John joined the RAF In August 1950 and signed up for five years. He was an engineering mechanic. He loved hitching rides in the planes he serviced. The pilots were pleased to take him – it reassured them that their planes were flight worthy. He broke his leg playing football and spent six months recovering before he could get back to active service. John served in Germany for a good part of his time. This included the period of the Berlin blockade and the outbreak of the cold war with Russia. He left the RAF in 1955, after turning down another five year commission he left the RAF. His rank was that of SAC, office no 3507906. In later years he would without doubt watch every trouping of the colours by HM the Queen and say, marching was a joy to be part of. His service record... Square bashing at Henslow in Luton 93 squadron - Celle / Germany on Vampire aeroplanes 87 squadron - Wahay / Germany – Meteors aeroplanes 115 squadron - Marham / Norfolk, Canberra bombers 9 squadron - Bingbrook, Lincs Canberras bombers