Madley memorial
FORMER wireless operator Bill Williams has contacted the Hereford Times to try to raise interest in getting a memorial placed at the site of RAF Madley.
Madley, which became famous as the departure point from the UK of high-ranking Nazi Rudolf Hess, was a focal point for many in the war years.
Bill thinks something should be done to mark the presence of a Radio School there during the second World War and to remember the young lives that were lost during training before so many more went on to perish on operational duties.
"I think that something should be done before all of us ex-Madley types take off for the last time!" he writes.
If any reader would like to lend support to Bill's campaign, he can be contacted by email at WHWilliams8@aol.com
Madley played a vital part
A CHANCE meeting at Madley brought two WRAF friends together for the first time in 60 years.
The two women, who served on the former air base during the 1940s, had not seen one another in more than half-a-century.
Bessie Shackley, aged 81, had made the trip from her home in County Durham after hearing about the 1940s memorial event. She had no idea that her friend Rosemary Cotton Symonds, also 81, had also made the journey to Herefordshire, all the way from Suffolk.
They were both about to look at the display of historic photographs when their eyes met. After a few moments hesitation the years rolled away and the memories came flooding back.
"I was so excited that I have not been able to speak since," said Bessie, who served at Madley as a radar operator. Her friend was a flight mechanic.
Thousands of people were at the former RAF station for the open day at which, as well as historical displays and vintage vehicles, there was 1940s-style band.
Heavy rain and low cloud together with thunder and lightning forced the cancellation of a flypast by RAF Spitfire, Hurricane and Dominie aircraft.
It was a disappointment for some but with 60 years of news to catch up, Bessie and Rosemary hardly noticed.
Also at Madley was Squadron Leader Jimmy James, now 93, who took part in the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III.
HEREFORD TIMES
