I joined the RAF when I was 16. I trained as a telecommunications technician and by the age of 18 I qualified as a Junior Technician.
My duties included the maintenance of the station Communication Centre, and as such I was put forward for a positive vetting.
Assured by my NCO’s and OIC that nothing untoward would happen to me as long as I was honest. If I revealed anything I would be safe, as I could not be blackmailed by the Russians. I went into the interview and was asked about homosexual activity.
Reassured by what my superiors had said, I answered that “No, I was not homosexual, but in the past, I had dabbled in crossdressing”. At the end the interviewing SIB officer commented that I was commendably frank in my answers and he admired that.
A few weeks later, I got called for a second interview, this one wasn’t pleasant. I was made aware that after further investigation I was being accused of engaging in homosexual activity and their proof was pictures of me and my friends drunkenly hugging each other in a nightclub.
I cannot remember details of this interview. Due to the pressure of the questioning, I was emotionally broken down and was left crying and exhausted.
A few days later I was marched out of my section and locked out.
I was told that I was to be interviewed by the Security Services in Whitehall (The War office building if I remember correctly).
There I was informed by an officer, that my normal vetting had been removed and it was for blameworthy reasons. He assured me they knew I was a good guy, and I would be offered an equivalent trade to transfer to, allowing me to finish my career.
What I was actually offered was a reduction in rank to Leading Aircraftsman and re-trading to become a storeman. Quietly the corporal who was offering me this suggested would be best just to take the alternative of “leaving as an indulgence”. He was clear, I was not wanted. Six weeks later I achieved the mighty rank of civvy.
The experience prevented me from expressing my true self for over 30 years. I brought shame on my family, who told lies to friends and relatives as to why I suddenly wasn’t in the RAF. I felt I was unable to return home to working class Scotland .
I have never managed to reach my true potential in either electronics or I.T. My career was stolen away from me, because I believed what I was told and I was honest.
