You may have heard that I am collecting _*previously unpublished*_
stories of RAF personnel from the last war.  I have been inspired to do
this after reading an article written (after years of prodding by yours
truly) by a ferry pilot who used to ferry aircraft across the Atlantic
and then across Africa (without maps) to the Front in Egypt.

This got me thinking that there must still be a wealth of reminiscences
that had never seen the light of day and which would be well worth
recording for posterity.  I realized that time was running out as the
many that actually took part in the War were becoming fewer by the day
and that I had to act fast.  I have already received a number of
contributions of very varied content but all of which have previously
been untold or unpublished and which have been fascinating to read.  I
am hoping that you may have members who have never put pen to paper but
who may yet be encouraged to do so.  It's never too late and I have been
amazed both at the quality of the handwriting and retentive memories of
my contributors, most of whom have been well into their 90's.  I am on a
self-inflicted crusade to record these very valuable accounts for
posterity and will be grateful for anything your members can send me;
our future generations need to know of the sacrifices and suffering
edured on their behalf.

I would be most grateful if you could somehow publish my ambition on
your website and encourage your members to send me even the most trivial
of their  memories.  Perhaps I should emphasize that I am cavassing not
only aircrew but members of every trade in the RAF.  Anything they can
remember should be sent to:

Derek Clements
37 The Pentlands
Kintbury
Hungerford
Berks.  RG17 9XB

Tel: 01488 658670

Website:  www.metalplaques.co.uk

Email:  fp@metalplaques.co.uk