Les Ellyatt: Operations
Sadly we learn that Les passed away on the 27th May 2025. My sincere condolences to his wife Mags, family, friends and former colleagues
Les had a long career in aviation. He was with BEA then moved to Caledonian before it became BCal. Les was in Operations.
A photo of Les in 1979 on the right
Les had a long career in aviation. He was with BEA then moved to Caledonian before it became BCal. Les was in Operations.
A photo of Les in 1979 on the right
Les Remembered
From Roy Marshall
Les was Traffic Manager when he employed me. As a teenager during the 2nd world war he went on bombing raids with the American air force. I think he was living in Norfolk at the time.
From Brian Russell
Les was Traffic Manager and recruited me into my first job with Caledonian Airways. Later in his responsibilities for overseas stations he posted me to Libya and later Venezuela. He was a quiet effective and respected Manager - always supportive. He was also an all round decent man and we were fortunate to have him in our orbit. RIP and thanks Les
From Sally Simmonds: Oh dear. So sorry. RIP, Les.
From Alan Reeves
Les started the Traffic Department in Caledonian Airways back in 1968 and consequently employed myself and my wife Helen and lots of those on this site and we owe him a lot and he became a friend. Little known fact he was a big Ice hockey player in his BEA Manchester days along with Don Curran . RIP Les and condolences to Mags
From Roger Warren: RIP Les
From Susie Douglas-Smith: Rest in peace, Les. My condolences to his family and friends
From Trevor Fisher: RIP Les, condolences to his Family
From David R Holder
RIP Les, sad news indeed, Les was a real aviation gentleman and a great work colleague. Sincere Condolences to his family and friends.
From Brian Buchanan Aitchison: RIP Les, my condolences to the family.
From Hasu Jethwa: RIP
From Fee Flee: So sorry. Fly Free
From Jeff Youtan
Sorry to learn of Les's passing. Les and Roy Marshall were my first BCal Ops Dept. contacts when we first met in Nairobi at the Thorn Tree in the New Stanley Hotel to discuss the launch and setting up of our handling arrangements for our new service to Seychelles in 1972. RiP.
From Linda Collyer: My condolences to the family. I remember Les from way back.
From Andy Geary Stevens
Les was one of the BEA Duty Officers at Manchester in 1968 when I was working there in Load Control. When he was appointed as Traffic Manager for Caledonian, I talked with him about the prospects of the airline and whether he would recommend it as an opportunity for me to broaden my horizons. He said that whilst nothing was certain, North Atlantic charter licenses had been approved and there would be opportunities for those who were willing to join the airline. I resigned from BEA and joined Caledonian in February 1969, and it was one of the best experiences of my aviation career.
It is with deep regret that I learn that he has passed away. He was a good friend and supportive manager who had faith in me and gave so me many opportunities to progress in Caledonian. I will always be in his debt. My condolences go to Mags and his family. RIP Les.
From Hugh Garety
Softly spoken and charming, Les had a very attractive and engaging personality. He was a highly respected aviation man with a deep interest in and knowledge of the industry. Even his Christmas cards had an aeronautical theme. In retirement he and Mags lived on the Roseland Peninsula, near St Mawes. He will be much missed, particularly by Mags.
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences were extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Jim Will, Victor Attwood, Alan Reeves, Freddie Gorman, Richard Friend, Valerie Edwards, Janet Willis, Brian Russell, Fee Flee, Seona Craig, Liz Tiley, John Nicholas, Jacqui Byrne, Graham Waters, Richard Heywood, David R Holder, Dorothy Flower, Jackie Hebert Hayes, Pat Cresswell, Trevor Warburton, John Morgan, David Groom, Christine Jegu, Don Frayne, Doug Ledingham, Janice Belshaw, Susie Douglas-Smith, Tina Harvey, Lindsay Smith, Susan Buckley, Biddi Geoghegan, John Gould, John Bailey, Riaz Butt, Terry de la Haye, Sylvia Murphy, Kris Massie, Nick Washington-Jones,
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From Roy Marshall
Les was Traffic Manager when he employed me. As a teenager during the 2nd world war he went on bombing raids with the American air force. I think he was living in Norfolk at the time.
From Brian Russell
Les was Traffic Manager and recruited me into my first job with Caledonian Airways. Later in his responsibilities for overseas stations he posted me to Libya and later Venezuela. He was a quiet effective and respected Manager - always supportive. He was also an all round decent man and we were fortunate to have him in our orbit. RIP and thanks Les
From Sally Simmonds: Oh dear. So sorry. RIP, Les.
From Alan Reeves
Les started the Traffic Department in Caledonian Airways back in 1968 and consequently employed myself and my wife Helen and lots of those on this site and we owe him a lot and he became a friend. Little known fact he was a big Ice hockey player in his BEA Manchester days along with Don Curran . RIP Les and condolences to Mags
From Roger Warren: RIP Les
From Susie Douglas-Smith: Rest in peace, Les. My condolences to his family and friends
From Trevor Fisher: RIP Les, condolences to his Family
From David R Holder
RIP Les, sad news indeed, Les was a real aviation gentleman and a great work colleague. Sincere Condolences to his family and friends.
From Brian Buchanan Aitchison: RIP Les, my condolences to the family.
From Hasu Jethwa: RIP
From Fee Flee: So sorry. Fly Free
From Jeff Youtan
Sorry to learn of Les's passing. Les and Roy Marshall were my first BCal Ops Dept. contacts when we first met in Nairobi at the Thorn Tree in the New Stanley Hotel to discuss the launch and setting up of our handling arrangements for our new service to Seychelles in 1972. RiP.
From Linda Collyer: My condolences to the family. I remember Les from way back.
From Andy Geary Stevens
Les was one of the BEA Duty Officers at Manchester in 1968 when I was working there in Load Control. When he was appointed as Traffic Manager for Caledonian, I talked with him about the prospects of the airline and whether he would recommend it as an opportunity for me to broaden my horizons. He said that whilst nothing was certain, North Atlantic charter licenses had been approved and there would be opportunities for those who were willing to join the airline. I resigned from BEA and joined Caledonian in February 1969, and it was one of the best experiences of my aviation career.
It is with deep regret that I learn that he has passed away. He was a good friend and supportive manager who had faith in me and gave so me many opportunities to progress in Caledonian. I will always be in his debt. My condolences go to Mags and his family. RIP Les.
From Hugh Garety
Softly spoken and charming, Les had a very attractive and engaging personality. He was a highly respected aviation man with a deep interest in and knowledge of the industry. Even his Christmas cards had an aeronautical theme. In retirement he and Mags lived on the Roseland Peninsula, near St Mawes. He will be much missed, particularly by Mags.
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences were extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Jim Will, Victor Attwood, Alan Reeves, Freddie Gorman, Richard Friend, Valerie Edwards, Janet Willis, Brian Russell, Fee Flee, Seona Craig, Liz Tiley, John Nicholas, Jacqui Byrne, Graham Waters, Richard Heywood, David R Holder, Dorothy Flower, Jackie Hebert Hayes, Pat Cresswell, Trevor Warburton, John Morgan, David Groom, Christine Jegu, Don Frayne, Doug Ledingham, Janice Belshaw, Susie Douglas-Smith, Tina Harvey, Lindsay Smith, Susan Buckley, Biddi Geoghegan, John Gould, John Bailey, Riaz Butt, Terry de la Haye, Sylvia Murphy, Kris Massie, Nick Washington-Jones,
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.
Service Information
to be added when known, in line with family wishes
to be added when known, in line with family wishes
