Howard, John Peter (Oral history)

British aircraftman served with RAF in GB, 1946-1948; served with RAF in GB, 1948; served with RAF Regt in GB, Egypt and Iraq, 1948-1952; served with RAF in Iraq and GB, 1952-1954

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Matlock area and Chesterfield, 1928-1946: social circumstances; education; effects of war on Chesterfield, 1939-1945, including absence of German bombing on Chesterfield, rationing, blackout and local scandals; work as grocery apprentice, 1942-1946; background to failed attempt to enlist into army; call up into RAF, 2/1946. Period at RAF Reception Centre, Padgate, 2/1946: kitting out; rat problem; food rations; fatigues. Period at Deanthorpe RAF Station, 1946: basic training; story of mistreating civilian during visit to Kettering. REEL 2 Continues: story of mistreating civilian during visit to Kettering; story of ruse played on unpopular recruit. Period as aircraftman at RAF Records Office, Gloucester and RAF Station, Newton, 1946-1948. Demobilisation and period in Chesterfield, 1948-1949: difficulty in adjusting to civilian lifestyle; work in building trade; re-enlistment into RAF, 1949. Various postings as aircraftman in GB, 1949. Period training with RAF Regt at Catterick Bridge Camp, 1949: reasons for transfer; weapons training on PIAT, 2" mortar, Sten gun, Bren gun and rifle; night exercises. Period with 62 Sqdn, RAF Regt at El Hamra, Egypt, 1950: flight out; choice of posting as regular; routine duties. REEL 3 Period with 2nd Armoured Car Sqdn, RAF Regt at Habbaniyah Camp, Iraq, 1950-1952: RAF dispositions in Middle East; reception; hut accommodation; food rations; pattern to training; guard duties and question of problem of Arab intruders; story of drunken NCO; drinking habits in canteen; story of dispute with officer; plans of parachute section; parachute training at Kasfret RAF Station, Egypt; cancellation of plans for parachute section; -; circumstances of leaving unit. Period at Shaibah RAF Station, 1952-1954: anti-mosquito duties police guard duties. Demobilisation, 1954. Post-service career in building trade.