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.

Caught Skiving Off, by Joe Armstrong (Airframe) - May 2004

Apprentices learning to make repairs to a fuselage of a Bristol Blenheim in the workshops at Halton, ~1944. © IWM (CH 1039)Hockey played a big part of my life at both Halton and subsequent RAF Stations.

One weekend in my third year I snuck back home. I was back at Halton on the Saturday afternoon as I was to play for the school. At the same time the Station team had a match against Slough. I had friends in the Slough team so my return to Halton was in one of their cars - in civvies.

After their game the Slough team were invited back to the Officers Mess, by the Officer who took us for GST, for a beer and to look at the Rothschild Gold Ceiling. So far, so good. I had a half of Red Barrel on his bar bill and stood at the bar while the rest trooped out heading for the Gold Room. All was quiet. One lone figure came in and went to the end of the bar. I was spotted, He said nothing, just stared, chin in hand propped on the bar. Who was he? Our Squadron Leader General Studies officer! I left for The Gold Room. Viewing over, we all returned to home to Slough.

The next week I was called to go and see Sqdn Ldr Barrett. He said, 'Apprentice, don't do it again. Go and get your lunch.'

In retrospect we didn't get away with much - or did we carry those lessons with us, and dealt with all and sundry (people and situations) throughout the rest of our careers accordingly?

I thought the whole episode to be hilarious; I had no thoughts as to what the consequences might be.