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This story was submitted to the People's War web site by a volunteer from Age Concern Dorchester on behalf of Mr Willes and has been added to the site with his permission. Mr Willes fully understands the site's terms and conditions

WAR EPISODE
My vocation started in Weymouth, with an apprenticeship in Horology, the science and measurement of time. In June 1939 I decided to go to Switzerland where watches are made, unaware at this time that the war had already started. This was a Cook’s Tour holiday. On the return journey, our train was stopped at every station and passports demanded. I saw the Siegfried line and troops in military uniform. Even my return at Dover was delayed, because I carried a pair of Zeiss binoculars which I had bought in Weymouth before I left. I did not leave the customs office for about an hour; by then, all my friends had gone on to London.
Now to my war service. I was sent to Smith’s Watch & Clock factory at Bishop’s Cleave, near Cheltenham. My qualifications enabled me to be in the Inspection Department. I was there from 1942 — 45.
I was married at Prestbury Church on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. (No choir, no lights, no music, just a vicar — no honeymoon. All work, little play, was the order of the day then! Being married, we were allotted an asbestos bungalow with lounge, twin bedroom, bathroom/toilet and a small garden (must grow vegetables.)
While my wife and I were travelling down to Weymouth to see my parents, the train was stopped at Upwey station. The guard told us there was an air raid by German bombers on Portland and that if we went on the bridge (I do not know if the bridge is still there) we would see the battle going on. Spitfires flew from Warmwell at that time. There were losses on both side, we were told later.
When Elsie and I were living in Cirencester, I was sitting in deck chairs at our temporary lodgings and I heard a loud noise, like a machine gun going off. Looking up, about 2000ft. in the air, was a German Junkers 88, on fire, with pieces falling off. It crashed into the rear of Coates Manor, where my wife Elsie was on the staff. I naturally cycled out there as quickly as possible. Fortunately, no-one in the Manor was hurt. When security police had left, Elsie told me that all we could see was dead German airmen hanging from the fruit trees in the Orchard. I have actual photographs taken by the Cheltenham & Gloucester Graphic on Saturday, 30th November, 1940.
ENTERTAINMENT
To me, entertainment has always been half of my life. Since I was 15 I have been a semi-pro Ballroom and Dance Drummer. I had played during the war period, from 3rd September 1939 (when war was declared), until it ended. I played in Cirencester and Cheltenham Town Hall. (13 hours a week on top of my war work at Smith’s.)
I played for forces favourite ANN SHELTON, when she was 16, at Wroughton Aerodrome on 4th August 1940 with the Alec Mattock 10 piece dance band. We were very busy; there were 3 large Aerodromes within 30 miles and they all wanted our band for the dances. My entry into the professional dance band was at the Cheltenham Town Hall, when I was invited to join the Billy Gammon Band (I have photographs of this). My kit was almost fixed to the stage as resident drummer. We had to cycle or walk to the town hall (a distance of 4 miles) as there were no cars or buses and no lights.
I am still drumming! My last ‘gig’ was at Portland, Dorset, playing for my fellow Rotarians. I have been a Rotarian since 1967 and was President in 1971. I belong to the Weymouth Club and am an Honorary Member of the Island & Royal Manor of Portland Rotary Club.

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