Tales from Halton

Stories and anecdotes from the 69th's time at RAF Halton, between 1951 and 1954. Dates shown refer to when the story appeared in the 69th Association's newsletter.

I flew with Douglas Bader, by Mike Hymers - January 1999

My one claim to fame, or rather reflected glory, is that I can truthfully say that I flew with Douglas Bader.

In 1958 I was stationed at NATO HQ at Fontainebleau (See Pen Portrait in newsletter no 19) on a V.I.P. communications Flight. From time to time Douglas Bader used to be flown over from the UK in one of our Devons. At that time he worked in an executive capacity for one of our large oil companies.

The purpose of these visits was to play golf with Air Marshal McEvoy, a diminutive man with a huge hunchback disability. The two of them must have made an admirable, if incongruous, sight on the golf course.

On one of these visits I was due to return to England on leave on the day that Bader was to be flown home. He offered me, a humble corporal, a lift back with him and his wife in our Devon. The aircraft had four plush seats facing each other each side of the gangway, so it was unavoidably intimate. They were delightful company, showing a great interest in my comparatively hum-drum life and family without the slightest trace of pretentiousness. His wife kept offering Woodbines around from a gold cigarette case.

On arrival at Northolt, Douglas Bader was concerned as to how I was to continue my journey. I had to go to central London to catch the train into Kent. He insisted that I joined them in their chauffeur driven limousine, making a considerable detour to drop me off at Charing Cross station.

A memorable day with a memorable man!