An article that appeared in the BT Today newspaper in December 2005 reporting the closure of the DTN (Defence Telegraph Network), prompted me to write giving a brief outline of my involvement with the DTN, the response I received inspired me into producing these web-site pages.
Most of my working life with the Post Office and BT was spent working with the RAF on DTN duties. I started as a TO in training at HQ. No 1 Group RAF Bawtry Hall (QBTY) in 1973 and was introduce to the workings of FSVF telegraphy and the foibles of the Creed TP7 and it's relatives.
From there I moved into a vacancy at RAF Finningley in 1976 from where I also covered RAF Lindholm and RAF Northern Radar (QLDM), later to become 840 SU, Comcen North (QNCC). During my time at Finningley I was very proud to be involved with the planning and organisation of the communication arrangements for Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee Review of the RAF, which took place at RAF Finningley in July 1977.
I really enjoyed my working life with the RAF, in fact I don't think I could have invented a better job, I was made to feel part of the stations I worked at and became involved with the social life there, including becoming a member of the Sergeants' mess and being invited to functions at the officers mess on frequent occasions. I also made friends with many other engineers at DTN stations throughout the RAF, and met some of them on courses and my occasional visits to other bases.
During my work with the RAF I was honoured to receive two commendation, one from the AOC Training units and a further one from the CinC Support Command, they are proudly displayed on the wall of my 'office' at my home.
I hope the visitors book and the following pages will reunite us all with others who were involved in the important DTN duties that were part of the organisation that helped to keep the peace during the years of the 'Cold War'.