Memories of a boy armourer
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posted on 2024-06-05, 19:32 authored by Their Finest Hour Project TeamBorn in May 1920. Born to coalminer and a maid. Joins the army in October 1937 as a boy armourer, aged 17. In September 1939, he was sent to Singapore with 62 Squadron, Calcutta in 1942 and Burma, where he adopted a monkey. In 1944, with 34 wing.
On 1 January 1945, he was injured in Operation Bodenplatte. In hospital for 2 days. On 27 November 1944, he was recommissioned per appointment for commissioned rank. Commissioned 24 October 1945.
Postwar - became a permanent member of RAF regiment, serving in Libya, Cyprus, Southern Rhodesia. Received Burma Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Service Medal, Arabian Peninsula and Palestine Medal.
1963 - MBE for serving in Libya. His last appointment was as wing commander.
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John Raymond SpencerPerson who shared the story/items
Fran SpencerRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
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Shared at National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on 17 February 2024.Record ID
118570 | NMA031Usage metrics
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Their Finest HourWorld War TwoAfricaAfricanAir ForceArmed ForcesArmiesArmyAsiaAsianBritainBritishBritish EmpireBurmaBurma CampaignBurmeseEmpireEuropeEuropeanFranceFrenchGermanGermanyHealthHealthcareHospitalLibyaLibyanMedalMedicMedicalMedical ServicesMedicineMilitaryMyanmarPhotoPhotographPhotographsPhotosRAFRoyal Air ForceSingaporeSouth East Asia
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