After square-bashing we were selected for our 'trade'. Those with the highest IQ were sent to learn Russian, but others from our intake had a choice of radar or nursing. They gave no further choice. Next weeks' intake might be selected as drivers, cooks or electricians. Knowing I was likely to spend my career in the family radio business I selected nursing.

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I was sent to Freckton in Lancashire to the RAF School of Hygiene in 1955. There we learnt the basics of nursing for 8 weeks. It was a very efficient course, highly condensed. Because the RAF only employed relatively fit people between the age of 18 and 45 there was no need to learn about obstetrics, care of the elderly and paediatrics, but we did have a fast and furious introduction to general nursing.

 

When we qualified we were permitted to wear the miniature RAF Caduceus in the collars of our uniform. This indicates we were medical personnel. I had previously qualified as a bandsman so also had a lyre stitched to the forearm of my uniform. Surprisingly by then I had also become a first class marksman, which rather astonished my instructor - but after qualifying I never held a gun again. By far the majority of those who finished the course at Freckleton were posted to an RAF unit where they dealt with colds, sneezes and malingerers. I had passed a Mantoux test. This was a screening for tuberculosis. When they found I had a natural immunity, I was sent to work in a TB hospital.

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