I joined the service on January 2 1947 as a Probationary Air mechanic. After passing out as an Air mechanic (Airframes) I went to the newly opened Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, initially in the Oxygen Bay, then joining 790 Squadron who had recently arrived with their Mosquitos.
Towards the end of 1947 the powers that be decided that they could save having 4 different trades doing Daily Inspections if they trained one man to do all.4 trades, so selected Air Mechanics were to undertake the training and I was one of them. This would certainly reduce the number of people on a squadron, especially in font line squadrons aboard ships. So I undertook training Engines, Electrical, and Ordnance (E.L. and O) with a bit of Parachutes and Dinghies, Instruments and Meteorology, and at the end on passing out I became a Naval Airman 1st Class, Aircraft Mechanic 2nd Class I then supposedly had to serve on a squadron for 3 months before being able to sign the Form A 700 . I was on 762 at the time again at RNAS Culdrose and AEO and two other trades Officers got me through in 2 months and qualified. I now became known as Pilot’s Mate, which was to put me on the pathway to join HMS Glory.
At the end of October 1949 I was to join the 14th Carrier Air Group (CAG) Night Fighter Unit (NFU). HMS Glory at that time was in the United Kingdom, but had sailed for the Mediterranean before I had completed my leave and done everything associated with going overseas. I finally caught up with HMS Glory in Malta, though she was on a cruise at that time , so it was February before she returned and the aircraft flew to RNAS Hal Far, and there my association with Glory for the next 2 years began.
The CAG at that time was 804 (Sea Furies), 812 (Firefly 5s.) and our small NFU with just 4 Firefly NF1s. My aircraft was 215/R and I was responsible for it apart from Radio and Radar. I also had a permanent Aircrew. Pilot. Lt. Peter Hiles and Observer Lt. Roberts, who in turn were relieved by Lt. T.G.(Tom) Davies and Chief Aircrewman Ted Dingley. We were a small and a very Happy Group, independent to the rest of the Air Group, undertaking our own flying activities both on and of the ship, plus our own Social events.
My time with the NFU and Glory was very enjoyable apart from Sea Sickness, and in the air sometimes, which didn’t deter me from doing it when possible. I think it pleased my Pilot’s as well that I wanted to fly. A memorable flight was taking part in a Flypast along with RAF aircraft over Valletta in June 1950 in Celebration of the Birthday of King George VI. So much happened to me during that year , and I don’t think I will ever forget any of it. I could write pages on that time alone as so much happened, but will leave it there for now.
Glory goes home. Not sure of the date, but it was in early December 1950 that Glory minus the Air Group, which was to stay at Hal Far sailed for the UK. To return again with a fresh crew. At Hal Far our accommodation was at Lower Camp, in old wartime Nissan Huts. Where on Christmas Day it poured with rain, but the Hal Far Captain. I.S. Robinson, known to us as “ Trunky” visited every hut. Before the actual day, my hut mates all gave me some cash and I went to Valletta on a shopping spree, and we had a good display of Goodies when he visited .
Whilst Glory was away we did very little flying, just enough to keep the aircraft serviceable, as we were told that we were to disband and that the Glory and the Air Group was going to the Far East and that the NFU would not be required. In fact just about every afternoon from January 1st. until March 3rd we had a “Makers” otherwise known as a Make And Mend, (Free afternoon On the afternoon of January 11th. The Air group was lined up and were visited by the then Princess Elizabeth who inspected the front row. I was about middle of that row for our unit and she stopped and spoke to me. The picture I have which I am on shows her 4 people past me . We had the last of many NFU parties. I took part in a CAG show that we performed at Hal Far for two nights, called Show Boat to China. During this quiet time, one evening, I slipped out of the camp in civilian clothes to have a Farewell Dinner with Lt. Davies , his wife Joy and Ted my Observer (also in Civvies)
Re-joined Glory on March 5th and was drafted into 812 squadron a couple of days later. The Air group had increased in size with more aircraft and personnel. The only aircrew member to go with us was Lt. J.W. (Jack) Carter an Observer.
HMS GLORY ASSOCIATION 