My 30 years in the Armament Trade 1953-83
Every branch of Britain’s armed forces makes the headlines when dramatic events take place; the people in the news are normally the army commanders, ship’s captains and pilots who undertake the deeds.
But behind these events are the ‘erks’, the backroom boys, the ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen who willingly serve their Queen and country without making it to the headlines or the news stories.
RAF Plumber recalls the experiences of a Suffolk country boy who served in the Royal Air Force as an armourer for thirty years, supporting the front line as best he could by just getting on with the job. Michael Anderton (or Andy as he was known whilst in the service) recalls the influences of his World War II boyhood and teenage years before joining as an Aircraft Apprentice at RAF Halton.
Posted to Singapore, he was immediately in the thick of the Malayan emergency, undertaking the dangerous task of preparing bombs, rockets and ammunition for the aircraft of three nations.
His story is typical of long term members of the armed forces, making the most of every situation, thoroughly learning his trade to become an expert and Jack-of-all trades. He describes his experiences of bomb disposal at Nicosia Airport after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and, whilst at RAF Wattisham, playing an important role in the liberation of the Falkland Islands.
His story tells the personal details of family events and situations that arose. Of RAF equipment and procedures that many ex-servicemen will recall, and of his efforts to find a job with a niche in the Suffolk countryside after leaving the world of bombs and guided missiles behind.
This book will appeal to all who have served in the Royal Air Force or other branches of the armed forces. It will be of interest to lovers of Suffolk and the countryside where Michael Anderton grew up and now lives. And it should appeal to anyone with an interest in military history, particularly the work of the armament tradesmen who face danger as the norm.
List of Chapters
1. Early Connections - 2. Halton - 3. Tengah - 4. Stafford - 5. Safi - 6. Eight days from Malta - 7. Bomb Disposal - 8. Wildenrath - 9. Coltishall - 10. Akrotiri - 11. Wattisham Lightnings - 12. Wattisham Phantoms - 13. Who needs a civvy Armourer? - 14. Epilogue
Published by: Woodfield Publishing Click here to order from Publisher Publication date: April 2006 Author: Michael Anderton Click here to order from Author ISBN: 1 84638 007 9 Cover Price: £9.95 Pages: Approx 162pp (Paperback) Pictures: 74 - black and white |
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