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I am writing this to indicate the very young age of some of the members of the armed forces and the responsible tasks that were undertaken by them .I joined the RAF in September 1937 at the age of 16 years six months. I attended the Electrical and Wireless School at RAF Cranwell to train as a wireless operator.Our pay was ninepence per day.In actual fact, we only received two shillings per week and the remainder was put on one side to cover barrack damages etc. If any was left, we were given this when going on leave. Out of the two shillings we were expected to buy all of our toilet requisites, postage stamps, (we had to write home at least once per month) metal polish, blanco and again, if any was left we had a snack in the YMCA or the NAAFI. I was fortunate in that I was a member of the Military Band, and, as a result, I was given a camp cinema ticket each week. Face value was fourpence, but if I did not wish to go to the cinema that week, I would sell it for twopence of threepence (if I could get it !!) On completion of my training in January 1939 I was posted to RAF Manston for flying duties with the School of AirNavigation. The aircraft were Avro Ansons. By this time I was 17 years and 9 months. As I was still under 18 years of age, my pay was ten shilling and sixpence per week, plus a shilling per day flying pay. Not only was I flying in the aircraft, I was also responsible for the maintenance of all the wireless and electrical equipment therein. Imagine my feelings on reaching the ripe old age of 18 years when my pay was increased to 4 shillings and threepence per day (Aircraftsman 1st.class Group 2)plus my shilling per day flying pay. I am now rich !! I will tell all in my contribution at a later stage.