Born and raised in the Black Country, I joined the Royal Navy in 1976 as a "6 week wonder"at the former HMS Ganges in Shotley Gate Nr Ipswitch. From there I continued my training at HMS Daedalus, now also closed down.
Eventually drafted to RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall where I worked as an Armourer on rotary winged aircraft, namely Wessex Mk1 & Mk3 (771 NAS)and finally the Seaking (706 NAS). Following a stint in the armoury I took up a positionon the frontline 814 NAS attached to HMS Hermes.
Unfortunately due to family circumstances I had to cut short my time so after a most enjoyable 2 years on 814 NAS and a short period on the Buffers Party I became a civilian and spent the rest of my working life at the local University.
Now retired from work and living between Wolverhampton and Cannock with my wife, 4 children 2 still at home, one granddaughter and one due in December.
Favourite song? That's a toughie as it can vary day to day, for the purpose of this exercise I will say Starstruck by Rainbow, the Dio vocals are amazing, particulary on the live version.
