At the outbreak of World War Two on Sunday 3 September 1939 I was working as a clerical officer at a hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, where I lived with my family. Like any normal person at that time I wanted to fight for my country and as soon as I turned 18-years-old in July 1940 I volunteered for the Royal Air Force. My time as a wireless operator air gunner with the RAF was a great experience and I was proud to have reached the position of flight lieutenant by the time I left in 1946. When I was with the force I saw countries I never would have otherwise seen and I met people of cultures I never would have normally encountered. I also made many friends whom I will never forget.
Flight Lieutenant (Jack) H D Farley RAF VR
206 Squadron and 221 Squadron
Coastal Command
jack.farley@talk21.com