Ken and Sheila Bowden

Ken (from Holmfirth in Yorkshire) was an RAF Fireman and Sheila (from Wymondham in Norfolk) was an RAF Stewardess/Batwoman. They met at RAF Swinderby, Ken having completed his training at Cardington and then Sutton upon Hull. He remained in the Royal Air Force after completing his National Service. Sheila did her initial training at RAF Spitalgate, now the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks Grantham.

RAF Hospital Nocton Hall cared for Sheila during her pregnancy, they went on to have four Scale E (Scaly) Brats, Susan, Stephen, Ian and Debra. Being married and pregnant, Sheila had to leave the WRAF in those days!

Black and white wedding photograph — Ken and Sheila

The family had many postings, several were overseas to Malta and Germany whilst Ken also served unaccompanied in Borneo, Changi and Car Nicobar. Ken and Sheila’s final posting was to RAF Cottesmore. After 24 years of service, Ken and Sheila finally left the RAF from Cottesmore in 1976 and settled in Peterborough; they did maintain the service link via their son Stephen who also joined up as an RAF Firefighter. Considering their ties to the local area it was only fitting the family wanted to place a memorial stone at the IBCC.

To pay your own tribute please click here

Last walk in memory of Sgt Micheal Cook.

At precisely 4:15 pm today, 80 years ago, Michael and his courageous crew members – R. Amey, F. Livesey, D. McCray, D. Kennedy, G. Lane, and R. Shackleton – departed RAF Skellingthorpe together, their target being Munich. Today, I am proud to share that I have completed a personal goal I set on January 1st […]