Insolence
I daresay there are many instances that I have been insolent, particularly when I was young. One day our squadron was on active duty, some thoughtless Indonesian soldiers had captured Borneo and our squadron was the first response. It was five in the morning and I was running as fast as I could across the airfield to get to the pan, (The parking area for planes.) Halfway across the grass I met a group of individuals in uniforms unknown to me. The presumed leader of the group stepped out and hailed me. “I say, airman. I’m looking for an aircraft.”
The man was obviously a twit. “You came to the right place.” I said and hurried on my way. Turning my head toward him I yelled back, “There’s loads of planes over there, mate.” Next morning on routine orders (A sort of camp published News.) Headlines. “Good work men,” ‘We have the enemy on the run. Our planes delivered 600 Gurkhas and tons of munitions to Borneo. One new order – It is not recommended for staff to address the Commander in chief, Royal Navel Forces Abroad as “MATE.” Another time I was elected to spy on Prince Philip. He often visited major airfields and usually did a thorough inspection. My job was to keep out of sight and using a walky-talky keep headquarters informed as where the Prince was headed. Suddenly I spotted him, his entire motorcade was heading my way. I hid behind a bush and waited for them to pass. “Red Four,” I reported. “The Prince is passing Hangar two and heading for the electronics centre.” With that I arose and walked to the corner of the building to observe as they passed on the other side. Nothing in sight. Hmmm! Where could he have gone? Suddenly a voice behind me said. “What are you doing there?” I turned and almost fainted. It was Prince Philip standing only five paces from me. “Sir,” I said and saluted. “Security, sir.” He nodded and smiling said, “Tell them I shall be visiting the Control Tower.” “Sir.” My own stupidity aside, Once in the Far East we were inspected by the C in C FEAF. (Commander in chief Far East air forces.) Due to fighting on the Indo China border the shifts or watches had been rearranged. Air Vice Marshall Headlamb popped into our communication centre. The inspection went well until he stopped at one of my buddies and smiling benevolently said in his very posh accent, “Airman, what do you think of the new watches?” My friend who shall remain nameless, replied. “Bloody sight easier to carry than clocks, sir.”
