National Service

29th April 2021 Zoom Meeting – National Service – Mike Twells

As a Founder Member of our Club Mike was probably the only one currently, who had experienced National Service, so thought he would like to share some of his memories.

He started in 1956 as an 18 year old, working for an insurance company, enjoying cricket and coaching at Trent Bridge, but deciding to apply for a Teacher Training course at Loughborough College. But he was then contacted by the National Service Recruitment Centre to attend for interview and a medical. It wasn’t really a surprise as the Allies and Russia still regarded each other with suspicion and extra military servicemen were required with Britain’s existing military responsibilities in different parts of the world.

He opted for the RAF as he enjoyed RAF stories from World War 1 and he had an interest in spotting jets, from Meteors to Bombers and Vulcans, and the possibility of seeing such aircraft at closer quarters.

He was ordered to enlist in July, travelling with some trepidation to RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire.  A reception Centre for kitting out recruits and letting them know what to expect in the next two years.  He was set up with 2 sets of Blue uniforms, one for working and training, saving the ‘best’ for going out and on leave. They were also supplied with what was termed a “housewife”, consisting of a small purse with buttons, needles for clothing repairs and a flat piece of metal to slide behind the brass buttons to prevent polish on the jacket. Cutlery with your service number on and a pint mug were also part of the package. His pay was £1...8 shillings per week (£34 todays equivalent) and an identification pass. His civilian clothes were sent home.

Next, after one week came his 8 week training course based at RAF West Kirby, Cheshire.  He classed these as the hardest and most unpleasant weeks of the whole 2 years!  Housed in a billet with 20 others under the control of a Corporal, sergeant and Pilot Officer. The 2 NCO’s he clearly remembers to this day with their instructions delivered in a tone of intimidation and foul language guaranteed to put their recruits in total fear! However they had to convert theses lads to fit, disciplined servicemen ready for active duty.  Marching, saluting, rifle shooting, physical training, cross country, assault courses were the order of every day, with a lot of kitchen duties thrown in for good measure. One recruit had great difficulty in coping, but Mike and his pal brought it to the attention of the Pilot Officer, who relieved the pressure, enabling the lad to complete the course.

Time then to choose the area of work available for the remainder of their service and Mike opted for guarding aircraft on a fighter station, joining the RAF Police (Snowdrops). He was posted to RAF Netheravon, Wilts, Salisbury Plain, where he was trained for 4 weeks in guard room duties, security of property and personnel. From there a posting to Horsham St. Faith complete with Javelin Jets, but this was accommodation as he worked about 8 miles away at an “underground station”, plotting aircraft movement in and out the country…but he was ‘upstairs’ guarding the premises and checking personnel.

Horsham had a running track and when off duty Mike spent most of his time distance running, occasionally hitch hiking to Great Yarmouth, enjoying running on the beach.  Shortly afterwards he was posted to RAF Box, situated between Bath and Chippenham, a beautiful area for running and the station had an excellent cross country team to which Mike was invited to join by the Corporal in charge and they became friends for the following 60 years! Together they competed in Fighter Command races at times crossing paths with 2 well known Olympic runners: Gordon Pirie and Derek Ibbotson.

He didn’t manage to get close to the jet aircraft he desired, but a sort of compensation came racing at 2 “Battle of Britain” stations: Biggin Hill and Stanmore Park.  His last race was at RAF Newton and as a result was granted 3 days leave.

He finally posed the question “Was National Service worthwhile”? Probably as a career he felt but as 18 year olds he could have thought of better ways to spend his time!

Jane proposing a Vote of Thanks for Mike’s very informative and moving presentation.  She said it was difficult to imagine what it was like for young people back then.  However, she sometimes feels it would be a good idea for our country to bring back some form of service for the youngsters of today to teach them discipline and life skills.  This was echoed by President Derek, then well supported with ‘visual applause’                        AR