Looking back at the last nine decades: Leslie Harris's Story

Blesma Member Leslie Harris shares his birth year with the Association. He was a young child living in Exeter when World War II broke out and remembers German raids on the city from 1940 through to 1942. Leslie went on to serve as a Wing Commander in the RAF, losing a limb following a flying accident.

He took time to tell us about his life…

What are your memories of WWII?

I remember there were quite a few attacks on Exeter. My father was a baker working night shifts and he came out of the bakery one morning to find the row of houses across the road had taken a direct hit and had been demolished.

What inspired you to join the RAF?

A former pupil came back to school in his RAF uniform so, in 1948, a couple of us decided to sign up. I was initially trained as a radio fitter. I enjoyed it and signed up for 18 years. I then trained to be a pilot at RAF Thornhill, getting my wings in 1953.

What assignments did you get?

I was posted to Singapore where I flew Meteors – it was a great life. Sadly, on one flight, I undershot the runway, crashed into the sea wall and came to rest just on the airfield. I was taken to RAF Changi Hospital with multiple injuries and was flown home after a month. I was taken to RAF Halton, and then to Headley Court for a year where I had a number of skin and bone grafts as well as various other procedures.

They decided to try an operation to fuse the bones together but, unfortunately, that went wrong – I got an infection and was rushed back into hospital. The surgeon couldn’t guarantee surgery would make it any better, so I decided to have the leg amputated below the knee. It seemed the better of two evils at the time. I was 23 years old.

I was taken to RAF Halton, and then to Headley Court for a year where I had a number of skin and bone grafts as well as various other procedures.

Did that end your RAF career? 

No, I got back to flying Canberra PR7s and, although I had a restricted category due to my injury, I was still flying operations. But I was walking with great pain and I was grounded for review. The medical team said I had arthritis in my ankle because it had got smashed up in the crash; they had done the best for me but it had been put back together badly.

Were you able to fly again?

Sadly not. It took me a long time to recover, but I had a full Service career, joining the Air Traffic Control Branch and ending up as a Wing Commander on the ATC Examining Board. I was in charge of a five- strong team that travelled the world. I retired on my 55th birthday and then got a job as an RAF civil servant, finishing off at RAF High Wycombe.

The Air Force was like a big family, and I was fortunate to enjoy great times.

Did you join Blesma after your accident?

I didn’t think I was eligible because I was still serving. One day, I was manning a stall next to Blesma’s at the RAF Museum Hendon and got talking to them. They said I could join, so I did! The Association has adapted to the changing times and, although things have got better in many areas for injured Service personnel, the Association is still needed.

How have you benefitted from Blesma?

Knowing it is there should I need it is a great comfort. It has put me in touch with other Members, and I got to meet lots of others through Branch meetings. Even after 90 years, it is still bringing Members together.

The Association has adapted to the changing times and, although things have got better in many areas for injured Service personnel, the Association is still needed.