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George Anthony – a tribute


By Pat Scott

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Final respects have been paid to a man who inspired many young people to enlist in the RAF.

Flight Lieutenant George Anthony's life revolved around the Air Training Corps.

As 1298 squadron commander he held the record for the longest continuous service in the organisation, and he continued to serve the North East Scotland Wind even as after becoming ill in 2017.

He gave up weekends to take cadets to Kinloss for gliding, or to other venues the length and breadth of the country for sports competitions.

When Kinloss closed he transported cadets to Leuchars in Fife, for gliding.

One of the partners in the former Third Brothers furniture shop in Keith his summer holidays were also given over to taking cadets to camps.

He had a huge collection of model aeroplanes and, with the help of the cadets, even made an aeroplane on a 1:1 scale.

One wing filled the hall at the Perie Centre on Princes Street, Huntly where meetings took place.

And the finished article had to be kept in one of the large store rooms of the furniture shop.

Neil McAdam, Squadron Leader, Wing Staff Officer said: "George was involved with the resurrection of the Huntly ATC squadron, firstly as a fledgling detached flight and saw it achieve full squadron status.

"He was integral in the growth and development of the unit seeing it progress to being a squadron which takes a full part in all ATC activities and supported and developed many young people of the Huntly and Keith area over the years.

"He had a particular interest in aircraft recognition from his Observer Corps days and in aeromodelling and shooting.

"He took a full part in ATC camps and events including supporting national activities such as the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford which he attended with other ATC staff and cadets helping to run that significant national event.

"He was keen to have his squadron play a full part in community events, over £1000 was regularly raised by the squadron for the Poppy Appeal.

"He was always busy with the squadron on Remembrance Sunday which was a full day commitment parading in Huntly in the morning and Keith in the afternoon.

"George had a sharp sense of humour which many of his colleagues have mentioned when remembering him.

"He has been described as a lovely man, having awe inspiring commitment and overall was very well respected and will be much missed."

The Reverend Dr Kay Gauld and her late husband Ranald were padres for the squadron.

She said: "George’s main focus was the ATC. He continued to go beyond the call of duty for everyone. He was completely dedicated to the ATC staff and cadets who were his extended family."

"On one occasion the Squadron was put through its drill by George. Ranald was the new recruit who got everything wrong and George enjoyed telling him to cut his hair and scrub up better.

"When Ranald was terminally ill, he made a request to the ATC that they take him paint balling and he also enjoyed gliding with the ATC

"He was a good church elder and property convenor, keeping all our buildings in good condition.

"He and the members of the committee did a power of work every week, inside and outside, for the upkeep of three church buildings.

"His only request was that I provide the men with a cup of tea and a fine piece! George always enjoyed his refreshments.

"He was a kind hearted and hard working gentleman. He had time for everyone and gave honest advice when making purchases."

Born and brought up in Keith, Flt Lt Anthony is survived by his wife, Jennifer, daughters Lynne and Lisa, their husbands and grandchildren Ollie and Sophie.

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