My life in the RAF - chapter 5 (F Dunn)
Title
My life in the RAF - chapter 5 (F Dunn)
Description
The document describes his time at Hillside ITW camp, Bulawayo. Having to wait before starting aircrew training. It includes a letter to hissister and brother describing a typical day in camp, and describes local area and inhabitants as well as training activities, drill, accommodation, choir, survival training and examinations.
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Coverage
Language
Format
Notebook with fifteen handwritten pages
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Identifier
SDunnFT1319229v10002-0003
Transcription
[circled 3]
MONITOR
EXERCISE BOOK
SKRYBOEK
Name
Naam
Class
Klas
School
Skool
Registered No. 513/31 “B”
[page break]
[inside cover]
[page break]
[underlined] Chpt V [/underlined]
The Hillside I.T.W camp is situated on the southern outskirts of Bulawayo. To this camp we were conducted by various corporals of the permanent staff who gave us some information on the way. The usual questions were asked – Is there much red-tape? Do we start I.T.W again? What is Bulawayo like? Are there any women? What are the Rhodesians like? All these questions were soon to be answered in a way which we didn’t really anticipate.
On arrival at the camp, we were greeted by some of the lads already in residence. They gave us rather a pessimistic view of the camp. They had been there for over a month and hadn’t even started their I.T W. “O yes” said they “you’ll have to do some waiting. We don’t know when you’ll leave this place – not for months at any rate”. This was bad news and shook us a bit. We had expected to do a quick I.T.W Course and then the
[page break]
flying.
This was not to be, as there were already many lads before us who had the right to go through before we did. Thus the “browned off” state began to develop again.
After being registered in the camp we took up sleeping quarters in the gymnasium as the camp was already full. This was Saturday and of course, in the evening, we visited Bulawayo and were not very impressed. The majority of the local inhabitants were apparently browned off with us too – and there weren't many “car lifts”. It was a hell of a difference from Durban. Sunday passed with a visit to the Bulawayo Swimming Baths which was one of the highlights of the place. Indeed these baths were boasted to be the finest in Africa if not the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Anyway we all enjoyed a swim under the sweltering African sun which was never dulled or dimmed during the day. In fact the heat was
[page break]
[inserted letter] No 1319229 SGT. DUNN F.
SGTS MESS, R.A.F. STATION,
LONG MARSTON,
STRATFORD-ON-AVON,
WARWICKSHIRE.
Dear Sis & Bro,
Thanks for letter received t’other day.
This is Sunday a.m and not my regular Sunday morning of a “lay-in” and general buggering about. Instead, many others and I wait for the weather to clear, and half hope for a flit this morning. The waiting time is suitably spent in the Intelligence Library. Others are recovering from a glorious “piss-up” last night, whilst the more energetic indulge in a game of brag (if there’s any money left) The stakes are pretty high, and in consequence I keep off it
Last night a dance was held at the Sgts Mess. Well, they called it a dance, but as a [missing words]
[single line from another page which is otherwise covered] a beauty bro. [/inserted letter]
[page break]
[repeated page] flying.
This was not to be, as there were already many lads before us who had the right to go through before we did. Thus the “browned off” state began to develop again.
After being registered in the camp we took up sleeping quarters in the gymnasium as the camp was already full. This was Saturday and of course, in the evening, we visited Bulawayo and were not very impressed. The majority of the local inhabitants were apparently browned off with us too – and there weren't many “car lifts”. It was a hell of a difference from Durban. Sunday passed with a visit to the Bulawayo Swimming Baths which was one of the highlights of the place. Indeed these baths were boasted to be the finest in Africa if not the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Anyway we all enjoyed a swim under the sweltering African sun which was never dulled or dimmed during the day. In fact the heat was [/repeated page]
[page break]
terrific, and it was a pleasure for night to fall.
On Monday we did little. Apparently the staff was sorting out our fate, and in the afternoon we were addressed by the Chief Ground Instructor or second in command to the C.O. He was quite straight about and didn’t exactly mince his words. A man as this – is to be admired and is just the kind to be an officer. The news he gave us was not of an enthusiastic nature. The draft was to be split into two parts. Those who had the longest service were to start their I T.W course at once, whilst the others were to be put into Receiving Depot for five weeks. This was fair enough, and consequently being quite a “rookie” I was in the Receiving Depot. The next day was heralded with a 5 mile route march in the Rhodesian countryside which was not very impressive A certain Flight Lieut marched in front and he kept up the pace. Incidentally this officer was
[page break]
to be the C.O of the Receiving Depot.
I need not describe yet the Rhodesian countryside around Bulawayo as during the next few weeks we were tramping across it on Compass Work.
There were also a few Swimming Parades and plenty of Drill, Maths and Signals. The only real bore was maths as we had already taken 2 maths exams in England. the b s- began to show itself, inspection of ourselves each morning, and then an inspection of our quarters.
We were all given a lecture by the Flt Lieut on the general discipline in camp. He must have imagined we were fed up with the continual waiting, but he need not have gone so far as to read out the Mutiny Act in detail and the punishments thereof.
This officer was not really liked because of his continual adherence to strict discipline and b- s- in general. Station Standing Orders laid down that topee
[page break]
chin straps should be worn under the chin and not over the topee. This law had to be obeyed by us whilst other sections of the camp could please themselves. Indignation reigned among our section especially when we heard jeers from the surging crowds. By this time it was nec[inserted]c[/inserted]essary for us to move our sleeping quarters from the Gymnasium to the Lines. Apparently the former was required for the rightful purpose of P.T. and also badminton for the N.C.O‘s. The lines consist of rows of corrugated iron sheds. To be quite accurate[deleted]ly[/deleted] these had been used in pre-war days for showing prize pigs and other cattle. Well, we were now keeping up the tradition but whether the adjective “prize” is appropriate is another matter. The beds first consisted of boards a mattress of hay, [deleted] and [/deleted] blankets and sheets. The mattress was accustomed to reduce its load just to give the O.O. a reasonable excuse for a complaint. However after some time the mattresses
[page break]
were replaced – [deleted] a [/deleted] genuine specimens being substituted. Spring Beds were also introduced. As usual they were obtained with difficulty, many queues having to be formed before we actually received the goods. There was quite a good canteen on the camp, although lacking in entertainment, literature, (D.R Os excepted) and games gear. Still this has now been slightly improved by the installation of a radiogram which however only functions during the morning break. Of course there was tea, lemonade and cakes at a reasonable cost whilst beer was also sold in the bar which was adequately situated in an obscure part of the canteen.
The chief barman is well known in camp. It had been stated that he was the second hangman in the Union of South Africa at one time, but as this job was a bit soft he has reverted to the task of serving beer to airmen, and cutting their hair. According to
[page break]
the local magazine he has earned the title of the “demon barber”. When he first cut my hair it brought back unpleasant memories of the times when my own father liked to operate on my hair. It just left me with a tuft on the top hacked about in various shapes. [inserted note in margin] yes and mine [indecipherable word] [/inserted].
During our stay in the Receiving Depot, the Padre gave us a lecture, and persuaded some of us to join the choir. Having little to do in the evenings, I thought it a good idea. Besides, it was a change from the bickerings and half-hearted efforts of the organist-choir mistress at home. The choir consisted of approximately 10 tenors, 10 bases and 20 melody. As it is not one of my hereditary characteristics to sing well, I was one of the melody
Anyway we soon started in earnest – chiefly on an anthem for the Church Parade held on the first Sunday of each month. Of course this has been continued since and we sung quite a few parts from Handel’s
[page break]
“Messiah”.
On one Sunday being a National Day of Prayer the choir sang at a combined service in the Bulawayo Town Hall. Much to our surprise it was very favourably received by the Bulawayo inhabitants. The Padre also preached a glorious sermon chiefly on our mistakes for the cause of this war and the difficulties to be overcome in post-war years. To use another R.A.F. expression he fairly shook ‘em – in fact convinced the congregation that a war was being waged in other parts of the world if not Rhodesia.
During our six weeks in the Reception or Waiting Depot we had quite a few swimming parades, which were very welcome during the hot weather We did much compass work which should benefit us if we ever fly and have to descend into the “bindu” (This is the name given to the Rhodesian countryside. Anyway this work entailed a few trips into the bindu, and naturally we were able to form an opinion [deleted] of [/deleted] of it. [deleted] the [/deleted] The first trip was 5 miles long across thorn bushes, rocks, dry river beds and plenty of
[page break]
barbed wire fences to climb. We did manage to see some game including, buck, an ostrich, guinea fowl and some large birds whose wing span was estimated to be quite 4 feet.
The next trip (an 8 mile one) involved arising at 4.15am, having breakfast at 4.30am and away in the lorry at 5am. Parties of 3 or 4 were dropped at various points with instructions to make an 8 mile trek to a certain point (a railway junction) where we should be picked up at 11 am. This was the finest part of the day, the sun was only just rising and it was very cool. However the sun soon resumed its fierce onslaught, and walking through the long grass was no pleasure. Some of this grass has a [word deleted] habit of growing thorns, which readily stick through one’s stockings and make walking very unpleasant. However we did our trek in record time being the first to reach the chosen spot. The lorry was there with tea, and we sat and waited for the remainder of the flight.
It was on one of the short bindu trips around
[page break]
the camp that I met my first African snake. It was curled lazily under a thick bush, but [deleted word] slinked away when it heard me – (I also did likewise
One of the R.A F officers (a Rhodesian) gave us an interesting talk on Rhodesia and its animals, and how to treat them if any came our way. Meanwhile we were having plenty of foot drill, and even commenced rifle drill. I was (as usual) pretty clumsy with a rifle, and it was worse with a “binding” sergeant and a large topee. However since that time I have had plenty of practice, and have even been on main-gate guard complete with rifle and bayonet.
The magazine “Fledgling”, issued appropriately at pay parade each fortnight at the cost of a tickey [sic], was well supported. Unfortunately just lately it has lacked its humour which I presume is due to the Editor leaving for Blighty (lucky b-). Still, we do manage to get a laugh, and I have managed to send some home.
Mentioning home too – the mail was coming
[page break]
through pretty well. In the first batch I had 14, which of course had accumulated since November. Since then the mail has been more gentle and evenly distributed. The old local rags have arrived periodically with news of the home district, and the various marriages taking place. It seems that marriages are quite infectious around Cirencester as quite a few of my old school acquaintances have since been hooked. I assume these marriages are quite in order, where marriage allowance is concerned, but at the end of the war – who knows what will happen? [inserted in margin] Mabel Ergan used to live next door but one in Siddington [/inserted] It was towards the end of March that I received a short note from my girl friend to the effect that she had also caught the complaint and had married in January. After all her vows and promises [deleted] since [/deleted] [inserted] when [/inserted] I left England this action shook me considerably. Anyway what can one expect of women. They have an uncertain mind, which changes according to the tune. Hence I wrote a reply and told her to go to hell.
My pals were quite sympathetic about it, but
[page break]
sympathy has its snags as it only brings up the whole subject again. Still, I – recovered from the shock, and continued to work up for the exams which were to take place on the following week. However, at the last moment, the exams were prolonged for another 4 weeks. Everyone became pretty fed up with this after already waiting for 12 weeks. Never have I heard so many moans and some lads wanted to get back to their reserved jobs in England and do something instead of waiting and waiting and doing nothing. Still the general trend of thought was (and thus had some consolation) “well I suppose they want to keep an extra nice piece of breeding stock until after the war”.
The heat although oppressive was becoming cooler. The rain which was needed so badly did not materialise in any great quantities, and the water began to be cut down. Baths are closed, and the showers were fitted with hot water to do the extra work.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
DT, Only [indecipherable word] Drill times, [indecipherable word] Shows, Lectures, Showers & Bath Natives, [indecipherable word] & Rhod’s, Greeks, Mess, Cinema, Bulawayo [2 indecipherable words], Bindu trips, Choir, Jenkins & Chad, K Flight, Org Games, Parade Services & Risk of S.R., [2 indecipherable words] N D of Prayer, Beer at his house, school room, Races, Cars, Wireless Set, Postings, Heat & Cold.
[page break]
PT
Drill
Canteen
Guards
Lines
Shows
[page break]
TABLES OF IMPERIAL AND SOUTH AFRICAN COINS, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES
[tables]
MONITOR
EXERCISE BOOK
SKRYBOEK
Name
Naam
Class
Klas
School
Skool
Registered No. 513/31 “B”
[page break]
[inside cover]
[page break]
[underlined] Chpt V [/underlined]
The Hillside I.T.W camp is situated on the southern outskirts of Bulawayo. To this camp we were conducted by various corporals of the permanent staff who gave us some information on the way. The usual questions were asked – Is there much red-tape? Do we start I.T.W again? What is Bulawayo like? Are there any women? What are the Rhodesians like? All these questions were soon to be answered in a way which we didn’t really anticipate.
On arrival at the camp, we were greeted by some of the lads already in residence. They gave us rather a pessimistic view of the camp. They had been there for over a month and hadn’t even started their I.T W. “O yes” said they “you’ll have to do some waiting. We don’t know when you’ll leave this place – not for months at any rate”. This was bad news and shook us a bit. We had expected to do a quick I.T.W Course and then the
[page break]
flying.
This was not to be, as there were already many lads before us who had the right to go through before we did. Thus the “browned off” state began to develop again.
After being registered in the camp we took up sleeping quarters in the gymnasium as the camp was already full. This was Saturday and of course, in the evening, we visited Bulawayo and were not very impressed. The majority of the local inhabitants were apparently browned off with us too – and there weren't many “car lifts”. It was a hell of a difference from Durban. Sunday passed with a visit to the Bulawayo Swimming Baths which was one of the highlights of the place. Indeed these baths were boasted to be the finest in Africa if not the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Anyway we all enjoyed a swim under the sweltering African sun which was never dulled or dimmed during the day. In fact the heat was
[page break]
[inserted letter] No 1319229 SGT. DUNN F.
SGTS MESS, R.A.F. STATION,
LONG MARSTON,
STRATFORD-ON-AVON,
WARWICKSHIRE.
Dear Sis & Bro,
Thanks for letter received t’other day.
This is Sunday a.m and not my regular Sunday morning of a “lay-in” and general buggering about. Instead, many others and I wait for the weather to clear, and half hope for a flit this morning. The waiting time is suitably spent in the Intelligence Library. Others are recovering from a glorious “piss-up” last night, whilst the more energetic indulge in a game of brag (if there’s any money left) The stakes are pretty high, and in consequence I keep off it
Last night a dance was held at the Sgts Mess. Well, they called it a dance, but as a [missing words]
[single line from another page which is otherwise covered] a beauty bro. [/inserted letter]
[page break]
[repeated page] flying.
This was not to be, as there were already many lads before us who had the right to go through before we did. Thus the “browned off” state began to develop again.
After being registered in the camp we took up sleeping quarters in the gymnasium as the camp was already full. This was Saturday and of course, in the evening, we visited Bulawayo and were not very impressed. The majority of the local inhabitants were apparently browned off with us too – and there weren't many “car lifts”. It was a hell of a difference from Durban. Sunday passed with a visit to the Bulawayo Swimming Baths which was one of the highlights of the place. Indeed these baths were boasted to be the finest in Africa if not the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Anyway we all enjoyed a swim under the sweltering African sun which was never dulled or dimmed during the day. In fact the heat was [/repeated page]
[page break]
terrific, and it was a pleasure for night to fall.
On Monday we did little. Apparently the staff was sorting out our fate, and in the afternoon we were addressed by the Chief Ground Instructor or second in command to the C.O. He was quite straight about and didn’t exactly mince his words. A man as this – is to be admired and is just the kind to be an officer. The news he gave us was not of an enthusiastic nature. The draft was to be split into two parts. Those who had the longest service were to start their I T.W course at once, whilst the others were to be put into Receiving Depot for five weeks. This was fair enough, and consequently being quite a “rookie” I was in the Receiving Depot. The next day was heralded with a 5 mile route march in the Rhodesian countryside which was not very impressive A certain Flight Lieut marched in front and he kept up the pace. Incidentally this officer was
[page break]
to be the C.O of the Receiving Depot.
I need not describe yet the Rhodesian countryside around Bulawayo as during the next few weeks we were tramping across it on Compass Work.
There were also a few Swimming Parades and plenty of Drill, Maths and Signals. The only real bore was maths as we had already taken 2 maths exams in England. the b s- began to show itself, inspection of ourselves each morning, and then an inspection of our quarters.
We were all given a lecture by the Flt Lieut on the general discipline in camp. He must have imagined we were fed up with the continual waiting, but he need not have gone so far as to read out the Mutiny Act in detail and the punishments thereof.
This officer was not really liked because of his continual adherence to strict discipline and b- s- in general. Station Standing Orders laid down that topee
[page break]
chin straps should be worn under the chin and not over the topee. This law had to be obeyed by us whilst other sections of the camp could please themselves. Indignation reigned among our section especially when we heard jeers from the surging crowds. By this time it was nec[inserted]c[/inserted]essary for us to move our sleeping quarters from the Gymnasium to the Lines. Apparently the former was required for the rightful purpose of P.T. and also badminton for the N.C.O‘s. The lines consist of rows of corrugated iron sheds. To be quite accurate[deleted]ly[/deleted] these had been used in pre-war days for showing prize pigs and other cattle. Well, we were now keeping up the tradition but whether the adjective “prize” is appropriate is another matter. The beds first consisted of boards a mattress of hay, [deleted] and [/deleted] blankets and sheets. The mattress was accustomed to reduce its load just to give the O.O. a reasonable excuse for a complaint. However after some time the mattresses
[page break]
were replaced – [deleted] a [/deleted] genuine specimens being substituted. Spring Beds were also introduced. As usual they were obtained with difficulty, many queues having to be formed before we actually received the goods. There was quite a good canteen on the camp, although lacking in entertainment, literature, (D.R Os excepted) and games gear. Still this has now been slightly improved by the installation of a radiogram which however only functions during the morning break. Of course there was tea, lemonade and cakes at a reasonable cost whilst beer was also sold in the bar which was adequately situated in an obscure part of the canteen.
The chief barman is well known in camp. It had been stated that he was the second hangman in the Union of South Africa at one time, but as this job was a bit soft he has reverted to the task of serving beer to airmen, and cutting their hair. According to
[page break]
the local magazine he has earned the title of the “demon barber”. When he first cut my hair it brought back unpleasant memories of the times when my own father liked to operate on my hair. It just left me with a tuft on the top hacked about in various shapes. [inserted note in margin] yes and mine [indecipherable word] [/inserted].
During our stay in the Receiving Depot, the Padre gave us a lecture, and persuaded some of us to join the choir. Having little to do in the evenings, I thought it a good idea. Besides, it was a change from the bickerings and half-hearted efforts of the organist-choir mistress at home. The choir consisted of approximately 10 tenors, 10 bases and 20 melody. As it is not one of my hereditary characteristics to sing well, I was one of the melody
Anyway we soon started in earnest – chiefly on an anthem for the Church Parade held on the first Sunday of each month. Of course this has been continued since and we sung quite a few parts from Handel’s
[page break]
“Messiah”.
On one Sunday being a National Day of Prayer the choir sang at a combined service in the Bulawayo Town Hall. Much to our surprise it was very favourably received by the Bulawayo inhabitants. The Padre also preached a glorious sermon chiefly on our mistakes for the cause of this war and the difficulties to be overcome in post-war years. To use another R.A.F. expression he fairly shook ‘em – in fact convinced the congregation that a war was being waged in other parts of the world if not Rhodesia.
During our six weeks in the Reception or Waiting Depot we had quite a few swimming parades, which were very welcome during the hot weather We did much compass work which should benefit us if we ever fly and have to descend into the “bindu” (This is the name given to the Rhodesian countryside. Anyway this work entailed a few trips into the bindu, and naturally we were able to form an opinion [deleted] of [/deleted] of it. [deleted] the [/deleted] The first trip was 5 miles long across thorn bushes, rocks, dry river beds and plenty of
[page break]
barbed wire fences to climb. We did manage to see some game including, buck, an ostrich, guinea fowl and some large birds whose wing span was estimated to be quite 4 feet.
The next trip (an 8 mile one) involved arising at 4.15am, having breakfast at 4.30am and away in the lorry at 5am. Parties of 3 or 4 were dropped at various points with instructions to make an 8 mile trek to a certain point (a railway junction) where we should be picked up at 11 am. This was the finest part of the day, the sun was only just rising and it was very cool. However the sun soon resumed its fierce onslaught, and walking through the long grass was no pleasure. Some of this grass has a [word deleted] habit of growing thorns, which readily stick through one’s stockings and make walking very unpleasant. However we did our trek in record time being the first to reach the chosen spot. The lorry was there with tea, and we sat and waited for the remainder of the flight.
It was on one of the short bindu trips around
[page break]
the camp that I met my first African snake. It was curled lazily under a thick bush, but [deleted word] slinked away when it heard me – (I also did likewise
One of the R.A F officers (a Rhodesian) gave us an interesting talk on Rhodesia and its animals, and how to treat them if any came our way. Meanwhile we were having plenty of foot drill, and even commenced rifle drill. I was (as usual) pretty clumsy with a rifle, and it was worse with a “binding” sergeant and a large topee. However since that time I have had plenty of practice, and have even been on main-gate guard complete with rifle and bayonet.
The magazine “Fledgling”, issued appropriately at pay parade each fortnight at the cost of a tickey [sic], was well supported. Unfortunately just lately it has lacked its humour which I presume is due to the Editor leaving for Blighty (lucky b-). Still, we do manage to get a laugh, and I have managed to send some home.
Mentioning home too – the mail was coming
[page break]
through pretty well. In the first batch I had 14, which of course had accumulated since November. Since then the mail has been more gentle and evenly distributed. The old local rags have arrived periodically with news of the home district, and the various marriages taking place. It seems that marriages are quite infectious around Cirencester as quite a few of my old school acquaintances have since been hooked. I assume these marriages are quite in order, where marriage allowance is concerned, but at the end of the war – who knows what will happen? [inserted in margin] Mabel Ergan used to live next door but one in Siddington [/inserted] It was towards the end of March that I received a short note from my girl friend to the effect that she had also caught the complaint and had married in January. After all her vows and promises [deleted] since [/deleted] [inserted] when [/inserted] I left England this action shook me considerably. Anyway what can one expect of women. They have an uncertain mind, which changes according to the tune. Hence I wrote a reply and told her to go to hell.
My pals were quite sympathetic about it, but
[page break]
sympathy has its snags as it only brings up the whole subject again. Still, I – recovered from the shock, and continued to work up for the exams which were to take place on the following week. However, at the last moment, the exams were prolonged for another 4 weeks. Everyone became pretty fed up with this after already waiting for 12 weeks. Never have I heard so many moans and some lads wanted to get back to their reserved jobs in England and do something instead of waiting and waiting and doing nothing. Still the general trend of thought was (and thus had some consolation) “well I suppose they want to keep an extra nice piece of breeding stock until after the war”.
The heat although oppressive was becoming cooler. The rain which was needed so badly did not materialise in any great quantities, and the water began to be cut down. Baths are closed, and the showers were fitted with hot water to do the extra work.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
DT, Only [indecipherable word] Drill times, [indecipherable word] Shows, Lectures, Showers & Bath Natives, [indecipherable word] & Rhod’s, Greeks, Mess, Cinema, Bulawayo [2 indecipherable words], Bindu trips, Choir, Jenkins & Chad, K Flight, Org Games, Parade Services & Risk of S.R., [2 indecipherable words] N D of Prayer, Beer at his house, school room, Races, Cars, Wireless Set, Postings, Heat & Cold.
[page break]
PT
Drill
Canteen
Guards
Lines
Shows
[page break]
TABLES OF IMPERIAL AND SOUTH AFRICAN COINS, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES
[tables]
Collection
Citation
F T Dunn, “My life in the RAF - chapter 5 (F Dunn),” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed May 14, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/40048.
Item Relations
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