I'd like to tell you about 2 brave men who died after the War but ultimately due to it. The first is my Dad, Sydney John Bond who joined the RAF in 1940. He was an apprenticeship time served electrician and would have gone on to become an Airborne Wireless Operator. His basic training was in Blackpool and he also spent some weeks drilling along the seafront at Weston Super Mare. His PTI was the boxer Freddie Mills. Sadly Dad developed TB and was eventually invalided out, but not before he had spent time skinning rabbits caught by his Flt Sgt (cannot remember exactly where, but Whey Hill rings a bell), something Dad had never done in his life, much to the great amusement of his Flt. Sgt - apparently you don't skin them in squares!! On coming out of the RAF, Dad worked for SWEB until his early retirement in 1976. He's always had a weak chest and sadly lost his fight for life on 5th August, 1981. Per Adua Ad Astra Daddy, I miss you. The second is my Mum's 1st husband, Yeoman of Signals Carne, F (Fred). He joined the RN as a Boy and later served on HMS Jamaica earning a Mention in Despatches, although Mum said that he never ever said why. He too contracted TB and died in 1947. Both were Plymouth sons born and bred. Both never had the opportunity to become whatever life should have had in store for them, due to their contracting TB. Both were brave men and are remembered with pride and honour.
