91st Halton Apprentices

About Us

On 20 January 1959, 265 bright-faced young men ’signed on’ at the start of their 3-year apprenticeship. They came from all backgrounds and all regions of Great Britain and Northern Ireland along with young boys from Ceylon, Malaysia and Venezuela. All embarked on an intensive technical training course that turned them into qualified ‘fitters’.

Inevitably there were some losses and on 20 December 1961 the remaining 232 boys graduated on a misty morning. To celebrate, the newly qualified technicians held a Graduation Dance in the Town Hall in Aylesbury, music being provided by Bob Miller and his Millermen.

Since then, all have now finished their RAF careers, many leaving at the end of 22 year’s service but many staying on until age 55. Several were commissioned, 1 Air Commodore (Dick Bogg), 2 Group Captains (Mike Clegg and Pat Kiggell), several Wing Commanders, and the Entry produced the first ever Chief of the Air Staff’s Warrant Officer (Jim Andrews), which was a particularly fine achievement. Sadly, some have died on the way, but they are not forgotten.

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Although Halton no longer exists as an Apprentice School, the 91st continues to maintain its bonds of friendship and over the years has had and will continue to have reunions every three years.