Interview with Alec Robert Watson

British NCO served as air mechanic with 194 Sqdn, RAF in Federation of Malaya, 2/1953-12/1953

REEL 1 Background in London and Essex, GB, 1933-1952: memories of declaration of Second World War and evacuation to Wales, 3/9/1939; school friend accidentally killed by grenade; family; German Air Force raids; education; interest in photography. Aspects of enlistment and training as air mechanic with Royal Air Force in GB, 1/1952-8/1952: call-up for National Service and preference for service with Royal Air Force, 1/1952; description of training as air mechanic in GB. Recollections of period as air mechanic with Royal Air Force in Singapore, Federation of Malaya, 10/1952-3/1953: posting to Federation of Malaya, 9/1952; three week voyage aboard HMT Empire Fowey from Southampton, GB to Singapore, Federation of Malaya, 9/1952-10/1952; arrival at RAF Changi, Singapore; opinion of accommodation; description of tropical uniform; description of training on helicopters with Casualty Evacuation Flight. Recollections of period as air mechanic with 194 Sqdn, RAF in Federation of Malaya, 2/1953-12/1953: formation of squadron at RAF Sembawang, Singapore, 2/1953; method of refuelling helicopter; co-operation with Royal Navy; transfer to Kuala Lumpur; attitude to climate; maintenance of helicopters. REEL 2 Continues: story of ten day operation in jungle; co-operation with Special Air Service and survival skills; description of ration packs; opinion of Gurkha troops; further details of posting to Kuala Lumpur; monsoon weather; story of nearly falling out of helicopter on Coronation Day, 2/6/1953; use of helicopters to spray weed killer on crops; composition of squadron; attitude towards Malayan National Liberation Army insurgents; duties flying out bodies of dead Malayan National Liberation Army insurgents; problems of landing helicopter in jungle and use of smoke to identify landing area; treatment of wounded; use of helicopters to transport Very Important Persons (VIPs); use of personal camera. REEL 3: communication with home and receipt of food parcels; recreational activities; cheapness of handmade clothes and shoes; attitude to local population and fear of attack; attitude towards Korean War; technical problems with helicopters; story of recovering body from jungle; attitude to role with 194 Sqdn and opinion of squadron officers; attitude to servants; prior recollection of period as evacuee in Wales, 1939; recreational activities in Federation of Malaya; attitude towards Americans. REEL 4 Continues: opinion of other troops including Gurkhas and Special Air Service personnel; attitude to indigenous people in Federation of Malaya; story of lightning strike on helicopter; reflections on service with Royal Air Force in Federation of Malaya; problem of malaria and treatment; return to GB and difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, 1954; description of jungle uniform and problem of leeches; smoking; camp entertainments including cinema; memories of fellow servicemen; description of local food; opinion of local population; later post-service visit to Malaysia.