Ray 'Sam' Gregory

Story Profile

Ray served in the RAF for 12 years.  He was posted to RAF Khormaksar and RAF Steamer Point in Aden, Yemen; RAF Valley in Anglesey, UK; and RAF Cosford, Albrighton, UK.

Ray joined the RAF as an Electrical Mechanic in 1960, and left as an Electrical Fitter in 1972.

RAF Khormaksar, was the base for nine squadrons and during the 1960's became the RAF's busiest ever station as well as the biggest staging post for the RAF between the UK and Singapore. If you look carefully at the photo of Ray in shorts and open shirt, you can just about make out the statue of Queen Victoria almost completely hidden behind the bushes behind him. This photo must've been taken at Steamer Point Gardens sometime between 1960 - August 1967, as at that point, she was moved unceremoniously by a group of Royal Engineers during the night to a new location at the British Embassy in Khormaksar, due to concerns for her 'safety'. She was reinstated to her original place on 1st June 2002.