A group of 34 gathered in the Royal Air Force Club On July 20^th for lunch to celebrate the 90^th birthday of the legendry Wing Commander Dan Davies OBE who initiated a hugely successful period of RAF Athletics from the early 1960s into the 80s and made a major contribution to Combined Services and British officiating during that period.

In the foreground, Dan stands to the left of Lady Agnes Humphrey, widow of the Sir Andrew Humphrey, a Chief of the Defence Staff and distinguished President of the RAF Athletic Association. On the bottom steps is world mile record holder and Olympic bronze medallist Derek Ibbotson who was a national serviceman in the 1950s, in the company of the current President Air Vice Marshal Paul Evans and Life Vice Presidents Air Marshal Sir Rob Wright, Air Commodore John De’Ath , Air Vice Marshal Mike Smart and Air Commodore Roger Clark.

Behind is former RAF national service officer, national athletics coach and author Tom McNab. Also present were 1968 Olympian Derek Boosey, a former supplier, who had flown in from San Diego, 1972 Olympians Don Halliday and Andy Williams, former GB internationals Julian Goater, Bruce Fraser, Mike Butterfield, Mike Delaney, Frank Martin and David Shaw. The group was complete with many ex RAF athletes, committee members and officials who had served with Dan plus Air Commodore Richard Gammage, a recent Chairman and the current Inter Services Pole Vault Champion.

After Lunch, AVM Smart spoke of Dan’s tireless effort on behalf of both athletes and team performances not least his legendary work with Derek Ibbotson in the mid-50s at RAF Yatesbury. AVM Evans spoke of current activities and recent RAF Athletics achievements, former Officials Secretary Ken Richmond paid tribute to Dan’s leadership and Tom McNab entertained the group with his amusing and interesting reflection on the evolution of British Athletics during a period of Dan’s involvement.

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