I have attached a photo of Dad when he joined the RAF, aged 19, one of him with Mum whilst in the RAF and one at his 95th birthday party last month. Neil (left) and I were his only children.
He met mum, Hazel May Tamplin, when they were both in the RAF, and having completed 18 months National Service, they were married in 1951.
He spent his entire working career as a professional photographer and had two sons, Neil in 1960 and me in 1963.
During his career he published various books about Traction Engines, each book filled with his photographs of various engines.
He moved to Somerset in 2002 and in 2021 they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
Later in 2021 Mum passed away and Dad continued living in their house, regularly walking to the nearby hostelry where he enjoyed a Guinness or two, often two!
On Monday 15th September, during the night, he felt uncomfortable and called 999. An ambulance attended and he was taken to the hospital. A few hours later, he passed away as a result of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Dad and I had discussed surgery, but his philosophy was that he had to go at some point and didn’t want to end up losing his marbles.
My brother and I are deeply saddened, however we know that he would have been pleased with his speedy exit!
Stuart Finch
Barry joined the RAF for National Service in February 1949 and completed his training at Wellesbourne Mountford on 88 Course S.O.P. He then went on to serve at RAF Benson. Barry joined the association in 2016.
RAF Photographers Memorial 