JULY 23 1955  I finally finished my National Service on 23 July 1955.  This was a great relief, but looking back I realise I met some good Christian friends, including a retired Brigadier and his wife who lived in Shinfield near Arborfield.  They used to hold Bible studies at their home - these were for either officers or 'other ranks' - there was no distinction.  So the experience wasn't all bad, and I did learn to iron a shirt - which has come in useful in recent years! I got a letter from Personnel at Marconi saying that I was being offered my old job back at Marconi Research Great Baddow, at the magnificent salary of £610.00 per annum! not a bad offer at the time, as my starting salary two years previously had been £500.00.  So I dutifully reported back for duty the next Monday! 

I was living at 19 Warleywood Crescent with my parents and sister during this time,