The RAF Association is celebrating after two of its senior representatives were each recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for their dedication to the RAF and to charitable work.
Bill Eames, a D-Day veteran and President of the RAF Association’s County Fermanagh Branch, received the British Empire Medal for services to the RAF and for his community work in County Fermanagh.
Former RAF Flight Lieutenant Bill Eames (96) was involved in towing gliders to Ouistreham in northern France during the D-Day landings in 1944, where the troops on board helped secure Pegasus Bridge, an important target for the Allied invasion forces.
After leaving the RAF in 1947, Bill became an Air Traffic Controller with the Ministry of Civil Aviation in his native Northern Ireland, where he remained until his retirement in 1983. He continued to work as a full-time flying instructor at the Ulster Flying Club for a further 20 years.
Bill said: “It is an honour for me to receive this award, as it helps bring attention to the work of the Royal Air Forces Association and especially its County Fermanagh Branch.”
Bill, who is originally from Enniskillen, was presented with France’s highest honour, the Légion d’honneur, in 2016. This was after the French government announced that all surviving veterans who took part in the liberation of France during the Second World War should be entitled to this honour.
Bill Eames takes part in the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal collection every year, and continues to visit local schools to share his experiences of the Second World War and his distinguished career in the RAF.
Nick Bunting, who became Secretary General (Chief Executive) of the Royal Air Forces Association in March 2014, received an OBE for services to RAF personnel and veterans.
Nick has led a transformation of the RAF Association, which supports the wellbeing of serving RAF personnel, veterans and their dependants.
Reflecting on his time so far with the charity, Nick said: “It was vital to modernise the Association to enable it to go on doing its life-changing work among members of the RAF family.
“My primary focus has been to ensure we provide high-quality services capable of meeting growing demand, and to support the increasingly complex welfare needs of our beneficiaries.
“My father and brother served in the RAF, and my grandfather and great grandfather both served in the Army, so I personally understand the sacrifices made by our nation’s military personnel. I also understand the impact that their service can have on them and their loved ones.
“I feel deeply honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen, and I look forward to continuing to work with members, volunteers, trustees and employees, all of whom contribute to the welfare of the RAF family.”
The President of the RAF Association, Air Marshal Sir Baz North, said: “Nick has overseen significant improvement in the professionalism of the administration of the Association, and has conducted a thorough examination of the governance compliance of all aspects of the charity.
“He has overcome resistance from those reluctant to accept legislative change and Charity Commission direction, and has led the Association’s staff with considerable moral courage and impressive drive and enthusiasm. He has also provided outstanding advice to the trustees.
“I am delighted that Nick has received national recognition for his leadership and effort.”
