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Leaving Dunstable Grammar School in 1939, I spent two years at university and a spell of engineering on air-raid shelters and other wartime activities before joining the Royal Engineers. I took part in the ‘invasion’ of Europe mostly building bridges and repairing roads, but with no news-worthy incidents (my platoon distinguished itself building a bridge across the Rhine under fire, but I was on home leave at the time — the officer who stood in for me was given an MC — I was not envious!)

I crossed over to France on D+6, and in one of those curious coincidences, walking up the gangway of the LSI which ferried us over, I saw to my surprise two of my school friends, Cyril (a naval sub Liet.) and John (a Lt. in the Marines). They gave me a warm welcome and I travelled across the Channel in one of their cabins, in a great deal more comfort than I expected!

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