I was nine years old when war was declared in 1939. I was fifteen when it ended in Europe. Later, in company with most young men of my time, I served two years with the colours and three and a half years in the reserves - National Service. My two years was as a member of the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regt. stationed at Shornecliffe and Canterbury. My reserve service was in the Territorial Army, The Parachute Regt.10 Para. H.Q. at Rochester Row, London. My rank was Corporal.