Al Deere - a memory
Quite aside from his illustrious wartime career, Al Deere was a true gentleman in the real sense of the word – easy to get on with, no 'side' whatever and a great sense of humour; in late 1959 he hitched a ride to his home country on my Britannia, when we supported 617 Squadron's three Vulcans on their eventful flight to New Zealand and onwards.
For some reason he incurred the displeasure of the AVM commanding whatever group to which the Vulcans belonged, who was determined that Al should not be with us; however, by dint of appearing on the ramp at the last possible moment, hiding behind whatever cover was available until the AOC's Comet departed, he managed to evade detection and got home safely. As this VSO was not particularly well liked, we were only too glad to assist Al in any way we could.
We eventually returned to UK with only one Vulcan as company, but that is another story!