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These are some unedited extracts from my diaries covering my first few days at RAF Gangodawila in Ceylon at the end of 1954. Some of the language, for example my use of the word 'native', is not how I would write these days. However, that was how the language was used in 1954 and I knew no better then. I have left my words as I originally wrote them but there was then, and is now, absolutely no racist connotation.
Wednesday 15th December 1954. Well today was the first day at my new station. It was cloudy all day with only very occasional glimpses of the sun. As a result it didn't get really hot. I got up at about 6.45am but didn't go to breakfast. We first went to CDO (Central Drafting Office) just after 7.30. Here I learned that I am posted to Central Signals Section while Tombstone Gaunt and Mick Harley are going down on the airfield. We spent the morning 'arriving'; that is, getting signatures on our arrival forms. I went over to my section and had an interview with the Signals Officer -
Thursday 16th December 1954. I had intended getting up at 6.30 this morning to go to breakfast but I didn't wake up until 6.50 so I didn't bother about breakfast and had a few minutes longer in bed. The day's work started at 8.00 when we went into the cinema for a talk by the Station Warrant Officer. He told us a lot of general information about the camp and its officers, etc. I spent another hour or so finishing my 'arriving' and then, at about 1115 when I had got all the signatures I could today, I went down to my section to see what was going on. There I was told to start 'clearing'! I am to go to the receiving station at Gangodawila tomorrow. I don't know whether to look forward to it or not because there doesn't seem to be much entertainment. However, I shall soon know. I just lazed around this afternoon and watched some of the other chaps playing Solo. This evening we went into the NAAFI for an hour or so.
Friday 17th December 1954. I had quite a rush this morning but as it turned out I needn't have bothered. Last night I was all alone in the long Transit Billet because the others had moved into their permanent billet. While trying to get to sleep and listening to the many jungle night sounds, I had felt rather lonely and miserable but I was OK again this morning. We new arrivals had to go to Pay Accounts at 7.00 am but we were kept hanging around until 8.15. I was paid 110 Rupees (£7 13s 0d). Then I handed in my bedding, got my Clearance Chit and finally signed the bike back in. I was told to be ready to leave at 0930 but I eventually left at 1215. The van driver called at a couple of places in Colombo to collect stores and we arrived at Gango at 1345. I had a meal as soon as I arrived and a jolly good meal it was. It was served by natives and the table was laid for us. I spent the afternoon unpacking my kit and generally laying about.
Saturday 18th December 1954. I got up at about 0630 after having a cup of tea in bed brought by the native House Boy. I then had breakfast and went into the section about 0715. The Senior Technician in charge gave me some gen about the equipment. It sounds complicated to start with. I then did a bit of relay cleaning and setting. It got very hot today by my standards and I felt most uncomfortable and lazy. In fact, I spent practically all afternoon and evening on my bed.