George was known to his relatives as "Georgie", probably to differentiate him from his father, of th…

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George was known to his relatives as "Georgie", probably to differentiate him from his father, of the same name.

George enlisted in the Royal Air Force as aircrew during WWII. He intially attained an Air Gunner brevet, but then rapidly converted to be a Wireless Operator. He flew in Halifax bombers, completing a full tour of operations with 102 (Ceylon) Squadron. He was commissioned mid-way through his service. He described this to Neil Slater as being the new policy of the highly-regarded 'Gus' Walker (No. 4 Group Commandant at RAF Pocklington) which was aimed at ensuring captured aircrew benefited from the higher standard of treatment afforded to officers than other ranks (in recognition of the high losses being suffered by bomber crews). George was demobbed from the RAF after the war (from the rank of Flight Lieutenant).

He then joined the Fire Service for the majority of his working life until compulsory retirement at age 55. He was a driving instructor at the Fire Service Training Centre in Brighouse in the latter part of his Fire Service career.

He then worked for Whitegates Estate Agency - photographing properties on polaroid film - prior to full retirment.

George joined the 102 Squadron Association in his later years and attended several reunions. George had some success in finding and meeting up with one of his former crew members in the mid-90s. Neil Slater also joined the Association as an associate member in order to support George's continued attendance at Reunions etc. George and Neil were able to meet Lady Walker (wife of the late 'Gus' Walker) on at least one occasion. The high regard and utmost respect which the aircrew had for their leader 'Gus' was still very apparent from conversations at reunions.

George regularly visited the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington and became a lifetime member.

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