Manama, Bahrain 1963 whilst on detachment.