In Memory of Flt Lt Elfed Morris OC 2227 Squadron 1952

In Memory of Flt Lt Elfed Morris - OC 2227 Squadron 1952

Affectionately known as the 'Father of 2227 Sqn'___

Flight Lieutenant Elfed Morris RAF VR(T) (Rt'd). began his career with the Air Training Corps in 1949 and was instrumental in forming 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron after previously serving time in the Royal Air Force.

During his time as a Squadron Officer on 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Morris took a keen interest in the sporting opportunities offered by the Air Training Corps, attending many of the national Air Training Corps rugby and soccer championships held in Llanelli. During his time as a VR(T) Officer Flight Lieutenant Morris helped train nineteen 2227 cadets to a level where they were awarded Wales ATC colours, included in this figure are seven cadets who went on to captain the Welsh ATC rugby team in International matches.

In 1952 Flight Lieutenant Morris became the second Commanding Officer of 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron. If it was not for the hard work and commitment of individuals like Flight Lieutenant Morris, I am sure that 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron would have been disbanded during the late sixties. To this day Flight Lieutenant Morris is the longest serving Squadron Commanding Officer and can affectionately be known as the 'Father of our Squadron'.

In 1998 after spending many years as an active member of the squadron civilian committee, Flight Lieutenant Morris was appointed to a new post as the Squadron President. Flight Lieutenant Morris has been an exceptional Squadron President raising vast amounts of funds to support the cadets and local villages. In the year 2000 Flight Lieutenant Morris spent a great deal of time and personal finance organising the Squadrons 50th anniversary celebrations.

Flight Lieutenant Morris has been in service to the Air Training Corps, to 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron for most of his adult life, and on the 24th of July 2010 he joined the Squadron in celebrating his 61st anniversary in affiliation to 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron. During the course of the celebrations Flight Lieutenant Morris was honoured with a Defence Council Letter of Appreciation which was presented by Air Vice Marshal Lucas.

Flt Lt Morris passed away on the 11^th of July 2011, said Flt Lt Brace, Officer Commanding 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron, “In life we lose people, a fact today I am made painfully aware of. The passing of Flt Lt Morris is a huge loss not only to 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron but also the Air Training Corps at large. Flight Lieutenant Morris was the perfect example of both an Officer and a gentleman, he was a kind soul and he was my friend. George Fabricius said “Death comes to us all but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.” Every single cadet that has or will walk through the doors at 2227 (Mid Gwendraeth) Squadron is a monument to Flt Lt Elfed Morris.”

The thoughts of all members of 3 Welsh Wing are with the family of Flt Lt Morris at this sad time.