George Schroeder joined the RAF in 1983. In just over 20 years he achieved the rank of Sergeant in the regulars whilst experiencing a wide range of postings in the UK at High Wycombe, Halton, Northern Ireland and St Mawgan. During this time, he also managed overseas deployments and postings to Cyprus, Goose Bay, Belgium and Oman.
George’s first experience of the Auxiliaries was in 2005 at St Mawgan with 2625 (County of Cornwall) Squadron RAuxAF Regiment. He often regaled stories of his unique time with 2625 Squadron and was saddened when it disbanded in 2006. He left St Mawgan and the RAF to settle with his family in the North East.
Life as a ‘Civvy’ was not for George and he soon decided to return to the RAuxAF, this time in a FTRS role on 600 (City of London) Squadron at RAF Northolt in June 2009. A larger-than-life character, he started his 2nd career the way he would continue, engaging in a flurry of sharp wit and repartee.
As the Administration Flight Co-Ordinator he arranged training and placements for administration personnel, but he quickly took on the role of recruiter too. He held a passion for people and was an absolute natural with potential and new recruits. He always went the extra mile to encourage personnel and their talent – from the clerk who mobilised to draw illustrations for a war journalist in Afghanistan, to the 30-something SAC who thought he’d missed the boat for Regular service and now holds a Commission – George looked beyond the standard issue Reservist to find the extraordinary.
Passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, George always delivered the sessions to new recruits on 600 Squadron. His opening line was always the same – ‘I do not discriminate, I ‘ates yous all equally!’……………. It always broke the ice and caused a ripple of giggles. George moved to RAF Leeming on promotion in February 2018 but maintained his links with his pals on 600 Sqn.
George sadly passed away on 27 Sep 22 and leaves his wife Lynne and daughters Georgia and Tegan. He will be remembered as a husband, daddy, brother, colleague and a true friend to so many that he met over his service career.
National Memorial Arboretum – 23 June 2023
Lynne Schroeder and 600 Squadron