Tales from Halton

Stories and anecdotes from the 69th's time at RAF Halton, between 1951 and 1954. From the Haltonian Magazine, 2007.

Goonskins, by Gordon Hocking and John Stroud

Peter Ritchie's query about `goonskins' in the last issue [of the Haltonian magazine] recalled memories of marching to and from 'Airfields', which, for my entry, came in the winter. We were issued with the black oilskins for this part of training and they certainly kept us dry. However, one particularly cold day, arriving back at the Wing my hands were so frozen that I could not get the buttons undone to answer an urgent call to the bog. Relief was only possible when one of the lads undid them for me - there's true comradeship!

Now, let me unburden my conscience to one and all. Members of my entry have forgiven me, so I hope that everyone else will. I have the dubious privilege of having been (probably) the only ex-brat SNOOP!!! Oil dermatitis forced me out of engine work when I still had six years left to serve. Because of the "high cost of Halton training", the authorities would not discharge me and I was forced to re-muster. The six years were interesting to say the least, on several occasions I shared a billet with snoops who had been at Halton when I was there as an Apprentice.

Gordon Hocking, 69th

In the last issue, p9, there is a reference to 'goonskins'. I think that the stock of them must have been constantly replenished, since when we were at Halton, 1953/54, the senior entry were always issued with them for the Airfield Phase. Certainly we had them and called them 'Trog Macs'. A good piece of kit when the alternative was a greatcoat or the damned awful groundsheet!

J K Stroud, 69th.