Squadron Leader Derrick Scothern RAF (Retd)

4th January 1942 — 22nd February 2025

Derrick passed away peacefully in Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon on 22nd February 2025 with his family by his side. Derrick is survived by his sons, Darren and Damon, his grandchildren Courtney, Katherine, Emma and Devon and his great grandchildren Jack and Novie. He is predeceased by his loving wife Enid and his elder brother Brian.

Derrick was born in Clay Cross, Derbyshire to Harold and Katherine Scothern in 1942. He attended Clay Cross Grammar School where he met his future wife, Enid. Leaving school in 1959 he joined the Royal Air Force as a photographer and in 1962 married his school sweetheart, Enid. They had their sons in 1965 and 1971, all moving around the world together, accompanying Derrick on his many postings including Singapore, Germany twice and many locations across the UK. Derrick was commissioned in 1977 and achieved the rank of Squadron Leader by the time of his retirement from the RAF in 1997.

During his years in the RAF, Derrick partook of many hobbies including basketball and volleyball, cross country running and amateur dramatics, the latter of which became a personal passion. He performed both on stage in acting and administrative roles as treasurer or OIC for numerous station theatre clubs throughout his career and upon his retirement commenced a second career as a “background artiste“. He appeared in many adverts, well-known television programs and films including, Eastenders, The Bill, Band of Brothers, Johnny English, Sean of the Dead and all the Harry Potter franchise productions.

Derrick was an active member of the Shakespeare at the George company which produced annual performances of Shakespeare classics at The George Hotel in Huntingdon and was also a long—term Treasurer and one time President of the Huntingdon branch of the Probus Club. He was also a volunteer welfare officer for the Royal British Legion and a frustrated golfer having been pressured into starting the game by his eldest son following the passing of Enid in 2000.

Derrick was a self-effacing man, never seeking recognition or gratitude for performing what he saw as his duty or moral responsibility to do. He was respected for his honesty, sense of humour and his acceptance of others.

He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Derrick did not want a funeral service and had a private cremation. His family is holding a private service for the interment his ashes with his wife on 16th May 2025 at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Church Road, Brampton, Huntingdon, PE28 4PF with a gathering to celebrate his life after the service in The Black Bull public house next to the church from 1230. They would be happy and honoured should any of his former colleagues, friends or neighbours wish to join them for a drink, a bite to eat and a share happy stories and memories. It is requested that if you are planning to attend you advise his son, Darren (darrensc0thern@hotmaiLcom) in order that approximate numbers are known. Please also advise if you have any specific dietary needs and we will accommodate where possible.

Paddy Hill

RIP Boss. Thoughts with the family

John Chorley

RIP I suppose Brampton is the place in the annals of photography to stay, apart from Cosford,

Doug MacDonald

R.I.P , my thoughts and prayers are with all family, another sad loss of a good man 😪

Mik Boon

I’m genuinely saddened Derrick was one of my Apop instructors at Cosford. A genuinely nice bloke and incredible mentor.

RIP .

Rick Rickwood

New and worked with Derek a great Individual and gentlemen RIP

Matt Haig

RIP Derek, my thoughts and respect for a good man x

Stephen Weir

Ah shite. RIP Mr Thespian

Andrew Westbrook

Sad news, RIP Derek, fond memories of the time in Germany.

Gordon Rodger

RIP Derek. A good man. Thoughts are with the family.

James Tuddenham

Very sad news, RIP, Derrick

Mike Harris

R.I.P. Derek. Sadly missed

Andy Wilson

Top bloke rip derek

John Hygate

RIP Derrick. You’ll be comfortable with Enid.

Al Scott

RIP Boss…. An influential man honoured to have worked for him….

Kevin Howes

Sad news

Lovely man and boss R.I.P

Dave Peel

RIP Derek

Thank you for so many good memories.

Our thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.

Kevin Morris

Sad news indeed a fabulous boss and just a lovely man RIP

Philip Cheal

RIP Derek – Top Boss @ BFPO 47.

Mick Power

RIP Derick, as Dave Peel said above thank you for who you were. Stout person and much respected. Lots of memories….. PerAdua

Thoughts and prayers to family at this sad time.

George Lambert

R I P Derrick.

Paul Batchford

A wonderful man, used to love his reunion bbq’s. A terrific boss, I won’t forget him. RIP sir!

Don Stewart

Another gentleman gone RIP Derek, it was a privilege to serve with you.