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I joined the RAF and was sent away for six weeks training. After the last day, we went out into Warrington. I missed the lorry back to base and had to walk. When I got back, I snuck past the guard, and climbed over the fence. Unfortunately, I was too late for the Sergeants check of the quarters, and I was posted as AWOL.

The next morning I was marched under close arrest to the Guard House. I had to report their every morning, lunchtime and evening, and had to work every night cleaning the toilets or the cookhouse. I had to do that for a week.

Before I was called up I was working in the docks, converting boats into hospital ships. When I got called up, I didn’t go. It was my sisters wedding the next day, but I was told I had to report anyway. I didn’t, but went in on the Monday instead. I got away with that one!

I was posted to the USAF base at Burtonwood. They had the same rations as us, but also had perks such as gum and pineapples.

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