Let me introduce myself.  I was born in February 1936, in Stoke on Trent. I joined the army as a boy entrant in the Royal Artillery at Bradbury Lines, Hereford in 1952.  I had tried to go to the Army Apprentices school, but missed the entrance exam date.  After mustering I served in BAOR with 48 Field Regt, and moved with them to Korea, and afterwards Malaya.  I was by trade first a TARA, then a Battery Surveyor.  I finally managed to escape and transfer to R.E.M.E. in October 1957, completing a VM basic course at REME training Centre, Singapore.  I returned to 48 Field but now in the LAD.  Shortly afterwards Pt I orders had a notice for volunteers to transfer to Aircraft Technician, so I stepped forward.  Early June 58 saw me on my way to some place with the quaint name of Middle Wallop, to join course No 13, the new, extended, aircraft tech course, a huge 16 weeks!!  It was during this time I met and married a dragon.

I served for a short while with 654 Squadron in Hildesheim, prior to a posting to Malaya to join 656 for the first time in ’61.  Whilst I enjoyed my time with the Squadron, my life with ’er indoors was a nightmare, which reflected upon my job.  It is very true that to get on well in any employment, it is the support and encouragement from the partner that will make or break it. I served in Taiping, Seremban, Kluang and Brunei with various flights and workshops during 2 tours.  I left the service in 1976 and within 2 years I left the wife as well.  Shortly after this I met up with a wonderful lady who was everything the ex was not, and we got married in 1982.

 It was whilst attending a Wallop air-show in 1995, as an AACA member I came across Nobby Clark in the pavilion, surrounded by memorabilia of 656.  I showed an interest and was promptly enrolled!

In 1999 I volunteered to assist in the running of the Association as Nobby is not getting any younger. I know Nobby is going to be one very hard act to follow, but with good support from my wife and the membership, and knowing I can always call on Nobby for advice, I will do my best to continue and further the Association.