National Service at Buntingdale Hall
Having had basic training at RAF Hednesford I was then posted to Buntingsdale Hall Headquarters Technical Training Command to spend the remainder of my two years National Service in the signals section. I recall that the commissioned ranks outnumbered the non-commissioned ranks at that time. This was an idylic location with an 18th-century baronial hall complete with lake etc.
When it was learned that I had some ability at piano playing, I was regularly asked to provide background music on the officer's 'dining in nights' and my reward comprised a very enjoyable supper.
Flight Lieutenant 'Count' Badini, ADC to the Air Chief Marshall (Air Officer Commanding), was also officer i/c Signals and he, when aware that I could draw, commissioned me to design an insignia representing the signals section. I was granted three weeks free of duties and sent to nearby Shrewsbury to purchase artist materials. A hard life!
My primary duties in the signals section was operating a PBX telephone switchboard with direct lines to all other RAF stations.
On weekends leave I together with others were able to fly down to Northolt from RAF Tern Hill in an Anson piloted by Air Commodore Simpson on a Friday. The return journey by train (steam) ie. the two minutes past midnight from Euston to Crewe arriving at around 5.30am on Monday morning thence by the first 'working mans' train to Market Drayton. I would then walk the few miles to Buntingsdale Hall arriving in time to re-dress and attend early morning parade.
All in all I very much enjoyed my time there and made many friends from all parts of the UK most of whom I have lost contact with, alas.
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RE: RE: National Service at Buntingdale Hall
Following 'square bashing' in May/June 1954 at Weston Kirby, I was posted to H.Q. 22 Group, as camp barber, before being posted to R.A.F. Debden, this was a great and memorable period of my four years in the R.A.F.
As I recall the nissen huts were in the woods near to the lake where the 'Lady' was reported to appear (never saw her myself)! and was approached down steps.
The mess hall was around the side of the main hall, there was a servants staircase leading up to the hall, with a standard bet that no one could climb it during the hour of darkness without a light.
Lord Tayleurs daughter was supposed to have committed suicide by jumping off the balcony onto the tiled floor, because her father stopped her seeing her lover, who was a member of the staff. How much is true I do not know!
Gerry Johnson
Comment from Gerard Johnson on Wednesday, 11th January 2012.