I joined the R.A.F. in 1942 (no. 1820/28):
starting as AC2 Motor Transport Mechanic, then AC1 Motor Transport Fitter, then LAC Motor Transport Fitter 1st Class and finally Inspectorate 1st Class no.182 (Aeronautical Inspection Directorate)
Firstly we were stationed at Arbroath and a number of UK stations including Blackpool, Aberdeen, Inverness, Barra in the Outer Hebrides and Hampshire. We were to be seconded to the Royal Canadian Air Force - to RCAF 126 Wing 412/422 Squadrons.
It was with them that I served in the Advanced Party, where our involvement was to be part of the D Day Landings on 6th of June 1944 at Juno Beach. A DAY TO REMEMBER AND ONE NEVER TO FORGET. The landing operation was to establish a temporary Air Field at Beny Sur Mer in order to provide air cover to the fighting at Caen. This was done with the threat of gunfire from the Spire in the distance.
Our service continued through Holland, Belgium, and Germany. I then returned to serve with the RAF/MTLRU in Germany before returning to the UK for work with the RAF Aeronautical Inspection Directorate at Bristol, London, Birmingham, Sandend & demob in Blackpool in 1947.
At the age of 81, I am fortunate to have taken part in D Day & V E celebrations, and Falkirk Council Freedom of the Town Celebrations. These Celebrations have brought back harrowing memories.
It was only in the last week, that I made a return visit to Beny Sur Mer with my 2 sons. I returned to Normandy for a VERY emotional visit to The Day Of Landing at Juno Beach on June 6th 1944.
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