Rafshropshirelad

I volunteered for service in the RAF in early 1942, When I’d just become 18 and got three shillings a day; I became a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner right through, And was then sent home to await training, the array. I was called for duty in August ’42 as a Flight Engineer, Many were with me as there was an engineering shortage; I did ground basic training at RAF Padgate which was near, And at RAF Blackpool where we were billeted, no pillage. We assisted with the chores in the Boarding Houses Had to be in by 2200 to rise for physical training (PUT) Which was taken by well known sportsmen, not mouses Or by instructors who were ranked as Corporal PT I was posted to RAF Locking near Weston Super Mare In October where i trained as a Flight Mechanic on engines But before that was Initial training for hand drills to care About hand tool files, micrometers and verniers, questions We had to write papers and were given oral examinations But most of us passed, and we got our glory boys caps I went to St Athan station which had two airfield division Where i accepted promotion to Sergeant and had the taps I’d become a Flight Engineer from an engineer mechanic Sadly one friend out of the five of us failed the course Then we got experience on real aircraft, bit of a panic But I saw them being built, saw the ladys’ elegant force I was located at RAF Woolfox Lodge in Rutland County My first Stirling bomber flight was on 29th July in 1943 Just took over two ours, and then in August, frivolity We went solo to leave for Lakenheath, Suffock free We did mining raids to rid the sea of mines, vital for all And were hit sometimes, especially in “Happy Valley” The Ruhr area, in which the Third Reich did protect, ball And we did a raid on Berlin that took seven hours, merrily Once i was asked to replace another engineer, my choice On another plane, so i did so. But I had to call return to base Only after an our of take off, because the engines had voice The port outer engine had increased pressure, it was my case We did sorties all over France and delivered wanted supplies To a resistance group high in the mountains, quite hidden Near the Swiss border, and i could see the men with my eyes Very clearly, ‘cos they had lit bonfires to see them bidden We called an older crew member Pop, was liked and loved And when I was made redundant it took a while to adjust I for one certainly missed the close bond that never gloved But that always bid you welcome to shout, recoil or bust