大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Maggie Smith from WM CSV Action Desk on behalf of Thomas Buckingham and has been added to the site with his permission. Thomas Buckingham fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

I was a messenger at the Council House in Birmingham. We were deep down underground. I was on my bike during an air raid and the bombers came. I got off my bike and lay by the curb. Some people thought I was dead but I then got up and delivered my message.

I was called up in 1943 in to the RAF. I received training and was on ground staff for Wellington's bombers.

I was at one base where lots of crew were lost. There were often training accidents. I used to prepare rations for the air crew. RAF Wymeswold was where I was based.

Towards the end of the war they asked for volunteers to go into a foundary in Smethwick. I went into the Aircraft Inspection Department (AID). This was before the end of the war.

Later, I trained as a flight mechanic and went into the RAF Regiment.

My brother (Tony) was wounded at Anzii in Italy. Claude was in the Oxen and Bucks. He served in the Middle East. We were a large family. Ted (my brother) was in the T.A. Tony was wounded in Italy defending part of a bridge. The Italians looked after him. We received a telegram saying that he was missing. It was some time before we knew he was safe. My sister (Clare) became a guard in the LMJ Railway at New Street.

I enjoyed myself in the RAF. I liked the spirit of the time and and the people.

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