R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
I cannot believe that I am the first ex "Wop/TeleOp" to stumble across this site and to pen a few words of nostalgia for the old camp and the surrounding towns. Calne in particular. The jokes we made about the bacon factory, e.g. 'Same lorry collecting from the cookhouse as brought our supplies'. Nipping thru' the hole in the fence around camp to pop along to the pub for cigarettes. The camp itself and all the boys (for that is what we were, 16/17 yr olds) who contributed to the memories I have of that part of my life, during 1946/47, I found so enjoyable. The friendiness of the Calne townfolk. I last visited the Calne area 15 years ago and found that the camp had reverted to farmland. I now live in Johannesburg and will always have the fondest memories of "Wonderful Wiltshire" and "The White Horse". To all of the wonderful people of Compton Basset and environs. Be well, and proud of your inheritance.
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RE: RE: R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
Having done my 'Square-bashing' at RAF Hednesford in Staffs Nov to Jan 1953/54, I first went to CB for my trade training in Feb to July 1954 and trained as a Wireless Operator. I was then posted to ATCC Preston, billeted at RAF Warton an MU Unit, between Preston and Blackpool. I returned to CB in 1955 and took the W/C Teleprinter Course, becoming a Telegraphist. Still have happy memories of the 'Cafe' at Cherhill and dances in the Calne Town Hall. I was once accused of dancing in my RAF boots. Because of the Harris Pork Pie factory in Calne we frequently got a pie for our tea. At weekends, because I could not travel back to Scotland, we used to dine in the Staff Canteen where the food was always better and occasionally we got seconds! Sorry to see that CB no longer exists, have very happy memories of my time spent there.
Comment from Donald Harper on Monday, 15th February 2010.
RE: RE: R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
Posted in at RAF Padgate January 1951, square bashing at RAF Wilmslow and then posted to RAF Compton Bassett as permanent staff attached to Y Squadron Orderly Room and then Headquarters until January 1953. Most of my spare time was spent playing football for the Station, Y Squadron and the Calne Village team. My other time revolved around helping to run Chards Coaches up to Manchester for both 36/48 hour passes. I even found time to listen to the Monday traditional jazz sessions run by Flt/Sgt. ??? Many more memories too numerous to mention in this comments section - is there anyone still around !
Comment from Derek Mee on Sunday, 13th June 2010.
RE: RE: R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
I see from reading all the comments posted that the majority of them relate to the 1950's and so on. Are there any 'bods' left of No 3 Entry, 1948/49?
Comment from Clifford Wall on Monday, 14th June 2010.
RE: RE: R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
When I was posted to Compton Bassett to complete a RAF Regiment signals course in May 1951, I was barely 18, having enlisted at the age of seventeen and a half. At that time I was feeling very low, and remained so until I formed a friendship (just friendship) with a member of the WRAF known as 'woodie' My course was a short one so I was only able to enjoy her company for a few weeks, My abiding memory of Compton will always be walking down a country lane to The White Horse Inn on warm sunny evenings in May with a lovely intelligent girl by my side. We discovered a mutual love of poetry, and I remember how much she enjoyed the work of The Great War poets such as Rupert Brooke. I had grown very fond of her by the time service life forced us apart. For some reason we lost touch, and I've tried to find her in order to say thank you for a lovely, enduring memory. Unfortunately, I don't know her surname. If any CB veterans think they might know who she is. I would be delighted to hear from them. Ben Bennett
Comment from Ben Bennett on Sunday, 24th April 2011.
RE: RE: R A F Compton Bassett. No 3 Radio School
My father was stationed at No. 3 Radio School, R.A.F. Compton Bassett, where he was a W/OP & TP/OP (Telegraphist) in 1958 - 1961. My father name was Douglas Barraclough. Do anybody remember the name Barraclough? I was 11 years old at the time. I remember walking 2 miles to a village school. Diana Hayes (nee Barraclough).
Comment from Diana Hayes on Monday, 9th January 2012.