The 81st Entry
RAF Halton Aircraft Apprentices
Sept 1955 - July 1958

ISSUE No. 3 - MAY 2005
81st ENTRY NEWSLETTER
Editor: Mike Stanley

A Most Inglorious Career. 681039 AA Ian Dakers Airframe fitter.

After the break up of the entry system I moved to 2 Wing 2 Squadron. I realised fairly early on that I was not suited to the discipline of RAF life and resolved to get out at the earliest opportunity. Before my application to buy myself out was processed, I was found to have a cancerous lump on my leg, necessitating an operation and rehab at Collaton Cross in Devon and eventually transferring to the 84th due to lost time.

I didn't really change my mind about the RAF but didn't process my request to leave and eventually passed out and was posted to 79FR squadron at Gutersloh. My views of service life didn't really change and I was not a happy bunny being a "spare parts fitter". I continued to apply for early discharge by purchase but was continually turned down.

I eventually achieved my discharge by striking an officer and going AWOL. The subsequent Courts Martial awarded me 90 days in Shepton Mallet and as service no longer required discharge at no cost to my pocket. A most inglorious end to an inglorious career.

In spite of my dislike of all things service I met some hell of a nice load of people during my short stay, and that has been the highlight of my spell in the MOB.

After Shepton Mallet I joined the Merchant Navy, and after several years attained rank of Chief Engineer. During this time I became part owner of a Tiger Moth in New Zealand and got my PPL out there. In 1971 I left the navy to take up a post at the new aluminium smelter at Invergordon as Engineer in charge of maintenance.

When the smelter closed in 1981 I joined Cromarty Firth Engineering as Senior Mechanical Engineer involved in the repair and maintenance of oil drilling rigs. During this period I was involved in the recovery of the Wellington Bomber from Loch Ness by designing and fabricating the lifting frame after the original collapsed. For the last few years of my working life before retirement I was a self employed consultant to the oil industry. Since Brian contacted me 5 years ago, I have attended two reunions and views of service life haven't changed. It was the people who made it all happen in spite of service discipline and I have enjoyed renewing the acquaintance of some very nice people. Long may it continue and a big thanks to Brian Spurway for all his efforts.

Ian Dakers


(you chose the most difficult way to work your ticket Ian ,but it must have been a character building one! )