Jim begins search for old comrades

Jim Semple, 73, of Severn Avenue, is hoping to set up a Swindon branch of the National Service (Royal Air Force) Association, which is for men and women who were called up for a compulsory spell in uniform during and after the Second World War Mr Semple, who set up the Lyneham Old Boys Association in 1996, believes there are many people in Swindon who are eligible to join the NSRAFA because of the town's proximity to RAF Lyneham. "I'm hoping that it will get people out of the house," he said.

National service was a part of young people's lives between 1939 and 1965.

The NSRAFA was set up in 2002 to involve RAF national servicemen and women as well as short-term regulars - those who decided to make a longer commitment than required by law.

As an engineer in the RAF, Mr Semple thoroughly enjoyed his time in the service and, after completing the obligatory two years, did a third.

He says the pay was terrible, but he has fond memories of his time in the forces. "Ninety-nine per cent of people who did national service never regretted it," he said.

From 1952 to 1955 Mr Semple, who is originally from Kent, was posted to bases in Britain and all over the world.

"People did not travel in those days - you left school and you went to work where you lived," he said.

"Everybody was stuck at home and had never gone anywhere so to get to go all over the country was great."

He ended up at Lyneham and decided to settle in Swindon after meeting his wife at a local dance.

Mr Semple set up the Lyneham Old Boys Association and hopes his latest initiative will also get off the ground.

He said: "One Sunday I was sitting in the armchair and thought I wonder what happened to all the old boys'."

Meetings will take place at the RAF Club, in Belle Vue Road, once a month at a lunchtime or in the evening, depending on which is more popular.

For more details of the association, telephone Mr Semple on 01793 728206 or email hut36@btinternet.com.