Air Vice-Marshal John A Porter OBE passed away on 25th June 2022. He joined the RAF on his 18th birthday in September 1952 as one of the first batch of University Technical Cadets. Not one to dwell on the past, John did frequently remember the glory days of his university career on full Pilot Officer pay. Delivered to Wills Hall, Bristol University in 1953 by staff car, he spent his vacations serving; one memorable summer spent in Iraq. A newspaper report of an annual UAS dinner states “In the sanctity of the mess the party began in earnest, and the company played a few little games – some were rather riotous and it was fortunate that all breakable objects had been removed (including the windows).”

John’s first posting, after flying training on Provosts and Vampires at RAF Oakington, was to 151 squadron at RAF Leuchars as Squadron Technical Officer for 16 Javelins. There, he met our mother, Flying Officer Sandra Rose, who he married shortly after being posted to Boscombe Down to perform radio trials on Argosy, Comets, and Shackletons. Postings to BAC at Weybridge, McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis and Westinghouse in Baltimore, supporting introduction (or not) of the TSR2 and Phantom, followed.  

In the early ‘70s John was O/C Engineering at Brize where only some quick work involving tape and undercarriage ensured the timely return of the Duke of Windsor’s body from Paris, and where he accompanied Alec Douglas-Home to China. On landing in China, they were welcomed by a formal breakfast at the aircraft steps. He never forgot the sea slugs.

On his next tour, as Command Electrical Engineer at Episkopi, John was justifiably proud of the speed with which his team dismantled and shipped signals equipment in the face of the Turkish invasion, and even more proud of the speed with which it was able to be re-assembled later.  As always, John particularly enjoyed the travel associated with the role; this time mostly to Hong Kong, Singapore and Gan.

Almost ten years’ effort on Tornado followed, in London and, after a hugely enjoyed RCDS course, at NAMMA in Munich. His time as DGA(2) at MOD(PE) was eventful; battling with the cancellation of Nimrod AEW3, the Westland crisis and Sir Peter Levene. He retired in 1989 having started the introduction of Logistics IT System as DG Comms, IS and Organisation.

In retirement, John continued with his first passion, work. Initially at GCHQ for 5 years first as DC, then DT, later at the University of Glamorgan, where he became Professor Emeritus and was awarded an honorary doctorate, and finally as Lead Community Governor at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital Trust. At Glamorgan he met and married Veronica, who survives him along with: Alan, David, Sara, and several grandchildren.