大象传媒

At the beginning of 1939 I was employed as a fitter at Gloster Aircraft Co. at Hucclecote, Gloucester. At that time we were making Gloster Gladiators and Hawker Henleys. Shortly after we were making Hurricanes. The Germans were making threats. Our Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain visited Germany and then returned with a promise of peace in our time. Within a few days that promise was broken and Poland was invaded. With no withdrawal made Britain and France declared war on Sept 5 1939. Germany were well prepared with their army and air force. The war didnt last long and we had to withdraw using all kinds of boats to cross the Channel. Hurricane production was in full swing. The enemy were bombing our cities and towns. The RAF were very active now bombing and figher activity. Gradually the Battle of Britian was in progress with our fighters winning the battle in the air. One lunchtime I was standing on the edge of the airfield at Gloster Aircraft co. watching a single engined aircraft taxi, take off for about 100 yards and land. I didnt know until later that day it was the first jet made secretly at the factory. That was in April 1941, about this time I was transferred to Ledbury in Herefordshire where we made Typhoon wings. There was a lot of ravelling and nightshift work. I decided to volunteer for the RAF as aircrew. I had my medical in Gloucester and passed ok. This was in December 1942. Later on I travelled to Oxford by train,after a night shift at the factory. When I arrived the first examination was morse code. After more exams, which I did not pass, I feel I was too tired, I was offered a ground staff job, as a flight mechanic. I than had another exam including mathematics, which I passed. I then enlisted for the RAF, given my service number 1850796, which you never forget.

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