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A return to Malaysia to say thanks
MORE THAN 40 years after he was first stationed in Penang, a former RAF Captain has returned to the island to present a plaque of thanks to its people.
Mike Lawrence, an ex-flight sergeant Master Coxswain, was stationed at the former RAF Butterworth base on the Malaysian state between 1965 and 1968.
Now in his role as chairman of the North East branch of the Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft Club, Mr Lawrence of High Street travelled back to Penang with a special plaque in recognition of the hospitality shown to British forces by the islanders.
"I have lots of fond memories of my time there," said Mr Lawrence.
"The people are just so friendly and they love to hear about the island's history.
"When we were first there, it was only servicemen who had cameras to catch the island's past, without those records, there is nothing to show its history so they are always really excited about meeting you and talking about their history."
But when Mr Lawrence returned to the unit in February this year, he discovered that it had closed down.
"Before this visit, I had gone back four years ago and found the unit because I recognised a large tree close to it.
"But this time round it was all closed down, which was quite sad really," he said.
The manager of the Paradise Hotel where Mr Lawrence was staying in Penang was keen to help with the presentation and organised the meeting with the Royal Malaysian Police.
"The police were very accommodating and they offered to take us out to the flight decks when they could. It was lovely really," said Mr Lawrence.
Superintendent Morgan of the Marine Police of Gelgor received the plaque, which is one of the many that the Air Sea Rescue Club are presenting to places across the world which housed RAF units.
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
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