11/11/2025
For Remembrance Day, we asked our resident and veteran, Peter, to share some of his memories and reflections from his time in service. His story is a heartfelt reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during those years.
Here’s what Peter had to say:
I remember September 3 1939, and listening to Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain saying that Great Britain was declaring war on Germany, due to not hearing from the German Embassy at 11 o’clock that day to remove their troops from Poland
As an eight year-old growing up in England the reality of war did not become reality until the bombing of London started. The devastation of the bombing stayed with me all those years, it made me realize the fragility of human life, and the contribution that the armed forces and emergency services played in keeping us safe. This was further brought to attention seeing mainly RAF pilots who had been burnt badly, but plastic surgery had given them a new lease on life. As Winston Churchill said “ can so much be owed by so many for so few”
After the war the government brought in a law that all 18 years would serve a 2 year National Service in either the Army, Navy or Air Force. This would give a trained readily available military if a conflict should come up, this was not the case in 1939.
On my 18th birthday I was ‘called up’ into the Royal Air Force and eventually became a elect/mech servicing aircraft from the last Spitfire still in service to multiple jets.
My last posting was to Biggin Hill station, which was one of the WW2 fighter stations located south of London, protecting the country. I felt privileged to serve in 41 squadron which had history dating back to 1917 when it was formed.
The number of people who sacrificed their lives for us should never be forgotten, and by holding a remembrance contributes to the continuation of our history and gratitude.
