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Anecdotes

The Cold War

by TonyWalker | Sat, 04/05/2002 - 14:17

One day before the 15th May news came in that Russian submarines were in the area which caused some concern and the New Zealand navy sent three destroyers to help us. The next night a foxhole was dug just above the beach and the radio operator and his equipment were installed. Guess who was ordered to keep guard through the night with him, yours truly. I could see armed men on the HMS Narvik and a lot of activity. The night passed away peacefully and all was well in the morning. After that we never heard anything else about the Russian’s.

Things I Remember about Christmas Island Life

by TonyWalker | Sat, 04/05/2002 - 14:17

Sgt Goodchild. Officer Mess. Flt Lt Conche. I think he was a doctor. Reg Sewell. A great mate & Cpl Tasker our NCO. Barry. I think he came from Southampton. Robert Lacy, from the north of Manchester. There were many more lads that I had good memories of but I cannot remember their names. Memories: Land crabs that tried to get into your tent in the night. Rats running around the roof of the tent between the inner and outer canvas. Falling down into the big pit one night, that engineers had made for all the bad beer. The tidal wave warning. Seeing a TM Avenger aircraft go into the sea.

ITINERARY

by TonyWalker | Sat, 04/05/2002 - 14:17

Mid January 1957, RAF Lyneham AIRCRAFT: Handley Page Hastings REG: WJ 327 CAPTAIN: Flt. Lt. Hayley 1st Hop: Lyneham to Malta 2nd Hop: Malta to North Africa El Adam 3rd Hop: North Africa to Habanya, Iraq 4th Hop: Habanya to Karachi, Pakistan 5th Hop: Karachi to Colombo, Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka) 6th Hop: Colombo to Changi, Singapore. 7th Hop: Changi to Darwin, Australia 8th Hop: Darwin to Amberley, Australia 9th Hop: Amberley to Fiji. Had full days rest from flying 10th Hop: Fiji to Canton Island. This day we crossed the international date line.

Around The World In 253 Days

by TonyWalker | Sat, 04/05/2002 - 14:17

L.A.C. WALKER, that was me. I was at last kitted out for my overseas posting and ready to go, but I was told that the ship HMS Warrior wasn’t ready and I would be allowed to go home on a 48hr Pass. That made my day, because it would be better than hanging around RAF Innesworth. So, off early to bed and then away home to Manchester…. or so I thought ! Just after 10:00pm that night, an NCO came charging in and called out about seven names, mine included. “Get dressed, pack your kit and get on the lorry outside” he bawled.