National Service at RAF Gaydon

I did the bulk of my National Service at RAF Gaydon, April 1958 to December 1959. I was in equipment accounting and as I arrived as the 1,000 hours flying trials for the Victor bomber began so it was essential that we made sure parts were always available.

I really enjoyed my time at Gaydon and was lucky enough to run for the cross country and athletics team so almost every Wednesday afternoon I was competing somewhere or other.

Gaydon Sports Day

The RAF Gaydon Sports Day was held on a Wednesday afternoon in June and in 1958 I managed a couple of second spots behind Sgt Drever ( possibly Driver) but in 1959 I won the three miles, 880yds, 3,000mtrs steeplechase and one mile. I received four pewter tankards from Mrs Bird, wife of Group Captain Bird.

My wins in the 880yds and one mile were a bit of a surprise as I had never previously beaten Sgt Dave Sargent who was Personal Asst to Group Captain Bird. I was 20 yrs of age and Dave was 25yrs and he ran for Thames Valley Harriers when he managed to get home. He must have had an off day as when we ran for Gaydon against other RAF bases he had always beaten me.

Happy days.