Brian and Pat Broad

Brian Broad passed away peacefully on Wednesday 5th June 2013 at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Grimsby aged 79 years.

Brian first served in the Royal Air Force from 1952 until 1956 as an engine fitter during National Service. However whilst passing a

Careers Information Office, on the spur of the moment he decided to rejoin the Royal Air Force as a Photographer.

He served at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus during the ‘troubles’ and later at Eastleigh, Nairobi.

His association with aircraft led him to become an Air Camera Fitter and he returned to Akrotiri in 1971 as a Sergeant. It was here that Brian became a prominent member of a social group of Photographers that has endured within RAFPA (formerly RAFBEPA) for over 40 years. He also chaired the RAF Photography Officers Association.

It was at Akrotiri that Brian was encouraged to take his commission by the late Brian Taylor who had made a similar career step. In 1975, Brian embraced his new status and had a series of commands including Wyton, Rheindahlen and finally as a Squadron Leader and Officer Commanding JSOP until his retirement in 1992.

He then became a ‘star’ with high speed photo finishes for the Olympics until it was replaced with digital technology.

Brian was the ultimate professional, highly respected by everyone who served with him and his good humour and professionalism were an inspiration to his colleagues and friends. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and his much loved wife, Pat. Brian’s personality lives on through his children, Tina, Trudi and Darren.

Pat Broad

Pat and Brian were heads of the Broad dynasty comprising Tina, Trudi and Darren. Janet and Garth ran the Woosnam gang. Ann and Don Adams had sons Leigh and Paul.

Given that Cyprus boasted an average of 346 days of annual sunshine, we all spent most of our free time on the beach. Sunday at Governor’s Beach was a regular occasion where the beach was invaded by our families with cool boxes, kebab stoves and beach tents. Often watermelons were picked up from a roadside stall and anchored in the sea to keep cool, along with the odd bottle of Keo.
In Limassol, late afternoons could be spent at the Britannia Bar, where the friendly Turkish owners welcomed family groups.

Sometimes we would drive in convoy along remote roads up the Troodos Mountain and stop for a picnic in the forest. In winter there was snow on the summit. It was good fun.
They were happy times, and we were to relive them for many years to come with our Cyprus reunions. It is extraordinary that such a large group of family and friends have stayed connected for over 50 years.

Sadly, over the years, we lost some of our friends, and now we have lost another – Pat Broad. Last year the group met in Chippenham (above) knowing that it would be the last time that most of us would see Pat again. It was a wonderful occasion, and we certainly celebrated her life, a life well lived.
Phil Ward

By kind permission of the RAF Photographers Association magazine Flashback