Former RAF Brothers reflect on their boxing careers

Philip and Billy Moyes at age 12 and 11 respectively started boxing training at their local school, Alderman Leach school, under the guidance of the school caretaker and boxing coach Mr Trotman.

However, it was not until the family moved to Great Yarmouth in 1963, and Phillip and Billy alongside their younger brother John joined the Kingfisher Boxing Club where the brothers began their boxing reign. By 1969, the brothers had won the Schoolboy, Junior and Senior Norfolk and Eastern Counties titles. In addition, both Billy and John won the British National (NABC) titles. Unfortunately Phil was only two months too old to enter.

Phil and Billy joined the Royal Air Force in September, 1969, and brother John joined later in 1970. After basic and parachute training, brothers Phil and Billy underwent a six-month physical instructors course. Meanwhile brother John was posted to RAF Hereford to train as a cook.

In 1972, all three made RAF history by winning three RAF boxing titles on the same night and went on to represent the RAF against the Army and the Navy and the Combined Services against Wales.

Over the years their boxing success continued, winning Combined Services titles, and reaching the ABA semi-finals.

Phil retired from boxing in 1972 having won three RAF titles, two Combined Services titles, having reached two ABA Semi-finals and been rated British number three in the featherweight division. Phil retired from the RAF in 2001 after serving 32 years and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and the MBE for his dedication and service to the RAF. Phil now serves as a magistrate and town councillor in Shropshire and is actively involved with the Rotary Club and the Royal British Legion.

Billy retired from boxing in 1977 having won six RAF titles, two Combined Service titles, having been an ABA semi-finalist, and was rated British number eight in the bantamweight division. Billy was still parachuting at the age of 50 and was retired on medical grounds after serving 32 years. Billy is actively involved with charity work with the Royal Air Force Association, as chairman for eight years at his local branch in West Oxfordshire and is a Royal British Legion repatriation family liaison officer.

John retired from boxing in 1979 having won three RAF titles, one combined Services title and having been an ABA quarter-finalist. John retired from the RAF after serving 12 years. John is not retired but works all hours as one of the top chefs in Essex.

The brothers would like to thank all those involved in making boxing history.