Over many years I have had the pleasure of reading the many perambulations of former Apprentices. Being ex-41st I was naturally particularly interested in any tales of Bircham Newton. I couldn’t help but notice how there were a number of references to Docking Lil. Now rumour has it that Lil was a kindly lady of easy virtue who provided much needed comfort and horizontal pleasure to stressed Apprentices. I would love to tell you this is true – but I just cannot lie to my former fellow inmates.
She was, in fact, a creature of World War II so any Apprentice claiming carnal knowledge of the lady was either a highly accomplished toy boy (before such a thing had been invented) or he had a penchant for ladies of pensionable age. There are one or two ex-colleagues who just might match one of those descriptions. On the basis that I am averse to legal actions I shall not name names!
How do I know this? Sometime in the 1950s there was a television programme called “This is Your Life” presented by a very urbane, suave chap with the splendid name of Eamonn Andrews. One of his “victims” was Richard Burton, a well known actor in his day, quite famous for repeatedly marrying Elizabeth Taylor – and buying her ridiculously expensive diamond jewellery. What you may not know was that he was in the RAF during WWII and was discharged after the war from RAF Docking (a satellite of RAF Bircham Newton) in December 1947. Also at Docking was one Warren Mitchell (Alf Garnett) and Robert Hardy (Siegfried Farnon, All Creatures Great and Small).
During the usual story telling on the programme by various guests and relatives, Mr Burton’s sojourn in North West Norfolk was mentioned. I don’t honestly remember the detail but I think he was not interested in the attractions on offer – save one – Docking Lil! Although he didn’t exceed the bounds of good taste (after all this was the BBC in the fifties) the viewers were left in no doubt that Lil was very obliging and, it would seem, quite accomplished.
The newspapers in the days following the programme sensed a good story. They discovered that Lil was still alive and kicking (although no longer on the front line so to speak) which did cause the BBC a little embarrassment. I don’t think Mr Burton was too bothered!
So chaps, if (like me) you scoured Docking looking for this temptress, we all wasted our time. Shame really, but what would we honestly have done if she had been active when we graced North West Norfolk with our presence? I think I might have returned to the safety of the camp at a high rate of knots.
« Never Go Back – Grahame May (25th) || Another Lousy Christmas – Grahame May (25th) »
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alan Bell, is unable to carry out his role as Website Manager, until further notice.
All website enquiries should be addressed to Steve Day, Newsletter Editor and Vice-Chairman; e-mail: newslettereditor@rafadappassn.org
Tel: 01427 787582
Mobile: 07855 193471
A further update will be issued in due course. Thankyou.