大象传媒

George鈥檚 Story

Started work as an apprentice motor mechanic. There were two other lads slightly older than me, we got on alright. We went on pub visits together. We were underage, but nobody was bothered. In the corner of the garage, there was a pile of old motorbikes and two or three Austin 7鈥檚. We got one of the Austin鈥檚 to start and I learnt to drive the hard way. Start the engine, let in the clutch and away. May be airborne for a few yards but soon got things sorted. Working in the garage on a mixture of cars my favourite being two-seater MGs, a Railton straight 8 and standard specials, these were later SS Jags. A major from Burton Road Barracks, I think his name was Butterworth, talked the mechanics into joining the Territorial Army and he said extra money for doing nothing and 14 days holiday. But as war broke out they were all called up which left us three lads to run the place. I suppose we grew up quickly.
Our favourite pub was the Saracen鈥檚 Tap. the attraction was the landlord鈥檚 daughter. One was fair haired called Pearl. Course we also visited the cinema. I remember the Plaza and the Exchange both had the same usherettes. Flash Gordon was a serial at the Exchange. One girl that worked at both cinemas had auburn hair and was very attractive. Still met old pals from Hampton Street School. Finally they all went in the forces most in the RAF or Army and one in the Royal Marines.
Later on we started getting Army trucks in for inspection and repair. Wally came to us he was older and knew the boss. At that time a plane crashed into the church next to the garage I think it was a Hamden.
The local doctor鈥檚 son had joined the RAF and left his 350 Norton in the garage. The boss asked if anyone can ride it. I learnt to drive a car without any help so I got on the Norton and took it from there. Nobody bothered about license or anything. Thinking back I had been driving the breakdown truck on the road at about fifteen years old.
We delivered two Army trucks at a time to Castle Downingtown after we had done the repairs. We put the Norton in the back of one truck and poor old Wally hung on the back of the bike while I drove it back to Lincoln. Often thought after how he felt in those days.
Going to the cinema in those days and seeing all the war action we got carried away somewhat. Torpedo boats and Gunboats speeding through the water shooting up everything in sight.
Remember little things like an unexploded bomb dropped near the High Bridge. It was cornered off but we managed to get through, I suppose that was after leaving the pub saying lets go have a look.
On my eighteenth birthday I told the boss I was joining the Navy. No my lad you are reserved occupation repairing military vehicles. He tried to stop me but I managed to go to Portsmouth. Pompey Barracks was very overcrowded the only en-suite was sleeping on a table if you were lucky, or finding a floor space. I was told to see the GPO for an interview he didn鈥檛 know a lot about petrol engines more steam or diesel. I told him I wanted to go on Torpedo boats and he replied 鈥測ou鈥檒l go on what we put you on鈥�. I said that 鈥淚 am not due for calling up and if I cannot go on a Torpedo boat I鈥檒l go back to Lincoln鈥�. I had to pass a grade for the Packard engines but this was no problem. Was moved to a barracks in Gosport for a very short period marching and using a rifle on the range. Next some of us were told to stay in accommodation ashore. This was a house with mother and daughter.
Starting the day we went to Portsmouth dockyard HMS Sultan to dismantle and reassemble a Packard engine.
I was now leading Motor Mechanic MMA.

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