MRA JRLVol9A0050
John Rodney Lees, Johnnie to some and JRL to many started rock climbing in 1947 two years after he joined the RAF as a PTI and he quickly progressed to become an accomplished Alpinist. The photos in this album are from 3 principal sources, firstly his own personal diaries which were peppered with B&W photos. We only currently have access to the diaries that cover Johnnie’s 6 years in the MRS, but all diaries are available for viewing at the Mountain Heritage Trust lodged within the Blencathra Field Centre, Cumbria UK CA12 4SG www.mountain-heritage.org/
The 2nd source is from the MRS archive and finally the 3rd source is a set of colour slides purchased at a house clearance auction by Nigel ‘Kenny’ Kenworthy former team leader of the RAF Kinloss MRT. Kenny noticed Johnnie’s name in the description; the slides had belonged to Derek and Jane Andrews who had used Johnnie and Gwen Moffat as guides for a number of years.
There are other photos of Johnnie in the RAF Valley album.
Johnnie joined the RAF Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) in 1951 and quickly made his mark as recorded in all books about the MRS record. His love of rock climbing was such that he continued to climb with civilian friends and as a member of the RAF Mountaineering Association took part in a number of their expeditions.
Johnnie fills a unique place in MRS history and his award of a George Medal for a rescue he led in 1958 is unique in it’s history. This description of his contribution to the MRS, written on his discharge from the RAF says it all
CONFIDENTIAL
3044815 Flight Sergeant John Rodney LEES . G.M.
Royal Air Force. No,4 Flying Training School.
Flight Sergeant Lees has been Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Valley Mountain Rescue Team for six years and three months.
He also helped to form, and has led, three other Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Teams before his present tour. For nearly ten years he has commanded the Royal Air Force Winter and Summer Mountain Rescue courses with considerable energy and skill. From these courses come the team leaders and key men for teams at home and abroad.
During these courses and for past ten years he has guided and improved the mountain rescue techniques of the Service and has been responsible for many improvements in the equipment used. He is one of the most able rock climbers in the Royal Air Force and as a Rock Climber instructor is unsurpassed.
His wealth of experience, coupled with his zeal and energy has contributed largely to the success of the Royal Air Force training in this field and many officers and airmen are now reaping the benefit of his instruction.
As Team Leader at Royal Air Force Valley, he has led many rescues in the most inclement weather and in treacherous conditions. He knows no fear, and has frequently shown complete disregard to the imminent danger to his own life during these emergencies.
Flight Sergeant Lees is the outstanding member of all Mountain Rescue Teams where skill, determination and courage are the essential basic requirements. His experience in this field is unique and with his determination and enthusiasm he has set a splendid example which is an inspiration to all other members of the team.
MRA JRLVol9A0050
John Rodney Lees, Johnnie to some and JRL to many started rock climbing in 1947 two years after he joined the RAF as a PTI and he quickly progressed to become an accomplished Alpinist. The photos in this album are from 3 principal sources, firstly his own personal diaries which were peppered with B&W photos. We only currently have access to the diaries that cover Johnnie’s 6 years in the MRS, but all diaries are available for viewing at the Mountain Heritage Trust lodged within the Blencathra Field Centre, Cumbria UK CA12 4SG www.mountain-heritage.org/
The 2nd source is from the MRS archive and finally the 3rd source is a set of colour slides purchased at a house clearance auction by Nigel ‘Kenny’ Kenworthy former team leader of the RAF Kinloss MRT. Kenny noticed Johnnie’s name in the description; the slides had belonged to Derek and Jane Andrews who had used Johnnie and Gwen Moffat as guides for a number of years.
There are other photos of Johnnie in the RAF Valley album.
Johnnie joined the RAF Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) in 1951 and quickly made his mark as recorded in all books about the MRS record. His love of rock climbing was such that he continued to climb with civilian friends and as a member of the RAF Mountaineering Association took part in a number of their expeditions.
Johnnie fills a unique place in MRS history and his award of a George Medal for a rescue he led in 1958 is unique in it’s history. This description of his contribution to the MRS, written on his discharge from the RAF says it all
CONFIDENTIAL
3044815 Flight Sergeant John Rodney LEES . G.M.
Royal Air Force. No,4 Flying Training School.
Flight Sergeant Lees has been Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Valley Mountain Rescue Team for six years and three months.
He also helped to form, and has led, three other Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Teams before his present tour. For nearly ten years he has commanded the Royal Air Force Winter and Summer Mountain Rescue courses with considerable energy and skill. From these courses come the team leaders and key men for teams at home and abroad.
During these courses and for past ten years he has guided and improved the mountain rescue techniques of the Service and has been responsible for many improvements in the equipment used. He is one of the most able rock climbers in the Royal Air Force and as a Rock Climber instructor is unsurpassed.
His wealth of experience, coupled with his zeal and energy has contributed largely to the success of the Royal Air Force training in this field and many officers and airmen are now reaping the benefit of his instruction.
As Team Leader at Royal Air Force Valley, he has led many rescues in the most inclement weather and in treacherous conditions. He knows no fear, and has frequently shown complete disregard to the imminent danger to his own life during these emergencies.
Flight Sergeant Lees is the outstanding member of all Mountain Rescue Teams where skill, determination and courage are the essential basic requirements. His experience in this field is unique and with his determination and enthusiasm he has set a splendid example which is an inspiration to all other members of the team.