大象传媒

During the war, our Uncle Don was drafted into the RAF and eventually made the rank of Sergeant - several times! He lived a full life and enjoyed himself - that's why he made Sergeant several times - and also corporal due to demotion/promotion! As best I can recall, he was a Wellington tail gunner but that is only the part of his career that I know.
When he had leave, he always came and stayed with us. We shared a two up - two down farm cottage with no running water, gas or electricity and rudimentary toilet facilities. My brother Louis and I had to share a bed on the landing with Don while Ralph, a war baby, had to share our parents room.
Today that would be unthinkable but it never caused us any problems, then or later in life. He used to bring home his flying suit which was huge but kept us warm on a winter's night. Also chocolate and sweets from his flying rations that we really enjoyed.
My Dad was in reserve occupation and avoided the call-up but he would have gone into the services if necessary.
After the war, uncle Don met and married Auntie Francis and they were extremely happy for may years until Francis took ill and died. Don was distraught - they never had any children. One day, he came over to see us and asked Dad if he could borrow a 12-bore shot gun and a few shells to do a bit of rabbiting. Dad was a great hunter/poacher and had an armoury of weapons that were always kept immaculate but not very secure!
Don only used one.
We missed him terribly and felt so sorry for him. He felt that there was no future for him on earth after Francis died and went to join her in heavan.
I now regret that I never had the time to talk to him more about his war and how it affected him. It's too late now.

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