42nd Boy Entrants 1961
Hard to believe, but 57 years ago today, several hundred 15 and 16 year old boys, including me, arrived at RAF St Athan (4 Sof TT) to join the Royal Air Force. On 24 Jan we were attested and signed on. I found my Attestation form yesterday! Stayed in the Service until the bitter end and then became an RO at Cranwell. Spent a few years with the unforgettable Vulcan. Loved it!
A bit of a different RAF today, a fraction of the size, not too many overseas places to go, but I don't regret it for a minute. Nearly 60 years later and I'm still in uniform (not the original one, but still getting a bit tight). Vice-Chairman of our Sqn Assoc. Our Annual Reunion Weekend in Jun still brings in wartime vets; wonderful old men with a lust for life and a hoard of memories of the 1940s.
Having climbed a bit up the greasy pole, I can now see the RAF for what it really is. Too bad we lack support in Parliament, but that is a personal view. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
BW to any 42nd brats on this thread.