Joining Up

The National Service Act of 1948 required all males aged 17 to 21 to serve in the armed forces. Originally 18 months, this was extended to two years. However, if your 20th birthday fell during an apprenticeship, you could defer until it finished.

My apprenticeship as a pattern maker ended on January 16th, 1955. The next day, January 17th, I started my RAF career.

Rather than wait to be called up for National Service, I had volunteered as a three-year Regular. The decision was partly financial - Regulars were paid £3 per week compared to 28 shillings for National Servicemen. But I also wanted to learn a proper trade and see something of the world.

Before joining, I had to pass a medical at Queensferry House in Edinburgh. We stripped, coughed, and were prodded by doctors. "A1" was the verdict - fit for service.

The trade of armourer was not my first choice. At Padgate, during my career interview, I initially considered the RAF Police. But watching them at work changed my mind - they seemed to spend most of their time being unpopular. The interviewing officers suggested armourer instead, and I agreed.

My service would take me from the induction centre at Cardington, through basic training at Padgate, trade training at Kirkham, and finally to operational service at RAF Leconfield with the Fighter Weapons School. Along the way, I would work on Venoms, Meteors, and Hunters - the jet fighters that formed Britain's first line of defence during the Cold War.

I would also meet lifelong friends, experience the camaraderie of service life, and learn lessons that would stay with me forever. This is my story.