大象传媒

This story has been added to the People's War Archive by a volunteer from 大象传媒 Newcastle on behalf of Arthur Baker. Arthur Baker fully understands the site's terms and conditions and the story has been added to the site with his permission.

In 1936 I was intrigued by the change of engines in the British petrol lorries to German diesel engine, this being done in Derby.

I was soon to join the RAF to be trained as a airforce mechanic. I was sent to Duxford in 66 Squadron, the frontline fighters for the defence of North London.

In 1937 orders came to paint the planes in wartime camouflage colours (My rigger was Doug Eaton). Then orders came to round up all the available rounds of ammunition, by hand if necessary, as it was very urgent - all the ammunition was being used up and there were no more available from the suppliers.

In early 1938, lo and behold, a beautiful monoplane landed at 19 squadron - the first Spitfire to be issued to the RAF, and soon me and Doug were put in charge of the second (number K9490).

All the early engine troubles were soon sorted out with the help of engineers from Rolls Royce who were sent to Duxford to oversee the work.

I worked all day and into the night on my Spitfire, and when I packed up work to go to my billets I sank down on the concrete floor and slept for half-an-hour.

The Spitfire was ordered to undergo 500 hours of non-stop flying, weather permitting.

I remember one day when my plane landed, I discovered a square hole had been cut into the fuselage of my beloved plane. A carbon file had been fitted in an attempt to cut out interference on the radio.

Me and Doug were flown to Norwich to show them close up look at a Spitfire. The planes were still sage in their hangers, but Herr Hitler was starting to cause panic.

Intensified flying tests and manouvres were now order of the day - we were camped out in tents on the permimeter at Duxford and our rations were a dreadful mishmash of whatever the cook could muster up. We worked from 3am to 11pm non-stop.

The radar was being tested when suddenly on the 3rd of September Mr Chamberlain gave his momentous speech - "WE ARE NOW AT WAR".

Another Radar warning of raiders approaching. My Spitfire, flown by Pilot Officer Patan was coming into land when it hit trees, killing PO Patan - a well liked, fresh faced young man became the first casualty of the war in 66 Squadron.

After a few months helping the new 219 Squadron when I was posted to 16 Army Co-operation Squadron with the Expeditionary forces on the Belgian border trying to stop the Germans breaking the Maginot line.

(Arthur Barker is now over 90, still fit, if not for war service).

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