43(F) Squadron (Fighting Cocks) Association was founded in 1945 , immediately after the end of the war. Some of the ground crew had been together for nearly four years - many having been through five invasions - North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and the South of France . They decided that the spirit and comradeship that had built up between all the personnel - Officers - Non Commissioned Officers - Airmen - Ground Crew and Aircrew should not be lost. All returned home - some staying in the Air Force and others returning to civvy street. The Association held together – the first Secretary was Frank Wooley who did tremendous work in translating ideas into reality. Then he moved overseas and the Squadron took over the administration - this did not work too well because of the rapid movement of personnel. Finally Jimmy took over and remained secretary for over thirty years until his untimely death. From the very early days Vic Vickers was the very efficient Treasurer, only retiring in 1998. 

The Association was formed at Klagenfurt in Austria where the Squadron was based from May 11th 1945 until 24th September 1946. The founder members of the Association were Flight Sergeant Jimmy Beedle, Sergeant Frank Wooley, Sergeant “Pip" Reading , Sergeant "Vic" Vickers, Flight Sergeant Len Telling and some others.

 The Klagenfurt Protocol of 1945 for the Association was:.

Membership open to all ranks

No joining fees

       No annual subscription

  No rule book

The AIM of the Association is to consolidate the spirit of good fellowship and to continue to take pride in the Squadron's past and present achievements. To that end an Annual Reunion is held ensuring that auld langsyne continues in a happy convivial atmosphere. 

 

        Author: Warrant Officer Len Telling - Spitfire Pilot served with 43 from September 1944 to April 1946 - Secretary of the Association 1992- 1998