Hingston, Bob (Oral history)

British NCO air fitter served with RAF in GB, 1961-1964; detached for tests at Research Centre, Porton Down, GB, 1964; served with RAF in various postings in GB, Aden and Singapore, 1964-1973

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Plymouth, 1943-1961: father's death serving with Royal Navy, 1943; education; recruitment as boy into RAF, 1961. Training as air fitter at Boy Entrant Training School, St Athan, 1959-1961. Period as air fitter at Henlow, 1961-1964: making radar parts; conditions of service. Recollections of period undergoing tests at Research Establishment, Porton Down, 3/1964: background to volunteering for experiments into common cold; system of pay per experiment; train journey with Senior Aircraftman McKay; reception; question of briefing on nature of tests; test involving self administered injection into leg of atropine whilst wearing protective clothing; reactions and question of being returned to unit; test involving laser burns on arm; drinking in Salisbury pubs; test involving liquid mustard gas dripped onto bare arm; test involving exposure to gas without respirator in gas chamber and resulting nausea; absence of medical tests or briefing as to nature of tests. Period as junior technician at Kumaxa, Aden, 1964-1966: role repairing Hunter jets; conditions of service; drinking habits; internal security problems and guard duties. Work on Queen's Flight, RAF at Benson, 1966-1967. Period with 32 Maintenance Unit, RAF, St Athan, 1967-1969: role overhauling Vulcan jets; question of reactions to Porton Down tests. Period at Seleta, Singapore, request for overseas service; effects of promotion to corporal; minimal duties and enjoyment of posting. REEL 2 Period at Church Fenton, 1971-1972. Period with recruitment unit based at Hendon, 1972-1973: mobile exhibitions touring country; background to leaving RAF, 1973. Post-service career: work as casino security officer; effects of RAF service; increasing interest in Porton Down experiments and checking official records; membership of Porton Down Veterans Assoc; development of serious heart and skin problems possibly related to Porton Down tests, 1984-2007; interview by Wiltshire Police; reactions to attending Aircraftman Maddison inquest, 2005; question of compensation claims; attitude to Porton Down tests.