Armed Forces Day brings back happy memories of National Service for Brooke House resident George
Armed Forces Day brought back happy memories of National Service for one resident at Brooke House, near Norwich.
George Sarsby, 85, recalls he was called up for National Service in 1954 after his A Levels at Paston Grammar School, North Walsham, while he was helping with the harvest on the farm where his dad was farm foreman.
He was hoping for an exotic overseas posting in the RAF but ended up at Swanton Morley, near Norwich, where Air Signallers were trained. George worked for Flight Sergeant McCarthy and Flight Lieutenant Clarke where he learned to type exam papers and reports.
He remembers that when he first started he had a “rubbish” typewriter and told his bosses it came out of the ark and should go back there! Two days later a new Remington typewriter appeared.
George became known as “The King Of Typing!”
His other memories include biking to the married quarters to babysit for Flight Sergeant McCarthy and his wife who had a little boy. George never minded doing this as there was always lovely food left out for him.
George often says RAF food was some of the best he's had.
George spent two years in the RAF and even remembers his service no, 2591590 SAC SARSBY G. He left in 1956 as Senior Aircraftsman with many happy memories and refers to his service days as some of the best of his life.
Author: Stephen Pullinger
