Description
Object description
British NCO wireless mechanic served with Signal Section, RAF in Hong Kong, 1955-1956
Content description
REEL 1 Recollections of background in Melton Mowbray, 1935-1954: family background and social circumstances; education and sporting activities; Boy Scouts and brass band activities; effects of war, 1939-1945, including impact of wireless, soldiers based locally, playing with ammunition and street party on VE Day, 8/5/1945; work in laboratory for pet food firm, 1951-1954; question of deferment of National Service; rejection due to eyesight after volunteering for regular RAF air crew, 1954; cancellation of deferment and call up for RAF, 4/1954. Period at Reception Centre, RAF Cardington, 4/1954: kitting out; polishing boots; drill; cookhouse fatigues; food rations. Recollections of conditions of service, lifstyle and daily routine during training as aircraftman 2nd class at Recruit Training Centre, RAF, Hednesford, 4/1954-5/1954: reception.
REEL 2 Continues: hut accommodation; relationship with instructor; preparing for room and kit inspections; playing euphonium with camp band and nature of music practices; educational lectures; drill; PT; weapons training including rifle, Bren gun; question of inadequate eyesight; importance of cleanliness; relationship with and origins of recruits.
REEL 3 minimal contact with officers; leave; sports day; status as potential officer prior to failing interview; passing out parade. Recollections of training as ground wireless mechanic at Wireless Training School, Compton Bassett, 5/1954-12/1954: background to posting; status as bandsman; learning to use basic tools and trade test in soldering; theoretical training; training on CR150 and AR88 wireless; tuning and effect of weather; wireless repair; hut accommodation; qualification as wireless mechanic and issue of 'sparks' badge; attending dances and drinking habits; pay and savings.
REEL 4 Continues: background to requesting home posting and posting overseas; embarkation leave, 12/1954. Civilian flight out to Changi, Singapore, 12/1954: turning back after failure to cross Alps; refuelling and overnight stops. Period at Changi Transit Camp, 12/1954-1/1955. Recollections of conditions of service, lifestyle and daily routine with Signal Section, RAF, Kai Tek airfield, New Territories, Hong Kong, dangers of landing on runway and nature of base; reception; brief unsuccessful to service aircraft wireless with Spitfire Squadron; layout and equipment of signal section office; role tuning into signals, patching them through and monitoring signal strength; promotion to leading aircraftman; shift system; minor repairs and replacing fuses; relationship with NCOs and officer; ignorance of signal messages; accommodation; role of Chinese servants.
REEL 5 Continues: status as bandsman; football activities and injury; relationship with NCOs; recreational visits to Kowloon; supply of smuggled cigarettes from Customs; question of joining Hong Kong Police. Overnight stop at Bangkok, Thailand during flight back to GB, 4/1956. Demobilisation, 4/1956. Post-service career: question of remaining in RAF; story of getting drunk on birthday in Hong Kong; return to work for pet food firm; career as teacher, 1960-1992; role as secretary of RAF Association, 1982-2006, including role of Assoc, question of age of membership and reduced size of RAF and question of possible amalgamation with British Legion; enjoyment of RAF service and value of National Service.
