Page 10 - Derek Braithet Holland

Derek’s time with the RAF was drawing to a close. Having married his sweetheart Maureen on the
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24 February 1945 he took the decision to leave the service and return to civilian life. On the 1
October 1946 Derek having applied for demob was therefore posted to No.100 PDC (100
Personnel Despatch Centre) at RAF Uxbridge near Slough in Middlesex. From here Derek would,
on demob, have been issued with a felt hat or optional flat cap, a double-breasted pinstripe three
piece suit, or a single breasted jacket with flannel trousers, two shirts with matching collar studs a
tie, shoes and a raincoat. One of the principal suppliers was the clothing retailer Burtons. Some
servicemen complained that their suit made them look like old time gangsters and the expression
"The Full Monty" is thought to come from meaning ʺthe works", originated in reference to a full set
of demob clothes supplied by the firm founded by Montague Burton. Other manufacturers included
the Fifty Shilling Tailors and Simpsons of Piccadilly.

Derek was awarded the 1939-45 and France-Germany star and, more recently, the Bomber
Command Clasp. After the war he worked with his father-in-law as a tool maker in the jewellery
manufacturing trade in Livery Street, Birmingham
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Derek died of cancer on 25 April 1958 at home in Northfield, Birmingham.