WE SET UP TRANSMITTERS IN NORTHERN SCOTLAND

       At least we were in good physical shape in those days. I had long lost sight of "our new building" and was beginning to wonder if I would be able to find my way back. It was almost like walking over a moonscape, much like the photos of same that one sees today, but with some short bushes of gorse [broom] and lots of heather.  Then, away in the distance, as I came over a rise, I spotted a farmhouse down in a sort of low sweeping valley.  I quickened my pace in anticipation of a drink and something to eat, and more important still, being able to get some food to take back to my buddies. Other than animal sounds there didn't seem to be any action or noise around the farm buildings.  I knocked on the farmhouse door, very loud, but there was no response.  I wandered out to the barns thinking the farmers would be milking or shovelling cow dung or something.  I called out several times.  Not a peep.  Then, just as I was about to give up I heard a little voice responding to what would have been my last attempt to rouse someone. I followed my way to the voice to find a girl about 10-years-old, sitting on some hay with I think a cat, maybe a dog, memory not so good now.   Apparently her parents were "in town".... TOWN? I thought, what town?  Where?  Surely not Peterhead, that was about 50 miles away. Anyhow I told her of my plight but she was not able to give me anything. I suspect she was rather afraid to do so.  I told her to tell her parents I had been desperate for food - that I was Royal Air Force and that there were three of us starving airmen in a low building, that way, and I pointed over the rolling hills.  I had no idea how far it was or how far I had walked.  I then started off back to the Trans/Rec station.

At first I thought I was lost, but fortunately it was a lovely day, for Scotland, and I had observed the sun's position and spotting our aerials sure helped.  It was becoming twilight by the time I got back.  The lads were glad to see me, but disappointed that I hadn't brought any food. I was also made aware for the first time, as none of us had noticed it originally and it should have been obvious, but  there was no running water on this site and no apparent place to wash, let alone go to the toilet.  Luckily we were carrying our issue water flasks which we had no doubt been advised to fill before we left Peterhead.

I can't recall the passing of time in minutes or hours, but it must have been awhile because it had been dark outside for quite some time, when we heard a rap on our door.  We knew what we were doing was kind of special, otherwise they would not have issued Sten guns.  One of the lads grabbed a Sten gun and stood by the door.  "Who is it?" we all called out.  A wee feminine voice answered.  I don't recall the words.  I just knew who it was and opened the door.  There stood my little 10-year-old girl from the farm, with her mother, both carrying baskets. Contrary to everything in our book of R.A.F. rules, we invited them in.  They had brought a feast for us.  Just about everything you could imagine a farmer would grow or bake-  How they found us I don't really know.  I suspect "father" had brought them to a point within walking distance of us.  No doubt over the weeks of construction of the building "father" had noticed what was going on, and once again the aerials certainly were a marker on the barren landscape. 

Our transmitters were operational by this time and lots of dialogue was going on between the ops. room and our airborne fighters and of course one of our own chaps who was answering the various calls.  Our visitors were intrigued by it all and asked us many questions while dishing out the food.  It was a memorable experience.  After they had left, we decided who was going to do the second shift and then we settled into our bunks for the night.

The next day one of our lorries came out with some rations and a water supply and we didn't feel too badly about the whole experience.  Our next thoughts were about our tour of duty in this out of the way place.  As it turned out, that was quickly decided for us. I think it was only a couple of days when we received word to exchange with a relief crew.  A message was sent out from Peterhead Orderly Room that Mike Jacobs, Len Brown and myself were definitely, BUT DEFINITELY off for overseas this time and must report back to the station.  We went back in the same lorry that brought the relief crew out to us.  Apparently we had just been selected to get things operational before the permanent crew came in.Back at Peterhead, Mike, Len and I presented ourselves at the Medical Room, and each had another jab to ward off the diseases we could expect to encounter at our eventual destination, probably the Far East.