The original ‘Straddle’ pictured in
1945 with his Canadian ‘boss’, Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Detwiller.
PICTURE: Courtesy 422 Squadron Association.
Wartime mascot called up for fundraising
‘Straddle’, wartime mascot of a Sunderland squadron, has been
called up for a new operational role - raising funds for
Pembroke Dock’s Flying Boat Centre.
A fibre glass version of the black Cocker Spaniel now serves as
a donations box at the Centre. The new ‘Straddle’ was created by
John Arcus of Milford Haven Port Authority’s Community Team who
is helping raise vital funding for the very popular centre.
The original ‘Straddle’ was mascot to No 422 (Canadian) Squadron
which was based at RAF Pembroke Dock in the war. His name is a
term used during the long running Battle of the Atlantic for an
attack by aircraft on German U-boats.
“It’s a great story,” said John. “’Straddle’ rose through the
ranks and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. He had his own
logbook to record operational flights - and his escapades - and
he even had his own special coat when he led parades through
Pembroke Dock.”
That coat, bearing 422 Squadron’s Crest, was recently donated to
the Sunderland Trust, which runs the Flying Boat Centre. It was
brought out for a special airing and modelled by ‘Joe’, owned by
Sunderland Trustee Martin Cavaney.
“Suddenly we had two ‘Straddles’ back on parade,” added John,
“helping to boost our fundraising through the all important
donations.
“We are very grateful to Chris Gammon, of GRP Mouldings,
Pembroke Dock, who is a member of the Sunderland Trust Dive
Group, for his support in providing fibre glass materials for
the model.”
‘Straddle’ the model - and his story - are on view at the Centre
which is open Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm.
* Funding for the Flying Boat
Centre is from the Rural Development
Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly
Government, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural
Development (EAFRD). This is administered locally by
Pembrokeshire County Council.
Two ‘Straddles’ join John Arcus at the
Flying Boat Centre.
