100th Birthday Visit

16 May 22 saw a very special guest visiting RAF Waddington.

The official invitation arrived with Dr James Burt two weeks before and was a huge surprise, being the first he had heard of the visit. At this point preparations were well under way for his birthday celebrations which had been kept a close guarded secret by his family and close friends. It’s not every day that a former 617 Sqn Medical Officer celebrates his 100th birthday and certainly not at his former Station, the first return visit since arriving at RAF Waddington in 1946, after qualifying from St Andrews. The day commenced with a

visit to the Heritage Centre and a guided tour by Mr Chris Dean. Dr Burt was accompanied by his two brothers, The Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP (r’td) and Dr David Burt, along with Janet Traill, his full-time carer. He was particularly interested in the photos from his era and recounted stories of his first flight on a Lancaster Bomber. Next on the agenda was a

trip to the Medical Centre. Dr Burt was greeted by the Medical Staff and the SMO, Dr Gelnar, who commented ‘The Medical Centre was very excited to host the visit from Dr James Burt, a 100 year old RAF MO veteran who visited RAF Waddington on 16 May 22. He regaled us with some interesting tales from 1946 when he was Sqn doc for 617 Sqn and his time working at RAF Scampton with the

Americans. He was proud to see the newly refurbished Medical Centre, in the same building as where he had worked and it brought back vivid memories for him and his family to enjoy. It was such an honour to host him in the Medical Centre and show him how things have changed since 1946 (and how some things haven’t!). It was a special occasion and an honour to be able to reconnect with our RAFMS heritage!’

We were then joined by the Head of RAF Medical Services Air Cdre Dale Daborn, the Stn Cdr and a representative from 617 Sqn for a celebratory lunch in the Officers’ Mess. The Officers’ Mess hosted us superbly and nothing was too much trouble. Many thanks go to the staff for providing a fantastic table service despite a very busy main lunch

service. Dr Burt was very appreciative of the work and effort. Padre McCormick led Grace, the food was excellent and plentiful and was completed by a birthday cake, which was received very well by an emotional centennial. The presentation of birthday gifts, including a signed 617 Sqn print and a framed photo of a Lancaster overflying the Med Centre in 1943, concluded the birthday lunch. After lunch, a visit to an E3 Sentry and Vulcan aircraft were next on the agenda. Dr Burt and his sons were appreciative and humbled by the visit. Alistair Burt commented: ‘My father remembers his RAF days with great affection. As he had got married in July 1946, he arrived unable to stay in married quarters on the base, being deemed too young under RAF Regulations to have got married! He and my mother therefore had a flat in Lincoln, which he was allowed to stay in when he wasn’t needed overnight on the base. He still had to pay full mess bills, however, so I believe their finances were a bit tight in those days! Post war rationing meant food parcels from my grandmother from Dundee. He tells tales of the occasional run ins with senior officers when he had to make decisions on fitness to fly, and also of the odd incident of high spirits amongst the other officers. He loved the flying he was able to do.’

Dr James Burt departed with a huge smile on his face and we all wish him a very Happy 100th Birthday.

Article by FS Andy Lloyd, OIC Station Veterans

Many thanks to: Cpl Shona Green and her energetic staff – OM Manager Cpl Mark ‘Bomber’ Harrison – OM Chef Chris Dean – Heritage Centre Guide Medical Centre – in its entirety Veterans Team: - who made all this possible C/T Brett Leeson Cpl Sophia Pegg SAC Leanne Cornes SAC Ryan McDonough SAC Hadassah Gesage