Page 4 - Leslie Brown

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Leslie Brown was born on the 1 May 1923 into the coalmining family of John and Lilian ‘lily’
Brown of South Kirkby in West Yorkshire. On leaving secondary School Leslie attended
Hemsworth grammar school between 1938 and 1940.

Leslie’s first job was as a projectionist at the local cinema for approximately 12 months. He then
took up a position as a wages clerk at South Kirkby Colliery in West Yorkshire were he stayed until
he was called up to the armed services.

While still not 18 years of age Leslie volunteered for flying duties and was directed to the Royal Air
Force Enlistment Centre at Barnsley in South Yorkshire in May 1941.

The Army, he did not fancy as his father had enlisted at Wakefield in May 1915 with 161
(Yorkshire) Brigade Ammunition Supply Column, Royal Field Artillery. The thought of trench
warfare was still in the mind-set of the civilian population. The Navy likewise was not to be his
choice as by his own admission he would have suffered from sea sickness.

Here he was medically examined and found to attend a Pilot, Navigator or Air Bombardier Course.

While waiting to be called up Leslie was instructed to report to No. 3 Recruit Centre Padgate,
Warrington. It was here for three days he was introduced to the RAF’s Drill Sergeants and put
through his paces. Leslie was then sent home to await the call up to the RAF.

The call up came on the 2 November 1942 when he was instructed to report to
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No.1 Aircrew Reception Centre at St Johns Wood, (Lords Cricket Ground) London.

Here he was inoculated and fitted out in a new RAF uniform and supplied with a full kit of
equipment, further drilling taking place over the next two weeks with exams having to be
completed to establish Leslie’s future trade within the service.

Leslie was then posted on to No. 8 Initial training Wing at Newquey, Cornwall were training
involving physical fitness and various courses including one on the Kings regulations were
undertaken. Lectures in navigation, radio and the use of the ·303 Browning machine gun were
also taken with the aim of selecting the most suitable candidate to his future trade within the RAF.

Prior to being called up Leslie had studied the wireless and how it worked, and was proficient in
morse code whilst working at the Cinema. It was this that stood him in good stead throughout
this basic training.

Having been selected for wireless operator duties Leslie found himself posted to No.10 (S) Radio
School at Blackpool were Leslie underwent basic training on the use of the RAF’s radio
equipment. Leslie arranged for his fiancée Joan to join him and Joan rented accommodation in the
centre of Blackpool, Leslie staying in the RAF accommodation outside Blackpool and meeting up
with Joan when he was not training.

Training continued, this time at No. 2 Radio School at Yatesbury in Wiltshire were Leslie was
posted to on 1 July 1943.
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Promoted Sergeant on 31 February 1944 after passing all his wireless courses and being
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presented with his aircrew wireless operators badge. Further training was undertaken at No.8
(Observers) Advanced Flying Unit at RAF Mona on Anglesey were he would continue perfecting
his wireless skills flying in the Avro Anson trainer.