Bob Hayes
Bob was ex R.A.F. Fleet Air Arm, joining Aden Airways in 1953. Although operations were based in Aden, he flew in Asmara (then Eritraya) under Arab Airways (really Aden Airways but operated as Arab Airways for Geo-Political reasons). He left Asmara in 1954 to work in Amman, still under the banner of Arab Airways. He then went to Aden under Aden Airways, from '57 to '65.
Bob lived in Cathay House near Khormaksar Beach with his wife Maureen, and children, Wendy and Ray. Bob & Maureen were well-known for their excellent parties! He returned to UK after losing his pilot's licence through high/low tone deafness.
He lived in Chirk, North Wales, where he worked as a grinder in the tool room at Girlings, the brake company. Moving to Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire he worked as a clerk with Boss Forklift Trucks. It was here he met Vic Spencer again (who lived next door to him in Cathay House, on Khormaksar beach), who also lived in Bedfordshire. Bob eventually retired to Denbigh, North Wales where he lives today.
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Following is a message received from Ray Hayes, Bob's son:
"I have just discovered your site. How fabulous to see so many names of people I or my parents knew. I see in your forum column names of Alan Platt, Peter Classey, Penny Eager. Alan and Penny I and my sister Wendy, knew back then. Peter I have probably seen out there on one of the many visits to Aden from boarding school. My father flew for Aden Airways up to around 1963/4. He flew the DC3, Argonaut, and Viscount, His name is Bob Hayes, and I'm pleased to say is still very much here. He is now 85 and remarkably fit. He drives a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, Jaguar XJ, and rides a motorbike like a 19 year old! (I even back off on corners before he does!) He often mentions names like-Vic Spencer, who lived in a flat opposite us in Cathay House.
Alan Bodger (the then chief pilot, before Vic Spencer) , who went on to Gulf Air later, Rex Barnes who sadly died rather young, Matt Murray ( a good friend of Bob's.........anyone know if he is still around in Ireland? ) , forgive me if I don't know all the first names, Elgee, Jack Parker, (lived in flat below us in Cathay House), Eric Borsbury.
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That's all I can recall now but will add some names after I visit my Dad in Denbigh soon. Penny and Susan Eager's dad was Freddie who worked on the admin side and was most popular along with his wife Pam. Freddie enjoyed singing the odd song with his guitar.........he wasn't bad actually! (or has memory dulled the experience!) On the engineering side was Bob Cartwright, a popular engineer and well respected. I knew his son Michael and sister Joan.
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My mother Maureen Hayes (who sadly passed on in Feb 06) was a little possessive of my dad Bob. One Xmas my Dad was on the Xmas Roster to fly and for some reason (only known to her!) she didn't want him to fly. Now Bob was fine about it and never complained regarding the roster. What he didn't know (then) was Maureen went to the Aden Airways office and went in to complain to the manager, to which he gave this classic reply--"I'm sorry Mrs Hayes we were rather under the impression we employed Mr Hayes to fly!" Possibly the only time Maureen was lost for words! Bob still laughs about it after all this time. The parties at Bob and Maureen's flat in Cathay House were well remembered.
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I had a fabulous time on my trips to Aden, often meeting my dad in Cairo for the last leg to Aden. The parties, the swimming at Gold Mohur, the films at the Shenaz Roundabout, or the other open air one in Little Aden. I hope you include this somewhere on your website---who knows maybe someone knows me!
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Thanks for letting me Ramble on and to all you expats of Aden--cheers." ~ Ray Hayes
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Hello Peter,
Trust you had a good xmas [2006]. You asked to be informed regarding a meeting which was being arranged between my father Bob Hayes and Matt Murray, both ex Aden Airways pilots.
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It was a real joy to see when they got together again after so many years. They are both 85 years now and it was like the time just melted away. They were back flying together, in their memories! We had the most memorable and wonderful day------------and without your hard work which you put into the website this would never have taken place!
Please accept our most sincere thanks and gratitude.
All the very best for a great New year
Ray Hayes