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I became Bill Foxley's office boy in the CEGB at the age of 17. His Liverpudlian sense of humour was infectious, and, in order to find out more about his past at East Grinstead burns unit, I read Bill Simpson's book,"By Way of Recovery". Although he often thought of me having the usual disrespect for my elders, I respected him as a great hero, and, together with an ex-Chief Petty Officer, an ex Commando, and the boss from the Army too, it was never a dull moment.
In 2003, I saw Bill marching at the Cenotaph,on TV, and was thrilled to see him after all that time. So, at the age of 62, I confronted him at Horse Guards Parade last year, the first time he had met the "Young Whippersnapper" for over 45 years.
The meeting was only brief, but I went home full of pride for the man I still regard as a hero.
Nor will I forget the lunchtime phone call for Bill from a certain "Archie" one day. To have talked with Sir Archibald Macindoe personally was a huge experience, and one I will never forget, having read of his work at East Grinstead.
I am very proud of Bill, always will be, and knowing him has been both a pleasure and a very great privilege.

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