Bernard McDonnell was my Dad. Trained up in the early 50's at Blackbushe. Used to cycle to HR from Woking, couldn't afford his own car 'till 1958! Approach Control at HR then West Drayton. I remember being taken up into the old tower a couple of times in late 50's, the dark radar room and the observation room at the top. Retd from West Drayton 1979. Passed away in 2009, and Mum in Sept this year. Had a ATCO colleague called Pat Carroll, also deceased, although I think Mrs Carroll is still around.
Entered active service WW2 early 1945, (delayed/transferred training) 55 squadron (navigator) but missed Alamein (1942) Kept in touch with his crew at least up to the '90's.
Had a brother, Jo, killed in a Hurricane off I o W, 1942. I have service records.