Yes – I remember – Charles James (22/24th) Entry

At the age of 88 I am just left with many memories of life. Living alone and being widowed sixteen years ago does not really help. Fortunately, I am still able to drive. The way things have deteriorated in UK during the last twenty years , especially under the present government really upsets me. When I left the RAF in 1969 we still had a large service presence which has now vanished and we are extremely vulnerable. After serving for 16 years with the RAF including my apprenticeship and despite good times and bad times, I met some very good friends. Sadly, they have all passed away now . I stagger to my local pub every day for a quick drink but do not enjoy the banter of the remaining customers anymore. At one time there many friends of mine there who had all served in the armed forces during WW2 . All very interesting including a retired Group Captain ex Halton apprentice who had been awarded three DFCs , a DFM , An American Silver Star an AFC and a CBE . A famous Hurricane pilot who went on to be British Air Attache in Australia. Started in the Battle of Britain as a Sergeant Pilot , Latterly took on the Japanese in Burma. Named Frank Carey. I have a signed copy of a book written about him. Believe it or not I have just discovered that I am a fifth cousin of Prince Harry and William. Having had an illegitimate great-grandfather who was the son of the Duke of Devonshire who was the son of one of Princess Diana’s ancestors I wait with hope for my inheritance!