大象传媒

At the start of the war I was 14 years old, so was a bit too young for military service! At 17 and three quarters I was required to register for military service which took place in Pownall Square. As I was member of the ATC (Air Training Corps) I didn't have any trouble getting into the RAF, my preferred branch of the Services, but as I had volunteered for flying duties I had to undergo further medical, educational and aptitude tests at R.A.F. Padgate near Warrington. The R.A.F. call this attentation, a word you never hear nowadays. They put me on the reserve eventually, being called up when I was 18 and a quarter.

After a spell of flying I went by troopship to the Middle East, though they didn't tell me at the time. One of the items I was fitted out with was a pith helmet which I never wore - nor did anyone else for that matter.

We disembarked at Port Fouad which is opposite Port Said on the easter side of the\Suez Canal. Not many people know that! From there we travelled by train to Alexandria, and then by truck to a place called Gianallis, an R.A.F. desert station. It was here that I saw my first mirage.

One of my memories of Egypt is the poverty. At Alexandria one of the airmen threw a crust from the back of the truck which was pounced on by an Arab boy who devoure it. Today I never waste food and it annoys me the number of people who take more than they need and then leave it on the plate. When I ask them why they have done this they say they have had enough. Why did they take it in the first place?

After Egypt I was transferred to Palestine, travelling by train across the Sinai. This line is no longer in use. In Palestine I was able to visit Bethleehem, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea,etc. It is true you can't sink in the Dead Sea, but it is not possible to walk on the water!

They say after a year in the Middle East you talk to yoursself, after two years you talk to the lizards, after three you find the lizards talking to you.

I went out to the Middle Eaast on the Cunard liner Samaria, and came back on the Bibby liner Devonshire. Why is it that you can't get postcards of these two ships at the Albert Dock Maritime Musem?

I hope this short narrative has been of some interest of those who might read it

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