Interview with Barry Talman

British aircraftman trained at No 2 Reception Centre, RAF at RAF Cardington and RAF Bridgnorth in GB, 3/1952-6/1952; engine fitter trained at RAF St Athan in GB, 6/1952-9/1952 aircraftman and NCO served as engine fitter with 33 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Butterworth in Federation of Malaya, 11/1952-3/1955

REEL 1 Recollections of background in Godalming, GB, 1934-1952: family; social circumstances; education; awareness of outbreak of Second World War, 3/9/1939; issue of gas mask; use of communal air raid shelter; blackout; German Air Force raids; father's reserved occupation and service with Home Guard; lack of adult supervision and recreational activities. REEL 2 Continues: relations with Canadian and American troops billeted in Godalming area; perceptions of Second World War; food and clothing rationing; street parties, VE Day, 8/5/1945; service with Army Cadets at Drill Hall, Farncombe, 1945-1946 including uniform, drill, .22 rifle range training, attending summer camp on Isle of Wight and polio scare; construction of cycle speedway track in quarry and competitive races; employment with engineering company, 1949-1952; visits to dance halls and cinema. REEL 3 Continues: Aspects of enlistment as aircraftman with No 2 Reception Unit, RAF at RAF Cardington, GB, 3/1952: call-up for National Service with Royal Air Force, 3/1952; tests and medical; decision to sign on for four years regular service; reporting to No 2 Reception Unit, RAF Cardington including kitting out and hair cut. Recollections of basic training as aircraftman at RAF Bridgnorth, GB, 3/1952-6/1952: prior selection for training as engine fitter; reception; use of hutted accommodation; morning routine; rations; drill; physical training; gas masks and gas chamber test; reaction to Royal Air Force lifestyle; weapons training on rifle, bayonet and Bren Gun; preparations for room and kit inspections. REEL 4 Continues: relations with recruits, instructors and officers; canteen; visits to Bridgnorth; hospitalisation and fear of back-squading; passing out parade. Recollections of period training as engine fitter at RAF St Athan, GB, 6/1952-9/1952: lifestyle and relaxation of discipline; question of weekend leave in London area; theoretical training; practical training on maintaining Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine; opinion of Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine; basic skills required as fitter and value of previous engine modelling experience; fatigues during confinement to barracks; assessment and passing as aircraftman; question of posting to West Germany; reaction to posting to Federation of Malaya. REEL 5 Continues: Aspects of period on draft with Royal Air Force at RAF Kirkham, GB, 9/1952: local leave in Wigan; visit to Blackpool. Aspects of voyage aboard HMT Dilwara from GB to Singapore, Federation of Malaya, 9/1952-10/1952: seasickness; route taken; visit ashore at Aden in Aden Protectorate; conditions on board. Recollections of period as engine fitter with A Flight, 33 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Butterworth, Federation of Malaya, 11/1952-3/1955: problems with railway pass and visit to RAF Kuala Lumpur; train journey including issue of rifles, question of adequacy of weapons training and jungle terrain; nature of bungalow accommodation; climate; reception; memories of Sergeant Sinfield; airstrip and dispersal area; characteristics of De Havilland DH.103 Hornet; including engine constant speed unit, complexity of Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine and oil leaks; engine and propeller replacements; reliability of Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine. REEL 6 Continues: use of engine logbook; relations with NCO and officer pilots; memories of Flying Officer Fred Hoskins; story of a fatal accident when Pilot Officer Peter Rathbone in De Havilland DH.103 Hornet F.Mk 3 (WB885) overshot and crash landed, 3/2/1954; acting as crash crew during fatal crash landing; role and equipment of crash crew Land Rover; injury received by accidental firing of rocket from De Havilland DH.103 Hornet; aircraft accidents; use of electrical starter trolley; night guard duties on aircraft dispersal area; mosquito problem; question of internal security situation and relations with between Malay and Chinese civilians; unit role in dropping propaganda leaflets and supporting ground operations against insurgents; routine duties and operational flights; Malay servant; question of learning Malay language; relations with Malay civilians. REEL 7 Continues: recreational activities including cinema and canteen visits; sporting activities; cigarette ration and question of commencing to smoke; recreational visits to Penang Island including cinema, dance halls, drinking habits, question of venereal disease problem, local leave camp and squadron parties; memories of Wing Commander Smith, Squadron Leader Pat Hancock and Sergeant Sinfield; story of allowing friend to tighten engine coolant cap and consequent damage to De Havilland DH.103 Hornet; subsequent disciplinary charge and punishment. REEL 8 Continues; learning to drive with Senior Aircraftman Bill Taylor and his photographic activities; unit moves on exercise; letter and parcel contact with GB; rations and eating Malay cuisine; local leave at Fraser's Hill; sea bathing and sailing; promotion to Senior Aircraftman; enjoyment of posting. Aspects of voyage aboard HMT Empire Windrush from Singapore, Federation of Malaya to GB, 3/1955-4/1955: engine problems; lookout duties watching for men overboard; sunbathing; leave activities. Aspects of period as NCO at RAF Colerne, GB, 6/1955-9/1955: buying car; attitude to demobilisation; nature of duties; question of extending service as regular; demobilisation, 9/1955. Post-service career: work as draughtsman; attending night school and career as mechanical engineer; effects of service with Royal Air Force; membership of 33 Sqdn Association.