´óÏó´«Ã½

This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Roger Marsh of the ‘Action Desk — Sheffield’ Team on behalf of Dennis King, and has been added to the site with the author’s permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

Airfield Construction
By
Dennis King

The Airfield Construction Service was relatively unknown but fulfilled an essential role, both at home or abroad.

The construction squads worked relentlessly, building as close to the enemy front line as required, or repairing old fields that had been bombed, deserted or captured.
We were a very unusual group, working anywhere, also assisting the Army and Navy in their duties. We were trained as part of an experiment by AMWD (Air Ministry Works Directorate) to undertake all elements of airfield construction and had to learn all the skills required of plumbers, carpenters, builders, plasterers, sparks, mechanics and others.

Frequently, we had to use whatever materials were available to make or repair a runway. Our role was to construct a landing strip as quickly and as effectively as possible, so that operational aircraft, could be deployed at a moment's notice. We were needed to supply electricity for radar, wireless and airfields, along with lighting where it was needed in the wilds, on mountain tops or down in the valleys.

Often there was no running water, no toilets and we had to improvise or mend facilities. Sometimes there were miles to tramp by volunteers, two out of six airmen a day undertaking a five-mile trek back and forth from our camp, often 800 ft up. It was always two people for safety reasons due to the bogs. This was very essential to pick up our mail from home.

We did have fresh food and water once a week, but often relied on spring water.
Occasionally, we had to wash down with peat water (brown), having no bath or basics. There was no radio, games, dartboard or draughts to occupy our minds.

In Iceland, we had more in the way of luxury. Nissen huts were fortunately lined inside and had a Cannon stove for warmth, which we needed. We were allowed into Reykjavik, for a look around and a break from duties on our time off. Some of the Icelanders were very friendly towards us, but our own lads in `blue' could not weigh us up, we were not quite one of them! We were excused fire picket, guard and general duties except for church and pay parades, but going into Reykjavik, we had to wear khaki and a blue cap, similar to those worn in the RAF Regiment. We had to rough it the best way we could, and we all got along well.

Our clothing was many and varied for the winter conditions. We had two pairs of socks, one long thick pair for rubber boots, two pairs of gloves, all-in-one Zoot suit, fur hat, glare goggles, balaclava, alpine boots, leather jerkin, long johns and thick underwear. We had few comforts elsewhere and no contact with the W.A.A.F.s. We accepted our fate and had to behave ourselves.

Eventually, we at last got transport home, a Short Sunderland Flying Boat to Scotland, to see trees again. But it was a most wonderful experience, never to be forgotten, especially the Aurora Borealis in all its shapes and colours.

Pr-BR

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.