23 JULY 1953  I travelled by train to No.1 Training Battalion. Blandford, Dorset, to sign on for 2 years National Service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).  My Dad came up to Waterloo Station and wished me goodbye, with the advice 'Keep the Flag flying.'  I knew what he meant! I had completed a 5 year apprenticeship with Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co on my 21st birthday, and had deferment from National Service due to the work I was doing.  But there was no guarantee the deferment would continue indefinitely, so I chose to join up!  I had joined SASRA, the Soldiers and Airmen's Scripture Readers Association, so I was assured of Christian friends, and sure enough I was met by a Christian as I went to the stores to collect my uniform!