Binkie's war heroics go into print (From Thurrock Gazette)

Binkie's war heroics go into print

7:30am Sunday 3rd June 2012 in News

A SECOND World War veteran has put pen to paper to tell the story of the unsung heroes of the combat.

Ron Bayford volunteered for the Royal Airforce at the age of 18 in 1940, and cheated death on more than one occasion while repairing planes as an aircraft crewman, and RAF servicing commando.

He was part of the Allied advance into Normandy, Belgium and Holland, and came under fire from the German Army, the Luftwaffe and V1 rockets.

Ron, who is 89-years-old and lives in Grays, wrote the manuscript about his life many years ago as a “testimonial” to his fallen and surviving comrades.

Ron hadn’t thought about publishing his memoirs until he let aviation historian Richard Smith read them – the pair are pictured below.

Richard convinced Ron The Adventures of “Binkie” Bayford should be shared.

Ron said: “I was one of the lucky ones – I had nearly five years on airfield dispersals and know what it was like to be ‘shot up’ and bombed while servicing spitfires, typhoons and tempests, but I came out unscathed, except for a smashed knee.

“This is a testimonial for my mates who did not make it and for those who did.

“Much has been written or filmed about the fighter and bomber pilots, but we were the unsung heroes of the Second World War.”

As well as tales of the struggle of war and survival, the book is also filled with the spirit of comradeship and humour.

The Adventures of “Binkie” Bayford, published by Mitor Publications, is available for £9.99 at book shops or at www.mitorpublications.co.uk and at Swan Books, 27 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.