From being an apprentice, which was fun, I became an airman which was even more fun. I was posted to RAF Upwood, working on Lincolns and Canberras. George Roberts and Vic Barber, both from Locking, were there too, which made life easier. I was still not really interested in females - or rather I was interested but unsuccessful. On the other hand, I bought my first motorbike, discovered bitter, and toured the nation at weekends.
Work kept intruding. I had some fun trying to sort out a tail radar called Orange Putter, which I never did get to work, but the research I had to do gave me a taste for more learning. I went from junior technician to corporal to corporal technician in short order, and I did a Physics A Level on day release at Cambridge Tech. College. That, with my apprentice background turned out to be enough to apply for an RAF Cadetship. So, off to Dædalus House at Cranwell for selection. When ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise...
I was, of course, soon to learn who was with it, and who wasn't - but then, that's life. Meanwhile, notice the superior looks, poses and - for me - the top button undone, fighter-pilot style. Dreamer!
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Cranwell, 1956 |
Chance plays such a large part in these things. Most of the applicants were civilans, many from university. I felt that they were not quite with the real world yet. So, when I was coming downstairs one morning and found the carpet stay had come loose, I bent down and replaced it. Not, Im afraid because it was the responsible thing to do. No, more because I thought those dozy civilians would not even see it and might damage themselves |
When I straightened up, there was one of the selectors with a clipboard - loosening the stay had been a test, and several of my civilian chums had stepped over it and gone to breakfast!
Supreme irony - I had been passed over, as an apprentice, for officer selection at RAF Locking, due to my being stripped of my (minor) rank for wearing civilian clothes. Five apprentices from 70th Entry did go to Dædalus House for selection, and I heard that all failed - at least first time round. Was I, the disgraced one, going to get through?
Suddently, there I was, at Henlow, with all these others, mostly younger than me, all brighter. Some had "S" Level Mathematics, half had qualified for university entrance. Luckily, I was not the only ex-apprentice, so at least I would have company in the dwango!
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There were some 24 of us, split equally between Electricals and Mechanicals. I was an electrical, apparently, and the picture shows the 12 of us during some factory visit. We got to know each other very well, in a pressure-cooker environment of full-time academics and sport, with all the military stuff piled on top just for good measure. That's me, 6th from left... |
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Starting with Athletics, following pictures emphasize the sport at Henlow. Most of us had a go at most things. Enthusiasm was high, talent was perhaps less evident as we could not put in enough time for practice. Sports teams tended to include Electricals and Mechanicals, and all three years too. Can you spot me? Dig the crew cut. |
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After 3 years as a cadet, time came to earn our keep as very junior officers. Little did we know what lay ahead. I, for instance, was to meet up with this bevy of beauties, one of which was destined to become my wife.
Meanwhile, they were posing for some pin-up picture - Air Traffic Control, RAF Duxford. (Now, part of the RAF Museum.)
Of course, tender young officers were not allowed to fraternize with other ranks of the opposite persuasion. Right.
Last updated: Nov 2005
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