afternoon a group of them decided to have a swim, but not in a conventional manner. They chose the upstairs ablutions of their barrack block as their venue. They plugged the drains and toilets with newspaper and turned all the taps in the room, both hot and cold, full on. The room flooded to a depth of three feet or so and they had a high old time. But it was inevitable that someone would sooner or later report the leakage of water coming out into the corridor from under the door. The Orderly Sergeant and Orderly Officer (Doug) were both sent for. On arrival it didn't take them many seconds to realise what was going on. Stupidly, but understandably, the Orderly Sergeant gave the door a kick. Already stressed to its maximum under the pressure of water from within, it gave way. The ensuing torrent burst through, feet deep, and washed both Doug and the Sergeant down the stairs as if they were riding the Severn bore. Soaked, bruised, and furious, Doug summoned the Duty Officer who took control of the situation. Life at Halton, he told me, could be "Interesting"!
During my last weeks as Adjutant I was able to take a short leave and was fortunate that, on the day before I was due to catch the train home, and my bags being already packed, I was able to hitch a flight back to the UK in a visiting Transport Command Valetta. This suited me ideally on two counts. I was able to get all my heavy gear home, including my greatcoat, and didn't have to lug it all on and off the ship, and I had an extra day's leave, even if I did have to get home from Tangmere.
My last days at Jever passed quickly. Having made my choice of new occupation, a posting notice came through for me to train as a Fighter Controller at Middle Wallop. I 'cleared' the Station, packed the last of my kit, settled my Mess bill, and left on the Blue Train for a change of RAF career.

My 'Permit to Fly' signed by Hammer West himself.

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