Royal Navy - Retired Air Traffic Control Officers (RATCO)
Welcome to the site for the exchange of memories, current thoughts and future events of the RATCO association. Although most visitors and regular users will be retired from the branch, membership is also open to ATCOs of the RAF and foreign services who have served with the RN and to serving RN ATCOs approaching discharge whom we warmly welcome.
We are a diverse crowd of men and women following many paths since life in uniform, some fully retired but many pursuing second careers. Some members remain engaged in ATC/ATM through their businesses, as controllers and in senior management posts in the UK and abroad.
We aim to foster greater virtual contact, run social gatherings (formal and informal) and post current news items.
In terms of virtual content, we are starting with Social Events, History, and post RN activities, and we seek your words, pictures and links. So please send your input to Paddy White at martinvention@btinternet.com or any of the committee.
There is also a RATCO forum for use by registered members using the link at the bottom of the page. This is under development and hopefully will flourish with your interest and input. Invitations to join the forum have been sent to all known members E-mail addresses. If you have been missed please ask to join and confirm your current E-mail address. The forum E-mail default is, no E-mail for new posts, but if you would like to be E-mailed when there are new posts just log into the forum and change your profile defaults.
There is no membership fee or subscription and if you would like to join contact our secretary: davidbrocklebank53@gmail.com
Fresh News
The reunion Lunch at The Grange, Oborne, near Sherborne was enjoyed by 40 members. There are a selection of photos in the members only area.
I regret to report that Malcolm Fuller, one of the RATCO founding members, crossed the bar in his sleep on Tuesday 19 Sep whilst he and Jane were spending time in Coulin, in the Highlands. The funeral service will be held on Friday 13th October, at 1400 in St Peter's Church, 25a St Peter's Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HS
Don Stolworthy passed away peacefully in the early hours of 21 Jan at Yeovil hospital having suffered several strokes. Connie said that Don loved his time as an air traffic controller and was sad that later on in life he could no longer stay standing up and socialize as in the past and missed the reunions. His funeral was held on Friday 10 Feburary at 2.40 PM at Yeovil Crematorium.
I regret to report the passing of John Maxwell, at his home in Fife on 25th November. He will be fondly remembered by many older members. His funeral was held at Creich Parish Church, Luthrie, Fife.
A group of 26 enjoyed a very nice evening and a splendid dinner at the Kings Arms on Sat 7 May 2022. There are a few photos in the members only area.
Click on the tower to enter the members only area.
With Thanks to Tim Cartoon for graphics above.