大象传媒

When I returned to duty it was in Liverpool (Woolton) past Penny Lane. Overseas, we hadn't enjoyed tales of profiteering - black marketing, and highly paid overtime for those privileged to stay out of the forces. Some of us were lucky in so far as our jobs were guaranteed on our return to civilian life - but that didn't mean that we hadn't been passed over for promotion by those lucky enough to stay at home. Invariably we returned to the same job that we held four or five years before. Unlike those returning from the 1914-18 War, we had few illusions and whilst we may have hoped, we didn't really expect a better or fairer world. Class, privilege and money ruled supreme as before and as it still does today. High wages and overtime had made many stay-at-home workers greedy - and Union Leaders power happy. Some attempts at a better World were made - the Beverage Report was accepted with modifications and reforms giving pensions, a Health Service, and certain Social Security benefits. This seems to have proved an embarrassment to the Capitalists who could find no profit in it and since 1980 Mrs. Thatcher has done her best to liquidate these benefits.

Moral decline was soon apparent. I was in private billets in Woolton (Mrs. Cain). The signals hut had done useful work when times were difficult in the North West Approaches, but was no longer really busy. The Sergeant I/C had an office in the hut with camp bed where he spent the nights with one of the WAAF W/OPS whose only other duties seemed to be to make tea. One night the Sergeant said I could go back to my billet as we had more staff than was needed. Returning unexpectedly, I caused an almighty cuffuffle. After some delay, the door opened and I saw that the younger daughter had an American visitor. Going upstairs I found that my hastily made bed was still warm and under the bed was a packet of condoms.

1945
Came the end of the European war and a celebration service at Liverpool cathedral. So far as the great majority of people were concerned this was the end of the war. Few gave more than a passing thought to the Far Eastern Theatre of war - but then, they never had. Not surprisingly, those of us from overseas found it impossible to join in the VE Day celebrations. We were, I'm afraid, out of touch with things and thought in England.

I mustn't give the impression that I hated my spell in Liverpool. As a City it has always been interesting and had much to offer. It was, after all, within easy reach of home and for an airman starved of music there were the Liverpool Philharmonic concerts.

I suppose the RAF didn't really know what to do with those of us returning from overseas. Most British RAF stations were comfortably staffed by men and women who had been there for some time and looked on us as a threat to their "home" posting. Naturally, we were got rid of as soon as possible and a large majority of us found ourselves back at Compton Bassett on an advanced Signals course - this with the European war already over. It was just a time wasting exercise and we were all pleased when it was over. With the Japanese finally defeated I was sent to Kirkham 101 Dispersal Centre to be demobilised in December 1945.

Here, I was issued with my demob suit (free) and given the necessary documents for me to take my place in the civilian world. My release date was 11-12-45 effective after 94 days leave on 15-3-46. I had, by this time, come to earn 7s/9d per day in the RAF. So now I was a civilian complete with Ration Book and clothing coupons, and we had once again made the country safe for capitalism and private enterprise.

As a reward for my services to King and Country I later received four medals (cupro-nickel) and the appropriate ribbons:
庐 The 1939-45 STAR
庐 The PACIFIC STAR
庐 The BURMA STAR
庐 The WAR MEDAL

Needless to say there was no money payment with any of these. I presume I was also entitled to the DEFENCE MEDAL but it wasn't included and I didn't feel it was worth making a "thing of". In any case, Betty has one, so there is one in the family.

Even so, the awards seemed to be grudgingly given. I was informed that it is not allowed to wear both the PACIFIC and BURMA STARS at the same time. I was given a small silver rose emblem to wear on the ribbon of the BURMA STAR which indicates that the wearer is also a holder of the BURMA STAR.

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