262002 Sgt. Charles "Nobby" Clark Royal Air Force RAF Cranwell from:Lincoln, Lincolnshire My father, Charles Clark joined the RAF auxiliaries probably in 1939. He had several training postings. He was re-mustered several times to get on his favourite task, Engines. He was assigned as sergeant in charge of six Hurricanes in station defence for Cranwell. This was stationed at a nearby grass airfield possibly Barkstone Heath?.
I went there with my mum and dad in (I think) 1940. My elder brother (6 years old) was placed on a Hurricane wing. When the engine was started, it backfired with flame issuing from the exhaust. This frightened me and I cried. To get by the gate guard, Mum and Dad hid us 2 boys under coats behind the seats of Dad’s MG sports car.
Dad was later posted to the Middle East. At the cessation of hostilities, Dad was in Iraq (the local terrorist leader at that time was Rachid Ali). Dad made his own way home and then was transferred to Transport Command. We were so pleased to have him back home. I was 9 years old at the time.
|