I was 16 in 1977 and completely shocked that the wimpy boy from school was accepted into the RAF.
Being from the Midlands it was either that or work down a coal mine.
I remember being terrified waiting for the train from Nottingham to RAF Swinderby on the very first morning in November. On arrival we were all met with shouting and our heads shaved within the hour.
I was upset at leaving my family and girlfriend Sue, because I knew I wouldn’t be seeing them for over 3-weeks. I didn’t know I was gay then and at no time was I ever asked or informed that it was illegal to be homosexual.
After 6 weeks square-bashing I went to RAF Hereford for training as a steward and was thrilled to receive a Certificate of Merit and City & Guilds qualification. From there I was posted to RAF St Mawgan and worked in the officer’s mess. It was in Newquay that I met Stuart, realised I was gay, and my double life began.
One awful morning I was summoned to the guard room and questioned about my sexuality. I was told by the military police that my name had been given by someone else being held in a cell. After 4 hours of questioning and me telling them that I had a girlfriend they warned me to be careful and let me go.
In 1985 I was working at RAF Newton and there was a call to go back to the barrack block for a search and inspection.
I knew then that my career was over. When they searched my room, they would find a Valentine’s card from my partner Dominic and a ripped-up copy of The Pink Paper in the bin. How could I have been so stupid and foolish?
I decided then that I must tell them before I was caught so I went to the police and confessed. The duty sergeant called in the SIB and from there I was interrogated for over 6-hours and put in a cell. The next morning, I was driven by the SIB to my home in London and they searched it from top to bottom.
On return to Newton that evening I was driven to RAF Scampton to wash tins and clean the floors in the airmen’s mess. No one seemed to know what to do with me.
After 3 months I was marched out the gates with Services No Longer Required, Dismissed with Disgrace and Gross Misconduct on my paperwork.
I was devastated that I had lost my wonderful career because my goal was to stay in as long as I could and be a young Warrant Officer. I had to explain to family and friends what had happened. Everyone was so sorry for me and couldn’t believe what I had been through.
Being in The RAF was the best decision I ever made, and I wish to this day I was still in there.
