大象传媒

I joined the R.A.F. in 1941 and served until 1946. My first job was on a new system of airfield defence which consisted of a series of small rockets around the airfield each controlled from a pill-box. If an enemy aircraft dived low to attack, one pushed a button at the right time and the line of rockets would go up attached to a steal cable. These would hang from a small parachute for a short period, and you can guess what would happen if a plane flew into them. Rather like the barrage baloons. In 1942 the RAF Regiment was formed and we became amongst its first members, much to our dismay as we had joined the RAF not a Regiment. ;However looking at the fine body of men they became especially with their drill routine at military shows, we must be proud to have been the first members. This system of defense was disbanded and a number of us went onto an engine mechanics course and I spent the rest of my time as ground crew on the fine Wellington bomber or at maintenace depots. In 1943 we were posted to the Middle East and I spent half the time in Egypt and half in Palestine until demob in 1946. In Oct/Nov 1943 the allies were in Italy, so we had almost a quiet "cooks" tour in the Middle East.

Another first was that our convoy was the first through the Mediterranean after the North Africa Campaign and went past Gibraltar in braod daylight. That night somewhere off Spain we were raided by aircraft but got through ok. The next morning was a Sunday and there was a lovely quiet service after the noisy night. It impressed me much as I was and am a church member and thek the Lord for all he has done for me. Strange to say my next contact with German military was when a group of prisoners worked with us on packing up engines at the war end. The Middle East time was very interesting in seeing all round Palestine and from Egypt even getting to Luxor and the marvels of ancient Egypt, all in leave time and for which today would be costly.

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