Nicole Pickard’s visit to RAF Brize Norton in September 2026

Nicole and her husband Keith Rivers were visiting the UK from South Africa to attend the Goodwood Revival.

Nicole is the granddaughter of Gp Capt Percy Pickard DSO** DFC (G26-32) who lost his life leading the raid on Amiens Prison on 18 February 1944 which was his 103rd Mission in WWII.  James Ruddock-Broyd (G46-52) had corresponded with Nicole for some 20 years but never met her. In honour of her visit James, living at Witney, arranged a visit to the little known Brize  Heritage Centre put together over recent years by Andrew (Andy) Marshall former RAF and still works for the Station from whom passes for all and cars had to be obtained.

Nicole brought her uncle Michael Gibson and his wife Sheila from Cheltenham and James got eight friends which made a party of 13 who visited on 21 September 2026 and the RAFA official and Manager of Base Hangar David Craven joined them. It was convenient that donations could be made to the current Wings Day Appeal.

Andy as curator and guide started the tour with acknowledging Nicole and saying he had read up the war history of her grandfather.  A photo was taken of the group outside the Centre: James is first on left and Nicole is fifth from left below

The small Centre only has 3 rooms but every inch is covered with memorabilia of the Station since it opened in 1937 and James was glad to see his donated “Eagle” magazine of The Glider Pilots Regiment Association which was edited for years by David Brook (S36-40). One of the notable events recorded in the Centre is PM Margaret Thatcher meeting the Russian President Gorbachev on 7 December 1987.

Picture below is Nicole beside a print of the Wellington flown by Pickard as the leading aircraft in Operation Biting on German radar unit in northern France in February 1942.

Unfortunately the largest RAF Station with nearly 7,000 serving and civilian personnel employed could not be seen further as the runway was dug up for renewal and the transport planes were being operated from RAF Boscombe Down and other stations.

Afterwards Gerry Monaghan RAFA Branch Treasurer gave a guided talk at the nearby Repatriation Garden and of the ceremonies which take place every time the body of a service person is returned to the UK.

An added coincidence is that Gerry was a good friend of Maxwell Sparks RNZAF who lived locally until he died in 2013 and who piloted a Mosquito in the Amiens Raid.

Lunch was held in the Bell Inn, Ducklington as Nicole had requested an English pub when James’ wife Christine joined the party. Fortuitously James’ retirement village was putting on a live tribute to Dolly Parton which was much loved by the three couples.

Finally you can click here to read the extensive biography on Gp Capt Percy Pickard DSO** DFC (G26-32)