Goodbye, Mr Dawson

Friday 12th February 2021 saw Beccles Civilian Instructor Colin Dawson (finally, as he would put it!) retiring from the Air Cadets for a second time after accumulating a total of 64 years of service. Colin has had many roles during his time, he joined as a cadet in 1957 and after becoming too old, he decided to return as a staff member. This would see Colin take a commission and reach the rank of Squadron Leader before retiring for the first time in 2000. It didn’t take long for him to return as a Civilian Instructor and take the role of Wing Radio Officer, overseeing all of the Radio Communications & Cyber training within Norfolk and Suffolk Wing.

Colin will be greatly missed by the Squadron, and greater Wing alike. After so long with us, he really is part of the furniture! Colin was given a send-off during our Virtual Parade Night on Friday where we were joined by members of the wing, including the Wing Officer Commanding, Wing Commander David Miller. Colin was presented with a bottle of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskey, engraved with a message from the Squadron along with some engraved glasses to put it in, courtesy of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing.

Time will tell if Colin can resist coming back this time, but we all wish him the very best in his retirement.