Dad loved his work, from his days at Croydon Aerodrome with Transair to Gatwick with British Caledonian
and had many fond memories, and stories of his travels and colleagues

He will always be missed by Family & Friends

Guestbook Page Entry

It was a wonderful Memorial Service to Sir Adam and so nice to meet up again with old friends. Yes, it is an excellent idea to start this page. I hope you will receive many ex-BCAL visitors! I will certainly pass the message on to those I still see. Kind regards to anyone who remembers me. I joined BUA in September 1965, continued with BCAL and then BA and am now retired. Mo Abel (Ex CSD)

What a wonderful family we have in BCAL!  I am still in contact with may ex-colleagues.  Viv Izzard, Joyce Branson, Guy LeSueur. Lyn Hutton (Barnard), Barbara Patterson, Keith Farmer. Recently met up with Dedrie Drewett and Sylvia Morant at a milestone birthday gathering for Viv Izzard!  Last year (November 2003). Mrs Money Monk died (cashiers LGW) - I spent many a happy hour with her in Truro.  I have visited the site before, but this is the first time I have made contact.   I worked in CRC, PTS's at LGW, London Ticket desk - both Victoria and Regent Street - Field Sales S.W England (George Scowen Sales Manager) for 6 years - finally Agents Enquiries/Fares at Caledonian House.  Now live in Lincolnshire having retired on ground of ill health from Railtrack!  BCAL gave me the best years of my life and   great lifelong friends.  Would love to hear from people who knew me in the "good old days".

An excellent piece of work. A history that was so much a part of my life from 1970 (BUA) to the end of BCAL .... plus one year with British Airways after the takeover. A tremendous effort! It must have taken a lot of dedication and research. Keep it up and lets hope the site is well viewed with contributions from around the world!

I was in engineering with Airwork - BUA - BCal from 1955 to 1988, stayed with BA until 1994 when I retired. BUA and BCal were both good airlines, which is more can be said for BA! I knew your dad very well Dave, and one of the lasting memories I have of Ron was the time we spent at Long Beach on the DC10, as we invariably had too many jars! I was on line or outstations for most of my working life, and met Dennis Long and his family when I did a stint in Uganda, Idi Amin was causing havoc at the time and Dennis was quite a help to me and my family. Sorry to hear (belatedly) that he has passed away. Regards to the many names on your tribute sheet that I worked with, in one way or the other.

Great idea. This is a smooth and professional tribute. Reflections and memories do us good, even when everyone has moved on to new horizons. The trick is to embrace the present as we enjoy our past. Always a pleasure to meet former colleagues wherever, whenever. My reflections include Caledonian JFK 69-71, (w/ Alan Stronach, Ron Watson, Andy Geary-Stevens, Mike Kidd, Tom Houston and Tim Gibson), travelling 71-73, Laker LGW 73-77, Laker JFK 77-78, SABENA ATL 78-80, BCAL ATL 80-87 (w/ Brian Robbins and Nancy Mortensen), BA ATL 87-96, BA CLT 96-to-date. Found this site through Tim Gibson, long-time buddy at British Eagle LHR 65-67, then Cal at JFK together. Sir Adam is gone. The airline he founded is gone. Neither is forgotten ... The people he inspired have gone on to wider worlds ...

A nice tribute to a fine airline. My years at Caledonian and BCAL hold some great memories. The phrase "worked hard and played hard" come to mind! We certainly did have some memorable times. Great to see so many former colleagues at Adam's memorial service. I am now Cargo Director at British Midland and meet many ex-BCAL people in the world of cargo. We seem to be everywhere! Now with Qatar Airways in Doha as head of cargo. There's even a couple of other Cally guys here. In fact there are Caledonian and BCAL people everywhere in this industry and it seems to be possible to bump into them almost anywhere in the world. Great airline (but fell off the rails a bit towards the end). The best times were probably the Caledonian days in the late sixties which a few of us had a great time remembering over dinner here last weekend. I have moved on again ... don't like to let the grass grow under my feet!! Hated Doha ... very, very boring. Joined Gulf Air in November (2002) as GM UK based in London. Seen many ex-BCAL guys and girls in the few weeks I've been back in the UK. The BCAL mafia is everywhere!!

I just found out about this site. I worked with Caledonian Airways in PWK and then moved to LGW with Caledonian/BUA and then BCAL. Moved to USA in 85 and am still there now with BA.
Best wishes to all ex Cale folks

Married to Linda Allan nee Albone. Currently flying with easyJet on the B737 out of LGW. Enjoyed my time with BCAL immensely having flown the 1-11 and the DC10. Finished up before the merger as the Project and Development pilot on the 1-11 and as an IRE/TRE. To be frank no other airline I have worked for compares with BCAL in every sense - perhaps one shouldn't keep making comparisons. Nevertheless both Linda and I have some fond memories and that's worth a lot.

I worked for BCAL (the best airline in the world) from 1981 until the end. A very sad time and still is when I think about the great times we had on route fams and in all the departments that I worked. I now work at the GAT at Gatwick and keep in touch with a few old faces but would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! A fantastic site - keep it going!

I have spent the happiest 10 years of my working life working for BCAL, between 1978 and 1988 in Engineering. I was lucky enough to meet Sir Adam at his home briefly before his illness took hold, then later I met his wife and two sons in a restaurant in Sussex the week Sir Adam passed away, a sad time for them and a cherished time for me, anything to do with BCAL brings back many fond memories, that I will never forget. I now work for the so called 'Worlds favourite Airline' but really I once worked for a real airline. It would be nice to hear from anyone who knew me. BCAL will always be apart of our lives and in our hearts, Bless you all

Pax Svcs 73-88.Now Servisair via Ogdens and BA. Found this wonderful site from Bob Manning via Howard Meridith.
Nothing can compare.....

I was the asst. manager of the West Coast operation of Caledonian with Roger Woods.  I worked the same job through the Caledonian-BUA change over and into the British Caledonian cycle.
With the beginning of scheduled service to L.A. I took the job of airport supervisor. Stayed there until the company was forced to close. I still keep in touch with a couple of old friends in the U.K. I would like to hear from anyone out there who remembers the good old wild days. It's a wonder I'm not pickled. Don't drink anymore, had more than my share. Left the Airlines and obtained a masters degree in education. Still teaching and really love it. Please reply, will be in the U.K.  in 2003, or 04

My name is Shelagh Anderson I joined BCAL as aircrew in March 1972 and left for a career in ATC in 1981.  I flew on B707,VC10 and BAC 1-11 and DC10 on all BCAL routes.  I wore the McCrae and Graham of Monteith tartans.  I am divorced with two teenage children and live in Virginia Water and work at the new ATC Centre at Swanwick as an Area Flight Information Services Officer. My new e-mail address is Shelagh52@BTinternet.com.  Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and I will be at the BUA reunion on May 16th in Crawley where I hope to see ex-BCAL folk!

been with BCAL 1984-1988 ! The best airline I ever worked for, travelled on! Please give us more pictures - especially of our uniforms!  BCAL  Greatest Airline ever !Would love to hear from anybody who worked at FRA until 1988 ....

I'm one of the B Cal girls, who would like to regain contact
with the old crowd, I started with Iran Air, then B Cal, and after the take over by B.A. for a few more years, with B.A. We are living in N W France now, so if anybody who knew Priscilla from way back, and would like to remake contact with her, she would welcome them. The fabulous, Susan Dempsey, Nancy Jones, the lovely Tim Williamson, 
Tom Mormon, Karen Sherwin, Helen whiting, and others, what happened to them, and where are they now?

Flew with BUA on Dart Heralds and then various Airlines until rejoining BCAL on 111s and was "retired" in 83 when I was FO on 707s Was very sad to leave a Great Airline and great friends, but at least I missed its destruction by BA
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and the last days of the 707 Also if anyone knows what happened to Lin Poole or where she is now? Please contact me anytime

I organized many charter flights from US colleges and universities in the period 1959 - 1965, using Caledonian turbo prop aircraft. I worked closely with John Sikes and Alan Stronach in the NY offices of the airline.
I would like to obtain a photo or postcard of a Caledonian aircraft for my visual autobiography. Best wishes, Richard Appelbaum

I joined BCAL Ticket Desk LGW from BA in 1977. A great couple of years, with fond memories of the rabbit hutch desk and split screen computers. Now in business travel.
Linda joined cabin crew in 1982 and is still flying (in her maiden name) as purser for BA on 747/777 ex LHR. Wherever we go she meets ex BCAL crew still working. Would love to hear from anyone that remembers us. Great site.

Started with BCAL in Houston Res in March '85. Went into training for a bit and ended up at IAH in '87. Sad to hear about Sir Adam, also "Rocky" who was BMOC in my time in Houston Res.
10700 North Freeway will no longer be. The end of April closes the book on that part of our lives, when the Res office closes for the last time. The people who have left the building already, had a hard time walking out, knowing they will not be going back. I am still at IAH with B.A. and would like to hear from anyone who remembers "those good old days".

I worked for BCAL for 14 years as a cleaner. I have never quite been the same since it went !!!!!!

Great to find a site on BCAL, what memories. My history started with Silver City then BUA (CLAT),BCAL finally BA. Now have my own business in the Cotswolds. Remember the VC10? They are still flying around here, based at RAF Brize Norton

Joined BUA at Gatwick in 1969 as an apprentice, survived numerous redundancy and takeover threats. Still on the airport with the world's favourite airline, looking after Airbuses'!. Recognised a few of the names in the guestbook. Are there any ex-apprentices out there who can remember the Crawley ITC and that Anson??. Lost track with all but a few of my year, does any one have any news of apprentices from "G" entry??

Transair, BUA, BCAL, BA. 1956 to 1988. DC3, Viscount, Britannia, VC10, BAC 1-11
So many memories of wonderful days with great people. Times that can never be repeated in today's modern world. I would like to think there are still many of these old friends around who also remember me.  Signing guest book for second time. Capt. BAC 1-11 from 1971 to 1988. Previously First Officer on VC10, Britannia, Viscount and DC-3. Joined Transair, Croydon, 05th. November 1956 becoming BUA, BCAL and finally BA shortly before retirement. I miss the many friends I made, in all departments, over the years and would love to hear from any or all of them.

Good website. I worked for B. Cal. from 1981 to 1986. I used to deliver the post to Sir Adam, and so I was sorry to hear of his death this week. My father Vic also used to work for B. Cal. flight engineering on VC10's, 707's, and DC10's. I am seeking to return to the Airline industry after a spell with British Airways earlier this year.

Thanks Dave for creating a great site dedicated to a great Airline with great people. I joined Caledonian Airways (Prestwick) Ltd back in Sept 1966 and stayed with the Co in various guises until It's demise in 1988. During that time I saw the world and lots of other things as well!! at crew parties and on the "Hadj" Certainly the best years of my life so far!! I see some of the "Oldies" names coming out of the woodwork at last, which reminds me to pass on my regards to Dad (Ron) when you next see him. Keep up the good work. Regards Ian

What was it about BCal ?!  A gentle airline for a gentle era! Seems like this old world turned a little slower back
then....!  After 7 great years with Singapore Airlines London, I was a relative late comer to BCal, joining Ground Services Training LGW in 1985 until we were merged into BA in 1988. Even so, I have the fondest and warmest memories of
working and 'behaving badly' with you special people from across the BCal network! Some magical times amongst you all at LGW, CDG, GVA, TUN, LOS, FIH, IAH, DFW and JFK. Still see many of you flying now as an LHR-BA based, part time Purser - but never enough! Living in Mallorca and happiest sailing, windsurfing, drinking and listening to live music with friends like you! Life's too short.....................! Thank you' Sir Adam. Let's Go .....British Caledonian!!!

On leaving BA and joining SITA in 1983, I became responsible for implementing the then new SITA Cargo system for BCAL around their network. I became very attached to the airline and people. I moved to HKG in 1985, and then became a regular ID passenger on the old BR381/382 - up until the takeover. SITA became a sanctuary for several ex BCAL people, and three of my old contacts work with me today.

Having worked for BCAL  from start to finish I find this web very interesting. Thank you

At last a BCAL web-site. Have just organised and held the third tri-annual BUA Traffic Reunion. Would be happy to arrange a get together - please let me have your views. Good to see so many 'old names' Keep in touch !

Just found the BCAL website. I was with BCAL from 1970 to 1979, first in R&D and then Flight Ops. Good to see some familiar names, e.g. Laurie Price and Linda Isted. Would love to make contact with some old friends and colleagues. Does anybody know where Shirley Dyer and Christine Brookes are? I know Christine moved to Leeds but originally came from Redhill.

The Memorial Service to Sir Adam was a very moving service and a real tribute to a great man. I joined BCAL in 1972 and was there for 10 years, mainly in Advertising and Promotions. I am now at Virgin Atlantic, but it will never be as good as BCAL. Couldn't stand it at Virgin any longer! It's good to see so many old friends visiting the site. Hope we can have another reunion soon.

BCAL from 1976-1988 then BA at LHR  Great memories!!

I joined BCAL from Swissair in 1984 as Senior Sales Executive and Assistant Airport Manager in Riyadh, KSA. then in sales/marketing at Gatwick in British Caledonian Aviation Associates (GSAs). In 1986 I trained as a management consultant and became an Independent Aviation Consultant specializing in airline start up and expansion projects.

Started off in Engineering and ended up in Cargo where I met the other half Kim (Mason) who was in Blue Sky Holidays before moving to Cargo.  It sound corny but it was the people that made the difference - how I notice the difference today. Congratulations on a great site.

I joined BCAL in 1977 as a Fares and ticketing Instructor. Moved overseas in 1982 to Geneva and then Riyadh and Jeddah where the dreaded BA took over. Stayed with BA until 1990 and then joined Emirates which is home for many ex BCAL people. I would be happy to hear from any of my old colleagues.

brings back the memories/Job well done

Just had David Williams and Dave Erich over for dinner and heard about this web site! I'd love to hear from some old friends!

Greetings to all old friends in the LGW-based 78-88 Advg & Sales Promo party team. Still hoping to hear back from that computer literate "The Lunch", Norma his secretary, Sally, Cynthia, Patricia, Audrey, Arthur Jamieson, Mike Booth and maybe even twerps like that off-line ( DFW ) sales legend Mark Culmer - although he's probably still lost on the Tulsa loop! Greetings also to the much heftier partiers in the Houston corp office - Mary the Biggs, Dave W and Dave R and many more. A salute to Sir Adam - who made all these great memories and friendships possible. I was very sad to have missed the Sept opportunity to pay tribute to Sir Adam and the chance to meet with old marketing friends. From Nic "The Lunchtime" Boise to Jeff Youtan to Arthur Jameson & Alan Painter to Bob Isted and Mike Booth - most of the old Wingspan drinking group.

(nee Fuller)

I was a Reservations Supervisor in the terrapins at Gatwick. I joined BUA  in revenue accounts and then transferred to reservations and became supervisor at the amalgamation of BUA and Caledonian.
Working for BCAL was the best job I ever had.
The Golden Lion Trust is very dear to my heart and when I was elected Mayor of Crawley in 2006 I took it as my Charity. We raised enough money to re-enact GLCTs very first trip, by taking a group of 100 Special Needs children to Jersey for the day. It was magical. Everyone was so helpful…and the children had a ball….(so did the helpers). I would urge anyone with a little free time to help GLCT where they can… The Trust really does make dreams come true

It is with sadness that we learn that Don passed away at the end of April 2008. Our sympathies go to his family and friends.
Don's entry read:
Good old Fred's Air Charter, BUA., BCAL. I was the VC10 Fleet Navigator with BCAL until I.N.S. took over. What a fantastic aeroplane that was. The 707 was fine, but -------. Best wishes to any of my old mates from those very happy days.

Don's family can be contacted via his nephew Julian, jxb@glaisyers.com

It is nice to see the old blue and yellow again. It was a great company to work for and I still miss it!
I was there February 1973- until taken over by BA

I joined BUA at Gatwick in 1964 and sadly left BCAL in 1988, lots of wonderful memories. An excellent site. Would love to hear from folk who want to wallow in nostalgia!

Both myself and my wife worked for BCAL for some 14 years and would like to make contact again with lost, but not forgotten, friends and ex colleagues.
My wife's maiden name, I am sure some of you will remember her, - Maureen Hancock. She left BCAL in 86 when our daughter was born. Anyone who wants to contact her can do so via my email address. By the way, I didn't mention yesterday what a great website and it is really good to be able to contact old friends and colleagues. They were, after all, the best days of our lives!

Started with BUA in Oct 69, went on to export cargo in 71, became a loadmaster in 74 and spent until April 80 as a loadmaster on the B707F's. Moved to open the cargo operation in Atlanta in April 80, moved to Houston in 81 and left BCAL at the end of 81 to come back to Atlanta. Started my own company in 82, still moving freight, anybody from the old days in cargo or flight crews who remember the freighter days just drop me an email. Have flown BA many times in and out of ATL first class but just never seemed as good as the golden lion, meet many people today all over the world that still remember the ladies in the tartan uniforms and the good food and wine. My father was Harold Botting in engine bay at Gatwick who retired in the late 70's.

X BCAL 30 years, now retired

Worked as a Tug Driver in Glasgow and Gatwick 1977/1998 then BA till 1997

Dave, you are doing a great job. It is coming along very well. It has been a while since I last looked at the site.
Met Jack Suzuki last week in a restaurant in Seoul. He used to be with BCAL in Tokyo. Also spoken to Gordon Mason recently who is also doing well. Would love to make contact with Bill MacNamara who used to be in Australia if anyone can help. Best regards to all old colleagues.

Remember BCAL service initiation into STL, and Mr. MAC (Mr. J.S. McDonnell) having a ceremony with a company DC-10. He was one proud fellow!

So, when is someone going to start BCAL up again? I'd be glad to help!

I started with BUA in 1966 in Telecoms section and carried on through to 86 with Bcal. Had a great time and worked with many great people both at LGW and around the world. Would be nice to hear from anyone who remembers me. 

Hello to the BCAL folk of long ago, it's nice to get the chance to remember a great company

I worked for BCAL for nearly nine years. I took voluntary redundancy in 1986, where I used to work as a Ticket Desk Supervisor. I LOVED IT THERE!

One of the original Caledonian airways employees, maiden name was BRECKELL

With BCAL - 1969 to 1983 - Heathrow Cargo. Worked with Pat Evans and a good crew. Good to hear from anyone from the cargo shed. Saw Monica Sait onboard. She was with LHR Interline at the time. Have not been thru all pages yet but hope to. Get in touch anyone who knows or remembers me.

I started working for Caledonian Airways in 1968 as a flight attendant - moved to New York when we became British Caledonian Airways and started schedule service out of JFK. I worked at the airport and then the New York Sales office through two schedule service attempts and a successful charter program and finally left just before the dreaded BA takeover. Adam Thomson visited New York frequently and as we were a small office we got to know him very well. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word and B.CAL was a wonderful company to work for. Thank you for creating this website for all of us ex-Cally people to remember what a class act we use to be!

I was with BCAL for ten years from 1976. Mainly working in overseas sales divisions. During the last four years I was in UK sales running the technology team. Happy days!
Hi to everyone who knows me, I hope the world is treating to well!! I am still in touch with many friends from BCAL so let me know if you looking for anyone from sales or res services

IAH/ATLl and all good friends

Cabin crew from 1971-1976. I have some very happy memories. Those were the days. I am very proud to have worked for British Caledonian.  I would love to hear from anyone I flew with.

1976 - 1982  A great airline, many fond memories of my time with BCAL!

I worked in Cabin Services, original Caledonian Airways from 1969 until 1982 - a great 13 years.

Ex Transair 1960-1964 Avionics, remember DC3's Viscounts and Islanders saw in the creation of BUA with Sir Freddy. Returned as a DPE in Materials in 78 till the dreaded merger in 88. Stuck two years with the Giant then returned to LGW with the next best airline Virgin, still not a patch on BCAL and no airline will ever surpass it

now with VAA

Aviation is in the blood. My father, Vic joined Jersey Airlines from the RAF in 1960 and went on to work with BUA and BCAL in senior management. I took up the mantle in 1982 in passenger services and continue with BA today in Aircraft Dispatch. However I feel my time in Cale was unique with a great bunch of people and a fierce loyalty to the company. Would love to hear from anyone else out there!

Lovely to see many familiar names.  I joined BCAL Sales/Marketing in 1976 (taken on by Denis Long and saddened to hear of his recent death, very kind man although he had a booming voice!)  I remember when Denis and his wife Ann went out to Sierra Leone and I had a lovely holiday with them, along with Lyn Ewart (as was).  Anyway, I worked in Sales right up until April 88 with lovely bosses such as Rohan Alce, Alan Painter and of course my old mate Barbara Pattison (have seen her around from time to time as we both live in Crawley). 
After BCAL I went to Dan Air where I saw a few ex-BCAL-ers, and stayed there until they were taken over by BA (was it something I said???), after that in the wilderness working for several non-aviation companies (boring!).  Back in 1999 I joined the Trade Union - TGWU based at the Horley Office dealing with the Gatwick Airport union members, so often see names cropping up from way back then. I still send Christmas cards to a number of former colleagues so get to hear how others are getting on.  I did enjoy my time at BCAL and now that I am about to retire early (my husband Mike retires this spring), when we hope to move down to the New Forest with all the Nags, if we get online I will
certainly check the website again and download some addresses. In the meantime I will leave my work email address

Great site.. I joined BCAL in 1979 when the DC10's were grounded. Went for my interview with Ron Gunner, very tense situation waiting for Ron to finish whatever paperwork he was doing so to break the ice, looking at the DC10's in , I think it was hangar 5, I said " I bet they're getting well serviced now". Ron sat up, glared at me and said, " They're always bloody well serviced". Well I got the job, starting in the Engine  Bay. Never have I enjoyed work so much, in particular when I progressed to Duty Planning Engineer after much encouragement from dear Paul Trice who gave me the confidence to attempt such a move.. God Bless you Paul. Could go on for ages. To any old colleagues who remember me, would love to hear from you

It is with sadness that we learn that Ann passed away on August 2nd 2008, our condolences to Ann's family and friends.

This message from Gilly Matthews,
Of the very many great people I met and worked with over the years, a wonderful and  lifelong friend was Ann Westlake. It is with huge regret that I have to inform you that Ann died on August 2^nd 2008 at the Royal United Hospital, in Bath, UK. She leaves a husband and two children. She was  53 years old…much, much too young. If you remember Ann, and what a genuinely lovely, funny person she was, please raise a glass to her memory.  Thank You.

Ann's Guestbook entry

Flew as cabin crew from May 1973 until March 1984. Still miss the camaraderie and all those late night chats in the galley sitting on an upturned canister!

My name is Jem Bowkett, and I'm trying to find a cousin who worked for BCAL in the '70s as a pilot.  His name is Paddy Callahan (born 1940), wife Marie, daughter Lisa.  I have vague information that he went to fly for another airline in the West Indies after leaving BCAL. with thanks, Jem Bowkett    (click my name for email)

Joined BCAL in 76. Since 88, I’ve been posted to Asia for 10 years. Now based in LON covering Africa, Asia and Australasia. Welcome contact from old friends with whom I’ve lost touch

Was first part of the Pipe Band in 1978 and later joined the Company in 1980 until the end. Worked in Insurance and Claims Dept, firstly in "Dallas" and then in the old BA Helicopters building with Stores. Now with Virgin. Great memories.

I worked for BCAL from 1980 to 1985 on 7th floor of Caledonian House as a legal secretary firstly to Chris Rouse, Legal Exec, then later to Alan Jones, Solicitor. So sad to hear of Sir Adam's death. It's wonderful to see such a fabulous tribute to what was the best airline of the last century. Still miss everyone who worked there. Would love to hear from any of you.

updated email

What wonderful memories you have given me. I am an ex-BUA and British Caledonian Stewardess, started in 1970 and left in 1986. I flew on all the 1-11's, VC10s, 707s, DC10s and 747s. It was a great company to work for, people mattered and it could and still would knock BA into a cocked hat. We were known as the friendly airline and it was true. I would love to hear from any other crew members, and I send regards from Trish Stafford who also flew on all the above and worked earlier for Morton Air Services. I left in 1986 and am now working at the Salcombe Harbour Office in Devon.

Hi. I worked as cabin crew from 78 to 86. Fantastic to stumble across this web site. May even dig out some old pictures if I can find anything interesting. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Those were the days!

STARTED WITH BUA 14 APR 1969 AS TEMP LOADER MOVED TO PAX SERVICES 1970 WHERE I MET FUTURE WIFE
BERNICE ( ROBINSON ) WE ARE STILL TOGETHER WITH TWO GROWNUP KIDS THAT HAVE FLOWN THE NEST.
MOVED TO CARGO 1976 , STILL THERE WITH THE LIKES OF PAUL BARNES, BRIAN BONSELLS, JOHN SMITH AND OTHERS
ALL OLD BCAL. GREAT MEMORIES OF MY BUA AND BCAL DAYS AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN ( PROPER AIRLINES ).
GREAT SITE KEEP IT UP

A great site! BCAL were the best airline during my 34 years in the travel business. I had the cheek to ring on a Friday morning for a agents rebated ticket for a weekend in Edinburgh travelling up the same day, and they always squeezed me on somehow. The staff were great and no major airline has equalled them

Great site. BCAL was my airline while studying in the UK. Spent hours on board BCAL's 707s flying from London to holidays in my home town, Rio de Janeiro (stop in Recife), always with excellent service. Loved BCAL and it's a pity not to be able to GO BRITISH CALEDONIAN anymore. Still, to remember is to live.
Congratulations for the site and to all who made up BCAL such a special airline, thanks.

Cabin crew 1973-78. So great to find this site, and all because of my daily rag!!
Wonderful memories and some amazing people, from the Delmon in Bahrain, (crazy parties) to the Norfolk in Nairobi, to some extended stays in Lagos thanks to the military junta (twice). It really was like a large family, and would really like to get in touch with Iain Gardiner, Angie Rivett, Gill Stubbs, and Reece Ridley. Ring any bells? Will try to come to the next re-union, and would also love to hear from anyone who remembers me

BCAL was simply the best, great training, the best product and a family that it was an honour to have been part of

My first flight ever was on BCAL. The flight to my new home in the US was on BCAL. When we moved to Houston our second day we were driving north on I.45 and I saw the BCAL sign. I told my husband "Now that's who I want to work for". Several years later my dream came true. I worked in the US Corporate Office as Asst to John Story, then the Executive VP North America. The reality of working for BCAL was even better than the dream. We really were one big worldwide family. I remember our joy when we thought SAS was going to win the bidding war and our sadness when it didn't, since we knew our identity was going to disappear. I was on the last flight returning to Houston that the in-flight BCAL crew could wear their wonderful uniforms. We took photos, we cried. It was the end of an era. BCAL may no longer fly, but it lives in our hearts and always will. The people made the airline great and how could they not with Sir Adam at the helm.

Thank you for the great memories. My first contact with BC was back in Feb.1977. I was flying in from Nairobi to Lagos. I was homesick and still had about two months before I could return to the States. As the Pan Am 707 was taxing to the gate, I remember slowly moving by a BC DC-10. It was dusk and the maintenance crew was preparing it for it's night flight. I just remember wanting to get on that plane and go home. It was the first time I had seen a BC but many had told me about the airline's wonderful reputation and service. It looked majestic with the familiar logo on the tail.  I hope you keep the site.

Some of the best and most memorable years of my life were spent working for BCAL from 71-79 in Traffic at LGW, in the latter years as a Redcap, a great airline and great people to work with, many of whom, like me, are overseas working for other airlines, the training we had in BR was second to none, this excellent Website is bound to attract a much wider audience in due course and I look forward to hearing from old friends.

Just visited the site and brought back old memories. I joined BUA May 1968 in Traffic and then BCAL. Currently back in BA in Compliance at LGW and welcome opportunity to hear from anyone who remembers me.

I signed on with BCAL when the non-stop service between Houston and London kicked off in 1977. We had maybe 10 agents in the office at that time. When I tell people I worked for BCAL, they always say what a great airline it was! Would love to hear from my ex-co-workers.

I joined BUA in 1964 and Ken in 1968. I started with lost property and then to staff records. Yes I was the one that probably turned your leave down!! Worked in the office for Derek Richardson (now with Excel (Sabre) and finally ended my days in the office where the Chapel at Gatwick is now situated. Holy ground and all that!
Ken commenced with Loaders then lost property and finally Load Control. I am still located at Gatwick for ADI (Security) still pushing the papers around but now on to computers!! Soon to be joining Air 2000. Every time I turn a corner there is always an 'old' face and we can always go over the 'old' days and good times.

Great to see the BCAL colours again! I joined in 1976 until the end - now BA. Keep on with the good memories.

Cabin crew 1973-1984, anyone remember the raffle?!!
Still at LGW, now BAA. Loads of good memories, still regret leaving...best wishes to ex-colleagues and friends. Great idea for a web-site.

Pre 72 Royal Navy, 73 – 74 Passenger Services, 74 – 83 Cargo B707 Loadmaster.   83 – 88 Load Control Ground Ops Training.   88 – 98 BA Load Control (Despatch) training.   98 – 03 Retired, Thank you Robert Ayling.  We (Mary & John – yes still married to Mary, how she puts up with me is anybody’s guess!!!) still live in Crawley, but spend a lot of time on the Isle of Wight in my renovated Chalet/Cottage on the cliff tops overlooking the sea.   Probably slide into the sea in 20 years or so.    Have restored an old Triumph Classic Convertible which spends most of its running life on the IOW with me. Cheers, whose round is it anyway?

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I joined BUA from BOAC in 1968, which then became Caledonian / BUA, then BCAL. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Sales in the UK, as an Overseas Manager in Seychelles, Liberia, Italy, and Nigeria, - when the BA takeover happened. I continued overseas with BA in Middle East and Eastern Europe until 1996. Since then I have been working as an aviation consultant during which time my travels have taken me to Southern Africa, all over West Africa, Ireland, Russia & CIS, UAE, and China. I think this is a great Web site, which has prompted both renewals of old contacts and memories of a great airline and happy times.

ex hostie Gatwick based (1973-1976). Still in touch with a few of the girls.

Joined BCAL in Oct'76 as F/O on 1-11's and ended up retiring on 22 Sept'99 as 747 Capt with BA.
Happiest time of my flying career, met my future wife who joined just before I did. Not sure if your aware but we have a flight, crew reunion every Sept, great way of seeing some of the old faces. Keep in touch. Ian Corby,

Joined Passenger Services in 1983 and left in 1988 due to the takeover. Worked on check-in and PSU then Flight Control and finally became an Assistant Supervisor. Worked for Servisair as a Supervisor for 10 months then moved to Air UK at LGW. I was a Duty Manager for Air UK when I left the airport in 1996 to become a Fitness Instructor. Those 5 years with B. Cal were 5 of the best years. A great company, the best bunch of people and the best training. Those years are sorely missed.

Joined Caledonian Airways March 1970 left BCAL October 1987.14 years in crewing and then passenger services. Best years of my life, great bunch of people. Never be another BCAL. Now with GB operations at LGW.

I worked for BUA and then on to BCAL in Traffic Services and Reception from 1961 to 1979. Then moved on to IATA  in Montreal from 1979-1991.
I still reflect back to perhaps the best days of my life. We worked hard and had lots of fun. Particularly when aeroplanes still had propellers and then the swift transition to the jet age. Miss those days. Still in Canada just east of Toronto

I joined BUA in 1970, then spent some 18 great years with BCAL through to 1988. Cargo, Ramp, CLAT, and many years in Ground Ops Personnel. 12 years on it is great to find this site, and I hope I might meet up with some of the team again.

I spent an unforgettable few years in BCAL Planning from 1977 to 1981. My greatest claim to fame was to write the original discussion paper for the Board on "Main Deck Baggage"! A bit like owning-up to having invented BSE. Has anyone ever heard anything of J Roland Savoir from Houston? If you're out there, Roland, get in touch.

I miss BCAL and all of you so much!  Those were the days.  I have such fond memories of my days with my BCAL family.  I started in 1982 at LGW in PAX Services, then moved to the ticket office, and later to North Atlantic
Routes in HQ down the road.  I ended up in the Sales Office in Dallas and later I had my own one person CTO in the Dallas Galleria.  I left once they closed all the US CTO's.  I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! I would greatly appreciate any help in contacting two ex-roommates who also worked for BCAL; Judith Dixon Anderson, (FA), and Gabby Graziani, (Pax Serv.) Thanks!

I joined the original Caledonian Airways as a Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-Radio in September 1966.They were the "good old days" of the DC7,Britannia,B707 and BAC111 days before the take-over of BUA. I left in February 1969 to join another UK independent. Would love to here from anyone of that era. When aviation was aviation, and not an accounts spread sheet!!!!

I worked for BCal from 1975 to 1979 in Cargo Sales. My area was the Midlands and the South West/ South Wales. My immediate boss was Peter Davies at BCal LHR Cargo. I would love to hear from any of the old cargo team. They were the best. I ran into Brian Day, Ex BCal route development Manager for South America a few years ago, but have now lost touch. I now live in S. Wales, running my own freight forwarding company. Regards to all

Hello to all the ex-BCAL folk out there who I may have known over the years

Joined BUA in 1968 (anyone got a copy of the "Gatwick fragment"?) and did most of the jobs in cargo -clean and dirty- right through till 1990 three years after one too many takeovers. So many good times.

I've worked for 4 airlines since the merge-over, none compare!

Suzanne Cross (now O'Brien)

I worked with B Cal from 1985 to 1988 in Passenger Services at LGW. I then moved to Aer Lingus, firstly at LGW then LHR. My training at B Cal has certainly stood to me throughout the years! Moved back to Dublin with EI in 1997 in Media Relations and only left the airline business this year. I loved working with B Cal and remember my times fondly. It is amazing where B Cal people pop up and have met all sorts of people in strange places throughout the world! Would love to hear from anyone out there who remembers me! am going to forward details of the site to all the folks that I am still in contact with

BCAL Cargo LHR 1976-1979

1976-1988,engineering

Howdy from Texas.
I used to work in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas Ft Worth. My colleagues were Phil Bowell, Trevor Warburton. How much I miss BCAL. Now working in Houston as Sales Manager for Gulf Air. Anyone remember me , love to hear from you.

Heard of this site from a friend in Virgin, and found it as a link to the Dan Air Site! I worked in Ramp Services, Passenger Handling and Cargo for both BUA/BCAL/BA from 1966 to 1990. Very glad to see this site as a tribute to BCAL THE AIRLINE as far as I am concerned. I have great memories of Gatwick and see the names of a number of colleagues on this site. Look forward to renewing old friendships and well done for getting this going

Great to see a site about BCAL. Was with BCAL Helicopters (BCHL) from its inception in 1979, became Chief Pilot in 1984 and was there at the very end in Aberdeen in November 1988 when we were sold off prior to the BA takeover. Now retired, but my happiest career memories span those 9 years - a great bunch of people to work with! Greetings to Nigel Elliott!!

I really miss BCAL and would love to attend a reunion sometime. I worked for Ray Dobson, Personnel & Industrial Relations Director from 1971 until he died in and then worked for the Chairman and MD until 1989.  Loved every hectic minute and didn't want BA to make me redundant!! would like to hear from anyone who remembers me".

Good to stumble on your website. I was an ops officer for BCAL helicopters in ABZ in the early 1980s but am now a primary teacher in Leicestershire (quite a change!)

Joined BCAL in 1970  flew for a time then worked on ground at Edi a/p. Would love to hear from old friends.

Aviation enthusiast, referred by good friend, retired Capt, BAC 111, VC10, Viscount, DC3, etc, etc, etc

I was in Passenger Services LGW from 78 until I moved to Dubai in 1983. Then continued with BCAL in Dubai until the merger. Love to hear from anyone I might know.

Great site. I was a part of 'the team' from the early days as Caledonian, thru to the BA "merger" and well beyond. BCAL was without a doubt the most family company I have worked for.

Please add me to your crew list I flew as a steward and No1 from 1984 to 1989 marrying another BCAL girl Judith silversides and would love to hear from any ex crew Please keep and develop this web site BCAL was definitely in a league of its own. Regards Simon Day

The lion still roars in our hearts!

Cabin Crew from 1970-1974. Great memories from happy days. Now working for BA Passenger Services in Terminal 4 LHR - come and say hello if you're passing through! Also involved in recruitment of customer service agents for T1 & T4, so if anyone needs a job ...... !!    Excellent website - look forward to the next reunion.

Worked for BCAL from 82-88, then got merged with BA. Still there, just! I remember joining Schedules Planning in Jan '82, on a 6 month contract, Lakers went belly-up, Falklands war, survival plans, didn't think I'd be there long!! Funny how time flies. Sorry to hear about Sir Adam.

as a self confessed STEWBUM of the seventies and dare I say frustrated pilot i'm glad I found the Caledonian site. many happy memories of Rio, Dakar and the DC10 and 1-11 never had the pleasure of the 747 but that's life .... cheers Des

New Entry  06/08/08

thank you very much for creating this site...a great idea

As a ‘renegade’ from British Airways (there were a few of us), I served as BCAL Sales Manager in Scotland from 1983 to 1988 working with the legendary Gordon Mason. Initially, my boss was UK Sales Manager, Chris Gilbert, followed by Rohan Alce after Chris joined American Airlines. I also had a ‘dotted line’ responsibility to Richard Havers who did such a marvellous job in improving the BCAL UK domestic operation. After the takeover by BA, we stayed on in Scotland and I worked on a freelance basis with United Airlines (David Coltman, Graham Atkinson and Simon Johnson) before taking over the administration of the Scotway independent travel group. Among other things, I now run my own training operation specialising in sales and presentation skills - does anyone remember ‘A Piece Of Sky’, the gold lame trousers and the roller skates? We moved back to Yorkshire in 2000 after 17 years in Scotland. There are so many names in your guest-book I remember with affection and I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me.

I joined Caledonian in 1963 as one of only 12 stewardesses. Left in 1964 when I emigrated to the USA. During my time with the company I lived with two great girls, Kay McAllister and Katy Ross, and had many tours with Christine Bonner and Marjorie McEarchran. Can't remember all the girls names (its an age thing!) but would love to hear from anyone who was around at that time. Paula Dockrill (nee Bonning)

Pam Pettifer (formerly Dunmore)

Does anyone remember Chris Dunmore who sadly died of cancer in 1993?
I have a signed copy of Adam Thompson's book in my drawer which he dedicated to Chris. Unfortunately Chris never saw it as another wonderful man Chris Whittle brought it to him in the Hospice the night before he died.
Chris missed B.Cal. so much when it closed and got a job for a while with British Midland Airways, but it was never the same. I just wanted to mention him on the site and see if anyone remembered him.

Greetings. It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Sir Adam Thompson. Please pass on my condolences to his family. I am proud to have been one of the engineers who maintained the fleet. casualty shift, hangar three, Gatwick 1985 to 1988. I have yet to find an airline that comes anywhere close to the spirit of "BCAL".

Met some "old" friends at LGW yesterday one of whom told me about this great site. Greetings to those who remember me. I worked in passenger service (Ticket Desk) 1972 - 78

Pat & Jane Durnan 

I flew from the Cale days on Britt's, 707's and DC-10's as a Flight Engineer until BA takeover, and Jane, maiden name Meller, flew as a stewardess on Britt's, 1-11's and 707's until 1980. Many happy memories of Britts, 707's, 1-11's and DC-10's. Lovely to see so many familiar names. 1966 - 1987. Wonderful Days!

Would be pleased to hear from anyone who knew me at BCAL.

just seeing that rampant lion brought a tear to my eye I was with b/cal from 1964 to 1983 and loved every moment of it[ Big. E.]

Love the BCAL site....I was with BCAL / BA from Jun 1979-Oct2001 when I took the early retirement offered by BA. I worked as a ticket agent at IAH, a sales rep in Houston , A sales rep in NY, a lead agent at JFK, and finally a Supervisor in ATL . My years with BCAL (especially IAH and JFK) were some of the best of my life. and the friends I met were the greatest....I'm married now and my Husband and I live between Atlanta and Lake Lure N.C.  .......  Miss you all and would love to hear from my old friends......Gail 

I joined Cal/BUA in June 1971 and stayed until the end of June 1986. They were the best 15 yrs of my life and I will never forget the BCAL "family". I worked in Reservations from 1971 to 1980 and CRC from 1981 to 1986. If anyone remembers me please e-mail.

Very sad to hear about Sir Adam. I worked for BCAL in Gatwick from 1971 till 1980, then BCAL Helicopters in Aberdeen until 1986. Glad to see the memories are all still there to so many!

G'Day to any old colleagues from the BCAL Ticket Desk/Passenger Services in the good ole 80's.What great fun it was eh!! Best Airline ever! Really miss those days and all my wonderful friends. Believe it or not I'm still in Oz and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Talk to you real soon.

Just shows that Caledonian and BUA merged in more ways than one when Cherry and I got married. Real trip down memory lane reading contributions. Derek now with DHL having taken the money and got out of BA just in time, Cherry at Epsom Hospital (God help you if you fall ill!!!) Regards to all

It was wonderful to see the site -- brought fond memories, it was nice to see familiar names on the list. I started with BCAL in 1980 / IAH - now with BA . For those who remember me, I would love to hear from you.

It was great to see this site started.  Although many years have passed and many a turn life has taken, I will never forget those days with BCAL.  The pride, the companionship, the joy of working with such an airline. I  joined the airline in 83 and for the last two years of BCAL's life worked in the Lounge at LGW, continuing with BA until 88, when I left.  I now live in Portugal and became a Solicitor.  If there is anyone out there who remembers me I would love to hear from you. Please, get in touch.

So many memories!!! I joined Cale/Bua on September 1971 working on the ground at Rio de Janeiro Airport,  wearing the BUA uniform to start with. Started to fly May 73, and was one of the "South American" girls based in Rio. My base was taken over by British Airways in 1985 and I carried on flying until retirement, in 2003. Love to all of those who still remember me from the good old days in Casablanca, Freetown, Recife, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Madrid, and of course Rio !

I am writing this on behalf of my father, Geoff Evans (sadly now passed away) - who worked in Crew Planning for Caledonian/BCAL from 1966 until his retirement in 1985. I know he was very proud of his days at Caledonian, and would love to be remembered on this site. Please email me if you knew my father. Keith Evans.

Joined BUA in 1969 and was an Engineer with BCAL until BA took over.

BCAL, 1985-88 the best job I ever had!

I worked for Caledonian Airways from 1968, stayed with them through the changes to British Caledonian Airways until the end of May 1980.  In June of that year I married an Australian and have spent the rest of my time in Australia, outside Sydney, still involved in the Tourism Industry.  My name was Lisa Ewing throughout my flying days.  I started as a Junior Hostess going through the ranks to Super Chief.  I still keep in touch with Roy Shaw who is now retired from flying.  He does not have an email address.

Joined BCAL in 1973, left in 1988 after 'merger'. Worked in Revenue Accounting, MIS, Planning and Marketing. Currently working with Continental and Menzies Aviation as consultant. I am still in touch with Mike Cusack, Peter Smith and Malcolm Bromham (and a few others) at Menzies; and Mike Carter at CO. Great to see so many familiar names and remember, for better or worse, what the airlines used to be like.

Great to see some of the old names from the past. Certainly brings back some memories from my Load Control days.

Joined BCAL in 1974,many fond memories
of working for the best airline. Joined B.A Security on the merger in 1988. In 1991 B.A sold off their security at LGW to Aviation Defence, and I re-joined B.A in 1994 in World cargo at LGW. Currently Operations Manager British Airways World cargo LGW.

Joining BCAL in the early 80s as a staff bus driver and working my way up to ops I would love to hear from any of the old team. Remember if you wanted to know anything MT boys always had the latest news. ps if you are out there walnut brain give us a call

I worked @ LGW from 1965-1968 and YYZ 1968-1978 ending up as YYZ Station Manger. In the 70's YYZ was one of the busiest stations in the world sometimes with 5 or 6 B707's a day in the summer. I "grew up "in the CA/BCAL family and many people used to come and stay @ the 'FENTON INN" having some great parties both their and the old Skyline Hotel I am still in Canada and would love to hear from anyone that remembers "young Freddy". Hope to hear from my many many old friends

Have just stumbled on this site.  It's great to see so many old names and how fondly everyone remembers their time at Cale.  I started in 76 with Mike Adams and Bob Simmonds in IR in Hangar 1,then went on to work for Bob Coleman in Operations and finally worked for Nic Boize, who I see is mentioned quite a bit, on the 3rd Floor in Caledonian House and finally left in 83 to run a pub. Well done for keeping the memories alive - best wishes to all my old colleagues.

Well done, what a terrific site.  I was an ex British Eagle man who joined the 'original' Caledonian in February 1969.  Along with Roy Marshall, Jim Spalding, Tim Gibson (and many others) we set up Caledonian's Passenger Handling Unit at Gatwick, using our old Eagle Traffic manuals.  After some time in Ops (with Roger Wood) and Crewing on the 7th floor at Sussex House, I found myself 'running' Manchester during the summer charters and working 'overseas' during the winter.  I became Airport Superintendent for the start of New York services in '73 and stayed for another 14 years (I guess I must have like it!) until I moved across to Calair in 1987 as Manchester Base Manager.  I'm still in Manchester, now as European Call Centre Manager with Emirates (13 years) and looking forward to retirement very soon.  Wherever you go, you always meet someone who worked for BCAL.  They were good and happy days

Great site!! I worked for BCAL from 1982 to 1988 at DFW airport. It was a sad day when BA took BCAL away from us all. Our friend is gone but not forgotten.

I've just discovered the website, and it is a brilliant idea. I joined BCal from the RAF in 1980 as a Flight Engineer on 707s, then onto the DC-10 for 4 years, before flying the 747. Then, like many of us, I became a 'Prisoner of War' in April 1988 when British Bl**dy Airways took us over! Carried on with them on the 747 before ending up on Concorde. I took early retirement in 2005 and now do exactly nothing, apart from building our own house up in Scotland. I can honestly say
that the years I spent with B Cal were the best I ever spent in my 30 year flying career, and the people I worked *for* and worked *with* were some of the best in Civil Aviation. ex B Cal Flight Engineer 1980 - 1988

Group finance from 1974 to 1986.Lots of memories, mainly good. Learnt a lot, great apprenticeship in financing aeroplanes which paid dividends later. Now retired but in contact with several past colleagues. Anyone remember me ?

What a fantastic site - keep up the good work! I worked for BCAL for 9 years between 1978 and 1986. I was in Export Cargo with Diane Lane, Roger Moore, Peter Casey, Peter Mauchel, John Smith, Ian Marchant then in Southern England Sales with Barry Ashton, Lyn Barnard, Barbara Pattison, Paul Fogg, Tony Farrugia, Robert Gibbens, Lorna Gurton, Keith Farmer and finally worked for David Radford when he was Marketing Manager UK. Left in 1986 shortly after I got married when Marketing was re-locating to CLAT. Now live in Suffolk with my husband and 3 children. My time at BCAL for absolutely fantastic, many happy memories. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

Although I didn't work for BCAL I had many friends in the company. I was with the Golden Lion Children's Trust and would like to say hi, to all the Ground, Cabin & Flight Deck crews who looked after the kids over the years whenever we had a flight. Many happy memories. Isn't it always a shame when you lose touch but I wish you well wherever you are now.

Started May69 with BUA then came Sir Adam to make it the best airline ever. I felt like it was working a family business. Its great to see the family getting back together.
So sad to hear of Sir Adams death ,he will be proud of how well we all think of him. BCAL lives on in all our memories.

Wonderful, so many pleasant memories.

BCAL 1982 onwards. Gatwick - Check-in, Airlink and Ticket desk. Loved every minute of it. A fabulous airline with great people. It was a sad day when it went.

Tony Gargano 

Hello from Luigi....Married the lovely Diane in my second year with BCAL cabin staff (1974), left in 78 to do a "proper   job" and start a family. We stopped at 1 - Dean (Dino-get it?) who is now 25 married to Elizabeth and living in Bristol, both having gained degrees at Bath uni. Where they met. They have been politely warned not to make me a granddad before I reach 60, not quite there yet.  After 8 years of doting fatherhood the lovely Diane asked me to move on, probably because I had forgotten I should still also be a loving husband. I'm still doing the same proper job which has been sales/management with a vending company based in Crawley, covering the south east, mainly Heathrow area now. Still living in Hove Actually, still single, still straight and still gorgeous. O K. I lied about the last bit! Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me Ciao Luigi aka Tony g

like your site I worked for Caledonian at the old beehive 1970 and moved across to Mortons hanger seat shop until I left to join pacific western in Canada 1975. I have been looking for any info on a Jim Pugh who now lives in Smallfield also Allen Thaxer

Super'Cally'fragilisticexpialidocious!! What a great way to be reminded of a great airline, old friends and events.
I joined Caledonian in 69 and spent the best years of my life in the company of airline colleagues at Gatwick, in Europe, USA, West, East and Central Africa. It was a sad day when BCAL stopped flying and sadder still when Adam Thomson and Alan Stronach passed away - almost as though someone was trying to close the history book. But it doesn't end that way. People and memories live on and I look back in gratitude at the good times I had.
I moved across to British Airways and stayed overseas with them in Holland, Belgium, Spain (back to Nigeria again for my sins), Egypt and finally the Lebanon. The crowds are demonstrating outside the office and the scud missiles are being fired across the border, but I still enjoy every minute and wouldn't have changed anything. Great site Dave !

Simply the best years of my life- LGW Cabin Crew

How great to see so many familiar names. I joined the original Caledonian Airways as a Duty Officer in 1978 and in September 1970 went off to become one of Alan Stronach's lads in JFK - when the Britannia still made it across the pond from time to time, hotly followed by all those 707's. We all were dumped when the sked services stopped on Oct 31st 1974 (well they started on April Fools Day 1973, with both a/c diverting due JFK wx - we should have known .... Then I went to SAA in JFK as Assistant Station Manager ... still with the 707 ! ... that built from 3 707's a week to 5 747's and was just about to go daily when the sanctions axe fell, so no more planes. I survived 2 years in res in the city (first time I ever had a 9-5 job ..AWFUL !!), then got hunted down by Air Europe to head up ground ops USA (all those 757's bombing into MCO) and the promise of MD11's on sked services, so that went belly up even faster than BCAL's first time in JFK... Had a spell with UA in crew management - hated it - TOO big a company and based in the midwest, with that sort of thinking .. could hardly be further away from the CA/BR way of doing things... Now I ride as a FULL REV Pax around the world setting up itins for luxury tour operator TCS Expeditions -- look at the website travel@tcs-expeditions.com if u want to see the opposite end of the market from Club18-30 LGW IBZ on a Tuesday midnight.. I would be happy to hear from anyone out there who remembers those very good old days - I wish we had known then how lucky we were !

Those were the days: B-Cal 1979-1984 Vamonos British Caledonian!

Based in Amsterdam again after 8 years working in the CIS as an Aviation Consultant. BCAL, the best Airline EVER, and the best group of people I have ever worked with, GREAT SITE !!!  Asking if someone knows the location, or contact of an old BCAL hostie friend of mine called Mary Lambie. She used to live in Brighton and flew mostly long haul. Many thanks for the help.

Decided to look up site after having a nostalgic moment here at SFO. Just departed Philippine Airlines B747-200-C8850, better known to ex-BCALites as G-GLYN. A/C now on it's way to sunny Arizona to languish in the desert! Any offers!! This is 3rd(If I'm wrong please correct me) ex-BCAL aircraft of theirs to have gone thru here in the last week. I missed the s/nos for the other 2 so not sure which. Funnily enough the Capt who took last one out also picked it up from the UK. Any Engineering apprentices from year '77 hello. Still miss those fun days!!

I left BCAL marketing after 16 years, first spending 8 years with Gulf Air in Asia. Lost contact with many BCAL friends after BA Speedwing sent me to deepest Africa for 3 years, first Malawi and most recently in Nairobi where I was CEO of BA's latest franchise airline Regional Air, but I am now UK based. My last BR stations were Riyadh, Dubai and Houston!

With Caledonian from 1965 until 1975 as Cabin Crew. Good to read that all is still well.
Like to hear from anyone of that time.

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Lovely memories , started with BCAL 5.8.74 and stayed until the takeover .Met my wife who worked in Cargo with me for a time. Now work in Dubai , several other ex BCAL out here as well. Although have been in Air cargo all my working life have never experienced the same feelings that I had when working for BCAL

The memories are flooding back. Reading all the pages from this fantastic site. All the names of some great people I had the pleasure to fly with. I was one of the first of the new breed of "superchiefs". A name "invented" by Ian Gardiner, and I operated the very first flight from long beach calif; into GLA then LGW. on the DC10. As we were all new to the aircraft the meal service took hours. I did many inaugural flights on board this fine aircraft. I spent wonderful 19 years with cally, and met some truly great people both on the ground and in the air. My thanks must go to Colin Williams, (manager cabin crew) who gave me the job as a lowly junior steward in the first place. Some great names have come up on your site - Dave Pepp, mark whiting, Avril Milne (g'day av) ann Westlake, Alan Locke. Mo Abel. miss everyone. BCAL was an institution, a family, as well as the best airline in the world. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Russ Gowen, 8, benllech close, connahs quay, deeside, flintshire. ch5 4yb

We have only just found the site. Peter flew 1-11,707, DC10 and 747. After the murder, 747-400 and retired in march as Capt. on the 757/767. Now with DHL. Chrissie took Bob's shilling 3 years ago and promptly retired!

Great to see BCAL colours. I was Ticket Desk LGW from '71 to '79. Miss it all-but not the "earlies"
Love to hear from anyone that remembers me. I married Derek (Dolly) Gray, ground engineer, he's x Cally and Cal/BUA

I joined in 1983 after a brief spell of unemployment in Worthing. I was as green as my name. After 8 years in the Fire Service I knew nowt about airports and airlines but a little about aircraft. One of my first interview questions was did I know where BCAL flew to and what aircraft BCAL had? Not a clue! How on earth Val Cutler and Vanda gave me a job in passenger services I'll never know but when I started my learning curve was vertical (and still is) Thanks to Chris Mcarthy and Adrian Milner and many many more I stayed and became one of the family. A proud family who always went down to welcome the new 747 or Airbus on first arrival at Gatwick and generally felt like one big family. A feeling sadly missing in today's BA. I'm in Dispatch now much to my surprise and enjoying playing with the aircraft but miss the pride we all had with BCAL. Having said that , this site is a wonderful tribute to Sir Adam and it proves the pride is still there. Regards and best wishes to all

Updated Email Address

I joined Caledonian Airways as a Flight Engineer in Sept:1965 and flew on Britannia, 707, DC10 and 747 a/c until merger with BA in 1988, then stayed with BA for 2 years joining Virgin in 1990 until my final retirement in October 1994. The 23 years with Caledonian were the