David Symonds

70 Entry (C Sqn)

November 2024

In early 1954, aged 18, David applied to join the South African Airforce. He was rejected because he could not speak Afrikaans so he applied to join the RAF. He became the 1954 Commonwealth Nominee from South Africa joining 70 Entry at the RAF College Cranwell in September 1954.

On graduation in July 1957, he converted to the Hunter at Chivenor before joining 92 Sqn at Middleton St George. On completion of this tour in September 1960, he ferried a Hunter to India before being posted to the CFS.

From that point on, David remained in the flying training world in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Brampton and on exchange to Winnipeg, Canada, from 1966-68.

Among other appointments, he was the Desk Officer in the MOD for the introduction of the Hawk to service and, from Dunsfold, was the first RAF pilot to fly the aircraft.

He retired in 1988 and settled into the community at Lowick, becoming a Church Warden and Parish Councillor, before moving to Oundle. As well as being a Sub Post Master in Lowick (before the Horizon scandal), he became an expert in house maintenance and building, effectively rebuilding a Grade 2 listed house.

He was self-taught and did absolutely everything himself.

He had met his wife, Maud, at a dance at Kesteven College during his time as a flight cadet and they were married for over 65 years. Maud passed away in June 2024.