I was born in 1930. My family and I lived in Malta, where Walter (my dad) was stationed. We went to Malta on a nice ship, the Viceroy of India. On the outbreak of war, we left Malta on a troop ship, stopping in Marseilles and then a train to Cherbourg. Then onto another small ship to England escourted by two destroyers (as U boats were around by then). Then we moved to 140 Wordsworth Road in Horfield and lived with my Grandmother and Grandfather, plus my Uncles Ron, Gilbert (and Sid -Rons father) and aunties Mable, Mildred and Francis.
In 1940 my parents bought 7 Wallscourt Road, Filton for 拢400 where they lived until 1997.
I went to Filton Avenue school I was 14 in 1944, when I left and worked in the Bristol Aeroplane Company. I worked in the garage of the BAC then as an 'improver'. At the BAC they were making Hercules engines used in Bleinhem bomber and the Beaufighter (a night fighter).
I got married to Jo in 1950 and moved in to the Mead in Filton in 1955 where I have lived ever since. My two sons were born in 1952 (Bob) and 1957 (Nick) both still live in Bristol.
I did my National Service in 1950- doing 4 months training at RAF Padgate, they wanted me to be a cook (at RAF Fakenham), but because I signed on for 3 years, they re-enlisted me as an engine mechanic (trained at St Athins in Wales). Then I went to Conningsbury (Lincs) working on B29s. We lived for free with a Mr Pitwell where Jo worked on the petrol pumps and I mended some cars in my spare time.
I went to Gwelo in S Rhodesia in 1951 (I remember the King died while I was on the ship). Jo joined me later (she was expecting Bob at the time) -she flew over from RAF Lyneham. Bob was born in Gwelo in June 1952.
We returned to Bristol in 1953, when I left the RAF.
In 1955 I started back at Bristol Aeroengines this time workingon the testbeds (working all through Concorde development) retiring in 1993.
Recommended story
Story with photo