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WWII
It is hard to take in that dad’s involvement with the Iraq levies took place some 58 years ago, a life time really, and I was about twelve or so at the time. My mother and sister were living near Southampton in Hampshire UK at the time and I did not fully understand the significance of what was happening. My father died in January 2000 aged 87. My father now lies buried at a quiet and beautiful little spot in Hampshire, England close to where he began his Royal Air force service in the early 30’s.
This is a studio photograph of my father taken in 1969, shortly after being given a commission in the Royal Naval Reserve. As a Sub Lieutenant his duties were mainly running the sea cadet force at Portland Dorset and instruction on seamanship and navigation.
It is hard to take in that dad’s involvement with the Iraq levies took place some 58 years ago, a life time really, and I was about twelve or so at the time. My mother and sister were living near Southampton in Hampshire UK at the time and I did not fully understand the significance of what was happening. My father died in January 2000 aged 87. My father now lies buried at a quiet and beautiful little spot in Hampshire, England close to where he began his Royal Air force service in the early 30’s.
 Pocket Patch worn by Sgt Wilson during his duty with the Levies.
Sgt Wilson, seated centre, trained these Assyrian recruits in parachuting and small Arms handling.
 Sgt Wilson wore this hat badge during his service with the Levies. His son Jim writes; my dad used to attach this badge to the radiator grill of his car.
Note- dad always wanted to be in the Royal Navy, when he applied in 1930 he was under age, in desperation he joined the RAF. Following his release from the RAF in 1954, he studied and won his “ticket” and qualified as a skipper. He liked to be called Captain from then on.-the memories keep coming back!
Photographs courtesy of Mr. Jim Wilson and his good friend the Honourable Derek Booth, Master photographer.
To see more of Derek’s work click HERE
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