Service and VE celebrations at RAF Takoradi West Africa

Ray Frewing (the contributor) was born in 1922, and he was called up for the Second World War. He trained at Cosford. Ray was posted to Takoradi, (now Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana) West Africa, in 1941 flying with pilot and a representative of the British Government there to make arrangements for after the war. [During the Second World War, RAF Takoradi was an important staging point for British aircraft destined for Egypt. Planes were shipped in crates to Takoradi where they were assembled then flown via Nigeria and Sudan to the war in Libya.] Ray was an Air Frame fitter and engine fitter.

One flight was hit by lightning during a hurricane, the pilot lost all controls and managed to land at a camp with a grass strip.

During VE week 13th to 19th May 1945 (as shown by the programme) the celebrations were held in the open air, including football. The programme shows for example, RAF and SAAF (South African Air Force) personnel enjoyed this "By kind permission of the Commanding Officer" and that"this full week's programme is separate from, and follows, the special two day celebrations immediately after V Day, during which Bush and Motor boat trips, Games, and other events will be carried out as displayed in SRO'S and announced by CВО". Activities include football; whist drive, Jerry Peart and RAF Dance Band; and rhythm [sic] club at the Meppidrome; floodlit football; films at the Cinette and the Garrison theatre; horse racing; Olde English Fayre (stalls, coconut shies etc.); Illuminations. The members of the committees: S/Ldr. Peerless (S.Ad.O.), F/Lt. Clarey (Ent. Officer), Sgt. Peart (i/c Sports), Sgt. Stanley (Fête), Cpl. Clark and Lac. Briggs (Sports), Cpl. Hall (SAAF) and Sgt. Belton (i/c RAF C.B.O.); W/Cdr. Kerswell; F/Sgt. Izett; Sgt. Belton; Sgt. Stanley; Cpl. Hall; and Lac Le. Grys. The programme ends with"Keep this Programme it may be worth £5!", it cost 6 pence.

The photograph album from Africa includes notes next to images like"The Emir Of Kano";"Moslem Religious Procession Sallu Day";"Bowing To The Emir";"Pagan Women";"Marcel?" in front of a shop sign;"Muzzled Hyena";"Baby Chipmonk" [sic];"Bottle Fed";"Parakeet, Antelope";"Cocoa Beans";"Down With The Tories / Frankie" [possibly a reference to the UK general election 5th July 1945];"Beach Scene";"A Fishing Village";"The Happy Hunter" with"Maybe This Is What He Shot";"A Gold Seam Is Uncovered Aboso Gold Mine"

Later Ray spent time in Lubeck, Germany. He found there that the older inhabitants were friendly, the young however were indoctrinated, members of the Hitler Youth and the like.